Union Kitchen

Union Kitchen advertises American Comfort Fare and that's truth in advertising! Great menu with so many interesting choices. Started by splitting a Warm Spinach Salad which was wonderful. Good bread but a little cold so this needs to come to room temp to go with the good olive oil dip. Hard time with choosing an entrée as there were so many I wanted to eat that night. Decided on the Eight Hour Short Rib over 'Mac and Cheese' with spinach. Good choice! We split a dessert of Sticky Toffee Pudding to end this sumptuous meal. Will be back to pick something new. Table mate had the Lamb Ragout so that will be a real possibility.

Blognote: Great service [#12B ?]

Butchers and Bakers

After a great matinée of FADE at Theater Works Hartford, we went out to the new [to me] Butchers and Bakers restaurant. Glad we were there early as it filled up quite quickly. We decided to not sit on the patio as there were too many families and the tables were a bit close. They gave the four of us a nice booth with a view. Good bread with a super tomato spread on the table and then replenished!

Two of us had the ANGRY ORCHARD BRINED PORK CHOP with smoked sweet potato puree + cardamom sautéed Brussels sprouts [$22] which was very tasty and moist with the sweet potato puree winning on the veg list. The sprouts needed a touch more oven. The Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc [$8] was a little sweet for me but worked well with the food.

The Butcher's Board [$20] which the other two guests ordered is the meat cut of the day and accompaniments. Today's offering was a skirt steak with asparagus and fingerling potatoes with a kebab of shrimp and swordfish. Looked good and was enjoyed by the guests.

The Rockin Chicken

Tried something new tonight...not even on the menu yet: Leche de Tigre [tiger's milk...actually seviche on steroids] and so delicious!

March 13, 2017

Was here on Monday night for a YELP dinner with a room full of foodies. We had a great time and were able to sample lots of different food.

Then today took a friend there on a business lunch to discuss a new installation I want to present. Since it was his first time there, the chef prepared a sampler type of plate. It was, of course, delicious and they now have a new regular.

August 10, 2016

Second visit and this one really rocked at Rockin Chicken. My lunch partner is a vegetarian so I got to try some new items. We had the Causa [without either the tuna or chicken] [$8.49] which was the best play on mashed potatoes ever and with one or more of the delicious even better. Also had the Ocopa [$8.49] instead of the Papa Huancaína. This has a different sauce but just as delicious. We shared the two items but they were very artistically plated separately [nice touch]. There are several other vegetarian options: Papa Huancaína, Papas Fritas [the best] and Vegetable Fried Rice [Chaufa].

I had my favorite glass of Maricuya [$3] which I know as parcha. So fresh! For dessert we shared [her one bite and my big portion] a Crema Volteado [$3] which is the best combination of flans. Great service as usual!

7/16/2016

What I look for in a new neighborhood restaurant is quality food, good prices, friendly people and cleanliness. I found that today at Rockin Chicken in Hartford; a new Peruvian restaurant.

Passion Fruit drink [which I know as parcha was $3] as fresh as could be started my meal of Mostrito: a quarter rotisserie chicken with vegetable fried rice and french fries [9.99]. I asked for fried ripe plantain instead  of the fries but the chef wanted me to try the fries so there was no extra charge. I now see the reason why and it was because these are the best fries ever o f freshly cut potatoes. There are three different sauces and they are all good with varying degrees of 'calor'.

bloginfo: no website running yet but on FaceBook 

blognote: parking in front of restaurant or on street

SMOKE not just BBQ

Went to a very successful Taste of Art in the Park at Hartford Artspace Gallery and SMOKE had the best sliders yet. There were both roasted vegetable and pulled pork sliders. There was rad mac and cheese and collard greeens. There was cornbread with lots of butter. There was good food, good art and good fun. I love Hartford...

el POETA de los SANDWICHES*

Found out about this new little eatery while talking to the young lady pushing my stepmothers' wheel chair at BDL airport. She shared this info but hadn't been there and I told her I would beat her there even though it was her birthday. Anyway...as luck would have it, EL POETA DE LOS SANDWICHES is a gem. At the counter I was humming: 'I''m in heaven....' b'cause I thought I was back in Puerto Rico. They serve sandwiches and frappes and each is bigger than the other. One day when I give up on any dietary ideas I might have I will order a Parcha Frappe. But let's talk about today when I had the Bacon, Scrambled Egg and Cheese sandwich [$4.29] which is a toasty, delish creation also offering lettuce, tomato and pickle. Along with that a bag of sweet Plaintain chips [$1.25] and a big bottle of KOLA Champagne [$1.75] and I finished it all!

