Lunch at Camacho Garage in New Haven CT

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Mexican Street Food at Camacho Garage

We were finally able to visit Camacho Garage, the newest location from the team behind the award-winning Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill, Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill, and Nantucket’s Bar Yoshi! The restaurant is operated under the ownership team of co-owners Robert Bolduc and Marc Knight, and Executive Chef/co-owner, and Camacho Garage's namesake, Arturo Franco-Camacho.

Camacho Garage in New Haven

The restaurant features Mexican street food type dishes along with a bar menu that highlights beer, specialty cocktails, tequila, mezcal and other traditional and inspired Mexican beverages. 

Camacho Garage on Fountain Street in New Haven CT

Located in the Westville neighborhood of New Haven at 36 Fountain Street (corner of Fountain Street and Central Avenue) the restaurant offers a fun and lively atmosphere with an elevated vintage garage theme throughout its indoor and outdoor dining areas. 

Vintage Texaco Sign at Camacho Garage

Due to the 2020 pandemic, the restaurant has positioned tables with ample room to allow for dining at safe distances, and has many lucite dividers in place, at both the bar and in the main dining room between several booths. 

Inside Dining Room at Camacho Garage

How perfect for safe dining and social distance practices! In addition to the bar area and inside dining room, Camacho Garage also offers four season outdoor dining, with heaters for the colder weather!

The Bar at Camacho Garage in New Haven

We started with some cocktails from their specialty cocktail menu, from the "high octane" selections (with a nod to the restaurant's garage / petro theme) the King Julien's Pisco Sour, made with Barsol Pisco, Tamarind, Lime, and Egg Whites (so good...and sooo tart)

King Pisco Sour 

... and a Siamese Dream, made with Espolon Reposado, Hibiscus, Lime, Elderflower, and Strawberry. What a perfect pick!

Siamese Dream

For starters, we shared a Quesadilla de Huitlacoche made with wild mushrooms, corn truffle, epazote, onions, chihuahua cheese, and avocado, and you can put your own stamp on it by adding any of the following: chorizo, guacamole, shrimp, chicken, steak, or lobster (for additional costs). We decided to go seafood ALL THE WAY and added both shrimp AND lobster, because we're smart like that!

Quesadilla de Huitlacoche with shrimp and lobster

For our lunch we went with tacos, and a side of Mexican Street Corn. OMG - it was so good! I couldn't believe that corn (that is definitely out of season in February in Connecticut!) could taste this amazing! 

Camacho Garage Mexican Street Corn

Camacho Garage's street corn is dusted with a seasoning of chipotle mayo, cotija, ancho power, and just a hint of lime.  Be sure you order one!

The tacos were equally good! We ordered the Fish Tacos, made with beer battered cod, red cabbage slaw, crema, salsa verde, and pico de Gallo!

Camacho Garage Fish Tacos with Beer Battered Cod

... and the Camaron Ala Diabla, made with shrimp, arbol salsa, Chihuahua cheese, and pico de Gallo. 

Camaron Ala Diablo made with Spicy Arbol Salsa and Shrimp

We followed up with dessert, and decided to share the delicious Tres Leches Cake! For those not familiar with tres leches cake, it translates to 'milk cake' and is made with a variety of different milks, such as condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream. 

Tres Leches at Camacho Garage

Served with a shortbread cookie, a dollop of creamy ice cream, and accompanied by fresh fruit, it had just the right amount of silky richness to end our lunch on. 

Quite honestly, everything was delicious, from the high octane cocktails, to the savory dishes, to our sweet and happy ending! 

Stacked Quesadilla at Camacho Garage

Camacho Garage is a perfect place to  enjoy a delicious lunch, dinner, or share some small plates with friends and family! Next time we're there we're anxious to try the duck and lamb items, and some of the Middle East inspired menu items. Let's face it, we know everything will be amazing if it has Chef Arturo's hand in it!

Vintage Neon Mobil Gas sign at Camacho Garage

Reservations are accepted via OpenTable.com, or by contacting the restaurant at 203-691-1969.

