Café Connecticut

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #48

2010-01-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

Vietnamese chicken at Zinc, New Haven. This dish has been on Zinc's menu from Day One, and with good reason. It's a chicken breast with lemon dipping sauce, black Thai rice and an Asian vegetable saute.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #47

2010-01-06T07:39:00.000-08:00

Chateaubriand at the Golden Lamb Buttery, Brooklyn. A 45-year Saturday evening tradition in eastern Connecticut and truly a one-of-a-kind night out. Cocktails in the barn or on the deck can be extended to include a hayride around the 1,000-acre farm. Live music accompanies dinner. Guests are encouraged to linger as long as they like.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #46

2009-12-30T05:46:00.000-08:00

Creole shrimp at Sharpe Hill Vineyard, Pomfret. This is really all about the experience of dining outdoors in a charming space looking out on a Connecticut vineyard. The shrimp are marinated in a hot sauce and then wood-grilled, served with lemon thyme rice and fresh mango chutney. A bottle of Sharpe Hill's Ballet of Angels makes a nice accompaniment.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #45

2009-12-29T09:09:00.000-08:00

Roasted littleneck clams at The Place, Guilford. The littlenecks at this classic outdoor grillery are roasted over wood, split open, splashed with hot sauce and then put back on the fire until the sauce and clam juice meld perfectly. Enjoy them with the roasted-in-the-husk corn on the cob.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #44

2009-12-28T12:47:00.000-08:00

Penne peppered vodka at La Tavola Ristorante, Waterbury. Sometimes a well-known favorite perfectly prepared can be just what you most want and need. Penne with vodka sauce, combining fresh pasta, plum tomatoes, prosciutto, cream and Grana Padano cheese, gets a memorable treatment from La Tavola's talented kitchen.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #43

2009-12-21T06:29:00.000-08:00

Two soups in one bowl at Rebeccas, Greenwich. A striking presentation of delicious, luxurious soups - in warm weather it's yellow and red gazpacho surrounding a pinch of crab meat in the bowl; in cold weather, it's butternut and acorn squash with roasted chestnuts.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #42

2009-12-18T08:03:00.000-08:00

Steak au poivre and the prix fixe dinner at Le Petit Cafe, Branford. Another French fling, this time for the whole meal rather than just one dish. Since 1997, chef Ip at Le Petit has offered a changing prix fixe menu in this charming little spot. The steak, with its lucious brandy-black peppercorn sauce, is a very good way to go.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #41

2009-12-16T13:08:00.000-08:00

Backhendl with lingonberries at Hopkins Inn, New Preston. As you dig into the fried-chicken-cutlet dish while gazing out at Lake Waramaug and the surrounding hills, you may, for a moment, think you're overlooking a lake in Austria. You're not, but it's a nice thought.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #40

2009-12-15T13:13:00.000-08:00

Lithuanian coffee cake at Claire's CornerCopia, New Haven. Just really good coffee cake whose ingredients include, among other things, coffee, vanilla, brown sugar, walnuts, cinnamon, ginger and raisins.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #39

2009-12-10T06:27:00.000-08:00

White mashed-potato pizza at BAR, New Haven. Unusual and delicious, all the elements come together here: the crust, the cheese, the potatoes, the garlic, the bacon. This dish has found its way to prominence even in pizza-saturated New Haven.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #38

2009-12-09T06:16:00.000-08:00

Dagwood Burger at Sycamore Drive-In, Bethel. A big burger with all the trimmings served in the unbeatable atmosphere of a must-visit drive-in from another era. Go on a scheduled Cruise Night for the full effect. Try the homemade root beer, too.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #37

2009-12-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

Avocado Salad . . . Deconstructed at Shrine, MGM Grand, Mashantucket. This marvelously unique and creative concoction includes avocado, spicy mayo, two types of crab, tobiko (flying fish roe) and lemon. And it's so beautiful on the plate you may be tempted not to eat it.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #36

2009-12-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

Mesquite-grilled Montana buffalo rib-eye steak at Palomino, Greenwich. A terrific dish at one of the state's best new restaurants. This steak is served with a potato, and onion and cheese gratin.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #35

