Ten Twenty Post: Delicious, Fresh Fish

The bounty of the Atlantic Ocean drew many settlers to Connecticut, and one place where you can really taste it is at Ten Twenty Post. Housed in a historic brick building, regulars say this is one of Darien’s best eateries.

When you take your seat, you’ll be greeted by a basket of excellent fresh-baked bread and butter to nosh on while you pore over the menu. Don’t miss the steamed mussels with thin-cut French fries – you can choose from spicy tomato sauce, red Thai curry, or white wine sauce to simmer them in. Some of the best appetizers include the fresh-shucked oysters, the classic shrimp cocktail and the French onion soup. For large plates, regulars rave over the excellent pan-seared fish, caught fresh, as well as the New England lobster rolls. The daily specials are always worth perusing, and the desserts are highly recommended, so make sure you leave room.

Ten Twenty Post
1020 Post Road
Darien, CT 06820
(203) 655-1020
www.tentwentypost.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/ten-twenty-post-oyster-bar-and-bistro-darien

Eat Fried Chicken Done Right at Chicken Joes

You never know when your hunger is going to demand fried chicken, but with Chicken Joe’s in New Canaan, you can quickly satisfy the craving. This quaint fried chicken and deli eatery is a favorite among locals who know the importance of well prepared, tender chicken. Depending on the size of your group and your appetite, Chicken Joe’s has specials to meet everyone’s needs. Select the famous High School Special and get a half-pound of hand-cut nuggets with your choice of sides, like zucchini, onion rings, or fries. Go big with the Godfather special and get a full pound of nuggets and extra helpings of side dishes. Check out the superb chicken platters piled high with thighs, wings , breast, and legs or go a little lighter with a wrap or healthy salad. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this casual restaurant is always a great choice fantastic chicken and much more.

Chicken Joe's
151 Elm Street
New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 972-2100
http://www.originalchickenjoes.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chicken-joes-new-canaan

Seize Delicious Italian Fare at Carpe Diem

Make the most of your night out with an outstanding meal from Carpe Diem in New Canaan. This charming Italian restaurant is the place to go when you want to enjoy an intimate dinner between friends and family over penne and bolognese. Begin your meal with a bowl of ribollita, a vegetable soup made with pesto, and then look forward to an incredible entree, like penne buttera, a dish of hot and sweet Italian sausage.

Get your weekend off to the right start with the brunch specials that include a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary alongside an omelet stuffed with mozzarella, basil, and tomato. You’ll love the warm and relaxing environment of Carpe Diem, a place where every day is celebrated.

Carpe Diem
26 Locust Avenue
New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 594-9599
http://carpediemnewcanaan.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/carpe-diem-new-canaan

Gates Restaurant and Bar: Open The Gates

Gates has been one of New Canaan’s must-visit restaurants for over 30 years, and they’re going strong. Named after the gorgeous 19th century wrought iron gates at the entrance, Gates has a warm, airy ambience with plenty of seating. Service is fast and professional, making it a great place for just about any occasion. One of the strongest suits of this restaurant is consistency – you always know what you’re going to get from a meal here. Dinner is probably when they’re busiest, with popular dishes including the tasty seafood brochette with herb butter over couscous and the fine pasta dishes. Lunch is primarily burgers and sandwiches, all well-conceived and executed. Try the Bellagio sandwich – chicken breast, avocado, bacon, lettuce and tomato with basil mayonnaise. The Sunday brunch is very popular – their croissants with strawberry butter win raves from everybody who tries them. Prices are reasonable.

Gates Restaurant and Bar
10 Forest St
New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 966-8666
www.yelp.com/biz/gates-restaurant-and-bar-new-canaan

Tequila Mockingbird: Mexican Food in New Canaan, Connecticut

The owners of Tequila Mockingbird have amassed one of the largest Mexican cookbook collections to be found anywhere, and they work tirelessly to make sure their menu is authentic and delicious. The chef — a trained biochemist — keeps a huge garden to grow fresh herbs during the summer, lending special flavor to their dishes. They even take requests – if there’s a local favorite you encountered while traveling through Central or South America, tell them about it. They might just learn how to make it for you! Some of the most popular stuff that’s already on the menu includes the fish tacos and the chiles relleno, but it’s all good here.