Camacho Garage

36 Fountain Street

New Haven, Connecticut

203.691.1969

https://camachogarage.com

About Camacho Garage:

Camacho Garage brings acclaimed Executive Chef/co-owner Arturo Franco-Camacho’s exciting and unique tastes of contemporary Mexican street food to the lively Westville neighborhood in New Haven, Connecticut.  With a small plates food menu heavily focusing on tacos with housemade corn tortillas, ceviches, salads, tostadas and guacamole made with fresh, local and seasonal ingredients, the complementing beverage program offers an extensive and unique menu of beer, wine, cocktails, tequila, mezcal and other traditional and inspired Mexican beverages.  Located at 36 Fountain Street, the restaurant, with a sophisticated, vintage garage atmosphere, features indoor dining with a large bar area, outdoor dining with fire pits, a large shipping container bar and a heated, covered pergola, as well as takeout and catering services.  For more information, visit www.camachogarage.com.  The restaurant can also be found on Facebook (@camachogarage), Instagram (@camachogarage) and Twitter (@camachogarage).
 

About Chef Arturo Franco-Camacho:

The Executive Chef for Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill, Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill and Camacho Garage, Arturo Franco-Camacho (Franco) is a veteran of the Connecticut food scene whose extensive repertoire spans from five years as Chef de cuisine on the prestigious QE2 to opening several of his own successful restaurants (Roomba, Bespoke, and Suburban) in New Haven and Branford, CT.  He has also served as Guest Chef at the Director’s Dinner at the Sundance Film Festival.  
 
Chef Franco’s cuisine has been recognized as “Excellent” in the New York Times, and has received accolades from Connecticut Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Zagat and on Food Network’s “Food Nation with Bobby Flay.”  He has been nominated for Chef of the Year by the Connecticut Restaurant Association and has been recognized as an Ambassador Chef by the annual Greenwich Wine + Food Festival.  Chef Franco is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.

Disclaimer: We were invited to Camacho Garage by members of their management and marketing team, however, the views and opinions expressed herein are our own.

 

© Home Place 2021

Ordinary New Haven - Extraordinary Six Year Anniversary and New Initiatives

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Happy Six Year Anniversary to Ordinary in New Haven!

New Haven CT is home to some of the greatest little taverns and establishments. Locals refer to the city itself as the GSCIA (Greatest Small City In America). One of my favorite places to enjoy a cocktail in the greatest small city in America is on Chapel Street, right across from the historic city green, at Ordinary New Haven!

Ordinary at 990 Chapel Street, New Haven CT

Ordinary, is considered New Haven’s oldest tavern, as it is housed in the space that originally operated as part of the former Hotel Taft in the 1900's. We love our local history and we love that Ordinary is now celebrating its six-year anniversary with a series of new initiatives and designs that kicked off in early May 2019. 

We had a chance to visit last week and experience some of the fun Under the Big Top! And OH what FUN we had!!!

Ordinary New Haven - Menu

That's right! Part of their new design is to feature a new circus theme to celebrate Connecticut's connection to P.T. Barnum, one of the greatest showman of all time, with a multi-month-long theme that will celebrate P.T. Barnum and his vision of the circus. 

Photo Courtesy of Ordinary New Haven
Welcome to Ordinary!

Tim Cabral, one of the co-founders of Ordinary noted, “Ordinary has been transformed into the ‘Greatest Show on Earth,’ bringing you back to the glory days of the circus under the big top of the late 1800’s. Our bar area is modeled after the traditional entry-way into the big top, featuring hand-drawn original chalk art, reprints of historical posters and photographs, colored round lights surrounding our menu boards and relevant props.  The door into our dining room will be tented, featuring material reminiscent of a classic circus tent, with the room itself featuring wall projections, additional artwork and posters and a few other surprises.” 

Even better is that this is all being done in collaboration with the Barnum Museum in Bridgeport CT!

