gillyweed's Profile
Nicholas Roberts Norwalk Ct?
I will vouch for Trish's friend - the crab cakes ARE amazing! I always intend to try something different, but end up getting the crab cakes every time, and just tasting whatever my husband orders.
Favorite app is the spicy tuna tartar
Places I wish were Good...in the Stamford Area-CT
On this cold, icy day, my first thought is Paradise. Given they have one of the few good waterfront locations in Stamford, I wish the food was more than mediocre (particularly given the prices they charge).
Ellie Krieger's Confetti Chili - From The Food You Crave
I am addicted to the oven-fried chicken. The crunchy coating combination of corn flakes, saltines, and sesame seeds is fantastic, and the yogurt keeps the chicken very moist.
The dark chocolate mousse (made with tofu!) is also surprisingly good. I served it at a dinner party to unsuspecting guests (didn't want to spook anyone with the tofu) and it was met with rave reviews.
Those are the 2 that jump out to me off the top of my head - I know I've made others out of the book and in general had very good results. If anything, recipes needed a little more salt or a little more spice, but those are 2 problems that are easily remedied.
Fairway - Stamford
Realized I didn't have a whole lot of detail in my first post. Some random observations of items I noted:
- Small red potatoes and yukon golds, not just the large ones all the other stores have
- Loose bins of brussel sprouts (!)
- Loose bins of various lettuces
- Olive oil selection is overwhelming. They have tasting stations set up to try different varieties
- In addition to olive oil, they have all those other miscell oils (walnut, grapeseed, linseed, etc)
- Vinegar selection is equally overwhelming
- Cheese selection is extensive, though I don't think it will fully supplant the Darien Cheese shop for me.
- Cafe looked interesting, but was crowded and I didn't get in there to fully explore the options.
- Dairy selection wasn't as large as I was expecting - this may be the one area where Stews is better
Fairway - Stamford
Made a brief stop to check it out tonight. I've previously been a loyal shopper at Shop Rite Commerce Park (exit 6), but my regular shopping trips will now be at Fairway. As good as that Shop Rite was (for the area), it just can't come close to comparing to Fairway on produce, cheese, meats, coffee, tea (loose selections!), olive oils, bakery, and so much more (bulk bins for various grains!!!). It's going to take awhile to get familiar with everything (this store is enormous), but so far it definitely meets my very high expectations! I'm going to have to go back and do a deeper dive, but based on my initial quick perusal, Fairway has clearly raised the bar for area grocery stores. It was fun walking around and seeing everyone just looking around in awe.
Red Sea Deli Stamford CT
Not sure how current/updated this menu is, but looks like they have Ethiopian and Eritrean food on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. I've never been and can't advise as to quality.
http://www.allmenus.com/ct/stamford/251012-red-sea-deli/menu/
Tappo - New Restaurant in Downtown Stamford
Thanks for the report louuuuu! Sounds like a must-try.
Where to buy ground lamb in Stamford?
Shop Rite of Commerce Park (Exit 6) regularly carries it. If you don't see it - just ask at the butcher counter.
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Shop Rite
1990 W Main St, Stamford, CT 06902
Darien CT update/Scena & rumors..
Bar Rosso website (also still under construction) http://www.barrossoct.com/
Expected opening November 2010
Tappo - New Restaurant in Downtown Stamford
Grand Opening is tonight per the Stamford Advocate. Has anyone heard anything about this place?
Menu on website looks good - something a little different from current downtown options: http://www.tapporestaurant.com/
Hopefully they get enough foot traffic there - seems like there's been a lot of restaurant turnover on Bank Street.
Wondering how similar this will be to the new Italian place (http://www.barrossoct.com/) going in where Bennett's used to be (from the Napa & Co team).
Where to Buy Fresh Pasta in Stamford?
Not sure - I've never specifically looked for it. Can't hurt to ask!
Where to Buy Fresh Pasta in Stamford?
definitely Fratelli Market
http://www.fratellimarketct.com/
Great Continental/Mediterranean Restaurant in Stamford for TONIGHT
Barcelona - Spanish tapas restaurant. One of my favorite options for a girls night out. Usually order a couple pitchers of sangria, and go through various rounds of tapas.
http://www.barcelonawinebar.com
Eos - Upscale Greek restaurant. Menu is unique for this area, and everyone I've brought there loves it.
http://eosgreekcuisine.com
Stamfordites (and area): anything local / nearby worth trying this weekend?
Eos on Summer Street (short walk up from Napa and Barcelona). Aren't a whole lot of posts about it, but the food is fantastic and something different - aren't many upscale Greek restaurants in the area.
http://eosgreekcuisine.com
Greenwich, CT (and area) Restaurant Suggestions
Nothing to be ashamed of - there aren't a lot of options for it around here.
I can never manage to pull myself away from the "meze" section of the menu, so my meals are more like what you would get at Barcelona - I always end up with a few small plates instead of just one large entree. Typical order for me: 3 dip combination with the spicy feta dip (tyrokafteri), hummus and roasted eggplant (melitzanosalata), keftedes (lamb meatballs served with tzatziki), and spanokopita. Both the keftedes and the spanakopita at Eos are the best I've had. The keftedes are moist and perfectly seasoned. The spanakopita is incredibly light (I've had some bad, greasy versions at Greek diners before) and delicious. Other mezes I've enjoyed are the giant butter beans, grilled octopus and moussaka. The only ones I've had that I didn't enjoy was the citrus sausage - it was just a flavor combination that didn't work for me - and the flaming cheese. It's an entertaining presentation, but I just didn't like the actual taste of the cheese (and I'm generally cheese-obsessed!).
