Click here to watch Chef Albert Clugston III cooking Roman Easter Soup on Fox CT Morning News

Click on the Picture to Watch Video

Recipe for Roman Easter Soup
List of Ingredients
Cayenne to taste
Sweet Onions (2)
Garlic (2) Cloves
Oregano to taste
Crushed Red pepper to taste
Salt & pepper
Egg Whites
White Beans (6-8) cups cooked
Escarole (1 Bunch)
Chicken Stock 1 Gallon
Crostini (2 per order)

Directions: Chop the onions & garlic, sweat them with olive oil
Add in the herbs & spices, S&P to taste
Add in chicken stock and bring to a simmer
Add in white beans, parmesan, bring to boil
Slowly fold in egg while boiling
add washed escarole
simmer until escarole is tender
garnish with crostini and serve

Chef Albert Clugston III will be appearing on Fox CT Morning news on Friday April 6th at 9am.  He will be cooking a special Roman Easter Soup.  Be sure to watch!

Recipe for Roman Easter Soup

List of Ingredients

Cayenne to taste

Sweet Onions (2)

Garlic (2) Cloves

Oregano to taste

Crushed Red pepper to taste

Salt & pepper

Egg Whites

White Beans (6-8) cups cooked

Escarole (1 Bunch)

Chicken Stock 1 Gallon

Crostini (2 per order)

Directions: Chop the onions & garlic, sweat them with olive oil

Add in the herbs & spices, S&P to taste

Add in chicken stock and bring to a simmer

Add in white beans, parmesan, bring to boil

Slowly fold in egg while boiling

Add washed escarole

Simmer until escarole is tender

Garnish with crostini and serve

Roman Easter Soup

The Litchfield Saltwater Grille will be serving a special ala carte brunch menu as well as a special dinner menu this Easter Sunday April 8^th.  Brunch will be available starting at 11am until 2:30pm.  Favorite brunch items include: Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict with a Caper Hollandaise Sauce or a Ham & Cheddar Monte Cristo Sandwich.  Mimosa’s, Bloody Mary’s, and festive cocktails will be served in addition to our Harney & Son’s Specialty Tea List.  For kids under 12 years old Pancakes, French Toast, and our regular kids menu will be served.

 A special dinner menu will be served featuring Spring dishes:  French Bone Prime Smoked Pork Chops with a Pineapple Rum Raisin Chutney, Lobster Scampi, and Panko Fried Goat Cheese with Baby Arugula and a Strawberry Salsa as an appetizer.  Chef Albert Clugston III will be making his own twist on the holidays Roman Easter Soup with Escarole, White Beans, and Egg drops.  Dinner is available all day from 11am until 9pm.  Be sure to save room for dessert: Frozen Grasshopper Pie, Chocolate Mousse, and Almond Joy Pie (Chocolate Ganache & Coconut Filling). 

Call 860-567-4900 to make your reservations.

View the complete Easter Brunch menu here…

View the complete Easter Dinner menu here…

On Saturday, March 17^th at 1pm we will be hosting a “Beer Pairing Luncheon.”  $35 per person includes five courses paired with four beers.  On draft: Guinness Stout & Harp Lager.  In Bottles: Magners Hard Irish Cider & Smithwicks Irish Red Ale.  Some of the dishes include: “Harp Lager Battered Shrimp with a Sweet Pea & Mint Remoulade” and “Malt Vinegar Braised Pork Shoulder Slider with Horseradish Cream and Cheddar.”  Call 860-567-4900 for reservations.

Stop by the grille for your fill of Homemade Irish Soda Bread and Corned Beef & Cabbage being served all weekend long.  We will also be serving St. Patty’s Inspired Cocktails.  Try a Shamrock Shake with Baileys, Kahlua, Irish Mist, Cream, and Green Crème de Menthe.  Or try a traditional Jameson Irish Coffee.

May the luck of the Irish be with you. Happy St. Patty’s Day!

It’s a new season, so our mixologists have been hard at work creating new and tasty concoctions for our guests. We’re excited to reveal the latest additions to our cocktail menu:

Cider Rum Punch Myers Dark Rum, Apple Cider, Dash of Bitters, Home made Thyme Simple Syrup, Splash of Lemon Juice, Club Soda, served on the Rocks, Garnished with a Sprig of Thyme, Apple Slice.

Vanilla Pear Vodka Cocktail Absolut Vanilla, Splash of Vanilla, lots of Pear Juice, Served on the Rocks with a Sugared Rim.

Baltimore Bang Apricot Juice, Bourbon, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, on the rocks, Orange Twist.

Baltimore Bang

Salty Dog

Sunny Cocktails for Snowy Days…

Salty Dog Ketel Vodka, Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice, On the rocks, Salted Rim.

French Gimlet, St-Germain Elderflower, Hendricks Gin, Fresh Lime Juice, Served Chilled straight up.

French Gimlet with St-Germain Elderflower

Cold Cocktails to Warm You Up…

Peppermint Russian  Iced Coffee, Kahlua, Bailey’s, Peppermint Schnapps, on the Rocks.

