From Faith: Last summer we invited you to join us in visiting homemade ice cream spots across our region. This season, please join us in having a waterfront meal every weekend. It’s an instant vacation, as we learned recently while having dinner at a wonderful destination, Fresh Salt, the restaurant at Saybrook Point Inn & Spa.
Alex snapped IPhone pics of our dinner, as you can see. He, Matt Bennett, and I shared many delicious dishes, unsure whether to focus on the charming and relaxed nautical room, the dock, terrace fireplace, or the rows and rows of boats bobbing away. As soon as the food and wine arrived, no contest- tasting chef Leslie Tripp’s offerings won out.
Fresh Salt, a reference to the Inn’s location on the meeting of the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound, is a farm-to-table restaurant in an authentic way. While the restaurant has its own vegetable gardens on and off site, it also has developed important relationships with area farmers and fisherman who grow and catch with Fresh Salt in mind. I felt as if our fish had been thrown through the window to us from one of the boats within view.
We very much enjoyed our bone-in swordfish and tuna, perfectly grilled. The fresh nori rolls are not to be missed. Wait, the clear broth Rhode Island clam chowder was perfectly seasoned. And the gorgeous beef that arrived… what a meal. (I think we should confess that as part of dessert we had the restaurant’s irresistible truffle fries, sprinkled with Parmesan, salt, and fresh parsley. If you can eat dessert first, you can eat fries last!)
Alex and Matt headed to their car in a state of delight, and I spent the night at the Inn’s historic Three Stories House, overlooking the harbor. It’s The Katharine Hepburn room but feels like a suite because of its front porch and that glorious view. One night in this beautifully appointed room and it felt like I’d been away for the week.
Yes, there are business meetings and weddings in the ballrooms, but the vibe at Saybrook is supremely relaxed. That holds for the restaurant and pub, too. You’ll be seeing me a lot, Saybrook Point, and not only for the food and spa. You’ll see me strolling the halls taking in the fascinating history on the walls.
This facility was rescued years ago by the much-loved local Tagliatella family, who purchased it when it was fading and needed some love. Back then, as you’ll see from the photos displayed, it was The Terra Mar, often frequented by the actual Rat Pack and more than a few mob bosses, actors and politicians.
The Tagliatella family poured on the love, and now its one of the best places to enjoy in Connecticut. You can stay in an actual lighthouse on the property, or in any of its 100 rooms. Or, stop for a breakfast, lunch or dinner to feel like you’ve truly gotten away. Somehow, all that stress we encounter in the course of a day… gone.