There is street parking on both sides of Park Street. They are open weekend nights until 4am!!! and you will see me there.

blognote: no website
bloginfo: *the Sandwich Poet

Criollisimo

Well I guess it has been a long time since my last visit but so glad I went back. Brenda recognized me!

Had nieto and nieta [politica] with me and did we enjoy. Each got something a bit different. Mine was, of course, the best: carne frita with white rice and beans. AND my favorite drink Kola Champagne. I will be back soon and this will become a regular lunch spot again.

November 6, 2009

I was having a 'rice and beans' attack so went to Criollisimo Restaurant in New Britain with a friend for lunch. Brenda, chef, was there so caught up on some NB Education Department bochinche [gossip].

We had Pernil [roast pork] with Arroz con Gandules [yellow rice with pigeon peas] and Costillas [ribs] with Arroz con Habichuelas [white rice and beans] with two slices of Avocado and split a bottle of water [$16].

Food is still as good as ever; plentiful and cheap. Lots of business even though we arrived after one o'clock and left after two; lot's of takeout.

North Carolina road trip food...

Took a quick four day road trip [I didn't do the driving] to see my grand daughter enter college. My son and I had a great time and ate lots of good food...

Sweet Tea

Sirloin Tips in Gravy, Mac n' Cheese, Hush Puppy and Slaw

Pulled Pork, Beans, Slaw, Hush Puppy, Fries and a Pickle

Blackened Chicken over a Salad

Famous Hotel Pancake Machine

Oriental Buffet

Chicken and Dumplings, Mashed Potatoes and Fried Okra

Panera Bread

Loaded with two gift cards, a $2 discount on a sandwich and being marooned in Enfield we had lunch here at Panera Bread Company. We both ordered the half Lobster Roll and a bowl of Corn Chowder [$16.99]. The chowder was very good and the lobster roll [cold] was huge with lots of large pieces of lobster meat, no extra filling and a little mayo. My gift cards have $1.38 left on them and I have an apple to eat later. She has a bag of chips and half of  the lobster roll to take home. So, all in all, we did very well; not gourmet but tasty and fresh [and filling!].

The Whey Station

After last night's great party in Hartford, I come home and then remembered that both the NoRA Cupcake and The Whey Station trucks were on Williams Street until 2am. Got back in the car and found them BUT had left my iPhone at home. So no picture of the trucks [NoRA review is added to an old one] but sandwich picture taken at home. Had to ride home with this great smelling sandwich next to me without biting into so I could get this picture. Hope you all appreciate the effort! 

The Gobbler from The Whey Station

The sandwich [$7] is chock full of turkey, brie and cranberry sauce. It was hot and very filling for that time of night. Not a long line but a constant flow of customers ordering at the window and waiting for the goodness.

Studio N111 and Rabbit Ear Media Opening Party

Great party tonight with loads of people, paella and wine. Found some kick-ass dip on the buffet and met the producer of this great local food. Chad Wallace has started a great source for party food.

bloginfo: Studio N111 and Rabbit Ear Media is located at 75 Pratt Street, Hartford
blognote: Check out What's the Occasion.

Pond House Grille

Where am I? Tango? Pond House Grille? Tango Creative Eatery? The Groupon says Tango so it better be where we are eating! Anyway they are accepting the Groupon so eat on.

