En route to last night's Susan McKeown concert at the University of West Hartford, had the opportunity to sample another restaurant in the area. Located at 986 Farmington Avenue, The Elbow Room claims to be "hip" but "agreeably dislocated." They offer rejuvenated American comfort food (their macaroni and cheese is supposed to be quite good) and other contemporary dishes. The decor is somewhere between classic diner, updated cafeteria, and evening restaurant -- it's going for comfort there too, and achieving it.
Small Plate: hand cut potato chips with gorgonzola dipping sauce -- fun to try.
Large Plates: (1) "everything" encrusted tuna with basil-mashed potatoes, (2) pan seared scallops with lobster ravioli in a tarragon dijon sauce -- both very filling (good portions) and well-executed.
Dessert: Vanilla creme brulee -- nicely done.
Overall feelngs.... it was fine food, it was good food. I'm not quite sure that it was worth the rent on West Hartford's restaurant row. I'd rather go around the corner to the Thai place and eat for half the cost. Or across to lovely Murasaki which I tried out last month. I'm glad to have had the chance to see what the Elbow Room was like, but looks like it won't be making my top 10 list. I'd recommend it to people who are looking for a relaxing feel with a reliable menu.
Posted by Jennifer at November 20, 2005 9:33 AM | TrackBackI think I feel pretty much the same way about this place. The food was fine, and I can't find any particular flaw with it, but it also wasn't the level of impressive that I'd like to see for the prices they charge.
Posted by: Michael at November 26, 2005 6:55 PMi went to elbow room with eight other people on friday July 13, 2007 for happy hour i ordered medium burger and it was served to me rare. The place to me is casual, the food was OK,the staff weren't friendly and the general manager doesn't have any managerial skills, she did not know how to deal with an unsatisfied customer.The place has potential but the general manager has to go. Me and my friends and all our other friends will not go back to Elbow Room.
Posted by: rhanda walker at July 16, 2007 4:17 PMMy name is David, and I write you, this evening, to express my complete and utter disgust for your restaurant, food, and service I received on August 25, 2007.
This was my first time visiting your establishment, and I was looking forward to a truly positive experience. Unfortunately, I was gravely disappointed.
My order consisted of the “Baby Arugula†salad. This was a total disappointment. The arugula was limp, the dressing was sparse, and – well – let’s just say that I’ve had better cantaloupe/pineapple from a Del Monte fruit cup.
In addition, I ordered a drink, which consisted of a double shot of vodka, seltzer, and a lime. When I got the bill – this drink was over $14. I thought it was a mistake!
I spoke to the manager, who – embarrassingly enough – explain that “a shot†of absolute vodka was indeed $7, and that I was charged correctly for my drink. She then “laughed†at me. This is unacceptable. This drink costs $8 at Max’s restaurants, and even less at other local establishments.
While I can surely state that I will NEVER ever visit your restaurant EVER again, I will promise you that everyone I know will hear of this.
One word: inexcusable.