Litchfield Hills, in northwestern Connecticut, is an upscale getaway where forests, hills and old-fashioned country villages create a quiet warmth in late fall and the holiday season. When the cold winds arrive, the region's historic restaurants serve their own farm-to-table dining, built on dairy harvested at country farms and fresh…
Litchfield Hills, in northwestern Connecticut, is an upscale getaway where forests, hills and old-fashioned country villages create a quiet warmth in late fall and the holiday season. When the cold winds arrive, the region's historic restaurants serve their own farm-to-table dining, built on fresh dairy from country farms and seasonal root vegetables.
From warm, modern tavern fare to artisan cheese and carefully made set menus, three standout dining destinations in Connecticut's Litchfield Hills offer both the calm of late fall and the warmth of holiday gatherings. Here is a closer look at each.
Arethusa al tavolo (Bantam, CT)
Arethusa al tavolo, in Bantam in Litchfield County, northwestern Connecticut, is a fine-dining farm-to-table restaurant run by the legendary Arethusa Farm and ranks among the best of its kind in the eastern United States.
The kitchen relies heavily on world-class butter, handmade cheese and cream produced on the farm. Led by chef Dan O'Brien, it turns out a contemporary American menu of exceptional quality, with dishes such as a winter butternut squash soup, handmade pasta topped with local cheese and expertly prepared autumn veal. The refined, tidy dining room contrasts with the modest village exterior, and the warm, attentive service makes it a fine choice for a special holiday date or a family gathering.
Community Table (Washington, CT)
Community Table, in the elegant country village of Washington in Litchfield Hills, sets the standard for farm-to-table dining by combining Scandinavian-inspired simplicity with ingredients from local Connecticut farms.
Working closely with area farms and organic partners, the restaurant changes its menu every week with the seasons. It serves a modern, polished menu that brings together Nordic-style pickled vegetables, winter root vegetables, freshly baked bread and locally hunted game. The minimalist yet warm interior is mostly wood and centers on a large communal table, and true to its name, the restaurant offers a friendly, hygge atmosphere (hygge is the Scandinavian idea of cozy contentment) in which guests share the warmth of the season with neighbors and friends.
The Tap Room at The White Hart (Salisbury, CT)
The Tap Room at The White Hart is housed in a historic inn dating to 1806 in Salisbury, in Connecticut's far northwest corner. In the setting of a modern English tavern, it serves seasonal ingredients from Litchfield Hills and the Berkshires.
The English-born chef is known for a stubbornly local take on ingredients, and the late-fall and winter menu offers classic comfort food to warm up a cold day, including baked pies, traditional roast beef and a stew of seasonal potatoes and radishes. Century-old timber walls, soft firelight and a classic bar combine to give the room a peaceful, welcoming feel during the November and December holiday season. The walls have stood for more than 200 years.
[Key Information on 3 Farm-to-Table Restaurants in Litchfield Hills, CT]
Arethusa al tavolo: 828 Bantam Rd, Bantam, CT 06750 (Arethusa Farm dairy and top-tier contemporary American) | Website: arethusaaltavolo.com
Community Table: 223 Litchfield Tpke, Washington, CT 06777 (Scandinavian-style seasonal produce menus and handcrafted drinks) | Website: communitytablect.com
The Tap Room at The White Hart: 15 Under Mountain Rd, Salisbury, CT 06068 (historic 1806 inn; English-style roasts and winter stews) | Website: whitehartinn.com