252433 Wed Jun 11 13:25:24 -0700 2003 18 20 Tristate Region 0 1339905 OK folks, I have come to the realization (or at least I think is a realization) that Norwalk CT is incredibly under-represented here on this board. Unfortunately, I haven’t spent much time in Norwalk, but I can’t help but think that Norwalk is a treasure of great cultural foods – sort of like the Port Chester of Fairfield County. I did a bit of homework to find out what had been written about Norwalk restaurants on this board. The list was thin and some of the comments on some of these didn’t seem to be that positive (Pirate’s, Mama Vickies, Habana’s). More interesting seemed Los Portales Grocery, El Mexicano, and Swanky Franks. Plus, some of these names came from postings more than 3 years old. I also know So. Norwalk has a ton of trendy places – however, my impression is that these aren’t that great when it comes to the food. So, this is my solicitation – to one and all – to contribute any information on interesting finds in Norwalk. Hopefully we will be able to round up an interesting collection of Norwalk finds. - Adam Wed Jun 11 13:25:24 -0700 2003 0 adamclyde 1 1339911 Norwalk seems to be a wasteland for Hounds. However, the Panda Pavillion is actually excellent - had a great mixed seafood dish. I'd go back. But my other experiences in Norwalk have been dismal. Made the mistake of trying to go out to dinner on Superbowl Sunday, I was traveling on business and I'm one of the few males in the country who couldn't care less about football. One of the only places open was Meatballs which had been something else previously and I had actually had a pretty decent salmon dinner there. But Meatballs was dismal. First, no one acknowledged my entry and I had to track down a waitress to get a menu. She seemed annoyed that I would ask. Should have walked out right there. Then, I had to flag her again to place an order. The pasta that showed up tasted like it was out of a can but at least there was a lot of it! Which I left in the bowl. Had to track down the waitress again for the check. Meanwhile the owner came over to ask how everything was and I politely pointed out my less than pleasant experience. Thought that he would at least comp me on a glass of wine but just mumbled some apologies and wandered off. Paid the check and chalked it up. I now stay in Stamford where the restaurants are much better. Link: http://www.flyingmutts.com Wed Jun 11 17:46:52 -0700 2003 1339905 0 Alan 2 1339912 Panda pavillion is excellent? Salmon at Meatballs, uh oh, you are taking your life at risk. Try Chans Choice for excellent chinese, and do not go near Meatballs, which is one of those places that changes hands every year. Sono does have trendy places like Habana and Barcelona, but they have been there for years and have excellent food. I love El Mexicano, try the New York Deli down the street. Donovans for a burger or great clam chowder...tell me wha you want, I will direct you. Wed Jun 11 19:23:23 -0700 2003 1339911 0 Suzanne 3 1339919 These postings couldn't have come at a better time, we've spent the past week looking at places in Norwalk and plan to move there by the end of the summer. These posts seem to be mostly negative, which is ok; it's good to know where not to go. But please also tell me where to go. I'd love to know it all - from cheap to chic and everything in between (any and all cuisines). We're coming from northern Litchfield county, so we really know nothing about the area and any info would be greatly appreciated. Thu Jun 12 07:09:49 -0700 2003 1339912 0 Gioia 3 1339924 Maybe I hit the Panda at an opportune time - was only there once and the mixed seafood delight/jubilee/extravaganza or some such thing was great. From what you imply, it sounds like I'm lucky to be alive. As to Meatballs, like I said, it was Superbowl Sunday and my choices were very limited. Seemed to be the only place open in the area. When I'm on the I-95 corridor on biz now, I stay in Stamford where the selection appears to be be better. But thanks for your offer of help. Thu Jun 12 11:00:48 -0700 2003 1339912 0 Alan 2 1339931 Oh, now. This seems a little harsh. There are some reasons to venture forth from one's own kitchen here in town... Maria's Trattoria, Main Avenue A little family owned place diagonally across the street from Meatballs where one can get house made pasta dishes, finely prepared secondi piatti, nice desserts and a good bottle of wine. El Mexicano, Wall Street Authentic food in a funky, but friendly, atmosphere. The carne asada tacos are a particular favorite, along with chiles rellenos. Letitzia's, Route 7 on the Norwalk/Wilton line. Truly wonderful thin-crust pizza with top-quality toppings Little Tokyo, Rte. 123 Great gyoza and sushi. Post Road Diner, Connecticut Avenue Buckwheat pancakes with real maple syrup, terrific omelets, chicken pot pie that's heavy on the chicken, huge sandwiches, the soon-to-be-famous Buffalo salad, egg creams. The Lime Cafe, Main