Thursday, January 2, 2020

Carlson's Landing in Essex Connecticut

Social Media Promotion: Portions Sponsored        

New! In Essex Connecticut


If you're looking for scenic views, great food, and a gorgeous modern and airy setting, I've found the place for you! 

Look no further than Carlson's Landing in Essex Connecticut! We were recently invited to experience Carlson's at a sample menu tasting courtesy of owner Robert Rabine, and executive chef Kyle Bledsoe.

Carlson's Landing Cocktail Menu


Owner Robert Rabine is the former owner / operator of Cafe Routier (Old Saybrook / Westbrook) and started fine-tuning  his Connecticut culinary heritage with stints at Robert Henry Restaurant (New Haven) and Cafe Lafayette (Madison). Connecticut shoreline locals will likely remember Robert's food and beverage column, the Oedipal Epicurean in the Shoreline Times (2011-2019). 

Carlon's Landing's newly built structure overlooks the Connecticut River and the River Museum. The beautiful exterior gives way to a bright, open, and tastefully decorated interior. 


Carlson's Landing on Main Street in Essex CT


The attention to detail is amazing, from the porthole arched door frame - to the mermaid door handle. 

Carlson's Landing Mermaid Door Handle
Mermaid Door Handle

Outdoor seasonal decks are wrapped in Brazilian mahogany with custom stainless rigging by Greyson Metalworks. How wonderful it will be to sit out on that deck in warmer weather and enjoy some great food and spectacular river views!

Carlson's Landing Cocktail Lounge Views
Patio Views at Carlson's Landing


The intimate dining room comfortably seats thirty, with added seating at the bar for twenty. The restaurant vibe is tasteful New England nautical at its best!


Carlson's Landing Dining Room
Carlson's Landing Dining Room


The restaurant’s gray and white canvas is accented with custom mahogany tables and bar by local cabinet maker Bruce Therott.  


Carlson's Landing Cocktail Lounge
Carlson's Landing Lounge
Amazing River Views!


Spectacular oceanic artwork by local artist Melissa Barbieri, adorns the space with large scale oil paintings of nautical abstracts and sea creatures. 


Carlson's Landing Vestibule and Melissa Barbieri Artwork
Vestibule and waiting area with
Artwork by Melissa Barbieri

We started our dining adventure with some of their signature cocktails from their creative cocktail menu that features martinis, premium spirits, unique cocktails, craft beer, and an all-American curated wine list. 

My personal favorite was the Hot Buttered Rum, made with spiced rum, brown sugar, spiced butter batter, and cinnamon and nutmeg. Believe it or not, I made a secondary visit to Carlson's just so I could have another!

Carlson's Landing Cocktails
Cocktail Time!
Strawberry Mint Mojito, Martini, 
the Paloma, Hot Buttered Rum

Carlson's Landing Margarita
The Paloma
silver tequila, grapefruit, 
simple syrup, lime, and club soda

Carlson's Landing's Hot Buttered Rum
Hot Buttered Rum
Photo Source Carlson's Landing

Then Chef Bledsoe starting dazzling us with his appetizers! Chef is a Johnson & Wales alum with classical training under Chef Pascal Barbot of Astrance in Paris, France. Prior to Carlson's Landing Chef Bledsoe was the Chef de Cuisine at Arrive Hotel in Palm Springs, CA and the Head Chef at The Danforth Inn in Portland, ME. 

The all-day menu is seasonally and geographically inspired featuring  both land and sea favorites.

Fish house favorites include a classic fishwich, deviled crab fritters, fried calamari with pickled sweet peppers and chipotle aioli, a buttery lobster roll, and market-fresh fish.  Chef is also steaming little neck clams in ham broth and charred leeks (CAN YOU SAY YUMMMM??!!)  and making a unique dish of tuna meatballs with pomodoro sauce and grilled crostini.

Carlson's Landing Prawns
Grilled
Giant Heads-On Prawn


Carlson's Landing Crab Fritters
Deviled Crab Fritters



Carlson's Landing Hearty Deviled Eggs
Deviled Eggs
with Fried Capers

Carlson's Landing Swordfish Putanesca

Swordfish Puttanesca

linguini, garlic, onions, capers, 
black olives, tomato, parsley

From the "by land" or turf menu we sampled some delicious beef and poultry, a mouthwatering perfectly cooked and rested petit filet mignon, and tender grilled quail. 


Carlson's Landing Filet
Grilled Petit
Filet Mignon

anding Grilled and Marinated Quail
Grilled Boned and Marinated Quail


For our wonderful happy ending we sampled a heavenly apple crisp, churros, and other decadent delights!

Carlson's Landing Apple Crisp
Apple Crisp

Sweet dreams are made of this!

Carlson's Landing Fruit Tart
Dessert at Carlson's Landing


We loved the earthiness and subtle Mediterranean flavor perspective that Chef Bledsoe brings to Carlson's Landing. 

Our visit was highlighted by the elevated dining experience and hospitality that our host, Robert Rabine, is known for. Thank you Robert and Kyle for a wonderful evening! 


Carlson't Landing - Essex Boat Launch
Boat Launch
Carlson's Landing

Carlson's Landing is certainly a friendly and welcoming addition to the Connecticut shoreline! Visit them soon!


Carlson's Landing

63 Main Street
Essex, CT 06426
(860) 767-2727
www.carlsonslanding.com


Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 11:30 AM-9 PM 
(Closed Tuesdays)
Friday & Saturday 11:30 AM-10:00 PM
Sunday 3:00-9:00 PM

 


Disclaimer: We were invited to this menu sampling by members of Carlson's Landing management and marketing team, however, all views and opinions are our own.


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