If your cruising thru some of the ghetto areas of New London, then you should stop at the Terrace Bakery on Jefferson Ave. Its a sort of off green building across from the produce place. To get there early enough you can buy some artisan breads while they are still warm, but they sell out quick.
They also do a variety of huge over stuffed grinders, I have yet to see a person finish a large in one meal. The sandwiches are good and they are on great fresh bread. Prices are low and you can't go hungry here.
Its in the ghetto and its cheap, the breads are great and grinders are tastey. 6/10 because I hate being in the ghetto.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Chipotle- Hunt Valley, MD
On the way back from a Florida my road trip took a mild detour thru the Carolinas and up the inland route. Just as I got hungry I saw a huge sign visible from the highway that said "Chipotle" in huge letters and I was sold. I got off the next exit and we navigated towards the sign. Turns out Chipotle is a chain of tree-hugger friendly tacos and burritos, that are made with organic ingredients that are locally sourced and meats from family run farms.
The interior is decorated in a modern industrial flair, with corrugated steel walls, exposed HVAC, lots of bare wood and stainless steel.
For a chain, the food is absolutely fantastic. The meats are seasoned perfectly the salsas and guacamole are made in the restaurant every day. And your plate is assembled while you watch to your specs. The prices are very reasonable and the seem to be popping up all over. I hit one located at 112 Shawan Road Hunt Valley, MD 21031but there are many more listed on the web.
I give them 7/10, not shabby for a chain.
Check them out www.chipotle.com
The interior is decorated in a modern industrial flair, with corrugated steel walls, exposed HVAC, lots of bare wood and stainless steel.
For a chain, the food is absolutely fantastic. The meats are seasoned perfectly the salsas and guacamole are made in the restaurant every day. And your plate is assembled while you watch to your specs. The prices are very reasonable and the seem to be popping up all over. I hit one located at 112 Shawan Road Hunt Valley, MD 21031but there are many more listed on the web.
I give them 7/10, not shabby for a chain.
Check them out www.chipotle.com
Clam's- Old Lyme, CT
Clam's opened in the building Vacated by infamous Silo at 100 Shore Road in Old Lyme.
The layout is very different as is the atmosphere, no longer is it the bar with Coke in the bathroom and standing urine on the floor, it is a clean and well designed restaurant, that's nicely decorated (and the bathrooms are completely renovated).
Plenty of parking and a bar with decent liquor make it a great place for a cocktail and some snacks. The dinner menu is standard fair for this area and reasonably priced. I was hoping they would be the new breakfast place in town, however that seems to be limited to weekends.
The food over a variety of visits has been largely inconsistent. When the food is good is great and on the off days, Id rather run over the bridge to Mac Donald's. The staff has always been very pleasant and its never crowded. Breakfast menu is a little steeply priced and the corn beef hash I'm positive came from can :(
Inconsistency hits them pretty hard as do the high breakfast prices, the best I can offer is 5/10
The layout is very different as is the atmosphere, no longer is it the bar with Coke in the bathroom and standing urine on the floor, it is a clean and well designed restaurant, that's nicely decorated (and the bathrooms are completely renovated).
Plenty of parking and a bar with decent liquor make it a great place for a cocktail and some snacks. The dinner menu is standard fair for this area and reasonably priced. I was hoping they would be the new breakfast place in town, however that seems to be limited to weekends.
The food over a variety of visits has been largely inconsistent. When the food is good is great and on the off days, Id rather run over the bridge to Mac Donald's. The staff has always been very pleasant and its never crowded. Breakfast menu is a little steeply priced and the corn beef hash I'm positive came from can :(
Inconsistency hits them pretty hard as do the high breakfast prices, the best I can offer is 5/10
Bobby's Place 2 Old Lyme, CT
Located next to the Old Arcade on Hartford Ave in Old Lyme is Bobby's Place 2. Bobby's is a great place for quick food on the go. It seems to be a favorite among the cops and EMS in Old Lyme, as you can always seem to find something with flashing lights in front of Bobby's.
I have surfed their menu a bit and haven't yet been disappointed. The menu is like a page of my fathers favorite foods. Mostly hot dogs, Italian Sausages, pulled pork sandwiches and chowder.
