A glance back at recent dining reviews
GOURMET GALLEY AT HOME
185 Main St., Niantic (860) 850-4049 https://ggathome.com
A multitude of eateries in the region have made take-out meals a gourmet enterprise —nutritious ingredients now included! Among the more recent additions to the good-food-to-go scene is Gourmet Galley at Home in Niantic.
If you’ve been to an event or opening or large gathering in southeastern Connecticut, it’s likely you’ve sampled the Gourmet Galley goods, courtesy of its longtime catering operation.
Now, that fancy event can happen in your home with the Niantic store’s comprehensive selection of comfort foods and greatest hits available frozen, refrigerated, or fresh from the lunch counter/coffee bar. If you have time, grab a seat and try one of the house-made sandwiches, such as the fabulous Dutch ($10), which pairs smoky Gouda with a thick slice of bacon, accented by a bit of apricot preserves, and served on grilled sourdough.
For a quickie lunch, grab a container of GG’s cold sesame noodles ($7.99). You’ll have leftovers, although you might want
them sooner rather than later thanks to the wonderful peanut-soy-ginger dressing.
If it’s your turn to forage for dinner, grab a quart of the Guinness beef stew ($17.99), in which the titular stout adds a depth of flavor that must be tasted to fully appreciate.
Add one of several available salads and a dessert, and you’ll be good to go. — Marisa Nadolny
NEW YORK
DELI & DINER
770 Long Hill Road, Groton (860) 326-5596 www.new-york-deli-and-diner.com
One thing that always pleases me about iconic New York delis is that their sandwiches are gravity-defying structures, constructed perhaps through some architectural formula not tapped into since the great pyramids were being built.
You will not find a similar template at the recently opened New York Deli & Diner in Groton — but otherwise, the place is pretty impressive. The sandwiches — would one call them “normal-sized”? — have all the authentic flavors, and there are all manners of deli staples and beyond.
A friend who lived for years in New York City exulted about the authenticity of the Manhattan style clam chowder, and the always available breakfasts are reliable tasty and filling as well. The staff is friendly if a bit harried at peak times, the prices are moderate, and the handsome industrial design with giant black and white photos of the Big Apple supply the proper mood and spirit.
— Rick Koster
PRESS ON SANDWICH CRAFTERS
391 Norwich Westerly Road, North Stonington
(860) 415-9906
Find their website at pressonsandwichcrafters.com
When one maestro in the kitchen compliments the work of another, listen up and get going.
Brian Brother, the creative food guru behind the Bayou BBQ & Grill in New London, heaped praise on Mike Davies, the owner of Press On Sandwich Crafters in North Stonington, after my review of the place ran in February.
“Press On makes some incredibly delicious sandwiches!” commented Brother, who then applauded Davies for his longtime contributions to the local food scene.
The casual fare at Press On is very, very good. There are soups like Thai chicken or pumpkin curry, overstuffed sandwiches like the sweet chili coconut chicken wrap, and creative sides such as ginger slaw.
A recent daily special was the Holy Hand Grenade, $15, an assemblage of Buffalo chicken, dried spicey salami, chunky blue cheese, pickled jalapeno salad, and romaine, all on a sub roll. Also $15 and on a roll is the Naughty Zoot, with barbecue pastrami, Swiss cheese, whole grain honey mustard, horseradish sauce, and caramelized onions. You get the idea.
There’s always a daily soup, $5 for a cup and $8 for a bowl, and salads are in the $9 to $13 range. Just about everything is made in-house and it’s always good.
— Ann Baldelli