BERTUCCI'S

 Took advantage of the 1980’s Anniversary Menu. This is all that’s left over from the 1980 priced menu ($3.25 Insalata, $5.25 Cheese Pizza, $2.25 Cannoli). Tonight is the last night!

VAUGHAN'S PUBLIC HOUSE

Oh how many years has it been...but the place looks the same as then. Too hot to eat outside at Vaughan's Public House today so found a little niche for two inside. She had the Shepherd's Pie [beef not lamb] and declared it luscious. The Brown Bread detail was only a taste tempter. I had the Cod and Chips which were a little too fried but hot, crunchy and delicious with a huge side of Onion Rings with a honey mustard dip. Yummy! The Bloody Mary was strong and started off the meal on a bang. Need to go back and have the Lamb Stew which I should have ordered but didn't so just the right excuse to return. Good service and a nice crowd, reminds me of my time back HOME.

Lenny and Joe's Fish Tale

 My scale is writing this review note me! Took some family and a friend to lunch here at Fish Tale. Friday noon but the place was deserted! They now have table service which is nice because you don't have to stand in a crowd and wait for your order.

We started with an order of Calamari and Fried Pickles as appetizers. The calamari was good but not enough tentacles for me and the fried pickles are definitely an acquired taste. One Scallop dinner that looked good and plenty, one cod dinner with two slabs of fish that looked fine and two orders of Fried Oysters [one of which mine] were very good and fresh. The oysters were not inundated with a coating so the full oyster taste was evident BUT there was a large piece of shell in mine. Another reviewer felt it was expensive but the cost of seafood now is very high. The service was excellent so the change to table service was a pleasure.

Max a Mia

 Couldn't get a table on the patio here at Max a Mia but got a great booth inside. We had the best server, Sherry, and she made the night a lot of fun with great food. To start, their bread basket was excellent with a happy dipping sauce [but I used the oil, salt and pepper]. There were four of us and we had just been to TWH for a great matinée so were starved! My special of the night, Brisket with Gnocchi was cooked to perfection and my dining partner had the Pomodoro Stone Pie which she thoroughly enjoyed [as did I with my stolen piece]. The Pork Chop and the Gamberi on the other side of the people looked very good but too far to snatch a taste. Her dessert was a special surprise of Strawberry and Rhubarb Crumble but my Afogato was the perfect ending to a perfect meal. They were packed but table was ready right on time and the service as mentioned before was the best. Also, kudos to the Chef.

Sorella

 and then we went to eat in a real restaurant after seeing a real play...What a day this was. We hadn't been back to Sorella for so long and found it again after seeing a great production of 'Lost in Yonkers' at Hartford Stage. Started to walk to Pratt Street to see what was open and walked into Sorella and greeted by the convivial hostess. After finding a table out of a draft we proceeded to order the Figgy Piggy Pizza for an appetizer [we were hungry] and found it amazingly fresh and delicious, the fresh baby figs lightening up the tangy prosciutto. The pour of Vermentino was super. The entrée was a Veal Saltimbocca over Rotini which is now in my refrigerator waiting to be served tomorrow as the pizza really filled us up but not so much as to avoid dessert. The Warm Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Curd and a good cup of coffee ended up this memorable meal!

 

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...

Saybrook Fish House

Hosted a luncheon party for a neighbor's 102nd birthday here at Saybrook Fish House. She truly enjoyed her meal as did I. It has been a  year or two since I have eaten here and most things have not changed. The Early Bird menu was available on Sunday, much to my surprise. The birthday guest had the Salmon with a seafood stuffing. The portion was a good size and she said it tasted great. The amount of wild rice was a bit much for her but she loved the fresh vegetables served family style. I had my old favorite the Petite Bouillabaisse with a lobster claw, mussels, shrimp, fish and bay scallops. It was a little too much involved with fennel, however. They still offer the bread service, the salad with the two dressings and the fruit bowl for dessert. There was a nice gift of ice cream, sauce and whipped cream with a candle for her at the end of the mea.. We had been requested not to sing...good thing! The whipped cream ended up in our nicely brewed coffees. Our server was excellent and made the meal a very nice experience for the birthday celebrant! 