All were decent and worth the asking price. The owners daughter works frequently and is very personable and pleasant. Seating is limited to 6 bar stools outside the order window, but during peak bikini season it provides for what some of the guys call a great view. If you go be sure to get the Hot sausage with peppers and onions. Not gourmet, but neither is the price.
For cheap artery-clogging eats and bidding watching at its finest 6.5/10
I have surfed their menu a bit and haven't yet been disappointed. The menu is like a page of my fathers favorite foods. Mostly hot dogs, Italian Sausages, pulled pork sandwiches and chowder.
All were decent and worth the asking price. The owners daughter works frequently and is very personable and pleasant. Seating is limited to 6 bar stools outside the order window, but during peak bikini season it provides for what some of the guys call a great view. If you go be sure to get the Hot sausage with peppers and onions. Not gourmet, but neither is the price.
For cheap artery-clogging eats and bidding watching at its finest 6.5/10
Porky Pete's Essex, CT
Adjacent to a gas station and next to Cliff's Quality eats in the town of essex you will find Porky Pete's. A small BBQ joint. They have the standard BBQ fair, pulled pork and BBQ chicken and ribs.
With a variety of sides available Ala carte.
The food has a great smoke flavor and the well seasoned pork butts usually spend 14-16 hours in their smoker. The pulled pork is great, however you need to ask for sauce if you like it that way as it is served dry. After eating tons of different BBQ, I will say that theirs is good and some of the best in Connecticut, but still isn't North Carolina buy any stretch. I was not a fan of the corn bread, but I tend to like mine a little sweet. I have been to Pete's many times and feel their prices are on the high side of fair, but worth a try.
A Solid 7/10.
With a variety of sides available Ala carte.
The food has a great smoke flavor and the well seasoned pork butts usually spend 14-16 hours in their smoker. The pulled pork is great, however you need to ask for sauce if you like it that way as it is served dry. After eating tons of different BBQ, I will say that theirs is good and some of the best in Connecticut, but still isn't North Carolina buy any stretch. I was not a fan of the corn bread, but I tend to like mine a little sweet. I have been to Pete's many times and feel their prices are on the high side of fair, but worth a try.
A Solid 7/10.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Kitchen Little- Mystic, Connecticut
Kitchen Little lives up to its name. It is one of the smallest breakfast joints you can find, Quite literally the whole building can fit inside my parents garage. Their menu however is large and I have not had a bad meal there yet.
They offer reasonable prices and have some of the best breakfast food in the Groton area. Location wise its on 27 right next to the River and easily accessed from Exit 90. I recommend the Portuguese Fisherman, which is a spicy mix featuring chourico and linguica, with Onions, Eggs and Jalapeno Cheese served with a Portuguese english muffin (slightly sweeter then a standard one). Its a plate full for around 8 bucks, not the cheapest breakfast but I though it was worth it.
Their food is great and their rating takes a hit only due to the cramped quarters inside.
7/10
They offer reasonable prices and have some of the best breakfast food in the Groton area. Location wise its on 27 right next to the River and easily accessed from Exit 90. I recommend the Portuguese Fisherman, which is a spicy mix featuring chourico and linguica, with Onions, Eggs and Jalapeno Cheese served with a Portuguese english muffin (slightly sweeter then a standard one). Its a plate full for around 8 bucks, not the cheapest breakfast but I though it was worth it.
Their food is great and their rating takes a hit only due to the cramped quarters inside.
7/10
Days Crabmeat & Lobster- Yarmouth, Maine
Seafood doesn't get any fresher then Day's. They have been in business since the 1930's and started as a stand to buy fresh clams, hand picked crab and lobster meats. The take out has been around for quite a while a well and serves what I refer to as the best fish and chips in Maine. Seating is picnic table that over look the marsh. they have a dock in back where the boats bring in the daily catch. The Fish n Chips like all of Maine is Haddock, and it is served in a light batter. The baskets are generous portions and leave you quite full. Their chowder is usually sold out by 1230 and they have a great blueberry pie. Atmosphere is pleasant and a beautiful setting.
If your going around dusk then wear bug spray, its on a marsh, and Maine in general is known for its B52 sized mosquitoes. They have all the traditional condiments, however like many of the take out places around they mistakenly think that white vinegar is just as good as Malt vinegar.
