Dining
East Melange
2100 Dixwell Ave.
Hamden, CT
(203) 288-8898
Buffet owner Peter Chan took over East Melange a few years ago after graduating from NYU. The buffet has been a Hamden staple for years, and Chan smartly decided not to change a thing when it comes to the food. The buffet is more high-end featuring items like prime rib, sushi and all-you-can-eat lobster on the weekends. Chan's favorite though, is the scallops baked in mayonese and cheese.
2nd: HomeTown Buffet
74 Turnpike Sq.
Milford, CT
(203) 877-6335
315 Union St.
Waterbury, CT
(203) 597-0909
3rd: China Buffet
2300 Dixwell Ave.
Hamden, CT
(203) 288-2000
Sage American Grill
100 S. Water St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 787-3466
www.sageamerican.com
Lou Robertino
What makes Sage special? Manager and maitre d' Lou Robertino has some ideas, which he rattles off readily: "Steaks and prime rib. Blackened ahi tuna, cooked rare. Plain grilled swordfish with pesto. We always have fresh salmon--herb-crusted, blackened." Of course, the atmosphere and setting help, too--the restaurant's right on the water, tucked away in New Haven's quiet and picturesque, yet highway-accessible, City Point neigborhood, and lounge pianists or jazz duos are featured regularly at dinnertime. And that's the way Sage plans on keeping things. "No changes coming up," says Robertino. "Consistency. It works."
2nd: Zinc
964 Chapel St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 624-0507
www.zincfood.com
3rd: Temple Grill
152 Temple St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 773-1111
www.templegrill.com
Roomba
1044 Chapel St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 562-7666
Suzette and Arturo Franco-Camacho
Since opening their doors in 1999, Arturo and Suzette Franco-Camacho's Roomba has grown an untouchable reputation among discerning diners. At first, part of the allure was the novelty of Nuevo Latino cuisine, which wasn't widely known in New Haven in 1999. "It was a risk at that point, knowing your product was good but not knowing if the timing was right," says Suzette. But since then, Roomba's reputation has transcended novelty; it's spoken of as one of those restaurants you must visit at least once. And word of mouth remains strong, even as fine dining restaurants have become much more commonplace downtown. "It's an interesting time in New Haven," Suzette observes. "Our population and businesses have not grown in the way our restaurants have. We need to make sure the dinner seats are filled. It makes you go the extra mile." "There's more of a standard to follow than ever," Arturo adds. But with the vibe of the downtown area, both ethnically diverse and forward-looking, she says, "you can reinvent yourself all the time. In a city you can do that."
Part of the reinvention process, of course, is the Franco-Camachos' new College Street restaurant, Bespoke, and they have other projects in the works. "We're working on a taco shop on Crown Street," Arturo says. "It's a small space." He points out the importance, in the face of these new ventures, of "maintaining what we have" with Roomba, as a restaurant and as a part of the downtown dining scene. "Overall," he says, "we're happy to be part of the new era in New Haven."
Chestnut Fine Foods
1012 State St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 782-6767
www.chestnutfinefoods.com
Patricia Walker, Fred Walker, Maria Mercurio, Jennifer Bagnoli and Dawn Keish
With their loyal fans requesting the same favorites year after year, Chestnut Fine Foods--owned by the husband and wife team of Fred and Patricia Walker--are the Rolling Stones of the New Haven catering establishment. So, even if the Walkers might prefer to never again prepare another of their much-loved chicken salad or curry chicken and apricot dish, they know better. Their fans wouldn't forgive them.
The catering business is hard work, but the Walkers have created a "family atmosphere" at Chestnut, which they say translates to their events, making hosts feel like guests. "They felt like guests at their own party," says Jennifer Bagnoli, remembering a compliment she recently got from a new client. "They were like, 'Why didn't we call sooner?'"
2nd: Anna's (Orange St.)
488 Orange St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 782-2662
www.annasgourmetcatering.com
3rd: Jordan Caterers
1718 Highland Ave.
Cheshire, CT
(203) 272-8213
www.jordancaterers.com
Royal Palace
32 Orange St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 776-6663
www.ctmenusonline.com/rp.htm
Tommy and Tony Chin
For many people, any meal with rice that you can dump some soy sauce on is Chinese food. And they could not be any more wrong. Different regions of China naturally have different foods and meals that are a distinct element to that area. And brothers Tony and Tommy Chin can whip up just about any dish, from any region, that your palate desires.
