Square Peg Pizzeria

 What a gathering...only wore my flower and Denim and Flower jacket but so many in formal attire that it was a special evening. Met some great people here at Square Peg Pizzeria and that's what YELP Hartford is all about. The food and drink offerings were so special especially the Bacon and Pesto Pizza. Wow! Great wings and that drink had me in a great mood. The service was so friendly and our table of three was supper. You never have to worry about showing up single at one of these events as you end up meeting some special people. What a great spot for pizza and wings, 'I shall return' as the old saying goes...

OC Kitchen

 Haven't been here at OC Kitchen Bar in so long decided to give it a try. Sunday early evening just one other couple here. Started by splitting a Beet Salad which turned out well but needed a sprinkle of olive oil and some salt to moist it up a bit. The olive oil on the table was good but the bread was better. Need salt and pepper on the table. My dining partner had a special of night: Shortribs over mashed potatoes and carrots. The piece of meat was huge and cooked properly proved by falling off the bone. It was declared very good. My Tagliatelle Bolognese was good and filling. The Pinot Noir was a good pour. Homemade Tiramisu was def homemade and huge. Good service. Will go back for Happy Hour.

Shell and Bones Oyster Bar and Grill

A table for two on the deck overlooking the harbor here at Shell and Bones, what could be nicer? Having lunch here evidently! We hadn't been back to this gem for a while but were welcomed back with good service [Taylor] and delicious food. We both opted for a Mojito which was amazingly fresh with a boatload of lime. Great bread and real butter. A shared Pear Salad was a highlight of the day...Watercress, Shaved Fennel, Candied Walnuts, Pomegranate, Lemon Poppy Seed Vinaigrette. For our entrées we both had the AWESOME Baja Style Fish Tacos...Green Cabbage, Tomatillo, Crema, Pico de Gallo, Baja Sauce, Organic Corn Tortillas. The only let down was the shared dessert of Ricotta Doughnuts with Mexican Chocolate and Créme Fraíche. They were slightly overdone so their pillowy centers were a little bit hard. Finished them though!  

Hillstone

 Were going to dinner here at Hillstone/Houston's but decided to go to Bulla Gastrobar instead. We stopped here first, however, to have a drink and watch the sunset. Restaurant was very noisy but the grounds open up at 5pm for outside service. I had my Campari and soda which was about the color of the setting sun. We sat in some wooden Adirondack-style chairs which were not very comfortable at a wooden table a bit far from your seat. Aside from getting used to the seating, the sunset was very nice over the water. It got quite dark quickly but the pin spots above  the table lit up the space quite well. The Spinach Artichoke dip was a good choice but getting more chips [or the check] was a bit difficult as the servers had a lot of paths and darkness to cope with. Then we left the car in their parking lot while we crossed the avenue to eat dinner.

Carbone's Prime

 Took my neighbor out to dinner at Carbone's Prime on Tuesday night to try to pay her back for the care she showed during my ongoing dealing with a fractured humerus. I chose Tuesday night because of their Prime Rib Special prix fixe dinner. She was enthralled with the dinner of a Caesar Salad, Prime Rib [one of her favorites], mashed Yukon Gold potatoes and roasted Brussel Sprouts. We shared a bottle of sparkling Perrier due to my daily doses of pain meds. It turned out that she was awarded the last prime rib cut of the night [be warned it goes quickly and rightly so]. This turned out well since I would not have been able to cut the meat with my 'useless' right hand/arm. I ordered the Bolognese over Gnocchi and it was wonderful. An extra side of Broccolini was fresh and added some more flavor to the dish. The Focacio with a toasted garlic sprinkle was all mine with its whipped butter in olive oil. The portion was very large and the leftovers sit well at home for later. Her prime rib got the same attention with another meal at the ready.

The real surprise was the included dessert labeled Cannoli Napoleon that turned out to be a real hit. It was actually a deconstructed cannoli of the highest degree. Layers of 'cookies' from cannoli dough sandwiched with the best almond cream filling. What a great way to end the meal.

The Federal Restaurant

Like a stately dowager with fresh makeup ready to entertain you at dinner, the Federal stands solidly in Agawam awaiting your presence at dinner. Our waiter introduced himself and continued to give up a high level of service. The specials of the evening all seemed great choices along with the menu described on line. The bread is very good with excellent olive oil and our order of drinks arrived to start, we thought, a wonderful meal. The Red Endive Salad [$12.95] disappointed in its size [we planned to split it] and composition with the high point being the roasted walnuts. The entrées ordered were the togarasi roasted moulard Duck Breast [$31.95] and a special of Pork Shank [$29.95]. The duck was overcooked for me [and under for my dining partner] but either preparation had not been offered as a choice. The duck bacon as tempura was just a bad combo and dry as the rest of the plate tended to be. The pork shank was definitely the better of the two entrées and left a sizeable amount of meat to traverse home for a delicious sandwich in today’s lunch. The Toffee Pudding special dessert was excellent and we fought over that last spoonful of goodness. We opted out on the complimentary Cotton Candy. If we were to return it would be to eat in the bar and order several of the appetizer specials which sounded super.

