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Hundreds of Readers Select Best of North Central CT We asked and you answered by the hundreds. And what follows are the top businesses in North Central Connecticut in each of their respective fields. There was nothing high tech about it. Just our capable staff sorting through the ballots and tallying up the totals with that “four sticks, then a slash” system we all learned in grade school. But when all was counted, we do believe that all of the winners – as well as those who took time to fill out the ballots – should be proud. After all, feedback from critics and peers is always valuable, but a ringing endorsement like this from customers and community members is a true sign a business has reached the highest level of success. So again, congratulations to all of our winners and those who voted to make them winners. FOOD BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT Hazard Grille 39 Hazard Ave., Enfield (860) 239-0004 www.hazardgrille.com For the second year in a row the Hazard Grille has taken the most votes for best overall restaurant. The Grille features classic American food with an upscale, but not stuffy, twist. The atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed, while the food is simply amazing. Seafood, pasta, chops and steaks are featured, along with signature dishes like Statler chicken and lobster fettuccini. The affordable luncheon menu includes sandwiches, as well as entrees like meatloaf and baked scrod. BEST BREAKFAST Richie T’s Diner 106 Main St., Somers (860) 763-4000
In This Issue • ELLINGTON: Longtime selectman not seeking re-election ...............p. 7 • ELLINGTON: High school announces students for honor roll .....................p. 8 • ELLINGTON: Senior center outlines upcoming trips, programs ..........p. 10 • FOODSTUFFS: Bravo’s Pizza finds success in new home..................p. 11 • SOMERS: Town ends year with a little extra money in budget ..................p. 13 • SOMERS: SHS Honor Roll........p. 14
James P. Fitzgerald, DMD at his office in Somers is voted ‘Best Dentist’ in the North Central News’ Readers’ Poll for 2009. Photo by David Butler II Richie T’s Diner is a new winner in the plates. And if you’re in the mood for the premises from fresh ingredients from breakfast category. Owner Richard something different, this is the place. the pasta to the desserts. They also strive to Tantillo says it’s their fresh approach that “People can even create their own omelets keep ingredients local when possible. “We brings it to the top. “It’s freshly prepared if they’d like to,” he said. do use local farmers,” Teddy Lepri said. every day,” he said. “If I wouldn’t eat it, I BEST LUNCH Frank Lepri was trained at the Culinary won’t serve it.” Somers Inn Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. Their specialties range from their home585 Main St., Somers His specialties include braised short ribs, made corned beef hash to three-egg (860) 749-2256 Mediterranean sea bass and rigatoni omelets, with everything served on heated When it comes to a midday meal, our Bolognese. readers say there’s nothing middle of the BEST PIZZA road about lunch at the Somers Inn. Frankie’s Firehouse Restaurant • SOMERS: High School seniors According to owner Peter Boggio, that’s 112 Main. St., Somers receive numerous awards ...........p. 21 because they give customers what they (860) 749-1230 want, a lunch complete with beverage and www.frankiesfirehouse.com • STAFFORD: Big Brother might track dessert for one price, so people know what Our voters’ choice for the best place to town vehicles...............................p.24 they’re spending. Specialties include lamb get pizza is Frankie’s Firehouse—for the lollipops, roast pork, salmon, chicken fourth year in a row. The dough is made • CLASSIFIEDS: ....................p. 28-29 parmesan, roast turkey and lobster and fresh daily, and the pizzas are hand-tossed. • AUTOS: Lexus introduces a new consalmon bisque. Owner Frank Vono credits “an old family BEST DINNER recipe” stretching back for generations for vertible for top-down luxury ..........p. 30 Trattoria da Lepri Frankie’s ongoing success. The restaurant 89 West St., Ellington offers take-out service, lunch and dinner (860) 875-1111 specials, and lots of Italian favorites. As www.trattoriadalepri.com the menu says, “Our portions are generous, When it’s time for dinner, our readers well-presented and reasonably priced. We say Trattoria da Lepri has quickly become want the quality of our food, our friendly their favorite. Teddy and Frank Lepri service, and reasonable prices to keep you opened the restaurant on Sept. 24, 2008, coming back for more!” And we do. and they stress that everything is made on
* NEXT ISSUE • Editorial/Advertising Deadline: August 28 (860) 698-9328
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