HIDDEN GEMS & HOMETOWN FAVES: THE FOUNDRY
Rocco, surprised me with an unforgettable birthday dinner at Hartford’s newest hotspot, The Foundry. What a delightful surprise! From the moment we arrived on the 20th floor of the Hartford Steam Boiler Building, we were captivated by the stunning decor and warm, friendly staff. The space, which once housed the iconic On20, has been reimagined beautifully.
At our table, we were greeted by Jimmy, our incredible server for the evening. I started the night with a glass of champagne, while Rocco enjoyed a Gilded Glass Cocktail—both were perfect to set the tone. Fun fact: The Foundry’s ice cubes for their cocktails are imported from Japan, adding a unique and elevated touch to their already exceptional drinks. We kicked off our meal with their Parker House Rolls, which were divine, followed by two standout appetizers: the Swiss Raclette Fondue and Sunchoke Agnolotti. We highly recommend these dishes—they were absolutely amazing!
For entrees, I chose the Grilled Prime Strip Steak & 48-Hour Short Ribs, while Rocco went with the Pan Roasted Halibut. Both dishes exceeded our expectations. To top off the meal, we indulged in the Roasted Pineapple & Olive Oil Cake for dessert—it was a perfect ending to an extraordinary dinner.
To complement our meal, we ordered a lovely bottle of Pinot Noir. Zak, the sommelier, opened and poured the wine for us. He was incredibly knowledgeable and shared fascinating insights about Oregon wines (Pam’s favorite) and his personal experiences and training. Zak’s enthusiasm was infectious, and he even took a moment to take a photo with us.
Our table, situated by the window, offered breathtaking views of the Hartford Skyline, which only added to the magic of the evening. After dinner, we joined friends and had the opportunity to tour their private dining room, which can accommodate up to 36 guests. We were so impressed and can’t wait to host a future dinner there.
From the moment we arrived at the entrance floor to the greeting on the third floor and the seamless transition to the 20th floor, the experience was flawless. The entire staff—from the hostess to Jimmy and the bartenders—were phenomenal. The bar’s ambiance and the welcoming layout made the whole evening feel special.
We can’t wait to return soon to @thefoundryct!
If you’re looking for a spectacular dining experience in Hartford CT, this is the place to be.
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