Many residents of Rowayton, CT were saddened at the closing of the popular, local spot, the River Cat Grill. When the owner of the restaurant had to sell, I was elated to learn that our friend Mr. Hooper would be buying the place and taking the reigns. The River Cat Grill is now known as SAILS American Grill and I hope to pay many more visits to this Rowayton eatery.
While my parents previously dined at Sails prior to this evening, this was my maiden voyage. My Dad marveled at the Roasted Marinated Pork Chop, saying it was the “best he ever had.” I’d have to take his word for it on the pork chop, but was excited to sample several of the other menu items.
A fire in the fireplace lended to a cozy atmosphere, rope tied winches lined the booths and sails met at a light fixture overhead. Olive oil was poured and sprinkled with pepper as soon as we took our seats and waiters circled the tables dolling out piping hot dinner rolls while we surveyed our dinner options.
Blue Point’s Hoptical Illusion IPA caught my eye on the specials list as did the side dish of truffle fries. I chose the Cedar Planked Wild Salmon for an entree and agreed to share the Warm Herb Crusted Goat Cheese and Beet salad with my Mom. My Brother started his meal with the Meatball Sliders, which he said were “Excellent” and had the Wisconsin Burger for an entree. The Wisconsin Burger was topped with Wisconsin smoked cheddar, BBQ sauce and crispy onion grass. My brother’s review was that the burger was “Flavorful and juicy.” My Dad ordered the Spiced Rubbed French Chicken Breast at the recommendation of Mr. Hooper and stated that it lived up to its praise. My salmon was cooked to perfection and the sun dried apricots in the accompanying bed of red rice provided a sweet contrast to the savory fish.
The dessert menu’s offerings were all appealing, but I went with the Warm Chocolate Ooze Cake. The cake was everything an “Ooze” cake should be. Hot out of the oven and paired with vanilla ice cream. Sails added a creative twist by making the ice cream a milkshake, served in a small glass adjacent to my ramekin of cake. The shake was rich with vanilla flavor, so I wasn’t surprised to see tiny vanilla beans when I reached the end of the glass.
The nautical theme pays homage to the neighborhood in which it resides and offers excellent food and first class service on the charming Rowayton waterfront. Can’t wait to visit Sails again.
Open for Lunch & Dinner Tuesday-Saturday
Open for Brunch & Dinner on Sunday
148 Rowayton Ave. Rowayton, CT 06853
http://www.sailsamericangrill.com/index.html
or look for them on Facebook…
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sails-American-Grill/170099863002508?ref=ts&v=info#!/pages/Sails-American-Grill/170099863002508
