Peachy's Picks Connecticut: Apricot's in Farmington Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
Ann Howard, Culinary Legend
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In many cases, the best and brightest are to be found in dense amounts in major Metropolitan areas regardless of the discipline, however, in some cases they are a bit off the beaten path. Between Fifth Avenue and Newbury Street (if you are a Boston Bruin note that Ann's husband Joe loves hockey!) you will find Apricot's, strategically nestled in the town of Farmington which is the midpoint between New York and Boston. It would be a sin to drive through Connecticut and not stop to dine with Ann Howard at Apricot's. She is a total delight to meet and talk to, and if you need an excuse for the location, bear in mind that in every edition of the Miss Porter's Yearbook we know of, the conclusion page reads:
We quote Robert B. Brandegee in "The Farmington Myth": When the Lord made the world, He made Asia, Africa, and Europe, and last of all He made North and South America. He made the Americas with special care, as this is the place where the nations of the world would come together. When the Lord was making New England, one of the little angels asked that he too might make a state. So the Lord let him make the State of Connecticut. As the little angel shaped the rivers and built up the mountains, his cheeks were red with excitement. But when the work was nearly finished there was a large hollow and all the material was gone. But the Lord took him kindly by the hand, and the Lord took from the folds of his mantle some of the stuff of which paradise is made and He fitted it into the hole and the place was FARMINGTON.
And when you are in Farmington, Apricot's is where you want to eat because Ann Howard is simply the best. Apricot's the restaurant began in January 1983, but the concept started much earlier. When she was growing up, Ann loved stewed apricots with cream on top and this wonderful memory became the name of the restaurant. (Of course, we would be the first to say it is great to name yourself after a fruit.) A native of Walpole, Massachusetts, Ann Howard also has impressed us in her athletic endeavors being a center in field hockey at Walpole High and a Framingham State University Champ. We love that she was not content to be a homemaker alone, not necessarily the norm for her time, and
Ann studied at Le Cordon Bleu in London and LaVarenne in Paris, and in the early 1970's the Ann Howard Cookery began.
The Ann Howard Cookery was a food emporium which included a bakery, gourmet to go store and a cooking school. Among the international stars she introduced to the Hartford were Jacques Pepin (we loved meeting him in 2012!) , Guiliano Bugialli, Martha Stewart (read about her amazing niece Sophie here and her equally accomplished nephew Chris here) and Julia Childs, and later
Ann wanted to broaden her horizons with a restaurant. Coincidentally a Farmington landmark, Auberge de Paris, became available. After a 1 1/2 years of renovation the restaurant was opened. The whimsical name of Apricots was chosen to escape the classical French cuisine of Auberge de Paris and Ann's reputation for French & Northern Italian cuisine.
The concept of the restaurant is two fold: the Pub menu is to serve hearty Pub style fare and the Main Dining Rooms offering a sophisticated selection of "Contemporary American Cuisine" offering the finest regional American products as well as a selection of items from Europe and the Far East. Their menu changes every four months and includes Fall/Winter, Spring and Summer.
Peachy Deegan began with the Roasted Brussel Sprout and Apple Salad with rendered pancetta and shallot truffle honey. Sliced beautifully, this was a dream salad that was peppered to perfection. Our panelist chose the Manhattan clam chowder with Andouille sausage, a special of the day that was spicy and hearty. Every bite of what you taste at Apricot's is emblazoned with care and excellence.
What is not easy is deciding what to order. The country eclectic menu absolutely has something for everyone, and note in the good weather from Memorial Day to October you will want to "dine on the veranda" as it has river views:
The Farmington River is one of the few places in the world where the river flows upwards...
As an entree, Peachy ordered the Mulled Cider Glazed Cedar Planked Atlantic Salmon, which boasted a perfect fall flavor and was perfectly presented in unique fashion on that plank! Every bite justified why you should get off I-84 at exit 39. The potatoes were the right accent and the greenery as well as green beans brightened the plate in both flavor and color.
As an entree, our panelist ordered their signature "Ann's Original Recipe" Chicken Pot Pie, which is a thirty year tradition. Light and flaky on the outside and simply fantastic inside, this could not be beat by any other pot pie. It is the ultimate in comfort food. Do leave room for dessert, as it's the best part!
What we can tell you about this dessert is it's aptly named LUST. Ann picked it out for us. You at the computer screen right now are likely practicing the verb of lusting after it! Coconut, lemon and raspberry sauce team up with a sprinkle of magic to create one of the most sensuous, seductive and decadent desserts you'll ever have. The texture evidences that angels themselves must make it with its lovely consistency and crust of graham cracker.
This is only enhanced by St. Germain on the side:
Apricot's seats 150 upstairs and 70 downstairs: one of these seats has your name on it! One of Ann's sons is involved in the business with his parents as Director of Operations-hats off to Ann for having four boys in five years as well!
A beautiful setting, a wonderful history and culinary excellence in addition to Ann Howard herself make Apricot's a must.
Peachy Picks Apricots!
Apricots is Highly Recommended by Whom You Know.
