Mystic Gourmet: Coastal Connecticut Gourmet in Mystic County

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By the end of the day after visiting Mystic, Connecticut's many attractions, wholesome New England fare offers the prospect of dinner.

If an excellent prime rib at $20 for the entree with mashed potatoes sounds appealing, head through Mystic, cross the bridge over the Mystic River, and turn down Water Street to the Captain Daniel Packer Inne.

Captain Daniel Packer, skipper of square-rigged ships, built the inn in 1756. He operated the inn as a place for travelers from New York to Boston to dine and rest the night. The captain would ferry his guests, their horses, and their wagons across the river the next morning on his rope ferry. The Packer family operated the Inn until 1979, when the Kiley family bought the property and undertook a 4-year renovation.

An original large stone fireplace radiates warmth in the colonial pub where grog and meals can be had and the informal atmosphere enjoyed at street level overlooking the river. Upstairs, a fire in another original stone hearth warms the dining room. Fine fare is served on oft tilting floors that make the ancient building a gem.

The inn features certified Angus beef, imported lamb, free-range chicken, and fresh seafood. Wine is about $7 a glass. If the prime rib special does not suit you, then entrees including scallops Nantucket, yellowfin tuna, baked salmon, or roasted half duck are on the menu.

For contemporary cuisine, try Bravo Bravo on East Main Street. The restaurant is in the Mariner’s Inn building. Window tables overlook the intersection of East Main and Holmes streets where a ship’s mast forms the round about. From window tables diners can see ships’ masts pass along the mystic River while enjoying a glass of wine. Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Shiraz, or Pinot Noir by the glass cost $7.50 or about $40 a bottle. Relaxed dining includes many specials.

Servers memorize the long list and many offer temptations although the menu includes a wonderful selection of shrimp, mussels, and even shiitake and button mushroom bruchetta. Entrees of crab cakes in lobster olive sauce, champagne risotto with asparagus, and the special filet mignon with a glaze and cheese sauce served with mashed potatoes, salmon and even seafood stew are on the bill of fare.

Bravo Bravo serves a breadbasket that includes hot assortment of breads with a puree of white bean and peppers, olive oil and imported olives. Don’t eat too much bread or there won’t be room for dessert.

Home made dessert temptations at $7.50, consist of tiramisu, chocolate truffle, and fresh fruit tortes. Tables are lit with small candles and candles are set on shelves around the dining room to make Bravo Bravo a warm, cordial place to dine.

Learn about the lore and heritage of the land and its people. Step back in time and enjoy a foray into Indian country. Gamble if you like at nearby Foxwoods Casino Resort, owned by the Pequot Nation, but don’t miss the boats, at Mystic Seaport, the aquarium, or the many other interesting sights and delicious food all served with New England hospitality.

Telephone Numbers and Web Addresses:

Mystic County Connecticut: 800-863-6569
Web site: Mysticcountry.com

Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center: 800-411-9671
Web site: Pequotmuseum.org

Foxwoods Resort Casino: 800-752-9244
Web site: Foxwoods.com

Mystic Seaport: 888-973-2767
Web site: Mysticseaport.org

Mystic Aquarium: 860-572-5955
Website: Mysticaquarium.org

The Inn at Lower Farm B&B: 866-535-9075
Web site: Lowerfarm.com

Captain Daniel Packer Inne: 860-536-3555
Web site: Danielpacker.com

Bravo Bravo: 860-536-3228
Web site: Bravobravoct.com