Harry's Pizza (but for breakfast!)

Establishment: Harry's Pizza

Genre/Type: Italian Pizza Eatery, but open Saturday/Sunday mornings for breakfast

Location/Contact Information: 1003 Farmington Ave., West Hartford Center

Website: www.harryspizza.net

Cost: usually around $10/person

Alcohol: not for breakfast (though, occasional mimosas, etc)

Beverages: juice, milk, tea/coffee

Take out or Eat in: Eat in only for breakfast

Our first impression(s): Not fair to assess, because I've been there SO many times

Our Scores (on a scale of 0 (horrifying) to 20 (deliciously awesome and worth every shekel)
D: 18
Others (average): 17

Harry's is a local pizza joint, and a West Hartford standard; pizzas are hotly contested as the 'best' or 'second best' in the area.

We were not here for pizza.

The menu is a combination of dishes--pancakes, crepes, breakfast sandwiches, omelets, waffles, and more.


The staples are easy--scrambled or eggs-over, and all are good.

The pancakes, for the pancake aficionado, are amazing.  Cake-like, fluffy, and filled with a variety of savories--chocolate chips, bananas, blueberries, and other fruits--all delicious. We share one among four or five people (they're big and delicious).

The fresh fruit bowl is a treat when it's available--blueberries, strawberries, melon, blackberries, bananas, and others. Oatmeal is also perfectly cooked and yummy--brown sugar and berries included.

The omelets are also very well prepared...I highly suggest asking for the special recipe

Harry’s has been an integral part of the West Hartford community since 1991.  We’ve won several awards including the Best of Hartford Advocate, Best of Hartford Magazine, and the Zagat’s Award of Distinction.  We are most proud of the baseball, softball, basketball and soccer teams we have sponsored for fifteen years. 

Please drop in at Harry’s when you’re visiting vibrant West Hartford center.  Hope to see you soon at Harry’s where it’s always quick and friendly service.

Flaggstead Smokehouse--Barbecue, Texas Style--in FARMINGTON (who knew?)

Establishment: Flaggstead Smokehouse

Genre/Type: Barbecue, stick-to-your-ribs kinda food.

From their website: "The idea for the Smokehouse started here in Farmington, Connecticut, in 2007, when the Flagg family escaped from New York in search of a slower and more serene lifestyle. After a few months, and numerous failed attempts searching for true Texas style bbq, I decided to call my dad, Herschel (Pop) Flagg, out of retirement. He left the sweltering heat of San Antonio, Texas and brought with him the secret Flagg family recipes to Farmington. The Flagg family recipes have been handed down for three generations. Papaw Flagg passed on to my father, Herschel, his recipes that have since been passed on to me. After years of urging from family and friends, my dad started his smokehouse in Boerne, Texas in 1988. "Podnas" opened its doors and the Flagg style of Texas BBQ was introduced to the world.Now some twenty years later with the help of Pop, I opened Flaggstead Smokehouse in Farmington hoping to pass on the Flagg legacy to my two little ones."

Location/Contact Information: 1085 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06032; (860) 674-6028;

Website: www.flaggsteadsmokehouse.com

Cost:(total/person average) ballpark around $8-15/entree, some a little more

Alcohol: beers in bottles, some other malt/hard lemonade beverages

Beverages: Sodas, Iced Tea, other bottled beverages

Take out or Eat in?: Both--they even do on-site barbecue pit catering, and takeout at the counter.

Our first impression(s): Despite my need for some Tums a little later, it will be a repeat offender.  A friend and I had dinner--casual, relaxed, and in a t-shirt wearing environment. Walk in, stand at the counter and stare at the immodestly sized menu (ribs, brisket of beef, pulled pork, pulled chicken, half chickens, and a few sandwiches, with a whole lotta sides. 

He chose a side of brisket and a small rack of ribs. Side of potato salad and baked beans. I had the same ribs, pulled beef brisket (I wanted pulled BBQ chicken, but they were out), macaroni and cheese, cornbread and beans. 

