Aspen Restaurant and Bar opened in November 2007. The 87-seat main dining room interior was inspired by elements of nature and is decorated with lots of wood, natural lighting and a granite-topped full bar. Downstairs, the 47-seat Amber Lounge boasts a mahogany bar and a large organic stone fireplace. The food served here is of the contemporary American persuasion mixed with traces of global flair. Small plates on the menu include goat cheese flan, grilled flatbreads, yellow fin tuna, truffle potato gnocchi and an oyster trio. These can be shared and followed up with main courses that include sea bass, 12-ounce beef sirloin, seared Peking duck breast, Asian crusted tuna and lobster Bolognese. Enjoy desserts like chocolate mousse bombe and warm bread pudding. A generous selection of wines and seasonal specialty drinks is also offered.
Aspen
2 Main Street
Old Saybrook, CT 06475-1510
860-395-5888
aspenct.com
Eclisse is in the heart of Downtown Stamford, on the southwestern shore of Connecticut. It offers family and individual portions of Northern Italian cuisine. The rustic interior denotes casual Italian tones and creates a comfortable dining environment with soft lighting that is open enough to accommodate large parties. The additional banquet room can be reserved for parties of up to 180 individuals, complete with a three-course menu composed especially for any occasion. Antipasta on the menu includes fried zucchini, roasted duck wrap, grilled sweet Italian sausage, clams oreganata and mozzarella caprese. Pizzas are also available, ranging from traditional margherita to the more complex Mediterranean, topped with sliced tomatoes, spinach, basil, black olives, banana peppers, capers and feta cheese. Mai dishes include penne vodka, gnochi, veal Milanese, skirt steak and Chilean sea bass.
Eclisse
700 Canal Street
Stamford, CT 06902-5921
203-325-3773
eclissestamford.com
The Stone House reopened for business in April 2000 and has become a popular restaurant for shoreline travelers. This fine dining establishment is led by James P. Quinlivan, the prior executive chef at New York City restaurants Doral Time and Again and West 63rd Street Steakhouse. It features seafood and steak dishes. Appetizers include lobster martini with cucumber, seared rare tuna, crab cakes, baked oysters and crispy fried calamari. Main courses include seared diver sea scallops, almond dusted swordfish, bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin, seared veal medallions, baked crab stuffed sole and pan roasted red snapper. A comprehensive wine list and a variety of drink specials are offered from the restaurant's full bar and make great pairing options for meals.
The Stone House
506 Whitfield Street
Guilford, CT 06437
203-458-3700
stonehouserestaurant.com
