Kensington's

Kensington’s

607 West Thames Street

Norwich, CT 06360

860-425-3630

This truly wonderful restaurant offers an elegant setting with impeccable service and great selection of quality food.  You can enjoy your meal after visiting its renowned Spa. The menu includes a selection of fine meats and poultry which can be enjoyed with a choice from its extensive wine list which has some of the world’s finest vintages.

The staff at the restaurant will make you feel like royalty as you enjoy your meal in this very upscale setting. During the summer, you may also choose to be served on the deck which overlooks the reflecting pool.

If you have a special event and want to be wined and dined, you will want to come to Kensington’s for the royal treatment.

A first-class restaurant serving gourmet food with an emphasis on natural meats, fresh produce and healthy preparations.

It also connects to a spa, you can see all the amenities at their website:

 www.thespaatnorwichinn.com/dining_kensingtons.aspx

Summer Shack

Summer Shack

Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino

Uncasville, CT

860-862-9500

Looking for a high-energy environment, the Summer Shack at Mohegan Sun is the place for you. Located in the famous Mohegan Sun, you can enjoy your favorites at its Raw Bar which has specialty menu items prepared by its fabulous culinary staff.

This high-energy version of a clam shack has no frills, excellent food, including local steamers, oysters, and fresh lobsters. The décor is casual, and the atmosphere is loud. However, you will more in this crazy casino setting.

It is a welcome break from the tables where you can enjoy the fine food and your favorite cocktail before you head back to your favorite game.

The prices may be a little high, but the food and location make it worth it for the additional price.

It’s no gamble to eat at the Summer Shack.

Please visit their website at www.summershackrestaurant.com to learn more.

West Street Grill

West Street Grill

43 West Street

Litchfield, CT 06759

860-567-3885

Local, fresh, organic and superbly prepared! If these are the qualities you are looking for your meal, you have come to the right place. Overlooking the beautiful town green, lends to the setting of this local restaurant.

The flair of a Manhattan restaurant combined with the country atmosphere gives this restaurant its own personality and which anyone would enjoy.

At any time, you may find celebrities, which adds to the special feel of this restaurant.

The chef is very talented and varies his men with dishes like the moules frites which are complemented  by a fistful of pasta du jour dishes, such as sweet sausage and gemelli and homemade fettuccini with confit of garlic, grilled eggplant, roasted peppers, spinach, lemon and extra virgin olive oil.

The restaurant is an amazing experience, which you will not forget.


To check them out go to www.weststreetgrill.com 

The White Horse

The White Horse

Route 202

Marbledale, CT

860-868-1496

Looking for a quiet, secluded place to enjoy a nice relaxing dinner, then The White Horse Pub is the place to go. The setting is beautiful and is complete with an active stream that moves through the property that adds to the serenity of the environment. The White Horse has been acclaimed as one of the best restaurants in Connecticut, and is considered the best restaurant in Litchfield County. The restaurant also features a fine collection of British antiques that are displayed through the restaurant, and adds to the uniqueness of the restaurant.

The menu is delightful and includes many favorites, including Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie and Bangers and Mash. The Black Angus Burger is still the Signature item on the menu.

The bar is a relaxed area which features a large selection of beers and other drinks.

Come to the White House and relax with friends and family, the staff will make you feel at home.

River House

River House

299 Riverside Avenue

Wesrport, CT 06880

203-226-5532

For a unique dining experience come to the River House, located on the banks of the Saugatuck River in Westport, CT.

The menu is ever-changing and will surprise you every time you visit. The renowned varies his menu based upon the season which alone will intrigue you. The restaurant uses mostly locally grown products, which improves the quality and freshness our offerings.

The restaurant does not use artificial ingredients and prepares healthy foods in a way that anyone would enjoy.

You will enjoy your meal with scenic view of the river.
The serenity of the water and the healthy and delicious servings will captivate you in the returning many times.
The River House – an experience to remember.

Mystic Pizza

Mystic Pizza

56 West Main Street

Mystic, CT 06355

203-536-3700

Come to the movies at Mystic Pizza. The 1988 film “Mystic Pizza” was based on this pizza shop in Mystic. The film is about the coming of age of waitresses at Mystic Pizza. The shop began in 1973 and it became so popular that it was noticed by Hollywood. The walls of the shop are covered with pictures with the movie.

You cannot go to Mystic and not visit this interesting pizza shop.

It is an experience you will remember. You will enjoy the friendliness of the waitresses who still wear the Slice-of-Heaven t-shirts.

Have a Slice of the Movie and, of course, pizza.