Despite their vinegar confusion I still go 8/10 for great flavor, nice location and a fair price.
If your going around dusk then wear bug spray, its on a marsh, and Maine in general is known for its B52 sized mosquitoes. They have all the traditional condiments, however like many of the take out places around they mistakenly think that white vinegar is just as good as Malt vinegar.
Despite their vinegar confusion I still go 8/10 for great flavor, nice location and a fair price.
- Days Crabmeat & Lobster
1269 Route 1, Yarmouth, ME 04096
Just off I-295, Exit 17
Lobster Pound (207) 846-5871
Take-Out (207) 846-3436
Captain Hook's- Wells, Maine
As I Travel to Maine a lot I have had the chance to stop at this drive in a number of times.
Captain Hooks is a very interesting place, its claim to fame is Fresh deep fried seafood in a great outdoor environment. Captain Hooks is on Route 1 in Wells, it is very busy during tourist season, however it is worth the wait in line. Seating is all picnic tables at in a wooded area near an outdoor kitchen. To order walk inside and get a beverage from the cooler, walk to the counter and order away, or choose you lobster from the tanks. You will be given a number and go to a table.
The outdoor kitchen is for those that get the all you can eat lobster dinner which they offer on Wednesday nights during peak tourist season.
This trip I opted for the fish and chips and my Wife ordered the lobster roll.
The fish and chips is fresh Maine Haddock cut into nuggets breaded in a seasoned flour/corn meal mixture and fried golden brown. The fried shrimp are local Maine shrimp (the small guys) and done in the same breading. Both are served over thick cut (Frozen) french fries. The lobster roll is a healthy dose of mostly claw meat lobster tossed lightly in Mayo and served on a buttered and grilled New England Styled(top split for you people int the wrong part of the country) hot dog bun.
The food is great, the atmosphere pleasant and the food is quick.
I wish they made their own fries .
A solid 7.5 out of 10
Captain Hooks is a very interesting place, its claim to fame is Fresh deep fried seafood in a great outdoor environment. Captain Hooks is on Route 1 in Wells, it is very busy during tourist season, however it is worth the wait in line. Seating is all picnic tables at in a wooded area near an outdoor kitchen. To order walk inside and get a beverage from the cooler, walk to the counter and order away, or choose you lobster from the tanks. You will be given a number and go to a table.
The outdoor kitchen is for those that get the all you can eat lobster dinner which they offer on Wednesday nights during peak tourist season.
This trip I opted for the fish and chips and my Wife ordered the lobster roll.
The fish and chips is fresh Maine Haddock cut into nuggets breaded in a seasoned flour/corn meal mixture and fried golden brown. The fried shrimp are local Maine shrimp (the small guys) and done in the same breading. Both are served over thick cut (Frozen) french fries. The lobster roll is a healthy dose of mostly claw meat lobster tossed lightly in Mayo and served on a buttered and grilled New England Styled(top split for you people int the wrong part of the country) hot dog bun.
The food is great, the atmosphere pleasant and the food is quick.
I wish they made their own fries .
A solid 7.5 out of 10
Morse's Saurkraut- Waldoboro, Maine
Morse's started as a cabbage farm back in the day and as their name suggests the make saurkraut and pickles. The also have a large variety of gourmet sausages and a "European market" as well as new in the last few years, a German restaurant.
Being that the whole business is packed into a small barn like building the seating area for the restaurant is quite small approx 5 tables and seats a total of about 20 people.
All of the tables feature crocks of their homemade pickles (2 varieties), 6 different mustard's, and a can of Hungarian paprika.
The decor is obviously Bavarian / German, as is the menu. I have tried a number of their combination plates and haven't gone wrong yet.
For the purpose of this review I will stick entirely to my favorite plate, which for under $10 includes 5 perogies made in their kitchen (also pakaged for sale in the store) thou the perogies are not my mother in laws recipie, they are almost as good. The are prepared by steaming and the browning with butter, served with a sausage of your choice ( out of a list of 7 or so), and a beet relish that is to die for. The staff is knowladgable of all of the products, polite, and attentive.
The store also has a variety of free samples of product out for tasting (Don't pass up the 9 year old "Rat Cheddar").
