Yelp’s Farm Fresh Summer Sendoff at The Willows

On Thursday night, Hartford's Yelp Elites enjoyed a summer sendoff with
a decadent farm-to-table tasting at The Willows. Located in the new
Hilton DoubleTree in Bristol, the restaurant dazzled yelpers and their guests
with a seasonally-inspired sampling, organic Tannu wines,
and lovely tunes from talented local guitarist, Steven Rutledge.

Dan R confesses “I’m still shaking my head and finding it
hard to believe I wasn't in Manhattan or Boston or anywhere other than Bristol
last night. Stellar is the only word that comes to mind.”

Set in a sparkling glass atrium adjoining an expansive
patio, the event featured an abundance of farm-to-fork dishes utilizing local
ingredients. Jason S notes, “The venue was fantastic,” where “modern styling
abounds” with “warmth and comfort.”

Centered around a spectacular station laden with gourmet
cheeses and jams, guests sampled everything from seared scallops with heirloom
tomato jam to pork bellies with maple cream, ahi tuna tartare, ceviche in
rambutan shells, and duck breast with lingonberry jam. The “fried oysters,
chilled potato bisque and sweet potato croquettes” alone made Laura F exclaim, “it’s like fall in my mouth!”

Reflecting the farm-fresh theme, Madeleine L adored the stations “cleverly designed with shovels displaying their treats”, especially mini
crudité “bundles in an adorable edible dirt made out of pumpernickel crumb – wow!”
The dishes “arranged in such a beautiful manner” had Dan R wondering, “Are you
sure the kitchen staff didn't study art design too?”

Out on the patio, a firepit warmed guests while talented
musician Steven Rutledge provided a backdrop of acoustic melodies on his
guitar. Anthony P comments, “I had to thank the guitarist for providing the
music, which gave the event an excellent ambiance.” Attendees ended the night
with a tour of the hotel, including the opulent penthouse, which made these
Yelp Elites feel quite elite, indeed. 

A huge thank you goes to The Willows for hosting this amazing event, plus Tannu Wines and Steven Rutledge for the fabulous wine and entertainment! Check out the awesome 5 star reviews here, peep the pics by Nick Caito on Flickr and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

'Til next time,

Emily C

Yelp Hartford Community Manager