Elm City Eats: SO Much Better Than Your Average Pub Food
Christopher Martins Pub
860 State Street
http://www.christophermartins.com/
Location and décor: East Rock, the "Grad Ghetto", probably a 15 minute walk from YLS. Traditional pub interior, with a few tables outside if you want to people-watch.
Items Sampled:
-Steak Wrapped Asparagus
-Mesclun Greens with Pecans, Blue Cheese, and Pears
-Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich on Focaccia - "Christopher Martins' Best Sandwich"
Though my expectations were rather modest when I arrived at the pub for a Sunday night bite, I left Christopher Martins full, content, and rather surprised. I was prepared to "dine" on greasy chicken fingers, fries, or perhaps a hamburger ... you know, your typical pub food. The game was on the TV set and a group at the bar behind us was doing shots and roaring in drunken laughter.
The steak wrapped asparagus is an appetizer worthy of some of New Haven's "best" restaurants. The asparagus was warm, with the perfect amount of thinly sliced steak wrapped around the stem. It was accompanied by a bed of jicama salad that was gobbled up almost as fast.
The pear, pecan, and blue cheese salad had such light, varied, and complimentary flavors that I had seconds, and thirds. The pear was perfectly grilled and served warm; the pecans were candied, but not too sweet; and the dressing light and flavorful. I really would have been happy simply with the appetizers, but I felt compelled to try "Christopher Martins' Best Sandwich", grilled chicken on focaccia.
I must admit, I'm a sucker for focaccia - you could stick a slice of bologna on focaccia and I'd be happy. But, the sandwich was tasty (though it probably would have been even better had I let them put their pesto mayonnaise on it) and I was perfectly content. I'm not qualified to say that it's their best sandwich, at least until I try a few more, but I am looking forward to going back again.
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