When, exactly, was it that restaurants removed the salt and pepper shakers from the tables, and why? I’ve always thought it was because the chef felt that her/his culinary creations were perfect just as they were. If only that assumption held water. More on that later.
Tonight we dined at Il Gabbiano (Italian for The Seagull) located on Long Wharf in New Haven. They get points for the name alone. What a stunning transformation of the former Lenny and Joe’s. The space glistens with stone and marble and cool grays. We sat at the bar, which is huge and well stocked. The outside deck, which wraps around the building and is directly on the water, is reason enough to visit. The restaurant recently opened and I think it needs to mature.
Michael’s tuna tartare was so so. It needed some crunch and a strong flavor like wasabi or soy sauce. The presentation was awkward and the accompanying salad was “in the way”. My shrimp cocktail, on the other hand, was incredible. Perfectly cooked, perfect texture, perfect cocktail sauce. If you love shrimp as I do, you know that all shrimp are not created equal. These folks nailed it!
My Mediterranean salad with grilled chicken was tasty. (Very little lettuce, mostly vegetables). If you’re not fond of love apples, you might want to pass on this dish. It’s positively tomato laden. The block of feta cheese placed on top looked silly. There was crumbled feta throughout the salad so the slice on top was overkill. The salad was overdressed, but thats an easy fix. The photo indicates the chicken is overcooked, but I like my chicken charred and that’s what I requested. They obliged.
The chicken scarpariella was a disappointment. Instead of pressed and crispy on the outside, the chicken seemed braised. But the big blunder was that somebody in the kitchen apparently forgot to season the chicken before cooking. Unfortunately, you just can’t correct that by adding salt later. (So I’ve learned).
Perk—we sat next to a lovely couple. Melinda is a dance and yoga instructor and Tony is an artist.
We’ll go back. Despite the glitches, we had a great time!
https://www.ilgabbianonewhaven.com
I have never read such a linguistic and insightful review for a restaurant here in this gem of a State. Your overview and insight makes me what to further follow your adventures through the culinary masterpieces you have yet to find, that this state has to offer. Can’t wait to see what comes next!