Stella D'Oro (Middletown, CT): new & noteworthy

[kattyeyes]

Shhh. Quietly, about a month ago, when you weren't watching or listening (due to very little fanfare or publicity), M'town opened yet another Italian restaurant. I know, I know, but IT'S REALLY GOOD--at least our first visit was. We arrived at 12:45 and we were the only customers! One other couple was there by the time we finished. So, let's let the cat out of the bag, so to speak (!). This place shouldn't remain a secret for long.

Their original location, by the way, is in Old Saybrook (neither of us has been). New location is in the same parking lot with our giant movie theater (formerly Destinta), next to Puerto Vallarta...was most recently Big Mike's (?).

The bread, nice and warm, was served with a tomato/garlic/oil...yummm! Crusty outside, soft within. Almost shaped like a Portuguese roll. Always a positive sign to start the meal with great bread. Each meal came with a nice-sized salad--another plus. Pleasant service, too, while we're racking up points.

I had smoked chicken ravioli in a creamy pesto sauce with shiitake mushrooms and roasted peppers. They were quite excellent and plentiful enough to take some home! I had a bite of Pollo Scarparello with sausage, roasted peppers and artichoke hearts. Tender, flavorful, generously portioned. Lunch prices are comparable with Fiore II and food is just as excellent. I look forward to lunching there again. M'town folks--look for a coupon in your mailbox for 50% off. I have one in my wallet for next time. :)

[kattyeyes]

The good news is--at least on this past Friday night--the dinner scene was much busier than lunch. Vongole Casino as a starter was delicious. Only misstep was the practically raw garlic therein. For my entree, I thoroughly enjoyed the Vitello di Corinaldo--tender, egg-battered veal scallopini, topped with prosciutto, fresh mozz and roasted red peppers in a lemony white wine sauce. The portion was quite generous. The other half is in my fridge for another meal. Another stella d'oro for Stella D'Oro!

[westie]

My wife and I dined at Stella D'Oro this past Sunday at around 2PM when there were only 2 other tables occupied. The chef/owner greeted us and led us to a table for 4 Tables are set with white tablecloths and vases containing fresh roses. The dining room is long and narrow though the tables are set too close together. I would think a professional decorator would suggest removing a few tables and breaking up the room with a room divider or two. In any event, we are there for the food which did not disappoint.

The meal got off to a good start when our waiter served us 2 hot, crunchy rolls that were soft on the inside and accompanied by a delicious olive oil and roasted red pepper dipping sauce. This was followed shortly by an overdressed house salad with Gorgonzola dressing. At this point, we would have been happy to just finish the rolls and skip the entrées.

Fortunately, we showed restraint because our entrees were larger than anticipated. My wife’s vitello alla Stella D’Oro contained 3 good sized pieces of veal topped with roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, winter tomatoes and mozzarella in a brandy cream sauce. My vitello Saltimbocca included 4 generous sized pieces of veal topped with prosciutto over sautéed spinach in cognac brown sauce. The veal in both dishes was very tender and each entrée was very good. My, admittedly minor, sole complaint was there was not enough prosciutto to entirely cover each piece of veal.

Prices are more than reasonable and service was professional.

[kattyeyes]

Lookin' GOOD! We need to get back there soon--thanks for the reminder (again!). :)

[few]

I have ALWAYS enjoyed my meals and service at Stella Doro in OS.
I missed it while it was gone, but must admit to not having had a chance to go back

I wonder if they have the same menu and owners?

[kattyeyes]

:)
Same menu and owners, or so I gather from this page:
http://stelladorooldsaybrook.com/menu...

[dennisl]

Received a Shoreline Perks e-mail this morning for $20 get you $40 at Stella D'Oro.
(This is for the Old Saybrook location.)

[chowmensch]

Thx for the tip. Just bought one.

[few]

thanks! so the fine print is vague - do you think this is one per person or one per table?

[dennisl]

Looks like it says one per visit to me.

(Note about the Shoreline Perks: I have bought a few and do recommend reading the fine print first if you can. I bought one for Pizza Works in Saybrook to then find out it isn't valid on the weekends, which is when we would typically go.)

[westie]

Nearly 2 months after Kattyeyes post, we had almost the same experience on a Friday afternoon at around 12:30PM. My wife and I arrived and found the restaurant entirely empty though one other couple arrived shortly thereafter. We were seated at a white table clothed table for 4 by our friendly waitress. I had checked the menu on line prior to arrival and there was no luncheon menu listed so we were truly playing it by ear. Prices were moderate, but included a mixed green salad. We were started off with a pair of large, warm hard rolls and olive oil with garlic and spices. Our mixed green salad were tasty with my wife choosing a Balsamic dressing with gorgonzola while I chose the house vinaigrette. My wife ordered vitello saltmbocca - tender pieces of veal layered with prosciutto and spinach in a light cognac brown sauce. I chose the pollo scarpello - several good sized pieces of boneless of chicken sauteed with roasted red peppers, slices of lean Italian sausage, an amazing number of artichoke hearts in a garlic and white wine sauce. Each dish was executed close to perfection. Hopefully others will soon discover this hidden gem of a restaurant because I seriously doubt it is currently operating profitably. .

[kattyeyes]

'Hopefully others will soon discover this hidden gem of a restaurant'...YES, PLEASE! This restaurant deserves to succeed. Just wish they'd get their act together re marketing as word of mouth seems to be spreading EVER.SO.SLOWLY. And not as if you can see it frm the street. Your lovely pics are making me hungry, westie!

ETA: So I am going right now! :) Thanks for the nudge.

[dennisl]

That's good news. I would love to have somewhere to go pre or post movie close by that is NOT Puerto Vallarta, which I have tried and tried to like.

I had been to the Old Saybrook location once, but it was for a work luncheon and it was more a sampling of their catered fare, which was good, if I remember. Good, not great. Not a great way to judge a restaurant, per se.

[chowmensch]

We like Stella Doro's in Old Saybrook but for some reason, they do not attract a broad customer base. I was there last Saturday (normally a busy restaurant night) and there were about three tables occupied in the main dining room and two people eating at the bar. From Katty's report, it sounds like the Middletown branch is off to a similar start. But to be fair, it's early. Hope they make it!