If you are looking for a distinctive restaurant east of the river, you must go to Zest! Located in a restored farmhouse that was most recently Monet's Table, Zest is conveniently located near the junction of Routes 30 and 74 near the Vernon/Tolland line.
I met a friend for lunch last Friday, a glorious spring-like day--and just a bit too early to see what the gardens and outdoor eating area would look like in bloom.
The restaurant has two main rooms that are charmingly decorated, two fireplaces, lots of natural light, and an exquisite menu that tells you that there is a real chef in the kitchen.
After much deliberation, my friend and I both chose the Winter Salad: Sauteed pears and figs in port wine sauce served over mixed greens with sugared walnuts and chevre. The flavors were superb! The salad reminded me of Sonoma, CA in the summer and was the perfect choice for a warm, sunny day. But so many other delectible choices had to be passed up, such as:
- Grilled pear and bacon cheese sandwich
- Sweet potato and wild mushroom cakes with ginger wasabi sour cream
- Prosciutto wrap with grilled brie and cranberry apple chutney
- And so many other wonderful choices.
The restaurant is open for lunch, dinner, and Saturday brunch. Check out the website for hours, menus, and stunning pictures of the gardens in bloom.
Chef and owner Carrie Landry was featured on Better Connecticut and you can see a video of her preparing miso hazelnut sea scallops.
With so many delicious choices, I can't wait to go back and try other items on the menu. But don't just take my word for it, try it yourself.
Zest, 167 Tolland Stage Road, Tolland, CT 06084
860-875-7244
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Peggy Chirico, REALTOR®
Serving the Greater Hartford Area
Prudential CT Realty
peggychirico@gmail.com
860-748-8900
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Hi Peggy - I really like restaurants that are converted from homes. The atmosphere is always wonderful!
Debi
Hi Debi-
I agree - very cozy - and the food is fantastic!
Peggy, I will have the salad.
Hi Marlene - It was delicious!
Peggy, What atmosphere...what fabulous menu choices... I hope this restaurant continues to do well and flourishes. I love the pics and by sharing the menu, you are giving everyone a pre-glance at what to expect.
Thanks, Judi - I hope it succeeds too!
Peggy, the food you describe at Zest makes my mouth water. I'll have to check it out next time I'm in Hartford, CT.
peggy--Zest sounds just like my type of restaurant. I think I will have the sweet potato and wild mushroom cakes. Mm-mm-mm I can taste them right now. Good localism post.
Hi Maria - I hope you get to our area to check it out!
Hi Mary - Everything on the menu sounds delicious to me - thanks!