They offer real Cantonese dishes, authentic Szechuan meals and a variety of plates piled high with traditional Hunan delights.
"We make real Chinese food, not American Chinese food," say the Chins.
Trained in the art of cooking from their youthful days in their home country of Taiwan, the brothers have been operating their esatblishment for 22 years. They not only cook deicious meals that appeal to lovers of authentic Chinese cooking, they can alter their dishes to specific needs or dietary restrictions.
"We want people to enjoy every dish."
And with this top slot finish, it appears that people do.
2nd: House of Chao
898 Whalley Ave.
New Haven, CT
(203) 389-6624
3rd: China Pavilion
185 Boston Post Rd.
Orange, CT
(203) 795-3555
www.chinapavilion.net
Willoughby's Coffee & Tea
258 Church St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 777-7400
www.willoughbyscoffee.com
550 E. Main St.
Branford, CT
(203) 481-1700
This paper has done its fair share of complaining about the downtown proliferation of trans-national coffee chains. You know we love to whine about such things, but we'd never want the preaching against such entities to overtake the acknowledgement of alternatives, which amount to essentially the opposite of said sinister mega-chains. For the past 20 years, one of the best examples of that alternative has been Willoughby's Coffee and Tea. An independent chain whose caliber is evident in their popularity and multiple locations, Willoughby's is a perfect place to pop in for some freshly-brewed coffee, baked goods or just a well-deserved break. See also Best Place to Buy Loose Tea, and Best Place to Buy Coffee Beans.
2nd: Koffee/Koffee Too?
276 York St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 787-9929
www.koffeetoo.com/www.koffeeonaudubon.com
104 Audubon St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 562-5454
3rd: Common Grounds
1096 Main St.
Branford, CT
(203) 488-2326
www.commongrounds.com
Parthenon Diner
374 E. Main St.
Branford, CT
(203) 481-0333
www.parthenondiner.com
809 Boston Post Road
Old Saybrook, CT
(860) 395-5111
John and Kostas Sousoulas
Last August, Parthenon owner John Sousoulas exported one of Branford's most beloved treasures up the shoreline to Old Saybrook. The new diner, also called Parthenon, expands Parthenon's empire to to a new market, and to customers who might find a drive to Branford a little far. It has the same menu and closes at midnight, and 1 a.m. on weekends, unlike the 24-hour original.
Sousoulas has won so many Advocate Best Ofs, he barely knows what to say when he sits down for an interview. Turning to his 10-year-old son, Kostas, as much a Parthenon staple as its omlettes and paninis, Sousoulas says his new restaurant won't reinvent the wheel, or cheese wheel as it were: It'll have the same fresh food and good service customers have come to rely on at the original Parthenon. In fact, that's really the key, as Sousoulas sees it: Consistent quality. A lot of restaurants might overlook whether a salad, sandwich or bowl of soup is exactly the same time after time. But Sousoulas says that type of quality control is what gives his diner the edge.
"One time I had to make prime rib three times for a customer because it was a little overcooked the first time," he says. "Some people might say, 'You could have something else.'" But not Sousoulas. He cooked that meat 'till he got it right. Another time, a take-out breakfast order was missing bacon, so Sousoulas hopped in his car and drove it across town to the customer.
When not running the diners, Sousoulas plays indoor soccer, once a week, at the Connecticut Sportsplex. He'd love to play guitar, he says, if he could find the time. "I'd like to be able to play like Aerosmith."
3rd: Twin Pines Diner
34 Main St.
East Haven, CT
(203) 468-6887
www.twinpinesdiner.com
Union League Café
1032 Chapel St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 562-4299
www.unionleaguecafe.com
Jean Pierre Vuillermet
Jean Pierre Vuillermet, chef and owner of Union League Café, points out the importance of maintaining overall consistency in terms of quality while keeping the details--the dishes, the ingredients, the presentation--fresh and full of new ideas. In his 14 years there, he first says, "nothing's changed," but as he continues speaking, it's clear that's not entirely true. "Well, the menu changes all the time," he says, "three times, four times a year. The ingredients we use are fresh, seasonal. I get bored after a while, doing the same thing. I'm impatient." Union League serves French cuisine, not particularly common in the New Haven area, but Vuillermet is nonchalant about that. "It's my background," he says, "It's natural." And, he says, he's open to putting twists on the established traditions of French cooking. He and his kitchen staff, he says, "share ideas, give it a modern touch." Some of the restaurant's Mexican-born cooks "show me things, maybe a little more cilantro. I try to eat outside. My wife is American; I try to eat American food." And while he's open to new ideas, Vuillermet is careful to hold onto his own culinary vision. "I'm very hands-on," he says. "I like to be in control. I don't want to open several places if I don't have people I can trust." See also Best Romantic Restaurant.
