Oliva

After the matinée performance by Lynn Redgrave in 'Nightingale' we drove up to Oliva in New Preston, CT. It was a long drive but worth it. The afternoon was sunny and cool and the traffic was light. We arrived a half hour early for our 5:30 reservation [and the restaurant opens at 5:30] but there are several nice shops just across the street.

The bread was very good as was the olive oil and the olives. The menu was quite varied but we had the May 24, 2007 Hartford Courant review with us and had decided on two of the main courses. We skipped any starters and that turned out to be a very good decision.

The surprise order entrée was the Eggplant in Bolognese Sauce. This was hearty but not the huge size of the other two orders. The two choices from the review were the Roast Chicken and the Morrocan Lamb Shank. The chicken is described as: 'rubbed with Morrocan spices, roasted and set atop a mélange of prunes, caramelized pear, pine nuts and pomegranate sauce.' The lamb shank was 'Flintstonian in girth and drenched in a luscious sauce of rosemary, prunes and almond.' Both were served with a mash of orange and white turnip. We also ordered two side vegetables: Fresh Spring Peas with Prosciutto and Garlic; and White Beans with chopped tomato in a garlic butter sauce.

Our wine was a bottle of Cote du Rhone Louis Jadeau Beaujolais for a mere $20. The wine has many, many good inexpensive bottles of wine.

bloginfo: Oliva is found at 18 East Shore Road [Route 45] in New Preston, CT
860.868.1787
Lunch on Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 2:30
Dinner on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 5:30 to 9:30 and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 10
Reservations strongly recommended
MasterCard and Visa only

blognotes: very nicely decorated room but tables a little close
outdoor dining under the canopy