Ave. (just down the street from Meatballs) A place where vegetarians and carnivores alike can enjoy a well-prepared meal. Nice soups, a delicious veggie burger (and I don't like veggie burgers), great salads. Then there's: Swanky Franks on the Post Road Overton's on Seaview Avenue (for fried clams, hot dogs and milkshakes - eaten on the deck looking over the harbor, it makes a nice evening) Sweet Ashley's on East Ave. for terrific home made ice cream Donovan's on Washington Ave. for great burgers Dry Dock Cafe on Main Ave. for more great burgers Thu Jun 12 15:55:40 -0700 2003 1339911 0 EAH 1 1339918 I'm a fan of Avery's Little Kitchen, a little Jamaican place around the corner from the action on Washington St. It's at 49 South Main St. The escovitch fish will melt your face off. Pasta Nostra has very loyal fans. http://www.pastanostra.com/ In the old downtown section of Norwalk I walked by a small Polish restaurant on Wall St. that needs to be checked out. There's a decent fish & chips joint on Wall St as well. Good choices for a quick bite before seeing an indie pic at Garden Cinema. Thu Jun 12 01:37:23 -0700 2003 1339905 0 Uncledave 1 1339939 I used to work in Norwalk on RTE 1 and I must say, I have very little good say about my eating experiences there. I don't bother to go out in Norwalk for dinner at all anymore because disappointment is generally all but certain. With that said, if you have to go out in Norwalk, the SoNo area (and environs) is the epicenter of the few places that are reliably average. Pasta Nostra has a big following, but they are family run and they have very irregular hours of operation. You MUST call before attempting to eat there. Ocean Drive has a South Beach feel to it in the summer when the windows are removed. Amberjacks is OK and feels like you are in a boat. Habana has a very nice Caribbean ambiance at night, but the food isn't at all authenic Cuban. Barcelona has great Tapas and feels like SOHO in NYC. I prefer the cooking at the Greenwich location, however. SoNo Seaport Seafood in good weather has a real New England casual feel to it when you eat fried shrimp on the outdoor deck. Meson Galica is a Spanish (SPAIN) restaurant on Wall ST. It has a formal-ish feel to it. The food was average compared to meals I recall from my trips to Spain. Rattlesnake has a fun Southwestern atmosphere. Rio Border Cafe reminds me of Mexican restaurants that I saw in Tijuana, without the fear of food poisoning. The food is standard cheese and sour cream laden Mex-Fare. Silvermine Tavern is ok for brunch. Someone mentioned Avery's Little Kitchen--I heard that's its closed (not sure if true). In any event, I've eaten there several times--the last time was when I saw a cockroach. Rowayton Seafood is very cute and has a great New England casual in the Marina feel. I think the food is quite plain though; it is a New England oysters-steamers-mussels menu. But, when the weather is nice, its OK to go there for the vibe. Stew Leonard's is great for baked goods, butcher shop, fresh produce and dairy products if you want to cook your own meal. I prefer Stamford/Greenwich restaurants overall though. Norwalk just isn't the trip. Plus, its a dreary little town except for the West Norwalk, Rowayton, and Silvermine areas. Also, the shopping on RTE 1 and 7 is OK. The rest of Norwalk, you can keep. Thu Jun 12 21:44:56 -0700 2003 1339905 0 Ora 2 1340178 Meson Galicia is now Meigas (same owners, new chef) and serves over the top Spanish cuisine. It is absolutely fabulous and was recently cited by Wine Spectator to posiibly be the best Spanish restaurant in the U.S. Kazu in So. Norwalk is serving what I believe to be the best Japanese cuisine in Fairfield County. Clearly inventive cooked dishes plus wonderful sushi. Wed Jun 25 16:18:52 -0700 2003 1339939 0 mitchells 1 1339940 I work in SoNo and eat out a couple of times a week, so here are my suggestions. Pasta Nostra, only open for dinner, is incredible. Joe the owner can be a real pill, but only because he truly believes in only serving superior food. He used to throw you out of the place if you asked for butter. The italian wine list is better than you will get anywhere around. Les Portales Grocery, has a counter in the back. I lived in Denver for 6 years, and these are the best authentic tacos, i've had since moving back east. They put Rolando's in Stamford to shame. Ms. Brown's Jamaican over by the bus stop, has really nice jamaican food, and they are some of the nicest people you will meet. Avery's is gone, and they were friendly, but the food at Brown's is so much better. Overton's has great fried clams, and people rave about the burgers. Speaking of burgers, Donovan's has got the best ones in Fairfield County, from what i've seen. On some fridays they make homemade onion rings that are divine. Had the chowder last week, it was pretty yummy. The Tapas at Barcelona and the spanish wine list are fun, especially when you sit up at the bar. The garlic shrimp is great, as