J Michaels Tavern - Wethersfield, CT

[jkuhlen]

J Michaels Tavern opened about 4 weeks ago in the old Standish House location in Old Wethersfield. I have reservations tomorrow night, but I actually had to go in person to get them because I couldn't find their phone number anywhere (including directory assistance). Partly wanted to post this so their phone number, 860 257-0700, will show up SOMEWHERE on a web search. The place looks great, back to more of a "fine dining" atmosphere than some intervening restaurants in that space.

Has anyone tried it?

[JayCT]

jkuhlen - Please be sure to let us know how it is. I knew they were planning to reopen the place as a fine dinning restaurant but was not aware that it had already opened. Do you know if they serve lunch? I sometimes am in that area at lunchtime and would like to try it then. Jay

[jkuhlen]

They are definitely open for lunch. Went there tonight for my mom''s 89th birthday. Bottom line is we were all happy with the experience. Great space as you might expect (house was built in 1787, wide planked floors, etc.). Nice table setting with full linen in the "formal" dining areas (casual attire fine), and a less formal bar/pub area in the front.

I was pleasantly surprised by the prices. Most of the entrees were under $20 with pasta main courses as low as $13 and dinner salads $10 and under. We didn't try any apps so I don't have any impression there.

Interesting selection of main courses. I remember scrod, turkey, pork chop, steak, salmon, veal, and shrimp. Most of them had an interesting twist of some kind with some unusual flavor combinations. No shortage of kitchen talent - (Wethersfield Post - "Executive Chef Michael DiPiano and his talented team bring a wealth of culinary experience and a contemporary American style which will bring the "tavern" format into the 21st century with fresh, lively entrées and a friendly upbeat atmosphere. DiPiano brings years of experience from service as the executive chef with Newington's Indian Hill Country Club and most recently with Ann Howard Catering at The Bond Hotel and Apricots Restaurant. Chris Chasse, also an experienced chef with Ann Howard Catering and Apricots Restaurant, will manage kitchen operations as Chef de Cuisine, and Timothy Moore of Indian Hill Country Club will lend his culinary skills as Sous Chef."

Quite a crowd for a Tuesday night also. I will be going again. Definitely worth a shot!

[JayCT]

Thanks for the information. I might check it out for lunch later this week. Jay

[goodbyeohio]

i would like to hear about your experience if you go.. most things i've heard from locals visiting have been overwhelmingly 'eh' on the food with predominantly negative critiques of the service/wait time/etc.

[maireadsully]

My husband and I just had dinner at J Michaels last Saturday. Any bumps it had when it opened in September have certainly been smoothed out. The service was wonderful and the food was fantastic. I had the Chicken and my husband had the Salmon...I can highly reccommend both items. The dining room was pretty crowded but tables are spaced out enough that you don't feel like your sitting on top of others (alla Max Amore). I belive that the Standish House building has finally got a winner. I spoke with the Roger (not sure if he is manager or just friendly, but he did say that he is father of the owner) and he tells me that a website is in the works.

[jimbo1]

My wife and I had a great meal Sun 12/30. I had the stuffed veal, she had chicken, both were excellent. Two entrees with salad and two glasses of wine, the bill came to $52.00. We ate around 6:00pm and it wasn't full. Also stayed at the Silas Robbins Bed and Breakfast around the corner from J. Miecheals and that was fantatic.

[Roger DiPiano]

The new J Michaels WebSite is up and available for your review at www.jmichaelstavern.com. Also, there is an intersting Boston Globe article about them and Old Wethersfield at http://www.boston.com/travel/exploren...

[Shaunigan]

Our first experience is likely our last. I"ll post the review I gave at another location, it is nothing if not honest. J Michaels sits majestically on a prominent corner in the quant town of Old Wethersfield. We've been waiting to try the place for some time and finally decided the time was right. Entering the historic building we were greeted by the receptionist who guided us into a small fireplaced dining room. The rooms are quant, attractive but not exceptionally well groomed. The carpet is pitted and needs a good professional cleaning. The building looks like is was given a full redecoration which is now being stretched to it's limits. Yes, J Michaels feels worn. We ordered fish - fresh salmon, with garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, candied carrots, and baked potatoes. The dinner menu is moderately priced, there is no distinct lunch menu, but some meagre amount of items are available from the main entre selection pre-4pm. Service is not fast, but is not unreasonably slow. Considering there were less than 10 customers in the entire restaurant, it probably should have been faster, and one must wonder how service would fare on a busier night.Our entre's arrived and we all agreed that the Salmon was some of the best we've had. Those who had the garlic-mashed were in for a bad experience. The mashed potatoes were brownish with age, tasted very bad, and were cold. This was consistent between 2 of us. Our waitress assured us that she told the kitchen to throw away the rest of the mashed. These were clearly old - beyond what should ever be served, other than in a desparate survival situation. When my guests tryed to use the ladies room, the toilet was backed up. They were told that the upstairs toilet was in disrepair. When it was suggested that they need a new toilet the comment was an honest "fat chance". As it was, two ladies had to use the mens room - which, had a wet floor, water leaking, and the room icy cold. Our waitress was very personable and was the best part of our experience along with the outstanding salmon.All in all, the allure of J Micheals was sadly, far better than the experience. The cost, not justified by the quality of the food. The building needs a solid and serious cleaning, new paint, and repaired bathrooms.

My question is: How can an establisment serve COLD old rancid mashed potatoes? This can be attested to by several people. What is the status of the plumbing? Overflowing toilets?; an upper restroom without a toilet seat cover - for ladies? Ladies that must use the Mens room -which has a Wet floor? This is beyond me. We REALLY wanted to like this place, We love Old Weth, and go out of our way to find excuses to walk and enjoy it's beauty. J M's was the place we've been saving. Utter dissappointment, and sadly surprised.