2nd: Le Petit Café
225 Montowese St.
Branford, CT
(203) 483-9791
www.lepetitcafe.net
3rd: Restaurant du Village
59 Main St.
Chester, CT
(860) 526-5301
www.restaurantduvillage.com
Darbar India
1070 Main St.
Branford, CT
(203) 481-8994
www.darbarindia.com
Laxman Sharma
Darbar serves its brand of award-winning Indian food in simple metal plates. That's the first sign that the restaurant stands up on the merits of its excellent food--spicy, fragrant, exotic Indian dishes that have earned Darbar top Best Of honors for seven years running.
Chef/owner Laxman Sharma has worked in Indian restaurants the world over--India, Nepal, the United Arab Emirates--before opening a restaurant of his own. He started in New Haven in 1991 before debuting Darbar in Branford in 1994. Sharma's secret to success? "First is quality and second is service," he says. But that's not all. Every country, or region, has different tastes in Indian food, and pleasing them all means adjusting the food accordingly, Sharma says.
"American taste is a lot of kebabs, mild and no oil. Just the roaster in the clay oven," he says. The most popular dish is Chicken Tikki Masala. Crowds converge on Darbar for its all-you-eat lunch buffets, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and the restaurant even delivers. It has a banquet hall that seats 120, and a back room that seats 30, so there's no shortage of space.
2nd: Thali Regional Cuisine of India
4 Orange St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 777-1177
www.thali.com
3rd: Zaroka Bar & Restaurant
148 York St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 776-8644
www.zarokarestaurant.com
Anna Liffey's
17 Whitney Ave.
New Haven, CT
(203) 773-1776
www.annaliffeys.com
Anna Liffey's placed in a total of six categories this year, and took first place in three. And for good reason. The pub, which was opened by Patrick Mansfield nine years ago, continues to draw crowds with its mix of well-poured Guiness (it's an art, says Mansfield, demonstrating the angle that the glass must be held), trivia, darts, soccer games on big-screen TVs and live music.
"It's just a good neighborhood bar," says Mansfield, who based his bar on an "authentic pub" from his native Ireland. "From the day we opened," says Mansfield, "it's been busy." See also Best Bar for Pub Games and Best Sports Bar.
2nd: The Playwright
144 Temple St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 752-0450
www.playwrightirishpub.com
1232 Whitney Ave.
Hamden, CT
(203) 287-2401
3rd: Tommy Sullivan's Cafe
240 N. Main St.
Branford, CT
(203) 488-8454
Tre Scalini Ristorante
100 Wooster St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 777-3373
www.trescalinirestaurant.com
Joe Maiorano
You know Tre Scalini owner Joseph Maiorano is the real deal by his cell phone's Luciano Pavarotti ring tone. Since opening 12 years ago, his Wooster Street institution has won Best Italian year after year, more years than Maiorano can count. "I think it's seven, or eight, or nine now," he guesses. But lest you think Maiorano takes his stardom for granted, Tre Scalini remains the best because of a relentless committment to quality, he says. The team of chefs and 22-person staff have been with Tre Scalini "since about day one," Maiorano says, and have helped the eatery build its repuation. Tre Scalini has won acclaim outside New Haven too--Connecticut Magazine's 2007 readers' poll recently voted Tre Scalini best Italian in the state. The kudos started coming almost as soon as the restaurant opened, Maiorano recalls, and never really stopped. "We were just a phenomenon," he says. "We caught fire from day one and never looked back."
Maybe it's dishes like pane cotte--one of Maiorano's personal favorites, a peasant dish of escarole, beans, soaked stale bread and parmesan--that puts Tre Scalini on top. Or maybe it's the fine selection of wines--Maiorano loves his Chiantis, Brunellos and Sangioveses (though with pane cotte, he'd drink Chianti). Anchoring one end of Wooster Street, New Haven's famed Little Italy, sure doesn't hurt. Whatever it is, the restaurant's not content to rest on its laurels, Maiorano says. This summer will see a new seasonal menu and interior restaurant renovations. "We'll spruce the place up," he says. "People like to see change."