Chalk Mural at Ordinary New Haven

So why the change?  Tom Sobocinski, another co-founder summed it up nicely: “We heard a lot of great feedback from our patrons after our Miracle pop-up concept this past holiday season. Our regulars enjoyed the change in décor, the appropriately themed cocktail and food menu updates and the good-natured kitsch that went along with it!  As we approached our six-year anniversary, we decided to run with this theme idea on a permanent basis, and a couple of times per year, will be launching a new concept to update the décor, food and drink menus, and of course welcoming back Miracle over the holidays.”

Photo Courtesy of Ordinary New Haven
The Slush Puppy

And the menu is FUN!  Additions to the classic cocktail and food menu for this special theme include:

• Slush Puppy (Uncle Val's Restorative Gin, Otto's Vermouth, Pink Peppercorn Syrup, Citrus, Watermelon, Basil, Liberation Angelico Bitters)
• Now You See Me (Peloton Mezcal, Ancho, Chipotle / Tamarind Syrup, Citrus, Cotton Candy)
• Tunnel of Love (Hacienda Reposado, Green Chartreuse, Cocchi Americano, Beet Shrub, Liberations Mole Bitters, Lavender Smoke)
• Caramel Corn
• Funnel Cakes
• Alcoholic Cotton Candy
• Dirty Water Dogs

 

Hot Dogs at Ordinary New Haven

I'm not the only one with a soft spot for my native New Haven and the people in it! The owners are too!  Jason Sobocinski, Ordinary co-founder said, “We are beyond grateful to the city of New Haven and beyond for a fantastic six years here in a city that we all love. It is truly this city and our special patrons that helps continue the legacy and history of this watering hole, helping it continue to live on as a unique, welcoming tavern for another 100+ years!  To give back to this city that has supported Ordinary, we are proud to be paying it forward, working with local charitable organizations to host pop-up fundraisers on Sunday afternoons over the coming months.  We are also planning on donating $1 from the sale of each special P.T. Barnum Charitable Cocktail to The Barnum Museum throughout the run of this pop-up.” 

Photo Courtesy Ordinary New Haven

In addition to this new rotating theme concept and charitable component, the ownership team has also instituted a new service model to improve the overall experience for patrons.

Let me tell you, that is why Ordinary is EXTRAordinary! 

Their service is spectacular no matter the season, day, or time. “Our goal is to always provide our guests with a superior level of service, which can sometimes be a challenge during crowded weekend periods,” said Mike Farber, co-founder, Ordinary.  “To provide an unprecedented level of service in the area, we’ve added a doorman to our team during busy periods, who will greet guests at our front entrance.  Prior to walking in, the doorman touches base with our floor manager to be able to direct every guest to a designated space at the bar, along the standing rail or in the back dining room.  Each party will receive a personal introduction to their point person – a bartender or server, who is designated to take care of them for the entire visit.  This alleviates the frustration of having to push through to order a drink or food at the bar, feeling uncomfortable not having a place to stand or sit, and more importantly, provides a New York City-level of attention for our patrons.  We’ve been test-running this new model for the past few weeks, and after a resounding level of success, will be permanently implementing it during busy periods moving forward.”
 

Photo Courtesy of Ordinary New Haven
Cotton Candy Cocktails

It's no surprise that Ordinary was highlighted as one of the “Greatest Bars in the World” in 2015 by Conde Nast Traveler magazine.

Photo Courtesy of Ordinary New Haven

Join me in congratulating the team at Ordinary for six wonderful years and visit them soon to experience the fun Under the Big Top for yourself! 

