Carlson's Landing in Essex Connecticut

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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. 

The attention to detail is amazing, from the porthole arched door frame - to the mermaid door handle. 

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!

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!

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.  

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. 

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!

Cocktail Time!
Strawberry Mint Mojito, Martini, 
the Paloma, Hot Buttered Rum

The Paloma
silver tequila, grapefruit, 
simple syrup, lime, and club soda

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.

Grilled
Giant Heads-On Prawn

Deviled Crab Fritters

Deviled Eggs
with Fried Capers

Swordfish Puttanesca

linguini, garlic, onions, capers, 

black olives, tomato, parsley

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. 

Grilled Petit
Filet Mignon

Grilled Boned and Marinated Quail

For our wonderful happy ending we sampled a heavenly apple crisp, churros, and other decadent delights!

Apple Crisp

Sweet dreams are made of this!

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! 

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

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

Dinner at Boca Oyster Bar at Steelpointe Harbor

Social Media Promotion: Portions Sponsored   

Boca Oyster Bar in Bridgeport CT

Welcome to
Boca Oyster Bar

Located in the Bridgeport’s new Steelpointe Harbor, Boca Oyster Bar is the crowned jewel for this new harbor-side community. With a seafood inspired menu in addition to fab cuts of beef, and equally enticing cocktail offerings, this waterside dining destination is sure to please everyone. 

The "Bigger" Seafood Tower
10 oz Lobster Tail, 6 shrimp
12 Clams and 12 Oysters

Boca’s location in Bridgeport makes this unique restaurant a true standout in Fairfield County’s evolving dining scene.

Boca Ceviche
maine lobster, bay scallops,
gulf shrimp, mango, citrus ponzo

With the Steelpointe Restaurant Group at the helm, Boca offers 13,000 square feet of dining, bar, and patio space. Designed by Emilia Ferri Architecture + Design, a local award-winning licensed architect with a forward thinking design sense, Boca pays homage to its waterside locale and New England sensibility.  

Oysters and Clams from 
The Boca Seafood Tower

The menu features classic New England seafood fare, as seen with such classic favorites as a Seafood Tower with multiple options, Colossal Fried Shrimp with hand cut fried potatoes and cabbage slaw, Jumbo Crab Cake with a citrus crema, and the Boca Lobster Roll with fresh picked Maine lobster, warm sherry, and Old Bay butter sauce on a brioche roll. 

Boca Lobster Roll
fresh picked maine lobster, warm sherry,
old bay butter sauce,
brioche roll, hand cut fried potatoes

Boca Burrata Salad
burrata, seasonal fruit jam, heirloom tomato,
bruschetta, red roasted peppers,
crostini, evoo, balsamic glaze, fresh basil

House specials include; Grilled Octopus with crispy garbanzo, Kalamata olives, sea salt and lemon; Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Tacos with wasabi and mango salsa; New Zealand Lamb Lollipops with chimichurri sauce; Steelpointe Clams Casino Flatbread with fresh shucked little necks, EVOO, herbs, Applewood bacon, and grated parmigiana.

Boca Oyster Bar Calamari
fresh local squid, lightly fried, cherry peppers,
pomodoro / cherry peppers, gorgonzola, balsamic drizzle

Sashimi Tuna Salad
pan-seared sushi grade ahi tuna, mango,
avocado, mixed greens, cilantro ginger vinaigrette

Ahi Tuna Taco
seared sushi grade tuna, yellow corn tortilla,
sesame crusted, wasabi, charred pineapple salsa

Of course, the Cowboy had his landlovin' favorites. How about a 42 oz Cowboy Bone-in Ribeye with choice of sauce; or a Hearty Burger or Sandwich? 

The Cowboy and The Cowboy Cut Ribeye

FYI: The cowboy ribeye was so big I couldn't fit it all in my camera frame below!

42 oz Bone In Cowboy Ribeye

Boca Oyster Bar Burger and Fries
3 blends: chuck, brisket & short rib,
lettuce, tomato, red onion, brioche roll, boca bacon jam

But MY personal favorites were the seafoods! Like the Pan Seared Diver Sea Scallops with Vegetable Lo mein and a Chipotle Crema; and the Maine Lobster Ravioli with shrimp, scallops, peas, and red roasted peppers in a pink cream sauce.