2nd: Cafe Goodfellas
758 State St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 785-8722
www.cafegoodfellas.com
3rd: Portofino's Restaurant & Bar
937 State St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 562-1414
Mother's Homestyle Kitchen
16 Norton St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 562-3701
Marjone and Euannie Catnoh
You could easily overlook the multitude of West Indian restaurants in the New Haven area, if you're not that into the food. If you are, you're probably aware of Mother's Homestyle, and equally unsurprised to be reading about it here. Mother's has been operating in the same location on Norton Street in New Haven for 12 of its 17 years, and is an institution in its community with a far-reaching reputation. In an interview, Euannie "Mother" Catnoh told us she has customers that travel across the state on a regular basis to get her ribs, grits and other Jamaican-American cooking, taught to her by her own mother. To ask which is the greater draw for patrons--Mother's fresh, dependably delicious cooking or her hospitality and maternal counseling abilities--is more or less a lost cause.
As for the future, Mother's plans include acquiring a liquor license and making accommodations for occasional live entertainment. When the straying interview turned to retirement, her daughter said that she wished Mother would do so soon. Mother responded, "I want to work until I can't work anymore. I like to be there and interact and smile with the people, and I think if I couldn't do that, I wouldn't be able to keep going."
2nd: Taste of Jamaica Jerk & More
1012 Dixwell Ave.
Hamden, CT
Miso Japanese Restaurant
15 Orange St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 848-6472
www.misorestaurant.com
Lin Wong
Winning for the second year in a row in the Advocate Readers Poll and serving up renowned dishes for over five years (like the tuna tartar), it is obvious that Miso and owner Lin Wong have found the secret to success.
Could it be the service?
Could it be the fresh ingredients?
Could it be the location?
Letting his growing reputation and his authentic Japanese cuisine speak for him, Wong smiles and says:
"It's simple. We have good food."
2nd: Kudeta
27 Temple St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 562-8844
www.kudetanewhaven.com
3rd: Miya's Sushi
68 Howe St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 777-9760
www.eatsushi.com
The Family Grille Restaurant & Pub
70 Hemingway Ave.
East Haven, CT
(203) 469-3131
www.thefamilygrille.com
Rick Bottega and Jerry Nero
Rick Bottega and Jerry Nero are old friends who have long wanted to open their own restaurant. In December, they did. Their idea was simple: They wanted to make good food at good prices to serve families from East Haven and beyond.
They've created a special menu and a special "credit card" for kids, so kids can earn free meals and other prizes. Parents, they say, like it too. They can have a glass of wine and a "awesome" rib dinner, while the kids munch on classics like grilled cheese sandwiches and French fries.
2nd: Cosě
338 Elm St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 495-9869
www.cosict.com
3rd: Diner 21
21 Temple St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 787-2121
Aunt Chilada's
3931 Whitney Ave.
Hamden, CT
(203) 230-4640
www.auntchilada.com
Charlie Hague
Charlie Hague and Tom Bailey, the owners of Aunt Chilada's, do everything they can to ensure customers leave full and satisfied.
"We did a lot of research as to what people wanted when they came to a restaurant," says Hague. "They want to explore spicier foods, they want someplace they can bring their family to and they also want fresh food with fantastic service. We think we deliver high quality in all of these aspects."
The duo originally owned Callahan's, a sports bar in Cheshire, before they made the decision to open a Mexican restaurant 12 years ago.
"Mexican was definitely not as popular back then, so it is a lot easier now to satisfy customers," says Hague.
Keeping customers satisfied also means keeping them entertained.
"Well, we have special events for holidays like Cinco de Mayo, where we tend to draw in the college crowd from Quinnipiac," Hague says with a smile. "We're located right near Sleeping Giant too, so people can always go walk off their dinners with their families."
The location makes it unique too: Aunt Chilada's operates out of a old 19th century New England farmhouse.
2nd: Baja's
63 Boston Post Rd.
Orange, CT
(203) 799-2252
3rd: Su Casa Mexican Restaurant
400 E. Main St.
Branford, CT
(203) 481-5001
Mamoun's Falafel Restaurant
85 Howe St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 562-8444
mamounsfalafel.com
This year, Mamoun's celebrates its 30th year in New Haven, serving up flawless, affordable falafel (and miscellanious treats, like their much-loved baklava) to the masses.
