After leaving our car with the valet, we stepped through the doors of the chic J House Hotel in Riverside, CT. I felt like we were on vacation, maybe in South Beach (we were in South Beach a few days prior). As we made our way through the lobby and into eleven14 Kitchen, my eyes opened wide to consume all the beautiful desserts on display in the glass-walled pastry room. As the hostess escorted us to our table, I was scoping out what other diners were enjoying, and everything looked delicious.
Executive Chef Francois Kwaku-Dongo‘s menu features seasonal American cuisine, using fresh local produce. In addition, the restaurant also offers various specials.
A bubbly cocktail and a Manhattan
For starters we enjoyed the Duck Confit Salad made with duck that had been sous vide and pulled off the bone and tossed with carrots, microgreens and radicchio.
Duck Confit Salad
New on the menu at eleven14 Kitchen is a selection of rolls prepared at their sushi bar. There are six delicious rolls to choose from. We loved their Red Dragon with Tuna Carpaccio, Avocado, Scallion and the Volcano Roll (Fried Shrimp Tempura, Spicy Tuna, Panko Crunch).
For the main course, we had the fish special and a rack of lamb. I usually order lamb whenever I see it on the menu, and theirs was outstanding. The meat was perfectly seasoned and tender. The Tuscan bean ragout was excellent – prepared with a few basic ingredients and loaded with tons of flavor.
Fish Special
Tempura Onion Rings
We couldn’t resist ordering the tempura onion rings. Served on a small cast iron skillet are a few crispy, and sweet onion rings. These would be perfect with their steaks or burgers.
Finally, we ended our meal with a dessert sampler, a great choice especially when you want a lil’ bit of everything. Included in the sampler are Old Fashioned Carrot Cake, New York Style Cheesecake, Local Apple Crisp, gelato, cookies, and their signature dessert, the Eleven14 Chocolate Bar. Our favorites were the stick-to-the-roof-of-your-mouth delicious and creamy cheesecake and the apple crisp.
We paired our desserts with Tariquet Armangnac and a 10 year Taylor Fladgate.
Grilled Rack of Lamb, Tuscan Bean Ragout & Rosemary
Dessert Sampler
Our dining experience was fantastic. Paris, our server, was great. We highly recommend this restaurant – good for date night, or for groups. We look forward to the warmer weather so we can enjoy the food in their outdoor setting.
eleven14 Kitchen
1114 East Putnam Ave
Greenwich, CT 06878
Tel: (203) 698-6999