Pan Seared Diver Scallops
Pan seared with a soy ginger glaze
served over vegetable lo mien

Lobster Ravioli
Maine lobster, shrimp, scallops,
peas, red roasted peppers, pink cream sauce

The cocktail menu merges the popular 'craft cocktail' culture with classic tropical frozen drinks, like the popular frosé, craft beer, and an accessible wine list (including Duck Horn for the WIN!). 

Left: The Classic Mojito
Right: Pina Colada

Cocktails at
Boca Oyster Bar
Steelepointe Harbor in Bridgeport CT

Are you like me and can't walk away from the table without a sweet and happy ending? Then Boca has you covered! How about a Tiramasu, or a mile high Cheesecake, or a Brownie Sundae?

Brownie Sundae
Boca Oyster Bar

Cheesecake
Boca Oyster Bar

Boca Oyster Bar is also available for private events. There are multiple dining areas and bar service options can be carved out within the main dining room (200 capacity) and outdoor area (150 capacity).

And how about these amazing views of the harbor at night!

Boca Oyster Bar
Views of the Harbor

Boca is open seven days/night, including a Saturday and Sunday Brunch.

Happy Hour Monday-Friday includes raw bar and drink specials.
To top it off there is live music on the weekends!

Shrimp and Boat Slips await you
at Boca Oyster Bar in Bridgeport CT

Arriving by sea? 
There are designated boat slips are available for patrons. Order up some shrimp when you dock! LOL! 


Arriving by land? 
There's easy access of I-95! I hope I see you there!

Boca Oyster Bar

10 East Main Street
Bridgeport, CT 06608
(203) 612-4848
https://www.bocaoysterbar.com/

Disclaimer: We were invited to this menu sampling by Foodie Tribe and members of Boca Oyster's Bar management and marketing team, however, all views and opinions are our own.


© Home Place 2019

Summer 2017 at Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point

Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point Introduces Their New Summer Menu

Now that summer is FINALLY here in Connecticut we get to enjoy some of our shoreline favorites! Lobster Rolls, thick juicy steaks, and fresh seafood! And what's better than enjoying our favorite meals at a beautiful waterfront destination?

Just in time to schedule a trip to our favorite shoreline town of Old Saybrook, Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point announces their new summer menu that features some great new seasonal dishes inspired by the bountiful harvests of local farmers and fisheries. 

There's a reason why Fresh Salt was recently named Best Upscale Dining in Connecticut by the state’s restaurant industry association. You see, Fresh Salt works closely with its local farmers and day boats to ensure the highest quality of locally grown ingredients from land and sea go into its creative delights. 

I love that local partnerships include Medlyn’s Farm (from my hometown of Branford), Belltown Hill Orchard of South Glastonbury, Fair Weather Acres of Rocky Hill, Baggott Family Farms of East Windsor, and Rose’s Berry Farm of South Glastonbury. 

Fresh Salt has a commitment to its cool native waters and features oysters within a 99-mile radius. A catch-of-the-day from local day boats provides clams, oysters, mussels, shrimp, tuna, cod, swordfish, and salmon for the Fresh Salt menu. 

Herbs including basil, thyme, mint and tarragon are planted and picked by the Fresh Salt culinary staff in Saybrook Point’s custom herb garden. 

You can't get much fresher than that!

At Fresh Salt, you can savor fresh, seasonal and local cuisine served in Old Saybrook’s most spectacular setting – the spot where the fresh waters of the Connecticut River meet the salt of Long Island Sound. It's a treasured and historic place, rich in life, and the restaurant reflects that lively diversity. 

The new summer menu features the bounty of the season through unique pasta and vegan dishes such as Rotelle Pasta, which includes pine nuts, fava beans, radicchio, roasted cauliflower and Pecorino cheese served in a white wine sauce; and Cauliflower Steak, which is pan-roasted cauliflower served in a ratatouille sauce with sautéed escarole. 

In addition, Fresh Salt’s fresh seafood and day boats include Pan-seared Black Pearl Scottish Salmon served with Roasted Cherry Tomato-and Sweet Pea ($29.95), Bacon-wrapped Monkfish served with Sugar Pea Risotto and Red Cabbage Coulis ($29,95), and Grilled Swordfish Loin served with Quinoa, Barley, and Spinach in a Passion Fruit-Ginger Sauce ($29,95).

