A Change of Eatery

Ah, yes. One of the tastiest meals in recent memory is a perfect way to finish off another year of blog posts.

I stopped into Abyssinian Ethiopian Restaurant with some Hartford friends for lunch last week– it’s a bit of an underrated gem with a great location (I’m biased because I can walk there- parking otherwise stinks) and friendly service. More importantly, excellent food.

We started by sharing two appetizers, Ayib Be Gomen: cottage cheese mixed with mitmita and chopped collard greens, as well as (I forget the app’s name) beef meatballs served with salad. The Ayib Be Gomen reminded me of a spicy saag paneer. Super delightful.

For an entree, I ordered Doro Alcha, chicken (on the bone) simmered in a mild sauce of butter, onions, ginger and turmeric- among plenty of other spices- and a hard-boiled egg. Glorious. One of the best parts of the meal? Eating with your hands. Alongside our bowls of seasoned meats and stew-like sauces sauces, we were served what can only be described as an edible platter: a huge spread of injera- a spongy crepe-like bread dotted with vegetables and curried lentils to scoop up the meats and stews.

Other dining companions opted for lamb dishes, including Yebeg Wot, comprised of lamb simmered in red pepper sauce, berbere seasoned with ginger root, garlic, green pepper and cardamon.

The full menu includes a broad range of lamb, chicken, beef, seafood, and vegetarian options. Gluten free. The veg options might even be vegan-friendly but I don’t swing that way so it’s up to you to figure it out.

I will be back. And soon. It is (almost) a new year, after all.

Abyssinian Ethiopian Restaurant

533 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT

860.218.2231

I can’t believe this place exists.

I vow to visit Il Bambino every time I’m in NYC– it’s well worth a trip to Astoria, Queens. The panini with prosciutto, gorgonzola dolce and fig spread has won my heart over so many times, mastering the balance of strong flavors that expertly combine savory and sweet. The brunch menu is pretty magnificent– I’m a sucker for We Got Nuttin- a panini spread with Nutella, banana, and strawberry preserve. Pair that with a mimosa for one happy Emily.

This past weekend I sampled some of the crostinis, which absolutely knocked my unassuming Connecticut socks off.

2 winners:  Crostini with prosciutto, basil pesto, parmesan
& a Crostini with an absurdly flavorful combo of goat cheese, honey, and rosemary oil

Bambino also features a fantastic selection of meats and artisanal cheeses to create some pretty epic meat/cheese platters.

Perfect remedy to warm up a winter day? 4 words: peanut butter hot chocolate.
le sigh. I’d kill to have a spot like this in Connecticut.

If you find yourself in Astoria any time soon, go here and thank me later.

You’re welcome in advance.

http://ilbambinonyc.com/

34-08 31st Ave

Astoria, Queens

New York, New York 11106

(718) 626-0087

Huong Viet on Park Street.

Go there.

I loved it.

Best pho and banh mi I’ve had in Hartford so far. (Although favorite banh mi in the area is Chau’s in Manchester). I stopped into Huong Viet with a few friends for lunch today and ordered the grilled pork banh mi sandwich and beef pho (spruced up with sriracha, hoisin & lots of other goodies). The food was incredible. The prices were incredible. The ambiance wasn’t much and service was polite but minimal– and the superb food shone through it all. I WILL be back. ASAP.

With a Vietnamese iced coffee (sweetened with condensed milk), banh mi & steaming bowl of pho, the bill rang me at $11 or something ridiculously low like that. Can’t be beat, friends.

2014 Park St., Hartford, (860) 233-0888

What’s more festive than a Christmas ornament shaped like a taco?

A pierogi!

Check this stuff out. And if you’re looking for a Christmas gift for me, you’re lookin’ at it right here :)

Here’s a link to the whole gallery on epicurious. May your tree make you hungry this year.

So now that you know what to buy me, you can wrap it all up in this!

Oh goodness. Lately, my inbox has been crowded with some all too appealing options for specialty prix fixe dinners at local restaurants. I’m highlighting the top three. Here’s whats on the radar for next week.

