Darien Patch: Latest Articles

Where is the First Selectman?

2010-03-16T19:40:27-04:00

First Selectman Dave Campbell is in Utah, where he remains in close contact with Darien officials.

By Cecelia Smith

7:20pm

Darien residents want to know: where is First Selectman Campbell, and why did he leave town during a time of crisis?

"I didn't think the problem was out of control. When I got out here to Utah and realized it was dicey with CL&P, all the flights had been canceled," said Campbell.

It was Sunday morning that Campbell handed over the reins to Acting First Selectman David Bayne and hopped a flight across country to Utah. Plans to celebrate his wife's birthday there had been made months in advance, he said. And where he'd experienced the wrath of storm through the Saturday overnight, Campbell said the extent of the devastation was still unknown.

"I toured part of the town. I knew it was pretty bad," said Campbell. "I didn't realize how bad it was."

Since Sunday, Campbell said he's been in close contact with local officials, gauging the progress and offering advice where he sees fit. He plans to return on Thursday afternoon—his Darien home never lost power and also has a generator—and head straight to Town Hall.

"Then I'll have to deal with the damage to my office—drip dry all my paperwork," he said.

Bayne said that the role of the First Selectman is especially important in a time like this.

"The town is looking for somebody to take control, confront the crisis, and tell people that things are going to be okay," said Bayne.

Bayne said he has exchanged emails with Campbell and that he has been in close communication with Selectman Jerry Nielsen and Selectman Jayme Stevenson.

"Jayme and Jerry have been great, and we've made some important decisions together," aid Bayne. "I have not been in contact with Dave."

Selectman Callie Sullivan returned from vacation this afternoon, said Bayne.

Stevenson said that she has been in close contact with Campbell, who is fully aware of the crisis at home.

"He's an astute businessman," said Stevenson. "You know, you manage from wherever you are."

With regards to the "progress at home," Campbell said he is thoroughly impressed with the town's response and less than pleased with Connecticut Light & Power.

"I've got a few ideas that I might want to do with clean up; but we can't do anything without CL&P doing heir job. I didn't realized CL&P was going to behave like they did."

Bayne said that rating CL&P's performance is irresponsible at present. Thousands are still without power, he said.

"What's important right now is getting power back and reassuring people that things are going to get better," Bayne said.

Campbell said he looks forward to returning on Thursday and getting the town "back in order."

"It's going to take time, but we'll get there," said Campbell. "I have a few ideas up my sleeves."

UPDATED Acting First Selectman on Devastation & Restoration

2010-03-16T13:38:59-04:00

Acting First Selectman David Bayne addresses the Representative Town Meeting.

By Cecelia Smith

1:30pm

Monday evening, the Representative Town Meeting heard Acting First Selectman David Bayne address the state of the town in the wake Saturday's storm—the lasting devastation, and the steps towards recovery.

First Selectman Dave Campbell handed over the reins Sunday morning. He has since left town, said Bayne, and is due to return "later on this week."

"There's nothing more important to the town, the Board of Selectmen, than the health and safety of our residents," said Bayne. "We still have trees falling. Do not think that it is safe out there. Drive with caution. If you see a down wire, assume it's live."

On Power Restoration:

Where Connecticut Light & Power anticipate a significant number of residences to see power restored by Wednesday evening, full restoration may not come before the end of the week, said Bayne.

CL&P has established a command post on the I95, dedicated to Darien, said Bayne. The next few days should see 15 to 20 power line and tree crews working in town.

On Schools:

The same holds true for the schools. Where Tokeneke and Holmes School both have power, the majority of the town's public schools have been without electricity since the weekend.

Darien High School saw power restored Tuesday morning.

"Middlesex, Ox Ridge and Royle School may not have power for another day or so," said Bayne.

Notice with regards to school openings for Wednesday should come some time this afternoon, said Bayne.

On Roads:

Town crews are working methodically at clearing a prioritized list of roads. Mansfield Ave., one of the town's "main arteries" and hardest hit roads, will not be cleared before Wednesday. The State Department of Transportation is helping to clear the large tree near Sedgewick Ave.

On the Town's Response:

Bayne said he will continue to monitor the situation closely.