The restuarant needs to be larger and the seats could be more comfortable, however the taste of the food and the service of the staff can't be compared to. I have gone to few German restuarants an this is the first of them I would reccomend.
I give it a 9/10 ............. don't forget to bring home some pickles and cheese.
http://www.morsessauerkraut.com/krauthaus.htm
Being that the whole business is packed into a small barn like building the seating area for the restaurant is quite small approx 5 tables and seats a total of about 20 people.
All of the tables feature crocks of their homemade pickles (2 varieties), 6 different mustard's, and a can of Hungarian paprika.
The decor is obviously Bavarian / German, as is the menu. I have tried a number of their combination plates and haven't gone wrong yet.
For the purpose of this review I will stick entirely to my favorite plate, which for under $10 includes 5 perogies made in their kitchen (also pakaged for sale in the store) thou the perogies are not my mother in laws recipie, they are almost as good. The are prepared by steaming and the browning with butter, served with a sausage of your choice ( out of a list of 7 or so), and a beet relish that is to die for. The staff is knowladgable of all of the products, polite, and attentive.
The store also has a variety of free samples of product out for tasting (Don't pass up the 9 year old "Rat Cheddar").
The restuarant needs to be larger and the seats could be more comfortable, however the taste of the food and the service of the staff can't be compared to. I have gone to few German restuarants an this is the first of them I would reccomend.
I give it a 9/10 ............. don't forget to bring home some pickles and cheese.
http://www.morsessauerkraut.com/krauthaus.htm
Monday, August 25, 2008
Pizzeria Popi-Popi Rome, Italy
During my honeymoon in Rome, I had the pleasure of dining at a wonderful Osteria in the Trestevere area. It's actual address is Via delle Fratte di Trastever 45. This wonderfull establisment has a small dining room and has a number of tables located outside on both sides of the street. The wait staff speaks little english if any and the menu is in itailian. This follows my simple rule for dining in Italy, the less english at the restuarant the better and more authentic the food. It is best to go equipped with a phrase book and the staff was very patient with my pathetic attempt at Itailian. Infact the seemed appriciative of my attempt to fit in with thier culture.
We chose to be seated outside and it was beautifull weather in late August for outside dining. The traffic continues to use the streets even though waitstaff and customers sre in proximity and crossing so it was a neat expiernce to watch out waiter dodge the insane drivers with scooters and Smart cars.
The menu as previously noted is in itailan and thanks to a good guide book easily translated. I actually ate here 4 times and will not go into detail on every selection.
Some highlights:
The table white wine was a local product and came in a large unmarked growler for a whopping 3 euros. (about $5 american)
The Caprese was wonderfull and was put together with large ripe local tomatos, Basil picked off of plants in the kitchen andthe restruants own hand made Mozzarella di Bufala.
Spaghetti alla carbonara was delicious authentic and far from the americanized crap you get here in the US, it was also the best version os this dish I had in all of Rome.
Pizza Margherita fantastic, flavorful thin crust with all the same of the caprese and a sweet salsa Pomodoro (tomatoe sauce). Cooked in a charcol fired brick oven.
I went back to Popi-Popi 4 times in 8 Days, needless to say I will give them a 9.9/10
We chose to be seated outside and it was beautifull weather in late August for outside dining. The traffic continues to use the streets even though waitstaff and customers sre in proximity and crossing so it was a neat expiernce to watch out waiter dodge the insane drivers with scooters and Smart cars.
The menu as previously noted is in itailan and thanks to a good guide book easily translated. I actually ate here 4 times and will not go into detail on every selection.
Some highlights:
The table white wine was a local product and came in a large unmarked growler for a whopping 3 euros. (about $5 american)
The Caprese was wonderfull and was put together with large ripe local tomatos, Basil picked off of plants in the kitchen andthe restruants own hand made Mozzarella di Bufala.
Spaghetti alla carbonara was delicious authentic and far from the americanized crap you get here in the US, it was also the best version os this dish I had in all of Rome.
Pizza Margherita fantastic, flavorful thin crust with all the same of the caprese and a sweet salsa Pomodoro (tomatoe sauce). Cooked in a charcol fired brick oven.
