Liv's Oyster Bar - New Fall Menu

If you're anything like me you love this time of year! 

Even though I absolutely adore Spring and Summer, there is just something so special about Fall. The beautiful colors of nature surround us inspiring our sense of fashion for deep jewel tones and warm cozy clothing. 

But even better - Fall harvest means sensational homestyle rustic dishes and savory comfort food. 

There's a great place out this way in southeast Connecticut that features some fabulous fall dishes. Now that fall weather is finally upon us, this is THE place to visit and enjoy some delicious fall food fare!

Where? Liv's Oyster Bar located on Main Street in Old Saybrook Connecticut. Executive Chef/Owner John Brescio has just added some new dishes to the fall menu and they sound absolutely delicious.

Sip your  way through a big bowl of savory soup enhanced with one of my favorite spices, curry in their Curried Cauliflower Soup made with smoked mussels, capers, and crème fraiche.

Curried Cauliflower Soup $9.95
Photo Courtesy Liv's Oyster Bar

Soup not your thing? How about a Farro and Fall Vegetable Salad made with roasted fall squash and broccoli, baby brussel sprouts, beets, red onion, delightfully dressed with a brown butter and cider vinaigrette.  I know...right? So many fall flavors in one beautiful dish.

A must try is Chef's Fall Squash Ravioli, made with mushrooms, shrimp, parmesan mushroom sauce, pine nuts, and sage. Tell me this doesn't look and sound absolutely incredible. Rich, hearty, and so dang good!

Fall Squash Ravioli $24.95
Photo Courtesy Liv's Oyster Bar 

Feeling like a bit more protein? Try the Pan Roasted Chicken served with potato gnocchi, roasted brussel sprouts, fall squash, with made on premise chicken sausage, with a beautiful chicken a jus! 

Pan Roasted Chicken $24.95
Photo Courtesy Liv's Oyster Bar

Last, but certainly not least, you simply must try these Short Rib Pastrami Sliders! Talk about a melding of fall flavors melting in your mouth! These flavorful big bites are made on pretzel rolls, with pickled red cabbage, cheddar cheese, whole grain mustard dijonaise, and potato knish. 

Short Rib Pastrami Sliders $18.95
Photo Courtesy Liv's Oyster Bar

Liv’s Oyster Bar opened in 2006 from Executive Chef/Owner John Brescio’s desire to welcome the community to his family’s table, savoring time with friends and family on the shore during summer and beyond.  

The menu changes with the seasons, delivering simple, focused dishes with an emphasis on local ingredients, and stunning seafood, a mainstay of the Connecticut shoreline   

The restaurant is open six days a week for dinner on Main Street in the heart of scenic Old Saybrook, CT!

Be sure to visit them soon!

Liv's Oyster Bar

166 Main Street

Old Saybook, CT 

(860) 395-5577

http://www.livsoysterbar.com/ 

Follow them on Twitter (@LivsOysterBar)

Like them on Facebook (Liv’s Oyster Bar) 

Follow them on Instagram (livsoysterbar). 

Shell and Bones Happy Hour for Spring 2017

Happy Hour at Shell and Bones

One of my favorite things to do once the weather warms up is to meet friends for a quick happy hour during the week. It's a nice way to catch up with one another without feeling that any of us are stealing time from our family -- or neglecting other facets of life (like work, children, cooking, cleaning, car-pooling, shopping, etc.!)

And, because friends are such a very important aspect of my life - we should celebrate in style, right??

Photo Courtesy Shell and Bones

So ... isn't it just the perfect coincidence that Shell and Bones Oyster Bar is launching their new spring offerings for happy hour - just when I get the hankering to plan a meet up with friends?

I think so!!!

You should enjoy this fun location too! Shell & Bones Oyster Bar is located directly on the waterfront in New Haven CT - so it's the perfect location to get together for a few hours and enjoy breathtaking views of Long Island Sound. It's a win-win that there's a delicious new happy hour menu to go along with it all.

Photo Courtesy Shell and Bones

Here are just some of the items on the menu!

