Main & Hopewell, Glastonbury, CT

[ronbo97]

I took Kim to Main and Hopewell for her birthday. I had never been, but the prospect of outdoor dining on a warm night was inviting. Walking downstairs to the outdoor dining area, I spotted a review from the Hartford Courant, which gave the place three stars. So far, so good.
The lobster cake appetizer was OK, if a bit on the flavorless side. However, the steamed mussels were not fresh and had to be sent back.
After a long wait, our entrees arrived. Apparently, they only had one waitress on for the evening. My chicken marsala was not good. The marsala sauce tasted sweet, like brown sugar had been added. The chicken was dry and flavorless. And why was there skin on a boneless breast ? Kim's shrimp pasta dish was too creamy/cheesy. Both dishes seemed 'thrown together'.
Oh yeah, one more thing. they had a guitarist playing every clichéd folk song from the last thirty years--at a volume loud enough that you couldn't carry on a conversation.
On the way out, I double checked the Hartford Courant review. It was seven years old.

[geminigirl]

So, just got back from first dinner at 2Hopewell...DH and I took a risk going on the opening, but figured what the heck...overall, a good experience, there are still a lot of quirks to deal with (cold dining room, slow service, having to ask for bread when the table right next to us got there basket upon arrival, etc...) so I take tonight with a grain of salt (which reminds me, no S+P shakers on the table- just a waitress who walks around and grinds fresh pepper into you bread oil (she forgot us on this one as well):)

We came early and had a drink in the bar ($15) for a beer and wine (later looking at the menu I had the house merlot which was $10...)
For dinner and apps we both ended up having the same meals and were both very pleased. We started with the ($8) arugula and spinach salad with pear, blue cheese and pecans (3)...the salad was very good and dressed nicely but maybe a tab bit small...For entree ($24)we had the scallops with polenta, carmalized onions, and spinach. When we first got the dish I thought it looked a bit too fancy with the 2 sauces drizzled down the sides of the plate, but they worked very well with the dish. The flavor of the dish itself was excellent, but my only 2 complaints was that it was not hot and the portion size. There were 4 large scallops, but I can usually never finish a dish and I polished mine off, as did my husband, who was still a litttle bit hungry. Now I know everywhere you go portion sizes are out of control, but I think for the prices they are charging they need to think about this...we skipped dessert ( we were literaly too cold to stay) but looked like they had chocolate mouse and some type of bread puddding.

So again, food was great, but a bit pricey, not sure if this will fly in S.Glastonbury ( but I hear Anna's is going downhill so who knows...). I'm hoping they willl eventually have a less expensive bar type menu downstairs, but forgot to ask. Lastly, just a pet peeve of mine, but no one who worked there asked us how our meal was or if we had any problems, etc...just seems like something you should really be asking your customers when you're first opening up rather than reading about it on here...Looking forward to hearing other peoples reviews as time goes on, and eventually going back to see if they have ironed out the quirks...I hope they do well!

[JayCT]

Thanks for the review. Sounds like another overpriced upscale restaurant. Just what Glastonbury needs. It is funny since the owner was recently quoted in the newspaper as saying the were going for good food at reasonable prices. Guess that is all relative. We will probably be checking out Max Fish soon. I noticed it opened. Anyone been yet? Jay

[geminigirl]

yeah, I read that article after we had dinner there...let us know how Max fish is when you do go, we will probably give it a try next month...

[FoodieJim]

Headed to Max Fish on Wednesday, hoping to get a nice meal before the Thanksgiving doldrums strike. At least, I think I am going. They are not taking reservations until next week, and are accepting walk-ins only. I don't like this policy, as I refuse to hang around the entry area lurking, in hopes that a table opens up. Waiting in the bar is not an option, as we will be bringing our minor child who is not legally permitted in the bar. If the wait is more than 10 minutes, I will come back next month after they start taking reservations.

[goodbyeohio]

since i always have to throw in the beer tidbits..

max's has become the first restaurant (or restaurant group for that matter) to purchase kegs of beer from cambridge house in granby for off-premise serving. this is great news.. CBH beer is among some of the best and freshest in connecticut.

[garethblackstock]

Seems to me it is priced accordingly. I don't think you understand the costs of running a restaurant and the low profit margins on which they operate. Especially if you are cooking the right way i.e. buying dry U-10 sea scallops instead of the watery ones soaked in a chemical phosphate, spending the money on labor to produce your own stocks, and hiring talented cooks that work clean, fast and organized. The expenses and liabilities are vast. That’s why only passionate restaurateurs survive in this industry. Most are not getting rich, but are able to wake up in the morning and do what they love. There is no reason why they can’t charge a fare price for the services they deliver. If you do not see a value in this kind of restaurant than please enjoy some frozen food that was cooked somewhere in Texas and heated up at your local chain restaurant which dominates the marketplace. You can get three courses for 9.99 at Applebee’s.

[geminigirl]

Wow, I figured there would be an attack somewhere, but easy there, I merely said it seemed a little over priced, I didn't flame the place and I didn't say that I "don't see a value in this kind of restaurant", I in fact gave it a great review based on the food and wished them well. No, I don't run a restaurant and maybe are not as "savy" as you on pricing, but I think the Applebee's comment is a little extreme...

