Printer Friendly Version - Welcome Back!

The ambiance has always been part of the charm at the Monkey House, but until we can go back inside, they’re now offering curbside takeaway. Photo courtesy of the Monkey House

I was so worried when several of my favorite places to eat closed up after the pandemic hit. Now I’m thrilled to see many of them re-opening, after having given careful consideration to how to do so in the best way.

The Guilford Coffee House and the Madison Coffee House are now open and yes we missed you! Denise Harvey, who runs them with her husband Joe Harvey, says the plan is to open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. seven days a week, at 1065 Boston Post Road, Guilford and in the courtyard at 724 Boston Post Road, Madison. Once they get that down, they say, they’ll start to offer dinners on Fridays and Saturdays, including my most favorite of all, Latin Night, featuring street tacos, burritos, and pupusas. They’ll also be offering fresh roasted coffee by the pound and fraps. And they have an app. Follow them on Facebook or visit them on the web.

If you’ve missed the lobster grilled cheeses at The Monkey Farm, 571 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, you’re in luck. They’re back up and offering curbside as well. And Happy 52nd Birthday to you, Monkey Farm! Here’s to many, many more. Find out more at www.themonkeyfarmcafe.com/menu.

And my friend Deb and I will soon be going to River Tavern, 23 Main Street, Chester, and we’ll sit in our respective cars, parked near to each other, and enjoy our faves, the guacamole for me and Toshi’s date pudding with caramel run sauce and whipped cream for her. River Tavern’s down-the-street sister, Otto Pizza, is re-opening as well for curbside pickup. Call 860-526-9417 or visit RiverTavernRestaurant.com, or 860-526-9445 and www.ottochester.com for Otto.

And, welcome back, too to Savour Café and Bakery, 90 Main Street, Centerbrook! The shop is posting a daily menu page and you can place orders for its memorable cakes. Call 860-662-4438 or visit www.thesavourcafe.com for more information.

And please, let’s keep the hard working people in these places safe. Wear a mask. Be patient. Call first. Follow the guidelines on social distancing. Be kind and understanding as we all work towards what’s next.

Want breakfast of lunch? Madison Coffee House and Guilford Coffee House are now offering both. Photo courtesy of the Madison Coffee House

River Tavern is back open and offering a salad of local Asian greens with cashews, apples, scallions, sesame seeds, and a ginger miso dressing, along with main courses. Or just skip right to dessert and check out Toshi’s famous date pudding. Photo courtesy of River Tavern

Savour Café and Bakery also is offering food to go, including their quiche specials. Photo courtesy of Savour Café