Shell and Bones Spring Happy Hour Menu

• ½ bottle Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne, 6x oysters (daily featured choice) and 6x clam fritters for $50
• $6 glass of featured wine – 1x white, red and Rose offering
• $6 house spirits cocktails
• $3 cans of Black Hog Brewing
• $1.00 daily featured oysters and littleneck clams
• $1.00 fried oyster
• $1.00 per piece grilled skewers (meat will vary daily)

Shell and Bones - Beef Satay Skewers

Come treat yourself and your friends to some fabulous cocktails and small bites Monday - Friday from 4:00pm-6:00pm

Shell & Bones

100 S Water Street

New Haven, CT 06519

(203) 787-3466

http://shellandbones.com/

About Shell and Bones Oyster Bar

Shell & Bones Oyster Bar, located on the waterfront in the historic City Point area of New Haven, Connecticut, offers the finest in seafood and steak, receiving accolades from Connecticut Magazine, New Haven Living Magazine and a “Very Good” review from The New York Times since opening in July 2015.
Acclaimed Executive Chef Arturo Franco-Camacho incorporates fresh and sustainable ingredients to present new takes on classic dishes, including his award-winning New England Clam Chowder, with all soups, stocks, sauces and desserts made in-house.  In addition to its cuisine, Shell & Bones offers an extensive wine and beer list and creative cocktail menu, with several beers, liquors and wines sourced locally in Connecticut.
The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor waterfront dining with an indoor fireplace and outdoor fire pits, complimentary parking and private event space.  Shell & Bones is open for dinner seven days a week, and offers Brunch Friday-Sunday beginning at 11:00am.  For more information, visit http://shellandbones.com/.

The restaurant can also be found on Facebook (ShellandBones) and Instagram (shellandbonesoysterbarandgrill).

Visiting Local Craft Kitchen and Beer Bar in Branford CT

Local Craft Kitchen & Beer Bar in Branford CT

We finally had a chance to stop at one of Branford's newest places, Local Craft Kitchen and Beer Bar. Formerly the site of SBC Brewing and then Burrata's, the location has been through many incarnations since originally opening on the Branford Hill as a Bonanza in the 70's.

The cowboy was told there was a great burger to be had, and I was in the mood for some small plates, so we stopped there to try the place out.

It's definitely a fun little place, and boasts 16 craft beers on tap, as well as a cute little cocktail menu.
Local is a great pub-like place with some good food and drink.

Local Kitchen and Beer Bar
Interior - Dining Room

We started with our typical "his & hers" cocktails - for him a rye and soda and for me something from the specialty cocktail menu, the "Fruity Pebbles." - The Fruity Pebbles was made with Bacardi Limon, lime juice and cranberry juice.

Local Craft Kitchen & Beer Bar

Next we ordered up some grub, the cowboy going with the 50/50 Bacon Burger and I went for the Pork Sliders and Bang Bang Shrimp from the small plates menu. The great thing about the small plates menu is that you can order a small "small plate" - or a large "small plate." I went with the small size for both.

Small Plates at Local in Branford CT

Local Craft Kitchen & Beer Bar
Bang Bang Shrimp (size small)
Lettuce wrapped battered shrimp
with a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce with carrots
cucumber sesame aleppo

Local Craft Kitchen & Beer Bar
Pulled Pork Sliders (size small)
Cole Slaw - BBQ Sauce on a Potato Roll

Local Craft Kitchen & Beer Bar
The 50/50 Bacon Burger
Half burger Half Bacon
with lettuce tomato and mayo

Beer Keg Light at Local

Local Craft Kitchen and Beer Bar is located on the Branford Hill in Branford Connecticut and has other locations in Fairfield and South Norwalk Connecticut. Stop and see them soon for some cocktails, burgers and small plates!

Local Craft Kitchen and Beer Bar

850 West Main St,
Branford, CT, 06405
(203) 481-2739
http://branfordlocal.com/index.php




© Home Place 2017

Parallel Post Prix Fixe for Valentine's Day 2015!

Visit Parallel Post in Trumbull Connecticut for a Romantic Valentine's Dinner!

