Photos: Contributed
The winter winds are roaring outside, meaning now’s the perfect time to treat yourself to some warmth. With locations in Cos Cob and Darien, Louie’s Italian Restaurant & Bar brings the warmth in every sense of the word—from the welcoming staff to the mouth-watering meals and wine. “Dining at Louie’s should remind you of your favorite Italian restaurant on Arthur Avenue,” says Tony Lagouranis, co-owner of Louie’s with Pieter Hartong. “The staff is welcoming and the setting is comfortable but most of all, you’ll come back again and again for food.” With the highest quality ingredients and classic preparations, you can’t go wrong with any dish on the menu. To help you plan a romantic meal you’ll love, we picked some of our favorite dishes that reflect the lush flavors of Italian cuisine.
Wine
Photo Caption: The Cruvinet system at Louie’s Italian Restaurant & Bar
“A wonderful Italian meal should be accompanied with a great tasting wine,” says general manager Jose Zuniga. “Our guests love our new Cruvinet system which allows us to offer a selection of 16 premium wines by the glass. There are very few restaurants in Fairfield County that offer this level of quality wine by the glass.” The Gaja Promis ($27) and Chalk Hill Chardonnay ($22) are favorites, though any of the wine you choose from the temperature-controlled Cruvinet system will bring out the bold flavors you’ll savor all night long.
Antipasti
Photo Caption: The Shrimp Adria Antipasti Caldi
To set the stage for your culinary tour of Italy, opt for both a warm and cold antipasti. The Shrimp Adria ($16)—three shrimp wrapped in bacon and served with orange cognac sauce—is a decadent counterpoint to the classic Caprese salad ($13), which features fresh house-made mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
Entrees
Photo Caption: The Capellini Frutti di Mare
You can’t possibly go to an Italian restaurant and not treat yourself to a pasta dish. Owing to daily fresh fish deliveries and a rich sauce, the Capellini Frutti di Mare ($27) overflows with flavor, showcasing a bounty of clams, mussels, shrimp, calamari, and light tomato sauce. For a surf and turf dinner with your date (if either of you can be tempted to share), order the Veal Rollatini ($27), which features veal cutlets rolled with prosciutto and mozzarella, and sautéed in a mushroom demi-glaze.
Dessert
What’s the rush home when you can settle in with some dessert? Order the Tiramisu ($9) and the Chocolate Lava Cake ($9) to end your meal on a sweet note.
With a wealth of other dishes and daily specials to savor for both dinner and lunch, Louie’s Italian Restaurant & Bar is ready to whisk you away to Little Italy for an authentic meal in a relaxed setting. If you’re feeling social, stop by the lively bar for after-work drinks. And if there’s a party in your future, both locations offer private rooms for dinners and cocktail receptions, and Cos Cob also features a private function space for larger events.
Louie’s Italian Restaurant & Bar
136 River Road, Cos Cob, 203-422-2177
10 Center Street, Darien, 203-309-5818
louiesrestaurantbar.com
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