Giovanni’s I

Giovanni’s I

1297 Long Ridge Road

Stamford, CT 06903

203-322-8870

Steak it Out! Giovanni’s is renowned for its Certified Angus Beef. In business for over 20 years Giovanni’s has been recognized a premier steakhouse. Not in the mood for steak try one of Giovanni’s lobsters. The lobsters are premium. You can also try one of Giovanni’s Italian specialties. There is something for everyone to enjoy. No matter what you order you will be amazed at the quality of the food and the presentation makes it even more appealing.

It is a warm atmosphere that will be perfect for any occasion.

The extensive wine list will satisfy any wine connoisseur.

“Giovanni makes you feel like you are in his house”

Ciao’

Bobby Valentine’s Sports Gallery Café’

Bobby Valentine’s Sports Gallery Café’

225 Main Street

Stamford, CT 06901

203-348-0010

Enjoy sports! Want to eat! Bobby V’s the place for you. With over 50 strategically placed high-definition TV’s you will not miss a moment of the action while you enjoy your meal. Voted one of the top sport’s bars in the country you will enjoy the atmosphere with many memorabilia to which you can reminisce and talk about with your friends

Come with your friends and family and feel comfortable with the excitement with the people around you as you watch your favorite team in action.

The food is reasonably priced and good and is to be enjoyed with your favorite beer or soft drink.

Share the excitement at Bobby V’s.

Lasse’s Restaurant

Lasse’s Restaurant

611 Bridgeport Avenue

Milford, CT  06460

203-874-9574

The “Original” Roast Beef Sandwich at Lasse’s still remains the best the roast beef sandwich I ever had. Great food in a “kick-back” atmosphere.  Lasse’s has been here for many years so you know they know what it takes to keep you coming back. Over the years it has expanded its menu while still keeping the quality high and the price reasonable.

Service isn’t formal, but it is friendly and the meal moves along without feeling that you are being rushed.

The bar area is one in which you can enjoy the company of friends and share the happenings of the day. The wood bar lends to the casual elegance of this wonderful place.

You will feel at home and feel like you are one of the family as you enjoy LASSE’s

Cinzano's Restaurant

Cinzano’s Restaurant

1920 Black Rock Turnpike

Fairfield, CT

203-367-1199

If you are looking for a cozy restaurant with good Home-Style Italian cooking, CINZANO’S is the place for you. It's fine Italian cuisine and comfortable ambiance makes eating at Cinzano’s a superb dining experience. Your dining experience is enhanced by the knowledge and attentiveness of the staff.

One of my favorites is the Veal Parmigiani with linguini. The veal is tender and melts in your mouth and is accented by the Cinzano’s exquisite sauce. The meal can be complimented by a bottle of wine which can be enjoyed with any dish.

Cinzano’s – a true dining experience.

Flipside Burger & Bar

Flipside Burger & Bar is a restaurant located on Post Road in Fairfield. This is place to go for a quick bite to eat or a long stay at the bar. The drinks at Flipside are one of my favorite parts although the food is a close second.

            When I got to flip side a good beer and an appetizer is the way to go. Flipsides appetizers are delicious and cheap! It is friendly to your wallet too. My favorite appetizers there are the wings, chicken fingers and the cheese fries! I would suggest sharing these appetizers with your friends because the portions are pretty big!

            Flipside has many different drink specials for those of you who are over 21! Each night of the week is a different specials, they have margarita night, $2 beer night, karaoke and other specials during sporting events!

            The people who work at Flipside are very friendly. They make you feel welcome and are happy to serve you. If you are sitting at the bar they have games you can play and the bar tenders interact with you, occasionally the owner even joins in!

            Flipside Burgers & Bar is a place that would definitely suggest going with a group of your friends! 

http://flipsiderestaurant.com/

Pepe's Pizzeria

One of my favorite foods is pizza and since making the horrid move to Connecticut I haven’t been able to find any pizza worth eating ….. UNTIL NOW! Pepes pizza is the best pizza around! Pepes is always poppin! If you want to order a pizza on Friday night it can sometimes be up to a two hour wait just to go pick it up! The pizzas are reasonably priced and the taste is delicious!

            Whenever I got to Pepes I get a blue moon, a salad and a garlic and salami pizza! This combination of food and drink never fails to satisfy me. The pizza is a thin crust with the right amount of cheese and sauce! It tastes just as good or better then the pizza I can get at home!

When you walk into Pepes there are always different kinds of people there. Looking around there are families, older couples and groups of friends. This restaurant is great for people of all ages! The service at Pepes has always been friendly. The waiters and waitresses are always happy to be serving you. They are very quick with getting your pizza to you and it always fresh when brought to the table!

If you have never been to Pepes I suggest going there as soon as you are done reading!

http://www.pepespizzeria.com/?page=home

Sweet Basil

Sweet Basil

284 Black Rock Tpke, Fairfield, CT 06825

(203) 384-8888

I had always heard great things about this sushi place so decided to stop in one day.  The word of mouth was correct:  it's excellent.  My meal was delicious. With such a variety of items I couldn’t choose, the menu covers Thai, Japanese and Chinese. They even have the Japanese soda with the marbles for the kids. Also for those over 21 they have happy hour from 3-6pm 7 days a week and they have drink specials through out the rest of the night.

