THIS EFFERVESCENT DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUE IS BRINGING A SPOONFUL OF ENERGY TO FREEHOLD, BLENDING THEATRICAL PRESENTATIONS AND GOURMET FARE WITH DJS, DESSERTS, AND DAZZLE

BY AMANDA McCOY • PHOTOS BY ALEX BARRETO

We’re drenched in glitter at the moment,” laughed Kim Simon, marketing director of the Loaded Spoon, a sophisticated dining-meets-entertainment experiential restaurant in Freehold. The restaurant is prepping for its first holiday season (it officially opened its doors in March of this year) and will be kicking off Miracle at the Loaded Spoon on November 22. In partnership with Miracle Bar, the special event features a Christmas-themed cocktail pop-up that serves a spread of seasonal drinks in festive glassware like Santa or reindeer mugs. At the 7,000-square-foot destination, festivities like this are woven into the Loaded Spoon experience: from the larger-than-life loaded milkshakes to the color-changing LED lighting, an evening here is a far cry from the ordinary.

“The owner wanted to bring something new and creative to the area, an over-the-top dining experience from the cocktails and food down to the atmosphere,” added Simon.
Spread across 7,000 square feet with a total seating of 278, the restaurant is split into four distinct sections: the bar, the pastry room, the patio, and the main dining room. A bright, modern palette of brightly-hued décor, glossy wooden flooring, and contemporary lighting flows seamlessly throughout each space. Vibrant, aquamarine booths are juxtaposed with green accent chairs, for instance, while the massive U-shaped bar is cloaked in LED lights that change colors as the night soldiers on. Here, once the clock strikes 8 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday nights, the energy shifts as the lights dim and live DJs prepare to stir the late-night crowd.“You can come in at different times and have a totally different experience,” said Simon. “There are families laughing while watching the desserts being made, group dining, romantic date nights, and late-night dancing.”

The pastry room is a fan favorite, an open-walled bakery where pastry chefs are busy crafting shakes, sundaes, and shareables. The loaded milkshakes are already local legends, boasting over-the-top renditions of the childhood classic. The Brooklynite, for example, begins with a vanilla base that’s packed with chocolate chunk cookie, fudge brownie, chocolate flakes, whipped cream, Pirouline wafer, gold-dusted jumbo marshmallow, Stroopwafel, and malt balls. There’s also a parade of super-stacked sundaes, plus cakes, brownies, bread pudding, and crème brulée.

Savory items span starters, hearty salads, steaks, and mains from the land and sea, plus a pair of signature #getloaded shareables including the G.T.O., an Italian feast with garlic toast, eggplant caponata, whipped ricotta, and garlic confit, and the Cast Away, a pile of deep-fried calamari, scallops, shrimp, and cherry peppers with plum tomato sauce. Standout mains include the hot honey chicken, featuring five pieces of Bell & Evan’s chicken smothered in a honey glaze and served with Brussels sprouts slaw and corn on the cob, and the short rib Bolognese, a heaping bowl of paccheri pasta, house-blend short rib ragu, and fresh whipped ricotta.
Presentation is an important piece of the Loaded Spoon recipe, noted Kapoor and each dish was conceived to not only wow in taste but in appearance. “It’s all part of the elevated experience,” he said. “Our new culinary director, Theresa Catalano, collaborated with a food consultant to create the menu, with the idea that two minds could create something even better.”

From full-sized cookie garnishes to dry-ice cocktails, the Loaded Spoon’s penchant for pushing the envelope has amassed a robust social media following (the restaurant hit 20,000 Instagram followers in less than six months). Liquid smoke shows from the bar are served with or without alcohol and arrive in 48-ounce fishbowl glasses topped with dry ice. Signature libations are cheekily named and include the Let’s Spoon, a crisp blend of Nolet’s gin, Chambord, raspberry jam, and lemon; and the To Kill a Rose, a journey through Casamigos Blanco, Aperol, rose water, strawberry, and lemon.

The upcoming festive season will bring its own spread of over-the-top fare, from winter-themed cocktails and a holiday dessert menu to a field of Christmas trees dangling from the ceiling. In addition to the weekly entertainment roster, which includes live DJs every Thursday through Saturday nights and Sunday brunch, sojourners can expect Santa-themed special events like an ugly sweater party on December 16 and boozy brunch with Ole Saint Nick on select Sundays.

The Loaded Spoon
108 Schanck Road, Freehold
732.813.8700 / loaded-spoon.com