Located in Ivoryton.
The Copper Beech Inn is one of those special places which lend New England its charm.
Nestled away in a small rural town, there is no reason not to want to come to the Copper Beech.
We came to eat.
The dining room is warm and comfortable. Appointed nicely, but ultimately unassuming. Comfortable in its own skin, if you will.
Another meal, another Sancerre. I love this wine, as it never disappoints.
To start, I chose the pork belly with a black garlic glaze, cucumber pickled radish-cilantro, and scallion pancake; my wife, the Grilled Cheese Sandwich: oxtail, Pleasant Ridge Reserve cheese, black truffles, horseradish foam and smoked mushrooms.
My pork belly was good; loved the pickled radish.
However, the scallion pancake was awful: thin, hard and dry.
Ah, but now the grilled cheese: the best! One of the best dishes my wife and I have ever eaten. Simply lovely.
For mains we had the halibut with almond puree, ricotta gnocchi and sorels and morels; and the veal chop with cheddar croquette and spring onion salad.
Both were very good, nicely prepared and tasty.
But it's the grilled cheese we'll remember.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Bill's Seafood Restaurant
Located in Westbrook.
This classic seafood joint sits on the Patchogue River adjacent to the "Singing Bridge" in Westbrook.
They don't take reservations, and they dont take credit cards.
So show up early on a Friday or Saturday night, especially if you expect to sit outside on the deck, and bring cash.
The primary draw of Bills is the outdoor seating on the deck with its multitude of picnic tables.
Summertime on the shoreline does not get better than this.
And a lot of people are onto that fact. Which is why you'll have to queue up and expect a wait of about 30 minutes for you table, if you arrive at the height of dinner hour.
Inside you won't find anything special, except maybe the Dixieland jazz band, and the old couple dancing.
The room is relatively dark, with substantial old wooden tables and a nautical theme throughout.
But the deck is where you want to be. Fortunately, you'll be lined up near the bar, so enjoy a cocktail while you wait.
Once seated, you will find the wait staff attentive and quick, given the size of their audience.
Our waitress brought drinks for two tables, and took our order with only one hand free.
Bill knows how to turn tables.
I ordered the New England Clam Chowder, and a special, Jamaican Jerk Swordfish on a bed of greens with the house vinagrette.
My wife chose the seafood chowder and mussels in a white sauce.
Complaint: my chowder was only just warm.
Compliment: my wife's seafood chowder was excellent. Perfectly balanced, and not too fishy.
My wife's mussels were also very good.
Now, to my swordfish. There was nothing Jamaican or Jerky about it. I doubt it had ever even been introduced to a habanero.
However, it was seasoned nicely and cooked to near perfection.
The vinagrette was slightly sweet and very tasty.
For dessert, you can visit Ashley's Ice Cream located on the same property.
Overall, a very good dining experience.
This classic seafood joint sits on the Patchogue River adjacent to the "Singing Bridge" in Westbrook.
They don't take reservations, and they dont take credit cards.
So show up early on a Friday or Saturday night, especially if you expect to sit outside on the deck, and bring cash.
The primary draw of Bills is the outdoor seating on the deck with its multitude of picnic tables.
Summertime on the shoreline does not get better than this.
And a lot of people are onto that fact. Which is why you'll have to queue up and expect a wait of about 30 minutes for you table, if you arrive at the height of dinner hour.
Inside you won't find anything special, except maybe the Dixieland jazz band, and the old couple dancing.
The room is relatively dark, with substantial old wooden tables and a nautical theme throughout.
But the deck is where you want to be. Fortunately, you'll be lined up near the bar, so enjoy a cocktail while you wait.
Once seated, you will find the wait staff attentive and quick, given the size of their audience.
Our waitress brought drinks for two tables, and took our order with only one hand free.
Bill knows how to turn tables.
I ordered the New England Clam Chowder, and a special, Jamaican Jerk Swordfish on a bed of greens with the house vinagrette.
My wife chose the seafood chowder and mussels in a white sauce.
Complaint: my chowder was only just warm.
Compliment: my wife's seafood chowder was excellent. Perfectly balanced, and not too fishy.
My wife's mussels were also very good.
Now, to my swordfish. There was nothing Jamaican or Jerky about it. I doubt it had ever even been introduced to a habanero.
