– 103 Danbury Rd., (203) 894-8141
Tucked away at the back of , Plate is a delightful little place to go for a romantic “tête-à tête.” Toast each other with a from their extensive list, which has a focus on smaller production wineries. For a gourmet experience, start with the Snapper Soba, featuring torched red snapper sashimi, buckwheat noodles made in house, and tempura avocado ($12). Next, try the pan seared, panko crusted Crispy Salmon, accompanied by lemon risotto and spinach puree ($22). And because it is a special occasion, top it all off with the Marscapone Cheesecake, served with summer ale orange creamsicle ice cream ($9).
Please note: the restaurant will undergo a name change month to Cello. In honor of this name change, they will introduce 8 varieties of lemoncello, featuring all-natural, organic ingredients (watermelon, kiwi, etc.). The new URL, www.celloridgefield.com, will go live at the time of the official name change. For now, visit the current URL, www.plateridgefield.com
– 23 ½ Catoonah St., (203) 431-0200
Sagi is another hidden treasure (note the “1/2” in the address), right across from the , behind . The menu is filled with delicious homemade pastas, and all produce is purchased from Ridgefield Organics. For a nice, light meal, start with the Insalata di Frutta e Formaggio, made with apples, pears, goat cheese spread, honey caramelized walnuts, and lemon honey dressing ($11). For the main, try the Ricotta Gnocchi, which is made with ricotta and flour, and served in a tomato butter sauce with fresh basil ($16.50). If you are more of a meat lover, go for the Carne Gustosa, grilled skirt steak that has been marinated in garlic, basil, oregano, and olive oil ($19.50).
– 20 West Ln., (203) 438-8282
With delicious, gourmet , and an intimate setting, Bernard’s is a wonderful destination for a “date night” outing. Start with the Jumbo Lump Crabmeat Napoleon, served with roasted corn, green peas, asparagus, tomatoes, hearts of palm, and lemon tarragon vinaigrette ($18). To follow, order the 1 ¼ lb Maine Lobster, with roasted corn, haricots verts, leeks & scallion galette, sautéed spinach, and lobster saffron sauce. Top it all off with the Fondant au Chocolate with white chocolate mint chip ice cream ($12). Très bien!!
– 43 Danbury Rd., (203) 894-8995
With an open space and lively atmosphere, Toscana is a fun place to go for your night out. Start the evening with the Pappardelle, which features porcini mushrooms, chicken, garlic, and oil ($19.95). Then, for a true Italian experience, try the Venison Osso Bucco, with currant demi glace, and cranberry-pear risotto ($29.95). Finish the evening with a selection of ($8 each; $24 for a sample platter).
– 23 Bailey Ave., (203) 431-0796
is a quaint little restaurant just steps away from Main Street. For the first course, order the Fried Calamari, which is tossed with hot cherry peppers, and served with a lemon aioli ($13). Next, try the Grilled Filet Mignon with Merlot Sauce ($32), or the Oven Roasted Chilean Sea Bass ($29). If you prefer poultry, there is a fabulous Oven Roasted Tomato, Goat Cheese and Herb Stuffed Chicken ($24).
