The Griswold Inn Wine Bar
The Wine Bar at the Griswold Inn was one of the first restaurants in the area to glom on to the small plates trend ten years ago, and we were thrilled about it. I’ve always preferred a few different tastes rather than one large portion. We even have a rule in our family: never eat anything bigger than your head. The women of Essex make a bee line every Wednesday for Wine, Women and Wednesdays: all wines by the glass (over 50 to choose from!) are half price. Every day, three small plates are the price of two, providing plenty of grub for the average diner. Recently we supped on a fresh and tangy mixed green salad with fennel and citrus, saffron steamed mussels in a delectable broth with some crusty toasts for dipping, and a noisette of angus beef with potato “macaire” (a new word for me), think elevated tater tot! More substantial “macro” plates are available too, and we find the bistro steak with those skinny strings of truffled pomme frites positively transporting.
