CT Dining // The Cast Iron Chef Chop House and Oyster Bar

If you’re in Connecticut looking for fresh seafood and mouthwatering cast iron dishes, you must visit The Cast Iron Chef Chop House and Oyster Bar in New Haven. My girlfriends and I (fellow CT bloggers) spent the evening being spoiled by Chef Attilio Marini and the staff at the restaurant. In addition to the incredible food, there is a fantastic wine and cocktail selection and a raw bar happy hour in the lounge during the week.

The ambiance is perfect for date night or a large group, with plenty of cozy corners to sit in or spaces to sprawl out in front of the Chef’s window. I love a restaurant where you can watch everything going on in the kitchen!

Take a peek at our meal and I dare you not to drool!

First Course – Small Plate Appetizers

I always love to start a meal with a small plate, especially if there is a raw bar in house. The Seafood Tower for 2 was out of this world, with fresh oysters and clams, chilled lobster tail and shrimp. The seared ahi tuna was crispy on the outside and melted in your mouth. Not pictured, a tender beef carpaccio filled with flavor and served alongside arugula and shaved parmesan.

Second Course – Entrees

We each ordered our own entree – the Bone In Ribeye, Salmon,  1/2 Cast Iron Roasted Chicken, and Cast Iron Seared Duck Breast were all delicious in their own ways. The portion size is generous, but if you feel so inclined, there are sides you can order to share with the table.

 

Third Course – Dessert

The Cast Iron Chef Chop House wouldn’t be known for their cast iron usage if they didn’t have a dessert served right inside a steaming hot skillet. The Smore’s were SO delicious, with melted chocolate and gooey toasted marshmallows you could eat with a spoon. We also tasted a Pistachio Creme Brulee (not pictured) and the Salted Caramel Cheesecake.

I want to throw out a HUGE thank you to my friend Stacey for exposing me to so many delicious restaurants in Connecticut, especially dinner at Cast Iron Chef Chop House and Oyster Bar. Stacey is a food blogger on the side (Blonde_and_Starving) and becoming one of my great friends, as well as Nicole from CT Wife Life and Natalie from New England Foodie.