Among Connecticut’s historical distinctions is the first known cookbook written by an American for Americans. Published in Hartford in 1796, American Cookery was the culinary declaration of independence from the dominance of British cookbooks.
Still in print, this treasured volume was named one of the 88 “Books That Shaped America,” by the Library of Congress. Covering recipes from fish and meat to puddings and preserves, author Amelia Simmons specifies indigenous ingredients such as corn and squash—and the pairing of cranberry sauce with turkey.
Described as “an American orphan,” Simmons emphasizes using only the freshest ingredients, writing “they must be good, or the cook will be disappointed.” Over two centuries later, Connecticut’s menu has veered little from these founding concepts.
“Connecticut’s culinary scene is as unique as our state’s rich history and scenic beauty,” says H. Scott Phelps, interim president of the Connecticut Convention and Sports Bureau. “From classic New England lobster bakes on the water and continental cuisine in elegant restaurants to ethnic eateries and some of our nation’s best pizza spots, planners have numerous options for enhancing the attendee experience.”
From iconic grocer Stew Leonard’s, a pioneer of the farm-to-table concept long before its current vogue (see “Zoom In” Q&A in the Connecticut section of MeetingsFocus.com this month) to regional culinary draws, F&B trails and more, it’s an all-American feast for groups in this richly appetizing state.
Greater Hartford
With its own slice of culinary history—the “Hartford Election Cake,” dating to 1771 and included in American Cookery—the state capital’s diverse dining choices include ON20, a fine-dining perch on the 20th floor of the One State Street tower. Executive Chef and Hartford native Jeffery Lizotte’s “innovative and progressive” dishes, such as his signature crab en croute, are complemented by sweeping city and Connecticut River views, making this a standout choice for private business and social events.
Set in a Romanesque-style building from 1877 that housed Connecticut’s largest department store, the multilevel City Steam Brewery Cafe & Restaurant pairs comedy performances and beer with tours and function space, including the 160-seat Richardson Room.
Family-run since the early 1900s, Bavarian-style East Side Restaurant (www.eastsiderestaurant.com) in New Britain is an inviting choice for German food, beer and culture.
Greater New Haven
Birthplace of the Culinary Institute of America, founded here in 1946 as the New Haven Restaurant Institute, and the “hamburger sandwich,” created in 1895 at still-running Louis’ Lunch, New Haven has evolved as a major culinary destination over recent years.
Offering the gamut of global cuisines, New Haven is also the nation’s top-ranked pizza city alongside New York.
“There are only three pizza places on the planet: Sally’s, [Frank] Pepe and Modern, all in New Haven,” says Gorman Bechard, director of the forthcoming documentary Pizza, A Love Story.
Eclectic choices include guided walking and bicycle foodie explorations with Taste of New Haven Food & Drink Tours; visits to the PEZ Factory & Visitors Center; and waterfront dining at Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tail.
In Hamden, The Fig Cooking School offers hands-on classes, private parties and teambuilding events for groups of eight or more. Plus, founder Heide Lang is available for speaking engagements, cooking demonstrations and menu consultations.
Hosted by Barberry Hill Farm in Madison and White Gate Farm in East Lyme over 10 evenings in July and August, Dinners at the Farm is a farm benefit series founded in 2007 featuring communal, multicourse feasts for 150 guests under open-air tents. Planners can book space at the public events or arrange private functions apart from the regular schedule.
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Fairfield County
Synonymous with wealth and influence, this gilded New York City commuter region brims with F&B options for groups.
At the luxurious Homestead Inn in Greenwich, corporate groups can follow meetings in a cottage boardroom with four-star contemporary French dining from Relais & Chateaux Grand Chef Thomas Henkelmann.
Cucina Casalinga in Wilton is a home-based Italian cooking school offering private and corporate classes, local market visits and tours to Italy.
In Stratford, Two Roads Brewing Company offers private tours and tastings, and function space for seated and standing receptions.
In July 2014, Aaron Sanchez, award-winning chef and Chopped co-star, opened his Latin-inspired Paloma in Stamford, with private dining for larger parties.
Southeastern Connecticut
Dining destinations in expansive Middlesex and New London Counties, bordered by the Long Island Sound and touching Rhode Island, range from casino country to maritime Mystic.
Celebrity chef experiences at Mohegan Sun include Todd English’s Tuscany, with private dining and Chef’s Table, and Bobby Flay’s Bar Americain, offering buyouts for up to 250 people plus semi-private options. Offering 30-plus dining experiences, Foxwoods features David Burke Prime and perennial AAA Four Diamond Award winner Paragon on the 24th floor of the Grand Pequot Tower.
At Mystic Seaport, small groups can book interactive open-hearth cooking classes, while on the Mystic River in Noank, legendary seafood restaurant Abbott’s Lobsters in the Rough hosts private groups of 25 to 200 people.
A true American original, the 33-room Griswold Inn (www.griswoldinn.com) has been a Main Street anchor in charming Essex since 1776. Close to the Connecticut River, the “Gris” serves classic American fare and hosts gatherings from 14 to 150 people in its historic dining rooms and convivial Tap Room and Wine Bar.
Northeastern Connecticut
Bordering Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Connecticut’s “Quiet Corner” includes more than 400 active farm businesses in the timeless “Last Green Valley.”
Set on a 1,000-acre farm in historic Brooklyn, The Golden Lamb Buttery, established in 1963, is a picture-perfect choice for business and social gatherings. After cocktails in a historic red barn and via hayride, guests pass through the tiny kitchen to three charming dining rooms for a leisurely four-star epicurean experience.
Beltane Farm in Lebanon offers cheese-making demonstrations and tasting events, while stunning views backdrop fine dining, tastings and private events at Sharpe Hill Vineyard in Pomfret.
Turning 10 this year, 85 Main is a culinary beacon in former mill town Putnam. Chef-Owner James Martin’s fusion of local and organic ingredients with global influences has won him high acclaim, with a sushi bar, outdoor patio and private space for up to 30 guests enhancing the allure.
Northwestern Connecticut
Best suited for smaller groups, this scenic region comes flavored with history and country charm.
Founded in 1883 as a combination opera house, barbershop and saloon, Infinity Hall & Bistro in picturesque Norfolk (also in Hartford, as of last summer) continues to thrive as a premier music, entertainment and dining destination. Along with the historic 300-seat Music Hall, home of the PBS music series Infinity Hall Live, the venue serves creative Contemporary American cuisine at its four-star bistro and bar.
Established in 1972 by late musician Skitch Henderson and his wife Ruth on their estate in the rolling Litchfield Hills, The Silo at the Hunt Hill Farm combines a cooking school, art gallery and gourmet kitchenware and food store with culinary teambuilding programs for groups.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary last year, Fascia’s Chocolates is a sweet choice for tours and events (and corporate gifts and event favors) in Waterbury. The hour-long Chocolate Experience, available to private groups of 15 or more people, includes tastings and demonstrations.
Longtime Meetings Focus contributor jeff heilman’s favorite spot in Connecticut for an epicurean endeavor? Hands down, The Wine Bar at the “Gris” in Essex.