However, it was seasoned nicely and cooked to near perfection.
The vinagrette was slightly sweet and very tasty.
For dessert, you can visit Ashley's Ice Cream located on the same property.
Overall, a very good dining experience.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Aspen
Located in Old Saybrook.
Attached to the Country Barn Furniture store on Main Street, Aspen is dining in a slightly upscale, but still relaxed atmosphere.
The dining room is modern, but still warm with it's earth tone appointments.
Though it's a tiny bit noisy, the menu reassures you that you are not in a typical Friday night grille.
It's more lively than loud.
Not surprisingly, seafood offerings are prominent on the bill of fare. Certainly this is not unusual in a shoreline New England town.
Appetizers include grilled tiger shrimp, the ubiquitous clam chowder, calamari, yellow fin tuna, and lump crab cakes.
I started with the pan seared foie gras, I seem to always start with foie gras, served with a brioche crouton, pear marmalade and a cherry reduction.
My wife ordered the grilled hearts of romaine salad with pancetta and dill and avocado dressing.
We were offered bread, but had to ask our server for bread plates.
The bread came with a very nice, creamy butter.
My foie gras was very tasty, no complaints, but not the best I've had.
My wife was served the wrong salad, and debated whether to have this error corrected.
Thank goodness she did. The grilled hearts of romaine she had served as proof that not all salads are created equal.
Lovely flavor, it put in the mind of a nice steak!
For mains, I had the braised pork shank with parmesan polenta, roccolini, and rich red wine veal jus; my wife, the seared monkfish medallions truffled potato gnocchi, brussel sprouts, and brown butter with lemon sauce.
Now, I am of the opinion that any thing braised should simply fall apart with moist succulence simply when you look at; and though the meat did fall off the bone, it was not as moist as I would preferred, though the flavor was fine, if subtle. The polenta with veal jus was fantastic.
My wife's monkfish was also slightly overcooked but still good. The truffled gnocchi was, to my taste, overpowering, but she enjoyed it.
Again, we had a white wine from the San Cerre region of France and it did not disappoint.
For desert, I had the chocolate bombe, which was rich, creamy chocolately goodness.
So, the shoreline now has a nice addition to its fine dining roster.
Attached to the Country Barn Furniture store on Main Street, Aspen is dining in a slightly upscale, but still relaxed atmosphere.
The dining room is modern, but still warm with it's earth tone appointments.
Though it's a tiny bit noisy, the menu reassures you that you are not in a typical Friday night grille.
It's more lively than loud.
Not surprisingly, seafood offerings are prominent on the bill of fare. Certainly this is not unusual in a shoreline New England town.
Appetizers include grilled tiger shrimp, the ubiquitous clam chowder, calamari, yellow fin tuna, and lump crab cakes.
I started with the pan seared foie gras, I seem to always start with foie gras, served with a brioche crouton, pear marmalade and a cherry reduction.
My wife ordered the grilled hearts of romaine salad with pancetta and dill and avocado dressing.
We were offered bread, but had to ask our server for bread plates.
The bread came with a very nice, creamy butter.
My foie gras was very tasty, no complaints, but not the best I've had.
My wife was served the wrong salad, and debated whether to have this error corrected.
Thank goodness she did. The grilled hearts of romaine she had served as proof that not all salads are created equal.
Lovely flavor, it put in the mind of a nice steak!
For mains, I had the braised pork shank with parmesan polenta, roccolini, and rich red wine veal jus; my wife, the seared monkfish medallions truffled potato gnocchi, brussel sprouts, and brown butter with lemon sauce.
Now, I am of the opinion that any thing braised should simply fall apart with moist succulence simply when you look at; and though the meat did fall off the bone, it was not as moist as I would preferred, though the flavor was fine, if subtle. The polenta with veal jus was fantastic.
My wife's monkfish was also slightly overcooked but still good. The truffled gnocchi was, to my taste, overpowering, but she enjoyed it.
Again, we had a white wine from the San Cerre region of France and it did not disappoint.
For desert, I had the chocolate bombe, which was rich, creamy chocolately goodness.
So, the shoreline now has a nice addition to its fine dining roster.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale
Located in Madison.
Not all Lenny & Joe's are created equal.
With 3 locations, two, including Madison, are counter service. Westbrook is family style, with a wait staff.
