Food is central to travel, as it is to life. Many travel experiences are made or broken because of one’s experience with the cuisine. I’m one of those people who aren’t too picky about food, which bodes well when you find yourself in unfamiliar territory, as I found myself in Stamford, Connecticut. Because, while you may or may not meet new people to share your journey with, you will always find a new food that will leave a lasting impression on you.
I was in Stamford for work, a few years ago. On my first solo international trip, I was a bunch nervous, and that feeling never quite left. Add to this, it was the frostiest time of the year, but not the kind with twinkling Christmas lights and decor outside homes and shops. February was cold, grey, and to be honest, quite a damper. Fortunately, Stamford delivered on other fronts, mostly food. So I thought I’d share my walking restaurant trail across downtown Stamford, in a bid to keep those food-motivated memories alive.
Cafe Oo La La
It was only on my third night there that I braved the cold and stepped out of my hotel to forage (grew tired of ordering in, to be honest). A short walk later, I found myself in Cafe Oo La La, a place that came recommended. While I definitely did not go ‘ooh la la’ at the spread, it was nevertheless delicious.
Try – Their signature quiche with French ham and caramelized onions, one mug of hot chocolate.
Teff
The ladies in my team made their way to Teff for dinner. The family-run bistro serving Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisine has a wonderful and friendly atmosphere – our hostess was a delight, and the food was delightful. I dug into the Tibs, which comes with fresh injera – a gluten-free, thin, sourdough, crepe-like bread with a spongy texture. We also get to choose two vegan entrees with the Tibs, so I opted for the Timtumo (split lentils slow-simmered in a berbere sauce) and the Shiro (fava beans, chickpeas, and split peas dry-pureed, then slow-cooked with red onions, garlic, and berbere). Everything to the last mouthful of the Tibs scooped up by the injera was phenomenal.
Try – Dorho Tibs – cubed chicken breast, marinated and sautéed with berbere, clarified spice butter, red onions, garlic, jalapeños, tomatoes, and traditional herbs.
Tigin Irish Pub
In the heart of Stamford, on Bedford Street, stands a popular Irish pub – Tigin. This would become my favourite place for my foreseeable stay in this city, and not going to lie, I miss this pub the most out of everything there.
As I stepped in, I fell in love with the place almost immediately. It was everything one looks for in a pub, and more – dim yet warm lighting, rustic-y minimalist interiors, quintessential Irish pub posters, Jeffery the barman, wonderful music, and of course, Guinness!
Try – A pint of Guinness, of course, with Cheese Dip & Wedges – creamy cheddar and pepper jack cheese, topped with pico, served with boxty wedges.
Enzo’s Italian Fine Foods
A Saturday brunch was had at Enzo’s Italian Fine Foods, a lovely little family-run establishment on Summer Street. A panini and hot chocolate were clearly all this girl needed to kick off a cold weekend morning with gusto (she’s easily pleased, don’t tell the suitors).
Try – Their signature grilled panini – breaded chicken cutlet with Swiss cheese, bacon, tomato and honey mustard.
Chez Vous Bistro
Bedford Street has a ton of great places to grab a bite to eat, for all wallet sizes. Chez Vous Bistro, a contemporary French restaurant at the corner of Bedford Street, is the next stop. Because who wouldn’t want to experiment with French food while in Connecticut (that is sarcasm)?
The Bistro isn’t very pocket-friendly, and the menu features really tempting dishes that will make you want to order everything. But remember, we have eyes bigger than our stomachs and wallets, so it bodes well to resist the urge to go overboard. A glass of French wine is great to start with.
Try – Crispy Duck Confit with apple and bacon-braised cabbage, and a cider glaze.
Capriccio Cafe
Another culinary gem on Bedford Street, this casual Italian restaurant has a lovely sidewalk seating area, although dinners in winter are obviously enjoyed indoors. Again, Capriccio Cafe is a bit of a splurge, but the mains and desserts are definitely worth the price.
Try – Farfalle Salmone – bow-tie pasta and fresh smoked salmon in a champagne chive cream sauce. Recommended by the host.
Kotobuki
Italian ✓
French ✓
Irish ✓
It’s time to experiment with some Japanese cuisine a la Stamford!
I am a HUGE fan of Japanese food, in particular their sashimi and sushi. Kotobuki Japanese Cuisine was a serendipitous find on a warmer-than-the-other-winter-nights night, which meant a bottle of cold draft Sake was the ideal beverage, to begin with.
Safe bets are always the Smoked Salmon Sushi, Shrimp Sushi, and California Maki. Very few Japanese restaurants can get this wrong, so if you’re wary, rest assured that this combination will not let you down.
Try – Mochi Japanese Ice-cream in Strawberry – and the outer ‘shell’ of Japanese mochi (pounded sticky rice) with a strawberry ice cream filling.
Bartaco Stamford
Taco Tuesday is a real thing, guys. I didn’t make this up.
If Mexican is next on your list, Bartaco is where you need to go. Great food, great cocktails, and a summer vibe – you will be left quite happy with your choice of place for dinner.
Try – Tacos, obviously. Shrimp Banh Mi, Duck with Tamarind Glaze, Portobello with Queso Fresco, and Baja Fish are good options.
Colony Grill
What’s a visit to Stamford without some good old local pizza?
A super casual restaurant that is legendary for its thin-crust pizzas with a signature hot oil, Colony Grill has only two things on its menu – beer and one-size pizza. This works great for those who find themselves in decision paralysis when it comes to spoil-for-choice menus. Also, they do half-and-half, so you get to try two sets of toppings (or go for the plain ol’ Margherita) on one pizza.
Try – Their super thin-crust pizza with hot oil, bacon and black olives, and a pint of Guinness to wash it down. Comfort food at its finest, this.
Never underestimate the power of good food, y’all! It really does make or break your travel experience.
Food is the most primitive form of comfort.
Sheilah Graham
