Jadelise's Profile
Stamford Restaurant Week 2012
I decided to try Zaza for dinner last night. after passing by a closed g/r/a/n/d. I must say I was pleasantly surprised for my first visit and will definitely be heading back. Decor is chic. The Chicken Osso Bucco appetizer was Truly Scrumptious-2 manicured, braised drumettes in a savory sauce w/ polenta. The Tuscan skirt steak was also excellent, perfectly cooked to order med-rare but with a smokey char. Add a decent glass of pinot noir - all for $30. This to me is what Rest Week is about. Trying a new place at a value, and seeing if it is worth adding to your rotation
Stamford Restaurant Week 2012
ZaZa has a nice lunch offering posted which I am looking forward to trying. Napa & Co's menu is not posted (lunch only), but judging by last year's lunch offering is WELL worth trying at the $20 price point. Since they are generally known as overpriced, this is a good time to check them out.
g/r/a/n/d burger is posting an interesting menu I'd like to test. Bar Rosso is worth trying based on last year's offering. While I agree with previous posters that Rest. Week is somewhat hit or miss, the above are what I intend to check out based upon previous restaurant week experiences. If anyone has any other recommendations, please post.
Nice lunch place between Milford and NYC
Harbor Lights in Norwalk has a beautiful, marina setting and very good seafood, including raw bar, as well as some great Greek/Med inspired dishes.
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Harbor Lights
84 Seaview Ave, Norwalk, CT 06855
Looking for a Best Lunch (mid-week) Rec in the Smithtown area
Kitchen a Bistro in St. James? Maybe I am answering my own question.
Looking for a Best Lunch (mid-week) Rec in the Smithtown area
I will be treating an old college friend to a Birthday lunch in the Smithtown area soon. Looking for something relatively upscale, white tablecloth/business vibe - where we can catch up, speak quietly and still hear eachother - good food! Not looking for a dine and dash, value menu, but a sit-down place, possibly prix fixe, wines by the glass. Willing to travel 20-30 minutes around Smithtown area. Thanks in advance for any recs.
Stamford Restaurant Week - Feb 27 - March 13
Do any readers have comments or recommended selections on the Restaurant Week offerings? I was happy to see some new participants, including Napa, which I intend to try. Also glad to see Market and Telluride participating. I am particularly looking for suggestions for a business lunch during the week.
I am surprised these restaurant weeks do not get more play or advertising. I find them a great way to try new restaurants or dishes without breaking the bank. Thoughts?
The Plate Restaurant in Ridgefield,CT
No responses? Plate just got a very nice review in the Stamford Advocate's Go (Thursday Entertainment Supplement). I was particularly intrigued by the idea of the "Sunday Gravy" offering. Can anyone enlighten me? Are they still BYOB, because I believe the article mentioned they are now serving wine? Is there a bar area, or just restaurant seating?
Fairway - Stamford
Also stopped by this morning in the rain and it was relatively empty, and I was a bit rushed. It would take hours for me to to thoroughly look at all the offerings and browse the aisles, as I have never been to a Fairway, but I was impressed by the range of selections in all categories - especially the cheeses, pastas and pates. Also noticed alot of kosher offerings and overheard talk of rabbinical supervision on site. I find the main entrance and layout of the produce aisles odd, but will definitely return when I have more time to meander. The prepared food "court" look promising, but because it was so early not much was set out yet. Initial impression - look out, Stews and Whole Foods!
SoNo Restaurant Week (Again)! - Oct. 3-8
Just did the Restaurant Week Lunch offering at Strada18, and was very pleased with the food, service, and ambiance. $14.99 gets your choice of soup or salad, choice of pizza (any 2 toppings) or panini, and biscotti/cookie dessert. The traditional ceasar salad with anchovies was plentiful with had just the right amount of freshly grated parmesan, the thin crust pie was superb,and the house made butter pecan cookie and black pepper biscotti were out of this world. Highly recommended. Will be enjoying the rest of my pie later tonight as a snack!
Five Guys Westport
I'm all on board for the notion that, "Five Guys Sucks." I went there on a recommendation of a friend from Darien, when I asked when the local Burgers Shakes and Fries would open (I'm now told mid-October as they are re-doing the floors). The burger was well done, EXTREMELY greasy, and tasteless. All the free toppings in the world could not remedy this. Nor could the lousy bun, which became soggy FAST with all the grease. I'll wait for BSF in Darien to open if I get a burger craving.
SoNo Restaurant Week (Again)! - Oct. 3-8
I was wondering if anyone had any specific recommendations on restaurants and/or dishes to try during upcoming restaurant week? It looks like many of the same places are participating as were in June, with some new additions (like Red Lulu). I noticed Wasabi Chi is trotting out the same "special menu" as they did before, don't know about the others. I am looking for something new and worth the trip. I will definitelt try Osetra and Chocopologie. Participants can be seen at ctbites.com. I am surprised they are not publicizing this more, but then again, last time I only found out when Restaurant week was nearly over, and I live in Norwalk!