"The Governor has declared a State of Emergency for this area. I may do the same if we find it necessary," said Bayne.

As of Tuesday morning, Byane said the Office of Emergency Management does not consider it necessary to declare a state of emergency for the town of Darien. The town will, however, try to claim state and federal aid to help recover the costs incurred by restoration.

"We'll get that paperwork in early next week," said Bayne.

Residents with questions or concerns with regards to the town's response efforts are aksed to contact Bayne directly on his cell at 203-984-9679.

"I'm out of power too, so the home line won't do you much good," said Bayne.

UPDATED Darien Patch Tracker: Road Closures

2010-03-16T11:49:21-04:00

The following list is subject to change as clean up progresses.

By Cecelia Smith

11:00am

Downed trees, power lines and debris have left road conditions treacherous. Police urge residents to keep travel to a minimum.

"We are not recommending that residents attempt to navigate their way around trees and wires," said Sgt. Jeremiah Marron.

All downed wires are to be considered live.

The Darien Police Department is coordinating with Connecticut Light & Power and the Darien Department of Public Works to reopen main roads that will facilitate emergency access.

Brookside Road, Raymond Street, Middlesex Road and Stephen Mather have since been cleared for thru traffic.

Police say that resources are being focused to reopen Hollow Tree Ridge Road, Rings End Road, Long Neck Point Road, Noroton Ave., and Christie Hill Road.

The following is a list and Google map of road closures. Please note, this list was last updated Sunday afternon, March 14 and will change as clean-up progresses.

Indian Trail at Searles Road
Wires down

Circle Road
Tree and wires down in multiple locations

15 Half Mile Road
Trees and power lines down

1 Timber Road
Tree and wires down

11 Rings End Road
Trees and power lines down

270 Mansfield Ave.
Tree and wires down

Hanson Road at Linda Lane
Tree and wires down

31 Maple Street
Tree and wires down

31 Point O Woods Road
Tree and wires down

21 Joseph Street
Tree and wires down

6 Pleasant Street
Tree and wires down

25 Granaston Lane
Wires down

211 Old Kings Highway South
Tree and wires down

22 Bailey Ave.
Tree and wires down

15 Old Kings Highway South at Goodwives River Road
Trees and power lines down

14 Midbrook Lane
Tree and wires down

2 Abbey Road
Tree and wires down

56 Relihan Road
Tree and wires down

33 Goodwives River Road
Tree and wires down

25 Goodwives River Road
Tree and wires down

199 Hollow Tree Ridge Road
Tree and wires down

Locust Hill Road at Settlers Trail
Tree and wires down

13 Sunset Road
Down Tree And Power Lines

1 Miles Road
Tree and wires down

12 Miles Road
Tree and wires down

84 Noroton Ave.
Tree and wires down

214 Mansfield Ave.

Leroy Ave. at Rocaton Road
Tree and wires down

Leroy Ave. at Kona Road
Tree and wires down

154 Leroy Ave.
Tree and wires down

Rings End Road at Swifts Lane
Several areas have trees and wires down

8 Old Farm Road
Tree and wires down

Hollow Tree Ridge Road at Linden Ave.
Tree and wires down

Hollow Tree Ridge Road at Camp Ave.
Tree and wires down

860 Hollow Tree Ridge Road
Tree and wires down

722 Hollow Tree Ridge Road
Tree and wires down

80 Nearwater Lane
Tree and wires down

Andrews Drive at Old Kings Highway South
Tree and wires down

Mansfield Ave. at Peach Hill Road
Tree And Power Lines Down

Mansfield Ave. at Saint Nicholas Road
Tree and wires down

204 Hollow Tree Ridge Road at Webster Valley Road
Hollow Tree Ridge Road closed from West Ave. To Middlesex Road

Rings End Road at Harbor Road
Tree and wires down

Know of a road closure and can't see it on the map? Post a comment, amend the Google Map, or send your news to cecelia@patch.com.

UPDATED Patch FAQ: After the Storm

2010-03-16T19:40:59-04:00

The latest answers to your pressing questions.

By Cecelia Smith

8:30am

Acting First Selectman David Bayne and Connecticut Light & Power Spokesman Mitch Gross held a press conference held at the Darien Refuse Station Tuesday morning, to address the heart felt affects of an "unprecedented" Nor'easter that ripped through Darien during the Saturday overnight.