Coco Rum Iced Coffee Coconut Milk, Malibu, Iced Coffee, Whipped Cream.

All Winter Cocktails are $6 during Happy Hour

With 2012 upon us already it’s a perfect time to explore some of the great wines that have been recently released. Most of these wines you can find available at a good quality Wine Merchants shop or your favorite on line Wine shopping site. Some are everyday wines and some for that special occasion. Here at The Litchfield Saltwater Grille we painstakingly take it upon ourselves to update our wine list as often as necessary. This takes long hours of reading, learning, drinking, eating and living wine, and we are happy to do it for you. The list I am recommending for you to try will all be available at the Grille to be enjoyed all winter long, maybe with a gourmet dinner by our fireplace or maybe with a few dozen Blue Point Oysters at our Lounge Bar. Whatever way you choose, if you start the New Year out by enjoying some of these fine offerings I’m sure you will be on your way to a fantastic year.

#1… Louis Roederer, Brut Premier N/V…What better way to start then with one of France’s best and moderate priced Champagnes? This bright and juicy celebration beverage is ripe with apple blossoms, pears, spices and herbs, while offering a perfect texture, overall balance and wonderful lasting finish. The Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator Magazine both gave this wine a 92 rating.

#2…Concannon, Conservancy, Crimson and Clover…2009

  After 18 months in the barrel this blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah & Syrah, bursts with flavors of Vanilla & Blackberry along with aromas of Currant and Clove. This is a great wine to pair with a dish of Grilled Artichokes, Smoked Trout or with your favorite Eggplant Casserole. Stock up on this one it’s going to be a long winter.

#3…Martin Ray, Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009

   As one of the pioneers in post prohibition wine country, Martin Ray is still producing some of California’s best priced wines. This full bodied, lush, intense cabernet just oozes with smoky vanilla and rich fruit. A perfect match for any cold New England night, nestled by the fire along with a warm pasta dinner.

#4…Terrabianca Campaccio, Tuscano 2007

   Always a producer of great wines, this 2007 blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect balance of ripe fruit and licorice with a light leather aroma. All with a succulent dark structure that will keep drinking well for at least 10 years or more. Another 92 point wine from the Wine Advocate, plus this was the number 36 wine of the year in the top 100 wines from the Wine Spectator Magazine.

#5…Balletto Vineyards Pinot Gris 2009 Russian River Valley

    Just a little west of Sebastopol in Sonoma County this wonderful vineyard with its cool summer nights and foggy mornings produces wines of great depth and distinction that can only be found along the Russian River Valley. The 2009 shows good texture and structure along with a crisp fruity finish. A real mouthful of wine not often tasted among similar priced Pinot Gris from California.

Albe and Daryl Galotta with Balletto wine maker

 #6… Heitz Napa Valley 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon

    Heitz has long been one of the premier wineries of the Napa Valley. This 100% Cabernet is bursting with Chocolate, Dark Cherry, Red raspberry, and spices. This is an intense powerful wine that will always goes great alongside a Standing Rib Roast and a table full of family and friends. What more could you ask for from the fair priced high end wine.

Albe at Heitz

Heitz Napa

   I hope you get to enjoy some of these fun, exciting and affordable selections in the coming months. And please always check The Litchfield Saltwater Grille Wine List for new and special wines.

 Chef, Cellar Master and Blogger…… ALBE GALOTTA

If you are like me you still have a few more things left on your “holiday to do list” and this weekend is the time to finish it. So instead of taking another trip to the mall why not spend a relaxing day in Litchfield?  The cobblestone courtyards, cheerfully decorated shops, and sparkling tree up on the green will be sure to put you in a festive holiday spirit.  In between shopping stop at The Litchfield Saltwater Grille to enjoy a special prix fixe lunch.  Then later in the evening meet back at the Saltwater Grille for live music, dinner, and drinks.  Here is a list of unique gift ideas and Litchfield shops for you to explore this weekend…

Flora & Fauna of Litchfield 10 South Street  Litchfield 

This is such a cute shop that is so “Litchfield.”  My favorites include: Organic Lavender Dead Sea Mineral Salt Scrub and the flavored rose petal sugar cubes.  You are sure to find some very interesting gifts at Flora & Fauna.

Sunset Meadow Vineyards  599 Old Middle Street  Route 63, Goshen

SMV is the perfect place to pick up some wines for your special holiday dinner. This is a great place to shop because you can actually taste the wines before you make a purchase in their beautiful tasting room! Serve the SMV Riesling as an aperitif with hors d’oeuvres, Mom’s famous honey glazed ham with SMV Riesling, SMV Merlot with your roast turkey, and Midnight Ice dessert wine with panettone for dessert. Of course they also have all sorts of unique wine themed gifts great for stocking stuffers, co-workers, and friends. 