2009-12-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

Ceviches at Sabor and Bespoke, New Haven. At last look, this meant citrus-cured shrimp and scallops with onion, chipotle, cilantro and tomato. While the ingredients change, the quality and pizzazz of Arturo Franco-Camacho's ceviches never do.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #34

2009-12-02T12:57:00.000-08:00

Caneton roti sauce bigarade for two at La Bretagne, Stamford. Crispy duck with orange sauce, but far from the sickly sweet sauce you may be thinking of. This is the best way to immerse yourself in La Bretagne's classic French cuisine and atmosphere.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #33

2009-12-01T06:09:00.000-08:00

The fried-flounder sandwich at Cove Fish Market, Stonington. Simplicity itself, as a fresh piece of flounder is lightly battered, fried and served on a hot-dog roll. There are only a handful of Connecticut shoreline classics, and this is one of them.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #32

2009-11-30T10:36:00.000-08:00

The Hudson Valley foie gras trio at Bernard's, Ridgefield. This lavish appetizer includes foie gras smoked with apple ginger chutney, sauteed with apple cider reducation and "torchon" style with Concord grape gelee.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #31

2009-11-23T06:09:00.000-08:00

Amaretto shrimp at Kensington's, The Spa at Norwich Inn, Norwich. Even though you're at a spa, you'll feel like you're splurging on this heavenly appetizer featuring crispy shrimp tossed in a sweet and spicy almond emulsion, with walnut crumbs and microgreens.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #30

2009-11-20T08:46:00.000-08:00

A steamed cheeseburger at Ted's, Meriden. this is a central Connecticut specialty that everyone needs to try at least once. The beef and cheddar cheese are steamed in little metal boxes and served on a bulkie roll. At Ted's, the process is on view in its purest form.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #29

2009-11-19T10:05:00.000-08:00

Orecchiette Juventine at Trattoria Finalmente, Westport. There's lots of great pasta in Connecticut, but this one's a must: fresh orecchiette sauteed with artichoke hearts, fresh plum tomatoes, prosciutto, wild mushrooms, black truffle paste with garlic and extra virgin olive oil finished with shaved Parmiggiano Reggiano.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #28

2009-11-18T06:13:00.001-08:00

Confit de canard at Union League Cafe, New Haven. In the mood for French? Don't miss this classic appetizer featuring boneless duck leg confit, crisp potato galette, Granny Smith apple, walnuts and a watercress salad.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #27

2009-11-17T10:28:00.000-08:00

The garlic bread at Michael Jordan's Steakhouse, Mohegan Sun, Uncasville. This is no ordinary garlic bread, oh no, no, no - not even close. This toasty, creamy, transcendent appetizer is made with a Maytag bleu cheese fondue that might make you forget all about the main course.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #26

2009-11-16T06:22:00.000-08:00

Apple, walnut and cranberry pancakes at Patty's Restaurant, Litchfield. This is one of those places where it can be incredibly hard to choose what to have for breakfast from the extensive menu (not to mention the specials), but when in doubt, go with the pancakes.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #25

2009-11-13T09:21:00.000-08:00

Dover sole at Thomas Henkelmann, Greenwich. The four-star menu changes from time to time, but Dover sole seems to be something you can always count on here. Not long ago, it was poached and filled with saffron mousse and accompanied by lobster medallions in Champagne sauce. More recently, it was Dover sole and sea scallops with fresh pea puree, red wine, shallots and lobster sauce.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #24

2009-11-10T08:44:00.000-08:00

Beef brisket on rye at Rein's, Vernon. There never have been very many old-fashioned Jewish delis in Yankee Connecticut, but Rein's has been in Vernon since 1972 (a good sign) and its sandwiches, and other specialty dishes, meet and exceed every possible test.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #23

2009-11-09T07:48:00.000-08:00

French toast at O'Rourke's Diner, Middletown. One morning, early, make the trip to the legendary O'Rourke's for a big breakfast of French toast - and be sure it's prepared with the diner's justly famous Irish soda bread.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #22

