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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.
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.
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.
The attention to detail is amazing, from the porthole arched door frame - to the mermaid door handle.
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| 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!
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| 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!
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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!
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| Cocktail Time! Strawberry Mint Mojito, Martini, the Paloma, Hot Buttered Rum |
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| The Paloma silver tequila, grapefruit, simple syrup, lime, and club soda |
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| 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.
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| Grilled Giant Heads-On Prawn |
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| Deviled Crab Fritters |
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| Deviled Eggs with Fried Capers |
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Swordfish Puttanesca
linguini, garlic, onions, capers,
black olives, tomato, parsley
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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.
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| Grilled Petit Filet Mignon |
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| Grilled Boned and Marinated Quail |
For our wonderful happy ending we sampled a heavenly apple crisp, churros, and other decadent delights!
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| Apple Crisp |
Sweet dreams are made of this!
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| 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!
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| 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
(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.
© Home Place 2020
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.
© Home Place 2020
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