Tuesday, September 10, 2013

ON20 Restaurant - The Best View in Hartford CT

On the twentieth floor of a Hartford, CT skyscraper is the beautiful ON20 Restaurant.

Once a private club with an esteemed reputation, the restaurant opened to the public over a decade ago, allowing all of Hartford county to feast on great food and the best view in Connecticut.
The View at ON20
And I'm not exaggerating about the best view in Connecticut --- ON20 was recently named one of the 100 Best Scenic Restaurants in the United States in Open Table's Diner Choice Awards.

I have to admit, the view is amazing, featuring the Hartford skyline on one side 
Photo Courtesy of ON20
Photo courtesy of ON20

and the scenic river district on the other.

Photo Courtesy of ON20
Photo courtesy of ON20

The moment you step off the elevator, you know you are in for a treat as you approach the beautifully crafted doors announcing you've arrived to ON20.

Welcome to ON20
Welcome to ON20!

ON20's recent Taste of Autumn and Media Fall Preview, also served to be a celebration for not one, but TWO awards this month! First, being voted one of the 100 most scenic places as noted, AND, secondly, Connecticut Magazine's choice of best new chef -- ON20's own Executive Chef,  Jeffrey Lizotte!

From CT Magazine: 2013 Best New Chef

Of course, the food was spectacular! 

And, we were treated to a meet and greet and live demonstration by Chef Lizotte, who explained his strategy for the restaurant's farm to table commitment, and their partnership with Connecticut grown farms, and local sourcing from Starlight Gardens Durham, CT; Freshpoint in Hartford, CT;  Browne Trading in Portland ME, D'Artagnan in Newark, NJ, Gulf Shrimp Company in Plantsville, CT, and the Farmer's Cow in Lebanan, CT.
Chef Lizotte prepares Roasted Beet Remoulade

Here's some of the wonderful appetizers we sampled: 

ON 20 Appetizers


ON 20 Cheese Tray

ON 20 Cheese Tray

After mingling and meeting everyone, we moved to the expansive bar area where we sampled some of bartender Hun's creations. ON20 has a wonderful signature cocktail menu, but on this visit Hun asked if in addition we would like to also try some new concoctions that he would create based on our personal flavor preferences.


We loved them all, but hands down, our favorite was the Chocolate Espresso Martini, shown to the far left above, garnished with the traditional three coffee beans, representing health, wealth, and happiness.

We then sampled some of the delicious items found on the bar menu
Parmesan Truffle Cheese Fritters, Gremolata

Sirloin Burger, Comte, Brioche Bun, Cornichon Aioli, Sweet Potato Fries

Mustard-Miso Chicken Tater Tots, Curry Coconut Emulsion
Mustard-Miso Chicken Tater Tots, Curry Coconut Emulsion

Spinach & Artichoke Dip , HBC Breadsticks
Spinach & Artichoke Dip , HBC Breadsticks


Out of all the bar snacks, I enjoyed the burger the most. It was cooked wonderfully, nice and juicy, and the Cornichon Aioli was wonderful. It had a nice smokey flavor, with a slow warmth. 

While we were there, we learned about their fall specials, a new prix-fixe lunch menu - $30.00 per guest!

                                       Here's what's on the menu for lunch this fall:



Starters
Dumpling: 
     Swiss Chard and Spinach, Ricotta Salata, Sweet Potato Fondue, Walnut Vinaigrette
Salad
     Roasted Beet and Radish Remoulade, Yogurt, Horseradish

Main

Eggplant Miso Parmesan
     Grilled Tomato Sauce, Olive crumb Sweet Basil
Pork
     Confit of Shoulder, Finterling Potaato, Mustard Greens, Roasted Grapes
Fluke
     Oven Broiled, Shaved Summer Squash, Sun Dried Tomato

Sweet

Melon
     Mosaic of Compressed Melon, Piment D'Espelette Sorbet, Lemon Verbena Puree
Corn
     Butter and Sugar Corn Creme Caramel, White Chocolate, Brioche Streusel



ON20 offers a breathtaking view with equally exciting food.

Join them for lunch, happy hour and snacks, or dinner.

There's something for everyone!


Join me in congratulating Chef Lizzotte and Hartford's ON20!



One State Street (400 Columbus Boulevard)
Hartford, CT 06103

Phone: 860.722.5161


Parking is available in the State Street Garage

Do you have a special restaurant that you frequent with a view?

Have you ever been to ON20? 

I'd love to hear about it in the comments below
Note: Home Place uses 'comment moderation' - your comments may not be visible for 24 hours.

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Disclaimer: I was invited to the complimentary media celebration and promotion, however, all views expressed herein are my own.


ON 20 on Urbanspoon

3 comments:

  1. The view at ON20 looks spectacular! Who even knew there was a restaurant there! I work in downtown Hartford and will have to plan a lunch with co-workers there!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll be working in East Hartford from time to time in the coming months, maybe we can do a quick lunch meetup - or meet for happy hour at ON20!

      Delete
  2. I've always heard of this place, but I've never been there. Adds to list of things to do.

    ReplyDelete

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