Missy "Sweet 'n' Sassy" S.'s Profile
DateCentral Manchester, CT 06042
(860) 644-2739
Tullycross Tavern and Microbrewery
Categories:
Bars,
American (New)
West Hartford, CT 06127
(860) 218-2100
Barcelona Wine Bar and Restaurant
Categories:
Wine Bars,
Tapas Bars
We decided to go here after seeing Adam the chef on Better CT....and had no idea how many items they had and that it was not all just spanish type food, but very Mediterranean.
Note to my Vegetarian friends::: This place is a vegetarians dream, as they offer plates with every type of vegetable possible! :O)
The ambiance is so cool and relaxing...let me change that, it was very warm in feeling, cool in appearance! The banquet seating was SUPER comfy (which is very important to me, as I am handicapped) I will mention the parking in a moment, as that is very important to an H/C person also.....
Every single thing we had was fantastic, some we would repeat, others were good but not a fave, and there is SOOOO MUCH to choose from on this fabulous menu....we definitely cannot wait to go back! :O)
We started with the most fabulous bread, it is so crusty and soft on the inside, they smartly serve it in this pail, so that the bottom pieces stay as piping hot as the top ones are, even after some time has passed.
Both Cory and Jonathan were very happy to suggest or explain any menu items. They were perfectly gracious without being overly attentive. It was perfect and you can tell that all the employees really get along and there is no ''snarky" behavior what-so-ever, which is difficult to find these days! LOL
We had:
Potato Tortilla
Mushroom with Goat cheese/balsamic
Meatballs in tomato sauce
Fingerling Hash with Honeyed Goat Cheese
Pork Tenderloin w red chimichurri
Serrano and Cheese Croquettes w/ Dijon Creme
The things we would get again next time for sure are the Potato tortilla and the Mushrooms. Everything else was delish, but there are so many other things we would want to try!
We never get dessert, but our waiter convinced us to try the flan, he said it was the best and if we didnt love it, he would buy it for us! I wouldnt actually let him do that, but we did love it...and it was so nice of him to offer! He also suggested the crepes which were awesome as well. Hubby had to eat them both, i only had a little bite, but they were tasty!
We HIGHLY recommend this place, and cannot wait to go back....
NOW....FOR THE HANDICAPPED PARKING INFO....there are no real H/C spots near the entrance (the entrance is out back, off of the municipal lot)....but there are plenty of spots near the entrance....the best thing, if u are H/C, just go early, like when they first start dinner and u will have better luck getting near the entrance :O) (we went Sat around 5pm so there was no difficulty getting a spot!)
Employees are friendly, coffees made correctly (not always the case, altho every location i've ever been to they are always happy to remake it!) but so far, so good at this location!
Good supply of goodies, always fresh and yummy. :O)
Newington, CT 06111
(860) 372-4620
Joey Garlic's
Categories:
American (Traditional),
Italian,
Pizza
Anyway....im sure it was because it was soooo very forgettable, altho i must say, the hubby loved the Ribs, with the Asian sauce on them. BUT...he has never gotten them again, even as takeout. I thought he might even tho we hated the rest of our meal and experience.
We are the type of people when we go someplace new, we like to try a few different things, to get a flavor of the place. Everything we had was either so bland or just completely unappealing. I mean, we didnt get sick and didnt HATE it...altho, we definitely said we'd not be in ANY kind of hurry to return. My friend is right, its just as bad as Bertuccis.
Our waitress was woefully ignoring us...it was impossible to get a drink, get more napkins or point out a problem we had with one of the items.
I also agree with another reviewer....I so wish this was the UNO's again! They had the greatest appetizers and not pad pizza on occasion. I miss the Pizza Skins! :O(
However, dont get breakfast at dinnertime...because its a different cook and they dont know what the heck they are doing. Last time we were there at dinner (already knowing their dinner meals are greasy and yucky) ..... we were craving breakfast....but it was horrible. The waitress was very snarky (i think weve had one really friendly waitress) and every single thing was messed up and took forever to get the waitresses attention! or to get it fixed!
We tried a couple more times, both for takeout and breakfast ...when we had 'amnesia' and forgot we no longer liked it!
Im sorry to my other yelpers for leaving this as 5 stars, it certainly is not! im wondering if maybe they just started buying cheaper quality ingredients? because it just really took a nosedive. Bummer! i love a good diner!
