epiffani's Profile
Hartford Area - Live Music
Looking for a restaurant in the Hartford area that can accommodate a party of 20-30 people and has live music on a Sunday evening... any ideas?
Best Burger in CT
GoldBurgers in Newington, CT. Best burger I've ever eaten. Homemade pickles, and the meat is so succulent and juicy. So delicious.
What's your favorite use for almond butter?
so this is an older post, but i have to share how much i love love love a sandwich of almond butter, mascarpone cheese and honey on good hearty bread.
seafood sausage?
I got a package of frozen seafood sausage at Trader Joe's. I'd welcome suggestions as to what to do with it beyond an accompaniment to pasta.
Thanks!
Best fried chicken in Connecticut?
i know this is an old post. but sadly the Chicken Joint closed in Plainville... it was great while it lasted. rumor is the building has an impossible landlord. Frascone's an Italian place is there now.
Best Wings In CT
Central Cafe in Plainville... wings are huge and they have 50 varieties. I like the parmesan garlic. Sliders are great too.
Uncle Bob's - Plainville, CT
We had breakfast this morning at a new place in Plainville - Uncle Bob's Ham & Eggers. I had a simple 2 egg scramble with bacon, but it was really very good. Home made red potato hash browns, tons of ed bacon and the kicker was the homemade bread for toast. I had rye, my husband and brother in law had wheat. They got omelets (with homemade toast) that were huge, and we saw both the breakfast sandwiches and an enormous waffle go by to other diners. The service was fast, waitresses were friendly, and the owner coming to check on us and chat was especially nice. In a town where many businesses are closing, I'm really hoping they do well... nice folks. I'm looking forward to going back for lunch.
Open 5 am to 2 pm.
leftover inspiration?
my husband came home with leftovers from a charity banquet. pounds and pounds of sliced, not so great tasting roast beef, and a huge container of mashed potatoes. we could eat a meal or two as is, but any ideas to use these freebies would be wonderful!
thanks very much.
Month of soups - what's your favorite?
My husband and I are planning a month of soups for dinner, to save money, time and we hope a bit around the waistline. Clearly, we'll need variety to not give up a week into this... what's your 'go to' soup recipe - even better if it's economical!
Seeking easy pumpkin soup recipe
I just made this last night... saute 2 onions and 4 cloves of garlic in olive oil. add 1-2 TBs of curry powder, and a tablespoon or so of cumin. Cook that for a minute... add 28 oz or so of chicken stock and some red pepper flakes (optional, to taste). Add one can of pumpkin - 14 oz or so and stir. Let it cook on simmer for 15 minutes, then immersion blend the whole thing. Add a splash of light cream and a big handful of parsley. It was really comforting warm spicy food.
The Cottage, Plainville CT
My husband and I had a great meal at The Cottage last night. Very friendly waitstaff and a huge menu selection. Five specials that weren't included on the evening's menu.
We had wasabi calamari that was plated on top of a fresh, crunchy salad of thinly sliced red pepper, string beans, cabbage and carrot. The appetizer was large and plentiful for $9. Honestly, was the first time I'd seen calamari without marinara on the side.
Our entrees were beautiful and delicious. Most were in the $18-27 range, with appetizers in the $7-10 range.
I had the vegetable crepes with goat cheese topped with grilled eggplant, fried green tomatoes and red pepper. There was a light and lovely balsamic and baby arugula salad on the side. My husband had the jambalaya special, with shrimp, and smoky andouille served around black beans and rice. He loved it, and we both took home large leftover portions. We were too full for one of the evening's 7 desserts, but one made to order option was a chocolate chip pecan iced cream sandwich with chocolate sauce and whipped cream. Oh man.
Not a place you have to dress up for, but also great for a birthday dinner... there was a party of 12 behind us who all got salads, and meals at the same moment. Impressive for a small place.
We'll definitely go back... they have a less expensive take out menu too... lobster rolls, sandwiches, etc.
Great food in Bristol, CT?