2009-11-05T13:57:00.000-08:00

Tomato salad at West Street Grill. Among the many treasures to be had at West Street are these locally grown heirloom tomatoes served on a plate sprinkled with fleur de sel, drizzled with the best virgin olive oil, topped with fresh basil leaves and accompanied by a thick slice of homemade peasant bread. A gift of the season.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #21

2009-11-04T11:01:00.000-08:00

Caesar salad at Carbone's, Hartford. For those who crave the old-school presentation, this is it: laboriously prepared tableside, with fork-mashed fresh garlic, olive oil, assiduously emulsified anchovies, Tabasco, mustard, a squeeze of lemon, Parmesan cheese, romaine, croutons and, yes, a raw egg.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #20

2009-11-03T08:30:00.000-08:00

Paella negra at Ibiza, New Haven. Tuesday night is paella night at Ibiza, with a special menu served only then. This spectacular dish (which needs to be ordered by at least two at your table) includes squid ink rice, Spanish prawns, shrimp, mussels, squid, clams, day-market fish and herbs.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #19

2009-11-02T06:53:00.001-08:00

Italian combo grinder at Nardelli's, Waterbury and Naugatuck. Get back to the roots of the whole grinder thing with this original beauty, circa 1922: prosciuttini, cappicola, salami and provolone, with lettuce, tomato, olives and hot sauce.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #18

2009-10-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

Hot oil pizza at Colony Grill, Stamford. The crust on these pies is so thin that it's actually brittle, creating a delicious crunch unlike any pizza you've ever had. Some find it very hard to go back to pizza-as-usual after experiencing the Colony's version.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #17

2009-10-29T06:43:00.000-07:00

Cheeseburger at Shady Glen, Manchester. A cheeseburger is just a cheeseburger? Not at Shady Glen, where several slices of cheese are allowed to extend beyond the edges of the burger as it cooks; the cheese melts onto the grill and turns crisp and chewy before being folded back onto the burger just before it's served. Hard to picture? Guess you'll have to go.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #16

2009-10-27T06:12:00.000-07:00

The "hi-rise" of shellfish at Max's Oyster Bar, West Hartford. A wonderful thing to behold, the mountain of shaved ice is embedded with an assortment of fresh shellfish, oysters, clams, mussels, snow crab claws, jumbo shrimp and other market crustaceans.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #15

2009-10-26T06:49:00.000-07:00

Meat loaf at Dressing Room, Westport. The grass-fed beef for this delicious, comforting dish is from nearby Stonebroke Farm, and it's served with mixed seasonal vegetables, home-style mashed potatoes, caramelized onions and garden herbs.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #14

2009-10-23T06:25:00.000-07:00

Porterhouse for two at Joseph's Steakhouse, Bridgeport. At about $75, this is a beef lover's blowout. Hot dinner plates are set down seconds before a steak platter arrives bearing pieces of beef that were presliced in the kitchen, then put back in place along the bone so you can see exactly which section of steak you are eating. A delicious steakhouse classic.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #13

2009-10-22T09:18:00.001-07:00

Rabbit "Olivier" at Still River Cafe, Eastford. Good things come in threes at this superb locavore restaurant; for example, this dish consisting of poached saddle-of-rabbit medallions, roasted stuffed rabbit leg and chilled rillette of rabbit served with farm onions and a leek-filled crepe. It's so worth the drive.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #12

2009-10-21T05:51:00.000-07:00

The fried whole-belly clams at Sea Swirl, Mystic. This converted Carvel is closed for the season right now, but one of the rites of spring is grabbing a half-pint of these hand-battered beauties and savoring the taste of the sea.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #11

2009-10-20T05:53:00.000-07:00

A crab cake at Carmen Anthony Steakhouse or Fishhouse, Waterbury, New Haven, Woodbury, Avon or Wethersfield. This generous and spectacular take on a ubiquitous dish consists of Maryland lump crab that's potato-encrusted, pan-fried and served golden brown with a remoulade sauce.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #10

2009-10-19T05:48:00.000-07:00

The hot lobster roll at Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale, Westbrook and Madison. This is a Connecticut invention (born at a long-gone place in Milford called Perry's) that was, is and always will be blissfully simple: hot chunks of lobster meat and melted butter served on a sturdy split-top roll. There are lots of places that serve a very good lobster roll, but Lenny & Joe's does a particularly nice job of it.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #9

