Washington, CT
The Po Cafe, Washington, CT
There is a moment when you will stop in your tracks and aghast with joy and say, “this is so picturesque.” It’s easy to fall in love with the small town of Washington, CT. Located in Litchfield County, there are five villages within, each offering their own charm.
First stop on our EatINerary led us to The Po Cafe - coincidentally attached to the Post Office. Situated perfectly on Washington’s historic green, you can grab one of Litchfield County’s best coffees, a bite to eat, and get your mail all at the same time!
We were transfixed by the charm of The Po Cafe as soon as we saw it. The white clapboard structure with the white picket fence is quintessential New England, welcoming you before you even step foot inside. This historical building dates back to the early 1900’s and was once home to a pharmacy and small grocery store. Before you enter the cafe, you may notice a few tables set outside adorned with soft plaid heated blankets and heated tables. Yes, we said HEATED TABLES! A concept from an age-old Japanese design: the kotatsu, which is a special heated table about coffee table height. For her restaurant, Owner Maggie, used this concept for her outdoor dining tables. A warm air blower sits underneath the table, while a beautiful blanket extends from the edges of the table, trapping the heat underneath to keep diners warm. Such a creative way for restaurants to continue outdoor dining during the colder months.
Yes, they have thought of everything to make your visit memorable. Including…
A menu filled with freshly baked sweets and savories, (GF and V options available), as well as INcredibly fresh and creative salads like the The Po-ke and Vegan Tofu Po-ke <Sushi grade Tuna, avocado, pickled ginger, sesame seeds, cucumber, slightly spicy mango drizzle and seaweed salad with house-made carrot ginger dressing and soy sauce on the side>.
Like Maggie says, she loves how their menu offers both “naughty & nice” options, so we paired The Green Toast <Avocado, local sprouts, squeezed lemon, freshly cracked black pepper, and flaky sea salt atop toasted black bread> with the Chicken Winner <Southern-fried, dark meat chicken with their homemade pickles and Winner Sauce on a grilled brioche bun>. Both were seriously delicious, but oh my… that Chicken sammie was to die for.
If you are lucky, you may even catch Maggie decorating one of her sought after cakes - and don’t even think of asking her to write any well wishes on top, she prefers to decorate and customize with the lucky recipient in mind.
P. S. Don’t forget to add an extra sandwich or two for the road. Something tells us that you will be craving their food as soon as you return home.
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The Pantry
Next Stop on our EatINerary, The Pantry - a spot that has been taking care of patrons since 1977. Owner Michael has quite a few stories to share about how The Pantry came to be… from his grandfather transforming a large door into a kitchen table, baking baguettes, and now creating meals that remind you of a home cooked meal - their goal has always been to make guests feel right at home.
When you visit, be sure to ask Michael about why they serve their pies in glass pie dishes. Yes, when you buy one of their filled to the rim fruit pies, you can easily allude that you pulled it out of the oven yourself. Just throw a bit of flour around and your guests will never know. When you are ready for another, just trade in the empty glass pie dish for more delight.
While enjoying the comfort of the Pantry, we were lucky enough to witness the baking of their pretzels. They are buttery, soft, and browned to perfection. Just don’t ask chef … how they get their golden glow - it’s a treasured secret.
And let’s not skip over the apropo name of this spot because it literally feels as if you are walking in “your own pantry.” Michael intends for you are in your own kitchen pantry complete with everything you need. From fresh baked breads, freshly ground coffee, a dizzying amount of oils, sauces, condiments, and housewares like candles, dishes, and baking pans, you will have so much fun browsing their shelves.
Wait, we didn’t even mention their selection of cheeses! Just ask long time employee Zoe to make you a cheese box to go. Even better? She will draw out and label each cheese on the top of the box - yes just like a box of chocolates you may have been gifted for Valentine’s Day!
Order ahead or place your order upon arrival and peruse through their pantry before you take your food to-go. You will be so glad you did.
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Community Table
Stop three on our EatINerary, a beloved restaurant appointed with Nordic elements throughout. Community Table truly is a spot to gather and enjoy. Start with a cocktail (Mixologist Karen Veillette makes the most amazing drinks), and relax by their outdoor fire pit. Did we mention that they blanket you with the most comfortable throws we have ever felt?! You instantly find yourself swept up in warmth by the atmosphere as well as the hospitality.
Back inside you will feel entranced by their amazing Josef Frank wallpapered walls, warm lighting, and soft throws throughout - so many elements that truly add to the experience.
The staff will easily walk you through the menu, offering some of Chef Christian’s specialities. Make sure you start with their CT Pumpernickel Pull Apart Rolls - we were blown away with its pillowy texture! Whether you decide on their oysters, pasta carbonara <you get to stir in the egg yourself!!>, or the duck, <absolutely the best we have ever had…>, you will not be disappointed.
We actually feel as if we fell upon a secret - yes Community Table has been serving up food for years, but Chef Christian has a certain glow about him. He sat with us for a bit while we peppered him with questions on how he has developed such <we can still taste the duck> delicious food. Arriving at the restaurant just a few months ago, he truly is somewhat of a hidden treasure and we feel lucky enough to have met him!
And wait!… don’t forget to check out their wine list. It is by far one of the most impressive we have seen!
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You will love Washington, CT for all of its beauty, good food and wonderful people. Below is a map to help you follow along, and don’t forget that you can download your EatINerary below. Enjoy and when you go, tell them your friends at Eat IN Connecticut sent you!
