Flanders, Connecticut, dates back to the nation’s founding. Considered the region’s business center until around 1830, Flanders fell into decline due to the introduction of a railway system that gave other towns a commercial advantage. Remnants of old Flanders attract tourists today: a gristmill, meeting house and tavern. But one of the best reasons to visit has nothing to do with history. The area’s seafood restaurants are sensational, and you’ll have your pick of them in towns close to the Flanders settlement.
When Paul and Donna Formica opened the Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant nearly 30 years ago, they started out in a single-family house. Today’s expanded restaurant has built a reputation for quality and innovation, earning rave reviews from critics and patrons. Order house specialties like blackened sea scallops Florentine over penne or lobster prepared in a variety of ways by award-winning chefs. The restaurant accommodates non-fish-eaters, too. Vegetable primavera with white wine garlic sauce and grilled-to-order teriyaki flank steak are popular picks. The Sunday seafood buffet is legendary.
Flanders Fish Market and Restaurant
22 Chesterfield Road (Route 161)
East Lyme, CT 06333
860-739-8866 or 800-242-6055
flandersfish.com
Located in Morris, West Shore Seafood is known for stocking just about anything that can be caught by a fishing trawler, which is why you can eat and then take home fresh fish from the market side of this enterprise. Classic recipes have earned West Shore the title of Litchfield County's "beach home" away from home. Enjoy tasty appetizers like fried calamari, pints of soft-shell steamer clams, crab cakes and shrimp and black bean salad topped with tortilla chips. Main courses feature every type of grilled, baked and steamed seafood under the sun. Prices are reasonable. Bring your own bottle. Open from April to December, West Shore is closed on Mondays.
West Shore Seafood Market & Eatery
449 Bantam Lake Road
Morris, CT 06763
860-567-8000
westshoreseafood.com
Albert Clugston III’s career took a circuitous route before he established the Litchfield Saltwater Grille. He learned to cook Mexican food in his mother’s kitchen, apprenticed under legendary master sushi chef Tai Obata at Ra, at age 23 opened Sushi N Rock in Scottsdale, Arizona, and finally landed in Connecticut where his wife Brett and partner Albe Galotta helped jump-start his eatery. Fans gather for Monday Lobster Night, and summer fare includes the $25 complete dinner. Staples like Connecticut Clam Chowder, Saltwater’s Endless Salad Bowl and locally-grown corn on the cob are crowd pleasers as are drink specials in the restaurant’s lounge. Arrive early for Sunday brunch. Order the lobster frittata. Reservations are recommended, but given the popularity of the Grille’s Bloody Mary recipe, you may not mind waiting for a table to become available.
The Litchfield Saltwater Grille
26 Commons Drive, Route 202
Litchfield, CT 06759
860-567-4900
litchfieldsaltwatergrille.org