The following concerns were addressed:

When will I see power restored?

Where the the majority of Darien residence will see power restored by the evening of Wednesday, March 17, Gross said the town may not see 100 percent restoration until the end of the week.

"Clean up will continue into the weekend and there will be scattered outages throughout lower Fairfield County—the ends of streets and circuits," said Gross.

The good news, said Gross, is that Darien has "about 30 line crews and about one dozen tree crews working exclusively in Darien, and CL&P continues to bring crews to the area. Moreover, said Gross, the sun is shining.

"Last night's wind definately set us back; but the sun is now shining, and we're making great progress," said Gross.

Where crews are working diligently to restore power, they cannot, by law, work 'round the clock, said Gross.

"Our workers can only work a maximum 16-hour shift," he said.

Will schools be open on Wednesday?

No. All public schools will remain closed on Wednesday, March 17.

Officials continue to monitor the situation carefully; there a many things to consider.

Gross said power at Darien High School has been restored. Three Darien schools—Middlesex, Royle and Ox Ridge—are still without electricity.

Chief of Police Duane Lovello said the bus route is still precarious at best. Many main roads remain impassable. Moreover, children walking to, from or around school premises are in harms way. Trees are still falling, and down wires are considered live.

That tree has been sitting there for days! When will the roads be cleared, and in what order?

Lovello said he shares in residents' frustration. He emphasized the enormity of the problem and the relatively finite number of town resources available to get the job done.

As of this morning, Lovello said crews have concentrated their efforts on clearing the town's "main arteries:"

Hollow Tree Ridge Road
Rings End Road
Leroy Ave.
Long Neck Point Road
Christie Hill

Brookside Road, Stephen Mather Road, Middlesex Road, and Raymond Street have since been cleared for thru traffic.

State services are working on clearing the large tree on Mansfield Ave. between Sedgewick Ave. and the Post Road, Hoyt Street and Tokeneke. Lovello says they will continue to work northward.

For a full, updated list of closures, reference Darien Road Closure Google Map.

Lovello said some trees are still entangled in wires—all of which are to be considered live. Moreover, he said, the ground is very moist.

I'm freezing. Where can I go?

The emergency shelter that opened at Tokeneke Elementary School yesterda closed today at noon. Selectman Jayme Stevenson said emergency management will continue to assess the need as the day progresses.

Lovello said where the mild weather and sunshine is good news for clean up crews, he warns that children should be discouraged from playing in the streets. Some down wires are still live.

The Darien Library is open to residents for extended hours through 11 p.m. this evening and serves as the town's warming station.

Darien's Red Cross is inaccessible due to down trees; Norwalk's location is open.

How bad was the storm?

The near hurricane tore down trees and power lines down at a reported 135 locations, said Lovello. An additional 27 locations saw just downed trees. Trees continue to fall.

"I've been here 28 years, and I've never seen damage like this sustained by the town," said Lovello. "Saturday's were some of the most horrendous conditions we've ever experienced."

The Darien Police Department received over 320, 911 calls, and hundreds more non emergency calls. That's approximately 10 times the average call volume the department sees on any given day, said Lovello.

How did Darien's Emergency Management fare?

"I'm very impressed with the town's response," said Lovello. "There are always things we could do better, things that didn't work and things to learn."

Lovello said that the department soon ran out of barricades—something to "do better" next time.

Was anyone hurt?

"Thankfully there were no injuries," said Lovello.

What can I do to help?

If you have power, offer your neighbor a cup of coffee and a hot shower, said Lovello.

"Look out for the people around you," said Lovello. "Some people do not want to ask for help, but a knock on the door from a neighbor would encourage them to open up and seek the help they need."

Keep travel to a minimum. Motorists are taking risks they should not take and getting in the way of clean-up crews, said Lovello.

Do not call the police unless it's an absolute emergency.

If you have questions of your own, post a comment straight to this article, or email your questions and concerns to cecelia@patch.com.

Thousands Without Power, Officials Set up 'Warming Shelter'

2010-03-16T08:12:52-04:00

Schools will remain closed Tuesday, March 14.

