Recs near Weston, CT

[laaronson]

I want to get a gift certificate to a restaurant or high end food / specialty / kitchenwares store for someone who lives in Weston, CT. Don't know anything about the area but know their food taste runs to the sophisticated side. I would rather not get something in Manhattan, although that is the back up choice. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!

[JamesKirkland]

the red barn is a gem

[CTburgerlover]

Only if you're over 80.

[sibeats]

with blue hair.

[jfood]

Another restaurant that is on the same level as Schoolhouse is Bonne Nuit in New Canaan.

[LW1]

I love Bonne Nuit, but let's not put it in categories it does not belong. Bonne Nuit is an old school french restaurant, with very solid cooking, good service, and nice atmosphere. Their chicken w/frites is my standard and their foie gras with country pate app is to die for. But the Schoolhouse is in a different league. They offer innovative cooking, with the freshest local ingredients.
Both restaurants are excellent at what they do, but they are not on the same level.
That said, has anyone eaten at the restaurant off exit 41 as you go to westport? i think it's called the old barn or something like that. Just drove by it the other day and it was packed.

[jfood]

Not to be argumentative, but jfood would place Bonne Nuit in the top 5 in FFD (three are spoken for and two are floaters) county and places it squarely in the league in which it belongs.

And just because something is:

"an old school french restaurant, with very solid cooking, good service, and nice atmosphere. Their chicken w/frites is my standard and their foie gras with country pate app is to die for"

versus

"They offer innovative cooking, with the freshest local ingredients."

Sounds to jfood that you've already placed them both in the elite category as well.

The Red Barn (X41) to which you speak is nowhere close to these two gems. Please do not place them in the same category.

[sibeats]

jfood, have you eaten at the Schoolhouse yet? Last time I heard I thought it was still on your to try list. I'd be interested to hear what you think of it since I know we both love a certain place in Stamford. I've never been to BBN, so won't comment on it.
As for the Red Barn, OMG, stay away!! Yes, it is always packed, probably even more so now that Three Bears has closed, if you get my drift!

[jfood]

jfood was waiting til spring. he is heading to NOLA for some good grub thjis weekend.

[Ima Foodie]

I went to the red barn once for a business meal. My glass of wine was a bit "off" so I discreetly informed the waiter. In response, he took a sip out of my glass, declared it fine, and actually gave it back to me! The food was like bad cruise ship cuisine as well.

[LW1]

We're splitting hairs. They are both good restaurants that fill their own niche. we are lucky to have them both in the area.
I was not placing the red barn in any category, i was just curious if it was worth a visit or not. Given the responses, i have my answer.

[sibeats]

Schoolhouse at Cannondale is an excelllent restaurant in Wilton, very close to Weston.

[CTburgerlover]

A gift certificate from Schoolhouse at Cannondale would be a wonderful gift for someone who lives in Weston.