I went back to Popi-Popi 4 times in 8 Days, needless to say I will give them a 9.9/10
Firehouse Steakhouse, Middletown, CT
The Firehouse steak house located at 412 Main street in Middletown, CT is a place that I had been dying to try out. It offered a firehouse theme and Steaks, sounded good. I took the wife and My son and met some friends there.
From the out side it appears to be a converted storefront with large windows and sports some Fire Department memorabilia from around Connecticut.
We go in to the dimly lit restaurant and sit in the black leather-like booth. The bar is upstairs and I didnt venture in, but appeared to be nice.
The service was slow but pleasant. The menu was poorly designed, it yielded bright colors on a black background(drove my eyes nuts and gave me a headache) and was organized in no particular order making it difficult to find what I was looking for. The children's menu was a cute fire truck coloring book page and boasted the standard kids fair (Mac n cheese, nuggets etc.)
The food:
For starters we opened with Wings- hot of course. They were cooked perfectly and had a very unique wing sauce, the extreme heat and subtle fruity flavor indicates to me that there is atleast some habanero or scotch bonnet pepper used in the sauce as opposed to the standard variety. It was a nice flavor change and not overly hot for a person who like spicy foods. The salad was a typical nothing special salad and came with what appeared to bestandard restuarant edition bottled dressing.
Onto dissappointment (dinner rather), The steaks seemed to be steeply priced, but being that they advertise as a steakhouse and are located only 3 miles or so away from a great meat market, I gave it a go and ordered a $23 dollar New York strip that included a choice of 2 sides. I was feeling silly and in need or carbs so I got mashed and baked, Alas the waitress returned with news that they were out of baked potatoes......... I find this kind of odd for a steakhouse to run out of a typical side dish at 630 Pm.
My steak arrived and I quickly cut into it to find that it was marginally orver cooked. To make things worse for me, It would seem that my strip was not a prime, I would guess they at most it was choice (which is fine, I have eaten many choice cuts of meat at restuarants, but usually in the $9-$12 range.) laden with fat and very tough. The potatoes were flavorless and I suspect made from flakes rather then real mashed potatoes.
Cocktails- I had Guinness draft and it was served at proper tempurture and appears that it was poured properly. The signature cocktails however were lack luster and a dissapointment as well according to my fellow diners.
My over all impression of the place is simple, Go for wings and beer with the guys. I dont reccomend havind much more then pub grub, and if you want a steak youd be better off to buy one and grill it at home.
Scale of 1-10 a 4-4 1/2 and Im being generous because of the firehouse theme.
From the out side it appears to be a converted storefront with large windows and sports some Fire Department memorabilia from around Connecticut.
We go in to the dimly lit restaurant and sit in the black leather-like booth. The bar is upstairs and I didnt venture in, but appeared to be nice.
The service was slow but pleasant. The menu was poorly designed, it yielded bright colors on a black background(drove my eyes nuts and gave me a headache) and was organized in no particular order making it difficult to find what I was looking for. The children's menu was a cute fire truck coloring book page and boasted the standard kids fair (Mac n cheese, nuggets etc.)
The food:
For starters we opened with Wings- hot of course. They were cooked perfectly and had a very unique wing sauce, the extreme heat and subtle fruity flavor indicates to me that there is atleast some habanero or scotch bonnet pepper used in the sauce as opposed to the standard variety. It was a nice flavor change and not overly hot for a person who like spicy foods. The salad was a typical nothing special salad and came with what appeared to bestandard restuarant edition bottled dressing.
Onto dissappointment (dinner rather), The steaks seemed to be steeply priced, but being that they advertise as a steakhouse and are located only 3 miles or so away from a great meat market, I gave it a go and ordered a $23 dollar New York strip that included a choice of 2 sides. I was feeling silly and in need or carbs so I got mashed and baked, Alas the waitress returned with news that they were out of baked potatoes......... I find this kind of odd for a steakhouse to run out of a typical side dish at 630 Pm.
My steak arrived and I quickly cut into it to find that it was marginally orver cooked. To make things worse for me, It would seem that my strip was not a prime, I would guess they at most it was choice (which is fine, I have eaten many choice cuts of meat at restuarants, but usually in the $9-$12 range.) laden with fat and very tough. The potatoes were flavorless and I suspect made from flakes rather then real mashed potatoes.