2 Previous Reviews:
-
2/15/2009
This place is just as good at Breakfast time as other meals! We went yesterday and had some kick ass Eggs Benedict, i like mine a special way and they did it to PERFECTION.....right down to how I like the eggs poached. Delish! Their home fries are Yukon golds, and are not deep fried, they are grilled and have a yummy flavor, love them even just plain, without ketchup!
Hubby had a wonderful Turkey Club and OMG, the french fries are to die for! They are real fresh cut fries, they come out the same way as if u made them at home! They almost tasted as good as the pomme frites from Caseus In New Haven!
While there, we also got a couple of to-go breakfast orders for this morning, and they re-heated well and tasted awesome. i had the Texas French Toast, hubby had a Sausage, egg and cheese on a Portuguese roll!
This place is not just a diner, they also serve 'real' food at night (not open every nite for dinner, check ahead!) in their dining room (where they have a little fancier room, meaning they have plastic tablecloths vs no tablecloths).....and they were full up of reservations (we heard ppl making them over the phone) for Valentines day! LOL. They don;t usually take reservations...... Not where I would go for Valentines day, but up there, the people know the food is good and there isn't a lot of places to choose from.
They have an extremely loyal following, and they make u feel like regulars even if u have only been a couple of times. We had the same awesome waitress, Allie. She is a real pro and does her job with a smile! :o)
This was only my 2nd time (altho we have had take out several times, hubby would just pick up at the register) but she remembered us, and even remembered we live in Hartford and that we drive all the way up there (its not that far....maybe 20 miles...totally worth it!, no other local diner comes close!)
Oh, and I noticed as we were leaving, they have their own home made sodas, with some great tasting flavors! They also have some really yummy looking desserts! :oP -
12/18/2008
Super friendly, very comfortable place. I'd say 4.5 on food, but the service by far brought it up and over 5 stars. When we walked in, we told them we had come all the way from Hartford, and had heard great things, and that this was our first time. They were happy to greet us, and altho this place is very loved by the locals, we did not feel out of place one bit. We definitely felt like 'a regular' already!
It's hard for a place to portray that kind of feel....I really can't remember the last time I felt OK about the people, the cleanliness (very clean, which is of utmost importance to me) and just the overall feel of a place right away!
Anyway, let me get to the good stuff.....the food!
This place already had a place in my heart because they do breffie ALL DAY (those that don't know me, Breffie= BREAKFAST in my world...LOL). I am a breffie fiend and could eat it 24/7! Surprisingly enuf, i DID NOT get any breffie items to eat for dinner.....
However.....LOL.... we did order a take-out breakfast to eat tomorrow morning! .....Something called the ''Farmer Brown Special''....3 buttermilk pancakes, 2 eggs any style, 2 sausage links, 2 bacon, home fries, toast and jelly! (for only $8.50!) So we will have that to share for tomorrow am....that way we get a lil taste of various items to be sure it's worth another trip (I know it will be)!
You should have seen the Omelets and various going by us! HUGE! I cannot tell you how many items they have on this HUMONGOUS menu!
Even tho they are only open for dinner from Thurs to Sat, they do not just phone it in, so to speak! They even have PRIME RIB, and many, many dinner items, from Comfort foods like Yankee Pot Roast, to Pasta items, Chicken Piccata, Chicken Parm.
Also, tons of burgers, wraps, Reubens, Homemade Meatloaf (sandwiches and dinners) and they even have a traditional Monte Cristo Sandwich...(I have been craving one of those, and darn it, did not notice it on the menu until I was home and starting to do this review! I am all over that next time! :oP
They even have Bison and Bison burgers! Swordfish, Salmon....there is not much they DON'T have!
Hubby got Breaded Pork cutlets w/ brown gravy (they served up 3 HUGE portions!) and it came with (his choice) Garlic Mashed (quick warning on that...it was tres' garlicky!!!! a lil too much for my taste), choice of veggie (Broccoli) and a cup of soup! and guess how much it cost? Guess?......10.95!!! ! and he will get 1 or 2 more meals out of the leftovers!
