Little Shop of Herbs®

($ to $$$$$)

85 Main - Putnam, CT $$ Located in the "Quiet Corner" of the state, this is an absolute must visit.  Whether antiquing, sightseeing, or just feeling in the mood to try something new, this is the place.  The friendly, and very helpful, wait staff is just another reason to dine at 85 Main.  The Warm Chevre Salad is delightful, mixing warm goat cheese encrusted in herbs with fresh greens, grapes and beets.  For meat eaters, try the 85 Main Steak Burger served with Hand-Cut Fries.  YUM!  A glass of their house wine is a steal at $5.50.  And to finish off your visit, you MUST ask for the Chocolate Bomba.  This is the BEST dessert I can remember having in a very long time.  Presented beautifully, it is guaranteed to satisfy your palate.  Coffee is excellent as well.  If you go for lunch, finish your Putnam visit by strolling over to Wonderland Books for "Distinctive Gifts & Cards".  They have a fantastic selection of cards for all occasions (Patience Brewster, Bella Muse and so much more).
  
Cafe des Artistes - Los Angeles, CA $$$ Great food and drink.  Be sure to try the Grilled Hanger Steak with Sea Salt (Fleur de Sel), Olive Oil and Arugula ... divine!!!  Although the menu states "served rare", they will prepare it to your taste.  Their Goat Cheese Salad with Pine Nuts, Red Beets, Belgium Endives and Greens is the best!!!  Lots of greenery; you'll feel like you are dining in a Paris garden.  Wait staff is extremely accommodating.  There is absolutely nothing to criticize about Cafe des Artistes.
 
Casa Vino - Berkeley, CA - $$ Great bistro atmosphere; great food and wines; fantastic owner and staff.   

Dressing Room - Westport, CT $$$ In a beautiful barn tucked away behind, and adjacent to, the Westport Playhouse lies the Dressing Room.  Food is of the highest quality, absolutely out of this world delicious, and best of all, locally grown using natural and organic ingredients.  The menu has changed to "small plates", and there are some new choices.  Once again, I went with the Newman Says "Use a Spoon" Chopped Salad with early summer veggies, heirloom shell beans, kohlrabi and Beltane Farms (Lebanon, CT) goat cheese, followed by Vegetable and English Pea Lasagna made with house made pasta, Rainbeau Ridge goat cheese.  My husband enjoyed the Dressing Room "Mini Meatloaf" served on a bed of mashed potatoes with carmelized onions and garden herbs, served with the vegetable of the day.  The crusty bread is divine (seriously, it is fantastic).  In the summer months, dining on the terrace is a must.  Staff is highly attentive, efficient and friendly.  While reservations are not required for lunch, if you're able to make them, I suggest you do.  It's a long trip for some, and it would be a great disappointment to be turned away.* 

Geoffrey's - Malibu, CA $$$$ A view to die for.  The brunch is fantastic.  A bit of a drive up the Pacific Coast Highway from Santa Monica, but the view and the food will more than make up for a little extra time spent in the car.  Be careful on that winding road, especially in the evening and at rush hour.  Sunday (for brunch) is your best bet for a first-time visit.

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana - New Haven, CT $ And the winner is!!!  Thin crust pizza at its best, hot from the coal-fired oven, with a pitcher of Genesee.  It just doesn't get much better.  In colder weather, be sure to bundle up, as you might have to stand in line for a bit, depending on when you arrive.  While my favorite location is Wooster Street in New Haven, Pepe's also has locations in Manchester, CT and Fairfield, CT, as well as at the Mohegan Sun Casino.  Family owned and operated.

Marino Ristorante - Los Angeles, CA $$ If you didn't know its location, you might miss it.  This wonderful restaurant has lots of history.  Staff treats you as if you were "a star".  Food is excellent.  Sit in a booth and enjoy the evening.  We will visit Marino many more times.

Martin's Riverside- New Haven, CT $$ Overlooking the Quinnipiac River Bridge is this little known gem of a restaurant.  Stop by for a leisurely lunch; beautifully appointed with a magnificent view of the "historic Quinnipiac River" and bridge.  Staff is very attentive; food is out of the world.  Service begins with a perfect crusty bread.  We specifically visited Martin's to sample their Grilled Hanger Steak marinated and grilled, served with carmelized red onions in a Balsamic reduction, topped with melted blue cheese, and served with mashed potatoes and vegetable.  Generous portions and perfectly prepared to your taste.  Treat yourself and visit Martin's Riverside for a special dining experience.  It's a bit tricky to find, so be sure to get directions.

NuNu's Bistro - Colchester, CT $$$ A true bistro near the green in Colchester, your dining experience is sure to be a treat.  Try the Hanger Steak with Cracked Pepper and Gorgonzola or the Oven Roasted Salmon with Dill and Lemon Cream Sauce; you won't be disappointed.  For salad, the Gorgonzola is to die for.  Don't forget to BYO wine.  Soft drinks are available for purchase.  Family owned and operated.

Pace - Los Angeles, CA $$$ FANTASTIC!!!  I had the baby green salad and the homemade roasted butternut squash & ricotta cheese tortellini with julienne mustard greens in sage white wine cream sauce, followed by the vanilla bean gelato.  This is my new favorite L.A. restaurant.  YUM!!!  We enjoyed dining on the patio (a bit dark, but very cozy). 

Paul's Pasta Shop - Groton, CT $$ This is a quaint, riverside, restaurant that I have been going to for years, and wanted to keep it a secret.  Didn't help, though.  Paul's is great and the word is out.  I won't divulge my favorite seat (in the warm months), but it's definitely where I can soak in the sights and sounds of the Thames River while indulging in their Garden Salad with Gorgonzola, Manicotti (one of my personal favorites), warm crispy garlic bread served with your meal, and a half carafe of red wine (shared with my husband, of course).  Staff is friendly, efficient, and attentive.  Great for just two or a gathering.

Poncho and Ciscos - Harrison Township, MI $$ This place is a must.  Huge, delicious, portions; friendly atmosphere.)  We miss you Tadziu a/k/a "The Polish Prince of Detroit"!

ReSette Restaurant - New York, NY $$$ Located in the theater district is this quaint, true Italian, ristorante.  Service was excellent, food divine, conversation with the friendly wait staff a crowning touch.  If you're in New York and looking for a great dining experience, ReSette is a must.

The Lobster Dock - Boothbay Harbor, ME $$ Family owned and operated, with love.  Read the comments; you'll see what I mean.  Ayuh!  A must if you're in the Boothbay Harbor area, or are looking for a GREAT vacation spot.  Ayuh!

Valentina Ristorante - San Francisco, CT $$ Located in the quaint Bernal Heights section of San Francisco. Cozy atmosphere, friendly and efficient staff, and delicious food and desserts.  Love it!

Vitello's Italian Restaurant - Studio City, CA  $$ A trip to Studio City would not be complete without a visit to Vitello's (of Robert Blake fame).  Cushy, large and comfortable booths and dim lights add to the ambience that feels like old Hollywood.  Generous portions.  Very friendly staff.