2017-12-18 21:37:13
A monthly look at some of what’s new and exciting on the Connecticut dining scene
Bistro on Main, Manchester We were eager to try this restaurant the moment we saw executive chef Ben Dubow’s mouthwatering pics on social media. When we learned about its larger mission, we were even more intrigued. Bistro on Main is owned by the Manchester Area Conference of Churches (MACC Charities), and in addition to delivering a great experience for guests, it was formed with the goal of “breaking cycles of poverty through transitional employment and work readiness training.” It serves as a teaching restaurant for those who graduate from MACC’s 12-week culinary program. 860-432-5267, bistro-on-main.com
Knot Norm’s Catering Co., Norwalk Opened in July by Jay LeBlanc, Knot Norm’s Catering is a brick-and-mortar storefront offering eat-in or take-out lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. The menu, which is broken into two sections — “rolls” and “knot rolls” — features New England seafood favorites such as lobster rolls, roasted oysters and steamed clams. Beyond seafood, there are fried chicken wings, brisket rolls and more. 203-354-3194, knotnorms.com
Jack’s Bar + Steakhouse, New Haven The Elm City is filled with great dining options, but of late there’s been a void of steakhouses. Restaurateurs and brothers Bladimir and Marco Siguenza aim to change that with this new steakhouse which celebrated its grand opening in November. The brothers are the former owners of the well-known Fairfield County steakhouse Washington Prime, and they hope to duplicate their recipe for steakhouse success in New Haven. 203-891-5777, jacksnewhaven.com
Grano Arso, Chester This new Italian restaurant features handmade pasta, made daily from in-house milled grain that will sometimes be local. The seasonally inspired menu will also feature twists on Italian antipasti classics as well as meat and fish dishes prepared by Joel Gargano. There will also be cocktails and Italian wines. 860-322-3143, granoct.com
Roger Sherman Inn, New Canaan Celebrated chef Francois Kwaku-Dongo was recently brought on to transform the menu at the Roger Sherman Inn, a New England restaurant and 17-room inn. Previously, Kwaku-Dongo was hired by Wolfgang Puck to work at his famous California restaurants. Kwaku-Dongo ultimately became executive chef at Puck’s Spago in West Hollywood. Highlights from one of Kwaku-Dongo’s recent menus include house-cured smoked salmon; grilled octopus with chorizo vin, olives and fingerling potatoes; and Woodbridge Farm oxtail ravioli with sun-dried tomato and rosemary jus. 203-966-4541, rogershermaninn.com
Market Place Kitchen & Bar, Newtown The latest Market Place location opened on Nov. 30. The 3,500-square-foot restaurant will feature the same high-end, seasonally inspired American cuisine for which existing locations are known. The Newtown location joins the original in Danbury as well as locations in Woodbury, Avon and at Mount Snow in Vermont. The sleek spot is perfect for a date or couple’s night out. 203-491-2993, facebook.com/marketplacenewtown
Beach Donut Shop, Branford The new location from the highly acclaimed Clinton doughnut shop offers the same handmade, preservative-free doughnuts made throughout the day. These doughnuts earned the original shop a spot on multiple “Best in Connecticut” rankings. With glazed, chocolate and jelly options alongside more exotic choices such as the sour cream doughnut and lemon delight, there is plenty to choose from. 203-208-1435, beachdonutshop.com
Something Natural, Greenwich Since the 1970s, the Something Natural sandwich shop has been a fixture of the Nantucket dining scene, attracting a cult following over the years. Now the first off-island location is up and running in Greenwich. Customers can try the sandwiches ranging from roast beef to vegetarian topped with pickles and carrots. They can also enjoy a variety of baked goods including famous cookies and Something Natural’s signature house-made Portuguese bread. 203-863-2100, somethingnaturalct.com
5 and Dime Canteen, Newington The team behind the award-winning GoldBurgers has opened a new breakfast spot in Newington. The initial offerings include breakfast and lunch sandwiches and a variety of baked goods. The new spot at 1100 Main St. joins the original GoldBurgers in Newington.860-665-7848, Instagram: @5anddimect
The Sloppy Waffle, Bloomfield Another Newington favorite, The Sloppy Waffle, has expanded, in this case to Bloomfield. The restaurant’s second location offers breakfast and lunch all day. The specialty is, of course, the waffles. These waffles are made from dough and pearl sugar, not pancake batter, and are served warm with powdered sugar and a wide variety of decadent toppings. 860-216-6087, thesloppywaffle.com
Know of a new Connecticut restaurant? Email Erik Ofgang at eofgang@connecticutmag.com.
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