Alexander Gorant admits that working at Liberty House restaurant in Jersey City is a dream come true. After working for almost a decade at various prestigious restaurants in New York City, Gorant is back in the Garden State where he grew up. Originally from North Jersey, Gorant said he was always interested in food and cooking.
"My mother didn’t like to cook, and that motivated me to make [my own] things in the kitchen," Gorant said.
He pursued his passion for food and enrolled in the French Culinary Institute in New York City. After graduating, he worked at New York City hotspots like Windows of the World, Restaurant 44 and Le Bernardin. He developed his own style of American fusion with Asian, Indian and French influences. While enjoying a successful New York career, Gorant was recruited by the management at the Liberty House. They were searching for a fresh face with new ideas for their menu.
Three months ago, they hired Gorant, and his first task was to prepare a new spring and summer menu.
"Some dishes are seasonal. Right now the menu is light and sweet," he said.
Gorant’s current specialties include a half roasted lemon chicken ($17), prepared with rice pilaf, English peas, fava beans and carrots; grilled salmon ($18), served with lobster potato salad, grilled asparagus and lobster vinaigrette; double cut pork chop ($19), served with porcini mashed potato, wilted spinach, cipolini onion and cider vinegar sauce; sautéed sea scallops ($21), prepared with brown butter risotto, and the crispy red snapper ($22), served with glass noodles, mussels and crab meat in a spicy shellfish broth.
"The menu has been well-received by our patrons," Gorant said. "Our customers come here for the relaxed feeling and fine cuisine."
When asked about his transition from Manhattan to Jersey, Gorant said: "In many ways I feel Liberty House is a New York style restaurant."
Gorant added whenever he misses the city, he takes a walk to the Liberty’s balcony and enjoys the view of the skyline.
Liberty House restaurant is located at 76 Audrey Zapp Dr. at Liberty State Park in Jersey City. It offers upscale ala carte and banquet facilities accommodations with excellent service and an extensive wine list. For information call (201) 395-0300 or visit www.libertyhouserestaurant.com.
On July 24, the restaurant will host a wine dinner and tasting to highlight Gorant’s summer menu. q