I chose Chicken Fried Chicken (sauces on side), which was a nicely fried chicken breast (only one, not like the monstrous portion of hubby's Pork Cutlets!)....I chose regular mashed (redskins...were yummy, but next time I'm gonna try the Baked potato!) and also I chose the broccoli, and i had a salad with mine (instead of the soup).....and mine cost a whopping 11.95!
This place is not only yummy, it's a bargain, a comfy atmosphere, and a clean place! It's known as 'the cop shop'...I didn't get to meet the owner, but I think I met his wife. Everyone there was very friendly, including the other patrons!
Run out and go here..... now! But don't speed there! It is known as 'the cop shop' after all! LOL Don't want to get a tickey from one of the patrons! LOL
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 560-2121
The Market at Hartford 21 - CLOSED
Categories:
Grocery,
Meat Shops
Our experience was great in some ways, but needs a little improvement in others...but that is to be expected with any NEW business. I desperately want them to succeed, as this area VERY MUCH needs to have a place like this.....let me get to the telling of our visit.
Here is some background:
They opened yesterday, 3/16/11. I heard about them on Better CT and was very excited to go, especially when we heard about "ALL" the prepared food. SOOO we changed our St. Patrick's Day plans (to get our fill of Irish food!) and thought, well, they will 'HAVE TO' have some Irish Specialties, as they opened the Day before St. Patricks Day?
SIlly me...we should have called first. Disappointed doesn't begin to cover it, especially because by the time we were here, all the other places we could have gone were sold out of corned beef etc. They didn't even have a LOAF of Soda Bread in the bakery! :o( Oh well....We'll get over it. Especially when we eat the yummy things we did get! Our dinner was fantastic.
But I digress...
This place is touted as more than a grocery store, that they have everything from "toilet paper to truffle oil" and are a ''unique urban upscale market featuring prepared foods and everything in between'' (those were direct quotes form their website)....
We tried to buy a little it of everything, without going crazy. However, the bill was $73 and change which was shocking for the fairly small amount of food we got. But, we soon discovered the $14.10 for the 2 Chicken Paillards were the best money spent. Maybe ever at a place like this. ABSOLUTELY Delicious, reheated in the oven at 400*. Their other prepared meats, such as Osso Bucco and various Pork Chops/Shanks, etc looked amazing. They also had a buttermilk Fried chicken and I can't even recall the other things. Not a lot to choose from, but quality stuff nonetheless.
We also got their Twice Baked Potatoes which were very good, especially when u add a little extra cheddar to the top at home, when u reheat them. None of the food was given with reheat instructions, which i think is something they need to work on. Many places I've visited, will list everything possible on a sheet or two of paper, and they would provide a copy (or on request) with each purchase. That way people are not left wondering if they are not particularly kitchen 'capable' LOL.
IN addition, we tried the fresh packaged gnocchi which was a HUGE disappointment. They were not fluffy pillows of 'Potatoeness'. The were dense mini golfballs (and believe me, i know how to cook them). Lets just say our dogs loved them. BUT...the amazing Gorgonzola and Basil pesto sauce we got to go on them? OMG it was the BEST! sooo delish, we ended up smearing some of it on the chicken and it was so good!
We got an amazing french baguette (and OMG, fresh made English Muffins?) from the bakery and the BEST Italian butter from the dairy section. ooooh the flavor will knock your socks off!
Their Produce was stunning! Just gorgeous. Got some Blood oranges and saw some unusual yummy things.
Also got one slice of pizza to try and we looked at the butcher shop and CANNOT WAIT to get some meat or fish (altho i couldn't get an answer if they would filet the whole red snapper for me).
So you are wondering, what was my complaint? Only that a few employees were a bit lost. You would ask whats in something, or ''can we order off the noodle bar" but they couldn't seem to determine who was handling that area, or how it worked. I don't know was an answer often heard. BUt...I understand, its all new, but they should TRY to get the answer. Don't get me wrong, almost everyone was very friendly. They just need more training.
and...ooh, yikes, looking at the receipt, i see we paid (OMG!) $6.67 for a PINT (A PINT!!!) of Heavy Cream (it was so cute in the glass bottle!) PLUS the $2.00 deposit! oops! So...$8.67 for 16oz of cream. WOWSA! I'll let u know how it tastes. I got it for a recipe but had i realized how much, i never would have. i would've got the half n half for coffee instead, if i was gonna be outrageous. at least i would've noticed the taste difference i hope it has!
