Three Great New Connecticut Dining Destinations
Connecticut Magazine | Erik Ofgang, Mike Wollschlager, Albie Yuravich
Mystic has gained fame for its relationship with the sea, so opening a waterside restaurant to capitalize on that connection seems like a recipe for success. The real challenge is actually taking that premise and making it work on a daily basis.
Enter Angela Kanabis, who has run acclaimed local favorites such as Mystic’s Bravo, Bravo and Kazu as well as Olio in Groton. Relying on that expertise and capitalizing on a terrific location tucked away on the water alongside Seaport Marine, Kanabis has opened Red 36, named for the red buoy that marks the starboard side of the channel when approached from the sea. Consequently, it’s the quintessential seaside eatery—think wide wooden decks, sturdy picnic tables and platters of fresh seafood.
“Red 36 offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere with beautiful riverfront views,” says Kanabis. “The outdoor decks offer classic dining tables, lounge areas or Adirondack chairs, ideal for watching the sailboats float past.”
Since opening in July, the 150-seat eatery has been drawing crowds eager to taste summer. In addition to plenty of bounty from the deep—an ample raw bar, fried oysters, fish tacos, lump crabcakes, lobster roll, beer-battered fish and chips, clam chowder—the menu boasts a mouthwatering array of grilled flatbreads (such as clam with bacon, kale, garlic, oregano, Parmesan and olive oil), gourmet burgers (the beef short rib Angus ground beef burger comes with double Gloucester cheese, butter lettuce and vine-ripened tomato) and upscale entrées such as cashew-crusted pork tenderloin and seared tuna. Red 36 also offers homemade condiments and freshly baked rolls.
The dessert menu changes daily—one of the more popular treats recently was a scrumptious caramel-covered popcorn sundae. The drink menu features more than a dozen craft beers as well as a delicious blend of domestic and imported wines and creative cocktails.
According to Kanabis, Red 36 will continue to evolve, adding live music on Thursdays and Sundays, private theme dinners and a Bloody Mary bar on Sunday afternoons. She adds that Red 36 is not just a summer destination. “We are committed to creating an enjoyable and quality experience for our guests throughout the year.”