The staff is very friendly and attentive especially the hostess. The food came out fast and looked as good as it tasted.  The modern setting here is gorgeous. It was worth stopping in. Always a good experience here! I love coming here to dine but also get take-out quite frequently.

To find out more information please go to their website at: http://www.sweetbasilfairfield.com/

Kobis

Kobis Japanese Steak House

451 Kings Highway East, Fairfield, CT 06825

(203) 610-6888

            The setting at Kobis is beautiful, when you first go inside you walk under an arch made of glass filled with water that colorful fishes are swimming around in. Then you walk up to the hostess and to the right is a pond with a mini waterfall with coy fishes. Then the hostess takes you to your table where you have the normal Hibachi dinner; the clear soup, ginger salad, and your entrée that you pick.

            The show that they put on for you while cooking your food is really good, so far every time I have gone there the cook is a lot of fun and make you interact while he is cooking your food. The food however, is just ok, its all has pretty much the same flavor. They don’t season it very well, but its decent.

If you are looking for a place to eat and slay your morning hungers, Chip’s Family Restaurant is the pace to go.  This a great place to go for breakfast, it has everything from cornbeef hash to the wackiest concoction of ingredients in your pancakes.  This place has a great atmosphere, living up to it’s “Family Restaurant” subtitle, and a variety unmatched among similar eateries. 

Aside from being a clean, spacious, and family oriented “munchatorium”, come with a big appetite and a full wallet.   Although Chip’s offers with a variety of dishes, it comes at a price.  Aside from a hefty bill, be prepared for a long wait and subpar service, that’s censoring my true emotions.  I believe this assignment is most likely late, because I’m still sitting here waiting for my meal.  I’m pretty sure I aged 2 years throughout this one meal.  So I can’t really comment much more on the service, as it wouldn’t be words to describe it, but censored phrases.

To make this a place you may visit on the regular, it’s safe to assume you just have plenty of money or you are slowly burning a hole in your pocket.  But, if you are someone who likes things in moderation, this may be the place for you. 

If you would like to learn more about them please go to their website at: http://chipsrestaurants.com/fairfield/

Lilac House

             For those who desire a night of Asian dining, Lilac House is high on the list of great eateries.  Regardless if you prefer Chinese of Japanese cuisine, this extensive menu will cater to your needs.  With a full sushi bar, where dishes are prepared to order, and an elegant dining area, it lives up to it’s name as an Asian bistro.  

            Offering patrons three ways of service, your choice to dine in, take-out, or for a reasonable extra wait, you can have it delivered.  Service at this establishment is inviting and efficient.  The servers are prompt but not pushy, never making you feel rushed.  The atmosphere catches the essence of the cuisine, having a very cultural feel with an elegant touch.

            To truly explain how exceptional this dining experience was, you would need hours in which you could waste in order to read it.  Perhaps the wait at Chip’s Family Restaurant would be enough time, but it’s cutting it close.  I would offer a trip to Lilac House to anyone who enjoys a great oriental style dinner and a relaxing night. 

They do not have a website but if you would like to look at their menu please go to: http://www.allmenus.com/ct/fairfield/276611-lilac-house/menu/

Garden Catering

Garden Catering is a very small restaurant located in Fairfield on Blackrock Turnpike. Garden Catering is known for their chicken nuggets. They even sell I <3 Nuggets t-shirts! 

The chicken nuggets at Garden Catering really are out of this world! The best thing to get at Garden Catering is “A Special” which is their famous nuggets, French fries and their special seasoning. It all comes together in one bag and you get to choose from an array of sauces to dip your nuggets in. 

 These famous nuggets are not only the special but are used in many of the other different foods they have to offer! They make wraps with different sauces such a buffalo, one of my favorites! and barbecue. They also add different ingredients, such as bacon, cheese and peppers to the wraps to spice them up a little. Chicken is not the only thing offered at Garden Catering, you can get breakfast foods, Philly Cheese Steaks, macaroni and cheese, and salads.Garden Catering is a small restaurant with a Fairfield flare. There are pictures of people around Fairfield wearing their shirts and different business cards from local businesses on the wall. Garden Catering is a where you order of the counter and can choose to eat your good there or take it home with you. It is often very crowded due to everyone’s love for the nuggets but they are worth the wait in line! 

Merritt Canteen

The Merritt Canteen is a very popular place to go amongst the college students - it has even been featured in Diners, Drive In’s and Dives! The Merritt is a small restaurant on Main Street in Bridgeport. This small restaurant is one of the best burger joints around!

