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June 15, 2006
At Spinning Wheel, good food, music is all around
By Stephanie Janucik
One of the best memories I have from turning that magic age of 21 is sitting in the basement of an old club in New York City, sipping a Cosmopolitan and watching a jazz band just inches from my chair. There was something classic about the atmosphere: the smoke trailing through the air; the harmonious voice of the singer; the enthusiasm apparent around the room.
While you can easily run off the names of jazz clubs, among many other fun places in New York City, unfortunately the same isn't true for Connecticut. Besides cafes tucked in here and there, it's hard to find a decent place to enjoy some music without losing your voice from shouting because the music is too loud and the place too packed.
But I recently discovered a place where relaxing while grooving is possible (and they don't pack you in like rats). On a rainy Friday just after dinner, my boyfriend and I got in the car and headed to the Spinning Wheel Inn in Redding Ridge (107 Route 58; 938-2511). Late last month the inn began hosting its "Friday Finale," a night filled with scrumptious desserts, unique drinks and live entertainment. After a ride that was much more bearable — and beautiful — than anticipated (it's only about 15 minutes off the highway), I walked into a house that had been turned into a charming, rustic inn. The cozy atmosphere pulled me in and immediately I felt like I was on vacation in the country.
We were seated at a table near a window by one of the friendliest hostesses I've ever come across. (The outside patio was still wet from the rain earlier.) I was immediately diverted toward the stage, where music by Peter Randazzo & Friends (one of the many acts to be featured at the inn) captured my interest. The music had my full attention — until I saw the dessert cart.
The Spinning Wheel Inn's "Tableside Delights" are desserts prepared at your table. We ordered the Bananas Foster (fresh bananas flambed with brandy, crme de banana and brown sugar, served with vanilla ice cream; $15) and watched as one of the inn's chefs worked with fruit and flames from table to table. And I just had to try the inn's specialty, a Godiva Chocolate Martini ($8), which was served in a white chocolate-rimmed glass. It tasted just as good as it sounds.
As the lights dimmed and the candles glowed, couples began to make their way onto the dance floor, where they encouraged others to get up to dance as well. (Don't be discouraged; there were plenty of singles there, too). I, however, was having my fun trying all the delicious treats at our table. Though we may have gone a bit overboard, we also tried the Chocolate Decadent Lava Cake ($9) with the Spinning Wheel Coffee (Kahlua, Bailey's and Crme Cacao; $7). We had to stop ourselves from ordering anything else, but I was really tempted when I saw the Campside S'mores ($6 per person), cappuccino latte mousse cake ($9) and grappa tiramisu with mango puree ($9). Whether you're up to try some amazing desserts, fun cocktails, or maybe even dance (ballroom style), I'd recommend visiting the Spinning Wheel Inn, especially with performers such as Nicole Pasternak & Michael Capolla, Rob Fried and Friends, and 150 RPM (electric/acoustic trio) scheduled for this month and next. I'm looking forward to visiting the outside patio with the nicer weather here. For more information, or to view the menu online, visit www.spinningwheelinn-ct.com.
Posted by getout on June 15, 2006 11:56 AM