Cocktails- I had Guinness draft and it was served at proper tempurture and appears that it was poured properly. The signature cocktails however were lack luster and a dissapointment as well according to my fellow diners.
My over all impression of the place is simple, Go for wings and beer with the guys. I dont reccomend havind much more then pub grub, and if you want a steak youd be better off to buy one and grill it at home.
Scale of 1-10 a 4-4 1/2 and Im being generous because of the firehouse theme.
Davids Restaurant, Portland, Maine
Portland Maine, is quickly becoming a city with a huge culinary scene, numerous quality eateries are popping up quicker then I can order an appetizer.
I first found David's approx 2 weeks prior to the anniversary trip just wandering around the city's arts district, looking for lunch, it is located at 22 Monument Square. The chef-owner David Turin has created a place in Portland the once you have been there stands out from the rest of the areas eateries.
Set in a row of small cafe's and coffee shops my attention was drawn to it based on some tables on the sidewalk adorned with Guinness umbrellas. I looked over the menu, which was posted in the menu and was drawn in to try their food. Walking in I noted that it was a very eclectic design inside, dark in color with exposed HVAC, a glass front and an open kitchen. I was seated in front in proximity to the bar (which boasts a fantastic wine selection, a moderate beer list and a number of great single malts.), which gave me a view of the skilled kitchen staff that prepared my food. For the dinner trip We were seated towards the back of the dining area and it had the same great atmosphere, however I missed being able to see the kitchen. For both Trips the staff was attentive and knowladeable of thier menu Items, and on both trips they were very patient in dealing with my 17 month old, who was well overdue for a nap.
Lunch at Davids is a very affordable and delicious time. Thelunch menu offers sized down portion of many of the dinner items and some lunch specials. We started with the Crispy Packets of Herbed Goat Cheese, The packets were philo dough filled with a perfectly flavored goat cheese and fried crispy, they were served with frizzled leeks and a balsamic reduction, this is one of the best apatizers I have had in a long time. They also brought out warm bread with a seasoned olive oil that was prepared freshly by the waitress for each patron. For lunch I odered the Portland Sirloin, which for $9 is the bargain of all bargains. The right up in the menu doesn't do justice to this dish. The steaks ic a cut of prime sirloin approx 6-7 oz in size, it is marinated perfectly and set a-top a serving of mashed potatoes on a stark white plate with an artistic and delicious vegtable side. The steak wears a sauce so good I had to lick the plate clean, and was then further topped with a taste of cumin-spiced crispy fried onions. This meal was top notch and well worth more money. Overall expiernce for Lunch is a 12 on a scale of 1-10.
Dinner at Davids was equally as pleasent. We started with a Grilled bruschetta, this is truely quite the adventure for the taste buds. The garlic toast is spread with a tart goat cheese and then topped with diced fresh tomatoes, red onion, and chiffonade of basil.
For dinner I ordered the Grilled yellow fin tuna , This is an entire Atlantic Yellowfin tuna steak, of sushi quality lightly seasoned and grilled. The Chef advised me to go medium or below, however I have a weird fish thing where it must be cooked welldone, and it still was quite mois and flavorfull. It was place on a mound of mashed potatoes with the signature Davids cute vegtable side. The plate was finished with the reduction of Bqalsamic Vinegar and was fairly priced at $21.50
My lovely bride had the Blackened beef tenderloin, and though she was unwilling to let me try it, it was obvious that she certainly enjoyed it.
From th dessert menu we both elected to choose the Chocolate Espresso Torte, which was dressed with cappuccino crémé anglais and was just as delicious as it sounds. Be forwarned that you need to be a true chocolate lover to order this dessert. It is very rich, and the hint of expresso tops off the dark chocolate goodness. The only negative thing I can say for the dessert is that I couldn't lick the plate clean.
Overall this is a place worth checking out. 1-10 scale ? 12 for lunch or dinner
http://www.davidsrestaurant.com/
I first found David's approx 2 weeks prior to the anniversary trip just wandering around the city's arts district, looking for lunch, it is located at 22 Monument Square. The chef-owner David Turin has created a place in Portland the once you have been there stands out from the rest of the areas eateries.