Photo Courtesy of Ordinary New Haven
Magic Tricks and Fortune Telling

Ordinary New Haven

990 Chapel Street
www.ordinarynewhaven.com
(203) 907.0238.

About Ordinary:  

Ordinary is New Haven’s oldest tavern, originally serving as the taproom of the former Hotel Taft, which opened in January of 1912.  Located just steps from Yale University, the Shubert Theatre and Yale New Haven Hospital in the heart of historic downtown New Haven at 990 Chapel Street, the space also was known as Richter’s before the current owners took it over in 2012.  After a careful restoration, preserving the space’s historical character and architecture, including the original bar, wood paneling and ornate plaster ceilings, Ordinary opened in April 2013.  The menu offers a mix of both classic and innovative cocktails, wine and beer, as well as a food menu offering small plates meant for sharing including cheese and meat boards, sliders, sandwiches, olives and more.  Open Monday-Saturday from 4pm to close, Ordinary hosts Happy Hour daily from 4-7pm, as well as weekly trivia nights and special events.  The historic front lobby is also home to The New Haven Cocktail Museum, showcasing the history of the cocktail inception in New Haven with rotating liquor exhibits.  For more information, visit www.ordinarynewhaven.com, or the bar’s Twitter (@ordinarybar), Facebook (@ordinarynewhaven) or Instagram (@ordinarynewhaven) pages.

Next Stop: New Haven - Celebrating the Shubert Theatre

Help Celebrate the Historic Shubert Theatre

Next Stop: New Haven is being held on Monday, April 22nd 2019. 

Funds raised will support the operations and maintenance of the 100+ year old theatre, as well as support education and outreach initiatives that the Shubert sponsors.

This one night feature event begins with  pre-show cocktails and small bites from a variety of New Haven’s best restaurants, a program in the theatre featuring performances by three current Broadway stars, a live auction, the announcement of the 2019-20 Broadway season and a post-show desert reception.  

Ticket prices range from $175 (VIP tickets include Prime Orchestra seats for the performance, the pre-show reception and an exclusive post-show dessert reception on the Shubert stage) to $75 (Orchestra seats for the performance, the pre-show reception and a post-show dessert reception in the lobby).  

To welcome younger patrons to the theatre, tickets are available for guests under 30 for $30.

5:30pm – Cocktails and small bites from New Haven's finest restaurants.
7:00pm – Concert performance by guest artists on the Shubert Stage and announcement of the Shubert Theatre's 2019-2020 Broadway season.
8:30pm – VIP Reception on the Shubert stage / Dessert Reception in Lobby and Mezzanine Lounge.    

 Current list of Participating Restaurants

• Jack’s Steakhouse
• Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ at The Stack
• Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill
• Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill
• Olmo
• Mecha Noodle Bar
• Chabaso
• Garden Catering
• Ben & Jerry’s
• Claire’s Corner Copia
• Forks & Fingers Caterers

Performers:

Noah J. Ricketts (Kristoff in Disney’s “Frozen the Musical” on Broadway)
Kimber Sprawl (Broadway productions of “Beautiful” and “A Bronx Tale”)
Julian Decker (Broadway productions of “Les Miserables” and “Sunset Boulevard”)

Enter to win!

I'm so pleased to offer a ticket give-a-way for one pair of tickets to this amazing event! Click the link below for information on how to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Note:  This contest runs from April 8th-April 17th.

Winners will be notified within 24 hours of the contest end and will have 24 hours to respond. If no response is received, after 24 hours a new winner will be selected and notified. Tickets are not redeemable for cash.

Additional information about Next Stop: New Haven is available at: https://shubert.com/shows-events/next-stop-new-haven-to-benefit-the-shubert-theatre.  

The Shubert Theatre

247 College Street
New Haven, CT 06510

https://shubert.com/

203-562-5666

About the Shubert:

The Shubert, New Haven is owned and operated by CAPA, one of America’s most respected theatre managers and producers. From its original mission as a Broadway tryout house, the theater has evolved into a not-for-profit, community resource that serves as the heartbeat of the region’s cultural life. In addition to Broadway offerings and performances of dance, cabaret, popular music and family entertainment, the Shubert Theater has comprehensive education and outreach programs, fulfilling its mission to make the best of the performing arts available to the most people. Now in its 46th year, CAPA is a not-for-profit, award-winning presenter of national and international performing arts and entertainment.

ROIA Restaurant in New Haven

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ROIA Restaurant Celebrates Five Years in New Haven

If you follow my Connecticut food and travel adventures regularly, you know that my number one criteria for dining out is to sit back, relax, and enjoy the experience. Eating out is an occasion to be relished and appreciated!