By Cecelia Smith

March 15, 2010

Heavy rains and sustained 60 mph winds, the result of a slow-moving storm system that walloped Fairfield County through the Saturday overnight, have downed hundreds of trees in Darien, leaving dozens of roads closed and over 3,800 residents without power.

Efforts to restore power and safety are well underway, but officials anticipate full recovery to be a "multi-day response effort."

All Darien schools will remain closed on Tuesday, March 16.

And an emergency "warming shelter" will open at Tokeneke Elementary School at 7 p.m., Monday evening, Fire Marshal Bob Buch reports.

The following information was provided by Chief Duane Lovello of the Darien Police Department and the Office of Emergency Management:

When will I see power restored?

Lovello says Connecticut Light & Power has resumed its efforts in restoring electricity, bringing an additional 100 trucks to Darien from as far as Quebec.

The company confirmed Monday morning that it is "unlikely" Darien would see power restored before 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 17; still, CL&P representative Al Lara said the company could not promise 100 percent restoration.

The good news, said Lara, is that Darien's location allows crews to access the area relatively fast.

"Darien is lucky to be on the edge of a vast outage pattern, so we are able to get mutual aid assistance quicker than other municipalities," said Lara.

Lovello said that where he understands residents' frustration with Connecticut Light & Power's decision to pull crews off the road on Saturday evening, he fully supports the decision.

"Someone was going to get hurt," said Lovello. "And people need to understand that these guys need to rest."

By law, CL&P workers can only work a maximum 16-hour shift.

That tree has been sitting there for days! When will the roads be cleared, and in what order?

Lovello said he shares in residents' frustration. He emphasized the enormity of the problem and the relatively finite number of town resources available to get the job done.

As of this morning, Lovello said crews have concentrated their efforts on clearing the town's "main arteries:"

Brookside Road
Middlesex Road
Hollow Tree Ridge Road
Rings End Road
Leroy Ave.
Long Neck Point Road

Brookside Road and Raymond Street have since been cleared for thru traffic, and Stephen Mather Road has taken its place as a priority.

State services are working on clearing the large tree on Mansfield Ave. between Sedgewick Ave. and the Post Road, Hoyt Street and Tokeneke. Lovello says they will continue to work northward.

Police say the following locations have sustained significant storm damage and will see attention as soon as possible:

Middlesex Road at Edgerton Street
Leroy Ave. at Sedgewick Ave.
Hollow Tree Ridge at Christie Hill

For a full list of closures, reference Darien Road Closure Google Map.

I have access to a chainsaw. Can I clear the road myself?

"That could result in a very grave error," said Lovello. "Please don't touch anything. One innocent move could trigger a chain of disastrous events."

Lovello said some trees are still entangled in wires—all of which are to be considered live. Moreover, he said, the ground is very moist.

I'm freezing. Where can I go?

An emergency shelter will open at Tokeneke Elementary School at 7 p.m., Monday evening, Fire Marshal Bob Buch reports.

Lovello said where the next few days would be "without a doubt uncomfortable," the forecast is for mild weather.

The Darien Library is open to residents during regular hours and serves as the town's warming station.

Darien's Red Cross is inaccessible due to down trees; Norwalk's location is open.

How bad was the storm?

The near hurricane tore down trees and power lines down at a reported 135 locations, said Lovello. An additional 27 locations saw just downed trees.

"I've been here 28 years, and I've never seen damage like this sustained by the town," said Lovello. "Saturday's were some of the most horrendous conditions we've ever experienced."

The Darien Police Department received over 320 911 calls, and hundreds more non emergency calls. That's approximately 10 times the average call volume the department sees on any given day, said Lovello.

How did Darien's Emergency Management fare?

"I'm very impressed with the town's response," said Lovello. "There are always things we could do better, things that didn't work and things to learn."

Lovello said that the department soon ran out of barricades—something to "do better" next time.

Was anyone hurt?

"Thankfully there were no injuries," said Lovello.

What can I do to help?

If you have power, offer your neighbor a cup of coffee and a hot shower, said Lovello.

"Look out for the people around you," said Lovello. "Some people do not want to ask for help, but a knock on the door from a neighbor would encourage them to open up and seek the help they need."

