GET A GOURMAND EXPERIENCE IN CONNECTICUT
Check out these four must-see shops and eateries, including a market and a distillery
The borough of Bantam has long been viewed as a traditionally blue-collar area among the rolling hills of picturesque Litchfield County in northwest Connecticut. Lately, though, Bantam has evolved into a compelling destination of its own; a place that offers everything any true gourmand needs, from artisanal yogurt and tasty bread, to handcrafted charcuterie.
The joke now is that Bantam is such a lively culinary destination that some residents refer to Litchfield as “East Bantam.”
Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar
This three-year-old spot in a two-storey, colonial-inspired house is kind of an upscale New England gastro pub. The chef and owner Samantha Tilley serves up something for everyone here, from burgers and Asian-spiced wings to dishes that appeal to a more international palette, such as Peruvianinspired salmon tiradito and falafel fritters. Save room for dessert, which is often a decadent treat such as a banana and white chocolate bread pudding. 810 Bantam Rd.; mockingbirdkitchenandbar.com
Bantam Bread
New Yorkers Niles Golovin and Susie Uruburu moved to Litchfield County in the mid-90s, and soon after opened the area’s first artisanal bakery in an old house next to the Bantam River. Regulars come for the Pain de Campagne and loaves made of spelt and ancient grains. They also bake a delicious “dirt bomb,” the sugary, cinnamondusted hybrid of a muffin and doughnut hole. 853 Bantam Rd.; bantambread.com
Litchfield Distillery
When this distillery opened in 2014, it gave a buzz to the entire county with its small batch of artisanal spirits.
Local brothers David, Peter and Jack Baker, who in their previous career distributed Crystal Rock water, produce award-winning tipples, including a smooth bourbon whisky, vodka and gin.
They host free tours and daily tastings from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Their newest offering is a maple-barrel finished bourbon. 569 Bantam Rd.;
litchfielddistillery.com The Market Devotees of this family-owned market drive from miles away to pick up their provisions at this upscale grocery with a popular deli counter and sushi chef.
Shoppers can find sourdough bread from the popular bakery Bread Alone, a new refrigerated beer room that offers a wide variety of craft beers, as well as charcuterie and smoked meats cured and prepared by the space’s on-site chef, Jesse Cole. 793 Bantam Rd.; themarketct.com