If you’re a fan of Arturo “Franco” and Suzette Franco-Camacho—and if you’re a lover of great food you should be—then Beach + Barn Bar & Bistro in Branford is beckoning to you.
Yes, you! Because despite being among Greater New Haven’s most beloved and popular restaurateurs, the Franco-Camachos have struggled to find the concept to draw a broader Branford audience.
They may have it this time. After closing for a few days over Christmas break for remodeling, they have reopened with a more open look to the space.
This back room had a party earlier in the evening whose privacy I respected.
There was still a nice bar area where solo dinners like to eat.
The offerings might be described as a Franco’s greatest hits menu, with a bit of something for all price points.
There’s also an intelligent and accessible drinks list.
But neither I nor my dining companion, Carrol, were drinking this particular evening.
On this occasion, we were all about the food. We started with an incredible smoky seafood chowder that was just loaded with fruits de mer.
We moved on to an equally loaded Cubano panino made with bread from Hamden’s Bread & Chocolate Bakery,
which you see here in close-up
along with housemade chips (for which we requested a side of chipotle sauce—it was a great combination).
We then enjoyed a superb all-natural veal chop in a garlic-rosemary sauce served with a chorizo-Brussels sprouts hash.
And finally, there was an individual Key lime and white chocolate cheesecake.
Of course, Seawich Sandwich Shop still offers great sandwiches, soups, salads and the like in the same space at lunchtime. But visit Beach + Barn in the evening and see if you enjoy Franco’s cooking as much as we did!
Beach + Barn Bar & Bistro, 1207 Main Street, Branford, 203-208-0736, www.beachandbarnbranford.com