ROÌA Restauran
261 College Street
New Haven, CT

Breaking bread with friends, both old and new, while drinking in the sights and sounds of my surroundings is what every successful dining excursion must include. 

Chef's Sample Small Bite

And while I typically aim my camera at the beautiful sights that decorate the plate in front of me, sometimes the details and the ambiance of the decor at my location demand equal attention from the camera lens. 

Follow along with me at just such as place, as I indulge in the stately elegance found at ROÌA Restaurant - along with some exceptionally notable cuisine.

Magnificent architecture, old world charm, convenient location, delicious food, outstanding service... the ROÌA has all this, and so much more!

ROÌA is located on College Street, adjacent to New Haven's legendary Shubert Theater, in the area formerly occupied by the equally historic Taft Hotel's grand dining room.

Dining at ROIA Restaurant and Cafe

Named for the river ROÌA that begins in the French Alps and winds its way down to the Ligurian Sea to the little Italian town of Ventimigilia the menu blends a bit of both France and Italy's cuisines, highlighting seasonal harvests and fresh catches from the sea.

Executive Chef and Owner, Avi Szapiro, discovered the space while acting in a restaurant consultant capacity for the location's former owners. 

Chef Avi and Meera
Photo Source: Instagram

But Chef Avi fell in love with the space, and instead of a consultancy, acquired ownership, beginning a journey that included over a year of extensive renovations, opening the ROÌA Restaurant and Cafe in March of 2013. 

With his wife Meera at his side, Chef restored the venue to its former glory, uncovering the beautiful plaster molding and columns found within.

And while the space surrounding us as we dined was indeed beautiful, it was in the flavor of the dishes that we ordered where Chef's attention to detail would truly shine.

We started our meal with some signature cocktails, the Orange Blossom pictured below on the left and the Liqueurian to right. 

Next we ordered from the appetizer section, the Carciofi alla Judea, a citrusy artichoke dish, and the Soupe du Jour, a deliciously light butternut squash soup.

Carciofi alla Judea 

with pecorino di fossa, 

meyer lemon, parsley and pickled chilies

Soupe du Jour
Butternut Squash

View from the upper level
(Available for private parties)

Then we moved on to our main dishes, ordering one of the many specials of the evening Tajarin and Clams - with made on premise pasta. And the great thing --- Chef Avi is now including this dish on the new spring menu!

Tajarin and Clams
thin egg-yolk ribbon pasta with littleneck clams,
spring onion, ‘nduja, garlic 

I cannot begin to describe how delicious this dish was,  particularly the savory with 'just a hint of spice' sauce made with nduja sausage, a spicy, spreadable pork salumi from Italy, loosely based on the French andouille.

The cowboy, who isn't really a fan of shellfish, dug right in for a forkful and declared he was ordering this on his next visit!

Tajarin and Clams
thin egg-yolk ribbon pasta with littleneck clams, 
spring onion, ‘nduja, garlic 

For his selection, he chose the ever popular Steak Frites, a lovely grass fed beef, perfectly rested, dressed with an aromatic and flavorful tarragon shallot butter.

Steak Frites 

8 oz. grass-fed beef onglet, 

tarragon-shallot butter

(Served with arugula salad not pictured)

Chandelier at ROIA

The finale, two extraordinary desserts, a Lemon Panna Cotta and a special Pear Dessert offering.

Lemon Panna Cotta 
with poppyseed shortbread crumble

Pear Dessert
with Meringue and Pistachios

The ROÌA Restaurant is the perfect place for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or a fun gathering with friends. The restaurant is also available for private parties and functions, both large and small.

With its location next to the Shubert Theater, it's the ideal location for dinner and a show! 

Open for brunch on Sunday - check out their Mother's Day Brunch Menu  HERE

Be sure to stop in soon and enjoy some of Chef Avi's delicious offerings!