2009-10-16T06:19:00.000-07:00

Ebibaba at Miya's, New Haven. One of the many unique treats to be found at this remarkably creative sushi restaurant, this sensual dish consists of tempura shrimp wrapped in a potato skin and topped with torch-toasted Havarti cheese and lemon-dill sauce.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #8

2009-10-15T05:56:00.001-07:00

The New Englander with fries at Super Duper Weenie, Fairfield. There are quite a few really good hot dog spots in Connecticut, but Super Duper Weenie stands out for the freshness of its homemade toppings, the creativity of its offerings and the sublime nature of its french fries. The New Englander, topped with sauerkraut, bacon, mustard, sweet relish and raw onion, is top dog.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #7

2009-10-14T05:46:00.000-07:00

Seared wasabi and sesame-rubbed tuna at Match, South Norwalk. This memorable and very popular opener includes coconut sticky-rice cake, sweet soy, avocado crema, watercress and spicy saracha, a Thai hot sauce.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #6

2009-10-13T05:52:00.000-07:00

Potage Billi Bi at Ondine, Danbury. This venerable. romantic French restaurant makes the most of the cream-of-mussels soup with saffron. The curious name come from tin magnate William B. Leeds (Billy B.), who often sang the soup's praises at Maxim's in Paris.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #5

2009-10-09T07:25:00.000-07:00

The Kobe beef appetizer at Feng Asian Bistro, Hartford. The beef is brought to the table raw in thin strips, along with a flat volcanic rock heated by a small burner. It is up to you to place the beef on the rock and cook it to your own taste. At $10 an ounce, this dish isn't cheap, but it is fun and delicious.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #4

2009-10-08T06:32:00.001-07:00

The wok shrimp at Carole Peck's Good News Cafe, Woodbury. Described as "Always Good" on the menu, this is the go-to dish at one of the state's top restaurants. It's an inspired mix of wok-seared Gulf shrimp, green beans, peas, olives, roast potatoes and aioli.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #3

2009-10-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

The hamburger at Louis' Lunch, New Haven. Was the hamburger invented here? That's the claim, and it'll seem that way when you step inside. The burgers are made with fresh-ground beef, then broiled vertically in the original cast-iron grill and served between two slices of toast. Cheese, tomato and onion are the only garnishes available - no mustard or ketchup.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #2

2009-10-06T05:56:00.000-07:00

The Seafood Feast at Abbott's Lobster in the Rough, Noank. This is one very good version of the New England shore dinner. The meal begins with clam chowder and shrimp in the rough followed by a heaping bowl of steamers and mussels, topped off with an Abbott's steamed lobster - accompanied by potato chips, coleslaw and drawn butter. All with a water view, too!

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #1

2009-10-05T11:33:00.000-07:00

The white clam pie at Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, New Haven. This is a delicious Connecticut invention served at a genuine world-class dining destination (Pepe's now has branches in Fairfield, Manchester and at Mohegan Sun, but New Haven remains the mothership. The white clam pie is fresh littlenecks, olive oil, oregano, grated Parmesan cheese and chopped garlic - all sitting atop one of Pepe's crunchy, chewy, blistery thin crusts.

Connecticut Specialties to Try Before You Die

2009-03-03T07:53:00.001-08:00

In conjunction with an upcoming article in our May issue, we're running a survey to find Connecticut specialties you should try before you die. We're looking for dishes from Connecticut restaurants that you feel everyone should try at least once -- from the white clam pizza at Pepe's in New Haven to the steamed cheeseburgers at Ted's to the clam hash at Pat's Kountry Kitchen.

Have any suggestions? Please click here and share what local dish you think everyone should try.

Annual Readers' Survey

2008-09-22T08:39:00.001-07:00

One of our most popular reader features is back: Our annual readers' restaurant survey, where our readers tell us who they think are the best eateries in 27 different categories, from American to vegetarian and every cuisine in between. This year, we've added a few new categories, such as best sushi and hidden gem. And of course, there's best new restaurant and best overall.