The brisket was hailed as 'great', being tender, well cooked, and barbecue sauced appropriately. The bottles of apparently 'house made' barbecue additive were tasty, spicy, and sweet, with all the right parts of tongues being affected. The Tabasco lovers needn't worry--it was there. The ribs fell off the bone with a plastic fork and knife--this makes me experience the joys of barbecue as it is supposed to be--tender meat, well seasoned, deliciously prepared, and, if i may say, (being one who hasn't before feared portion size to be a problem), properly portioned. Five ribs with succulent meat that can be eaten off bones or pulled with a fork.

My pulled/chipped beef with barbecu-y goodness was tasty--sticky sweet with some zing, but not crazy spicy. This portion size was big--a paper-trayful with plenty of moisture, and nothing dry. The ribs were equally succulent, and also fork-worthy. The cornbread, on first impression, is from a mix, as it was far too uniform, and without those little chunks of corn I love to find, but was good for dipping into sauce remnants.

Mac and Cheese was (as the world has reintroduced the adult version of this guilty pleasure in more restaurants than truly need it) yummy and cheesy, and clearly house-made, but the pasta was a tiny bit overcooked--I dig firmer pasta, but the kids in your group will no doubt enjoy it. 

The beans were a typical house-made variety, but I'm unsure if the beans are soaked and truly prepared from dry beans, or if they're doctored up collections of the canned variety, but they were yummy. 

Overall, the meal was yummy--the caveats of well-prepared pulled beef (bones, icky chunks of gristle, etc) were absent, and the meats were all nearly perfectly cooked.

We did not indulge in the 'challenge' dish so commonly prepared and advertised in many barbecue places (remember the 'old 96-er?). If i recall, 16 ounces in a pound x 5 pounds = about 80 ounces of pulled beef WITH sides, that, if indulged in less than 60 minutes. The details are in the restaurant, but as of today (July 9, 2011), only one name is on the list with a picture of a full-looking gentleman who completed the task.  I don't think there are enough antacids for me to attempt that these days...

Our Scores (on a scale of 0 (horrifying) to 20 (deliciously awesome and worth every shekel: 15/20 and 16/20 (for barbecue-specific scoring, that is)...

Overall, I'd say this is a great place for family or group dining, and great in the good weather as you can eat outside on the patio as well as indoors. The paper plates and kids' play area outside make it feel homey and comfortable, and the amazing barbecue aromas emanating from the building and its parking lot make you hungrier on approach.  Enjoy it!

Establishment: Harry's Pizza
Genre/Type:Pizza (usually), breakfast weekends (there MAY be a change--lease is ending, they're moving)
Location/Contact Information:DUH it's in West Hartford Center
Cost: (total/person average) for breakfast, it's uniformly about $11/person
Alcohol: not for breakfast
Beverages: juice, coffee, chocolaty milky things
Take out or Eat in: eat in (and don't bring your own wraps, please)
Our first impression(s): I and a group of friends have been going to Harry's for years, and it looks pretty much like a pizza place. Breakfast, I've found, is a surprise to most 20 year veterans of West Hartford.

Sebrah is the waitress you want. She knows the menu, knows what can and cannot be done, and won't take any of your attitude. She will be fun, give you snarky comments back (which my crowd welcomes and invited) and is quick and easy to deal with...she's awesome.

The food is what you'd expect from a diner setting, but has a few 'extra special things and specials' occasionally. Omelets are a standard: asparagus, tomato and gouda make up the 'Harry's Omelet'. It's yummy, but I personally prefer the 'BBC'--bacon, broccoli and cheddar. There is one special treat: when the 'special pizza' menu is on the wall, check out the ingredients and see if it's something you'd like. The bacon, brussel sprout and feta is something to be dreamed about--crispy bacon, sweet brussels and savory feta. They'll offer it in egg whites or beaters too, and it goes down VERY easily.

