For the #5 review of the 9 CT Lobster Rolls I tried throughout the summer of 2022, we come to a…read moreplace that honestly surprised the heck out of me, Charlie's Fresh Catch, taking the #1 spot of the 6 central CT/Hartford area rolls and #3 of the total 9. Being from the area I must have driven past this place dozens of times without ever even noticing it. It sits just outside "Vernon Center" directly across from what used to be CT Golf Land. Charlie Ballard purchased this place from the previous owner and it's been open since December 2013 and I can't believe it took me almost 10 years to even know it was there. Charlies is a very unique place, like a stand-alone seafood department you'd find in a grocery store but bigger and better. Not only do they carry the basics, they also have things you won't find in a grocery store and a large variety of seafood creations all made right in the store. In fact they have an entire glass case filled with everything from seafood salad, stuffed clams, shrimp and mushrooms to hush puppies, pasta salads and other appetizers. They also have a small selection of produce and large racks of spices, seasonings, batter mixes and more. While they carry some of the major brands they also have their own blends to go along with whatever you're picking up. So much that you might even come out with more than you went in there for. They also carry some of the popular local brands like Hosmer Soda, it's good to see local businesses supporting each other, a win-win in my book. There's also a freezer stocked with soups, pot pies and other prepared seafood (and non-seafood dishes). So much variety that I stopped there at least five times and I feel like I barely made a dent in trying what they have to offer. For the lobster roll it was a tough decision but being the lowest price of all the 9 places I tried it is an incredible value. Served on a 7 inch NE-style hot dog bun they average a little over 6 oz for the whole roll with an average of a little under 3 oz of hot, buttered lobster meat. Probably the closest thing I've found to what you'd get near the shoreline though obviously not as fresh but literally the best one I had of the 6 in the Hartford/central CT area. Small-ish looking but filling and you can't beat the price for what you get They also have a number of other meals for purchase prepared in the store like fish and chips, fried shrimp/clams, fries, hot dogs, chicken tenders and more. The clam chowder is on par with the better ones I've had and has nice chunks of potatoes, clams and vegetable. I still need to go back and try some of the other soups they don't sell hot but keep frozen (lobster bisque). With the holidays approaching I think I may be back once or twice before the end of the year, maybe not for a lobster roll but to sample the great selection they seem to always have. Wish I had found this place years ago, definitely a new repeat customer. Five Stars!!

It's been a while since the last time I was there. it must be under new owners they have everything…read moreyou can think of from any kind of fish and steaks stuff mushrooms etc we tried the whole belly clam rolls with fries. we were surprised finally got bigger clams. the clams at the shore are smaller. We will be back

I go to Bogners in Vernon at least twice a week for my proteins for dinner. Occasionally I do buy…read morevegetables and breadcrumbs because it is cheaper and convenient if I don't need to go to the grocery store. Their bacon is amazing! We love the black pepper bacon. Their chicken and pork is of great quality as well. We love their steaks. The Kansas City steaks were used for beef stroganoff and meatloaf mix were used for Italian meatballs. Service is always wonderful. Manager, Dan, is very helpful and his team are fabulous. The Vernon store is a lot smaller than the Manchester store but it's the same quality items. They're a great butcher shop and we only go to Bogners for all our cuts. Ambiance is casual butcher shop. Clean and organized. Ample parking lot.

Always great selections of meat and great sales. The bacon is delicious and the apple sausage has…read morejust the right flavor. They will cut various meats to your liking which I prefer during the holidays. Their deli meats are delicious too especially the bacon crusted turkey. Always nice staff to greet you when you walk in.

I have been going to the South Windsor Rasham for many years and loved their food and halal meat…read more So I stopped by here to get some halal mutton and chicken. Both tasted very good, better than big chain store ones. I also took some prepared food. Beef and lamb gyro with kheema rice was good. May be that is the only hot food available here. I also went for a lamb biryani, chicken samosa and lamb samosa. All of it were cold. I had to take home heat and have it. I was expecting samosas to be hot.

If you want a cool sweet treat, they've got fruit-shaped ice creams in the freezer. I highly…read morerecommend those! The chicken shawarmas are well-made and very filling. The service is also welcoming and friendly. I enjoy going.

