Erin, Lisa, Adam, & Todd,

Joe and I want to thank you and the ENTIRE staff at Pond House for an absolutely wonderful wedding day! I could not have imagined anything more beautiful, magical, or fun. It was all I had dreamed of and then some. Special thanks to Erin--you were an absolute doll throughout the evening...so attentive and caring. And all of you were a pleasure to work with throughout the entire process. You guys make a stressful event seem effortless.

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Adrienne Cerniglia of West Hartford asked if anyone had recipes for the banana polenta and poached salmon ike those served at the buffet of the Pond House at Elizabeth Park. Lisa Deedy, sales manager at the Pond House Café, writes: "Well, here they are!" She sent recipes from the café's executive chef, Jordan Stein, adding: "You can find these and other recipes from the Pond House Café on our blog, The Mixing Bowl! Visit our website at http://www.pondhousecafe.com."

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We celebrated our daughter’s college graduation this past Saturday afternoon with lunch at the Pond House. I just wanted to say thank you for yet another wonderful visit. This is by far one of my favorite
locations for not just one but many reasons. You did not disappoint on any level including the nesting duck on the planter! Thanks again and please pass this on to the staff and others.

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At the Pond House Café, set on the grounds of Elizabeth Park in West Hartford, the brunch crowd is typically enveloped by warm food scents and a cushion of conversation. As they sip steaming cups of coffee, they can look out over the pond - fringed, this time of year, with bare tree limbs quivering in the wind.”

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“A recent visit on a warm weekend evening found the Café operating at full tilt. Every seat in the cozy, inviting dining room was occupied; revelers at a wedding reception in the hall were hustling to another disco song. I think I even saw a few ducks in the pond flapping their wings excitedly.

The kitchen matches the enthusiasm. With an emphasis on organic produce, meals at the Café sparkle with farm freshness. Unexpected flavors and textures abound. Portions are generous, and there's always an unanticipated little flourish or zing.

A special salad of yellow tomatoes, seedless watermelon and feta cheese in a balsamic syrup spoke of summer indulgence. The sweet and the salty married perfectly. A fat crab cake hit the spot, so did a nice hunk of halibut. Baked macaroni and cheese loaded with applewood bacon and peas, even though it seems more like winter comfort food, was perfectly correct summer fare. Sad that the kitchen is out of Indian matter paneer tonight (grilled paneer - a fresh, unripened cheese - in a ginger yogurt sauce served with basmati rice and eggplant; yum).”

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“It's an oasis within an oasis. Pond House Café, tucked in the leaves of Elizabeth Park, doesn't typically come to mind when one is making dinner plans in Greater Hartford. Too bad, because it should. This hidden gem, frequented by the area's hip, artsy intelligentsia, is a well-kept secret. Maybe not for long. More and more are finding their way through the rose bushes to get to this simply decorated, candle-lit restaurant that offers creative cuisine and serene, woodland views.”

Thank you for all of your help planning and coordinating our wedding reception! Everything was perfect, and our guests really enjoyed themselves. The staff was AMAZING and went out of their way to make our guests happy. And the food…. it speaks for itself! We had such a great time – thank you!

Becky and Bill

Norwich CT

*****

I have been meaning to let you know how wonderful Sara’s shower was at the Pond House Cafe. Denise took excellent care of us as did the rest of the staff. They all couldn’t have been more attentive. And the food was outstanding. All the guests raved about the presentation and of course the taste. The omlette station was a big hit, as was the dessert. The room itself looked beautiful. Looking outside at the snow covered pond and park through the wall of windows was perfect. And the fireplace added a special touch as guests arrived. We even loved the curtains dividing us from the other room. All that you, Denise and the staff did to make Sara’s day very special means a lot to me. I will be sure to recommend the Pond House Cafe to others looking for a shower or wedding venue.

Linda, West Hartford CT

*****

Dear Management, I was invited to Ashley’s wedding shower in March and I had a wonderful time. The room was beautifully decorated and the food was delicious, but the one thing that made it extra special was a beautiful lady called Ciera. She is a bright cheerful and a gifted server for sure and from where I was sitting, an asset of yours! Thanks for all you do. Sincerely,

Roberta

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A Menu Befitting an Oasis of Greenery – The New York Times – Sept. 4, 2009 – Stephanie Lyness

“THE Pond House Café in West Hartford, which sits at the edge of a largish pond in Elizabeth Park, offers one of the most exquisite restaurant landscapes I’ve encountered in the Hartford area — a wonderfully unexpected oasis of greenery and riotous color just a few blocks from the Hartford border.”

Click here to read the entire article

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Pond House Make-A-Wish benefit with Colombian Chef of the Year sold out – Hartford Nonprofit Business Examiner – March 15, 2010

Many benefit events are finding it difficult to pack a room at $300 a person these days.

However, that’s not the case for the Pond House Cafe, which is holding an event to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut on Saturday, March 20th. This event is sold out.

Perhaps it’s that Make-A-Wish is an organization near and dear to many hearts–they create miracles for children with life-threatening diseases by fulfilling their “wishes”. Having worked at a health organization, I saw how some of our children were able to see a dream come true by meeting their favorite football players and stand on the sidelines during a game, go to Disney World, or visit a dude ranch. The kids so love this experience, it makes the doctor visits, hospital stays and treatments a little easier both the patients and their families.

The event’s success may also be because it is a truly unique experience! The Pond House is bringing Colombia’s Chef of the Year, Juan Manuel Barrientos (who, incidentally, is only in his mid-20s), to prepare a fifteen course molecular gastronomy course with their resident food guru, Chef Jordan Stein.

Click here to read the full article

In the news/reviews

Pond House Make-A-Wish benefit with Colombian Chef of the Year sold out – Hartford Nonprofit Business Examiner – March 15, 2010

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RECIPE EXCHANGE

Recipe Exchange: Banana Polenta, Poached Salmon, Red Velvet Cake