ROIA Hours of Operation

Tuesday to Saturday
Lunch    11:30 am – 2:00 pm
Dinner   5:00 pm to close

Sunday
Brunch  10:30 am – 2:00 pm
Supper  4:30 pm – 7:30 pm

ROIA Restaurant

261 College Street
New Haven, CT
(203) 200-7045
http://roiarestaurant.com/

About Avi Szapiro

A native of Bogota, Colombia Avi Szapiro was just 13 years old when he discovered his passion for cooking in the family kitchen. In 1998, Avi enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), which led to his first experience in a Michelin-starred kitchen as the apprenticeship program took him back to France and to Lyon’s Restaurant Pierre Orsi.  The training he received there fostered the love of French techniques and classics that are elements of his cooking to this day. Chef Avi's intention and main goal is to uplift and nourish his guests with each meal they have at ROIA. 
  

About ROÌARestaurat and Cafe

ROÌA Restaurant is located in the heart of downtown New Haven next to the Shubert Theater and adjacent to Yale University campus. ROÌA is housed in what was originally the grand restaurant of the historic Taft Hotel built in 1912. The charm and grandeur of this architectural gem have been restored to create a setting where you can enjoy great food and great company. 

Pronounced ROY-ah, ROÌA showcases Avi’s seasonally informed food, inspired by French and Italian cuisines and rooted in local sourcing.  The restaurant features food that delivers maximum flavor with a minimum of ingredients; food that combines culinary restraint with dynamic creativity.   

Town Green District - Winter 2018 Flights of Fancy

Flights of Fancy on January 25th!

Winter Wine Crawl 

through

Historic New Haven

Winter 2018 Style!

Join the fun people at the New Haven Town District for the premier wine and shopping event of the season in New Haven! 

There will be exclusive in-store discounts, zero ticket fees, free parking, raffle prizes and special gifts for all who attend! This will make this an evening to remember!  

In addition, there will be a reception and welcome party hosted at The Shubert Theatre with a champagne toast and a Fancy Wonderland photo booth to kick off an evening of sipping, shopping and sampling!

Here are the current "sip and shop" stops for Flights of Fancy!

Ann Taylor | 968 Chapel St |

Barbour | 27 Broadway |

CandiTopia | 1022 Chapel St |

Derek Simpson Goldsmith | 1094 Chapel St |

dwell New Haven | 1022 Chapel St |

GANT | 268 York St |

Hull's Art Supply | 1144 Chapel St |

idiom | 1014 Chapel St |

J. Crew | 29 Broadway |

J Press | 206 College St |

Merwins Art Shop | 1052 Chapel St |

Modern Trousseau | 1020 Chapel St |

Patagonia New Haven | 1 Broadway |

Trailblazer | 296 Elm St |

The Wine Thief | 181 Crown St |

WAVE Gallery | 1046 Chapel St |

Yale Bookstore | 77 Broadway |

Here are the current "Shop and Taste" stops for Flights of Fancy!

Atticus Bookstore | 1082 Chapel St | 

Breathing Room Yoga | 216 Crown St |

The Juice Box | 1092 Chapel St |

Raggs Fashions | 1020 Chapel St |

Ten Thousand Villages | 1054 Chapel St |

The U Store | 265 College St |

Yurway Boutique | 1130 Chapel St |

GET YOUR TICKETS at https://www.squadup.com/events/flightsoffancy

CHECK-IN: The Shubert Theatre | 247 College Street | There will be signage to and from the garage to help you find your way. Registration will be open from 4:30 PM - 7:15 PM- bring valid ID. 

PARKING: Free parking for ticket holders at the Crown Street Garage | 213 Crown St | *validation given at reception only 

WELCOME RECEPTION & RAFFLE: The Shubert Theatre | 247 College St | Guests will be welcomed to Flights of Fancy with a special reception complete with a champagne toast, warm cookies and the chance to pose for photos in the Fancy Wonderland photo booth.  You will receive a map of stops, a stemless wine glass, Flights of Fancy shopping tote bag and other surprise gifts.  

Special thanks to the event sponsors The Wine Thief, The Shubert Theatre and the Broadway Merchants Association.