And as in years past, you can profit from giving us your opinion -- vote for your favorites and you will be entered in a drawing to win $750 or dinner on us! Not bad for taking a few minutes to complete a survey.

To cast your votes, simply click here.

We're looking forward to hearing from you!

End of An Era

2008-09-18T06:40:00.000-07:00

As someone who grew up in Milford, I was saddened to see this story this morning in the Connecticut Post about the closing of Paul's Famous Hamburgers after 62 years. Like many in town, I ate there on occasion, and although it was never really a hangout of mine, I do have good memories of their delicious burgers.

I don't know the particular reasons for its closure, and the story in the Post doesn't shed any substantial clues, but I would hate to think it was forced out of business because of too many competing burger chains. As I've railed here before, although I understand the convenience and attraction of chains, they really are poor substitutes for places with genuine atmosphere (not just old tennis rackets and eclectic photos hung up on cookie-cutter walls to create "ambiance") and more importantly, better food and service.

Paul's won our Best of Connecticut award for "best hamburger," an award won this year by Plan B Tavern -- who, despite having three locations (West Hartford, Glastonbury and Simsbury), is still a local business and not a national chain.

For now.

Fresh from the Farm

2008-07-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

This is the time of year to enjoy the produce coming from Connecticut farms, and it's also the time when a lot of Connecticut restaurants are allowing us to do the same thing. One example we enjoyed the other night was the "Connecticut Farm To Chef Seasonal Tasting Menu" offered by Max Downtown in Hartford. The limited menu includes three courses for $32, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Connecticut Farmland Trust. More to the point, the dinner was perfectly fresh, creative and delicious. The first course was a creamy Rosedale Farms Sweet Corn Soup that included bacon and, delightfully, popcorn; the second was a Grilled Ox Hollow Farms All Natural Pork Chop accompanied by a chorizo-stuffed sunburst squash, tomato marmalade and red wine jus; the third course was a lemon blueberry cake featuring perfect, plump berries from Rose's Berry Farm in Glastonbury. The "Taste of Connecticut" is all around right now--and restaurants are among the best places to enjoy it.

Fair Weather Friends

2008-06-17T12:20:00.000-07:00

What could be more summery than a dining spot that's open only in summer? There aren't as many as there used to be in Connecticut, but for the July issue of Connecticut Magazine we visited a few and like what we found--in fact we put one of them on the cover! In the issue, we write about Harry's Place in Colchester, The Place in Guilford, Sea Swirl in Mystic and Abbott's Lobster in the Rough in Noank, but I think my favorite was Clamp's on Route 202 in New Milford, right near the Washington line. Clamp's is a real throwback, right by the side of the road, open only six hours a day. I liked the hamburger with grilled onions and ordered a second one right after I finished the first. But what I liked even more was the feeling of thoroughly enjoying the season--and summer hadn't even officially begun yet! If you know of any seasonal operations with good food and a good vibe, please post it here. I'd love to visit as many as I can this summer.

Favorite Summer Dining Spot?

2008-04-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-07T07:38:00.000-07:00

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.

Wine Tasting Event

2008-03-27T08:09:00.001-07:00

Here's a date to mark on your calendar: May 7.

It's the date for Swim Across the Sound's Wine-Tasting and Silent Auction at the Farmington Country Club. Among the restaurants invited: Ruth's Chris, Sauce, Toshi and Max's Oyster Bar.

All proceeds go to a local family who is battling cancer. Tickets are $75; $50 if you buy them in advance.

For more info, call Mitch McGrath (860.874.8998) or Kelli Cilbrith (203.526.3935).

Taste Thrills

2008-03-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

If you're lamenting the fact that you haven't made much progress in checking out Connecticut's fabulous restaurants—or even if you have no regrets—Flavors, the annual culinary gala sponsored by the American Liver Foundation/Connecticut Chapter, is a great way to acquaint yourself all at once with the Nutmeg State's endlessly creative cuisine (while being expertly pampered). Held this year on April 1 at Plantsville's Aqua Turf Club, the benefit's 25 participating chefs include Jeff Urban of Shelton's Il Palio, François de Mélogue of Ivoryton's Copper Beech Inn, Bobby Mundell of Canton's Simmer Restaurant & Lounge, Jason Collin of Hartford's Firebox, Peter Hamme of Guilford's The Stone House and the following New Haven stars: Jean Pierre Vuillermet (Union League Café), Manuel Romero (Ibiza), Arturo Franco Camacho (Bespoke and Sabor), Arturo Moreno (Tre Scalini), Gerry Iannaccone (Café Goodfellas).

