New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Knot Norms: Parade names CT-based eatery top spot in Newport
Knot Norms, a casual New England seafood spot with locations in Norwalk and Newport, R.I., is one of the “16 Best Restaurants in Newport,” according to Parade Magazine.
The magazine chose Knot Norms’ Rhode Island restaurant alongside other classic eateries in the touristy seaside town, including The Mooring and Castle Hill Inn, and other casual spots featuring burgers, ramen and modern Mexican cuisine.
“The Norwalk, Conn., fastcasual gem opened their second outpost in Newport, and we’re so glad they did,” wrote author Kelli Acciardo.
“In addition to their superior lobster roll piled high with fresh chunks of meat in a house-made lobster butter coating, they’re known for crazy good crab salad rolls, Copps Island roasted oysters, and fried chicken wings with togarashi hot oil, garlic, cilantro and lime.”
Knot Norms opened its Newport restaurant in October 2020. Its menu features a variety of seafood rolls (butter-poached lobster, fried Copps Island oysters, crab salad with herb aioli) and non-seafood options like fried chicken, brisket, steak and cheese, and pork belly, all served on a signature toasted New England-style bun.
All rolls can be turned into bowls, with sushi rice and pickled vegetables, and “knot rolls” options feature snacks, salads and soups, like roasted oysters, steamed clams, clam chowder and lobster bisque.
Knot Norms also provided catering for a party featured on an April 2021 episode of “Real Housewives of New Jersey.” The cast took a trip to Norwalk for a day on the yacht belonging to Emily Liebert, a Westport resident and ghost writer for “Housewives” Teresa Giudice and Margaret Josephs.
Jay LeBlanc, owner of the eatery, told Hearst Connecticut that Liebert is a fan of his food and asked the restaurant to put together platters of lobster rolls, fried chicken rolls and charcuterie.
LeBlanc delivered the food to the yacht and was filmed, but his shots did not make the cut.