Plan B Burger

As a loyal patron of Plan B and a lover of their gourmet burgers, I was very leery when I heard the Max Restaurant group’s plans to expand into the world of burgers.  Although the new addition has been open for over 6 months, my husband and I hesitated.  We  just couldn’t pull ourselves away from Plan B (we felt like we would be cheating if we gave the competition a try).  But we finally caved and went to Max Burger for lunch the other day.

The atmospheres of the two restaurants are drastically different.  Plan B is very edgy – think urban loft, with leather booths, mirrors, industrial lighting, and tight quarters (you get to know your fellow diners well).  You are always guaranteed a wait on a weekend night, but the bar is lively and the beer flows freely.  Max is certainly more refined, and you know you are eating in the center of West Hartford, as opposed to Park Rd (where Plan B is located).  Max’s is much more spacious, again lots of black leather, but here it is paired with birch-like wood, and metal accents – very upscale Montana hunting lodge.

So now on to the beer, which is almost as important as the burgers (my husband may argue it’s more so…).   Plan B is all about micro breweries and craft beer.  With about 15 draft beers that are changing constantly, many of which are small craft beers, along with over 50 bottled beers, Plan B has plenty of variety.  Plan B does have a full bar, however don’t expect very experienced bar tenders – they don’t love to mix drinks and can get confused easily with names of drinks.  For instance, I found its better to tell them grapefruit juice and vodka, rather than to ask for a greyhound.  This stays with their M.O. – no frills – just really good burgers and really good beer.   Max plays it safer on the beer front.  With only a couple of drafts, showcasing a more generic variety and only 15 or so bottle options, beer is certainly not as strong a focus in the restaurant.  They do, however, offer cocktails, mixed drinks, milkshakes and a wonderful selections of “adult milkshakes” (milkshakes made with a varieties of liquors).   Again, this is not surprising and stays with Max’s theme.  They are clearly catering to a different crowd and therefore catering to a different drinkers’ pallets. (more…)

Even though the newest addition to the Max’s Restaurant Group has been open a full year, it has taken us that long to give it a try.   True lovers of Max’s Oyster Bar in West Hartford, my husband and I, were excited to try Max Fish in Glastonbury.  A fan of most of the Max’s restaurants, we are rarely disappointed with a meal.  Unfortunately, I have to report this was not the case with Max Fish…we were disappointed.

Decorated with floor to ceiling white tile, the atmosphere is reminiscent of  a classy fish market on the San Fransisco pier.  The white tile certainly says clean and simple, but it lacks the warmth and comfort you also expect when dining out.  With a smaller main dining room, we felt cramped at small tables, seated relatively close to our fellow diners.  I am always a fan of intimate dining, but the sterile feel of the restaurant made the close quarters annoying rather than cozy. (more…)

Celiac’s disease is on the rise, food allergies of all kinds are on the rise, and a general concern for a healthier lifestyle is starting to take route.  So where do you go if you need to cut gluten from your diet?  Whole food stores and even some larger grocery stores are starting to carry some products, however the selection is limited and usually tasteless (which is being kind).  Fortunately, the lack of good gluten-free baked goods is no more.

Residents in and around Hartford are now lucky to have Dee’s One Smart Cookie gluten free, dairy free bakery in Glastonbury.  Owner Diane Kittle has listened to the needs of not only her community, but her body as well.  Diagnosed with celiac’s disease close to two years ago, Diane knew this is what her culinary training was leading up to.

I was fortunate enough to visit the newly opened bakery and sample some of the product.  Although not a sufferer of celiac’s myself, I have two close family friends that live on a very limited diet because of their disease.   (One a child that you just wish could enjoy a cupcake with the rest of his friends!)  In the past, I have attempted to bake gluten free goodies for these friends, but unfortunately, my repertoire is limited to the naturally gluten-free macaroons.  I love to share the fruits of my labors with my friends, and have always been saddened and frustrated with my lack of gluten-free recipes.  Luckily, Diane has fixed this problem for me and I am now more than happy to pop into her inviting shop and purchase some new and exciting products for my friends. (more…)