Yeah, I'm partial because I live here, but I'd say make the drive to Plainville for at least some fun food spots. Susu for Asian Fusion on New Britain Ave., J.Timothy's for hearty American fare. Sliders or The Chicken Joint for yummy and oh so not healthy wings. Scooters has burgers as big as your head, or so they claim. Pralines homemade ice cream - the cashew caramel makes me so happy. We've got a little Italian bakery called Mangiafico's for fresh canolli and almond Italian ice. Oh, and First and Last Tavern just opened - Italian, and pizza. I've not been to the Cottage yet, but I've heard it's great, and they have takeout!
Breakfast in New Haven?
Any recommendations for chowish breakfast in New Haven?
Thanks!
Hartford spot to see fireworks?
I'm wondering if anyone knows of a restaurant from which you can see the Hartford fireworks? Or any good fireworks viewing & eating spots in Connecticut?
New Thai Restaurant in Southington CT
we've gone there a few times, it's great. tiny place, so make a reservation if it's more than 3 or 4. my husband loves the mussaman curry, i like the crab fried rice with added shrimp. there's a salad with ground chicken that's spicy and oniony and really good. i've been with friends who enjoyed the thai iced coffee, but i can definitely say the canteloupe smoothie was fresh and ripe. great spot when it was 99 degrees in CT!
First & Last Taverne, CT
The First & Last just opened in Plainville, CT and it's been packed every night. (Same as Hartford and Avon owners) We're going this weekend, anyone have any recommendations. Stick with the pizza or branch out?
Thanks!
Breakfast in or near Plainville?
Also for future reference... Bantam Bakery on Whiting Street in Plainville. Not a diner, but they have egg sandwiches, a wide coffee and pastry selection and a lovely granola with yogurt breakfast. I recommend the rye toast with butter... wonderful!
Breakfast near Quincy Marriott?
We ate at Mannion's ... once we found it. The service was very good that day, wasn't too crowded, and we ate to our hearts content. Breakfast with brown bread and tea... is there a better way to start the day? Yum!
Breakfast near Quincy Marriott?
My husband and I are staying at the Boston Quincy Marriott and I'm wondering if there's a great breakfast place nearby. Nothing fancy necessary, we're diner folks, but would love something fun and interesting. We don't know Boston at all, we will have a car, but not much time to drive around before heading back to CT. Walking distance would be great, if possible.
Thanks!
Susu in Plainville, CT
Susu Asian Bistro just opened about two weeks ago on New Britain Ave. It's newly remodeled, lovely decor, and what I've eaten so far has been beautifully presented and delicious.
Indonesian and miso soups were very tasty, and the lamb with thai basil was tender and mmm... I'm thinking of it now and it's barely lunch time.
I'm a veggie only sushi person so I can't comment too broadly, but I do love a good avocado peanut roll. I've brought 2 large groups for dinner and everyone has been really happy with their meals.
Anyone else try it yet?
Should I go for grits, or polenta?
i think polenta is from corn and grits is from hominy. which isn't quite the same as corn. but from where i've derived this knowledge i'm not sure so, don't quote me on it's accuracy!
teen friendly in Hartford County?
my preteen neice and nephew are visiting this weekend... she's very picky, he's an aspiring foodie... any suggestions for interesting breakfast or lunch spots? somewhere interesting looking, maybe?
my penchant is diners, Mo's, etc... but i'm concerned they may not be as easy going about the waiting for a table as i am. i'm new-ish to the area -- thanks for any suggestions!
Anyone try "Abyssinian" in Hartford (ethiopian)?
My husband and I went there for New Year's Eve. It was our first time having this cuisine and the waiter was so gracious and kind helping us make choices and giving us tips on how to properly eat with the injera. We really enjoyed the meal, the lentils are amazing! I really liked too, the warm, simple decor, soft arabic background music.
(One warning though - unrelated to the restaurant -- parking there can be tough. Do not park in any private lot even if businesses are closed. We were one of several cars towed that evening.)