Parallel Post Valentine’s Day Menu

$50 per person plus tax and gratuity

please choose one item from each course, no substitutions

First Course Choices:

• “White Gulf Shrimp” Cocktail
• Beef Tartar, Egg Gribiche, Grilled  Sourdough
• Fire Roasted Copps Island Oysters, Preserved Lemon Butter, Smoked Bacon
• Charcuterie et  Fromage, Pear Cranberry Chutney, Honey Glazed Almonds, Ciabatta

Second Course:

• Roasted Red Beet, stuffed with Greek Yogurt, over greens, Spiced Marcona Almonds, crumbled goat cheese, basil vinaigrette
• Caesar Salad-Romaine, Capers, Shaved Parmesan, White Anchovy
• Roasted Tomato Bisque, Mascarpone Crème , toasted herb crumbs

Third course

• Cast ironed French cut Chicken, Goat Cheese “Anson Mills” Rustic Grits, Swiss chard, Yellow Carrots, pine nuts, and currants
• 14 oz Porterhouse, rubbed with Black Garlic butter, Yukon Gold Truffle Mash, Sautéed greens
• Seafood Pasta “Norman Bloom” clams, shrimp, PEI mussels, local fish
• Butter Wine broth, grilled sourdough crostini   Sourdough Crusted Halibut Beet Gnocchi, Roasted Salsify, Meyer Lemon Escabeche
• Lobster

Fourth course

• Madelyn’s Red Velvet Cake
• Chocolate Pannacotta
• Banana Cream Pie made with Do-Si-Dos® Girl Scout Cookies
• Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake made with Trefoils® Girl Scout Cookeis

House mixologist Greg "Bootleg Greg" Genias will also be serving up the evening's featured V-Day cocktail From Russia with Love, a Russian Red Strawberry Daiquiri with White Truffle Whip Cream and Campari sugar.   

Overseen by James Beard nominated Chef Dean James Max, Parallel Post is a modern-American restaurant based in Trumbull, CT. focused on seasonal and regional cuisine. Offering a bold and flavorful menu featuring modern American cuisine with Northeastern regional flair, Parallel Post brings an unseen level of quality and creativity to the culinary landscape of Trumbull, Connecticut. The intimate, yet casual eatery uses seasonal, local ingredients prepared with contemporary, healthy techniques. The menu is comprised of a wide array of options from snacks to small plates, large entree, and a multi-course tasting menu. 

Parallel Post Restaurant

180 Hawley Lane, Trumbull CT 06611

Phone/Reservations  203-380-6380

Located in the Trumbull Marriott - Merritt Parkway

On the Web: http://parallelpostrestaurant.com/

Like them on facebook https://www.facebook.com/ParallelPost

Follow them on twitter: https://twitter.com/ParallelPostCT

 visit www.parallelpostrestaurant.com for more information

Oak Haven Table and Bar - Farm to Table in New Haven CT

Social Media Sampling

Early in December we were invited to sample some of the snack items and small and medium plates available at Oak Haven Table and Bar in New Haven CT. (Note: 'large' plates are also available but were not part of this sampling.)

Owners Craig Hotchkiss and Al Greenwood have a winning combination of specialty cocktails and a true farm to table menu overseen by chef Meg Fama.

Enter the cozy restaurant on State Street in New Haven's East Rock section and you'll be surprised at the size and comfort of the surroundings in the warmly decorated and amber toned dining room and bar.

The menu changes daily in accordance with the availability from local sources. And everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING, is made on premise. Good lordy, even the ketchup is made on premise from scratch!

We started with some cocktails, which also change seasonally, as well as featuring market specials of the day. Remember I said made on premise...yup...even the juices are prepared on premise!

Left: Taste of Christmas with rye and winter spices
Right: Market Special Rime Vodka with Cranberry and Rosemary herbs

We started with the Autumn Rolls from the snack menu, prepared with shredded market vegetables and a plum sauce, these were crunchy good, and similar to a spring roll.

Autumn Rolls

Next we moved on to the small plates, where we sampled some sweet and meaty mussels, prepared with a beer broth, herbs, and garlic. The mussels were perfectly prepared, and probably some of the best I've ever tasted, plump and flavorful.

