So good, it’s a sin. South End Uncorked (Review)

A typical night at South End Uncorked with a full house . . .

Forgive us readers, for we have sinned. It has been far too long since our last visit to South End Uncorked over the summer when we tried their cocktails and we must confess, we were complete idiots to wait this long. Why? Because (spoiler alert) it’s amazing! Not that we had any doubt since we’ve experienced the magic of Chef (and owner) Nick Martschenko and Director of Operations and mixologist extraordinaire Michelle Mauro at their other New Canaan restaurant, South End. 

Warm Your Soul at South End with a Paired Wine Dinner – New Canaan, CT

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After the closing of Pine Social in New Canaan, we were skeptical if another restaurant coming into that spot would also be successful.  When we saw the menu and got information from South End, though, we began to change our minds.  What finally made us change our minds is actually eating there.  The food was fresh, locally sourced, and the menu was very fun and playful.  For example, the tomato and mozzarella salad was one of the most unique interpretations that we’ve ever tasted with basil gelato and a tomato gelee.  While some people have complained about the menu being confusing, that’s actually one of the things that we liked most about it…it’s like an adventure.

If you haven’t had the chance to check out this New Canaan newcomer (or if you’re a well-seasoned vet), then we’ve got a great chance for you to try out the food.  On February 5, they’ll be hosting a four course wine dinner that will warm up your spirit in the bitter cold of February.  You could even think of this as an early Valentine’s Day present, if you’d like…

“Warm Your Soul” Wine Dinner

February 5, 6:30 pm

$75 pp (includes wine, plus tax and gratuity)

Course 1:  Chilled Lobster Salad

Artichokes bariguole, roasted tomato, soft herb salad

Paired with Chardonnay, Stuthlmuller from Alexander Valley, California

Elm in New Canaan: One of Esquire’s Best New Restaurants in America for 2012!

Congratulations to Elm and Chef Lewis, announced from their FB page!

Well, that pretty much says it all, doesn’t it?  In their 28th year (here are this year’s results) of seeking out the hottest and best new restaurants all across America, Esquire is out with their latest list that has Elm in New Canaan on the list.  To those who have dined here, they’d probably say that this is no surprise.  Chef and owner Brian Lewis has been featured in countless articles and reviews, praising his style and his love of all things local and seasonal.  His gig before Elm was cooking up a storm at Richard Gere’s The Farmhouse at Bedford Post.

As for options eating here, there are so many to pick from:  dinner, chef’s tasting, bar dining (snacks), Sunday brunch, and even Sunday supper.  Perhaps one of the coolest things to do here is go with Chef Lewis on a journey to the farm through his tasting menu.  For $45 you’ll get three courses, paired beautifully for you.  If you have more of an appetite or feel a bit more daring, check out five courses for $75.  Now, this is great, but even more exciting (at least to us, we’re in serious awe of talented chefs) is the Chef’s Tasting Counter.  Saddle on up and enjoy each bite of your tasting menu while you watch all the action go down in the kitchen.  Yes, you’ll see your dishes cooked and prepared right before your hungry little eyes.