Tequila Mockingbird
6 Forest Street
New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 966-2222
www.yelp.com/biz/tequila-mockingbird-new-canaan

Valencia Luncheria: Latin American Cuisine in Norwalk

The authentic tastes of Latin America are ready for you at Valencia Luncheria. While “Luncheria” is in its name, the Valencia serves terrific cuisine for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Come in to the Valencia Luncheria in the morning to start your day right, with traditional breakfast platters or Arepas, a Venezuelan corn cake, filled with traditional eggs, cheese and meat, or with interesting flavors like mango and brie. Check out the lunch specials, with soups, salads and platters, or go for a traditional burrito, empanada or sandwich. And it just gets better at dinner, with excellent small plates and large entrees so good; you’ll think that you’re dining in Venezuela! Try the fresh ceviche, always a big hit with the regulars. The atmosphere and service will make you want to come back.

Valencia Luncheria
164 Main St
Norwalk, CT 06851
(203) 846-8009
http://www.yelp.com/biz/valencia-luncheria-norwalk

Cherry Street East Café: Bodacious Burgers

For all of the high-end restaurants in New Canaan, there are just as many old-school neighborhood favorites that get plenty of business. One of the most popular is the Cherry Street East Café, an unpretentious family restaurant that serves up some of the best burgers in town. Since opening in 1977, this place has drawn crowds every day for well-priced comfort food. Locals rave about the wide variety of burgers offered here – try the Brit, with horseradish sauce and Swiss cheese, or the Philly with sautéed onions, peppers and cheddar cheese. Get onion rings on the side – they’re spectacular. If you don't feel like burgers, there’s plenty of other good stuff on the menu. Regulars recommend the Cobb salad with turkey and the fish and chips, but everything’s good.

Cherry Street East Café
45 East Avenue
New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 594-1515
www.yelp.com/biz/cherry-street-east-new-canaan

Ching’s Table: Have A Seat

If you’re looking for truly exceptional pan-Asian food in a classy, comfortable environment, Ching’s Table is for you. While the vast majority of Chinese restaurants are content to offer take-out and delivery, this is a place to sit down and have a spectacular meal. The menu is extensive, so the best way to eat here is to bring a group and enjoy your dishes family style to sample the delectable and diverse flavors on offer. What sets Ching’s Table apart is the melding of cuisines – most dishes start with Chinese bases and then incorporate flavors from Thai, Indonesian and Malaysian cultures to create something truly unique. Some of the most popular include the lemongrass shrimp and the Thai-style crispy fried snapper. More traditional dishes are handled well, with the honey crisp chicken and shrimp a special favorite. Their drink menu is excellent, with a good selection of beers a standout. Portion sizes are generous and prices are fair.

Ching's Table
64 Main St
New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 972-2830
www.yelp.com/biz/chings-table-new-canaan

Thali: A Revered Indian Restaurant in New Canaan

One of the tri-state area’s most successful chefs, Prasad Chirnomuola has opened literally dozens of restaurants since he came to the United States in 1984. With culinary training from the School of Culinary Arts in Poona, he brings an incredible mastery of spices and flavors to the table. He has four Thali restaurants throughout Connecticut, and each of them serves up spectacular Indian dishes that tantalize the palate. Located in an old bank on Main Street, the New Canaan outpost was the first one and quickly brought the joys of gourmet Indian food to the masses. Some of the most popular dishes include the exceptionally tender New Zealand lamb and the seafood – try the shrimp kabobs, which are spectacular. No meal is complete without at least one piece of the tender, fluffy naan bread cooked in the tandoori oven. The buffet is a popular choice for lunch, as it lets you sample some of the best dishes at a very affordable price.

Thali
87 Main Street
New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 972-8332
www.yelp.com/biz/thali-new-canaan

Take a Culinary Tour of India With a Meal at Thali

Experience the flavors of Indian cuisine with a visit to Thali in New Canaan. This high-end Indian restaurant serves fresh, authentically spiced dishes, many of which are based on the chef's family recipes.

Try, for example, the andhra chicken, served in a unique poppy seed, clove, and cardamom sauce, or go for the unique coconut saag lamb, which combines tender lamb with roasted coconut, red chilies, and a creamed spinach sauce. All entrees are served with jasmine rice and dal, the traditional stew that accompanies most meals in Indian homes. And don't forget that no meal is complete without an order of flatbread from the clay tandoor oven. Garlicky naan is a perpetual favorite, as is roti, made with whole wheat flour.

If you’re curious about multiple items on the menu, try timing your visit to coincide with the lunch buffet so you’ll be able to sample a little bit of everything.

Thali
87 Main Street
New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 972-8332
www.thali.com
www.yelp.com/biz/thali-new-canaan

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