Beginning at 6 p.m. with wine and passed hors d'oeuvres from all participating chefs, a silent auction of more than 100 items and live music by members of Connecticut's premier R&B band Eight to the Bar, the event then progresses to a five-course dinner—each chef will prepare a signature menu tableside for 12 guests. Table assignments are made by a random selection process early in the evening, so you don't know exactly where you'll be eating until it's time to sit down. Dinnertime diversions include a live auction (this year's plum picks: a cooking class for 10 with chef Prasad Chirnomula of Thali Restaurants; an afternoon picnic aboard "Mr. Hoopah," corporate yacht of East Haven's Bocca Restaurant; a golf outing at Pinehurst in North Carolina; a unique creation from Peter Indorf Jewelers in New Haven and a dream vacation to a "surprise" destination) and "Fund-a-Grant," in which guests collaborate in creating a research grant by committing to donations of $1,000, $500, $250 and $100. Al Terzi of WFSB-TV Channel 3 will preside over all as master of ceremonies.

At $200 per individual ticket, Flavors seems like a heady indulgence. But keep in mind that ALF is the country's leading nonprofit organization promoting liver health and disease prevention and providing education and advocacy for those affected by liver disease. Since its inception, the organization has raised more than $20,000,000 for liver research. We think that's a sound investment. For more information, call (203) 234-2022.

Recession Dining

2008-02-06T06:39:00.000-08:00

We've just completed a round of research on "cheap eats" in Connecticut for the March issue of Connecticut Magazine. Good timing. If economic forecasts prove correct, we'll all be looking for deals when we go out to eat. The article will include free buffets, half-price wine deals, early-bird specials and so on, but my favorites tend to be the places that are no-frills cheap all the time. Here's a sneak preview on a couple. The Cypress in Middletown has been in the same family since it was opened in 1936. You don't go there looking for anything fancy, but the dinner entree prices tend to fall just above and below the $10 mark. You can get a roast turkey dinner for $9.99 and corned beef on Thursdays for the same price. Meatloaf is $8.99, scallops $11.99. You get the idea: It's a trip back into time. The other time trip is Charcoal Chef in Woodbury, which opened up more than 50 years ago and hasn't changed much since (it's from the knotty pine school of roadside eateries). Here, the beef is grilled over charcoal and you can find worthy old favorites such as cube steak and ground beef for around $10 including potato and salad. Locals also love Charcoal Chef for the very grown-up drinks it serves.

Super Bowl Spread

2008-02-04T13:22:00.000-08:00

The Super Bowl has become another great American holiday. And other than the actual game itself, a critical aspect of the event is the Super Bowl party. Seemingly no one watches the game by themself, and more importantly, no one watches it on an empty stomach!

Okay, the party I was at yesterday -- the centerpiece was a deep-fried turkey. YUM! There was also a smorgasbord of delicious artery-clogging cheeses and sliced meats, salads and salsas, chips and dips, kielbasa, bruschetta -- heck, someone even got crazy and threw together a plate of healthy veggies and fruit! And then at halftime, the desserts came out -- chocolate-dipped strawberries, cheesecakes, pastry and, of course, my decadent chocolate chip brownies (topped with vanilla ice cream, you know, just because).

At about 9:30, I turned to my friend and said, "Even though I can feel everything I've jammed in my craw stretching my innards to the bursting point, it all looks so good, I just can't stop!" Food, glorious food . . . oh, and there's a great football game, too?

Ahh, Super Sunday -- the Thanksgiving feast you get to have with people you like rather than your family!

Now That's Italian!

2008-01-16T08:19:00.001-08:00

Okay, one of the opportunities this blog affords us is to mention some good restaurants we've recently been to. I'd like to offer a pair of Italian restaurants I've enjoyed recently.