The Merritt features a lot of different foods, from your classic cheeseburgers, hot dogs & fries to Mac and cheese bites, broccoli cheddar bites and fish sandwiches. The Merritt’s pricing is reasonable and makes it easy for your everyday college student to afford or a family to go grab a quick bite to eat.  When I go to The Merritt, I personally enjoy a double bacon cheeseburger with fries. You can never go wrong with a burger from Gus!The food at the Merritt is not the only reason that customers keep coming back. The atmosphere is always relaxed and pleasant, although it can get rowdy at night when all the college kids roll through. The employees there are friendly and Gus, the owner, even knows quite a few of his reoccurring customers by name and order.
If you have never been to The Merritt Canteen I would strongly suggest going there. It is a cheap meal and the food tastes better than anything you could find on campus! 

Archie Moores

Archie Moores

48 Sanford Street


Fairfield, CT 06824


203-256-9295

This place is not far from campus and it is definitely my go-to spot for hot chicken wings.  There really isn’t anything bad to say about this restaurant. The service is amazing, thee portions are pretty big and the variety of items are delicious.  There wings are their main items but they also have amazing nachos and burgers. But be sure to have plenty of beer or soda handy.  When they say Hot they mean HOT wings!

The price is average on food more expensive obviously if you order alcoholic beverages. The only bad part is that they don’t have their own parking lot so you need to find street parking but the train station is right there so there is plenty of parking. They also have small TV’s around the whole restaurant so you can watch a game if its on but its not a loud place so its really nice.

Maiones

Maiones

1244 Stratfield Rd

Fairfield, CT 06825

(203) 372-3679

Whether you call it a sub, hero, wedge or hoagie, Maiones are surprisingly good.  Although the atmosphere is a little ordinary, it is a great place for take out.  If you want an excellent hoagie, with good soft bread, stuffed with meat and really fresh ingredients this is your place. There pizza is pretty good, its not NY style pizza but for CT it is fairly close and pretty good.

            You can pay for your meals on your SHU card, which is really nice especially for people whose parents put money on their general account. I know last month they were also merchant of the month and if you paid with your SHU card you got 15% off of your order.

Joe’s American Bar and Grill Post Road Fairfield, CT

The first Fairfield restaurant to check off of our list was Joe’s American Bar and Grill on Post Road. I’ve never personally heard anyone say they hate Joe’s food and that’s saying a lot because I used to be a waiter there! I worked there over the summer and last semester, so for about 6 months. When you first start orientation at Joe’s you get to try all the different food they offer. By the end of my orientation I had got to try almost everything on the menu… appetizers, entrees, salads, pastas, soups, desserts, you name it.

On my most recent visit I got something new that I had never tried. I ordered the full rack of Baby Back Ribs. They were so good! They were falling off the bone and the BBQ sauce was awesome too. The ribs came with cole slaw. I usually hate cole slaw, unless its my grandma’s freshly made cole slaw but Joe’s never disappoints. Also, the fries are hand cut and freshly made in the restaurant, so needless to say they are delicious.

Going into Joe’s with the intent of writing about their made me realize that I could not be cheap and not go for dessert. So I got my favorite, which is the Brownie Sundae. Despite the plain name, It is anything and everything but plain. It is a huge baked brownie with 2 scoops of ice cream on top with hot fudge and whipped cream. It also comes with almonds on top too but I’m allergic so that’s a no go. That’s besides the point though, if you like brownies this is like a brownie on steroids. Totally suggest it.

**side note: Joe’s desserts are not meant for just one person, sharing is caring**

Here’s a few words from Joe’s themselves: “Our menu features all the classic American favorites along with some of our own signature dishes.  Popular dishes include fall-off-the-bone ribs, succulent prime rib, roasted chicken, juicy burgers with hand-cut fries, homemade soups, fresh signature salads and tempting appetizers including our crab cakes and crispy calamari.  Our dessert menu is tailor made for the dessert lover with our own warm apple walnut crisp, brownie ice cream sundae, our famous chocolate cake and apple pie.”

We highly recommend everyone checks out Joe’s ASAP!

5 Stars!

Hello Foodies

I know the question on everyone’s mind is "where should I go to dinner tonight." Well you have chosen the right place that will help you figure that out.  Here we will critic different restaurants all over Fairfield county; we will let you know everything from how quick the service is to the cleanliness of the restaurant and of course how good the food is. 

Just so you know we are not legitimate food critics, but we still have a lot to say about food. We both love to cook and eat, I have even taken a few cooking classes. So it seems only appropriate that we make use of our hobbies and tell you what we think about restaurants around the area.

We are looking for good eats on a regular budget, we are not going to go to top of the notch establishments according to price but we are according to the food.  I hope that we may be some help in where you choose to go on your next night out to dinner.