I absolutely love Harkens Garden center for all the landscape work we have done at our house…read more There is a large selection of stone and plants, trees to create a perfect backyard retreat. This is always the spot I recommend to my friends when they need garden supplies. Located on route 5, plenty of parking

I'm an out-of-towner, who was staying in Windsor, CT for a period of a week & stopped by for some…read moregroceries. Honestly, I was surprised at how high the prices were- but what also took me aback was the staff (cashiers), who were not particularly friendly nor were they willing to show me where things were located in the store- when I asked! Upon check-out, I actually had to coax the 2nd cashier to help me bag the groceries; she was just standing around doing nothing! I think next time, I'll stick to Big Y...

Willing to make custom packages of anything. I ordered 10 lbs of boneless chicken breasts, divided…read moreinto individual packets serving 4 ppl per package. No problem and everything was filed perfectly. Also, order the specials. Great way for variety that doesn't break the bank. Staff very helpful and accommodating.

Mike Pyal's service is always top notch. He's a world class meat aficionado. He just gets it…read moreright, EVERY TIME !! I love their meatballs, kielbasa, Italian cookies and roast beef !! The ambiance is the typical store front with a very clean kitchen.

Great selection, wonderful service. Been going here for years…read more This is where local restaurants get there seafood.

Easy to find, ample parking, pretty good selection of fish and shellfish…read more The sales room was clean, and this reminded me of a 70s type store. Service was good, not great I really needed cherry stones and I saw they had them stated online, so I drove a little bit to get here and they did not have them Other shellfish was quite pricey, but the quality looked good I ended up buying 10 little neck clams at $.79 each, and 3 pounds of mussels. I spent just under 20 bucks. I thought it was a lot of money for what I got. I think this will be a one and done for me

Quick and delicious! Many fresh options for any meal! I go for lunch since it is convenient. I love…read morethe Beef Patty!

Stopped in one morning to get a breakfast sandwich, and wasn't expecting much. I was pleasantly…read moresurprised. It's made on the spot. The bun was toasted, the eggs cooked nicely, bacon (a little too done for my taste), and the cheese gooey. Overall great sandwich. The picture doesn't do it just rice.

When I think of summer, I think of ladies nights and charcuterie boards!! Charcuterie boards are…read moreone of my favorite things (to make too). When I heard Char-cu-te-rie opened up at blue rock square in West Hartford I knew I had to check it out. There was nobody there when I walked in and it took a minute for someone to come out from the back. They gave me a quick rundown. The space is beautiful with lots of room to hang out. You can gather friends or family and hang out in the lounge. They have different option boards you can choose from and you can either have it there or take it to go. I loved their cute little meat and cheese in cups that were in the coolers. There is parking close by with other shops around. I did not see seating outside.

"Oh you know I like to do just like the rest you know I…read morelike my sugar sweet But jumping fumes and making haste you know it ain't my cup of meat" (Bob Dylan) Yes, you really can get a cup of meat here, but in the spirit of transparency your single-serve cup will also include two curated cheeses, crackers, and a mix of fresh fruits and roasted nuts. Char-cu-te-rie sells a variety of beautiful hand-made charcuterie boards. Their product line ranges from a $12 Kid-friendly snackable with mild cheese cubes, turkey or ham roll-ups, apple slices, berries, and crackers all the way up to a 10-20 person monster sized $275 feast with 6-8 artisan meats and 5-6 curated cheeses, plus all the trimmings. We stopped in today and picked up an Amuse Board ($20 base) to bring home for lunch. The base price included "two artisan meats and 3 curated cheeses, paired with bread or crackers. Choose one or two from: seasonal fruits, nuts, or dried fruits, plus a dip or jam, and either olives or pickles". We added on a few things with $3 upcharges -prosciutto, pate, Manchego and blue cheeses, so that brought our total to $32. When we got home and opened up the box of goodies we were struck at what a beautiful job they did in packaging and presentation. The board was gorgeous and everything on it was as delicious as they were gorgeous. Since the boards are assembled by hand, it does take a while to put together all of the ingredients. Ours took around 20 minutes to build, but we were more than satisfied with the result. There is a counter where you can sit and enjoy your food there. They also have a lounge you can reserve for date night or a group. We were very impressed with our first visit to Char-cu-te-rie.