Gather55 is a Hands-On Hartford initiative that is part of its commitment to serving neighbors,…read moreengaging volunteers, and connecting communities in the Hartford area. Diners may participate by paying the full posted price of the meals or a minimum price of three dollars, or they may choose to volunteer with Hands-On Hartford. Additionally, the chefs are rotated every month to give back to the community. Gather 55 has a pre-fix menu, and you get an appetizer, main course, and dessert for fifty-five dollars. I ordered the Milanese Pork Chop with Arugula. It also came with grilled lemon. The Pork Chop was beautifully cooked and had great flavor. The Pork Chop was crispy and not overcooked. The grilled Lemon brought the Pork Chop to another level. The grilled lemon gave the pork chops a nice pop and brought more flavor out of the pork chops. The Argula was cooked to perfection. It tasted great, and you could tell that the grilled Lemon was squeezed into the Argula while it was cooking. The food was fabulous. The customer service was too notch, and I will be back again.

"Come gather 'round people Wherever you roam…read moreAnd admit that the waters Around you have grown" (Bob Dylan) It's part community center, part soup kitchen, and part high end restaurant. In addition, it's unlike any restaurant I've ever been to. My first visit to Gather55 wasn't my first visit to the building, because back in the early '90's I was here during its Spaghetti Warehouse and Trout Brook Brewery days. Gather55 is so unusual because of its innovative and visionary business model. For breakfast and lunch, it opens the doors to the underprivileges or those struggling within the community for "pay what you can" meals. Those that have zero dollars are assigned a task in the restaurant and working for a half hour or so will earn you a meal. In the evening, the white tablecloths come out and Gather55 becomes a high-end restaurant with weekly guest chefs, and the revenue raised from these pricey dinners subsidizes the breakfasts and lunches. Chef and Gather55 director Rob Mafucci does a great job explaining everything in this YouTube video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJHbwtuwnfc&t=138s Four of us had a memorable dinner at Gather55 last night. We started off with a few glasses of wine for around $10 a glass. The menu suggested pairings to go along with the evening's five appetizers and four entrees. The dishes were all created by different chefs including some heavy hitting familiar names like Chef Billy Grant and Chef Tyler Anderson. The appetizers were priced between $14-$18, the entrees between $28-$32, and the desserts were all $11. They also offer a 3 Course Prix Fixe Menu for $55 with your choice of salad or appetizer, entree, and dessert. Our appetizers were: Tom Yum Noodles $15 with chili paste, coconut milk, bok choy, bean sprout, Chinese cabbage, peanut, scallion, and lime Crispy Yucca Rellenos $14 (Vegetarian) Chef Jeremy Williams yucca, herbed cheese, aji verde sauce Kale Caesar Salad $14 with parmesan, lemon, and crispy garbanzos. Two of us went with the Tom Yum Noodles, including yours truly. It was a dish by this month's Guest Chef Lapat Watrous of Aroy Thai Garden in Middletown, and she created a helluva delicious starter. It was an amazing combination of tastes, textures and an amazing sauce that reminded me a lot of Panang Curry. Our main courses were: Salmon en Papillote $32 (GF) with potatoes, leeks, fresh herbs, cooked in parchment paper Stuffed Eggplant & Kale $28 with vadouvan, beans, tomato agrodulce, and fregola Pork Chop Milanese $29 with arugula, parmesan, lemon beurre blanc Lobster Ravioli ($18 from the appetizer menu) with tarragon mascarpone cream, and roasted hazelnuts. I had the eggplant dish and had to scurry to my phone to find out what some of the exotic ingredients were. I learned that vadouvan is a French spice blend, tomato agrodolce is an Italian sweet and sour sauce, and fregola is a teeny tiny pasta very similar to couscous. It was the creation of Chef Tim East of West Hartford's Union Kitchen, and it was delicious. The presentation was gorgeous, rollatini style spirals of eggplant topped with bits of kale, topped with the pasta and beans all swimming in a bed of fantastic tomato sauce. We had coffees and split two desserts - Chef Tyler Anderson's Brown Sugar Budino (an egg custard) with brown sugar, maple, and cocoa nibs, and Chef Kristin Eddy's Flourless Chocolate Torte with bourbon, orange, crème fraiche, and black pepper. I had a forkful of each, and they were both fantastic. You really have to tip your hat to Rob Maffucci and his talented group of collaborators for putting together such an innovative effort to serve the community and offer a wonderful dining experience. Thank you, Chef!

This is the kind of place you wish you had gone to with a crowd so you could sample more dishes…read more Everything was a delight. The Mahi Mahi tacos started with a strip of the meat rather than little chucks, so the fish could stand out as the foundation and not be lost in the excellent toppings. Generally, I am ready for the Brussel sprout fade to end - but please keep these on the menu. Excellent. The pumpkin-sweet potato bisque made with coconut milk was a treat for someone forced off of dairy by an allergy. The service was attentive and the restaurant attractive. Finally, we have found a place to go when we must overnight between DC and central Maine!