Toffee Pudding

Duck Breast

Pork Shank

Memorable Evening...Memorable Wine

Stopped in at Firebox to have some apps and wine after an interesting evening at Real Art Ways holding its Christmas Artisan Market. Had a memorable fest at the bar with a dozen Atlantic Oysters [shared with my dining partner], Octopus [fennel, chorizo, white bean, chili flake, grilled baguette] and Brussels Sprouts [tamari, soy caramel, chili oil, toasted almond]. Everything was delicious but the Sparkling Rosé was so memorable! The waitstaff in the bar is very good which makes it the perfect place to just stop in and enjoy.

blog info: this is a stock image of the sparkling rosé so it might not be exact but it is the correct house

Max A Mia

Stopped for lunch here today. Guess I  can't get enough of this place. Was in the neighborhood so took advantage. White Bolognese over pappardelle with veal ragu and pesto was my choice and it was delicious. Rich enough that I didn't eat all of it so have the rest for lunch tomorrow [with an egg on it].

November 15, 2019
Happy Hour at Max A Mia is really a very happy hour! Their drinks and bar bites are outstanding. Tonight I had both a glass of White Bordeaux and Pinot Grigio [$6 each]; changed because the Bordeaux was a little too dry for me. The food was remarkable: FLATBREAD Fresh Figs, Prosciutto di Parma, Herb Oil, Gorgonzola, Parmesan, Mozzarella, SHRIMP SCAMPI Slow Roasted Tomatoes, Capers, Lemon White Wine Sauce, Capellini, MARINATED BEEF TENDERLOIN Pickled Shallots, Gorgonzola Aioli, Arugula, Balsamic Reduction  All only $5 each. Service is great and the crowd is very friendly.

Park and Oak

Another great meal at Park and Oak but why do I keep ordering the same thing. It's because the Chicken and Waffles just do the  thing for me. From the four huge pieces of perfectly fried boneless chicken, the great bourbon maple syrup, the sweet coleslaw and the crispy waffles are all delicious each in its own singular way.

Prospect Café

Had a nice dinner with a friend this evening at the Prospect Café after a gallery opening. The specials looked good but wanted something a little lighter. After two weeks in Paris I needed to slow down. The Black and Bleu Salad with the Diver Scallops surely fit the bill. The presentation was very nice and did showcase the blackberries and the blackberry vinaigrette. The [5] scallops were done perfectly with a bit of crust and tender inside. The addition of the candied pecans also helped immensely as did the 'tender' pour of a Sauvignon Blanc.

blognote: There always seems to be available parking in the lot adjacent to the restaurant...a necessity for me.

FIREBOX

Another great meal at the Firebox Restaurant where you can alway get a marvelous meal! Started with a bourbon inspired Firebox Fever cocktail and then enjoyed two pours of a Rosé wine not on the menu. The dozen Blue Point oysters we shared were meaty, succulent, briny and fresh. Their take on the Mignonette sauce is great. Bread was a disappointment and nearly spoiled the enjoyment of a Farm Greens salad with its Citrus Vinaigrette. Our entrées were the same so the excellent Cast Iron Duck over cheese grits and roasted carrots and parsnips and chocolate dust was doubly relished. What a superior dish! We finished with dessert, mine an Affogato which I always enjoy. I was able to get it with decaf espresso not even undermining the flavor of the gelato.

V's Trattoria Chef Dinner

Was able to experience a Chef Dinner starring Rob Mafucci once again and share it with a group of enthusiastic diners! V's Trattoria is my 'go-to home away from home' restaurant.

Unfortunately this is the only photo from the dinner. I was too busy to document this evening because the food and wine were so good. It was definitely something I don't often do as my friends will attest. Sometimes you need to put away the camera and just eat. And I did!

We started with the above Antipasto with a sparkling Rosé and then went to the signature Pappardelle Bolognese with a delicious Shiraz. Both of these were so fitting together that there would be no divorce soon. A choice of Hanger Steak or Salmon came next. My medium rare Hanger Steak was adopted and came home with me. It was perfection and I wanted to savor it in private. I did do a good job on the Pinot Noir that accompanied it though. Dessert was a Chocolate Bread Pudding made even more sumptuous by it's visit to the pizza oven to create a crunch topping. The chocolate and caramel drizzles made this a perfect ending and the homemade Limoncello helped that along also. What a wonderful meal that our group of eleven is still talking about. Chef Rob Mafucci I salute you!