What's the secret to their success?
"Mamoun's--here and in New York--has always tried to be a reasonably priced place," says Tarek Ismael Chater Muhmmed, Mamoun's son. "People treat it like it's their place." With rising gas costs sending food delivery costs through the roof, and a massive Yale parking garage going up next door, this has been a rough year for Mamoun's. To keep up, they're raising their prices. The menu, however, will stay the same, New Haven favorite it has always been. See also Best Late-Night Dining.
2nd: Istanbul Cafe
245 Crown St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 787-3881
www.istanbulcafect.com
3rd: Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine
170 Temple St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 773-3306
Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar
155 Temple St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 848-3000
www.barcelonawinebar.com
It's remarkable for any business to nab three winning slots in our readers' poll, but even more remarkable when that business had been open a mere three months at the time of the poll. Barcelona had been long-anticipated, though – the other four Barcelona locations, in Fairfield, Greenwich, South Norwalk and West Hartford, have proven popular ("One of the reasons we opened up," says chef Pedro Garzon, "was people kept saying, 'When are you gonna open up here?'"), and the clean lines and restaurant's name painted onto the construction barricades that for months surrounded its highly visible corner, at Temple and Court streets, made passersby curious.
Now that it's opened, Barcelona has distinguished itself as a restaurant where one can have a slice of a high-class experience without necessarily suffering the pricetag of the whole shebang. Ideally, general manager Matt Davies says, diners can try several different items in small portions. "Most places you go out to eat," he says, "you get such huge portions you can't try everything. Here, everything that comes out you can share." That goes for tapas, and for more exotic offerings – Garzon mentions ostrich, for example, which Barcelona can offer in a small portion (for the curious yet uncertain) for around $10. Sometimes, Garzon says, an entire table will "just wanna eat" without even placing a specific order – and the kitchen staff will whip up something interesting. "It's a place to go out of your normal realm of food," Davies says, "and not have to commit to one item." See also Best New Bar and Best Wine List in a Restaurant.
2nd: Thali Regional Cuisine of India
4 Orange St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 777-1177
www.thali.com
3rd: Bespoke
266 College St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 562-4644
www.bespokenewhaven.com
The Pantry
2 Mechanic St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 787-0392
Art Fritz and Lenny Fritz
For a number of years now, The Pantry has been an established and well known place to go for breakfast.
'Cause that's all they do.
There was a time in the eatery's 18-year history when they tried dinners. But breakfast was what the people wanted.
"And if it ain't broke, don't fix it," laugh co-owners Art and Lenny Fritz.
That acute attention to the customers is one of the points that sets The Pantry apart from other breakfast nooks. Take for example their eggs Benedict. Already a much-ordered dish, by listening to their customers- and using their own cooking ingenuity- the Fritzes now offer five diferent styles of eggs Benedict, including the California Benedict with grilled tomato and avacado, and the eggs Blackstone with bacon and fried tomatoes.
And disproving the old adage that you can't teach an old Readers Poll winner new tricks, after years of avoidance, The Pantry now offers chocolate chip pancakes.
2nd: Bella Rosa Cafe
896 Whalley Avenue
New Haven, CT
(203) 387-7107
www.bellascafect.com
3rd: Parthenon Diner
374 E. Main St.
Branford, CT
(203) 481-0333
www.parthenondiner.com
809 Boston Post Road
Old Saybrook, CT
(860) 395-5111
Rusty Scupper
501 Long Wharf Dr.
New Haven, CT
(203) 777-5711
www.selectrestaurants.com
Michael Copeland, Scott Gale, Kevin Savage and Cosimo Amorotti
The Rusty Scupper's award-winning brunches offer both the sweet and the savory. That, no doubt, helped them win Best Brunch. But when you get down to it, what brings people into a seafood restaurant is the seafood. And Scupper Sous Chef Kevin Savage brings his skills to the point with fresh Talapia, Asian barbecue, the Scupper's famous grilled salmon and many other dishes to satiate your seafood cravings.
See also Best Restaurant with a Water View and Best Seafood Restaurant.
