Hamden Summer Concert Series 2018

 

2018's Hamden Concert series have been announced.

Thanks to the following sponsors these Concert Series continue: Quinnipiac University, Liberty Bank, Yale University, Hamden Rotary Club, Advocates for Insurance Benefits, LLC. Newtown Savings Bank, Hearing, Balance and Speech Center, American Medical Response, ShopRite, WQUN, 94.3 WYBC, WPLR.

East Rock, Lake Whitney Dam, and Hiking

On the trail to East Rock Park

After eating brunch at Le Petite on Whitney Avenue in Hamden, CT we took a walk and stopped by the Lake Whitney Dam.

It was amazing and interesting to learn that Eli Whitney had erected the dam's structure, so we took the steps down and found many children doing water projects with vounteers. We kept walking and entered the Frederick Oberlin Bridge. I had seen pictures of the bridge, but I never knew in all my years of living in Hamden where it was and how to get there, so this was a happy accident.

After walking through the bridge we began our exploration of the trails and found this little cabin.

 We were surrounded by nature's beauty and could see East Rock, so we decided that we would continue walking until we reached New Haven.

It was a beautiful day to hike and in about 30-40 minutes we arrived in New Haven and entered the East Rock park. The trails were very easy to follow and the landscapes are beautiful. I highly recommend getting "lost" in the trails and taking in the views and disconnecting from all technology for the afternoon.

Bangkok Boulevard - Hamden, CT

A few months ago I and Hamden residents who passed Whitney Avenue may have noticed that Bubba's BBQ closed (formerly Griff's Chicken Shack). 

When I saw signs that a new Thai restaurant was opening I was so excited because I love Thai food and since Dusitra in North Haven closed I haven't been able to find one that I enjoy in the area. 

Satay Chicken with Peanut Sauce and Cucumber Sauce for Appetizers

As soon as it opened we went in for dinner. When I walked in I was amazed with its transformation. If you hadn't been to Griff's Chicken shack or Bubba's BBQ then you can't appreciate the transformation that the owners of Bangkok Boulevard have made in there.

Previously, the place had green painted walls, TVs blaring, and there was something about it that made me uninvited. Bangkok Blvd completely changed that; it feels completely inviting.

They painted the walls, added booths, new chairs, tables, new lighting. It looks wonderfully different and fresh from the previous two establishments. I completely forgot what had existed there before.

I did notice that their music choice of pop was up a little loud and I was hoping to hear Thai music. I noticed someone else wrote that in a review recently, and since that review was posted they now have Thai music playing. I love that they listened to that customer and are receptive to their customer's opinions. The staff are all so kind, attentive, and helpful.

Now, let's talk about their food, which is absolutely delicious, I must say.  I have returned numerous times for their lunch boxes, their dinners, and always try something new and I have not been disappointed once.

Bangkok Dumplings

We always start with some iced or hot green tea (be warned it's very hot) and some appetizers. We have tried the Chicken Satay and Bangkok dumplings and both have been excellent. The Chicken Satay is consistently good each time we go. It is juicy and not over cooked and you must put the peanut sauce on it. You will thank me later.

Chicken with Sweet and Sour Sauce

Each of the chicken dishes, and I have had several, come with a nicely blended sauce that is not too overwhelming and not at all salty, which is great because many Asian restaurants will over use salt.

Bangkok Boulevard's sauces are just right.

Duck Noodle Soup

I never had duck soup before and I was intrigued one afternoon for lunch when I couldn't decide what to get. There are so many choices, so I just randomly picked the first thing I saw. I wasn't disappointed. If you like duck, you definitely need to have this soup, but I recommend it on a nice cold day in the fall and winter.

Beef with Macadamia in a crispy house made tortilla shell.

One of our dinner guests enjoyed this Beef with Macadamia. He describes it as a "Thai enchilada without the guilt." Whatever that may mean, but he thoroughly enjoyed it and enjoyed breaking the crispy shell and dipping it into all our sauces.

Lunch Box with Chicken and Peanut Sauce

As shown above, their lunch boxes are reasonably price and you get a lot of food. You will receive a salad with peanut sauce, 2 spring rolls, rice, and your entree of choice. I ordered chicken with peanut sauce for this lunch special and I loved it.

Bangkok Fried Rice

I love fried rice, so I naturally ordered it and this one comes with currents, baby corn, peas, and eggs. It was one of the best fried rices I had in a while.

I am so happy this place is in Hamden. I highly recommend trying Bangkok Boulevard, it has a great atmosphere, wonderful and attentive service, and the food is delicious and fresh. 

One quick note is that Mikro is their neighbor, so as you might imagine, parking in the front is not an option unless its lunch time. But there is plenty of parking in the back.

Bangkok Boulevard is located at 3000 Whitney Ave, Hamden, CT. You can call them at (203)288-9998 and visit their website for their full menu: http://www.bangkok-blvd.com/

Also, if you check-in using the Yelp app you will receive 10% off your meal, just show them when you are finished with your meal.

Taste Hamden, CT

Update: Now closed as of October 2016

If you haven't been to Taste, then you have done a disservice to yourself and your country, just kidding, but no serious you are missing out.

Taste is exceptional and on the border of Hamden. I consider it a part of Hamden, but technically it is in North Haven. It's right next to the Dairy Queen on Whitney Avenue. So, I claim it as ours. +1 for Hamden.

The restaurant has a large dining and bar area. It's a beautiful restaurant and a large patio outside to sit in during the summer, fall, and spring. If you smoke cigars, the owner has a variety of cigars to choose from and you can smoke it on the patio.

