The dearth of restaurants in my hometown of Old Lyme has been an annoyance for years. Sometimes, I just want to run out for a salad or a burger without crossing the bridge, and options are slim. 

One of my go-to’s for breakfast and lunch has FINALLY decided to offer casual dinner Wednesday through Saturday nights (yes, I can make it through Monday and Tuesday on my own). We headed over the other night, excited to find a varied menu with something tasty for everyone from vegans to meatatarians! 

We ordered up a storm to get a sense of the menu and were absolutely thrilled with all of it. The flatbread special was a delightful starter, a crisp combo of prosciutto, melted leeks, goat cheese, and arugula. I could have easily made it a meal!

When we saw a steaming bowl of mussels whiz by with a tangle of potato crisps, we couldn’t resist and ordered that, too. The plump bivalves were perfectly cooked, and we sopped up the buttery wine and garlic sauce with housemade focaccia. 

Paella was studded with plenty of shellfish: shrimp, calamari, muscles and chorizo in a toothsome risotto with just the right bite to the rice and a hint of heat. 

I’ll be ordering the chicken curry next time: a mound of grilled chicken and veggies in a well-seasoned curry sauce (an ample portion, big enough for dinner the next night), and the burger was great, served here with cheddar, garlic aioli and candied bacon on brioche with super crispy fries. We ended our meal with a housemade and not-too-sweet flourless chocolate cake with a drizzle of raspberry puree. YUM!

Prices are good, wine and craft beer are served, our waiter was a delight and a great time was had by all. The best news? Outdoor dining smack on the Lieutenant River. This will be my summer weeknight go-to and next time we’ll be snacking on all this deliciousness outside on the patio. 

Kids menu, too. 

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