A Seductive Summer Supper Solution at SAILS

Once upon a time I had a favorite restaurant.  Its name was the River Cat.  It had a cousin in Old Greenwich called the Boxing Cat, but the River Cat was close to home and comfortable.  One day, the unthinkable happened and the door was shuttered.  I was so upset I went to extreme lengths…I started a Facebook Group called “Save the River Cat” and wept bitterly to no avail. 

As with all things, change came, eventually.  The River Cat morphed ever so slightly into a new establishment now called .  Gradually familiar and friendly faces started to reappear on the staff and among the patrons.  A new experience was on its way to becoming a favorite one.  Now it has been a few months, how are they doing?

I actually met with some people for lunch there not too long ago to discuss an affordable housing summit we are working on for September (more on that later) and arriving at exactly noon, I was somewhat scared to find it empty, except for the first of my companions who was also running on military time.  The other two arrived and we proceeded to have a wonderful lunch and began our conversation.  With each passing minute, however, conversation became more difficult as the room got more and more crowded.  Eventually, we had to take turns shouting to be understood. 

Crowds aren’t indicative of style or taste, but in this case, the people know quality.  I have yet to have a bad experience there … well, except for a bet I lost to Paul Curtin and Ben Bresnahan, but that is another story altogether.  So, what’s for dinner?

On the menu

If you are of a mind to do so, you could eat many a meal without ever leaving the appetizer section of the dinner menu at SAILS.  The Truffle Mac and Cheese would be my last meal if I were condemned and had a choice.  The Tuna Tartar is a unique presentation and so fresh and sharp I feel guilty when I don’t get it.  I miss the Black Bean Soup that used to be on this side of the menu when it was the River Cat, but the more seasonal soup offerings that I have seen are really a better idea and done well.

The burgers and pizzas make this a kid possibility and Allison has never had a problem with dining at Sails, and for a 13 year old, that is saying something.  It is pretty normal to see families eating together during the week, in fact, but it isn’t Overton’s so make sure they can handle it.

The entrée selection at Sails is exceptional.  In an area that I feel is underserved in fine dining, Sails’ menu covers a wide range of offerings and does it quite well.  The seafood that one might expect to see is there, with a Yellowfin Tuna dish that makes me mental trying to decide between it and the appetizer tuna.  The Wild Salmon ala Plancha has an amazing mix of flavors and is creative in its use of earthy ingredients. 

Pasta, desert

Innovative pasta dishes are very solid and might be another avenue to take the kids down.  I don’t go that route too often myself, because the other options are too seductive.  The Veal Scaloppini has a truffle finish that is to die for.

The real distinguishing moment at Sails might just be dessert.  Longford’s Ice Cream is the secret.  Made just over the border in Port Chester, Sails is one of the only local places I know that serves it.  The Peppermint Stick is Pam’s favorite and she seldom shares willingly.  The treat that keeps me coming back is the Salty Turtle.  An unbelievable mix of the plain and the perfect…vanilla ice cream with cashews and different sauces combine to make a great dessert.

So, come off the beach, out of the office or wherever you might be and head over to Sails at 148 Rowayton Ave.  It really does get crowded, so yes, make a reservation.  853-SAIL.  Ask about sitting outside.  Tell Terry I sent you and that he should work on getting that Black Bean Soup back.  Ok, so some things never change …

Editor's note: Here's an article about the restaurant: ""