Sunday, November 13th:

6 Course Game and Beer Dinner at The Half Door.

I’ve already bought my ticket for this one. Sometimes a gal just needs to sit down and unwind with a brew and plateful of grilled emu, ya know?

I’m so amped for this outrageously carnivorous meal. It’s $75 which includes tax and gratuity.  Here’s the menu:

Course #1:
Venison Pastrami Wrapped Rabbit Loin with Wine Braised Endive, Caraway Pancake and Whole Grain Mustard Jus. Paired with Nøgne Ø IPA.

Course #2:
Consommé of Quail. Paired with Het Alternatief’s Bitter Truth.

Course #3:
Grilled Emu with a Salad of Rocket, Red Onion, Sharp Cheddar and Charred Shallot Vinaigrette. Paired with ‘t Gaverhopke Extra.

Course #4:
Wild Boar Saltimbocca with Sherry Pan Sauce, Butternut Squash Polenta and English Peas. Paired with Boon Oude Geuze.

Course #5:
Sika Venison Loin Stuffed with Herbed Wild Mushrooms and Maytag Bleu Cheese with Rosemary Scented Venison Demi Glace and Poached Red Potatoes. Paired with Rodenbach Vintage ’07 Oak Aged.

Course #6:
Burnt Sugar Crusted Rum Raisin Scone, Sage Infused Whipped Crème, Salted Pumpkin Apple Caramel. Paired with Dupont Cidre Reserve.
——-

Monday, November 14th

If wild game isn’t your thang, class it up at Burton’s Grill‘s Fall Harvest Chef’s Dinner with Cassidy Hill Vineyard (Coventry) for a night of showcasing 4 courses of fall flavors and local artisan wines.  I love Burton’s AND Cassidy Hill so this oughta be a meal to look forward to.

6:30 PM SEATING
$65/person (not including tax/gratuity)
Reservations Required, Call for reservations at: 860.432.4575

Course #1: Fall Greens, Great Hill Blue Cheese, Candied Walnuts, Pickled Onions, Pink Grapefruit & Walnut-Cranberry Vinaigrette.

Course #2: Pumpkin Ravioli, Brown Butter Sage Hollandaise Sauce, Bordeaux-Cherry Balsamic Drizzle, Fried Sage.

Course #3: Pan-Seared House-cured Center Cut Pork Chops, Calvados Cream Reduction, Apple Pecan Farro Pilaf, Pan-Roasted Broccoli Rabe.

Course #4: Gingerbread Crème Brule, Candied Ginger, fresh Whipped Cream.

——————

If you’re a bit further away from the Hartford area, and happen to be closer to, say Woodbury, Carmen Anthony Fishhouse is hosting their last wine dinner of the year on Monday the 14th at 6pm, featuring the wines of Duckhorn Vineyards in Napa Valley.

Here’s a peek at their offerings:

Course #1: Lobster Ravioli: Homemade ravioli with fresh picked lobster and topped with delicious Newburgh sauce

Paired with: Duckhorn Decoy Chardonnay

Course #2: Hearts of Palm Salad: Marinated hearts of palm wrapped in prosciutto and served over baby spinach.

Tossed with a honey and roasted pepper balsamic vinaigrette.

Paired with: Duckhorn Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Course #3: Pine Nut-Encrusted Escolar: Grilled escolar topped with a roasted tomato and shallot compote.

Paired with: Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet

Finale: German Chocolate Trifle

Rich German chocolate cake layered with creamy caramel and toasted coconut.

Paired with: Noval Black Port

Call 203-266-0011 to make your reservation.

$75/person plus tax & gratuity

Check the websites for more details. Make reservations and eat up, kids!

For the folks suffering from Connecticut’s brutal power outage:

Leeanne Griffin from A La Carte just posted a list of CT restaurants that are open & serving meals.

Check it out and go warm up with some tasty bites!

Thanks Leeanne!