Saybrook Point Inn - Fire and Ice Festival 2020

Join Saybrook Point Inn & Spa at the Fire and Ice Festival!

Photo Source: Saybrook Point Inn and Spa

Join Saybrook Point Inn, Marina & Spa on Friday, January 17, from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. for their yearly tradition of celebrating the elements of fire and ice at this exciting annual event!

This spectacular indoor/outdoor is a "for age 21+" only event and features live music from Java Groove, ice carving demonstrations, a photo booth, and SO MUCH more! 

Specialty winter cocktails and food stations, including a raw bar, chili and s’mores, will also be available. 

Photo Source: Saybrook Point Inn and Spa

Dance the night away to the sounds of Java Groove,  and be entertained by some winter fun on their terrace. Be sure to try their unique specialty cocktails and feast on an array of food including:

Chef’s Fired-Up Food Stations

Chowder & ChiliNew England Clam Chowder
Kahlua Chili (Vegan)
Corn and Lobster Bisque

Raw Bar

Local Oysters, Raw Clams

Center of the Plate

Salt Crust Smoked Chicken
BBQ Beef Sliders with fried leeks

Seafood

Swordfish with Lemon Risotto
Mussels in white wine and garlic

Dessert

S’Mores
Crème Brulee’ Torch-glazed to order
Vanilla Bean Gelato with Roasted Fig Sauce and Homemade Marshmallow

Tickets for the Fire & Ice event 

 are $69.95 per person. 

Or...stay the night and book the Fire & Ice overnight package! 

Learn more about the hotel package at: Saybrook Point Fire & Ice. The special Fire & Ice overnight package includes a one-night stay, two tickets to the event and breakfast for two at Fresh Salt. (prices vary)

Photo Source: Saybrook Point Inn and Spa

Location: Saybrook Point Inn, 2 Bridge Street, Old Saybrook, Connecticut 06475

Cost: $69.95 per-person (Adults 21+ Only)

For more information about the seventh annual Fire & Ice Festival at Saybrook Point, or to make a room reservation, guests may call 800.243.0212 or visit www.saybrook.com.

Saybrook Point Inn & Spa

2 Bridge Street
Old Saybrook, CT  06475
800.243.0212
www.saybrook.com.

About Saybrook Point 

Situated along the picturesque shores of historic Old Saybrook, Connecticut, Saybrook Point features a collection of 100 elegantly-appointed guestrooms, a rejuvenating full-service SANNO spa, and casual fine dining restaurant Fresh Salt, as well as a unique waterfront Lighthouse Suite. In addition, the historic Three Stories and Tall Tales luxury guesthouses offer exquisite rooms that convey the story of famous local residents. The pristine Saybrook Point Marina, a landmark boating destination conveniently located at the mouth of the Connecticut River, serves as a focal point for the Inn. More information is available at www.saybrook.com.

Liv's Shack in Old Saybrook CT

Social Media Promotion

Seasonal Fare at Liv's Shack in Old Saybrook CT

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. 

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!

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. 

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.

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.

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!

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
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 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.

Liv’s Oyster Bar in Old Saybrook CT

Liv's Oyster Bar Summer Menu

Liv’s Oyster Bar, located on Main Street in Old Saybrook Connecticut, has launched their 2018 Summer food, cocktail and dessert menu.  

Photo Source: @LivsOysterBar on Instagram

The selection of the new options includes:

• Appetizers and Entrees  

Goat Cheese Stuffed Tempura Squash Blossoms ($14.95), Summer Panzanella Salad ($13.95), Fried Calamari Salad ($13.95), Summer Seafood Roast ($32.95), Sea Scallops ($30.95), Pan Roasted Chicken Thighs ($25.95) and Pan Seared Sea Bass ($30.95).

Photo Source: @LivsOysterBar on Instagram

• Fresh New Cocktails ($13):  

How do these sweet libations sound?? Try a Watermelon Margarita, Pineapple Mojito, R.A.F. or a Drink 'em bot' Up

Photo source: @LivsOysterBar on Instagram

• Desserts:  

Key Lime Cheesecake with raspberry sauce and vanilla bean whipped cream ($9); Chocolate Tart with milk chocolate ganache, pistachio crème anglaise and pistachio 10 “Horchata” Whipped Cream ($10)

In addition, the restaurant will be continuing their “Buck a Shuck” Happy Hour for the entirety of the summer, offering a daily “Happy Hour Oyster” from 4:00pm-5:30pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (the restaurant is closed on Tuesdays).

Photo Source: @LivsOysterBar on Instagram

Liv’s Oyster Bar opened in 2006 out of 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 the stunning seafood, our area provides.  

The restaurant is open six days a week for dinner, in the heart of Old Saybrook at 166 Main Street.  