2nd: Bella Rosa Cafe
896 Whalley Avenue
New Haven, CT
(203) 387-7107
www.bellascafect.com
3rd: La Luna Ristorante
168 N. Main St.
Branford, CT
(203) 483-9995
www.lalunct.com
Take The Cake
2458 Boston Post Road
Guilford, CT
(203) 453-1896
www.originaltakethecake.com
If you're on a diet, Nancy Parcell of Take the Cake has a suggestion. "Our low-fat," she says, "is to eat a little bit of something really good." And people do. Her cupcakes have a cult following. What's so great about the dessert business? "Bakeries are such happy places," says Parcell. See also Best Bakery.
2nd: Libby's Italian Pastry Shop
139 Wooster St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 772-0380
3rd: Ashley's Ice Cream Cafe
280 York St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 776-7744
2100 Dixwell Ave.
Hamden, CT
(203) 287-7566
The Greek Olive
402 Sargent Dr.
New Haven, CT
(203) 495-9990
www.thegreekolive.com
What makes the Greek Olive's souvlaki, saganaki and spanakopita the best Greek food in New Haven? "We're the best," says Tony Antomakis, laughing. "That's why we're chosen the best." Antomakis and his wife Anna started the restaurant four years ago, after years in the restaurant business.
Antomakis, who immigrated to the United States from the Greek island of Chios, brought his recipes from home. His favorite is the lamb. "The way we make the lamb chops," he says, "there's no gamey smell or flavor." But the Greek Olive--which has the look of a roadside diner and sits on the ground floor of Long Wharf's La Quinta Inn--isn't limited to Greek specialties. Their expansive menu ranges from corned beef hash and eggs to Italian dishes like eggplant parmigiana to fish and chips.
2nd: Parthenon Diner
374 E. Main St.
Branford, CT
(203) 481-0333
www.parthenondiner.com
809 Boston Post Road
Old Saybrook, CT
(860) 395-5111
3rd: Yorkside Pizza
288 York St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 787-7471
Rusty Scupper
501 Long Wharf Dr.
New Haven, CT
(203) 777-5711
www.selectrestaurants.com
Situated on the harbor with the salt water breezes wafting through, The Scupper's large windows and famous deck let you gaze out over all of Long Wharf, over to Light house Point and out into Long Island sound.
Being situated on the water is only part of the recognition: the ocean view comes into its own as a complement to the outdoor patio where three outdoor events will be held this summer, including a wine and food pairing. See also Best Seafood Restaurant and Best Place for Brunch.
2nd: Sage American Grill
100 S. Water St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 787-3466
www.sageamerican.com
3rd: Stillwater American Bistro
3 Clifton St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 466-2200
www.stillwateramericanbistro.com
Scoozzi Trattoria & Wine Bar
1104 Chapel St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 776-8268
www.scoozzi.com
Jeff Caputo and Jeff Horton
"It's kind of like a little oasis," Scoozzi general manager Jeff Horton says of the restaurant's landmark greeneried, sub-street-level patio. "People are walking by on Chapel Street, looking down--it's irresistible." And the food? Horton says chef Jeff Caputo is launching a summery new menu this spring, and the staff continues to try out new fare "pretty frequently."
Scoozzi's currently in its 20th year--it opened in October, 1987 (Horton himself has been there for 13 years)--which means it's endured through New Haven's downtown renaissance. Horton's seen Scoozzi progress from being one of a small handful of fine dining restaurants in town to finding itself at the heart of a bustling restaurant district. Contrary to what some might think, Scoozzi's thrived despite the fact that prime outdoor-dining season hits just when downtown's collegiate contingent is packing up to leave town for the summer. "New Haven doesn't really quiet down in the summer," Horton says. And the restaurant's still a draw during the indoor season (100 diners can fit inside). "In the spring and fall and winter, we're doing well because New Haven is alive."
Union League Café
1032 Chapel St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 562-4299
www.unionleaguecafe.com
With its high ceilings and exquisite woodwork, the Union League has been pegged by our readers as the most romantic dining spot, a designation at which chef/owner Jean Pierre Vuillermet shrugs good-naturedly. "We don't try to make anything romantic, specifically," he says. "That's what the building tends to do. It has the fireplace, it has charm." See also Best French Restaurant.