Set in a row of small cafe's and coffee shops my attention was drawn to it based on some tables on the sidewalk adorned with Guinness umbrellas. I looked over the menu, which was posted in the menu and was drawn in to try their food. Walking in I noted that it was a very eclectic design inside, dark in color with exposed HVAC, a glass front and an open kitchen. I was seated in front in proximity to the bar (which boasts a fantastic wine selection, a moderate beer list and a number of great single malts.), which gave me a view of the skilled kitchen staff that prepared my food. For the dinner trip We were seated towards the back of the dining area and it had the same great atmosphere, however I missed being able to see the kitchen. For both Trips the staff was attentive and knowladeable of thier menu Items, and on both trips they were very patient in dealing with my 17 month old, who was well overdue for a nap.
Lunch at Davids is a very affordable and delicious time. Thelunch menu offers sized down portion of many of the dinner items and some lunch specials. We started with the Crispy Packets of Herbed Goat Cheese, The packets were philo dough filled with a perfectly flavored goat cheese and fried crispy, they were served with frizzled leeks and a balsamic reduction, this is one of the best apatizers I have had in a long time. They also brought out warm bread with a seasoned olive oil that was prepared freshly by the waitress for each patron. For lunch I odered the Portland Sirloin, which for $9 is the bargain of all bargains. The right up in the menu doesn't do justice to this dish. The steaks ic a cut of prime sirloin approx 6-7 oz in size, it is marinated perfectly and set a-top a serving of mashed potatoes on a stark white plate with an artistic and delicious vegtable side. The steak wears a sauce so good I had to lick the plate clean, and was then further topped with a taste of cumin-spiced crispy fried onions. This meal was top notch and well worth more money. Overall expiernce for Lunch is a 12 on a scale of 1-10.
Dinner at Davids was equally as pleasent. We started with a Grilled bruschetta, this is truely quite the adventure for the taste buds. The garlic toast is spread with a tart goat cheese and then topped with diced fresh tomatoes, red onion, and chiffonade of basil.
For dinner I ordered the Grilled yellow fin tuna , This is an entire Atlantic Yellowfin tuna steak, of sushi quality lightly seasoned and grilled. The Chef advised me to go medium or below, however I have a weird fish thing where it must be cooked welldone, and it still was quite mois and flavorfull. It was place on a mound of mashed potatoes with the signature Davids cute vegtable side. The plate was finished with the reduction of Bqalsamic Vinegar and was fairly priced at $21.50
My lovely bride had the Blackened beef tenderloin, and though she was unwilling to let me try it, it was obvious that she certainly enjoyed it.
From th dessert menu we both elected to choose the Chocolate Espresso Torte, which was dressed with cappuccino crémé anglais and was just as delicious as it sounds. Be forwarned that you need to be a true chocolate lover to order this dessert. It is very rich, and the hint of expresso tops off the dark chocolate goodness. The only negative thing I can say for the dessert is that I couldn't lick the plate clean.
Overall this is a place worth checking out. 1-10 scale ? 12 for lunch or dinner
http://www.davidsrestaurant.com/
About me
Who is the Fatguy and why should you care about his independent review of various restaurants?
I am the fatguy, I am a 32 year old Firefighter in CT(which means I'm a fan of comfort food), I learned cooking at home with my Mother and Grandmother. I do most of the cooking at home and am completely addicted to the Food Network.
I also spend plenty of time traveling this great world we live in and enjoy as much of the local cuisine as I can.
My reviews are based on many years of eating and millions of consumed calories. I rate the eateries fairly based mostly on taste, atmosphere and value.
I decided recently that I should start rating some of the places I have been so that other food aficionados surfing the net may enjoy some of the better hidden away places often over looked, and avoid some of the bigger pitfalls I have made. I hope you enjoy.
I am the fatguy, I am a 32 year old Firefighter in CT(which means I'm a fan of comfort food), I learned cooking at home with my Mother and Grandmother. I do most of the cooking at home and am completely addicted to the Food Network.
I also spend plenty of time traveling this great world we live in and enjoy as much of the local cuisine as I can.
My reviews are based on many years of eating and millions of consumed calories. I rate the eateries fairly based mostly on taste, atmosphere and value.
I decided recently that I should start rating some of the places I have been so that other food aficionados surfing the net may enjoy some of the better hidden away places often over looked, and avoid some of the bigger pitfalls I have made. I hope you enjoy.
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