Pancakes are yummy cake-like, and perfectly cooked. They are big enough to feed a table, so order one at a time. Banana, blueberries, chocolate chips and other 'mix ins' are available.

If you're a typical breakfaster, and prefer eggs, sausage and toast, you'll find it, but the best parts are the interesting choices.

Fruit bowls, sweet crepes, and meats are all available as desired...go for it.

Be prepared for a wait, as Sundays can be quite busy, but earlier than 9:30 isn't a problem. Enjoy it. Singles seated on one side, groups in another. If you're more than 4, plan ahead, but they take no reservations. Enter, sign in, and wait. Coffee is good, too.


Scores (on a scale of 0 (horrifying) to 20 (deliciously awesome and worth every shekel)
Score averages around 14 for deliciousness, and though it can be a teeny bit crowded and noisy, it's consistent and yummy.

The Spicy Green Bean (yeah, it's in Glastonbury--get over it)

Establishment: Spicy Green Bean

Genre/Type: The atypical diner/small scale comfort food eatery

Location/Contact Information: 225 Hebron Avenue, Glastonbury, CT 06033

Website: www.spicygreenbean.com (spicygreenbean@gmail.com)

Cost: (total/person average) entrees $5-15 each, lunch/dinner a little more

Alcohol: BYOB for dinners, sometimes BYOB for breakfast (call and ask)

Beverages: Juices, pop, etc

Take out or Eat in?: Both  (and they cater!)

Our first impression(s):  Alright, alright--if one person makes a comment about 'not west hartford', i'll eliminate you from the 'list'. Instead, have an open mind--Glastonbury is a mere 10 minute jaunt down the road, and this place makes the trip worth the energy.

Food was unique, flavorful, well prepared, and without long waits. I've not had many 'multi course' brunches, but this was one. One note--there is a long list of interesting combination type plates on the dinner menu, and as I'm told, they change every few weeks, so you'll have to check the website for the most up to date.

Five of us went to Mother's Day Bruncheon--we sat in a lovely six person table in the window. Starting with orange juice, we orderd a multitude of tasty treats.

My dad had a special: A colossal lobster roll served warm with scampi butter (also available cold with a mayonaise special)--though he moaned about it being 'not what he expected', he ate every drop, even so far as to using roll remnants to wipe the plate of every last drop. Sweet potato fries on the side were crispy, tasty, and perfectly salted.  I shared a 'monster meatloaf' (housemade meatloaf on ciabatta with melted cheese, carmelized onions, and a divine cranberry mayo) with my sister-in-law. She convinced me to split that with her, as well as one of the house specialities--the "Best Veggie Burger Ever", which is an amazing combination of vegetables with a meaty consistency--gluten, filler, and ick free, it was amazing--filling and tasty, without the usual carboardy or beany taste of most veggie-type burgers. Served with greens, and a couple sides (and a yummy pickle).  My brother had a classic--the 'bangin' classic burger, with melted american cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, mayo and balsamic. He finished it like a Dyson. My brother was a tiny bit disappointed that the previously available pulled pork wasn't ready for him (as I mentioned, the menu changes) but he was quite satisfied. The pulled pork is apparently legendary.

Mom had her typical--a salad; but, said salad was a shrimp-topped spinach salad with glazed nuts, goat cheese and seasonal fruit. She was in heaven.

My year and a half old niece imbibed in fresh fruit, everyone else's fries, and a bit of her hot-dog...there is a kids menu, but she's a bit more particular than I ever expected.

I had a difficult time choosing, as the original 'superstarz' advertised on the menu included a turkey wrap with sprouts, pepper relish, avocado, and greens (a personal favorite), and a create your own sandwich list that could satisfy the most particular, vegetarian and even gluten free goofball patron (the breads are optional)...I can't wait to go back and sample the Monster Steak and Cheese. The lump crab cake burger and sriracha-topped 'Vietnamese' pork burger sounds RIGHT up my alley.