My husband tends more towards the grilled salmon or lamb as an entree. All entrees come with a couple sides, and we usually get the braised green beans (so good!) and the thick cut seasoned fries.
They also have excellent salads - I'm not sure if they have their own garden where they get their tomatoes from, but they always have the best tomatoes.
I don't know much about greek food beyond what I've had at Eos. My previous experience was pretty much limited to greek-run diners. In general, I find the food at Eos to be light, but flavorful, and excellent quality. We've taken a lot of friends there (it's something different than the typical italian or steakhouse) and everyone always enjoys it.
Stamford, Ct- Solo Midweek Dining
How casual is casual? Layla's Falafel is a good option downtown, but nothing fancy. Parking would be in the Bell Street garage (or on-street parking if you get lucky).
On Bedford Street is Cappricio's, a casual, european-ish cafe. Panini's, pastas, and pizzas. Usually packed on the weekends, but easier to get a table mid-week. Most of their seating is outdoors, providing some good people watching/distractions while you're dining.
If you don't mind eating in a bar, Bradford's Grill & Tavern (couple doors down from Capriccio's) has surprisingly good food. Definitely casual, but a solid option. Parking for restaurants on Bedford Street is in a large lot behind the main strip.
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Bradford's Grill & Tavern
83 Bedford St, Stamford, CT 06901
Greenwich, CT (and area) Restaurant Suggestions
I strongly agree with Steve's and Adam's recommendations. Would also add Eos in Stamford. Great little Greek restaurant. Atmosphere is "upscale", but prices are reasonable and food is excellent. Limited wine menu, however.
If you're interested in Italian cuisine, my Stamford recommendations would be Emme of Capri and Columbus Park.
Chavin, Stamford Ct
You are correct - it is the sister restaurant to the Chavin in Port Chester.
Chavin, Stamford Ct
I've been a few times. I'm no expert on Latin American cuisine, but my husband and I really enjoy it. I typically order the lomo saltado, which is quite good for Stamford. They also make a decent pisco sour. It's a nicer environment than Fiesta - if we're taking friends out, we usually opt for Chavin over Fiesta.
This isn't sounding like a stellar review, but I view it as a solid restaurant option in Stamford, just not a "must see" destination.
Crew in greenwich anyone been?
Haven't been, but have driven by frequently. They participate on Restaurant.com - I keep meaning to pick up a certificate and use it to try them out.
Chinese Mirch - Stamford
Stamford Notes has a post up. Looks like she was there on the preview night: http://www.stamfordnotes.com/2010/05/merchants-of-mirch.html
We walked by on Friday night (had dinner at Chavin) and were surprised at how modern/upscale looking it was inside. Not sure what I was expecting - haven't been to the NYC location.
My Fairfield County Italian Restaurant List - - - What's Next???
I would second Cafe Silvium and Emme of Capri (my personal favorite Stamford Italian) and also add Aria in Stamford to your "intend to visit" list. I've had a mixed experience, but based on others comments on this board I think it merits a visit.
Restaurant Recs for Young Newlywed Couple - [Stamford, Ct]
Napa & Co. In my opinion, best food in Stamford, and also a good scene (my husband and I are late 20's)
To jfood's point on price range, dinner for 2 with appetizer and dessert and a moderate bottle of wine is likely to run about $150. It can be less or much more (they have an impressive wine list), but I would say $150 is our average.
Another good "scene" at a lesser price point is Barcelona. Our typical dinner bill (with drinks) is in the $75 - $100 range there.
New in SoNo - Las Orchetas
I Googled, and I think the place is La Orquidea Bakery, at 60 S. Main Street in Norwalk.
Looking forward to a follow-up post. I hate to agree with wreckers00 since I typically enjoy your postings and think you contribute a lot to the Fairfield County boards, but this was rather vague.
Finally some decent Chinese in Stamford- Tengda
Tengda (and Republic Grill before it) is our go-to place for chinese/pan-asian take-out. It is clearly a step-up above any of the other options in town. After eating in the restaurant numerous times, we were surprised to see the take-out menu had more of the traditional Chinese take-out items (sesame chicken, general tso's, beef & broccoli, etc) that aren't on the eat-in menu. We have not been disappointed by a take-out order yet.
As far as I know, the ownership hasn't changed, they just changed the name to be consistent with the owners' other restaurants in Darien and Greenwich.
Il Falco Closing (Stamford)
Yes, I was referring to Mona Lisa. Sabatiello's also closed within the past year, but I don't think anyone misses it and it clearly wasn't in the same class as Mona Lisa or Il Falco.
Il Falco Closing (Stamford)
Saw on Stamford Notes that Il Falco will be closing after tomorrow. Can't say that I'll miss it, but this makes 2 long-time downtown Italian restaurants that have closed in recent months. Hopefully something good/different will take its place.
http://www.stamfordnotes.com/2010/03/farewell-to-il-falco.html
good place for dessert after colony?
I forgot to add links:
http://www.capriccio-cafe.com/
http://www.thesundancecafe.com/
Capriccios is really perfect in the warmer weather when they have all the outdoor seating, but we still like it in the winter, too.