Lenny & Joe's, while a slight cut above, is still a roadside fish place.
And that's a good thing.
The fare is simple, affordable, and tasty.
Service is quite impressive at the Madison location.
We ordered and were given #63; they were serving #39 at the time. But within 10 minutes our order was up.
Your choices are the classics: shrimp, scrod, clams, lobster, rolls, and even a hotdog for the kids. Yes, Lenny & Joe's is kid friendly, with plenty of outdoor picnic tables and an ice cream stand, not to mention a carousel.
Inside, you're responsible for finding your own table. Don't be offended if other diners hover, waiting for you to leave. The place is popular and seats are at a premium.
You won't be overwhelmed with the decor, but who cares. That's not the point.
My wife and I got the fish and chips with a side of coleslaw; my son, the hotdog.
Your food is delivered on cardboard plates and styrofoam bowls. You carry it all on the big plastic tray.
The food, all of it, is good.
Roadside good.
And that's good stuff.
Perfect summertime stuff on the New England shore.
Not all Lenny & Joe's are created equal.
With 3 locations, two, including Madison, are counter service. Westbrook is family style, with a wait staff.
Lenny & Joe's, while a slight cut above, is still a roadside fish place.
And that's a good thing.
The fare is simple, affordable, and tasty.
Service is quite impressive at the Madison location.
We ordered and were given #63; they were serving #39 at the time. But within 10 minutes our order was up.
Your choices are the classics: shrimp, scrod, clams, lobster, rolls, and even a hotdog for the kids. Yes, Lenny & Joe's is kid friendly, with plenty of outdoor picnic tables and an ice cream stand, not to mention a carousel.
Inside, you're responsible for finding your own table. Don't be offended if other diners hover, waiting for you to leave. The place is popular and seats are at a premium.
You won't be overwhelmed with the decor, but who cares. That's not the point.
My wife and I got the fish and chips with a side of coleslaw; my son, the hotdog.
Your food is delivered on cardboard plates and styrofoam bowls. You carry it all on the big plastic tray.
The food, all of it, is good.
Roadside good.
And that's good stuff.
Perfect summertime stuff on the New England shore.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Fresh Taco
Located in New Haven.
Fresh Taco is definitely a take-out only place.
They have a couple of tables, but you feel like your intruding when seated.
I've eaten here a few times, and I'm disappointed to report that my most recent visit left me a bit dissatisfied.
I go there for one reason, and one reason only: the Tex-Mex Chili Taco.
Essentially, it's a bunch of greasy chili in a taco, with the ususal toppings.
And it's always been greasy goodness.
Unitl my last visit.
It was a bit bland.
And really, that was my only reason for going there.
Fresh Taco is definitely a take-out only place.
They have a couple of tables, but you feel like your intruding when seated.
I've eaten here a few times, and I'm disappointed to report that my most recent visit left me a bit dissatisfied.
I go there for one reason, and one reason only: the Tex-Mex Chili Taco.
Essentially, it's a bunch of greasy chili in a taco, with the ususal toppings.
And it's always been greasy goodness.
Unitl my last visit.
It was a bit bland.
And really, that was my only reason for going there.
Donovan's Reef
Located in Branford.
What those other guys only pretend to be: Your friendly neighborhood bar and grill.
Roomy, spacious, and dimly lit, Donovan's Reef isn't gourmet dining, but it is a good place to meet for a beer, maybe a burger, or even some of the steak, seafood, or pasta entrees they have on the menu.
There's plenty of bar space, what with a second one upstairs, and plenty of tables, a couple of those upstairs too.
They offer the usual fare: salads, wings, sandwiches, dips, fajitas...you get the idea.
Donovan's is a cut above any of those chains, and it's a bit nicer inside.
So support your local bar and grill!
What those other guys only pretend to be: Your friendly neighborhood bar and grill.
Roomy, spacious, and dimly lit, Donovan's Reef isn't gourmet dining, but it is a good place to meet for a beer, maybe a burger, or even some of the steak, seafood, or pasta entrees they have on the menu.
There's plenty of bar space, what with a second one upstairs, and plenty of tables, a couple of those upstairs too.
They offer the usual fare: salads, wings, sandwiches, dips, fajitas...you get the idea.
Donovan's is a cut above any of those chains, and it's a bit nicer inside.
So support your local bar and grill!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Brasserie PIP
Located in Ivoryton.