The only other items we got were one cupcake and a couple oranges, an apple and some pineapple. I hope the other items are as tasty as our dinner (sans yucky gnocchi). :oP
DEFINITELY TRY THIS PLACE OUT! We need to support local businesses, and especially a 'grocery' store in Downtown Hartford. i imagine the people that live nearby are over the moon that they don't have to travel for groceries now!
OH...AND they need to get their act together for the handicapped crowd. I got STUCK in the little lift and almost panicked when i couldn't get out. PUT INSTRUCTIONS IN THE LIFT!! No one helped!
i spent over an hour writing this, and in the meantime someone else added too. Show owner comment »
I was very surprised, it was MUCH nicer than the Hair Cuttery I had been frequenting. Cleaner, Friendlier, More Welcoming!
Jaime did an excellent job. It's hard for me to get my haircut. I am ill with Lupus and other issues including a degenerating spine, so sitting still for a long time is rough. But she was so efficient, I was in and out, i was comfortable, and it was just a very enjoyable experience, when usually getting my hair cut is anything but.
We will definitely be going back here. Oh, and the price cannot be beat. 14.95 for a cut, for a woman or a man. Hubby and I both agree, this was the best cut i've had in a long time!
I cannot speak for the other hairdressers, but Jaime was tops. AND, unlike some salons where the hairdressers make you feel like you are intruding....this place was very welcoming.
Wethersfield, CT 06109
(860) 563-4821
Friendly's
Category:
American (Traditional)
the problem was when we tried to go back a few weeks later, THEY were OUT of almost everything, had no fish, and both times the waitress tried to overcharge when we got their special sandwich with came with a drink and a sundae.
and BOTH times, the waitresses were nasty people with horrible attitudes. if they hate their job so much, they should QUIT! it was a terrible experience the last time, PLUS it took over an hour and half for a damn sandwich! I wanted to just walk out.
Horrid! it was after eating here i decided next time we would try that little thai place across the street that i had spotted from the parking lot (and boy, was i kicking myself once we tried it and found out how awesome it was!).....called Puket Cafe...and it was a WINNER and IT got 4 stars from us! go there instead!!!!
Only go here if everything else is closed and u must eat something!
We have eaten in and taken out...eating i is always best but the takeout was yummy too!
We have had the crispy spring rolls, fried dumplings, Beef Garlic (yummy!) and the King and I, and the Pineapple rice...i LOVE the Pineapple rice!
the presentation is LOVELY, all the ingredients are fresh and bright tasting....and really good.
The service was very friendly. From what the place looks like on the outside (as other have mentioned, its hard to see, but its opposite the big plaza on Silas Deane....and its in the same building as a Dunkin Donuts). there are a few spaces out front or parking in the back.....
We had been across the street when i noticed the place one day and said we should try it. then i watched 2 or three cars of asian people going in and to me that is a sign of an authentic place, if asian people eat there also.
the building was much larger inside than i thought it would be, and was cutely kitchy in decor.
I have not been to their second location yet but if it is as good as this one, i suggest going their as well! :O)
I cant wait to go back here again!
Hubby only noticed it the other day....we thought it was new, but turns out they have ben there 35 years! Very surprising! LOL But they obviously must be doing something right, or it could be the fact that there is no other breakfast place on Franklin ave...
I will try something again sometime im sure....maybe the omelets are better....Their lunches might be great....lots of Pastas and Italian stuff, I didn't even notice any burgers, sandwiches or that kind of thing on the lunch menu....just mostly 'dinner' sounding items...and i noticed the appetizers were 8 and 9 bucks, which seems high for a diner-ish place.....
They do use incredibly fresh Italian bread for the Sammy's if u want, so hubby's sausage egg and cheese was on that. I had a bite, but i do not like ITALIAN sausage with my eggs.....would have been pretty perfect if it was breakfast sausage......One egg seems to get lost in the breading, both with the Italian bread and the 'hard roll' used on my sammy. Again, the middle got list in the big bread....one egg, and the bacon was crisy as i asked, but had no flavor and parts of it were just still white...it was almost like it was 'burned, undercooked bacon'' Ya know what i mean? I ate most of the sammy before pitching the rest.....Oh it also needed lots of back pepper for flavor.
