NWCT Restaurants Adapt To The New Normal: Takeout At Four Favorites
A few weeks ago, we published 10 Things to Love About Kent, Conn. Thanks in part to Covid-19, we can add a few more in the area (or elaborate, since two of them were already mentioned in the 10 things). And while we’re at it, let’s mention the affection and appreciation we have for our Litchfield County readers, like Diane Meier, a longtime RI fan and friend. Not only did she give us a tip about four beloved NWCT restaurants offering takeout, the marketing guru and writer actually researched and wrote the following for RI. I couldn’t be more grateful — and envious of our readers/eaters who are fortunate enough to live nearby.
Responding to state orders limiting restaurants to takeout and delivery, two Kent, Conn. favorites are stepping up immediately, and making it easy and safe to take home the food their patrons trust and rely on. Others in the area are following suit.
In fact, Fife 'n Drum and Swyft have both offered takeout for years. In the case of the Fife, it was a quiet service to loyal customers, while Swyft did a brisk business in folks who picked up their famous wood-fired pizzas. But in both cases, their transition to “all takeout” has been simple, efficient, and promises to be reliable. Another cherished catering resource, Executive Cuisine, is also offering daily takeout and delivery.
Perhaps the most beloved restaurant in Litchfield County, if not all of Connecticut, Fife 'n Drum’s pickup menu is printed right on its home page. Customers can order, pay over the phone and roll up to the restaurant’s front door to have their food loaded into their cars. Free home delivery is included for orders of $25 or more. Place your order by calling them at (860) 927-3509.
In just two years, Swyft has become a real town favorite. The aforementioned pizzas, superb wood-smoked chicken and craft beers are just a few of the outstanding specialties created by Joel Viehland, their James Beard Award-winning owner and chef. Customers can view Swyft’s menu and call (860) 592-0404 to place an order.
In both cases, all precautionary standards and strict sanitation procedures are followed, if not exceeded. And they both promise to welcome any requests for special meals or dietary concerns.
For many of us in the Hudson Valley and the Northwest Corner, Executive Cuisine has been an important part of the most entertaining days of our lives. What began as an inflight catering company in 1991 grew to become one of our most enduring and beloved businesses. Talk to almost anyone up here, and you’ll find that our weddings, anniversaries, holidays, fund-raisers and community events are almost all marked by the delicious presence of Executive Cuisine.
And now, in this most challenging moment, they're opening their kitchens to offer their wonderful food for pickup and delivery on a daily basis. Pickup and delivery will be between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day, with your order brought out to your car at their New Milford location, or delivered to your home. Their daily menu is posted on their website, or you can call (860) 350-4884, ext. 9, to order.
Last week Joann Makovitzky, the managing partner of Community Table in New Preston, Conn., one of Litchfield County’s most acclaimed and cherished restaurants, sent an email to her customers asking whether they wanted to endorse the restaurant’s re-opening after its annual mid-winter break. The response was an outpouring of positive support. Community Table will provide curbside takeout beginning Friday, March 27.
Orders will be taken throughout the day, via their website, where they've photographed the food and added notes about each selection and its serving size. From roast chicken to duck rillettes and carrot hummus to caramel ice cream, the choices are their "family favorites," with Burger Night coming up on Mondays, which their devoted following has come to count on. They'll be offering specials and changes according to what's available from local growers and makers. Pickup hours will run from 4:30-7:30 p.m., Fridays through Mondays. They ask that all orders be placed by 3 p.m. To order, call (860) 868-9354.
Also, the state of Connecticut has decreed that alcohol can be included with takeout orders. Just sayin’.
At times like this, keeping the businesses we rely on working, while hearing a familiar voice on the line, or seeing the face of someone we trust pack our car with something delicious, is about as important a thing as we can do. And, to repay the favor they're doing for us, let's remember to add a tip to our takeout bill for the service staff, who are also being financially challenged by our new normal.
Please Support Rural Intelligence
We want to continue delivering the entertaining, informative and upbeat stories in the inimitable Rural Intelligence style, despite a pandemic. But we need your support to keep us going. Please consider making a donation; even a small amount helps secure our future. Support us now.
(If you prefer, mail a check to: 45 Pine Grove Ave., Suite 303, Kingston, NY 12401.)
Support Now