La Famiglia in Brookfield - It looks like a pizza place in a strip mall on Federal Road because . .. well, it is a pizza place in a strip mall, but don't let that stop you from ordering any of the other delicious items on the menu. We made the mistake of ordering appetizers and eating the garlic bread knobs, so when our meals came, we were already a bit full. Not that it would've mattered as the portions were so generous, it'd take two meals to eat.

Il Forno in Milford - In the location that was The Bar-B-Q seemingly forever, this new restaurant opened by Juan Cebellos (formerly of Il Palio in Shelton) is just a joy to dine at -- we went on a Saturday night, and although it was crowded (always a good sign, right?), the service was excellent and the food was great. Homemade pasta, nice wine list, enjoyable night. Make reservations.

Still Dining Out?

2007-12-05T07:56:00.000-08:00

As I've been working on our annual economic forecast for our January issue, I've come across some interesting data regarding dining out.

In 2006, the state saw 93 new establishments added in the accommodation and food services sector, the majority of which were new dining establishments. Add to it that in 2007, there were some 2,000 new jobs also created in the same area, and it's easy to see that over the past few years we're eating out more than ever. All this, despite the increased interest in eating better and healthier, and the vast attention to home-cooking -- see the new-found popularity of Rachel Ray and others.

Of course, this went hand-in-hand with the strong economy and prosperity of the past few years. However, as things seem to be getting tighter fiscally, I wonder if the trend will continue to expand (just like the American waistline), or if we'll be tightening our belts, both literally and figuratively.

Personally, I think it's more likely that retail will be effected before the restaurant business feels the pinch of tougher financial times -- people may hold off buying that new TV or living room set, but they're only going to hold off on dinner for so long. Besides, it's easier to swallow a $100 dinner check than a $1,000 receipt from Buy More.

Ku Klux Klambake

2007-11-07T04:55:00.000-08:00

The new Wise Guys Restaurant in West Haven is only the latest business enterprise to find humor in the brutal, bloody legacy of the Mafia. The restaurant has photos of capos like Joe Bonnano and Al Capone on the walls, along with their fictional equivalents, and in general believes that the image of Clemenza cooking spaghetti for the boys in the cramped kitchen a mob house under siege stands as a culinary high point. If this theme proves successful, what can we expect to see next? Maybe a Ku Klux Klan-themed restaurant featuring Southern cuisine, or a wooden-beamed, Nazi-themed inn with German fare and wonderful uniforms for the waitstaff. I hear Joe Stalin was quite a cook in his off hours, too.

Friendly's Ice Cream: An Appreciation

2007-11-05T09:13:00.000-08:00

While there is more excellent ice cream in Connecticut than is probably good for us, I'd just like to put in a late-season word or two of appreciation for . . . Friendly's. Yes, Friendly's. Friendly's ice cream is available everywhere, yet it's somehow overlooked when the experts start handing out bouquets for the best in the state. It probably shouldn't be compared with the ice cream found at free standing establishments where doting owners labor over their handmade batches. Instead, Friendly's descends from an equally noble, and notable, lineage: the New England dairy bar. There aren't too many genuine dairy bars left in Connecticut, but in my neck of the woods there once was Litchfield Farms, which later became Farm Shoppes, which eventually was bought out by Friendly's. In all iterations, the ice cream was the key, even though Friendly's advanced the menu in other respects. (As an aside, I'd like to point out that a Friendly's burger, fries and shake is still pretty hard to beat.) My point is that no one ever sings the praises of Friendly's main product, probably because the chain is too big and too ubiquitous. We take it for granted, but it's much better than the local packaged ice cream you find in other parts of the country. When the half-gallons are on sale at the grocery store, I stock up, in any season. I'm a fool for the vanilla, coffee and pistachio (although it's time to stop using green food coloring in the last), although I've sometimes craved the black raspberry and butter crunch, too, and I long for a return of the limited-time-only toasted almond of a few years ago. My question is whether there are any other dairy bars or dairy-bar descendents that package their ice cream for sale in Connecticut grocery stores, or just in their own shops, and that are worth knowing about. The UConn Dairy Bar is one . . . any others?

