There’s no denying that the Lakeville section of Salisbury is a long drive from just about anywhere in Connecticut, but what a lovely drive it is—with quaint towns, antique stores, tree-lined ridges and waterfalls. Never mind peaceful Lake Wononskopomuc.
If you are searching for fine dining, this time of year you may find it dark when you arrive at your destination,
as we did when we finally reached The Woodland Restaurant.
But we found the restaurant warm and welcoming the moment we set our feet inside,
the dining room full of happy diners (this photograph was taken late in the evening),
as was the lounge (ditto).
Inside, we found a historic map of Salisbury,
as well as maps of California wine regions that revealed the owners’ love affair with fine wines.
From the several-page-long wine list, one friend ordered a glass of Viura
while the other shared a bottle of Spanish red wine with me.
We also liked the fact that our waitress left a full carafe of water at our table. We would never lack for liquid refreshment.
Great rolls
and fancy butter
got us off to a great start. That start only improved as we learned that the Woodland has its own sushi chef. And judging by this hot girl roll
and the unusual special Woodland roll (Cajun tuna, smoked salmon, sprouts),
he knows what he’s doing.
Somehow in the same vein, we enjoyed a refreshing steak tartare appetizer,
which is also available as an entrée. From this cute salt and pepper duo,
we applied a little salt to this tagliatelle with wild mushroom, thyme and Parmigiano-Reggiano
and a little pepper to this Asian-style spinach salad with enoki mushrooms.
Our final appetizer was a charred filet of beef with ginger dipping sauce.
Our entrées included this veal chop,
BBQ spare ribs and their accompaniments,
and finally, sesame seared tuna with spicy aïoli and baby bok choy.
We had saved just enough room for dessert. First, we ordered our usual drinks: decaffeinated coffee,
cappuccino
and tea.
Our desserts included pecan pie,
coconut cream pie
and bananas Foster,
After we finished, we decided it was a good thing that The Woodland was so far away; otherwise, we wouldn’t be able to resist it.
The Woodland Restaurant, 192 Sharon Road, Lakeville, 860-435-0578, www.thewoodlandrestaurant.com