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.

FOWL PLAY

 Was looking for something small and quick to eat while shepherding my group of seniors on our month Tour Hartford trip. So I picked the sliders/solo at Fowl Play in Parkville Market. What a big surprise from a little bite. These were delicious; the best, sweetest and juiciest chicken breast pieces ever. I picked 3/medium for the spiciness level but could have gone with the 2/mild. These two super treats came with creamy slaw, fresh pickles and comeback sauce. AND comeback I will!

blognote: Love this place for all its variety and just super food...

Jersey Mike's Subs

 Split a Roast Beef and Provolone sub here at Jersey Mikes in Glastonbury today to be involved with their Special Olympics fundraiser. 100% of all sales to be donated! The place was mobbed and the local police were directing traffic inside to help with the crowd. The service was amazing and the food is good and the funding is special.

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!  

The Blue Lobster

 The Blue Lobster saved me from culinary disaster tonight...great front of the house. I got lost in picking up a pizza at a new place [to be reviewed tomorrow]. So I didn't have any prepared food to take home and I was being waited for. I stopped at the first place I saw and it was the Blue Lobster. I have eaten here many times before and the food is good. Without waiting for a long time I was able to get two orders of Fish and Chips but didn't really want the chips part. Anyway it turns out that I loved the chips but the fish wasn't as crispy as I wanted but it was the travel and not the kitchen. We all got fed and enjoyed our late dinners. Hopefully I can learn how to read a map and/or figure out the GPS but sometimes mistakes turn out to be godsends.

Kob Jai Thai

 We ate practically alone in this glorious restaurant...the colors of Thai culture here in the Kob Jai Thai restaurant surrounding us. I needed the solace of vibrant food on this eve of a saddening event in my life several years ago. The flavors of the food and the friendly service helped me concentrate on all that is still good in my life. The egg rolls were crispy and hot, the chicken wings were fresh and tasty but my entrée helped bring back sweet memories of Bangkok. I ordered something new: Garlic Pepper with Crispy Chicken. The plating was superb and the new taste was enlivening. A contrast of sweet and peppery floated over the Jasmine rice while the crunchy chicken made this dish alive. My day was now complete and I will live through tomorrow with these tastes still in my mouth.

Shish Kebab House of Afghanistan

 The best take-out ever on a cold wintry night. Called in to the Shish Kebab House and everything was ready in 15 minutes. Had my favorite Kabuli Palow with lamb, rice pilaf, carrots and eggplant for my vegetable choice. The brown rice with almonds and raisins was delicious as always. The sautéed lamb was tender and spiced perfectly. The eggplant is the choice I like the best [my dining partner had the same meal with pumpkin] with its smoky flavor and smooth saucing. What a great meal to end the week!

YELP Elite Check-in at Twisted Italian

 Twisted Italian and YELP now that's a marriage made in culinary heaven. What a glorious offering today at the Elite YELP Check-in. The Garlic Knots are some of my favorite offerings at Parkville Market. The depth of flavor is such a little bundle of goodness and the dipping sauce can be enjoyed alone...but who would do that. The traditional Ham and Cheese Grinder takes another step toward yummy fame. I can never figure out what I want to order but today the decision was made for me. Can't believe it but I will keep coming back [and back]!

blognote: one of 20 vendors

Bulla Gastrobar

Needs another star!

The restaurant had booked three large parties and was booming but that did not hinder service even though a tapas meal could be considered easier to serve. My guests had been with me in Barcelona a few years back and this was like a reunion but much closer!

Started with marinated Olives, Pimientos de Padron [shishitos] and Chorizo stuffed Dates while we perused the menu with a bottle of Raimat Albariño. Perfection so far. Next was the Pan con Tomate with Jamon Iberico and Manchego cheese. Added to that service was Fried Artichokes [the best ever], Curry Shrimp and Garlic Shrimp [related but so deliciously different] and the Lentil Soup. 