West Street and Vine

2007-10-28T20:03:00.000-07:00

Connecticut is home to lots of celebrities, and some restaurants do a good job of attracting them. Take West Street Grill in Litchfield, where the other night Bill Murray, George Clooney and Wes Anderson shared a table--and a good time. Murray was in especially high spirits, serenading his server once he learned her name and singing "Happy Birthday" and planting a kiss on the cheek of a celebrant at a neighboring table. A Friday or Saturday night in Litchfield? You never know who's going to show up.

An Apple-Eating Eden

2007-10-22T11:05:00.000-07:00

During this October that's been so spectacular for sunny, warm weekends and incredibly juicy apples, we find ourselves going back again and again to Connecticut's apple orchards. Last weekend, we visited places at opposite ends of the spectrum--first was Gustafson's Farm and Orchard on Linkfield Road in Watertown. The farm itself is beautiful, with big open fields in all directions (they encourage you to walk around) and the shop is little more than a roadside stand, with bags of freshly picked apples, jars of honey and preserves and a cooler for soft drinks. We took in the quiet country scene, listened to the late-season crickets in the grass, bought a bag of Macouns and began eating them as soon as we got back into the car. The next day, we went to Lyman Orchards on Rte. 147 in Middletown, where it seemed a small city had converged to park cars, wander around, pick apples, go through a cornfield maze, feed the ducks and generally partake in the Indian summer scene. The excellent shop at the orchard was doing boomtown business, but the staff was keeping up with the crowds. We moved through quickly, grabbing four each of four kinds of apples, some pumpkin raisin muffins, a half-dozen pears, a jug of cider and some kettle corn. It all should just about last us till next weekend.

New Haven Seafood

2007-10-19T12:54:00.000-07:00

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.

Local Joints

2007-09-20T07:23:00.000-07:00

One of the rules my wife and I try to follow when it comes to eating out is: No chain restaurants. Yes, they can be convenient when you're traveling and don't know what to expect, or have kids, but in general, I think they miss the mark when it comes to quality of food and service. Give me a local place where the chefs are usually also the owners -- the food always seems to be better prepared and the service more attentive.

Case in point: We recently had a great meal at Mangiare Buono on River Road in Shelton, a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant that specializes in Northern Italian cuisine. The owner and chef, Bobby, is straight out of The Bronx ("fuhgeddaboutit"), and brings with him an Arthur Avenue pedigree (and an unmistakable accent). It's in an unassuming strip mall, but what the restaurant lacks in atmosphere, it more than makes up for on the plate and around the tables. The menu is reasonable, not a book, with many Italian standards, but Bobby likes to experiment, too. For example, the night we went, he had a special with a pork chop stuff with prosciutto and spinach that was cooked to perfection and delicious.

Portions are decent, the food is great, reasonably priced, and the service was very good. Bobby's wife/partner runs the front of the house (what there is of it) and is very friendly in a "Noo Yawkey" kind-of-way. Water glasses are constantly filled, plates are quickly removed and everything is taken care of. Make sure to make reservations before you go (203.922.0935) -- there's no more than a dozen tables in the place.

Anyway, I'd rather dine at a place like this that flies under the radar rather than the latest T.G.I. McScratchy's (to coin a chain from "The Simpsons"). So, any other local joints out there you care to share?

Burgers Out of the Gate

2007-09-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

There'll be a whole state worth of food and drink to cover on this blog, but why not start off with hamburgers--or cheeseburgers, to be exact? I recently went on a minitour of newish burger joints for a story in the Sept. issue of Connecticut Magazine, and I'd really like to recommend the top two places I found. The best was Burger Bar & Bistro in South Norwalk, which served an absolutely sublime, juicy, fresh, hand-formed organic burger with good cheddar on a sturdy bun. $7. Also, Plan B Burger Bar & Tavern in West Hartford served a cheeseburger that was fresh and juicy, and it also had a good, lively bar scene going on--and many, many beers on tap and in bottles. My question: Are there any other NEW burger spots out there that Connecticut's very on-top-of-things foodies community needs to know about? Post your best bets here.