New Haven Seafood

While driving down State Street in New Haven last night, my husband and I came upon Castaways Seafood Restaurant (just passed the I-91 overpass at Bradley Street). He said, “Looks like a nice scene. Let's stop and have a beer out on the patio.”Seems we stepped into the newest seafood restaurant in the city.“We'll take a table outside," we told our server Lisa. “Thank you. Finally I'll be able to enjoy this beautiful weather! And don't worry, I'll take good care of you, too,” she quipped. We got settled outside at a table next to some tropical-looking trees, and Lisa brought two large frosty drafts. One slug of beer later, the busy corner became our island oasis.

Indoor dining here is more formal, with small linen-covered tables set amid a soft amber glow. The menu reads like a seafood primer, offering everything from chowders and pastas to lobster cioppino and fried scallops, shrimp, clams, calamari, and more.

As other happy patrons feasted on huge platters of Neptune's delights,we dove into an order of Angel's Artichokes Française—artichoke hearts dipped in a delicate batter then lightly sautéed and topped with a lick-the-plate delicious herb-lemon sauce. Next we moved on to fresh, succulent Mahi-Mahi served over spinach with a citrus-lime butter sauce.

Franco Bernardo, with brother Chris and sisters Lisa and Rose on staff, opened this seafood haven just eight weeks ago. By the looks (and tastes) of things, it's here to stay. For more info, call (203) 789-0089 or visit castawaysseafoodrestaurant.com.