Showing posts with label Lobster. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lobster. Show all posts

Thursday, August 9, 2018

Liv's Shack in Old Saybrook CT

Social Media Promotion

Seasonal Fare at Liv's Shack in Old Saybrook CT

Liv's Shack Sign
Liv's Shack on Bridge Street
in Old Saybrook Connecticut

The summer days are slowing getting shorter which means our brief summer season in New England is also winding down. While we still have plenty of summer days ahead of us, and hopefully a warm fall, some of our Connecticut restaurants operate on a seasonal schedule. Because of that, my friend Gayle and I decided to have a Friday night 'girls night out' and visit Liv's Shack on Bridge Street in Old Saybrook Connecticut.


Liv's Shack Lobster Roll
Views of Old Saybrook CT

Liv's Shack is the brainchild of John Brescio, executive chef, who is also the owner and operator of the beautiful Liv's Oyster Bar on Main Street, Old Saybrook. 


Liv's Shack John Brescio
Chef John chats with visitors
at Liv's Shack in Old Saybrook

Story has it that when the previous owners of the 'shack' located in the Harbor One Marina decided to close after ANOTHER storm hit the shores of Saybrook, the folks at the marina and in the area knew that THE ONE to take it over, and do it RIGHT, was Chef Brescio, whose love of the area, and local sea fare, shines through in all his endeavors. Liv's Oyster Bar is known throughout the area for creating simple, focused dishes with an emphasis on local ingredients, and the stunning seafood that the area provides. 

Yes, folks, Chef Brescio's Liv's Shack continues with that same fine tradition!


Liv's Shack Staff
Smiling Faces at
Liv's Shack in Old Saybrook CT

Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and known for their friendly service and amazing lobster rolls, they also have items like fish tacos, fresh salads, clam chowder, burgers and dogs on their menu. The restaurant offers take out and outside seating only.

The Liv's Shack tee-shirts pictured above are adorable, and on the back, which I neglected to get a picture of, say "NO MAYO". You see, we Nutmeggers don't consider it a lobster roll if you serve it cold with mayonnaise. (People - that is called "lobster salad" roll!) 

Instead, we serve it warm, bathed in a healthy slathering of melted butter, and, my personal preference, is a split down the middle, butter grilled, lightly toasted, roll. 


Liv's half pound lobster roll
a HALF POUND of lobster on Liv's Shack
 large size Lobster Roll


Yep. Just how Liv's makes 'em!  I'm in love!!

But I've gotten WAY ahead of myself! Let me go over what we ordered! For starters, Liv's Shack does not serve alcohol (you can BYOB), but has a wide assortment of Foxon Park soda (a locally made and bottled soda) and other beverages. We brought in a white sangria, as it was a HOT HOT HOT night, and we wanted something light, sweet, and fruity. 




We elected to sit on the deck that surrounds the Shack, where there are comfortable picnic tables that seat two to four.


Liv's Shack Deck
Gayle takes in the views
from the deck at Liv's Shack
Old Saybrook CT

For larger parties there are also large picnic tables around the grounds at Liv's.


Plenty of shady seating
Liv's Shack - Old Saybrook CT


After getting comfortable we went ahead and started with a bowl of made on premise creamy delicious New England Clam Chowder, and their BLT Salad topped with Buffalo Shrimp.


Liv's Shack Buffalo Shrimp BLT Salad
BLT Salad with Buffalo Shrimp

Everything was OH SO GOOD. The clam chowder was chock chock CHOCK full of clams. We both noticed that it wasn't until we were about half done with our chowder that we found some perfectly cooked potato pieces. I don't know about you, but loads of clams to fewer potatoes, is the perfect ratio to me!


Liv's Shack Clam Chowder
Creamy New England Clam Chowder
Liv's Shack - Old Saybrook CT

The BLT Salad topped with Buffalo Shrimp was one of my favorites of the night. I absolutely love that the salad is made with iceburg lettuce! The crunch of the lettuce, the sweet cherry tomatoes, the crispy bacon found throughout the salad, and fresh blend of croutons were PERFECT!  And the nicely spiced Buffalo Shrimp tempered with the creamy dressing is just MORE PURE PERFECTION!


