From the Desk of Jim R: This, That & The Other

Friday, June 3, 2022

It's the Best of the Very Best: My Favorite Places to Dine in Connecticut

By James V. Ruocco

Tempura Squash Blossoms with Red Pepper Ricotta

Lobster Cavatelle with Oyster Mushrooms

Roasted Faroe Island Salmon with Mustard Soubise

Grilled Australian Lamb Rib Chops

Escargot a la Provencale

Scalloppine Alla Pizzaiola

Pork Tenderloin with Braised Leeks

Mixed Grill Sweet Fire

House Aged Angus Beef New York Strip

Lobster Tail with Crab Meat

When it comes to food, drinks and dining out, there are plenty of "to go" places in Connecticut to enjoy with diverse, exciting menus ready to challenge and tempt your taste buds on every possible level.

Casual.
Comfortable.
Stylish.
Distinctive.
Charming.
Inviting.

Your call.
Your choice.
Your price.
Your reservation.

In addition to quality dishes, delicacies and a range of delectable, tasty culinary treats, these establishments come gift wrapped with smart, accessible locations, cuisine and exceptional service that's impossible to resist.

Ready.
Set.
Let's get down to business.

The best places to enjoy - all personal favorites of mine - are:

Ridgefield

Bernard's
20 West Lane
Ridgefield, CT
(203) 438-8252

Gallo Ristorante
5 Grove Street
Ridgefield, CT
(203) 431-7726

TerraSole Ristorante
3 Big Shop Lane
Ridgefield, CT
(203) 438-5352

Bailey's Backyard
23 Bailey Avenue
Ridgefield, CT
(203) 431-0796

The Lantern
378 Main Street
Ridgefield, CT
(203) 403-3400

New Haven

Union League Cafe
1032 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT
(203) 562-4299

Heirloom
The Study at Yale
1157 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT
(203) 503-3919

Greenwich

l'escale
500 Steamboat Lane
Greenwich, CT
(203) 661-4600

Bantam

Arethusa al tavolo
828 Bantam Road
Bantam, CT
(860) 567-0043

Westport

The Cottage
256 Post Road East
Westport, CT
(203) 557-3701

Rive Bistro
299 Riverside Avenue
Westport, CT
(203) 557-8049

Finalmente Trattoria
165 Post Road East
Westport, CT
(203) 226-8500

Gabriele's Italian Steakhouse
27 Powers Court
Westport, CT
(203) 454-4922

The Boathouse at Saugatuck Rowing Club
521 Riverside Avenue
Westport, CT
(203) 227-3399

Darien

The Goose American Bistro and Bar
972 Boston Post Road
Darien, CT
(203) 656-2600

Restaurant L'Ostal
22 Center Street
Darien, CT
(475) 328-9629

Wallingford

The Library Wine Bar & Bistro
60 North Main Street
Wallingford, CT
(203) 678-4656

Oxford

Oxford House Tavern
441 Oxford Road
Oxford, CT
(203) 463-8904

Old Saybrook

Fresh Salt
2 Bridge Street
Old Saybrook, CT
(860) 339-1318

Milford

Stonebridge Restaurant
50 Daniel Street
Milford, CT
(203) 874-7947

Norwalk

Harbor Lights
82 Seaview Avenue
Norwalk, CT
(203) 866-3364

The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood
89 Rowayton Avenue
Norwalk, CT
(203) 866-4488

The Lime Restaurant
168 Main Street
Norwalk, CT
(203) 846-9240

Cheshire

Viron Rondo Osteria
1721 Highland Avenue
Cheshire, CT
(203) 439-2727

Middlebury

Vyne Restaurant & Bar
1365 Whittemore Road
Middlebury, CT
(203) 518-4000

West Hartford

Argula
953 Farmington Avenue
West Hartford, CT
(860) 561-4888

Restaurant Bricco
78 Lasalle Road
West Hartford, CT
(860) 233-0220

Hartford

Salute Restaurant
100 Trumbull Street
Hartford, CT
(860) 561-4888

Litchfield

The Village Restaurant
25 West Street
Litchfield, CT
(860) 567-8307

@ The Corner
3 West Street
Litchfield, CT
(860) 567-8882

Clinton

Rocky's Aqua
34 Riverside Drive
Clinton, CT
(860) 664-3788

Madison

Cafe Allegre
725 Boston Post Rd
Madison, CT
(203) 245-7773

The Wharf Restaurant
Madison Beach Hotel
94 W Wharf Rd
Madison, CT
(203) 3500014

Saturday, December 11, 2021

It's the Best of the Very Best: The Top 25 Restaurants in New York City

By James V. Ruocco

It's the best of the best.

Setting the criteria for my favorite restaurants in New York City was fast, fun and easy. No long think fests. No deliberation about prices, locations, menus or cuisines. It was simply a case of picking places I've thoroughly enjoyed through the years and have often revisited time and time again. Others are brand new, but well worthy of praise. Some, sadly, could not be included (Eleven Madison Park, Fedora, 21 Club, The Four Seasons, among others) due to shutdowns from the ongoing pandemic, which eventually forced them to close their doors for good.

Let's continue.
To be acknowledged, each restaurant had to stand out from all the others in terms of food, menus, wine and liquor listings, ambience and décor, history, clientele, who's who in the kitchen and finally...exceptional service. Until, at last, the list was complete, divided up to include my picks for New York City's best restaurants.

(Proof of vaccination for all guests is required upon arrival at most of these restaurants. This includes a physical Covid-19 vaccine card, a New York State Excelsior Pass, a relevant state-provided vaccine pass, a photo of your vaccination card or a matching government issued ID. Restaurants will not be able to accommodate guests who cannot present proof of vaccination in person)

The Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel
Fifth Avenue at Central Park South
New York, N.Y. 10019

(212) 546-5300