Keep travel to a minimum. Motorists are taking risks they should not take and getting in the way of clean-up crews, said Lovello.

Do not call the police unless it's an absolute emergency.

If you have questions of your own, post a comment straight to this article, or email your questions and concerns to cecelia@patch.com.

Update: Storm Wallops Darien; Thousands Powerless for Days

2010-03-15T10:19:53-04:00

Connecticut Light and Power says it is unlikely Darien will see power before Wednesday.

By Cecelia Smith

March 15, 2010

Heavy rains and 60 mph winds, the result of a slow-moving storm system that walloped Fairfield County through the overnight, have downed over 50 trees in Darien, leaving dozens of roads closed and over 3,800 residents without power.

Connecticut Light & Power has resumed its efforts in restoring electricity, bringing an extra 100 trucks to the area and starting with high priority locations.

The company confirmed Monday morning that it is "unlikely" Darien will see power before Wednesday, March 17; even then, said CL&P representative Kimberly Marston, they cannot promise 100 percent restoration.

The good news, said CL&P's Al Lara, is that Darien's location allows crews to access the area relatively fast.

"Darien is lucky to be on the edge of a vast outage pattern, so we are able to get mutual aid assistance quicker than other municipalities," said Lara.

The company has upped its manpower, Lara said, bringing in crews from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Ohio and even Quebec.

Police say they are "inundated" with reports of life threatening emergencies and ask that residents refrain from calling police to inquire about outages.

"People are going to have to be patient and realize it's going to be a few days for power to be restored," said First Selectman Dave Campbell.

There are no plans for an emergency shelter as of yet. Campbell said he would reconsider the need tomorrow, before leaving town for a few days. Selectman David Bayne will serve as Acting First Selectman in Campbell's absence.

Traveling is ill advised. Police say many roadways are completely impassable and all downed power lines are to be considered energized.

"Do not leave the safety of your residence unless it is an emergency and do not drive over power lines," said Sgt. Jeremiah Marron in a release.

Darien public schools have been closed for Monday, March 15 due to extensive storm damage.

Police ask that residents call the police department for emergencies only.

If you have storm photos, tips, or questions you can upload them right to this article. Alternatively, send your news along to cecelia@patch.com.

Residents Create Works of Art at DreamWorks Craft Fair

2010-03-15T22:18:55-04:00

To promote the upcoming release of "How to Train Your Dragon," Darien Patch and the Girl Scouts get crafty.

By Cecelia Smith

March 15, 2010

As Saturday's near-hurricane gained momentum outside, a creative storm brewed inside the Town Hall gymnasium. The occasion? The annual Community Arts Festival: A Day to Create.

Organized by the Darien Youth Commission, the event saw hundreds of residents flock to the Town Hall gym, eager to get crafty with many local organizations.

Nestled in the far corner—just past the face painters, caricaturists and ballerinas—was the How to Train Your Dragon coloring station. The arts and crafts booth, a joint effort of Darien Patch and the Darien Girl Scouts, was arguably the most popular in the room.

"Free movie tickets! Awesome!" said Darien Girl Scout and first-grade student Clara.

All 200 Darien Patch artists who gathered to participate in the promotional craft event received free tickets to Paramount Pictures latest film How to Train Your Dragon, coming to theatres March 26.

To learn more about How to Train Your Dragon visit DreamWorks movie's website. Check out showtimes at Moviefone.com.

Editor's Note: The reported event was sponsored by a Patch advertiser.

'Extreme Weather' Leaves Thousands Without Power

2010-03-14T06:47:35-04:00

3675 residents spend Saturday night by candlelight.

By Cecelia Smith

March 13, 2010

Heavy rains and gusty winds, the result of a slow-moving storm system that meteorologists say will linger through the overnight, have downed over 50 trees in Darien, leaving dozens of roads closed and over 3,500 residents without power.

Police urge residents to remain indoors and to stay away from windows.

"Do not leave the safety of your residence unless it is an emergency and do not drive over power lines," said Sgt. Jeremiah Marron in a release.

Bands of rain may bring up to four inches of floodwaters to Darien by morning, and wind gusts of up to 60 mph will make driving increasingly difficult.

