With the vaccine available to some of us, we may be happily gathering in small groups this year for Easter and Passover.

Here are some of the best spots to get your fixings:

Cliff’s Quality Meats, 88 Plains Road, Essex

Locals flock to Cliff’s Quality Meats in Centerbrook for their Easter table. My standard here is a boneless, spiral cut with Cliff’s homemade glaze: a sweet and savory combo of brown sugar, peach and apricot preserves with a hint of clove. Just heat and serve. Cut to order, the hams are available in any size. Also available at this classic butcher are legs or racks of lamb and house-made fresh or smoked kielbasa. Order one week in advance, please. 860.767.1539

https://www.facebook.com/Cliffs-Quality-Meats-101566426064/

Walt’s Food Market, 178 Main Street, Old Saybrook

Katharine Hepburn’s favorite market has an old-timey, friendly feel, and the meat counter is bustling with folks lined up for massive subs and meals to go. Paul, the butcher here, will have ham on hand, plus legs of lamb (I like mine butterflied for the grill), their famous kielbasa, and plenty of Easter sides to please a couple or crowd like scalloped potatoes and Mac and cheese. 860.388.3308

https://www.facebook.com/WaltsFoodMarket/

Grass & Bone, 24 E. Main Street, Mystic

This gourmet butcher shop filled with straight-off-the-farm fixings always has everything you need for Easter and Passover including spiral ham, Creekstone Farm Beef Tenderloin Roast, and Sepe Farm Boneless Leg of lamb. I’m salivating over the sides of Cheesey Creamed Kale, Wine & Honey Glazed Carrots, Roasted Beet Salad and Scalloped Potatoes. Head over to their bakery, Nana’s for Easter cakes!  

https://grassandbonect.com/market

Four Mile River Farm, Old Lyme

This local farm now delivers straight to your door! Order a nitrate/nitrite-free ham, brined in water, brown sugar, salt, and smoked onsite. 

fourmileriverfarm.com/collections/pork/products/smoked-ham

Cold Spring Farm, Colchester

Grass-fed and chemical-free smoked ham, leg of lamb, kielbasa and so much more at this Colchester farm. Take care of all the trimmings with their selection of herbs, vegetables and flowers.

coldspringfarmct.com/farm-fresh-meats/smoked-ham
coldspringfarmct.com/farm-fresh-meats/leg-of-lamb

And more ideas:

The Food Crate will deliver your entire Seder for 6 – 8, including Noah’s Angus Brisket seasoned & braised in a white wine root vegetable jus, matzoh ball soup, potato pancakes, sous-vide roasted carrots, raspberry rugelach, and more! 

Easter crates available too: thefoodcrate.com/collections/food-crates/products/passover-crate

Have a vegan feast! Three Girls Vegan is whipping up glorious roasted Veggie and “goat” cheese Quiche, “porchetta, Lasagna (gluten-free and regular,  Italian Easter Pie and so many more plant-based, meatless and dairy-free treats. We’re looking forward to their move to 23 Water Street (next to Hen & Heifer) where they will be serving organic grain bowls, superfood smoothies, a full bakery with vegan croissants and custom cakes, plus vegan soft serve cones! Outdoor cafe in the works, too. Keep an eye on their insta: @threegirlsvegan and order here: www.threegirlsvegancreamery.com/s/order

A whole poached salmon decorated with cucumber “scales” and fresh flowers from Ani’s Table. Plus Dutch Cocoa & Grand Marnier Macarons. Custom flavors available!  chefani@anistable.com 203.715.5579 

See the entire menu here: www.anistable.com/easter

Braised Beef Brisket, Scalloped Potatoes, and Homemade Peeps (!) at Gourmet Galley for delivery or pick-up. Find the menu here: ggeaster2021.square.site/s/order

PHOTO CREDIT: Grass and Bone, Mystic