Arethusa Farm Dairy Creamery in Bantam  Route 202, Bantam

Arethusa creamery was a regular stop for me in the summertime but did you know they make eggnog?  This is not just any eggnog.  It comes is a collectable glass container perfect for gift giving and is just about as farm fresh as you can possibly get.  You will definitely want to pick up quite a few bottles to use as gifts and to serve at your own holiday table.

The Kitchenworks & Gourmet Gifts   23 West St,  Litchfield

I read a blog today about this great do it yourself gift idea to dress up kitchen towels with a cool fabric trim but I think it is a little late for that.  We have 8 shopping days left folks!  I have purchased quite a few great last minute gifts at Kitchenworks over the years. I bought an awesome slate cheese board with matching coasters and cheese knives for my brother and his girlfriend and my husband a bamboo cutting board.  They also have tons of cookbooks and cool kitchen gadgets.  The best part is they do beautiful gift wrapping at no extra charge.

The Litchfield Hills Wine Market  8 Village Green Dr  Litchfield

The selection at The Litchfield Hills Wine Market is huge and eclectic.  You can find fun affordable brand’s such as Cupcake, perfect for your holiday office swap.  Big name California Cab’s like: Nickel & Nickel, Caymus, and Chateau Montelena for the wine connoisseur on your list.  And wine accessories to dress up your at home holiday gathering.

Plan ahead for this weekend and call 860-567-4900 to make your reservations for a special holiday lunch at The Litchfield Saltwater Grille. For $23 enjoy our “Eat, Drink, & Be Merry Prix Fixe.”  Start with either shrimp cocktail, oysters or clams on the half shell followed by a special salad or soup, and a choice of three seasonal entrees.  View the complete menu here…

Pick up a toy from Mother Goose Toy Shop in the plaza next to The Saltwater Grille to donate to the SWG’s 5^th annual holiday toy drive for the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

Later in the evening head back to the Grille for some live holiday music by the fire accompanied by a warm winter cocktail.  Snack on some light appetizers or reserve a table in the dining room for dinner.

From our family to yours The Litchfield Saltwater Grille wishes you all a very happy, healthy, holiday season.

This “Very Special Holiday List” is brought to you by Brett Clugston, The Litchfield Saltwater Grille

Chef Albert is still busy putting the final touches and last minute changes on the Christmas Eve Menu but in the meantime here is a sneak peak at some items that will be featured as well as wine pairing suggestions.

Appetizer: Honey Glazed Ham & Pineapple Skewers with a Red Pepper and Maraschino Cherry Relish

Wine Pick 2009 Domaine Sainte-Eugenie Rose Corbieres France

These honey glazed ham skewers will be a perfect appetizer to share with the whole family.  Since Rose is a classic pairing for the Christmas Ham I choose 2009 Domaine Sainte-Eugenie Rose Corbieres France as the first wine pairing.  American Rose’s can be on the sweeter side so when shopping for a dry Rose keep your eye out for the Corbieres region in France.  Corbieres produces mostly red and rose wines and the main grape varietal used is Carignan.  A light Pinot Noir would pair nicely as well but what better occasion to enjoy a festive pink wine then the holidays?

Entrée: Brick Pressed Cornish Game Hen, Red Currant Pan Jus, Caramelized Endive, Glazed Carrots

I love Cornish Game Hen and this dish just sounds so wintry, perfect for my Christmas Eve dinner by the fire.  Cornish Game Hen is very delicate and requires a wine that will not overpower it.  I am actually torn here between two amazing wines. 

#1 Wine Pick 2005 Breggo Pinot Noir Anderson Valley

Breggo is the antithesis of a fruit bomb California Pinot Noir.  Smokey, earthy, tones with tons texture, followed by a velvety finish.  Anderson Valley wines can be really great hidden gems because they don’t carry all the hype that Napa & Sonoma wines do. 

#2 Wine Pick 2003 Bonny Doony Le Cigare Volant Red Wine California

I just can’t seem to get away from recommending Randall Grahm wines.  Le Cigare Volant is a Rhone blend (mostly Syrah, Grenache, & Mourvedre).  It’s going to be edgy, have great tannins, and lot’s of character.  The root vegetables and the red currants will bring out all the little nuances expressed in this very cool wine.

Randall Grahm with 2003 Bonny Doony Le Cigare Volant Red Wine California

Entrée: Paella Stuffed Lobster, Mussels, Clams, Scallops, Shrimp, Chorizo, Chicken, Garlic Lemon Butter

Wine Pick 2006 Corey Creek Gewurztraminer North Fork of Long Island

Gewurztraminer is my favorite winter white wine. It usually pairs well with unique ethic flavors and spices.  The saffron, spicy Chorizo, garlic, and juicy lobster meat are going to be so delicious with this Gewurztraminer.  And the best part is it’s local: North Fork Long Island. 

Check out the entire Saltwater Grille wine list here to plan your special Christmas Eve wines…

Article by Brett Clugston, Saltwater Grille Sommelier

Tip: Shopping for wines for the holiday? Our favorite local wine store: Litchfield Hills Wine Market.  Check it out here…