Meteorologists warn of local flooding; they say small creeks, streams and other areas prone to flooding will do so quickly, and that tidal departures of nearly four feet above normal may result in high-tide flooding along the coast.

Police say they have been "inundated" with calls of downed trees and branches: Mansfield Avenue, Tokeneke Road, Hollow Tree Ridge Road, "you name it."

Driving is ill advised. Motorists are urged to drive slowly and with caution to avoid hydroplaning.

At this time, there is no information with regards to when power will return.

Police ask that residents call the police department for emergencies only.

If you have storm photos or tips, you can upload them right to this article. Alternatively, send your news along to cecelia@patch.com.

'A Month in the Country' Spends a Month in Darien

2010-03-14T06:42:37-04:00

Darien Players Deliver a Memorable, Must-See Russian Classic

By Nancy Burton

March 13, 2010

"A Month in the Country," the classic 1850 Russian play, is spending the month of March in Darien.

The play opened Friday evening and will play at the Darien Art Center's Weatherstone Studio, 2 Renshaw Road (back of Town Hall), Fridays and Saturdays in March at 8 p.m. and Sundays, March 14 and 21 only, at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available online, $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students.

This production by the versatile Darien Players is a memorable must-see. Originally written by Ivan Turgenev in five acts, the play is compressed to three acts in the current version.

Romantic Complications, Psychological Games

The story is set on a country estate presided over by a wealthy landowner's wife, the beautiful, bored and conniving Natalya Petrovna.

Love-struck Vera, her 17-year-old ward, and Aleksy, her son's 21-year-old tutor, played by the hugely talented Holly Aladin and Jeffrey F. Wright, II, are perfectly paired and give the production its energy and lift.

Their gay and playful interactions, precise and riveting, counter-balance the psychological torture games devised by Natalya Petrovna, a figure of chaotically changing moods and a mean streak reminiscent of Cruella de Vil.

Natalya (Nancy Anderson) sets her sights on Aleksy, whose manly good looks, youthful exuberance and natural manner excite her suppressed spirit. When she discovers that Vera and Aleksy have bonded romantically, she commands them to stop their "laughing games" and meeting in the meadow.

Natalia intends to substitute herself for Vera in those meanderings with Aleksy to the summer meadows, and Aleksy plays along with her, to a point. Ultimately he flees the estate, leaving Vera heartsick and Natalya ambivalent in the face of the emotional wreckage she has created.

The appeal of the play is in its intricate nuancing of moods and attitude, which are constantly changing: No sooner does Natalya send a dagger to Vera's heart than she hastens to admit her cruelty and beg forgiveness.

Versatile and Charming Cast

The doe-eyed Aladin weathers these lightning bolts with a charming presence and lightness. Wright, with his dashing good looks, athletic bounce and air of innocence, convinces as the French and English tutor, born into poverty and degradation, who is both awed and horrified by life among the landed gentry of 19th-century Russia.

Anderson brings an imperious demeanor to the role of Natalya, but her dazzling performance is colored with a fearsome range of emotions. Natalia's rages are unpredictable and of gale force, yet she can be tender and genuinely compassionate and apologetic.

The play was initially censored by Russian authorities, who made Natalya a widow because they deemed it inappropriate to depict a married woman desiring a younger man. The work was rescued from oblivion by Russian actress Maria Savina, who played the part of Vera at St. Petersburg in 1870 to a storm of praise, after which Turgenev, 30 years her senior, fell in love with her.

Subplots Abound and Amuse

"A Month in the Country" has numerous subplots acted zestfully by a cast of 12.

Katya (Rachel Rothman-Cohen) is fun to watch as a servant-girl fending off and flirting with potential suitors.

Glenn Packman plays the role of Natalya's husband Arkady winsomely. A simple-minded soul who is utterly clueless about his wife's complicated passions, Arkady endears with his rapid speech and flustered air.

Larry Greeley plays the role of Bolshintsov, the wealthy 60-year-old bachelor who aspires to marry Vera. His ridiculousness heightened by the uneven drape of his corduroy overcoat, Bolshintsov is aided by the scheming country doctor Shpigelsky, played with unerring theatrical instincts by Raymond G. Michaud.

