We are such creatures of habit. I’ve spent more than a few evenings at Aspen for drinks and appetizers at the bar with my girlfriends, but it’s been a few years since I had dinner in the dining room. The new locally-sourced farm menu inspired me to drag my husband down for date night (talk about  habit, his go-to list of restaurants is tiny) and we stopped in last week. The small plates card has shrunk to a few old favorites, but the new “Daily Menu” features local delicacies like braised rabbit and Stonington monkfish. All looked enticing, but I can’t pass up a good chunk of roasted chicken. And their version is a winner: a crispy-skinned bird, dusted with truffles and nestled on a bed of vibrant garlicky spinach and buttery pommes puree. My husband’s ginormous Market Salad and small plate of Block Island calamari with homemade cavatelli and roasted tomato was fresh and delish. Our waiter wasn’t well informed about the sourcing of the food, but more than made up for it with sweet and attentive service. Good to know: the Daily Menu features small plates and entrees without delineating which is what. The lower price indicates the smaller serving, or check with your waiter before ordering.

My first night at Aspen in 2008, was a memorable one. Read about it here.

Tags: Restaurant, Bar, Cocktails, Old Saybrook, Farm to table.