From the grill and oven, I can't wait to try some delicious new specials like Fresh Salt’s Free-range Natural Stuffed Chicken Breast with a Sundried Tomato-Spinach Risotto Filling, Pancetta Whole Grain Mustard-Morel Mushroom Cream Sauce ($28.95), as well as the 12 Oz. USDA Choice N.Y. Sirloin served with Sautéed Mushrooms, Pomme Frites in a Garnish Port Wine Demi-glaze ($39.95).

Other shoreline favorites include the Seaside Tempura Platter with Golden Brown Scallops, Oysters, Calamari Zucchini, Peppers, Fresh Salt Kettle Chips ($21.95), Custom-blend Hamburger on a Potato Roll, made with a half-pound outstanding combination of Short Rib Chuck and Brisket, topped with Lettuce, Tomato and Cole Slaw ($13.95) and Connecticut Lobster Roll made with warm buttered lobster on a grilled New England style roll and served with and Fresh Salt Kettle Chips ($29.95).  

Mmmmm! A warm lobster roll with some home style chips sounds delicious right now, doesn't it?

Fresh Salt is more than just a restaurant; it is a place to enjoy another’s company and experience the breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound – quietly intertwined with the Connecticut River. The venue’s fresh ingredients and vibrant tastes are available daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And if you're searching for a fun night out on the town, Fresh Salt offers light bites and handcrafted cocktails made to perfectly enhance an evening away. 

Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point

2 Bridge Street

Old Saybrook, CT 06475

Reservations are recommended, and may be made by calling 860. 388.1111. 

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 waterside 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. 

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).

Shell and Bones Oyster Bar is Ready for Spring and Summer Brunch

Get Ready for Brunch at Shell & Bones Oyster Bar

Now that the spring season is finally upon us, in spite of the temperatures still being in the teens, we can start dreaming of the bright and sunny spring mornings and balmy summer temperatures that await us. This time of year makes me think of getting together with friends and family, and on the Connecticut Shoreline the best places to do that are at some of our favorite restaurants - those restaurants with a view!

Brunch Cocktails at
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar

 One of the best views in my local New Haven County is at Shell & Bones Oyster Bar, located right on the water in the City Point section of New Haven. And they're getting ready for the spring and summer brunch season by releasing some delicious new cocktail libations and non-alcohol selections too, on their brand NEW Brunch Cocktail Menu to go along with their delicious brunch offerings.

Waterfront Dining at
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar

Here's another great thing about Shell & Bones - they serve brunch from Friday-Sunday beginning at 11:00am. That's right FRIDAY BRUNCH! Talk about FRI-YAY!

To go along with their delicious brunch staples like Eggs Benedict, Specialty Omelets, Specialty Frittatas, Steak and Eggs...and more ---  they have a great new cocktail menu that compliments everything there is to compliment about BRUNCH!

The new cocktails include:

• Gordon’s Breakfast – Waypoint Spirits spicy Vodka, cucumber, lime, chipotle and brown sugar
• Johnny the Fox – Old Forester Bourbon, Martini & Rossi Dry, lemon, egg white, nutmeg
• Brian Wilson – Mizu Shochu, grapefruit, cucumber, Prosecco
• The Aeroplane Flies High – Aviation Gin, Crème de Violette, Lazzaroni Maraschino, lemon

Gordon's Breakfast at
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar

These four new additions join the restaurant’s signature morning drink – “The Breakfast” Bloody Mary – featuring Tito’s Vodka, ripe San Marzano Bloody Mary mix, chorizo, cocktail shrimp, bacon, cornichon and olives, as well as the Classic Mimosa and Classic Bellini.

The “Temperance” cocktails are served without alcohol, though a shot of house spirits can be added. The new offerings include:

Temperance Offerings at Shell & Bones Oyster Bar

• Stevie Ray – lemon, pineapple, ginger, maple, angostura, soda
• El Pilluelo – lime, grapefruit, rosemary syrup, soda
• The Raleigh – cucumber, lime juice, mint, soda water

See what's on the Brunch Menu HERE

Shell and Bones Oyster Bar

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).