artisan restaurant

may 10, 2012 the artisan restaurant in the delamar hotel in southport, ct is a find! when you go, walk through the tavern to the back room, as instead of wood the tables are draped in white. it’s much more elegant than the front room — and at lunch the menu is identical. we began with a mostly-crab cake (as it should be) in a swirl of delicate carrot-ginger puree, garnished with a lightly dressed salad ($15). the photo shows only half a portion, as we shared! the feathery light goat cheese gnocci in a rich lamb bolognese was topped with creamy whipped ricotta garnished with fresh mint. the over-generous half-order ($16) is more than filling enough.  although the menu mentioned wilted arugula, that was lacking … my only complaint of this otherwise fabulous dish that i recommend. my dining partner enjoy twin maine lobster rolls on brioche, served with crispy fries and refreshing cole slaw ($17). these lobster rolls were ct- (with butter) rather than maine-style (chilled with mayo). what

in style, it’s sleek, modern, and comfortable, while the food is american at heart, though it is inspired and influenced by a classically trained french chef, frederic kieffer. along with working at various restaurants in paris, he has also worked at windows on the world, c’est si bon, gaia, and l’escale, artisan’s sister restaurant. and...

superb fluke. service is excellent. good selection of a variety of dishes. the fluke was cooked to perfection and the accompanying vegetable selection created a mouth watering experience.

wonderful find. we asked a local (westport) friend to take us to a good french restaurant in fairfield. he said that he had found something new locally and the artisan restaurant is where we wound up. what a nice restaurant. we had cocktails while waiting. excellent wine by the glass. dinner was equally nice. there were four of us -- we each had something different and all enjoyed the food. the waitress was very friendly and helpful. we want to go back while up north. we are used to very high quality down south in florida (i.e., the breakers) and this restaurant matched up -- not the view, who can match the ocean, but the service and the excellent food, and the wines offered. next time, margareta cocktails, for sure, and probably roasted tomato soup as a starter. what a wonderful find!

good food, some inconsistent, way overpriced. we went a while ago to artisan and we were excited to try the food, hearing so much about this spot. we remember that the dishes were either hit or miss. one of the worst dishes of the night was a tomato soup that was very bitter, almost tasting burnt. by the end of the meal you realize you've racked up quite a bill. while it's understandable to have higher costs because of farm to table dining, such cost for what we got in terms of quality wasn't equal.

“we wanted artisan to feel comfortable, as if you have been invited to enjoy a weekend in the country,” says chef kieffer, a native of paris and resident of fairfield county. “and we want the food to match the feel of the restaurant; a place that is casual and very comfortable yet that also reflects quality and excellence.”

chef kieffer, the artisan himself, is a master at his craft. he skillfully transforms each dish into a work of art. maybe that is why the restaurant got its name. you can’t help but take a moment to just look at each plate and its artful presentation.

wow!!! i have worked 15 minutes from this place for 3 years and never knew it was here. what an awesome find. wonderful open area with plenty of comfortable outdoor seating. bluestone patio with teak furniture. big planters with rosemary, basil and other herbs. great wine selection. excellent service. food to match. it is in the courtyard of the delmar hotel. make it a point to come here.

this place is hyped up without the backing of flavor and novelty.