Finished with Torrija and Natillas for dessert. I had the Bombon coffee which was like another dessert. Then, of course, to finish it all of a Lustau Vermut!

This restaurant needs to come to Hartford. The Manager was evident of the floor the entire meal and she was definitely in charge of a popular gem of a restaurant.

blognote: Jacob was a great server and cool, calm and collected

Reyes Mezcalería

After walking around Lake Eola to see the Christmas decorations and visit the food and craft fair, we strolled over to Reyes Mezcaleria for brunch. They were closing the kitchen to set up for a large private party. They let us in to order by 2:55 and all was well after that...

What a treat that was. Service was great and the food excellent. I had my first Michelada with Tecate beer. I am now a convert to that drink. I, of course, mispronounced it with a French accent but nevertheless that was overlooked by our great server. Two of us had the Steak Chilaquiles with the best piece of steak cooked perfectly medium rare. The chilaquiles were super hot but the queso fresco and crema cooled them down. The egg of top was the crowning glory. The other order of Chicken Mollete was deemed excellent also.

aVERT BRASSERIE

Couldn't afford to fly to Paris for the weekend, so had lunch at a'VERT Brasserie today. Four of us in a booth in the back, just the right atmosphere. The food was very good but we all ordered a lot alike. A Croque Monsieur and a Croque Madame both with those delicious frites. A Salade Niçoise and an app of Escargots looked good but my special of the day was the best. It was a Short Rib Dip...sumptuous short rib perfectly cooked over French bread covered with cheese and overflowing with sautéed mushrooms. I had a glass of Pinot Noir which complemented the dish, yum. For desserts there were two Creme Brulée and two Salted Caramel Sundaes with Caramel Sauce and Espresso sprinkles. So rich, so right, so me! A French press completed this course and we all left so satisfied and walked LaSalle Road in joy on this sunny day.

The SPICY GREEN BEAN DELI

 Looking for a light lunch...not! We had the perfect chilly day filling lunch. We both had the Deviled Egg Salad, Bacon, Cheddar Cheese on Sourdough sandwich. This was the special of the day and was it special! It was also huge and could have been lunch for two. The egg salad was superbly seasoned and the bacon and cheddar added just the right touch. Did I say the bread was buttered and toasted perfectly...yes it was. We left happy but not happily as my sister was leaving to go back home to Orlando. She will be back and we will eat once again at the Spicy Green Bean.

MAX FISH

 Another great meal at Max Fish! Hosted a small birthday luncheon which turned out so well. The Lunch Menu is so varied there is something for everyone.

The birthday boy chose the Blackened Fish Tacos and took one home as they were huge. Filled with Napa slaw, cilantro, lime, guacamole, pico de gallo, mango-habanero, saffron rice, garbanzo beans; the presentation was outstanding and was told it was delicious. Another guest who has a very narrow food choice had the Fish and Chips and deemed it the best she had ever eaten. The freshness of the fish and the delicate batter made for an excellent choice for her. Grilled Hidden Fjord Salmon came out medium as ordered and sat on an array of Fall vegetable rice & grain pilaf, coconut-squash puree, apple salad and a sprinkle of pepitas. Also pronounced super! North Atlantic Haddock a la Plancha sounded wonderful but there was also a special of Mahi-Mahi. So I asked to substitute the Mahi-Mahi for the Haddock and!!! The plate came with a beautiful piece of fish over cheddar cheese grits, sautéed Swiss chard, roasted tomatoes, shrimp gravy, blackened shrimp & Tasso ham. It wasn't my birthday but I won that one. An iced tea, a glass of Pinot Grigio and two Bloody Mary with Tito's [one each] filled out our drink order. Desserts were the wonderful Key Lime Tarts and my scoop of Mango Sorbet.

The place was packed on a Monday lunch and service was a bit slow but we had all afternoon to enjoy. Our server did a great job while handling lots of work. Kudos to her.