Favorite Summer Dining Spot?

Even though it's just beginning to finally feel like spring, we here at Connecticut Magazine are already thinking about this summer, and in particular, our favorite warm weather dining places -- outside patios at restaurants, small waterside shacks, hot dog stands, etc.

But we already know what our favorites are, and now we'd like to know some of yours. To that end, our new online survey (the results of which will appear in the "First" section of the magazine) is an opportunity for you to share. Click here and tell us what's your favorite summer place to eat (Chick's Drive In? The Spot? The deck at The Blue Oar?). In addition, you can share with us your favorite place along the water (Hammonassett Beach? Candlewood Lake? Waterside in Essex on the Connecticut River?).

We look forward to seeing what you have to say!

Satisfying a Craving

Last week we went out for dinner to Crave, downtown on Main Street in Ansonia. We enjoyed the meal tremendously.

For many of you familiar with The Valley and Ansonia, you'll understand when I say that Crave is very "un-Ansonia." Not to be disrespectful -- dining-wise, the town has long been known more for pizza joints and blue collar-type eateries. Crave is a breath of fresh air, bringing a very upscale cosmopolitan feel (with a hint of Nuevo Latino cuisine) to an area that seems to be lacking in such dining experiences. Think paella, grilled salmon topped with mussels and cilantro-lime butter, and braised beef ribs in a house island BBQ sauce. Crave also has a very good wine list, and the service is top notch.

The room itself is a bright, high-ceilinged space in an older building with exposed brick on one side while the other is painted bright orange. My only problem with Crave was that the layout of the room -- with the bar right next to the close tables and nothing to absorb the sound -- makes for a noisy night.

Still, if you're looking for an alternative to the same-old, same-old from the lower Valley, you could a lot worse than Crave.