We arrived with a large group without reservations, kinda chose it on a whim, so we had to wait a…read morebit but it was fine, we were shortly accommodated. The place looked spacious and with a lot of light, it looked clean and they seemed to have a nice selection of wines (for those that like it) , they were displayed for people to see, which I thought looked very nice. I went to the restroom to wash my hands and I found it odd that there was only 1 restroom for the size of the restaurant. Our waiter was nice, he took our order and we were excited. The food took a VERY long time, we were starving, and we had kids with us so that wasn't good. Some of our orders were wrong and so unfortunately we had to wait even longer for the right meal. We didn't order alcohol but we did older a couple of mocktails. I was SUPER excited for them because that's something I always appreciate at a restaurant. I'm sad to say that they were AWFUL!! straight up syrup, not bubbly (some were supposed to have soda in them) not sweet, simply not enjoyable at all, I ended up switching it for a simple club soda, I figured it was a safe bet. When my food came out, it was ok, I had the avocado toast, and it was forgettable, my sister had the chicken and waffles and now THAT was the meal to get, it was large in portion and that chicken was beyond tasty!! My other sister has the lomito sandwich with the chips and it was good, something missing but she enjoyed it. The rest of the food were burgers and they were ok, the kids had burgers and Mac and cheese and they were not tasty according to the children's disinterest in barely touching their food (and they love cheeseburgers). I'm always willing to bypass certain things as long as customer service delivers BUT unfortunately they fell short. We were celebrating an engagement and so we were all very happy and in a great mood, when suddenly workers around us were cleaning up the neighboring tables, and even sweeping very close to us. We thought the place was possibly closing? (Even though it was only 2:15pm). I asked if they were closing and they said that they close the restaurant from 3-4 so their employees can go eat .... I'm not against giving them a break BUT, it really felt like they were kicking us out, we felt pressured to eat fast and wrap it up, not a good feeling, when you are in the zone of happiness. It was our first time there so, I would have appreciated if they would have informed us that the restaurant takes a little break in between and then we would have decided if we wanted to stay or go elsewhere. They did bring a little dessert and 2 mocktails for the newly engaged which was nice, I'll give them that. Overall, I don't think the food and experience was worth me coming back or recommending this place, I'm sure there's other much better places.

Went for "girl dinner" on a Thursday and it did NOT disappoint…read more They have a special with a kale Caesar salad, fries, and an Aperol spritz for $25! (You can add chicken tenders for an upcharge $10) The drink can't be swapped for another alcoholic drink, but you can switch it for something non-alcoholic if you want. Everything was sooo well flavored. The kale Caesar? Literally to die for. I never take salad home because it gets soggy...but I ate it the next day and it was STILL so good and the croutons were somehow still crunchy The chicken tenders were amazing, the fries were perfection, and even though I'm not usually an Aperol spritz girl, I finished the whole drink 10/10 would go back for girl dinner

The Laurel Brunch today was selected for a special birthday--it was a delicious, pleasant…read moreexperience. The interior of the restaurant was lovely- beautiful wallpaper; comfortable booths. Food and cocktails were delicious.We shared delicious Brussels sprouts and chicken wings for appetizers. I had a creamy tofu scramble for my meal. My companions all had egg dishes which they all said were very tasty. For dessert I had scrumptious Tiramisu- not too sweet, just right! My companions had slices of confetti cake - the frosting was meringue! Their specialty cocktails were varied with interesting, flavorful combinations- not the usual. I decided to try a Manhattan instead which was very, very smooth. Our server, Lonnie, was very gracious and attentive. At the end of our brunch she served us sparkling wine, courtesy of The Laurel with a happy birthday note for our birthday celebrant- such a lovely surprise!

Great food, great service, luxurious atmosphere. The windows all around allow you to have a great…read moreview of the Hartford skyline and the river. There are a lot of food options, we came for a friend's birthday party and they had created a custom menu. My only qualm with the place is access- difficult to find the parking and to navigate to get in here, it's a business/apartment building so takes a few extra steps to access the restaurant.

I was immediately smacked in the face with the lack of ventilation. My clothes and my hair took on…read morethe aroma of the restaurant, and my desire to eat here was immediately shaped by our first step inside. Notwithstanding, we looked forward to something unique and outstanding, given the constant advertising on Yelp for the Parker House Rolls. The hostess was friendly, the waiter a bit snobbish, but perhaps that's the "exclusive" vibe they are trying to project. We went on to peruse the menu, which is a bit abbreviated; I assumed it's because they are focused on their "specialty." We took in the views, which, hailing from New York City, were not as vast or fascinating as those we were used to. Granted, we knew where we were and really had no expectations. We just wanted to enjoy dinner. The meal's presentation was beautiful. The Parker House Rolls were delicious. The Hamachi Crudo appetizer was perfection. I did not enjoy the Skate Wing and did not eat it; it had a tough rubbery texture; probably overcooked. I mentioned to my waiter that I didn't enjoy it, and he offered no alternative, so I ate more rolls. My husband enjoyed the Dry Aged Rohan Duck. We topped it off with a chocolaty dessert and French press coffee. The friendliest of the staff was a young man who collected our plates after our entrees. He smiled and interacted in a very down-to-earth manner. Overall, the appetizer, rolls, and dessert were delicious. The service was stoic and not warm or welcoming. Unfortunately, I don't think we'll be visiting again.