The menu is filled with options for everyone. My go to entrees for dinner are the hanger steak and chicken dishes.  The chicken dish is a roasted chicken breast with spaghetti squash, haricot verts, and smoke almond-parsely pesto. The hanger steak comes with gorgonzola mashpotatoes, roasted pepper relish and chimichurri sauce.

Pork Potstickers

Buffalo Shrimp

jicama slaw, gorgonzola, radicchio

We always start with my two favorite appetizers: the potstickers and the shrimp bowls.

Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Kobe Burger with Fries

For lunch I have gotten the crispy chicken sandwich and it's one of the best sandwiches I have had in town by far. The slice of chicken is thick and moist and the red cabbage and sauce all just melts in your mouth.

I can't say enough good things about Taste. If you haven't tried it, you must and for those of you who have tried it, am I right? Isn't it a blessing?

Visit Taste at 1995 Whitney Ave, North Haven, CT 06473. They are open every day except Sunday. Visit their website at: http://www.tasteonwhitney.com/

Midori in Hamden - Korean and Japanese

Chicken Ramen Soup

Midori Restaurant is located in Hamden on Whitney Avenue, next door to Everyday Gourmet and Mikro. Though, it's small in size, don't let that fool you, it has a big menu of delicious Japanese and Korean food.

The couple who own the restaurant are so sweet, friendly, and are always smiling. As soon as you walk in you feel at ease and comfortable.

I have been there several times for lunch and dinner and I have ordered quite a bit of different items from the menu.

For appetizers I recommend either the Chicken Gang Jung or the Bimbim Mandoo. The best way I can describe Chicken Gang Jung are like little spicy chicken nuggets and they are delicious. The Bimbim Mandoo are dumplings with fried pork that have a spicy kick. Want something not spicy? I recommend their handmade spring rolls (they are not fried) and filled of veggies.

For entrees I have ordered the Midori Udon soup. This is not like any typical soup at a restaurant, this can feed a small army and I naturally I ate it all and was full the entire day. It was so delicious. It has udon noodles and an array of vegetables like bok choy and ginger. I had a terrible cold one day and stopped by to pick this up to go and it was exactly what I needed.

My partner got the Beef Bolgogi, as shown in the below photos, which is marinated steak with onions. Bolgogi is one of my favorite entrees to get, you must try it, you won't regret the tender and marinated meat. All entrees come with either salad or miso soup.

My go to is the Chicken Ramen soup, which is one of their specialties and it is delicious.

They have great sushi and lunch specials. If you haven't tried it, please stop by, it's a hidden gem in Hamden. 

Midori Restaurant

3000 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, Connecticut 06518

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/midorirestaurant 

Le Petit Gourmet - Hamden, CT

On a beautiful sunny afternoon we took a stroll on Whitney Avenue and stopped in at Le Petit Gourmet in Hamden, CT.

I am so glad we did because their sandwiches and service was delightful. We were assisted by a sweet young lady behind the counter, who was helpful and had a sharp sense of humor and made us laugh.

Since then, Le Petit Gourmet has quickly become my favorite lunch and weekend brunch spot. It's a small cafe with about four large round tables. During spring, summer, and fall there is outdoor sitting. And on warm days we always opt to sit outside under the sun. If all their tables are filled, and during lunch time they usually are, there is seating next door at the bookstore.

Le Petit has cooked foods that they make fresh, and you will always find their daily specials, additionally, they have a menu of sandwiches, paninis, and soups. They have multiple specials everyday like curried chicken salads, quiche, or sweet ginger carrot soup and much more...like an assortment of pastries, cakes, and cookies.

My current favorite is their magic bar. I always start my lunch with it. I know, I know, but you only live once, unless your a Buddhist, and if that's the case, you will over and over again.

For lunch, our go to is randomly choosing something from the specials because you can never go wrong here and when we aren't feeling adventurous, we ordered our usual, the Southwestern panini - Grilled chicken, avocado and chipotle aioli.

And my partner in crime, or I should call him my partner in food, orders the oven roasted turkey breast, bacon, lettuce and cranberry mayo on a croissant. The cranberry mayo brought this sandwich to a whole other level.

While I visit often for lunch, I love going there for brunch. I have tried a few of their brunch specials, like this strawberry stuffed french toast.

But once again if I am not feeling adventurous, my go to is an omelet and you can choose your toppings, or I should say your own innards for the omelet, and a chocolate croissant.

I hope to see you there!

Location: 1231 Whitney Avenue Hamden, CT 203-230-3252

Visit Le Petit's site: http://www.le-petit-gourmet.com/ 
Like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Le-Petit-Gourmet/111415325543875

Enzo's Place

Update: Now closed as of October 2013

A new cafe opened in Hamden a few weeks ago on Whitney Avenue, Enzo's Place, right across the street from Dunkin Donuts. 

They offer breakfast sandwiches, paninis, hot subs, salads, stuffed breads, pizza, and the list goes on.

On Saturday afternoon when I stopped in, it was Enzo in the back cooking and preparing food, fresh potato salads awaiting, and his two sons behind the counter. They are all super friendly, inviting , and helpful, describing each sandwhich for us and giving recommendations.

Everything sounds and looks so good, its hard to make a choice. My personal favorite right now is the chicken cutlet with eggplant and the california panini, and I have them add mozzerella cheese to it, and its devine.

That Saturday I tried the California panini, which is turkey, bacon, roasted red peppers and avocado, as shown in my photo below.

Here is the Chicken cutlet panini with their homemade pesto, which is amazing.

I couldn't help myself and had to get the m&m brownie and it was totally worth it!

Stop by Enzo's Place and visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Enzos-Place-Cafe-Catering/220668004725595?ref=ts&fref=ts