For more information, visit http://www.livsoysterbar.com/.  The restaurant can also be found on Twitter (@LivsOysterBar), Facebook (Liv’s Oyster Bar) and Instagram (livsoysterbar). 

Liv's Oyster Bar

166 Main Street
Old Saybrook, Connecticut 06475

(860) 395-5577
http://www.livsoysterbar.com/

Spring Menu 2018 at Saybrook Point Inn - Fresh Salt

Social Media Promotion: Portions Sponsored

New Chef  de Cuisine 

and

New Spring Menu

at

Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point Inn

Fresh Salt - Spring Menu 2018

Join me in welcoming Chef de Cuisine Lou-Anne Langlois, a Connecticut native, to Saybrook Point Inn's restaurant, Fresh Salt.

Chef de Cuisine Lou-Anne Langlois
Photo Courtesy of Saybrook Point Inn

Chef Langlois has designed several new dishes for the Spring Dinner Menu and we couldn't wait to sample some of her new creations. So, on a recent spring night, Wendy and Greg from Connecticut Lifestyles and the cowboy and I decided to take a ride to Old Saybrook and visit Fresh Salt!

Fresh Salt Entrance

If you're not familiar with Fresh Salt, it's the main restaurant at the Saybrook Point Inn & Spa and is situated overlooking the marina and scenic Long Island Sound. Talk about a restaurant with a view!

Here are some of the items on the new menu!

For a fresh new salad there’s the Petite Candy Beet Salad, featuring Candy-Striped Beets, Beltane Farms Goat Cheese, Watermelon Radishes, Beet-Micro Bulls Blood Mix, finished with a Roasted Pistachio Dressing. 

In the mood for an appetizer? Try the Hoisin Pork Belly Sliders, with Shaved Jalapeno-Lime Coleslaw, Pickled Onions, Tahini Aioli, Caramelized Onion Naan Bread. 

While pondering our order, we started with some of Fresh Salt's signature cocktails before moving on to our appetizers. 

Cocktails at Fresh Salt
Saybrook Point Inn

For appetizers, we sampled the Fried Oysters, Crispy Duck Wings, RI Clam Chowder, and the evening's special, Gazpacho. They were all so good, but you definitely must try those duck wings and fried oysters when you go!

Five Spice Crispy Duck Wings
Sticky Sweet & Spicy Glaze

Fried Oysters
Fennel-Anjou Pear Salad, Horseradish-Lemon Dressing
Chipotle-Lime Aioli

Special of the Night
Gazpacho

Regional
Rhode Island Clam Chowder

As far as new entrees go, we heard the Grilled Grand Banks Swordfish Loin is quickly becoming a new favorite entree at Fresh Salt, served with a Green Bamboo Risotto, Baby Bok Choy, a Ginger Soy Glaze, topped with Grilled Pineapple-Scallion Salsa. So, of course the Cowboy tried that!

Grilled Grand Banks Swordfish Loin
Green Bamboo Risotto, Baby Bok Choy
Ginger Soy Glaze, Grilled Pineapple-Scallion Salsa 

They've got some great new pasta dishes too! 

Try the Pan-Seared Stonington Driver Scallops with Fresh Tagliatelle Pasta, Asparagus Tips, Tasso Ham, Spring Onions, Roasted Shallot-Parmigiano Cream, Lemon Zest, and Fresh Chives. Arctic Char, served with Beluga Lentils, Shaved Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, Leeks, Blood Orange-Ginger Sauce, Meyer Lemon Oil, and a Baby Arugula-Blood Orange Salad is another not-to-be missed new menu item.

Of course, neither Wendy or I could resist the pasta dishes, so Wendy went with the Scallops and I went with the Carbonara. Both were absolutely incredibly delicious. The carbonara was creamy rich and sooo good! Wendy's scallops were so sweet and flavorful and the pasta was unbelievably good! Fresh Salt has it going on!

Pan-Seared Stonington Diver Scallops
Fresh Tagliatelle Pasta, Asparagus Tips, Tasso Ham
Cipollini Onions, Roasted Shallot-Parmigiano Cream
Lemon Zest, Fresh Chives

Linguine Carbonara
Sweet Peas, Country Ham, Tomatoes
Garlic-Cream Sauce, Egg Yolk

A Creamy Forkful of Carbonara
Fresh Salt-Saybrook Point Inn

Greg was the evenings traditionalist and went with Fresh Salt's Filet Mignon, perfectly prepared and rested.

Filet Mignon 
Roasted Garlic-Chive Mashed Potato, Grilled Asparagus
Connecticut Blue Cheese-Rosemary Butter

Believe it or not we somehow found room for dessert - and there were also some new additions to the menu. We tried the Almond Crunch Sundae, the Brownie Sunday, the Berry Tart, and the Crème Brûlée.