Christopher Luongo as Michel, Natalya's love interest before Aleksy arrives on the scene, is somewhat wooden in this role, which calls for a passion equal to Natalya's to be convincing.

The stage set is the interior of a well-appointed drawing room with windows facing a forested meadow; a green trellis moved center stage takes the action outside.

In program notes, director Jeanine DeFalco, who has wide experience as an actress as well as director, reveals the source of her interest in the play.

"Natalya, like so many of us, does not see the forest for the trees until we are through the thick of the woods, and often that time comes just a little too late.

"Life is savage, and our destiny is ultimately not completely within our power," notes Falco.

Beyond Sushi: The Raw Truth

2010-03-13T12:21:06-05:00

Cooked dishes at Matsuri Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar deliver mixed results.

By Linda Kavanagh

March 12, 2010

I eat quite a lot of sushi. It's a guilty pleasure of mine.

I've been to Matsuri several times and always found their sushi to be quite good. The simplicity and freshness of the tuna sashimi, the creativity of the large combination rolls that combine everything from yellowtail to mango, and the variety of choices on the menu makes this a great local spot for my spicy scallop and avocado and eel indulgence.

Not everybody has acquired a taste for sushi. My dinner companion is one such person.

No problem, I thought. This will be a good opportunity to taste what else is on the menu.

Lively Atmosphere

It's a Tuesday night and the restaurant is hopping. The sushi bar is full (always a good sign) and there's a splattering of deuces (date night?) in the main dining room.

The décor is minimal, with bright yellow light fixtures behind the sushi masters and a sparkling tile wall on the far side of the dining room. A lively bar crowd ensues.

Promising Starters

Our non-sushi excursion began with a fragrant Lemongrass Coconut Chicken Soup. The tangy, milky broth was warm and soothing, with a hint of lime to it. Bits of chicken and corn kernel swam about in the bowl. It was a great way to get our taste buds going and was plenty for two people to share.

Chicken Maki sounded intriguing with carrots, scallion, cheese and crab wrapped in pounded, breaded chicken breast and deep-fried.

The combination of sweet blanched carrot matchsticks and cheese, teamed with the crunch of the chicken, was surprisingly tasty. Alas, the "crab" was the fake stuff, which just made the filling sweeter than it needed to be. Why skimp?

We continued our "cooked food" tour with King Crab Rice Tempura Pizza.

A soft rice cake is deep-fried in tempura batter to create the crust for the pizza. It is then topped with a good amount of crab meat, guacamole, spicy mayonnaise and dollops of tobiko. The rice cake acts like a sponge and holds much of the oil, but it's an extremely tasty dish. The texture contrasts are great and we enjoyed nibbling on this with our hot sake.

Cooked "Sushi" Rolls

Feeling almost guilty for not ordering sushi, we agreed upon some pseudo sushi rolls made with cooked ingredients.

The Spicy Lobster Roll seemed straightforward enough, and who doesn't love lobster? In this particular case, we didn't. The rolls were premade, refrigerated and sliced upon order. Unfortunately the lack of freshness and ice cold temperature left the rice hard on the outside and the lobster salad inside flavorless and congealed.

Not ones to give up, we went for the Crispy Calamari Roll topped with mango. Tender pieces of calamari are flash-fried, rolled in sushi rice, then topped with paper-thin slices of mango and spicy jalapeno relish. The texture is fun, although the calamari itself is bland. However, the mango was not ripe enough, lacking a sweet, creamy flavor. Again, it had the makings of a fun combination roll, but it fell short.

Chocolate Beef Has Potential

Another cooked option that caught our eye was the Chocolate Beef. The owner and chefs are young at Matsuri Sushi and the restaurant is tagged as "Japanese Fusion," leading me to believe that these guys could pull off such a unique preparation.

Slices of beef tenderloin are marinated with garlic and tarragon and quickly seared, leaving the meat mostly raw, which in itself is not a bad thing. The bad thing was serving these tender, flavorful slices of high quality meat ice cold with pieces of fat hanging off, hardened like pieces of wax. The only chocolate component was a dusting of cocoa powder. I would order this again and ask for the beef to be served room temperature, as it has huge potential.

Our "non-sushi" sushi experience was met with a few hits and misses.

I should know better though. I would never go to a steakhouse and order the pasta.