New Haven Restaurant Week 2013 - Christopher Martins

This time of year there is sooo much going on...and I am sooo behind on posts!

During the week of April 21st through April 26th New Haven CT held their Annual Restaurant Week.

#NewHavenRestaurantWeek

Because of all that was going on that week, I was only able to sample the wonderfulness of one restaurant, the oh so delicious Christopher Martins.

Christopher Martins in New Haven - New Haven Restaurant Week 2013

This was actually the first time that I've been to Christopher Martins, which is odd because it's been there on State Street New Haven for over twenty years. AND I've heard great things about it, namely, that their menu changes with the seasons due to the availability of local products and changing tastes in the spring, summer, fall, and winter seasons.

For restaurant week Christopher Martins had a separate lunch and dinner menu.  Lunch prixe fixe three course meals were $18.00 and dinner prixe fixe four course meal offerings were $32.00.

Two of my colleagues from work wanted to go, so we headed over for lunch on a Tuesday. We were lucky enough to find a parking space right in front, parking isn't really wonderful in New Haven, but Christopher Martins offers valet parking in the evenings, on Tuesdays through Sunday.  A great bonus BUT please be sure to call before you leave to be sure that a valet is actually available - I've heard that a valet is not always there. (Hmmm...that's NOT a good thing)

Although we neglected to make reservations, which meant we would need to eat in the pub, lucky for us, just as we walked in they had a cancellation, so we had a beautiful big window-side table in the dining room.  We were seated quickly, and a warm basket of fresh baked bread and olive oil for dipping was served as we perused the menu.

Does the mis-matched salt and pepper shakers bother you?

Allie and I decided to go with the Restaurant Week luncheon specials.

For our appetizers:

Allie ordered the BBQ Duck Confit Spring Rolls 

BBQ Duck Confit Spring Rolls - Christopher Martins New Haven Restaurant Week

Peking Duck slow cooked in an Asian inspired BBQ served with Szechuan Cole Slaw and reported that it was wonderful, with just the right amount of warm heat.

I ordered the Butternut Squash Ravioli 

Butternut Squash Ravioli - Christopher Martins New Haven Restaurant Week 2013

With candied Pecans in a Fresh Sage Cream with Shaved Parmesan, which needless to say was absolutely to die for.  The sauce was creamy good and flavorful, and the addition of the candied pecans complemented the squash as a subtly sweet nutty addition.

For our lunch

Allie ordered Chicken Saltimbocca

Chicken Saltimbocca - Christopher Martins New Haven Restaurant Week 2013

Chicken Breast layered with Prosciutto di Parma, Fresh Sage and Cato Corner Farm’s Vivace Bambino Cheese, over sautéed Baby Spinach with Mashed Potatoes. Allie reported that the chicken was delicious, but that she didn't care for the mashed potatoes.

I ordered the Chipotle Honey Grilled Salmon

Chipolte Honey Grilled Salmon - Christopher Martins New Haven Restaurant Week 2013

A great combination of Spicy Sweetness tops a grilled Atlantic Salmon Filet with Saffron infused Rice & Beans and Baby Spring Vegetables. It was oh, so, good! The salmon was perfectly cooked and not too sweet due to the spices used in the sides. Perfect.

Patty, who ordered off the menu, decided on a salad, which I can't seem to find on the menu online. It included mixed field greens, pine nuts, dried cranberries, and grilled polenta, as Patty is a vegetarian.

For dessert, included as our lunch prixe fixe, 

Allie ordered the Tira Misu

Lady Fingers soaked in Espresso and Kahlua and slathered with a cool Mascarpone Sabayon

Tira Misu - Christopher Martins New Haven Restaurant Week 2013

I ordered the White Chocolate Mousse, 

A Silky White Chocolate Mousse Topped With Chocolate Ganache…Award Winning

White Chocolate Mousse with Chocolate Ganache - Christopher Martins New Haven Restaurant Week

This was incredibly good, and I am such a fan of anything white chocolate. This dessert certainly didn't disappoint. As full as I was after three courses, I scraped the large glass bowl clean! YUM

If you have a chance to visit Christopher Martins, I would heartily recommend them.  The interior is on the small side, so make sure you have a reservation, and remember there is valet parking Tuesday through Saturday evenings.

Christopher Martins

860 State Street

New Haven, CT 06511 

203.776.8835

www.christophermartins.com

"Like" them on facebook HERE

Note: Their website is a little bit clunky to use. Or maybe it's just me. :-)

On our way back through New Haven we passed the beautiful tulip display in the street meridian's courtesy of the 

City of New Haven and New Haven Parks & Works

Have you visited Christopher Martins?

Did you attend New Haven Restaurant Week?

I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!