Something old and something new

Throughout our lives, there will be some events, places and times that will link us to other people in some inexplicable way. For me, it is the time that I spent working at the now closed, Goodwin Hotel in downtown Hartford. The showy red brick building, was the former personal apartment building of financier, J. P. Morgan. 

During my time there, I worked at the front desk, as a valet, and in the banquets department. I sent faxes for Spike Lee, bought batteries for Serge from System of a Down, located a NY Times in a snowstorm for John Lithgow (who is just as hilarious in person) and went to a concert and after party with Joe Strummer (former front man of the punk band, the Clash, who passed away in 2002) and his new band, the Mescaleros in a very sketchy back room at the Webster Theatre. Man, those were the days. There was a tremendous sense of pride in the employees that we were part of something historic, something important. Banquets were an all out affair, and I have not seen their equal anywhere. We wore white gloves. We stood at attention in the grandious marble hall, silently greeting our guests. We loved that place. 

It was this shared experience that brought me to a Sheraton Hotel last night to catch up with my former manager and friend, Miki. While normally I do not make a practice of writing about anything corporate, it was our shared love of hospitality done the right way that impressed me and made me want to blog about. Miki is on the forefront of something new and what he is involved with at the Sheraton (previously a Marriott), will probably become a model for others to follow. Years ago, I had actually visited the restaurant with some other former Goodwin employees as we had a mini reunion over brunch there. Aside from the company, the rest of the dining experience had been unmemorable to say the least. My last impression had been of a cold, corporate, and uninspiring atmosphere. Now? It was plush, warm, and dimly lit. 

With a glass of chianti in hand, I was introduced to the head chef. I think it always says something good about a new place, when existing staff members are interested in staying on. So the star of the evening.. the food. Despite arriving on time for happy hour, sadly I didn’t partake, but I plan on going back next week for sampling that, and a full dinner. 

The deal is that with the purchase of a drink, you can enjoy complimentary mini versions of items from the dinner entree menu that change daily. A quick glance at the neatly lined plates was all I needed to dash a text off to my friend informing her of our plans for next week. I love discovering things like this. So what did I actually get to sample at the Common House Restaurant, and can we talk about that name? 

Apparently, Miki and I both seem to share a love of ordering a bunch of appetizers and pretending it’s a bunch of tapas. So we did just that. First up came the BBQ shrimp. Spicy little morsels coated with BBQ and blue cheese sauce. Then the plates just kept coming. 

Adorable candied beet sliders with goat cheese and micro greens (very appealing to a vegetable lover such as myself), sweet potato fries and fingerling potatoes wrapped in bacon appeared in front of me. Then the calamari, which one of my seafood loving friends first got me turned on to as I made my slow break away from strict vegetarianism. 

Despite my initial reluctance to this dish because of the visible tentacles, it has now become one of my favorites. This calamari was so fresh, and tossed in a light vinaigrette with arugula, tomatoes, and capers. I almost could pretend that I was back at one of the lovely cafes on the streets of Barcelona that I miss so much! Lastly, we tried the fish tacos. 

They arrived on an artist palate type of plate. Grilled pieces of grouper fish were topped with cilantro, salsa, sour cream and pepper aioli inside of the lettuce leaves to make mini wraps. A really good, light and healthy option (if you skip the sour cream!) Word to the wise, the pepper sauce is not for the faint of heart. There is some real heat to it, so stay clear if you don’t enjoy spicy. And back to that name. From what Miki explained to me, a common house is a concept that originated before inns and taverns. It was essentially a place where travelers could communally share a meal, and even a bed as they moved across the country. Cool, huh?

and now for the details:
Common House Restaurant is located at:
The Sheraton Hotel, 100 Capital Blvd, Rocky Hill, CT
(860) 257-6000