La Vita Gustosa -- East Haddam, CT

La Vita Gustosa
9 Main Street
East Haddam, CT
www.lavitagustosa.com

On the way to Gillette Castle, we stopped here for lunch. The restaurant is situated at a beautiful street corner, just over the Connecticut River and across from the Goodspeed Opera House. I was in the mood for a light lunch, and found the perfect choice in their artichoke and cranberry salad.















Tossed with leeks, almonds, and romano over a bed of romaine, and kissed with a lemon-olive oil vinaigrette, it was an excellent contrast of flavors and textures, and though it was an appetizer, it made a fine lunch. I also took a bite of Bill’s melanzane panini, which had a nice harmony of smoky flavors in the eggplant, provolone, and grilled flatbread.