Le Farm for Lunch
Monday, March 22, 2010
Suzy took her galpals to lunch to celebrate the end of winter hibernation. We wanted to venture somewhere different, to move past the comfort foods of our usual haunts. What we discovered is a unique rustic restaurant in Le Farm.
Located in Westport's Colonial Green shopping complex on the Post road, Le Farm is Bill Taibe's latest Connecticut outpost. The former chef at one of Suzy's favorite Stamford restaurants, Napa & Co., Taibe has created an intimate spot that focuses on culinary creations fresh ingredients culled from local farms.
You must be an adventurous eater to enjoy Le Farm. The experimental menu changes to accommodate the latest foodstuffs. The menu is as fresh as the food. We started with the Hamachi Crudo, sashimi yellowtail sliced thin with lemon and olive oil and accented with tangerines. We loved the Frisee Salad with pancetta and a zesty vinaigrette. One of the Suzy's tasted the delicious but reliable burger while everyone else took chances. The pastas are safe yet intriguing. (Try the white bolognese sauce if it's on the menu.) The sandwiches are not what you envision -- and that's a postive since Taibe melds flavors you couldn't possibly imagine going together.
Since we had a gaggle of girls, we ordered dessert on a dreary March day. We were intrigued by the love-it-or-hate-it cornbread with candied bacon and maple chili gelato. The New York Times called this dessert combination "slightly gimmicky" so Le Farm turned the criticism into a positive and quotes the description on the menu. Hence, Suzy had to sample the controversial dish of contrasting tastes. Admittedly, we prefer the vanilla panna cotta.
Creativity at Le Farm isn't limited to the menu. The farm-to-table theme extends to the decor. The distressed farm tables are dressed with cheesecloth runners and the silverware sits leisurely in a jar. Don't let the low-key theme deceive you, the food is top-notch -- and not inexpensive. Le Farm feels as though it's packed with repeat customers who appreciate the organic fresh fare.
The friendly wait staff invites questions and is eager to fill in the menu blanks. If you are open to try something different, Le Farm is the place to take a chance.
Le Farm serves lunch Wednesday thru Friday from 12 PM until the mid-afternoon. Dinner is served Wednesday thru Saturday 5pm till 9:30 or so... depends on how late you want to eat -- seriously!
Suzy's tip: Le Farm does not accept reservations. Arrive promptly at 12 Noon to secure a spot in the dining room which seats 28 and fills up fast!
Le Farm
256 Post Rd. E Westport, C.T. 06880
tel: 203.557.3701