Almond Crunch Sundae

Vanilla Gelato, Candied Almonds
Chocolate Sauce, Fresh Whipped Cream

Fresh Berry Tart

Brownie Sundae
Fresh Whipped Cream
Chocolate & Caramel Sauce

Crème Brûlée.

After dinner we explored the beautiful grounds of the Saybrook Point Inn and enjoyed the gorgeous sunset and cool saltwater breezes before saying goodnight to Fresh Salt after a wonderful meal.

Enjoying the beauty of the Saybrook Point Inn
Bonnie from Home Place and Wendy from CT Lifestyles

The Lighthouse Suite at Saybrook Point Inn

Be sure that you visit Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point Inn and try some of the great offerings on their spring lunch, dinner, or breakfast menus! 

You'll be glad you did!

Saybrook Point Inn 

2 Bridge Street
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
860.395.2000
www.saybrook.com

About Saybrook Point Inn

Saybrook Point, is located along the scenic shores of historic Old Saybrook, Connecticut, where the Connecticut River meets Long Island Sound. The Main Inn includes a collection of 82 classically-appointed guestrooms, many featuring water views and private balconies. The Main Inn also hosts SANNO, a relaxing and restorative full-service spa, Fresh Salt, a casual fine-dining experience, an elegant ballroom with a variety of intimate gathering spaces, perfect for private parties, meetings and receptions, and The Health Club, which is a state-of-the-art fitness center. Saybrook Point also features two luxury guesthouses, the historic Three Stories and Tall Tales both offering exquisite guestrooms that convey the story of famous Old Saybrook residents. The pristine Saybrook Point Marina, is a landmark boating destination conveniently located at the mouth of the Connecticut River, serving as a focal point for the Inn and home to the lively outdoor Marina Bar. Located at the very end of the Marina dock, is the unique waterside Lighthouse Suite, featuring breath-taking views and is available for seasonal overnight stays. More information is available at www.saybrook.com.  

About Chef Lou-Anne Langlois

Chef Langlois is no stranger to the New England coastal cuisine scene. Some of her earliest memories are intertwined with the sweet aroma of her mother’s homemade, creamy béchamel sauce, with touches of cloves and nutmeg. Langlois, conveys the warm feeling that comes with a special home-cooked meal in each of her carefully crafted dishes. One of her specialties and personal creative culinary favorites is fresh seafood. Langlois has always placed an emphasis on ocean-to-table, as well as locally sourced ingredients, which is easily acquired at Saybrook Point. With her addition to the Fresh Salt culinary team, we look forward to her passion in the kitchen, as well as some new touches to Fresh Salt's classic New England menu

Disclaimer: Portions of our visit were sponsored by Fresh Salt's management and marketing team.

The 2018 Fire and Ice Festival at Saybrook Point Inn

Fire & Ice Festival at Saybrook Point Inn

Photo Courtesy Saybrook Point Inn

Saybrook Point Inn - Fire and Ice Festival
Saturday, January 20th, 2018
12:00 noon - 5:00 pm

The BEST winter festival, Saybrook Point's FIRE & ICE FESTIVAL returns this year on Saturday, January 20th, 2018, from 12pm-5pm.  

Taking place on the Waterfront Terrace and Grand Ballroom, this winter event offers guests a unique day full of food and beverage, ice sculptures and more.   

You can count on winter-themed festivities and demonstrations to be going on all day! The Fire and Ice Festival at Saybrook Point is an event and occasion that is a must see!

The festivities of the day will be accompanied by seasonal food from the amazing culinary team at Fresh Salt along with drink specials from the Marina Bar.

For more information about the third annual Fire & Ice Festival at Saybrook Point, or to make a room reservation, guests may call 800.243.0212 or visit www.saybrook.com.


Note: This event is geared for a 21+ crowd.

Fire and Ice 2018!

Saybrook Point Inn & Spa

2 Bridge Street
Old Saybrook, CT  06475
800.243.0212
www.saybrook.com.

 About Saybrook Point 

Situated along the picturesque shores of historic Old Saybrook, Connecticut, Saybrook Point features a collection of 100 elegantly-appointed guestrooms, a rejuvenating full-service SANNO spa, and casual fine dining restaurant Fresh Salt, as well as a unique waterfront Lighthouse Suite. In addition, the historic Three Stories and Tall Tales luxury guesthouses offer exquisite rooms that convey the story of famous local residents. The pristine Saybrook Point Marina, a landmark boating destination conveniently located at the mouth of the Connecticut River, serves as a focal point for the Inn. More information is available at www.saybrook.com.

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).