2nd: Carmen Anthony Steakhouse
660 State St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 773-1444
www.carmenanthony.com
496 Chase Ave.
Waterbury, CT
(203) 757-3040
Rusty Scupper
501 Long Wharf Dr.
New Haven, CT
(203) 777-5711
www.selectrestaurants.com
Being situated on the water is a minor element in the recognition: the winner of the Best Seafood Restaurant catagory must have the goods. And The Scupper's got 'em, tons of delectables from the briny deep. Sous chef Kevin Savage hints at just a few of the notable items: "...people still really love our Asian BBQ salmon. That one stays on the menu." Other features include "a wine list that is being constantly updated," says general manager Michael Copeland, "along with the fact that if we find something on the menu that isn't the best quality, we take it off."
2nd: U.S.S. Chowder Pot III
560 East Main St.
Branford, CT
(203) 481-2356
www.chowderpotiii.com
3rd: Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale
1301 Boston Post Road
Madison, CT
(203) 245-7289
www.ljfishtale.com
Ibiza
39 High St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 865-1933
www.ibizanewhaven.com
Juan C. González
Ibiza has been riding high on the recent downtown dining wave, and remains ever-present on the lips of those who frequently eat out.
With a previous career that included cooking in one of the top restaurants in Spain, owner Juan Gonzalez has fashioned a distinctive selection of dishes unique to his restaurant, founded in his creative take on traditional Spanish cuisine and special consideration paid to presentation.
While Gonzalez strives to be inventive with his cooking, there are certain things he is sure to keep within the context of the restaurant's Spanish menu. Ibiza's wines are tested in conjunction with the dishes to determine a variety of compatible choices, and are all imported Spanish wines.
Despite having only opened five years ago, Ibiza's other Best Of distinctions-- 2nd place for Best Overall Restaurant and 3rd place for Best Wine List--serve as evidence of a well-rounded establishment whose merit is not defined by the region of the cuisine.
Carmen Anthony Steakhouse
660 State St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 773-1444
www.carmenanthony.com
496 Chase Ave.
Waterbury, CT
(203) 757-3040
Carmen Anthony Vacalebre
In speaking with Carmen Anthony steakhouse owner Carmen Anthony Vacalebre, one thing becomes clear: This is a man with an abiding passion for and knowledge of steak. In fact, before opening his first steakhouse, he would regularly trek to New York City to eat high-quality steak. "I would get into the city about once a month," he says. And with his New Haven and Waterbury Carmen Anthony steakhouses (he also owns three fishhouses under the Carmen Anthony name), he aims to appeal to people who do – or who would do, if they could – the same thing. "People know when they go to New York they'll be paying New York prices," he says. "A lot more than here. A lot of people say we're expensive, but you get what you pay for." What they're paying for, specifically, he says, is "certified Angus, the top four percent of beef."
Vacalebre spent over three decades in a slightly less glamorous branch of the restaurant industry – running several fast food franchises. He was successful in that line of work, finally selling off the last of his fast food joints in 2000 to focus on the restaurant in which he was more emotionally invested. "It's like being at my daughter's wedding every night," he says of running Carmen Anthony. "When people come to our restaurants, a lot of times it's a special occasion." And he realizes the restaurant owes it to its diners to rise to that occasion. "We hire the smile and teach the trade," he says of his staff. "You don't wanna spend $50 on a meal and have someone with a puss on." Vacalebre knows what the stakes (no pun intended) are in that regard – the restaurants bear his name, which makes the whole thing personal. "Two hundred fifty people represent me," he says.
2nd: Central Steakhouse
99 Orange St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 787-7885
www.centralsteakhouse.com
3rd: Tenderloin Restaurant
2 E. Main St. #2
Branford, CT
(203) 481-1414
www.tenderloinrestaurant.com
Miya's Sushi
68 Howe St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 777-9760
www.eatsushi.com
Pablo Perez and Pedro Cruz Borgeois
Pedro Cruz Bourgeois has been a Miya customer for years. He even had the restaurant cater his wedding. Now he's waiting tables at Miya and he loves it, saying "the menu is a dynamic, living thing. It's always improving." The menu changes every three to four weeks, and in addition to creating new dishes, the Japanese restaurant also makes their own sakes. "We are constantly engaged in the creative process," says Bourgeois. "I've never been to another restaurant where there's such a joy in the food."