Oak Haven Mussels

Also from the small plates menu were a nice dish of brussel sprouts, prepared with garlic, shallots, and a maple reduction.

Oak Haven Brussel Sprouts

And last from the small plate menu were the crabcakes, prepared with a house made remoulade. These were also quite tasty and chock full of fresh crab meat.

Blue Crab: Dual Crispy Crab Cakes

Then we moved on to the medium plates menu, where we sampled scallops, a cassoulet, and steamed clams.

The seared scallops were served with a tangy tarragon cream sauce, bacon bits and fresh market vegetables.

Dry Boat Scallops

Then, my favorite dish of the evening, a beautiful cassoulet, prepared with sausage, mushrooms, carrots, onions, white beans, local greens, parmesan cheese, with a wine broth. While I'm not typically a fan of anything made with sausage, this dish was an amazing blend of flavors that didn't allow the sausage to overtake the dish.

Oak Haven Cassoulet

Last on our medium plate menu sampling were the clams fra diavlo. The star of this dish was the incredible spicy tomato based broth it was prepared in. My tablemate Julie, of JuliEdibles kept referring to the broth as 'liquid gold' and I couldn't agree more. It was rich and hearty, and the Cowboy and I had the perfect arrangement, I savored the clams while he soaked up the broth with Oak Haven's crusty bread. It was all he could do to keep himself from picking up the bowl with two hands and drinking the warm delicious elixir.

Clams Fra Diablo

To finish our evening, we sampled some of Chef Fama's baked goods for dessert, delicious cookies, dessert bars, and shortcakes.

Assorted Cookies and Bread Pudding Bars

Shortbread with Jam

During dessert, Chef Fama was able to join us for a few minutes and we were certainly impressed with her commitment to the farm to table movement that the restaurant is becoming well known for. She was able to name each dish we sampled and the farm it was connected with. Every dish, and even many of the cocktails, have ties to local sources. Folks, this is a wonderful way to support local!

For a list of farms the restaurant works with click here => Oak Haven's Local Farms


We certainly enjoyed this cozy little place in New Haven and we're looking forward to a return in the coming year!

Oak Haven Table Bar

932 State Street

New Haven, CT 06511

Phone

(203) 915-9413

On the Web: http://www.oakhaventableandbar.com/index.php

Disclaimer: We were invited to this sampling by Oak Haven's management team. However, all opinions expressed are entirely our own.

Brick + Wood in Fairfield CT - Love Life and Pizza

Social Media Sampling

We were thrilled to be invited to Fairfield County's newest addition, Brick + Wood Pizza in Fairfield Connecticut.

This isn't your ordinary corner pizza joint, instead, it's a fresh clean concept designed by Haverson Architecture & Design of Greenwich, CT. The architectural team, spurred by the vision of the Cavalli family, has transformed the restaurant into a multi-layered / multi-sensory restaurant and bar.

As the name implies, much of the design is framed by stressed wood and worn Chicago brick with pockets of space throughout filled with stacks of wood that heat the oven. The mosaic tiled pizza oven and the butcher block and Calcutta Ciero marble top mozzarella bar are the focal point of the dining room.

Brick + Wood is also home to the area’s first all-tap wine bar, accentuated by a steel backdrop and wooden taps.

Owners Paolo and Clara Cavalli were the ultimate hosts at Brick +Wood.

Paolo, who lived in Texas for several years loved the Cowboy's hat...and, after comparing belt buckles (chuckle-chuckle) we learned about their restaurants in Texas, the Neapolitan Street Food they specialize in, the homemade mozzarella process, and why they love life and pizza!

Here's some of the items we enjoyed as we sampled some of their Neapolitan Street Food, Salads, and Pizza!

Of course we started with some of their signature and specialty cocktails.

Mojito, Peppermint Shooter, Tarraon Margarita, Pomegranate Martini

And then we moved on to some small plates, appetizers, and salads.

Croquettes

The Cowboy and I both loved the pillowly light Pizza Frittes! He loved the delicious marinara sauce, in fact we requested extra for dipping!

