Unsurprisingly so, it’s all about seasonal, local finds that make the cuisine in Old Saybrook spectacular. Those operative words are still new to me as I grew up in a place where things were in season year round, and if they weren’t something in comparison was in such surplus, it went unnoticed. After moving up north, the advantage of knowing the who/what/where/how of the produce ingested not only effected dishes, but business.
Fresh Salt is the restaurant located inside Saybrook Point Inn. Remember…that historic inn mentioned last week? Yes, their in-house restaurant serves up flavors like you’ve never had. TRULY, like you’ve never had. Whether it be pork, beef, or fish, it’s prepared with an exactness I’ve only seen few replicate. During our dinner, I recall mentioning there was one other time I had fish of such perfection. It was during a trip to Lisbon in 2013 when I tried Bacalhau 80º de cura Portuguesa for the first time.
But enough visits down memory lane, you’re more interested in the sort of items on the menu. Well, Fresh Salt has the waterside staples of oysters, chowders, scallops… you know… “the raw bar”. The pasta scene is quite divine as are the in-season salads and bisques. [At the time it was Autumn Pear Salad – Artisanal Greens with Port-Poached Pear, Smoked Bleu Cheese, Spicy Candied Pecans and Sherry Vinaigrette; and the Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque with Apple Crème Fraiche.]
For those more interested in the drink menu, don’t worry… they aren’t lacking here either. Seriously, some restaurant fairy must have just come in and waved their magic wand, because this place was just done right. I remember enjoying theJacked Up Hot Cider – Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey Whiskey, Connecticut made Lyman Orchards Apple Cider, and DeKuyper Hot Damn Cinnamon Schnapps (it is as badass as it sounds). OMG… I’m now I want another one!
Visit during dinner and take in the lively atmosphere and great drinks! Go at it alone, or bring a friend. However you choose, you will not be disappointed.