2nd: Miso Japanese Restaurant
15 Orange St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 848-6472
www.misorestaurant.com
3rd: Wasabi Japanese Restaurant
280 Branford Rd.
Branford, CT
(203) 488-7711
Bangkok Gardens
172 York St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 789-8684
Soneath Sor
In a neighborhood crammed with Thai restaurants (there are five bunched around a few blocks on Chapel and York streets), Bangkok Gardens owner Soneath Sor knows how to stay on top. "Keep cleaning!" he says. Sor keeps on his toes. "You have to think about the customer all the time and watch your employees all the time," he says, in order to maintain success with so much competition so close by. He's bought new plates, and he's buying new tables--all an effort to keep the look of the restaurant fresh.
But the look is only part of it. The best Thai dishes burst with several flavors at once, and Bangkok Gardens has that kind of dynamism. The ingredients in the food stand out, and readers have responded to what Sor describes as the basic ingredients of the business itself--"price, tasty, cleaning."
2nd: Thai Taste
1151 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT
(203) 776-9802
www.thai-flavor.com
3rd: Som Siam
63 Whitfield St.
Guilford, CT
(203) 458-0228
Claire's Corner Copia
1000 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT
(203) 562-3888
www.clairescornercopia.com
Vegetarians can be extremely discerning diners with insatiable appetites for all things organic. So Claire's has taken pains to offer veggie patrons the best and freshest organic produce, grains and breads over its 32-year history. And apparently it's working. Claire's has maintained its top spot for years, and has the corner on the market – literally. On the corner of College and Chapel streets in New Haven, Claire's is a sort of gateway to downtown dining.
Claire's gets organic produce from New Haven's Common Ground High School and gives 10 percent of its profits to charity. The restaurant runs 20 specials a day, chef/owner Claire Criscuolo says, and just introduced a new breakfast menu. The specials: Eggs Florentine made with organic spinach and "The Good Egg Sandwich," a whole wheat English muffin with one fried local egg and two strips of soy bacon ("A good sandwich to eat while you're walking," Criscuolo says). Some things remain the same at Claire's – its commitment to freshness, the friendly staff, the lively vibe. But after many years, the sandwich menu is changing.
"After 30 years, I just got so tired of the same sandwiches," Criscuolo says. "We're going to try to totally change, but leave our old items in the computer for those people who come" asking after them.
New sandwiches will include the Vietnamese Bahn Mi sandwich, with barbecued soy chicken and pickled organic vegetables on a whole wheat baguette, and a grilled organic spinach, cheese and tomato sandwich, also on a whole wheat baguette. See also Best Veggie Burger.
3rd: Imagin (now Ahimsa)
1227 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT
(203) 786-4774
www.ahimsainc.com
Rattanaporn Khamnal, Som Siam
63 Whitfield St.
Guilford, CT
(203) 458-0228
Rattanaporn Khamnal
Rattanaporn Khamnal was fit to be Thai'd when she learned she'd won Best Waitperson. After all, the modest restauranteur/waitress says she's only doing her job. But her customers think she's extraordinary. What's her secret? "Take good care of customers and provide them with a gift," says Khamnal, as translated by her son, Paul. Ah, the gift. What treasures does Khamnal bring back from exotic Thailand to lavish her diners with? A book. A Thai umbrella. A purse. Maybe a necktie, she says. If that doesn't work, she appeals to their belly. "I sometimes give them free ice cream." Or she offers customers special items that don't appear on the menu.
Khamnal has owned Som Siam for five years, since selling the old Thai Inter on State Street in New Haven and moving east up the shoreline. The 12-table restaurant does brisk business and faces less competition from other Thai restaurants than Khamnal did in New Haven. Pad Thai is still perhaps the most popular dish she serves, she says, with peanut curry and curry pops close behind. "They're very tiny and cute and they fit in your mouth entirely," says Paul, of the pops. "It tastes good too."
Khamnal returns to her home in Khonkean, in the northeast of Thailand, a couple times a year, to visit family and bring back spices and other ingredients she can't find here. So what does the Thai waitress eat when she's craving American food? "Pizza," she says. "But I mostly eat Thai food. Maybe Chinese sometimes." And what Thai dish does she recommend? Plajean, which is steamed snapper with ginger onion, mushroom and stir-fried vegetables.
2nd: Kasey, Guillo's Pizza
126 Middletown Avenue
North Haven, CT
(203) 239-3515
www.giuliospizza.com
3rd: Julia, Café Routier
1353 Boston Post Rd.
Westbrook, CT
(860) 399-8700
www.caferoutier.com