well as the spanish cheese selection. That's my list so far, i'm sure there are others. Thu Jun 12 22:17:18 -0700 2003 1339905 0 Greg minsky 2 1339945 Pasta Nostra was on "From Martha's Kitchen" last week. (My wife watches it, I swear!) Fri Jun 13 09:46:28 -0700 2003 1339940 0 Dude 1 1340028 Interesting opinions, but some additional caveats seem in order. There are indeed a few good choices in South Norwalk, especially near Washington Street, but those who plan to go there should be aware of the crowding in prime time, i.e., reserve or forget about it on weekend evenings. One place that has not been mentioned but should be is La Taverna on New Canaan Avenue. We've been there a number of times and have had consistently good service and food. It's in a storefront shopping strip west of Route 7 and is relatively easy to get into, even on weekends. Letizia's pizza was quite good for the area, but more recently seems to be using straight tomato paste on its pies. Too bad. Panda Pavilion is dreadful. Meson Galicia, now known as Meigas, however, is about as good as it gets in the Norwalk area. There's also Via Sforza on Post Road just to the west of Stew Leonard's. Quite popular and reasonably good, but not really great. Farther west on Post Road is a branch of Ash Creek Saloon, which is supposedly cowboy-style food. A decent choice also. We've been here for 15 years and seen them come and go. You can get fed, but don't have great expectations. Tue Jun 17 13:15:01 -0700 2003 1339905 0 nrwayne 2 1340041 I have eaten La Taverna a number of times. I have generally found the food good. I especially like the focaccia. However, once or twice, I recall certain dishes as being quite salty. Overall, they seem to trying hard in there, I'd go back. There used to be a good place next to the DMV on Rte 7, I can't recall the name. That place was OK the 2 times I ate there. Tue Jun 17 22:19:30 -0700 2003 1340028 0 Ora 3 1341364 Are you thinking of Tuscan Oven next to DMV? How about The Lime (near Maria's)? I hear Costa Brava is good but haven't yet tried it. Yes, Meigas is great, but expensive. Tue Sep 02 10:26:12 -0700 2003 1340041 0 Lynn Flaster 1 1340277 Norwalk is not a dining mecca in my opinion but there are a few gems... Letitzia's Pizza - Route 7, Main Ave. New Haven Quality pizza right here in town. I don't have to go to New Haven anymore. Sweet Ashley's Ice Cream - East Avenue. Excellent homemade ice cream - coconut chip is my favorite. Village Gourmet Chinese (sister restaurant Shanghai Gourmet) Mainly take out but the best chinese I've had in the area. Maria's Trattoria - Really good but overpriced. Swanky Franks ... overhyped try super duper weenie in Fairfield Harborlights on the water near vets park...really good mediterranean seafood. I like the grilled octopus (pricey) I rarely go to the NYC wannabe restaurants in sono ... some folks like them but I'd rather go to NYC. -debvil Wed Jul 02 14:57:55 -0700 2003 1339905 0 debvil 1 1340442 Ganga Indian Restaurant 41 Wall St Norwalk 203.838.0660. Excellent tandoori chicken and spiced chickpeas. Had to grab a quick bite before a movie at nearby Garden Cinemas and what an unexpected surprise. No pretense: the woodpaneled decor reminded me of a basement home office. No matter, since it was all about flavor. Dinner was good, fast and inexpensive particularly by Fairfield Cty's standards of high price & iffy quality. Sun Jul 13 23:12:07 -0700 2003 1339905 0 Spetcram 1 1340564 Outside of Letizia's on Rte. 7, is there *any* quality pizza in Norwalk that someone can recommend? I live next door in Westport and haven't been thrilled with any of the pizza places there (e.g., John's Best, Angelina's, Westport Pizza, Planet). Sat Jul 19 21:22:16 -0700 2003 1339905 0 Wriggler 2 1344763 Its the wrong side of town for you, but we love Rowayton Pizza! Wed May 05 11:27:48 -0700 2004 1340564 0 KatKop 1 1341601 Meigas (formerly Meson Galicia) is the best restaurant in Connecticut. Hands down. Wonderful Spanish (Galician) food. Lots of emphasis on presentation - small courses, distinct flavors, precise (for CT) service, formal without being oppressively so. Meigas is where we go for holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions. Here's the funny thing - as good as Meigas is, it doesn't even serve the best Spanish food on the block! Simply for food's sake, Mecca is even better. Jaime, the owner/chef of Mecca, was formerly co-owner of Meson Galicia. Mecca is a little more casual. A little less pricey (you'll spend at least a third less at Mecca). More 'one-dish' courses. Lamb stew, seafood green risotto, that kind of thing. But the food is truly better. Remarkable flavors in these dishes. So for the greater dining experience, go to Meigas (recently profiled big-time in Wine Spectator, btw). But for the better food go to Mecca. While you can spend a fortune if you want, both places also have terrific and reasonably-priced Spanish wines, too. Mon Sep 15 17:33:34 -0700 2003 1339905 0 Chris G