The Little Pub in Ridgefield

Written by Fran Sikorski
Thursday, 14 January 2010 11:56

Renovated by Kevin McHugh of Weston, and owned by Doug and Dineen Grabe of Fairfield, Little Pub opened in Ridgefield in late summer, and judging by the crowds, it seems as if it’s been there forever. Timothy Passaro is executive chef, and Robert Mennona is sous chef. General manager is Peter Mennona.

Crowded as it is, everyone seems to be having a good time ordering a variety of beers, and eating American food favorites and a selection of eclectic dishes, including chicken quesadillas, crunchy veggie spring rolls, best seller ahi tuna tacos, Topstone mountain chili, and fish and chips.

Steak frites, a grilled and sliced 10-oz. New York strip with caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms on a garlic soaked crustini, served with parmesan-dusted fries, is a hit. For more taste pleasure, team it with a crisp iceberg wedge salad topped with creamy Maytag blue cheese, chopped tomatoes, red onion and cherrywood smoked bacon. Another favorite is the chopped Cobb salad with mixed greens, smoked bacon, and tomatoes, olives, hardboiled eggs, avocado and crumbled gorgonzola, with a creamy balsamic vinaigrette.

If you stop by for a drink, combine it with a little plate, $7.95 to $9.95: calamari dusted with coarse sea salt, cracked black pepper and served with a trio of dipping sauces — remoulade, fra diavlo, and garlic aioli; Little Pub sliders topped with three melted cheeses, Swiss, American and Cheddar; or Ladder Co. #1 wings soaked in a red hot sauce and served with crisp celery and a Maytag blue cheese dipping sauce.

Little “crocks,” $5.95 to $6.95, are chicken tortilla soup, shredded chicken and tomatillos seasoned with toasted cumin, paprika and ancho chili powder, topped with Cheddar, jack cheese and crispy tortilla strips, and chili, slow-cooked beef and beans topped with melted Cheddar and a dollop of sour cream, served with a flaky buttermilk-cheddar biscuit.

Branchville Burgers, $8.95 to $10.95, are made with freshly ground, hand-formed beef; the organic veggie burger is made from scratch with black beans and brown rice, topped with fire-roasted peppers, sprouts, jack cheese, cilantro-chipotle spread and served with sweet potato shoestring fries. Gluten-free rolls are also available.

An instant hit were wasabi tuna tacos, sashimi grade ahi tuna seared rare, sliced and served with soft flour tortillas, grilled pineapple-jicama-mint salsa, baby field greens and wasabi-lemon yogurt sauce.

Sandwiches and Little Pub favorites, $7.95 to $15.95, include a BLT, an eight-ounce chilled Maine lobster roll and fresh Bass Ale-battered Atlantic cod.

Desserts, all $6.95, include peanut butter mousse pie with chunks of Reese’s candy on top, New York cheesecake, apple crisp, and a sinfully rich chocolate cake.

Mr. McHugh said during an interview that he saw the potential in the small Cotswold-style building built in 1920, which had housed a real estate office, several restaurants, and an antiques store. His design included antique fixtures, reclaimed wood flooring and old barn siding.

Little Pub

59 Ethan Allen Highway

Ridgefield, 203-544-9222

Open every day for lunch and dinner from 11:30 to closing, serving little plates, little crocks, salads, sandwiches and burgers.

Reservations accepted; major credit cards, handicap accessible; children’s menu; full bar; specialty beers, ales, stouts, ciders; pub fare “with a twist”; take-out; casual dress; private functions; occasional entertainment; seasonal outdoor dining; parking adjacent to restaurant.

Side dishes

An a la carte Sunday brunch is now being served from 11 to 3 through April 4 at Café on the Green, 100 Aunt Hack Road at the municipal golf course in Danbury. Entree selections include a basket of breads, muffins and scones and choice of a complimentary Mimosa, Bloody Mary or Bellini. Reservations, 203-791-0369.

Editor’s Note: Restaurant features are not intended as formal reviews, but are offered to give our readers a sense of what’s available at area establishments.