Reviews for Kess Cafe

12/12/2010 - Karen
If you haven’t been to Kess Café, in the heart of Plantsville (a section of Southington), you haven’t lived. . .gastronomically speaking. My husband and I strolled into the new bistro 3 and ½ years ago, shortly after they opened. From our first lunch, to the hundreds of other meals we’ve been privileged enough to enjoy there, we knew how lucky we were to have this gem right in our own backyard. Tim Kesser is an exceptional chef, coming to Connecticut, after running an award-winning restaurant in San Francisco. He combines French, Italian, and other subtle influences in a most creative and spectacularly delicious way. Whether we are sipping one of his homemade soups (e.g., cream of Brussels sprouts, clam chowder, something with a delightful chipotle essence), a wonderful sandwich (e.g., veal Milanese with caramelized onions, roasted peppers, and horseradish aioli), a vivacious salad (e.g., blackened halibut with field greens, pomegranate, goat cheese, and toasted nuts), or a savory entrée (e.g., seafood risotto with white clam sauce. . .this is an unbelievable dish—I have ordered trays of it for family gatherings and everyone raves; filet mignon with various wonderful sauces; salmon in a puff pastry with brie and truffle pâté; Long Island duckling). The titles of these dishes don’t nearly do them justice. Everything, and I mean everything, is carefully and painstakingly prepared, down to the side vegetables and basmati rice. And lest we forget dessert, although you sometimes equivocate because the meal has been so satisfying and filling. However, it’s hard to pass on lavender crème Brule, or grand Marnier soufflé, or pumpkin cheesecake. I haven’t mentioned the varied and lovely wine list, or charming décor in an antique building in the sweet village of Plantsville. . . nor the fact that Kess himself is a man of zip, zap, and pizzazz to be reckoned with, playing cool jazz or bluesy tunes as you savor your meal. You’ll have to discover all of these delights for yourself. I fear that if the word gets out too broadly, we will be challenged in getting a table at our favorite restaurant, by far the best in Connecticut, and arguably beyond. I encourage you to amble over, perhaps after an afternoon of antiquing or leaf-peeping, or skiing. Once you’ve eaten at Kess Café, you may not want to dine anywhere else (we rarely do. . .what for?).