A report on our Thanksgiving meal at this originally c.1737 mill location, now updated and very comfortable dining, both physically and culinarilly (word?).
We were seated immediately (had reservation) and had our drinks within a few minutes. All the tables we could see were full and yet the noise level was most acceptable. This was not a prix fixe menu so had choices of appetizer and entree. We both decided on the same thing - a salad of Granny Smith apple, cheeses, dried cranberries, and mesclun with a suitable and delicious vinaigrette (there was also a butternut squash with lump crabmeat soup available among other appetizers). Same entree for both of us - generous amounts of turkey and stuffing on one plate with sides served family style on one plate to choose from - mashed potato and rutabaga, pearl onions, green beans, roasted b'nut squash and cranberry sauce. The two of us had about half of what was on the sides plate and didn't want more. Everything was cooked and seasoned to our taste and we enjoyed every bite. Desserts were several - one of us had pumpkin pie and the other a warm chocolate pudding cake (told it was freshly prepared).
This was our first experience at this restaurant but it will certainly be our go-to place next year, if not before. With drinks and tip, we paid $56 each. (Reservations here can be made with Open Table.)

I'd like to put in a good word for Adriana's. Have never had a bad meal there over several years.
http://www.adrianasrestaurant.net/

Had lunch there last Friday. Waitstaff very friendly. Lunch specials are served on a black lacquer-type tray. Soup was a delicious clear broth with small floating vegetables - just right for a light beginning. I ordered the Massaman Curry with Shrimp - came with a spring roll, hot, with dipping sauce, a small salad of lettuce (shredded iceberg and carrot; I specified Italian dressing) and a crab rangoon. The curry was excellent (4 large shrimp) and medium was not very spicy at all. The only off-note was the bottled Italian dressing. Seems they could easily make their own (rice vinegar, olive oil, bit of soy sauce & ginger, maybe). The menu offers 12-18 items for which you may choose the protein that you want with it. I also had Thai tea and with tip, paid $14.50. I'll definitely be back!

Hours: 6am - 230pm, closed Sundays.
860-345-3777
40 Saybrook Road, Higganum

Many great memories...keeping fingers crossed.

Sorry, not a clue. Why not call and ask?

Latest news is that they're going to remain open for the time being and until they can find a buyer who will keep the place as it has been. Here's hoping.

Want to mention Daybreak Roasters in the center of Glastonbury on Main Street. Outdoor tables in good weather - nice people who run the place - don't know about wi-fi. Two or three of their own coffees always offered, bakery items, etc. I believe they may be connected with SoG, already mentioned.

http://www.daybreakcoffee.com/

Title would be more helpful if it read "Valbella, Greenwich, CT - wonderful"

Thanks, everybody. No problem finding this at S&S in the produce area. By the way, if you haven't made Ina Garten's Gingerbread (see Food Network site), it's a must. Anything that begins with soaking raisins in rum can't be all bad, right?

A friend who lives in downtown New Haven is looking for this. Where should I advise him to go? Thanks in advance.

Up from CT over the weekend. My sister and I had some great food and saw no sign that the place was up for sale. Crab ragoons, crabmeat rolls, coleslaw, fries, blueberry pie (native blues) and good vanilla ice cream. What's not to like? First time there but not the last.

Where do you go for a great BLT in central/northern CT? Flavorful bread, bacon cooked just right, a tomato that let's you know it's a tomato, and anything but iceberg lettuce. We're in the middle of the ripe tomato season and when the combination is right, you know it. Who'll lead me to it? Thanks a lot.

Friends have RAVED about L&E in Chester - "it's now our go-to restaurant."

Will be in Danvers next Saturday. Looking for a casual place for lunch a cut above the fast-food joints. Diners, bistros, pizzerias? Grateful for any advice. Thanks.

Just thought we might all be helped for next year if we wrote about this year's experiences. A friend and I ate at Carmen Anthony's in New Haven at 1PM. This was a Thanksgiving buffet at $39.50. First of all, the food was quite good and a very varied and extensive offering. There was a good clam chowder (a bit salty for my taste) for which bowls and spoons were provided and you could dip out your own. Rolls, green salad, a mushroom and cherry tomato salad and a good chopped salad which I tried (highlighted with feta cheese). On to potato-crusted crabcakes, mashed potato, sausage stuffing, cranberry sauce, stations of ham, beef and turkey. I had the turkey and have to say it was perhaps the best I've ever had--very moist and so-well seasoned. There was also a green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, and on and on. The desserts were, of course, pumpkin pie and also pecan, small pieces of a couple of cakes, but for me, the bread pudding with chocolate chunks, plus your choice of dark or white chocolate sauce made the day!! The pudding was quite crusty on top and not too dense.
BUT the managing of the buffet left much to be desired. There was only one line which extended back three or four yards and moved very slowly. Luckily, just as we got to the line, the frustrated hostess decided to try two lines and put us right near the front of the line, which did not endear her to those towards the back, needless to say. I wanted to go back to try some of the other vegetable offerings but soon left the line and headed for the dessert table which was no problem. We had quite good service from the server who got drinks, cleared plates, got coffee, etc.
NEXT YEAR: Should you want to go there, I would suggest arriving at 2PM or later. As we left, the line was definitely much shorter. (They were serving until 6PM today.)

Oh, that Reuben! And that potato salad! Need to rush over there right now. Nice that I can be there in 10 minutes.

AND if you're on Route 17 in South Glastonbury, stop in at Draghi's farmstand (on the left, going south) whose apple cider donuts are second to none--just as "harrie" says, first the crunch through the generous sugar coating and then that lucious, cakey, slightly spicy interior. You won't find a better one. Draghi's will be open through Christmas Eve.

Speaking of Draghi's--don't leave without at least ONE of their apple cider donuts. The earlier you get there, the better they are!! Also, when they're making them, their cinnamon donuts are definitely on a par with Dottie's in Woodbury.

And how many miles do you run every day? Seriously, if I did this I couldn't eat anything else for a week!! How do you manage the "calories in, calories out" thing? I DO love your enthusiasm...

Now called For The Kitchen--my understanding is that the original owner still has rights to the full name. Was told it was a legal issue, anyway.

Kathy John's has been closed for some time.

My first and only experience with Pepe's was in Manchester a few weeks ago. Hearing all the hype, I ordered the white clam pizza. I wasn't really crazy about it because I don't care for clams that much--BUT I didn't enjoy at all the grit and bits of shell I kept coming across. Never again for me--perhaps the tomato pies are OK but the "only" above indicates my true feelings--not anxious to return!

Thank you all so much! Great ideas by all. Ended up making a pork with broccoli stir-fry with red bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic and red onion. Used oyster and soy sauce in the sauce.

Could anyone give me suggestions for what to do with 10 ounces of pork sirloin I have in my freezer, left over from another recipe? My first idea is a stir fry or ...

What's with this font? We seniors will definitely not be here if we have to get a magnifying glass to read the replies!! This is really awful.

Ah, so it's "cah-ne-lay" (accent on last syllable?). By any name, they look absolutely delicious. Thanks for the enlightenment! (I know about quenelles but cannelles stumped me.)

Now that's a new one for me--what exactly is a cannelle?

The name of the restaurant is clearly given at the end of the post with a web link.
I can second the accolades given to TMOTR. Have eaten there several times and never been disappointed.

"old people" - one of which you will be eventually, don't forget!! Perhaps then you will understand why not-noisy, polite service, and a bit of elegance are enjoyed by the senior set. Ah, to walk a mile in another man's/woman's shoes--so instructive and eye-opening.