BLT Salad with Buffalo Shrimp at Liv's Shack
BLT Salad
Topped with spicy Buffalo Shrimp

Next we ordered our entrees. Gayle elected to go with the 8 oz Lobster Roll ($35.00). Worth every penny! Gayle said she stopped counting at 6 claws and goodness knows how much more meat! There is also a 4 oz Lobster Roll available for $18.00, and on Wednesday, that 4 oz roll is offered to senior citizens for the low low low price of $15.00 from 11-7.  Take your favorite senior to Liv's Shack for an incredible treat!


Liv's Lobster Roll
Liv's 8 oz Lobster Roll
NO MAYO!

I was hankering for a really good burger so I went with the double burger with cheese and bacon. The meat is house ground so I knew I was in for a treat!


Bad picture of me
(it was super hot that night!!)
BUT A GREAT BURGER!!!


It did not disappoint! They also included a surprise special sauce on it, a blend of a tomatoey creamy mayo. Sooooo good! I thought it might be spicy, but it wasn't at all - just creamy good!


Liv's Special Sauce on a
double bacon cheeseburger
Creamy good!


Meet my house ground
Double Bacon Cheeseburger

When a place makes burgers and lobster rolls this good - you know you've got to go back for more! I'm grabbing the cowboy and planning this weekend's visit to try some more of the goodness on the Liv's Shack Summer Menu.




I see a Hummels Hotdog (another locally sourced item) in the cowboy's future!

Be sure to visit Liv's Shack at the Harbor One Marina soon!




Liv's Shack at Harbor One Marina 

26 Bridge Street
Old Saybrook, CT   
(860) 391-8353

On the Net: http://www.livsshack.com/

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/livsshackatharboronemarina

Disclaimer: Portions of this post were sponsored by the marketing and management team at Liv's Shack.

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Lobster Life Cooking Class at Ella's Fine Food in Westerly RI

Social Media Promotion : Sponsored   

Chef Jeanie Roland's Lobster Cooking Class   




A few weeks back we received an invite to travel up to scenic Westerly, Rhode Island to participate in the first of Chef Jeanie Roland, Owner, Operator, and Executive Chef of Ella's Fine Food and Drinks' summer/fall 2016 cooking classes,  this one titled ... 

Lobster Life!!!


Ella's Fine Food and Drink Cooking Classes


Ah, such is MY life! A weekend trip to coastal Rhode Island - and the chance to eat some lobster! Ummm, okay!

Ella's Fine Food and Drink Cooking Classes
Lobster Life Cooking Class at Ella's Fine Food & Drink
 in Westerly Rhode Island.

But this was more than just eating lobster, this was the ability to learn some fabulous tips and tricks about lobster preparation, and some great general insight on food preparation from Culinary Institute of America (CIA) alum, Chef Jeanie Roland.

Chef Jeanie is a seven-time James Beard nominee, and one of the few contestants to “Beat Bobby Flay” on the Food Network.  Chef Jeanie and her husband James also own and operate The Perfect Caper restaurant in Punta Gorda, Florida. 

Chef Jeanie began the cooking demonstration by welcoming us into the restaurant's kitchen

Ella's Fine Food and Drink Cooking Classes
Chef Jeanie Roland in the Ella's Kitchen


She's an absolute whirling dervish and impossible to photograph - her hands are always moving - pots are always rotating - and spoons are always stirring.

Chef Jeanie is one bad-ass female chef and a warrior in the kitchen! I could certainly see how she beat Bobby Flay!

In the kitchen she taught us about the proper way to prep our lobster for its culinary demise - and how to make a heck of a lobster stock. And, if that's not enough - she even gave us a few trade secrets on what can be substituted for lobster stock if you're in a pinch.

Ella's Fine Food and Drink Cooking Classes
Make sure you grab that crispy sediment in the pan
That's where all the flavor is!

After our kitchen lesson we moved back to the dining room where Chef Jeanie began class. We learned so many neat tips with every step of the process. Best ways to open a lobster, best ways to remove meat from a lobster and more!


Ella's Fine Food and Drink Cooking Classes
Chef Roland demonstrates how to break apart a lobster


Ella's Fine Food and Drink Cooking Classes
Chef Roland demonstrates the best way to
remove lobster meat from the claw and tail


And all that work resulted in this delicious Lobster Bisque. Rich, creamy and delicious, and in the center was a beautiful surprise, a delicate dollop of lobster chive custard.

Ella's Fine Food and Drink Cooking Classes Lobster Bisque


I mean really. There are just so many ways you can say yum before you sip this up and lick your bowl clean.

