Aug 21 2011

What You’re Missing at ON20

By Emily and has 4 comments.

I fantasized about this meal long before it was actually time to experience it.

Yeah. That good.

After marveling (ok, gawking) over Nick Caito’s CTNow photo gallery last year, I knew I had to indulge in the tasting menu at Polytechnic ON20. So Nick, fellow food enthusiast and best boyfriend ever, brought me a few weeks ago for an epic three hour, 10 course lunch.

Polytechnic On20, located on the 20th floor of the Hartford Steam Boiler Building, is undoubtedly the most spectacular restaurant in town. The dazzling views serve as the backdrop to some of the most memorable dishes you’ll probably ever enjoy. I stopped noticing the beautiful views as soon as the first dish arrived.

The ON20 tasting menu is an incomparable culinary adventure of textures, flavors, foams, and brilliant experimentation — culminating in the most jaw-dropping presentation I’ve ever seen.

Decadent ingredients included foie gras, shaved truffle, lamb, duck, sweetbreads, — such a delicious, delirious blur. I’d describe every dish, but the innovative tasting menu constantly changes to provide an unforgettable experience. Yours will be different and equally amazing.

Tasting menus at ON20 are available by appointment at 860.722.5292.

Categories: Uncategorized
Aug 11 2011

Dinner at VIVO Trattoria

By Emily and has 1 comment.

With just a few days left in Taste of Hartford’s summer promotion, it’s time to dish on where you’ve been eating for the past two weeks. Upload your Taste of Hartford food photos and share your experiences/recommendations over at  A La Carte.

Here’s my own recommendation: Last week, I had the chance to visit VIVO Trattoria, the sophisticated and award-winning restaurant in Hartford’s Downtown Marriott. With a Mediterranean influence and Napa Valley style, VIVO has earned area esteem for its seasonally inspired menu boasting the best of fresh, local ingredients.

My first impression? Gorgeous interior, killer white sangria. So far so good.

And, as hoped, the food sang for itself. I even have photos to prove it this time.

My dining companions and I stuck to the Taste of Hartford menu and (between the few of us) were able to sample all of the dishes.
Both appetizer options were luscious– rich lobster bisque with sherry & creme fraiche, plus truffle scented wild mushroom risotto. A spoonful of the bisque was (as Leeanne might put it), a shot of luxury.

Pistachio encrusted salmon

My entree made me realize how sadly unadventurous I am when it comes to cooking fish. Pistachio crusted salmon with beets and caramelized carrot vinaigrette. So tasty, fresh, and lovely-  an all around win. Maybe it’ll inspire me to dress fish in something besides soy sauce in my own kitchen.

Affogatto

When first reading through the TOH menu, I was unimpressed by desserts. Do NOT follow my snotty, judgmental line of thought. The Affogatto was so dreamy that I ate mine and devoured all of my sister’s dish – vanilla ice cream with espresso, caramel drizzle and whipped cream. So simple but startlingly unbelievable.

If you’re as torn between the 29 Taste of Hartford restaurant participants as I’ve been for the past two weeks, I hope this helped narrow it down!

200 Columbus Blvd, Hartford CT
Categories: Uncategorized
Aug 09 2011

Food Fashion For the Win

By Emily and has 1 comment.

I couldn’t see this and not share.

Click for a slideshow of the latest and most outrageous in food fashion. I can’t get over the genius absurdity of these creations.

See for yourself…

Artichoke Dress- image from delish.com

 

Carboholic's Dream Dress- image from delish.com

Eat your heart out, Gaga. The famed meat dress has competition.

 

Categories: Uncategorized
Aug 02 2011

Taste of Hartford- Finally!

By Emily and has 2 comments.

It’s finally time for Taste of Hartford- the most redeeming part of August (as far as I can tell).

From now through August 14th, thirty of Hartford’s top restaurants will be participating in Taste of Hartford’s summertime promotion, offering special 3-course gourmet dinners for only $23. Last time around, I was completely enticed by Peppercorn Grill’s sushi style proscuitto (photo by Nick Caito)– and I’m glad to see it back on this year’s menu. Along with their tiramisu.

Prosciutto- Sushi Style

Imported prosciutto di Parma rolled with gorgonzola, black mission figs, and a drizzling of fig and balsamic essence

Luscious tiramisu

Nothing like good old fashioned food porn to get your appetite going…

Unfortunately, I didn’t have a camera to document my spectacular meal at Zula Bar & Restaurant last night, but Taste of Hartford highlights included:

  • Prosciutto with sliced melon and fig
  • Orange Salad with frisee, orange, shaved fennel, red onion, roasted peppers, and capers
  • Murray’s Chicken with Zula garlic mashed potatoes, corn fritters, seasonal vegetables, marsala glaze
  • Seafood Linguini with mussels, clams, pancetta, fennel, rock shrimp, and fresh herbs in white wine sauce
Emphasis on the linguini. It was amazing.
Before you plan your Hartford outing, take a look at all menu offerings here: http://tastehartford.com/

 

Categories: Uncategorized