We got a side order of their potatoes....hoping they would be like Mo's cuz they grill them like that....but they were sadly naked and crying for spice! I added some pepper and a touch of sea salt but they definitely would have been much better with some garlic, onion and paprika, etc!
We also got an order of French toast.....Now THAT was pretty great....I had to add some cinnamon at home, and use my own syrup (instead of the low quality packets they give u....total 'NO name' ...not even smuckers or kraft, which is the lowest grade i will accept. I grew up in Northern New England and true Maple syrup is the only way to go!) but the huge pieces of italian bread were soft and yummy with a chewy crust. Would def get this again......
Will definitely update u next time we try something else from here....as i said to hubby, next time i should try the ham, egg and cheese and see how that is...and will definitely get a 2nd egg, and maybe double cheese and ham (since the cheese was pretty much invisible).....and with those fat pieces of Italian toast...u really need to have something substantial in the sammy!
The people were pretty friendly....prices were decent too, at least for breakfast, i didnt notice the 'lunch' prices other than the appetizers....but for all that food:
2 breakfast sandwiches,
a huge side order of potatoes (not sure if it was only one order or maybe he thought we wanted a double order and gave us two in the box...)
and one order of french toast (3 huge pieces)
and the total came to 15.00 and change.....that amount of food at most other places would be almost twice that!
I will definitely try it again, sometime, and will update as needed! :O)
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595 Useful, 264 Funny, and 276 Cool
Boston, MA
Yelping SinceApril 2008
Things I Lovebeing a real FRANCOPHILE, being a Photographer, being an Optimist (mostly) LOL, My Sweetheart, Floral Macro Photography, Kisses from Doggies, Animal Photography, My Friends, Nature Photography, Photography, Animals
Find Me InAny of the New England states for now...France in a few years.
My HometownNew England is my hometown!
My Blog Or WebsiteAsk me for my Facebook or myspace, if we are friends! :o)
When I'm Not Yelping...Resting, Relaxing, Ruminating (LOL), and sometimes Reminiscing!
Why You Should Read My ReviewsBecause I'm ME, and I love FOOD! Glorious FOOD!
My Second Favorite Websitehttp://Williams-Sonoma...; http://foodnetwork.com
The Last Great Book I ReadThyme in a Bottle, an amazing cookbook/memoir by Jim Croce's wife.
My First ConcertJudas Priest, 1984
My Favorite MovieToo many to list! What is your favorite?
My Last Meal On EarthGrampa's Chicken, French Onion Soup, Mashed Potatoes, Bread&butter, Choc.Mousse
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...I could eat breakfst 24/7! Tell me your fave Breffie or Brunch place!
Most Recent DiscoveryUmmm, haven't been real active due to health, so none ATM.
Current CrushMy sweet hubby and my doggies!
Had to send back those biscuits (too bad they no longer have the focaccia, but it was John Harvard's recipe so they haven't yet been able to come up with their own). I told them my friend raved about the biscuits so we got some. they were hard, cold and we sent them back immediately. then at the end the waitress asked if we wanted her to take it off the bill? Of course! We only had them in our possession for a minute and took one yucky bite, why would we pay for them (IM thinking all this, not saying it out loud.) We just answered, "Yes Please."
Hubby had the Fish Platter which was fried fish, 2 scallops and 2 shrimp. He said it wasn't bad. but the fries are those horrid ''battered'' fries.
I made the mistake of having the ''Easter Ham'' (sounded good with garlic mashed and pineapple. It was all VERY DRY. potatoes needed a lot more butter and cream/milk, they were way to dry and stiff. Ham was dry and had a smoky flavor to it. Waitress thought it all looked dry too and asked if i wanted some sort of gravy. She brought a brown gravy that would've been great, but it had about half the oceans worth of salt in it :O(.
The worst thing was i had all the leftovers cut up and ready for the dogs....and we didnt realize til after we left, she never brought the damn doggy bag to the table! :O( poor dogs, but then again, maybe they wouldn't have liked it either! LOLOL
I used to LOVE Harvard's years ago....honestly hadn't been there in a long time. But i was sucked in by the bull that Tullycross had on their website and fb page, saying its gonna be much warmer and cozier than Harvard's, etc.....its the same old TIRED and stained decor. They need a serious overhaul. Im sorry i didnt have the same experience and my fellow yelpers, whose opinions I respect greatly! :O) (u know who u are :O)