Greenwich, Connecticut…the land of hedge funders and conspicuous consumption.
I grew up in the area and my father’s business was in the toney town.
The wealth was always pervasive yet unspoken.
Now people carry billboards advertising their nouveau riche status.
It used to be a charming little hamlet. Now The Avenue is a minnie Madison Avenue.
Whatever, it’s still home.
Recently, I picked up Queen E. for a Saturday night date, taking on the new Geoffrey Zakarian restaurant on Greenwich Avenue, The National.
The 85-seater is an elegant and charming American cafe serving seasonal ingredients and craft cocktails.
We started with martinis and Prosecco. The restaurant carried Chopin so it was a good beginning ($14).
David and I shared oysters from Massachusetts. They were sweet and fresh ($15).
My mother and I shared the wood-roasted Organic Amish Chicken with Bibb lettuce which was tender and flavorful. The portion was large and after we split the dish there was enough for another meal…Queen E. loves leftovers ($21).
David ordered the fresh Spaghetti with jumbo lump crab, ramps and crispy shallots ($29). It was delectable.
The Crispy Parmesan Crusted Potatoes were outstanding ($10).
My mom loves bread and they charge by the slice ($1.50). Bet the authentic Greenwichites will have something to say about that.
We ended the meal with Sticky Toffee Pudding with raspberries, candied walnuts and mascarpone ice cream ($11).
Our server, Christopher, was otherwise engaged. His jacket was noticeably frayed…perhaps a suburban fashion statement.
The National is owned by celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian who previously lived in Greenwich.
Greenwich is a wonderful day trip from NYC. I can drive there from the upper west side in 40 minutes.
Spend the day at beautiful and serene Tod’s Point or shopping on The Avenue and then dine at The National. The ‘burbs can be lovely…just never want to live there again.
The National 376 Greenwich Avenue Greenwich, Connecticut Open for Dinner Monday 5-10pm, Tuesday-Saturday 5-11pm, Sunday 5-10pm. Lunch Monday-Saturday 11:30am-3pm, Brunch Sunday 10am-3pm. Afternoon Menu Daily 3-5pm, Late Night Thursday 11pm-12am, Friday & Saturday 11pm-1am. Reservations on OpenTable.com
