Mystic Market, Old Saybrook
If you can maneuver your car into the packed parking lot at the new Mystic Market (the old Pat’s Country Kitchen spot in Old Saybrook) you’ll be happy to find a fresh transformation. The paint was barely dry at lunchtime last week when I stopped in for takeout. The line for every variation on panini was long, so I settled on a few fresh market salads and a bunch of single-serving desserts. The E List team devoured the lot in a matter of minutes, singling out as sublime the cherry frangipane tart, flourless chocolate cake and key lime confection. While lunch is a no-brainer, what we really like about Mystic Market are their vast cases of take-out dinners, fresh vegetable and grain salads (coconut quinoa with kale and cashews? Yum!), and plenty of heat-and-serve hors d’oeuvres (asparagus rollups, andouille en croute, and portobello puffs caught my eye). Pretend you’ve manned the smoker all day long and stock up on brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken and baby back ribs and no one will be the wiser. Because we are inveterate impromptu party throwers, we love the Short Notice Catering Menu: party platters, composed salads, entrees and sides for a crowd, all available with 48 hours notice. A welcome addition to Old Saybrook. www.mysticmarket.com
tags: Mystic Market South, Old Saybrook, mystic market, catering , take out, lunch, packaged food
