What was the best part of our first ever visit to Mystic, Connecticut? The dinner you’re about to see. How good was it? Colin and I spent the entire meal arm wrestling with our baby for every last morsel!
The restaurant in question is called Harbour House, and is part of the Inn at Mystic: a hotel with some of the best water views in town. Allow me to lead you through our culinary adventure…
“You must get the Flood Tide Crepes!” advised our charming waiter. “Harbour House is famous for them. They have fresh lobster, mushrooms, and shallots in a Madeira wine cream sauce.”
The crepes were DELICIOUS. I’m embarrassed to admit this, but I was so in love with every bite that the entire dish was gone before I could give Colin a single taste! So sorry, husband.
Next up were the Stonington Scallops: Local day boat scallops served blackened. They were fluffy and fresh, and after smearing lobster crepe cream on his hands, Devi reached right for them.
Our waiter was on fire with good recommendations. (Ironic, since he had numerous ocean-themed tattoos! “Growing up in Mystic,” he explained to us, “we grow up with the sea.”) His next suggestion was the Charcoal Broiled Duck, roasted with honey garlic, fresh thyme, butter, and sea salt.
Devi and the duck became best friends. Our baby yanked at it, jammed an entire leg in his mouth, and wouldn’t stop howling until we pulled off a section for him to gnaw on. He was a happy little man then!
When we tasted that duck, we were enchanted, too. Like everything at that dinner, it was lusciously fresh and flavorful. “Succulent” is the word that comes to mind as I flash back to the meaty juices on my tongue. Must… not… lick the screen…
At that moment in the meal, I got a text from my father: “I’m on the train passing through Mystic, CT!” Suddenly, I realized that from the Harbour House window, the tracks are visible, and I could make out a streak of silver shooting past. “Oh!” I texted back to my father, “I see your train!”
Just then, dessert arrived. What was mine? Fried banana spring rolls with silky ice cream and chocolate sauce. It was so good that when I took it out of Devi’s reach, my baby grabbed a straw and started poking at it so he could suck the flavor off the plastic. You have good taste, little man!
Colin rounded out his meal with creme brûlée: Perfectly crispy on top, and creamy below. Devi grabbed so rabidly for that dish that none of the photos of his hands came out. Given this, what follows is the one picture of the moment when our guy’s little paws weren’t in our food!
A good dinner can be a turning point in a vacation, and this one was for us. As you may know, “vacation” with a mischievous toddler ain’t exactly a relaxing time. After three days in New York City followed by the drive to Connecticut, Colin and I were running ragged. During that delicious dinner at Harbour House, however — eating well and gazing out over the calm water — we were finally able to unwind and exhale. A restaurant that can provide this quality replenishment is a precious thing, indeed!
We were guests of Harbour House, but all opinions and food-coated babies are my own.
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Lillie says
Want more about Mystic, CT? I just published an article about all the other great things there! –> https://www.aroundtheworldl.com/2015/05/19/mystic-ct/
Gail says
It’s been a while since I stopped in to read your blog. Devi is growing!!!!!! :)
Mystic is in my own backyard, and I am ashamed to admit that I’ve never dined at the HH. After reading this post, however, I do believe I will give the Harbour House a try. Many thanks to you Lillie!
Lillie says
I hope you enjoy it! Do tell them I sent you, and do stop by this blog again soon. :)
Robin says
Mmmmmmmm. Lobster crepes!
Elle says
I’ve just wolfed a big bowl of chilli, but your article has me hungry again! Super pics!
E x
Crystle says
He is so cute!
Crystle says
I want to follow you, how do I do that?
Lillie says
Great! On which platform? I’m @WorldLillie on Instagram and Twitter. Other links are in the upper right of this site, and on the Lillie about page.
Crystle says
I use edublogs by wordpress. I don’t have an account on either Instagram or Twitter though.
Lillie says
Ok, no problem. You can subscribe to my free monthly newsletter (which has a roundup of all my month’s articles) in the upper right corner of this site, and can subscribe to emails each time a new article is posted via the link at the end of my Lillie (About) page. Thanks for reading and connecting!
Cat of Sunshine and Siestas says
Kudos for having a baby with great taste!!
Lillie says
His #1 favorite food remains bread with hummus and raisins, however.
Cathy Sweeney says
You’re killing me with this post. Totally hungry and I know what I whip up for lunch will not come close. Scallops and roast duck are two of my faves. You would have needed to arm wrestle me for your share, too. The baby looks so happy — who would’t be after such a meal. Only stopped in Mystic briefly once. I guess it’s worth a second visit just to have a meal like this.
Lillie says
Yes!
Larissa says
With a toddler, EVERYTHING is finger food!
Lillie says
True story!
Wandering Educators says
OOH. I’d be like Devi, I think. It all looks so good!
Lillie says
Mmm, was it ever.
Christa says
Are you in Mystic now? We live in Norwich, just half an hour away! We visit Mystic ALL the time!
Lillie says
Aw, we’ve left now, but that’s great that you live in the area. What a nice place!