Ella's Fine Food and Drink Cooking Classes
Yum!
Lobster Bisque at Ella's Fine Food and Drink


Next we moved on to Lobster Pot Pie. Now, I have to admit, I am a die-hard crust on the bottom - crust on the top - 'pot pie' maker. But Chef Jeanie convinced us all to have a bit of fun with this dish, especially in the summer months when you want everything a bit lighter.



And she taught us the fine art of pie dough making. What kind of flour to use,  the proper way to knead, how to roll in only an outward direction (less gluten!), and the importance of resting your dough.

Ella's Fine Food and Drink Cooking Classes


Throughout the entire class she would stop and take questions, or take the time to show you just how things should look. In the photo below she shows how the dough should be just this side of crumbly with bits of butter visible.


And, here's where she really got me!  Instead of crust on the top and bottom, why not just place a nice flaky lobster shaped pie pastry smack dab in the middle of  your pot pie!




I have to admit - I'm a convert! This was a beautiful light dish - perfect for summer - and the lobster cut-out made for a nice presentation that would be impressive when entertaining. A great alternative to crust on the top and the bottom.  And I didn't even miss it! In fact, I thought it was so much better to go a bit lighter when the weather is so warm!

Ella's Fine Food and Drink Cooking Classes Lobster Pot Pie
Lobster Pot Pie
Ella's Fine Food and Drink


Next we moved on to Stuffed Lobster and a beautiful Lobster Cream Sauce. Chef shared with us some of her favorite kitchen gadgets, her favorite size knife to use, and how to properly cut vegetables.






Here's my dish of Lobster Cream Sauce over pasta with a roasted cherry tomato garnish.



And a delicious forkful of stuffed lobster.




Chef Jeanie closed with her recipe for a wonderful Grapefruit Vinaigrette Dressing, perfect for all those fresh summer salads from local produce!




Chef gave great direction on alternatives and substitutes but also told us to stick with our favorites as staples. Why? Because a change in brand can completely change the flavor of the dish.

Love Lea & Perrins Worcester Sauce? Don't sub it out for a generic brand!



The result -  an aromatic, tangy, with just a hint of sweetness creamy dressing. I can't wait to make this for my next summer salad!



Speaking of which, Chef Roland sent us home with full recipes for everything she demonstrated - and kept us busy taking notes on all her hints and tips. In addition to just plain delicious, this was truly an informative and fun class!

We strayed away from lobster for dessert when Chef Roland treated us to this Honey and Fig covered creamy dessert.

Because, really, every good dinner should end on a sweet note.



And you can experience this same sweet hospitality at one of Chef Jeanie's upcoming cooking classes!

Chef Jeanie Roland's Upcoming Classes:


  • August 20th: END OF SUMMER PARTY,- Tomato & corn buffet theme
  • September 17th: ALL ABOUT APPLES - Soup, salad, and more
  • October 22nd: DUCK, DUCK & DUCK- Discussion on types and the different usage
  • November 12th: ELLA'S THANKSGIVING - Classic Thanksgiving Preparation of Turkey with Jeanie's own twists and some hor d'oeuvres
  • December 10th: CHRISTMAS DAY - Holiday Specialties

Cooking classes are $100 per person and start at 12 noon on all dates listed. Classes last 2-1/2 to 3 hours and include: instruction, recipes, adult beverages, featured food and Q & A with Chef Jeanie. Demonstration includes cooking in both the kitchen and their studio kitchen in the dining room.

Visit them soon for a great class or a delicious meal (or both!)

Ella's Fine Food and Drink

2 Tower Street
Westerly, RI  02891
401.315.0606
http://ellasfinefoodanddrink.com/

About Ella’s Fine Food & Drink

Ella’s Fine Food & Drink, located at 2 Tower Street in Westerly, RI, opened in 2011 by Chef Jeanie Roland, a seven-time James Beard nominated Chef, and her husband and business manager, James Roland.  A premier dining destination for coastal, southern New England, Ella’s features French-Asian inspired fare imbued with Chef Roland’s passion for cooking with the freshest seasonal ingredients. In her pursuit of perfection, everything is made from scratch, from breads to desserts and everything in between, and menus change frequently in an effort to highlight the best available ingredients and to challenge Chef Roland and her culinary team. She has been quoted as saying that perhaps, "she has yet to create her best dish!"

Disclaimer: I was invited to this event by members of Ella's management and marketing team, however all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 


Ella's Fine Food and Drink Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato
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