Ate here in its two other lives: Bamboleo and Glas. Room is a bit more casual now with these minuscule tables which might be okay for wine and cheese but the plates are the size of home base and it's a bit crowded. Oops! The bread and butter plate just hit the floor and the ladies next to us were ready to dive under the table; OPHG [no it's not Occupy Pond House Grille!]. So let's enjoy my birthday and yes I am still taking invites for last September's celebration.

Marilyn [via Andy] watched over our meals!

Started with Cornbread and Honey Butter. I had the Cabernet Braised Lamb Shank which came with my favorite roasted caramelized root vegetables and then three giant fried onion rings [$24.12]. All very good but the chef must be on a salt-free diet and I am not so had to have a server search for the salt shaker. This and a glass of Shiraz [$7] made for a good meal. The lamb was very tender and a large portion. Lots of veggies, roasted but still a little crisp and the onion rings were just good onion rings. The other entrée was the Crab Cake over Indian rice and a side salad. Rice had a nice curry taste.

bloginfo: Used a Groupon and the fine print said no daily specials so we didn't get to know what they were having tonight.
blognote: Good service, attentive to the need for lots of water.

New Britain Diner

Another birthday lunch here at the New Britain Diner at 1130 Corbin Avenue. Real close to the NBMAA and that's where we were for the Provincetown Exhibit. I had the Greek Burger with feta cheese, lettuce and tomato on a nice sesame roll. Opted for coleslaw instead of fries to make believe I am on a diet. I had a choice of salad or soup and chose the delicious Chicken Orzo [with pasta and no orzo] filled with tender chicken and lots of veggies [$8.95].

My hostess had the Crabmeat 'stuffed' Sole with a [not so] green salad, sweet potato and corn. Lots of food for a good price [$8.95].

blognote: We skipped dessert but I came home with a homemade piece of pear pie for supper.

El Morro Restaurant in Santiago

John Harvard's Brew House

Four of us, hungry people, descended on John Harvard's Brew House in Manchester this afternoon. They did a good job of filling us up. Not crowded as I would expect on a Sunday afternoon but we got a booth right away.

We ordered: Cheeseburger with fries [$8.29], my BBQ Burger with smoked tomato mayo, smoked gouda, bacon, lettuce, tomato and pickle with good fries [$8.99], Buffalo Chicken Sandwich at just the right hotness with fries [$8.99] and Pulled Pork Sliders [$7.99] with kettle chips; three cute 'lil buns which I just might order next time.

Good solid food in a restaurant known primarily for plain cooking and good beer [we didn't indulge but the Cranberry Wheat beer sounded interesting].

Iguanas Ranas

Ate here at Iguanas Ranas after the live MET Opera production of Turandot. Doesn't make sense I know mixing Chinese/Italian with Mexican.

But we sure made the right choice. Both of us had a Torta. One was Carne Adobado and mine was a Milanesa. They both were huge and stuffed with the requisite lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, chipotle mayo, fresh cheese and refried beans. This on a great fresh hot torta roll. They cost $7.95 and can feed the Mexican National Guard or a hungry Wesleyan student! Mine was accompanied by a Tamarindo soda.

bloginfo: Iguanas Ranas website

j.gilbert's

Birthday Alert!!!
I got a birthday card from j.gilbert's with a 'get an entrée free' so had to go! Gave the card to my hosts and the three of us had a super meal [as usual for this place!].

Started with the famous Shrimp Cocktail which is the best ever. Had it the 'old way' where they rub the shrimp with olive oil and then salt/pepper it. Still on the bed of julienne peppers and tortilla strips and the same dip.

We then, all three of us, went a different way than the usual steak. One entrée was the Shortribs with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, the other the Chicken Marsala with Potato/Chive Gnocchi and my Lobster Ravioli.

The shortribs looked great and half a ton of them went home for lunch. They also serve a shredded shortribs with scallops; sounds interesting. The chicken marsala was not the usual way served but delicious tender chicken parts with a great marsala sauce. My lobster ravioli were filled with vegetables and cheese whereas the lobster was in chunks in a lobster cream sauce. Very delicious and I think I prefer it that way as the lobster was very evident and very tender.

