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.

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.

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.

WAYBACK BURGERS

Just had to have some meat today...a bacon cheeseburger...so went to an old favorite. WAYBACK BURGERS in Rocky Hill is my old standby. The time was between lunch and dinner so just a few there for take-out. I sat at a newly sanitized table in the air conditioning [umbrella'd tables were available outside but the sun was beating down. I had a freshly grilled double bacon cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato and had some chopped onions added to the mix with a little mustard. The roll was fresh the meat was tender and juicy and the whole thing just hit the mark. The added order of half french fries and half onion rings was perfect. I also had the Summertime Lemonade with a strawberry hibiscus infused ice cube so left very happy. Don't do this very often but when tempted this is the place to go.

La Piastra

I just had La Piastra's Buffalo Chicken Risotto Cakes [from  my freezer] and it is not on this month's menu! I need to buy at least a dozen to keep on hand. The outside is crunchy and the gooey yummy inside is so delicious with just the right bite. It was served on a bed of arugula with goat cheese and crushed walnuts. I used the dipping sauce as a dressing on the salad. This is truly gourmet to go and a masterpiece!

bloginfo: I use the Rocky Hill location but there is one in Glastonbury also.

Wang Palace

Visited Wang Palace in their new location in Rocky Hill today for lunch. I have eaten at their Glastonbury restaurant many times but they have fully relocated...and a good one for me.

Extensive and well-priced lunch menu. I had one of the two weekly luncheon specials and it was excellent. Started with the Hot Sour Soup which is one of my favorites and this version was clearer in broth and fresher tasting than most. The spicy Singapore Noodles were also excellent with a high spiciness level but to my liking. The noodles enveloped the curry and the added proteins of shrimp, beef and chicken were all very tasty. Will definitely go back for lunch again!

The new restaurant is quite spacious and with its two sections of dining plus the bar it will surely be the place to go. The whole place was spotless and the decor is quite nice.

BRIZO [reported closed]

Brizo is a relatively new restaurant in Rocky Hill and has recently started serving lunch. The room has a definite nautical look in crisp blue and white with light wood tables. We went there on a Tuesday night early but too late for Happy Hour. Chose from the Small Plates section of the menu and had a very nice early dinner.

Started with a glass of Provençal Rosé to complement the Baby Iceberg Salad. They use Arethusa Farms Bleu Cheese and serve with a Buttermilk Bleu Cheese dressing. It was excellent and since there were two little heads of lettuce, one came home for lunch the following day.

Then onto the Meats and Cheeses, a familiar charcuterie, with a nice selection arranged beautifully and enough for two. We finished this one.

I loved the Roasted Oysters, four to a serving, coated with breadcrumbs and sitting in a pond of Arugula Butter and some Bacon. My dining partner wanted a more 'oystery' taste to the dish so I got to eat three.



Desserts, though not made in the restaurant, were quite enticing. She chose the Chocolate Raspberry Bomb. This looked elegant and delicious but I didn't get a bite [probably my payback for the extra oyster!].

blognote: It is reported that this restaurant has closed [10/19]

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.

BHOG Multi-Cuisine Indian Restaurant

YELP event held here. The variety was amazing as was the presentation. Appetizers outdid the main entrées.The desserts were a little forced.