The town of Trumbull, rarely mentioned as a culinary hotbed, has shown real improvement in its dining options of late, paralleling the strides made by a town like Bristol. Three additions of note are Parallel Post in the Trumbull Marriott, Prime One Eleven and Parker Steaks & Scotch, a sibling of Parker Eatery & Bar in Stratford.
A winter storm that closed many schools (and restaurants) had lost enough steam by evening so that I and my restless companions braved the elements to try out Parker Steaks & Scotch, which we mostly liked.
I couldn’t help thinking, as I entered the restaurant, that a cow divided against itself cannot stand.
The restaurant was attractive in a contemporary way. The bar area lay to the left of the entrance,
with some tall tables by the windows.
The dining area lay straight ahead,
where there were a few other customers who had ventured out onto the icy streets.
The banquettes could have used a little cushioning.
While the restaurant’s commitment to wine was obvious,
the wine list was a bit annoying, lumping wines by the bottle and glass together in a manner that obscured more than enlightened.
Nevertheless, my companions and I were soon quaffing a nice Argentinean Malbec.
There was also a nice list of single malts, bourbons, Irish whiskeys, blends and craft beers,
including three beers from Lagunitas in Petaluma, California, whence I just returned from visiting my brother’s recently purchased cattle ranch.
Of course, good beef is what a steakhouse is all about. But there were plenty of other nice foods available as well. We began with housemade focaccia
and a white bean hummus
(but no Parker House rolls). Both the Caesar salad
and the pear salad
were bright and fresh. The macaroni and cheese was a huge rich serving,
the pasta tubes curiously stacked on end.
But let’s get to the main courses. One friend ordered a huge slab of prime rib,
which came with asparagus, mashed potatoes
and beef jus.
Another friend ordered the rib-eye steak,
which came with frizzled onion,
mashed potatoes, beef jus and Brussels sprouts.
I ordered the porterhouse,
which came with mashed potato.
And then there were the desserts! Presented by the friendly staff were a lemon meringue dessert,
a banana cream pie
and a coconut carrot cake.
Coffee
and cappuccinos
were ideal accompaniment.
Yes, Parker Steaks & Scotch is a welcome addition to Trumbull. But we wouldn’t want to find our favorite table taken, so don’t tell anyone!
Parker Steaks & Scotch, 921 White Plains Road, Trumbull, 203-590-3400, www.parkereatery.com