Montanara "Fizza Frittes"
Served with marinara sauce and fresh parmigiano

Then we moved on to the Arancini. These were prepared in a fun and whimsical way, on sticks!

Arancini
Pear and Gorgonzola with a sage brown sauce

Then we moved on to the Salad, Mozzarella, and Burrata Bar portion of our meal.

Starting with a palate cleansing. Aragula & Pear Salad. I adored this salad. My only critique would be I wish the salad had more pears! I loved how the pears were delicately shaved - and were a great contrast in flavors to the peppery arugula. The good thing? There were plenty of candied walnuts, another of my favorites. The salad was very lightly dressed with sweet and tangy maple vinaigrette!

Arugula Salad
Arugula, pear, candied walnuts, maple viniagrette, fried boconcinni

Then the Burrata fun began! We got to see how the burrata is prepared. I always wondered how the creamy milk gets inside. This was a lot of fun to watch, and if you're there when it's being done - don't miss it!

The Burrata Process

And here was our finished product! A wonderful Truffle Burrata! I can't gush enough about how good this was. Trust me - it's FABULOUS!

Truffle Burrata
House made mozzarella with a cream and truffle filled center, prosciutto and arugula

And because it was so creamy good on the inside - I just had to share a picture of it oozing out - and one of it spread on my bread with prosciutto!

Truffle Burrata

Next on our sampling menu were the Girelli, prepared in a fresh mozzarella rollup with eggplant, prosciutto, and roasted peppers.

Girelli
Thin mozzarella layered with eggplant, prosciutto, and roasted peppers

And now it's time for the stars of the show, the pizza at Brick + Wood! We sampled three of their most popular artisan pizzas, the Margherita, the Arugala and Prosciutto, and the Diavola.

Brick + Wood's pizza is certified by the Associazone Pizzaiuoli Napoletani (APN), an association formed in Naples by pizza makers to preserve the authentic Neapolitan pizza values. Supported by the Italian government, this rigorous certification process is required by any restaurant in Italy wishing to serve authentic Neapolitan pizza. Only a handful of pizzaiolos in the United States have earned this distinction.

Margherita
San Marzano Tomato Sauce, Fresh Basil, Fresh Mozzarella, drizzled with EVOO

Arugula e Prosciutto
Fresh Mozzarella, Prosciutto, Shaved Parmigiano, Balsamic Glaze

And my absolute favorite of the night, The Diavola Pizza! Loved the heat of the sauce and the spicy jalapenos. On a burn scale of 1-5, I would give this a solid 3+ - the perfect medium warm burn!!!  Delicious!

Diavola (Texas Heat)
Spicy Soppressata, Garlic, Jalapenos, and Oregano

And we ended our evening with two specialty desserts, a bread pudding and and nutella panzerotto.

Left:   Nutella Panzerotto
Right:  Caramel Bourbon Bread Pudding

Open since November 2014, they are quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite. There's a bright fresh vibe inside, and Brick + Wood is a fun destination to meet up with family and friends, and I'd even recommend it for a fun date night!

And...gluten free options are also available (call ahead 203.939-1400).

For more on the Cavalli family read here ==>> HomePlace/Brick+Wood_Opens

Brick + Wood

1275 Post Rd No. 7  

Fairfield, CT 06824

203-939-1400

www.lovelifeandpizza.com

Disclaimer: We were invited to this menu sampling by members of Brick + Wood's public relations and management team. However, all opinions are our own.

The Georgetown Saloon in Redding CT

Every now and then we stumble across a truly unusual place that we simply have to share with you!

We recently made our way up to Redding CT to visit the Georgetown Saloon, a neat little place that features fun food and drink - and live entertainment!

Established in 1978 the Georgetown Saloon was once known for its great live music, and, now, under new ownership, the Saloon is returning to its roots!

Once the stage for such musical artists as Eartha Kitt, Keith Richards, Meatloaf and Jose Feliciano, the Georgetown Saloon plans to bring the very best in both known and up-and-coming local artists. They have added a studio quality sound booth and speaker system to the main room to ensure that the music quality is top notch.  They feature open mic nights and live entertainment on select evenings.