One dessert [not mine] of the cannoli which is actually an Almond Tuile filled with chocolate and served with fresh fruit. I had the [dietetic] decaf Capuccino!

blognote: great service

Arugula

A very dignified after theater meal eaten here after a rather undignified but terrific performance of American Buffalo at Theater Works. Don't miss it!

There were five of us and we had a whole bunch of great food which included the Arugula Burger, two different Flatbreads and a Salad. Can't remember the names of anything [helpful aren't I?] but tasted duck confit, chorizo, bleu cheese, portobello mushroom, anise, Italian sausage, frites, sweet potato fries. All this with a great bottle of red wine and a glass of white [non-conformist] came to $140 with a nice tip.

This is a great place, beautiful room, excellent service, terrific food and open on Sunday from five o'clock on. Try it for me and I will try it again and pay attention to the names of things.

bloginfo: Arugula is located 952 Farmington Avenue [across the street from one of the ubiquitous Max restaurants]. Telephone 561.4888

Abbott's Lobster in the Rough

We had to have our summer lobster fix so what better place to go then Abbott's Lobster in the Rough in Noank where they specialize in it!

So I had the famous hot lobster roll [$13.95] which looks puny until you look  inside at all the big pieces of lobster sitting on the butter soaked toasted roll.  Plus I got the special of six oysters [$11.50] three from CT and three from RI but couldn't figure out which was which but liked one three better than the other three (that's really relevant info, right). Anyway, they were not the largest oysters I have ever eaten but fresh and sweet.

Everyone else had the hot lobster rolls too. Two had salad and the other had the steamers. The order of steamers was a very good size. 

bloginfo: menu and website here

blognote: we were reminiscing as to the best oysters we had ever eaten; his were in New Orleans and mine in Brittany

Nutshell Café [@the bar]

Second week of the ACC Tour found me at the Nutshell Café on White Street. Not too near my teaching site on Alden Street but worth the drive in the rain. I have been hearing good things about this place; the chef had been at the Bull Pen Cafe but she is here now.

I opted for a lunch special of a half-grinder of Chouriça for $7.95. This was pure and simple good food. The bread was a Portuguese roll and it was filled with grilled onions, peppers and some great chouriço [actually a good portion of it]. This was served with an order of 'home-made chip fries.' Yes! Portuguese cuisine sure has its bread and its potatoes down to perfection.

Will definitely go back for the Bitoque.

bloginfo: no website

Nutshell Café is located at 229 White Street, Hartford, CT 860.956.2836

blognote: ACC Tour is the after class cuisine tour and will continue for 6 more weeks

Perk on Main [revisited]

Charming and delicious; both words describe Perk on Main in Durham, CT on Main Street [where else with a name like that].

Today's visit wasn't so successful. We both ordered the Cashew Curry Chicken Salad Wrap [$6.95] which was according to the menu: 'Our Crunchy Sweet All White Meat Chicken Salad with Lettuce & Tomato in a Sundried Tomato Wrap' [and cashews!]. The chicken salad was a little bland [even with the curry] but very fresh tasting; the wrap was a bit dry. The iced tea [unsweetened] was excellent. We sat out on the balcony and while it was a bit windy it was 'springtime outdoors.'

4/2/2009
I have been trying to get here for a while and have heard lots of good things about this crêpe eatery. Well everyone was correct; the food is great.

We ordered two crêpes from the Lunch/Dinner menu: the 'Popeye' with Chicken, Spinach, Garlic, Onions and Cheddar [$6.95] and the 'Provence D'Lite' with Spinach, Tomato, Mushrooms and Brie [$6.50].
Both were excellent and then we got a double order of 'Simple Jen' with butter and Cinnamon sugar [$5.50]. That was simple and sweet and yummy [great word for a review].Two coffees [$1.41 small and $1.70 medium] and Poland Spring water [free] added to the meal.

bloginfo: look at their website
blognote: everyone is very friendly and helpful; the menu has so many choices that you might need some help to figure out what to order [or go back again and again]