By the seat of my pants I got a reservation at The Inn at Pound Ridge. A getaway to Greenwich and Bedford with only 2 nights to try restaurants that would leave me wanting to go back.
I called the day prior to our trip for a reservation. There were none available. I called again and left a message. I could not believe that they called me back asking me what time I wanted the reservation for. Don’t know if anyone canceled but a reservation I indeed had.
The Inn at Pound Ridge started as a residence back in 1833. Then, an inn, and now renowned International Chef Jean-Georges has it as a farm to table restaurant. It has an understated elegance that is palpable the moment you step in.
You can check the credentials of Jean-Georges. A Michelin Star winner, a businessman, a restauranteur, and a book publisher. Restaurant patrons all over the world appreciate his cooking style. http://www.jean-georges.com
“Soup to Nuts” comes to mind as I write this post. It means from beginning to end. Every aspect covered. The term can be attributed to many things and not just cooking.
Fireplaces were roaring, it was a cold night. The Inn at Pound Ridge is located at 258 Westchester Ave. http://www.theinnatpoundridge.com
They were taking us downstairs and I thought maybe our table was not going to be a prime table. Well, surprise, surprise, it certainly was. In an alcove next to the fire. Very private and cozy. Jess, our server, promptly came over. A shout to him. He was very attentive throughout our dining experience.
Drinks were ordered. Then, the soup. Butternut Squash Soup with Wild Mushrooms. A delicate soup, full of color and flavor.
The Kale Salad with a Parmesan Dressing, Croutons, and Mint. I tasted this salad. It was not my own. I would say that it was very good but not the best I have tasted before.
Look at that Steamed Black Seabass. It was the evening’s special and got a thumbs up review.
Every good restaurant offers beef. How it is prepared can make for a memorable experience. This Beef Tenderloin reflected that. It was eaten slowly because he did not want it to end. Those are smooth parsnips, with roasted Brussels sprouts and a Miso mustard.
My Faroe Island Salmon was amazing. That’s my description. It is a favorite entree at the restaurant and it came with mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts and a truffle vinaigrette.
A few after dinner drinks, a little coffee, and more conversation. No dessert was necessary even though for the purpose of a food post I should have had one.
What’s a memorable dining experience? Those chips, again, have to fall into place. The atmosphere, the food, and the company. Yes, the company makes it priceless!!
Until next time, I remain. AboutMyBeaches has its own FB Page if you would like to leave a message. Finding out about what’s going on, what events, what restaurants…reviews, where to shop and what to cook for dinner.
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It was a short getaway, but getaways are usually short. What makes them memorable is when all the chips fall into place. The trip, the accommodations, the weather, and most of all, the restaurants.
I asked the Delamar Hotel, where we were staying, to send me a list of Italian restaurants. The one that spoke to me was Polpo. First the name because it means octopus and I love octopus or squid. An extensive menu it was so 4 of us were there a week ago. Still remember it and definitely would visit again on another trip.
What are some of the characteristics of a good Italian restaurant? What do you actually look for? A lot of food, you really don’t serve a dot on a plate. Oh no. Great ambiance, and good service. Please don’t rush us. Last but not least is food quality. Best ingredients are a must.
Polpo delivered. Our servers were a team. The accents were deep, rivaling my own. There was music in the bar area. People were chatting and for a moment in time we forgot that a pandemic is still with us.
At Polpo they have matchstick fried zucchini and it was ordered for the table. At first I thought well I am not sure. Why order this when there is so much more of that. Guess what? Crispy, and guilt free eating.
A few salads were ordered. All through our ordering the restaurant was alive, waiters coming and going. Boy, I have missed the noise and the people.
Just a reminder that at Polpo everything is homemade. A salad of homemade mozzarella with roasted peppers and white anchovies (Boquerones) was not mine but I got to have a few of the anchovies, which I loved.
Too far for me to taste it but look at the Burratta Caprese with Prosciutto. It got very good reviews.
I love Branzino. This Mediterranean fish is full of flavor and I usually order it whenever I see it. At Polpo they had a fillet. I asked if they had a whole fish. That’s what I wanted. Signora anything you want we can do. Do you want us to debone it? Of course not!! How could you say such a thing. That is where the flavor is. They loved saying that eating it whole was the way to go. They just did not know I knew how to pick crabs, that I can eat a lobster all throughout. This Branzino was no challenge. I ate everything with gusto. It was the best Branzino and thank God it was because the whole fish was pricey.
The Branzino al Forno was served with a rosemary and garlic sauce. You can see it right on this next photo, next to the Cacio e Pepe dish that was also ordered. The dish was delicious but they cautioned that it was very peppery.
The Mediterranean cuisine has introduced us to Rapini or Broccoli Rab. Full of flavor and loved the garlic.
Someone said that homemade pasta absorbs the flavor of a dish better than pasta bought at a grocery store. The Linguini on Vongole with White Clam Sauce was received as the best they have had.
Most of the time I do not order dessert. Not that I don’t want to. It is the fact that I like to practice some restraint.
This dense chocolate cake and ice cream, I had a bite and could have had more. A perfect ending to a memorable Italian dinner.
We ventured out the door. It had started raining. But it did not matter. We had full stomachs and smiles on our faces.
My regret? That my photos were not the best that night. Trying to capture everyone’s dishes before they dove into them. That was tricky.
Until another time, I remain. Check out my AboutMyBeaches Facebook Page to find out about events, restaurans, reviews, where to shop and what to cook for dinner.
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A change of scenery is a welcome change. Nothing beats just a couple of days away from the usual to rejuvenate our mental health.
Staying at the Delamar Greenwich Harbor was that type of change. Just 2 nights is all we needed. The hotel is on the water. Located at 500 Steamboat Rd., Greenwich, CT 06830
Covid 19 tests negative we had just in case anyone asked. No valet parking at the moment because of the virus but the property has parking so that was not a big deal.
Easy check in. Guests were asked not to congregate in the lobby.
In the mornings, fruit, yogurt, juices were placed on that table. Towards the back on the left there was a very nice coffee bar.
The property is located on the water. I can imagine sitting outdoors during warmer months.
The room was very comfortable. A great bed, by the way. The balcony, again would have been perfect appreciating the waterfront.
Delamar has a restaurant called L’Escale. The menu looked great but we only had drinks.
To me the hotel was Art Deco. That design period is captivating and nostalgic. The restaurant was founded in 2003.
Definitely, will stay there again. Everyone was very cordial and the restaurant is so close to Greenwich Ave. where fabulous stores, spas, and restaurants are found.
The Delamar has a spa but because of Covid the spaces were limited and being that it was a holiday weekend they suggested Posh Spa located at 195 Greenwich Ave., next to Saks Fifth Ave…how convenient. It was great and after a 1 1/2 massage we felt like new people. And, ready to experience a few of the restaurants that the area offered.
Even though traveling through a pandemic has been challenging, there is still ways to enjoy a couple of days away from the norm. The trip from Rehoboth Beach to Greenwich took 4 hours and that included stopping a few times. Very doable.
Next post? Restaurant #1
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