But the Georgetown Saloon is not just about great music...they're also about great food and drink.

Here's some of the amazing items we sampled during our visit!

You know we always start by trying a restaurant's specialty cocktails, and the Georgetown Saloon keeps it fun by creating "Flasktails" - cocktails with creative twists on old favorites, with their own play on wording and spin on ingredients. For example, the Surley Tumble, is quite the opposite of a Shirley Temple, containing bourbon, marachino liquor, fresh lemon juice, and cherry bitters.

Flasktails

Now, on to the food!!! We started by trying Biscuits and Gravy, Devilish Eggs, and Bacon Roasted Poppers

Biscuits and Gravy, Devilish Eggs, and Bacon Roasted Poppers

And some amazing fried Mac-N-Cheese Tots!

Mac-N-Cheese Tots with Buttermilk Ranch Dipping Sauce

Then we moved on to some delicious Flatbread with Mushrooms, and stuffed potatoes three ways!

Flatbread Speical of the Day, and Menage A Tot (Potatoes 3-ways)

And don't forget - Georgetown saloon offers up loads of beers, many local, with 30 types of draft beers, and a beer menu that changes seasonally.

30 Beers on Tap

And we sampled some classic Colt 45 and a dark draught.

Sampling some beer

One of my favorite "starters" of the night -were the fried seasonal veggies with a yummy dipping sauce that had just enough of a spicy kick!

Seasonal Fried Vegetables

The House Nachos were unique, made with kettle chips and served with a smokey cheddar cheese, pico de gallo and a creamy chive topping. Ours also came with a heaping of house chili.

The Georgetown Saloon Nachos

The Saloon was certainly returning to its roots the night we were there! They featured an open mic night - and they also have live music on weekends!  We got to hear some great sound from the local musicians that were there that night.

Open Mic Night

Next we moved on to some items from their "Mini" menu which features sandwiches and small bite items, such as Chicken and Waffles and Sliders.

Chicken and Waffles
Blueberry Jam, Basil, Bourbon Butter, Cheddar, Bacon and Maple Syrup
with Sweet Potato Fries

Cheeseburger Sliders
Beef, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Smoked Aioli
(NOTE: They also feature a Veggie Burger Slider)
Hand Cut Fries

Crab Cake Sliders
Lettuce, Tomato, and Cajun Remoulade
with Crispy Light Onion Rings

Are you ready for some more fun items?  The Georgetown Saloon serves dinners in these fab TV-dinner sectioned trays!  Each comes with an entree, sides, and dessert! So creative!

Bird and the Bees
Crispy Fried Free Range, Red Bee Honey Hot Sauce, with a Side Biscuit

When I was a little girl, believe it or not, I used to be a picky eater. You know, one of those who would kick and scream when one food touched another. These sectioned dinner plates would have made my mother's life a whole lot easier!!!

Bourbon Steak Au Poivre
Flat Iron, Mushrooms, Onions, and Mashed Potato

Each dinner was so delicious and the sides were fun and whimsical!

Shrimp and Grits
Smoked Cheddar and a Cajun Ramoulade

And I loved that Chef John Brennan is sensitive to vegetarian and gluten free choices! And really, who wouldn't want a dinner with a rice crispy side treat???

Mac-N-Cheese
Smoked Cheddar
(also available with a gluten free pasta)

And desserts were just as fun and creative with everything from bread pudding to flourless sundae cake!

Caramel Whiskey Bread Pudding

Flourless Chocolate Sundae

Waffle Sammie of the Day
(Each day features different fillings)

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

We thoroughly enjoyed this great place in Redding Connecticut! It's got such a fun and edgy vibe - and food that is equally creative!

Visit them soon!

The Georgetown Saloon

8 Main Street

Redding, CT 06896

203-544-8003

On the web - http://www.thegeorgetownsaloon.com/

Hours 

Mon - Thurs: 11:30am - 1am

Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 2am

Sun: 11:30am - 1am

Disclaimer: We were invited to this menu sampling by members of the Georgetown Saloon's public relations and management team. However, all opinions are our own.