As a side note, has anyone found anything worth recommending at Red Lulu? I was there last nite for a cocktail and apps and HAD to leave. $12,14, 15 for a margarita I find outrageous in SoNo, & then the menu was uninspiring and the service lackluster. Your thoughts?
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Osetra Restaurant
124 South Washington St South, Norwalk, CT
Wasabi Chi
86 Washington St, Norwalk, CT 06854
Pizza in Norwalk CT [moved from Manhattan]
Have been to most of the spots mentioned above. I have to say, my new favorite after lunch today, is Molto Pizzeria in Fairfield. Not a New York crust, but not a dry bar/cracker crust like Fat Cat. It was crispy but had some tooth, I could swear there was a touch of butter in it, golden crunchy yet flakey. This is not a "traditional" style crust I've had anywhere else, but nevertheless excellent. I had the Burrata mozz pie w/ olives - heaven. Some nearby diners had "salad" pies (one the California)-which looked scrumptious. The bar is comfortable, the wine list extensive, service pleasant. I will definitely return. Lunch was busy but not overcrowded, bar empty, but I hear it gets VERY crowded at night.
Anyone Been To Lolita's In Greenwich Lately?
Never mind. Evidently, Lolita's will "Never, ever be open for lunch." But I found this article very descriptive.
http://pc.westmorenews.com/ss.php?sid=10658
Anyone Been To Lolita's In Greenwich Lately?
Do they do lunch or is it dinner only? I tried to go to their website, but it takes so long to load with the annoying music, I just X'd out.
Cafe Madeline, Fairfield CT
Recently went for lunch as this restaurant is on my AA bonus miles program. They have a 3 course prix fixe lunch for $14.95- soup or salad/entree/ gelato dessert. The food was good (not outstanding), the atmosphere was pleasant (tv/vid with Pavrotti playing low in the background), the service was attentive. There were children there but well-behaved. The gelato was Outstanding! I would definitely go back. Avoid the Ceasar salad (TOO much grated cheese), I hear the minestrone is excellent. I'd like to try one of there pizza or chicken entrees (the pasta was average). But, all in all, a pleasant place for lunch.
Georgetown/Foggy Bottom/Rosslyn Recommendations for Reunion Crew?
Thanks, alkapal, my fellow Hoya! I will try to check out as many of your recs as possible next weekend. Definitely Ray's the Steaks as many have recommended that. i seem to remember an Uncle Julio's - maybe its the same one. I may also get a takeout of Crisp and Juicy for the Sunday ride back up to CT. I remember their sauces quite fondly and we have nothing like that here in CT.
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Uncle Julio's
4301 Fairfax Dr Ste 125, Arlington, VA 22203
Crisp and Juicy
11160 Veirs Mill Rd Spc 158, Silver Spring, MD 20902
Georgetown/Foggy Bottom/Rosslyn Recommendations for Reunion Crew?
Oh, alkapal, how I dearly remember au pied du cochon for the eggs benedict & frites! Georgetown is having a reunion "event" at the Tombs on Thursday, they say it's "kid friendly." All I can remember is falling asleep there one night after some heavy partying, and waking up to an empty bar!!
I see that this board has many high-end suggestions for a weekend in DC, but...my friends are not foodies, although I like to consider myself somewhat sophisticated. If I expand the geographical area, are there any more suggestions for good taste, good value?
Also, I have a hankering to crack some crabs. Any suggestions for a "brown paper on the table, wooden mallet" type of place? Or a happy hour raw bar?
Georgetown/Foggy Bottom/Rosslyn Recommendations for Reunion Crew?
Returning to DC this coming long weekend for our Georgetown 25th and haven't been in the area in forever. Looking for inventive food, not tourist traps, reasonably priced. Maybe one kid friendly suggestion (though we have sitters on call), some friendly happy hours that are not screaming madhouses but good apps. We are staying in Rosslyn so any ideas in that neck of the woods are
appreciated. Feeling abit nostalgic about our old haunts, but most are probably gone, or not worth revisiting. Also, any specially good breakfast/brunch places to try?
Connecticut scallop rolls: Show & Tell!
I was jonesing for a clam roll the other day and googled Westfair Fish to phone in my order. The second google result came up "Westfair -CLOSED", so I called the phone number listed and it came up "Disconnected." Whitepages.com has no # listed for them. May I ask what number you're calling to get through? If he's open I would like to let the owner know as this is surely losing customers for him-and I'd still like to get that clam roll.
Chips and Salsa in/near Fairfield?
How about Taco Loco in Black Rock? GOOD margeritas, casual, friendly atrmosphere. Me likes.
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Taco Loco Restaurant
3170 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605
Black Rock Cafe
Wrentham, MA, Wrentham, MA
Connecticut scallop rolls: Show & Tell!
Just found out Westfair IS CLOSED! Which leads to my next question, WHAT is a good substitute for casual/takeout fresh/fried seafood in lower Fairfield County?