Stopped by before a concert and had a great experience. The staff was incredibly accommodating and…read morehelped us choose a few dishes that came out quickly without compromising quality. Everything tasted fresh and flavorful, and the cocktails were excellent. Definitely a spot that delivers more than expected for the price.

Can't believe it's been 9 years since I reviewed this place. Julian was a wonderful waiter, and the…read moreplace was hopping with pre theater folk. It took a while to get our drinks but we still managed to get to theater in time . The steak taco was delicious, and my husband enjoyed his burger. Be sure to have a reservation, especially when Bushnell has a show .

Like a moth drawn to the light, I was attracted to this restaurant walking by. I love an upscale…read morevibe - and a restaurant that takes care to craft a comfortable atmosphere usually means my patronage will mean an evening spent well, and this place delivered! Most notably, the food was especially delicious and full of flavor and texture, albeit salt being a bit heavy on the pallet, but not overbearing so. Good date night location!

I've been wanting to get up here to dine and it only seemed fitting to start the New Year off right…read morewith Union Kitchen's fried chicken and champagne brunch. New Year's Eve dinners/New Year's day brunch specials, in my experiences, have always been a cash grab by restaurants where you would get a decent meal but always leave hungry or the opposite where the price was super extravagant yet food was mediocre at best. THIS WAS NOT THE CASE!!! Food was amazing. Chicken was spiced and fried to perfection. Crunchy without being greasy. I refuse to eat fried chicken in public yet almost human eating this with people around. Juicy meat, 4 piece of half breast, wing, thigh and drummy all meaty. Sides of picked pepper mac&cheese and Cole slaw. My wife tore into that coleslaw like her life depended on it and was everything she's been looking for in a slaw Breakfast burrito was packed full of goodness, substantial. Side of potatoes which could've been a meal in of itself. $19 and well worth it. Brought half home for breakfast the next day. All in all, not only was their value in the prices offered throughout the menu, the food is incredible. Service was amazing. Our server was attentive without being intrusive, good eye for when we needed something without us having to ask. Perfect start to the new year and aching to come back for dinner. It was worth staying home NYE and falling asleep early in order to be fresh and ready for this dining experience.

Smoked wings - Kitchen Sink - Extra crispy Best wings I've…read morehad in a very long time. THE FLAVOR WAS INCREDIBLE. Juicy wings. Will be back asap

Went for a family birthday! Food was great and atmosphere very casual which is perfect!…read more Pomegranate martini great! Service was on point!

This is the best place me and my family have ever been to, service amazing, food amazing, the…read moreambiance excellent, the perfect atmosphere and friendly staff, very attentive people, not a long wait at all, very clean environment and just overall /10

This place is incredible! We had brunch on a Sunday morning while traveling with a large group…read more(20+) and they accommodated us easily. Friendly and helpful staff, great food with a good selection for different palates, fabulous presentation and attention to detail on all of their plates. The restaurant is broken up in a few smaller rooms so each one feels a little more cozy and it doesn't turn into one big echo chamber. The only thing they are missing are typical brunch alcohol-based drinks (Bloody Mary, Mimosas, etc). Would definitely come back if we're in the area again.

My husband and I usually end up here for our Friday night dinner!…read moreAlways delicious ! Service is great! Atmosphere is Amazing

I decided to have my mother's service here and I'm sure glad I did! They were so easy to work with…read moreand the food was terrific! The room was set up to accommodate over 35 people. Our guests were so impressed with the food as well! I used to take my mother here many times and she loved it, so it was a perfect way to honor her passing. Thank you to the restaurant team that made this a special day!

Looking for some great crispy chicken? We'll look no feather! This place is definitely worth…read morechicken out! I went to Parkville Market with some friends for trivia night. It can be tough to choose the right vendor for dinner when there are so many options! ... but one whiff of Fowl Play as I walked by was enough to get me hooked! I was torn between the 3-tenders-combo which comes with 2 sides and the 5-tenders-solo. The workers were gracious enough to allow a compromise in which I got 4 tenders and 1 side for the price of the 3-tenders-combo! I truly appreciate their versatility and I was extremely happy with the portions! I enjoy a decent amount of spice so I opted for the "hot" tenders which were pretty dang spicy, but I may have to try the "what the cluck" level of spice next time! The tenders were crunchy, juicy, and full of Cajun flavor! The fries were spiced very well! Both tasted great dipped in their provided sauce! Definitely check this place out if you are in Parkville Market!

Tried the Mac Daddy and it was good. The sandwich comes loaded with a big piece of boneless…read morechicken, pimento mac & cheese, comeback sauce, and house pickles on a soft brioche bun. The portion with fries was definitely generous and super filling. The chicken itself was juicy, clean tasting, and flavorful without being greasy. I got the hot level but thought it would have more of a kick, so next time I'd probably go spicier. On the downside the breading on the chicken was peeling off, and the sauce made the bun a bit soggy, could have been crispier. It really wasn't bad, but CT has too much competition when it comes to fried chicken sandwiches, and it's hard not to compare it to them, why I only gave 3 stars..