Certainly not a brasserie strictly defined, but that's quibbling.
PIP, attached to the much-lauded Copper Beech Inn, is the little brother to the main dining room.
The Inn is a typically nice, moderately upscale New England Inn.
Nice dining in a nice atmosphere.
Not formal, but not too casual either.
This was our first visit to the Copper Beech, but we will most assuredly return.
As it was Valentine's Day, we were offered the $75 4 course prix fixe menu.
Though, as my wife pointed out, calling it 4 courses may have been a bit cheeky, as the second course was a one-bite palate cleanser.
But, again, that's quibbling.
Service was prompt, courteous and knowledgeable throughout the evening.
We ordered the Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc.
I know next to nothing about wines, but this was excellent. Bright, crisp, fruity. Just lovely.
On offer for starters were Wellfleet Oysters, Squash Bisque, Arugula Salad, and Sear Foie Gras.
My wife chose the bisque, I the foie gras.
My wife enjoyed the bisque, and it was tasty, but the curried pumpkin was a bit much for me.
The seared foie gras, served with a pistachio tuile, pickled apples, blackberry jam and french toast, was excellent. It melted in the mouth.
Three one bites were offered. I chose the picked beets with goat cheese, my wife the blood orange bellini.
Both were on point. Especially the beets. Beets are a vastly underrated, underused ingredient.
So, the next time you see beets on a menu, try them.
Next up where the entrees. We decided on the Roasted Chicken with carmelized onion-cheddar bread pudding, royal trumpet mushrooms and mustard jus; and Organic Salmon with a cider-bacon braised cabbage, and smoked potatoes.
My fish was excellent, perfectly cooked, and slightly sweet from the honey-mustard glaze. The cabbage was also good, but the potatoes fell short as I tasted no smoke.
The chicken was good, though not the best we've had, but we both appreciated the bread pudding effort, which was also nice.
For dessert I chose the lemon tart as I love all things lemon, and my wife chose the brown butter chocolate cake.
My wife lodged the minor complaint that her cake was a bit dry, but other than this, both were very good. The creme fraiche ice cream served with my tart was a nice touch.
All in all, a very nice evening.
Certainly not a brasserie strictly defined, but that's quibbling.
PIP, attached to the much-lauded Copper Beech Inn, is the little brother to the main dining room.
The Inn is a typically nice, moderately upscale New England Inn.
Nice dining in a nice atmosphere.
Not formal, but not too casual either.
This was our first visit to the Copper Beech, but we will most assuredly return.
As it was Valentine's Day, we were offered the $75 4 course prix fixe menu.
Though, as my wife pointed out, calling it 4 courses may have been a bit cheeky, as the second course was a one-bite palate cleanser.
But, again, that's quibbling.
Service was prompt, courteous and knowledgeable throughout the evening.
We ordered the Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc.
I know next to nothing about wines, but this was excellent. Bright, crisp, fruity. Just lovely.
On offer for starters were Wellfleet Oysters, Squash Bisque, Arugula Salad, and Sear Foie Gras.
My wife chose the bisque, I the foie gras.
My wife enjoyed the bisque, and it was tasty, but the curried pumpkin was a bit much for me.
The seared foie gras, served with a pistachio tuile, pickled apples, blackberry jam and french toast, was excellent. It melted in the mouth.
Three one bites were offered. I chose the picked beets with goat cheese, my wife the blood orange bellini.
Both were on point. Especially the beets. Beets are a vastly underrated, underused ingredient.
So, the next time you see beets on a menu, try them.
Next up where the entrees. We decided on the Roasted Chicken with carmelized onion-cheddar bread pudding, royal trumpet mushrooms and mustard jus; and Organic Salmon with a cider-bacon braised cabbage, and smoked potatoes.
My fish was excellent, perfectly cooked, and slightly sweet from the honey-mustard glaze. The cabbage was also good, but the potatoes fell short as I tasted no smoke.
The chicken was good, though not the best we've had, but we both appreciated the bread pudding effort, which was also nice.
For dessert I chose the lemon tart as I love all things lemon, and my wife chose the brown butter chocolate cake.
My wife lodged the minor complaint that her cake was a bit dry, but other than this, both were very good. The creme fraiche ice cream served with my tart was a nice touch.
All in all, a very nice evening.
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