Two Decades of Slow Food at La Belle Aurore, Niantic
It had been a minute since we’d last dined at La Belle Aurore, so we reserved a spot for an early dinner last week to enjoy the autumnal-inspired menu. Led by chef and owner Dawn Bruckner, this sweet restaurant, oddly but successfully tucked into a tiny strip mall near the Sound in Niantic, was one of the pioneers in the farm-to-table movement in this region. Dawn has been sourcing her ingredients (for 20 years on 11/25!) from local purveyors, including Sankow’s Beaver Brook, Cato Corner, Smith’s Acres, and many more.
The dining room is cozy and colorful, filled with hanging flowers, vintage accessories and tables topped with various block-printed linens. We sipped a Provencal rosé at a quiet table and decided on several courses of seafood despite the temptation of Whole Stuffed Pumpkins (with wild mushrooms and asian greens), Wild Mushroom Stroganoff, and Pasta Bolognese. We started with a scrumptious Crab Rangoon Tart made with a flaky crust and filled with crab, scallion, cream cheese, and topped with pickled ginger. It was impossible to resist the Kim Chi Carbonara – fusilli tossed with red cabbage and parmesan and perfectly spiced, plump shrimp. And for the main event, we shared a stunning platter of whole Roasted Trout with crispy potatoes, broccolini, and horseradish cream. We were too stuffed for dessert but made off with LBA’s signature scones for later.
A popular spot among locals for Brunch, the space (and menu) lends itself to private gatherings, too. All manner of parties and showers happen here. Reach out to Dawn for details.
And do not miss the slew of classes on the horizon. Learn to make puff pastry for quick hors d’oeuvres and desserts or join the Holiday Treat Class where you’ll whip up all your cookies and holiday goodies with friends.