Dessert was, shall we say, interesting. If i don't tell you anything, there'll be more for me, right? The choices included cinnamon buns (holy yummy), a strawberry-pineapple cake (topped with sweet buttercream frosting and toasted coconut--allergic here, but worth the risk). The strawberry cake was moist, full of delicious bits of strawberry, and perfectly baked--I'm NOT a strawberry or pineapple fan, but i am a fan of this cake. Even my MOM had a REAL bite (not just a crumb of cake, like she usually tries). The niece had  a chocolate chip cookie, and the evidence of her joy was all over her face (i tried it--chewy, sweet, chocolaty and delicious). My dad, being my dad, decided on the banana split waffles with whipped cream, strawberries, pineapple and banana, with chocolate topping. Ridiculous that he finished every bite, but it did look good.

Service was exceptionally attentive, pleasant, and despite a full complement of diners, seemingly unhurried. She spent time with us, explained dishes, and made honest recommendations.

Needless to say, i'm coming back with the boys on a Sunday upcoming to re-sample that strawberry cake--i simply need to render another opinion. ;)


Our Scores (on a scale of 0 (horrifying) to 20 (deliciously awesome and worth every shekel)
D: 19 (i have to have room for improvement, right?)
J:  20
S: 20
J2: 18 (he wanted more)
N: 20

Congratulations, Spicy Green Bean--my first "20" score!

I'll be back!

Pick & Mix Noodle & Rice Restaurant

Establishment: Pick & Mix

Genre/Type: Korean/Noodles

Location/Contact Information: Pick & Mix Corp. 1234 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT 06107

Website: TBA

Cost: (total/person paid): $10.21

Alcohol: no

Beverages: cans of pop

Take out or Eat in: Both

Our first impression(s):  We walked into the typical Asian take out place next door accidentally--maybe our fault, but when we entered Pick and Mix, I was pleasantly surprised. Easy to read menu, simple selections, made me feel at first as if we had limits.

The manager was there behind the counter, telling us that he'd opened three days ago and had a steady stream so far. I asked what he recommended, and he mentioned the sweet potato noodles, but they were out! (Poor recommendation--I love sweet potatoes). He apologized and said, "try the brown rice with a sweet sauce." I did: brown rice, beef, bean sprouts, carrots, egg, and broccoli (see? I picked, then I mixed).  Teriyaki sauce topped the dish, and it was ready in about 3 minutes.  My dinner companion chose the chicken with spicy sauce, brown rice, peppers, mushrooms (a little extra charge for the shrooms), and teriyaki sauce, but with the spicy chicken.

We loved it. Simple, edible, light, but tasty. Not too salty, not too spicy, not too 'take out'.  Each meal was accompanied by a small styrofoam bowl of Miso (an interesting, and probably unnecessary touch). The miso was salty, flavorful, and thankfully had no chunks of gelatinous tofu I'm accustomed to, but did taste of miso, so I was content. A couple cans of diet soda accompanied the meal.

While eating, the manager brought over a serving of the crispy wings he claims are the best in town--I have news-->they are great! Crispy, deliciously spicy and tangy sauce that didn't overwhelm, nor hurt me (i enjoy spicy, but i'm a wimp). My dinner partner enjoyed them, too, and it was a nice gesture from the new manager.

The place was clean, cozy, and somewhat modern of decor, with (interstingly) Shrek 2 playing on the large television---I couldn't help but glance up.

Overall, thumbs up, scores are good. Next time you're out for a quick bite at lunchtime, or perhaps a late night snack, stop in at 'Pick & Mix' for a noodle dish--the guy in charge tells me he won't run out of noodles again.


Our Scores (on a scale of 0 (horrifying) to 20 (deliciously awesome and worth every shekel):
D: 14/20
P:  14/20


Not haute cuisine, but a great new option in WeHa.