I'm not a fan of chains either but Capital Grille does a great job.

In Stamford there is Napa & Co, Capital Grille (great service!). A little further out Elm in New Canaan (best food in the area).

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I'm down for a few days and am planning on a few meals out. Local or chain recs would be welcome.

I'm visiting my mom this weekend in Plantation. Anything worthwhile near by?

I've heard really good reports about Ridgefield Prime and Craft Butchery in Westport but haven't tried either yet. I've bought from The Tuscan in New Canaan and it was very good. If you want to try truly amazing steaks but they are VERY EXPENSIVE try Flannery steaks. They are by far the best I've ever had. Better then you get from a restaurant!

http://www.bryansfinefoods.com

I also ate there last night and had the smoked dome dish. While it might seem like a gimmick, it was one of the highlights of the meal. I also had the clam bake a few months back and it was fantastic as well.

I've commuted from Grand Central for years but have never tried the bar at the Campbell Apartment. I'm finally going tomorrow for drinks before dinner. Any special suggestions for drinks?

I wouldn't call it a step down. It's still amazing. But I do feel the there is a significant difference between the 4 course and the tasting menu. I'm going on Saturday. If you enjoy wine, get the beverage pairing.

First don't be concerned. You'll have a great time. The 4 course is still avaiable till the end of the month. I can't give you any recommendations from the grid. I always get the tasting menu.

Nice resume on the new chef. Unfortunately I think Napa is way overpriced for what it is. Its pricing really needs to come down significantly. $30 & $40 entrees! that's more expensive then a lot of NYC restaurants. And lets not forget it's in the lobby of a hotel. Also I was very insulted by her (Napa & Co's) last email announcing the new chef. This is how she ended the email:

Please take a moment when you have dined with us to share your experience with the following sites because your referral is truly our greatest compliment. Be kind! I know we all love to read scandalous material but at the end of the day--this is our lives and the 34 people that work here.
Yelp
CTBites
Chowhound
Urbanspoon
Zagat
TripAdvisor

So she wants us to go to all the food websites and write reviews and guilt us into writing only positive experiences? I think she need to focus more on her restaurant then the food blogs. If she improves the customer experience the review will reflect that.

If you do wine pairings, make sure to let the Sommelier know your likes and dislikes. New World. Old world, High acid, etc. Unfortunately my last pairings were not great. If your adventurous you can mix up the pairings. Wine, beer cocktail or what ever the sommelier thinks best. Enjoy!

I think it's a extra $100 pp. it's in addition to the tasting menu. If you really want the duck and your doing the tasting menu, I'm pretty sure you can substitute it for one of your main courses at no cost. I didn't know this the last time we ate there. I would have paid the extra money and added the duck. I think it's actually 2 courses. I'm going back in a few weeks and might do that.

If you order the tasting menu you can also supplement that with ordering from the grid if there is something you really want to try. It can get expensive. I think they charge an extra $100 if you want the duck included in the tasting menu.

I can't believe I started this thread a little over a year ago and it is still relevant! I keep hoping for something great but wind up disappointed. I had high hopes for Elm restaurant in New Canaan. The food was very good but the room noise was out of control. I'm not exaggerating when I say I had to YELL at the waiter so he could hear my order. I had a sore throat from yelling all night when I got home. I'm still waiting for something great to open in the area.

I'm really looking forward to the open of this restaurant later this month. I'm really hoping this be comes something special.

I completely agree with your review. In general this is what I've been saying about CT restaurants overall. Also, spacing is too tight.

I haven't tried it yet but I've heard good things about Osetra. I just booked there for Valentines day.

Rebecca's is way overpriced and not worth the money! Snooty service as well.

Ii was wondering if anyone had tried either of these yet. I've been really looking forward to the butcher shop in particular.

I'm going for the first time this weekend. Any must haves?

I was very surprised about this. They lead you to believe it's prime. These days you have to read very carefully. I enjoy Capital Grille, but they also use aged choice for their streaks.

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Capital Grille
230 Tresser Boulevard, Stamford, CT 06901

Thanks for the responses. I didn't know I had so many choices. Whole Foods carries choice not prime. I was surprised. I'm looking forward to the new butcher shop in New Canaan.

Wow, they sell prime!

Anyone eaten at Luc's Or Southwest Cafe in Ridgefield Lately? Going to one of these this weekend.

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Luc's Cafe & Restaurant
3 Big Shop Ln, Ridgefield, CT 06877

Anyone know a butcher who sells prime dry aged beef near Stamford?

Looking for something nice but casual. Was thinking of Luc's or Southwest Cafe. Haven't been to either in years. How are they? Any other suggestions?

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Luc's Cafe & Restaurant
3 Big Shop Ln, Ridgefield, CT 06877

Going to give Bar Rosso a try this weekend. I'm going to try Gabriele's of Greenwich but their pricing is crazy. $62 for a Ribeye? That's just ridiculous!

For a great dinner try http://www.ontwenty.com/.

I had a great meal last night at Capital Grille. The service was outstanding and the food excellent!

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Capital Grille
230 Tresser Boulevard, Stamford, CT 06901

I love Keens. Great food and atmosphere. Also, they are very wine friendly. I've held many wine dinners there. Only $20 corkage!