Stew Leonards...an ongoing debate
Glad to see you gave Stew's turkey a try. Have to ask if you found it gamey? I tried Whole Foods Free Range (which seems to be the same turkey Stew's was selling, but at $0.70 less per pound), and although pre-warned by other posters, found the gaminess alittle off-putting. Is there a brine you know of to tame the gaminess? Will say the shopping experience at Whole Foods Westport was 1000% better than Stews on a holiday. Pre-order, check in at the "holiday table" near the front door, shop for last minute items, they call you when your turkey is ready, and you cary it away in a free eco-friendly reusable bag. Their produce is also 1000% better, no rat's maze or H1N1 carrying wandering theme characters.
Turkey....Which brands do you guys like and where can you get them?
Stew Leonards (your nemesis) has Fresh "All Natural" and "Naked" Turkeys ($1.29 & $2.69/lb respectively). Better go at 6AM if you've waited to last minute to avoid crowds. Had the "All Natural" last year, nothing special, and only LARGE sizes available last minute. Went today 10AM for something else (already a mob scene), plenty of both available, but Naked also available in smaller sizes. This year I am trying Whole Foods equivalent of "Naked," which is free range @ $1.99/lb, and which I've ordered ahead. So, can't comment yet on that. Good luck!
Stew Leonards...an ongoing debate
Do try the Ribeye. The Porterhouse, too (on sale this week). And the Rack of Lamb (on sale last week at $7.99/lb.) is a favorite.
Coalhouse Pizza - Stamford
Color me unimpressed. Went for lunch today, sat at the "counter." It was very unappealing having to sit behind an 18" plexiglass sneeze-shield, both for ordering and eating ambiance. Had the prosciutto & ricotta pie, per trehouse's recommendation. It was tasty enough, crust was chewy and toothsome, yet, as per previous reviews, toppings were VERY scanty. For a small $10 "personal" pizza, I find a much better ambiance and value at either Cappriccio Cafe (try the excellent Quattro Stagione or white pies) or Remos (excellent sausage & ricotta pie--cozy bar/counter service) - both on Bedford Street.
Stew Leonards...an ongoing debate
Just had to weigh in on the Stews debate. I have enjoyed different cuts of Norwalk's Naked Beef, most notably the Porterhouse and Rib Eye (when on sale), and my dinner guests have complimented them as "restaurant worthy." Also enjoy the lamb when on sale, as well as the Naked Whole Chicken (not fond of cut pieces, freshness-wise). It IS a godawful maze, and I never go during peak hours, nor do I use a cart, but prefer to barrel through with a hand held basket, giving the lookey-loos a wide berth. Butter on sale always a great buy, milk a staple. All-in-all, this is a place for selective shopping, where good, tasty bargains can be had with some thought, per Scarecrow. When in a pinch, I have had the prepared soups for lunch, not great, but as others have mentioned, what do you REALLY expect from the prepared foods section. Asparagus on sale, always a bargain, but I do tend to stay away from the other produce. Avoid live lobsters (when on sale, pre-bagged and died quickly) and deli meats (pre-sliced compromises freshness). Lastly, the few times I have "complained," customer service was efficient and responsive.
The Fresh Market opens in Westport on October 14
Definitely give the sausages a try. Italian chicken, turkey spinach, and turkey white wine sausages all rocked. This place is also great for purchasing single portions of whatever you need, if you are not shopping for family meals!
The Fresh Market opens in Westport on October 14
Went 10AM this morning (Saturday) to see what all the hubbub was about and was pleasantly surprised. Was not crowded when I entered, but was getting annoyingly so by the time I left, after browsing for a good 40 minutes. Was impressed with the bakery selections and meats, was able to buy a tasty individual brioche and mini jam jar for my breakfast on the run, after sipping a free sample of French Roast Coffee (very tasty-but the only free sample in sight on my trip). Bought the store-made crabcakes (a relative bargain at 2/$5.00), pan fried them myself at home for lunch. They were very good, no discernible filler, fresh crab taste. Also got some specialty items I have not seen at other local gourmet grocers-fig balsamic vinegar, picholine olives, store-made turkey sausage. All reasonably priced - will definitely be returning. Service was also A+.
Looking for Thai/ and Chinese restaurants near wilton, Ct
I like Thai Pearl in Ridgefield on Danbury Road. Really good Yum Woon Sen.
New Canaan Eater Searching for the Best Meals
I just had lunch at Lao Sze Chuan (exit 39 off I-95 in Milford) and really enjoyed it-the $6.00 lunch special offered a generous entree portion, tasty hot'n'sour soup, & a crispy, fresh spring roll. I also ordered fried shrimp dumplings & was surprised-it was filled primarily w/ HUGE chunks of fresh shrimp! Several Chinese patrons were also enjoying lunch. The main menu goes well above and beyond typical Chinese fare-and prices are amazingly reasonable. If I lived in Milford I would eat my way through the menu a la Julie and Julia. But I will definitely return to try some of the delicious sounding Chef's Signature Dishes and other unique menu items.