Prospect Café

Had a hankering for some seared scallops all day and they turn up on the menu at Prospect Café! So I ordered the Black/Blue Salad with Diver Scallops, bleu cheese, candied pecans, blackberries with a raspberry vinaigrette. Delicious!

A nice glass of Sauvignon Blanc, good service and a lovely dining partner made for a great evening.

Algarve Bar and Grill

Visited Algarve several years back and always remember the Steak Sandwich at the bar. So here we go again. Excellent Bifanas de Carne [this time didn't seem like ribeye] with caramelized onions on a toasted Portuguese roll and opted for the Portuguese chips. These were not as fresh as I remember but a great way to accompany this sandwich.

It must have been the 'mini thaw' that had everyone craving to eat out of the house so the place was crowded. There was only one waitstaff on and he did a great job of working the room.

Artisan at Hotel Delamar

Always looking for that bar with good food open late on Thursdays. Found it at the Delamar Hotel. Bar food is available until 10:30pm and we were just finishing up then. Ate inside because of the heat but next time will definitely try outside in the huge garden. Artisan is the place to be [and eat].

The two of us ordered a series of appetizers: Charcuterie with amazing Burrata and Paté, Lobster Ravioli with pesto and the Salade Niçoise. The salad was very good and the tuna was perfectly cooked rare. Most of the vegetables on the plate were from the garden on the terrace. Service was perfect. My pour of Cote de Provence Rosé seemed, however, one of the smallest around.

Polish National Home

Ate here again today on a secret mission. I was ready for the Kielbasa sandwich as it was a dreary day but there was a Corned Beef sandwich [$8.99] on the menu. This was calling my Irish name since I hadn't gotten any corned beef for the past St. Patrick's Day. This was delicious with cabbage and mustard in between the huge slices of succulent meat on rye bread and those dilled potatoes. I added the Hussar Ale that I do love. What a great place!

January 21, 2018

The movie was over and we were in the neighborhood so called and inquired if there was still dinner at the Polish National Home on Sunday afternoon. Yes, if you come right over. We did and loved it. Haven't been there for a while but what a delight.

Ordered the Polish Plate Deluxe Polish Plate Deluxe – kielbasa, pierogi, bigos, gołąbki, dill potatoes. Everything was fresh and the cheese and potato pierogi  were tender and creamy. What a feast! Plan to go back soon.

blognote: super easy parking and great service

Max Downtown

Had to go back to Max Downtown to see the redecoration [finally] and found it to be bright and clean. We started with Negronis; one up in a martini glass and mine on the rocks. They were mixed and poured together but one had a lot more drink than the other. Poor planning. My second drink came out just fine!

Opted for the Today's Crudo [$13.95] which featured Hawai'ian Marlin with togorashi, yuzu soy, radish and puffed rice. The puffed rice must have lost their puff because this ingredient was sparsely used. My drinking partner had the Tuna Tartare which was delightful.

Tisane Euro Asian Café

Second part of a working/eating day in Hartford ended up at Tisane where I do not spend enough time! My excuse is always that I can never find a place to park but there it was a space waiting just for me.

Nice pour of  Gato Negro Sauvignon Blanc [$6.75] and shared an Edamame app with hummus and goodies [$8.29]. Good convo and nice atmosphere which made me feel at home.

Will definitely be back and sit outside and watch the world go by!

blognote: Parking is limited in the lot but lots of street parking.

Little River Restoratives

After last night's 1984 movie at RAW we needed a drink and some sustenance. We stopped at Little River Restoratives which is a place I have been wanting to visit. There was a parking place right in front and that was my lucky omen as parking there is difficult.

Instead of tryings something new [next time] I had my usual Negroni [$9] and it turned out just fine. We also shared a charcuterie plate [$22] and chose two meats [chorizo and paté] and three cheeses [left that choice up to our mixologist] that complemented my drink.

bloginfo: found a link but it seems out of date

blognote: LRR is located in the space formerly used as La Paloma Sabanera

Sorella

Went to Sorella after the 'Cloud Nine' matinée production at Hartford Stage this afternoon. There was a 20% discount with a ticket. So here we were within walking distance and reservations.

I had a Ca' Montini Pinot Grigio [$10] and we shared the prosciutto di parma with butternut squash caponata, arugula, grana padana [$14]. Delicious.

The two entrées that we had had before were still our favorites: the rigatoni vitello  with chianti braised veal, veal glace, arrabiata, spinach [$22] and my rigatoni saltimbocca with ground veal, prosciutto di parma, sage, veal glace [$21]. Lots left over to take home. Both are still good and still our favorites.

For dessert we shared the Olive Oil Cake [$7] with a chocolate hazelnut smear. This was a truly great way to end the meal.