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 Intro
Fifty
Six Union has been under new management for three
years. The decor is wonderful, very different
from the former breakfast/ luncheon atmosphere
of Cranberry Cove or, even earlier, the Elegant
Dump. The amble parking in the back at this very
busy street is a real bonus. The food is good,
but it is the atmosphere that wins most attention.
Open year round, this obviously a favorite spot
and its festive atmosphere is contagious.
Ambiance  |
If
you haven't visited the restaurant located at 56
Union Street in the last three years, as we hadn't,
you are in for a delightful surprise. Fifty-Six
Union both inside and outside bears no resemblance
to ones formerly in that location. The two indoor
dining rooms and the patio are are elegant, with
subdued lighting from recessed ceiling lights and
very small candles on each table. A dramatic addition
is the attractive bar which occupies one entire
side,an ideal place for waiting for tables, meeting
old and new friends, and having adinner if you wish.
While we there, many couples came and went adding
a festive party atmosphere throughout the evening.
Most tables in the main room are for two or four.
But a table which is built into the wall at either
end, (one in the bay window in the front) seats
6 or 8. This night both tables were filled with
lively parties and this was a wonderful place for
groups this size. The tables are wonderfully spaced,
so you feel both private, yet part of the scene.
In addition there is yet another room, also very
attractive, and a wonderful patio sparkling with
lights which was quiet this cool night, but must
be crowded in the summer. Just to visit Fifty-Six
Union is a treat.
Food |
Southwestern
Caesar Salad made with cornbread croutons, asiago
cheese, and roasted poblanos was a interesting change
from the traditional Caesar Salad, but somewhat
diappointing as it was quite mild, lots of lettuce
and not quite enough zest. The black bean soup was
just warm enough and delicious. If " hot"
is to your taste, try the Javanese Spicy Fried Rice,
a combination of shrimp, chicken, ginger, sambal
oelek, sweet soy and oriental vegetables. It is
a huge portion, overpowering for one person, easily
enough for two! The waitress, seeing the water glass
needed constant refilling, suggested squeezing the
accompanying lime as well as biting into the delicious
homemade roll to balance the spice. The evening
special, Salmon was very good and the garlic mashed
potatoes average. For dessert we sampled a great
lemon sorbet, and very good strawberry blueberry
short cake with real whipped cream.
Other Observations:
Our
feeling about this restaurant was the atmosphere
was the strongest point. It is really a delightful
place to dine The food was good, and one visit
is never very objective, but we felt other places
we visited this year had the edge. We'd love to
hear from you and will gladly post your observations.
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