[rotuss]

I agree with Gareth. I know the brothers who bought the place and I went there the second night as well, mostly to wish them well, realizing that they might now have all the kinks quite worked out. And after having been in Ireland the month of October, I realize how spoiled we in America are at both the diversity of foods available and the relative cheapness which we can purchase it.

I give them my approvals, not because I know them, but for the following:
I thought the rehab was nice. It wasn't overly pretentious and it was like Hemingway's a clean well lighted place. That's what came to mind any way.
I was on my own that night, didn't have any reservations and found the place fairly full. I went right to the bar. I liked the elevated seating. The only thing, I hope they will change is to cover the concrete floor. 2nd night I know and I know they are doing a lot of the work themselves.

I started with the shrimp cocktail. I found them of more then ample size and they just tasted as fresh as can be. They weren't overboiled either. They were on a bed of nice shreaded vegetables which I thought worked well and the coctail sauce was zippy, and different enough, definitely not ordinary. It worked for me.

I followed it up with a regular house salad and wanted to try to orange balsalmic dressing which sounded interesting. It was good, but I thought it could use a little more hint of orange than I got. The greens looked very fresh.

I was brought bread and olive oil for dipping. I found the oil to be very good. I thought the bread was a little chewey, don't know who they are getting it from, but just my opinion. It was flavorfull, however.

I ordered Veal Cutlet Parm. I rarely order veal or eat it, but I know the reputation of Center of the Plate for its meats so I gave it a go. It was priced at 33.00 which someone might say seems overpriced. This is where I most wholeheartedly agree with Gareth! The size of the cutlet amazed me and it tasted amazingly good as well. It was served on a bed of pasta and covered with fresh tomatoes and moz. It came steaming hot. It was a little slow out of the kitchen, but again the second night. I expected that.

I would definitely go back and told Bill so. Best of luck to Adam and Bill.

[JayCT]

I guess this is directed at me. My comments actually come from dinning experiences at previous incarnations of this restaurant. One time I ordered a filet there and was served a piece of meat the size of a meatball with six perfectly cooked and perfectly placed green beans. I don't remember the price but it was very expensive and I walked away hungry. Another time we went there with another couple and had a couple of drinks (one each), a modest dinner and no dessert. The bill was over $200 without tip. This has always bothered me. JMHO Jay

[JayCT]

Drove by Main & Hopewell this afternoon and there is a ton of work being done there. Looks like a complete redo. Anyone hear anything about it? Jay

[geminigirl]

was at COP yesterday and they confimed, they expect to be open November 1st!

[02sbxstr]

Can someone fill me in on what/who Center of the Plate is? Thanks

[JayCT]

Center of the Plate is a small meat and fish shop on MainStreet in Glastonbury. They have excellent quality. It will be interesting to see what they do at Main & Hopewell. I hope it is not just another over-priced place. We have too many of these in town already. Jay

[jkuhlen]

The new name of Main and Hopewell is 2hopewell: American Bistro and Bar. Two brothers bought it and did an incredible renovation. Head chef formerly of JGilbert. First night open will be next Friday. They are keeping the menu under wraps. ???.

[geminigirl]

cool, thanks, just made a reservation!

[plafield]

This is exciting news. We need a great bistro in the Glastonbury area. Please do report back on how it is! I hope that it's a success for the Center of the Plate folks because I think they're in for some difficulties once the new Whole Foods opens in Glastonbury. I wonder how they'll be able to compete with the variety and prices for similar products.

On another note, I'm looking forward to the opening of Max's Fish in Glastonbury and hope that it'll be something worthwhile too.

[geminigirl]

Hi, reviving this post because I've heard rumors that Center of the Plate has bought M+H? Anybody else heard anything?

[JayCT]

I had not heard that. Will check next time I am in Center of the Plate. It may be the change that M&H needs.

[sodagirl]

it may be old news but Annas switched back to a diner style menu about six months ago.

The former chef opened Amelias American cafe in Simsbury about a month ago...went to lunch last week...

He needs some time,,,lots of microwave heated lunch stuff...needs work...maybe too early to tell.

[geminigirl]

I was never crazy about Anna's, food wasn't too teriffic and it was over priced imho....hoping M+H becomes something better in the transformation...

[02sbxstr]

My wife and I went to M&H for lunch once last summer and sat outside. Unfortunately, this seating is directly on the main drag through South Glastonbury (Rt 17) and it was unpleasantly noisy. The food was mediocre at best. Haven't been back. In a previous incarnation, M&H was the Parson's Daughter and was very good. We live about 3 minutes from M&H and wish they could regain the performance once demonstrated.

[JayCT]

I haven't been to Main & Hopewell in years and I after reading this review, I doubt I will in the near future. I found it to be too pricey for what you get and that there are other restaurants that are a lot better. I think they tend to rely on the fact that they are the only upscale restaurant in South Glastonbury and that there are a lot of people with money there that do not want to travel far to eat. Too bad because it could be so much more. I know people that will just go there for drinks and to listen to the live music. JMHO Jay

[smoky]

"I think they tend to rely on the fact that they are the only upscale restaurant in South Glastonbury and that there are a lot of people with money there that do not want to travel far to eat."

What about Anna's on Main? I've had great food there.

[geminigirl]

yeah, I drive by all the time and think I should give it another try, especially as you said with the summer and outdoor seating, but it's never been a very good experience....