The Gelston House located on the edge of the tranquil Connecticut River in East Haddam, CT is often filled with patrons enjoying a drink and/or meal before or after attending a performance at the nearby Goodspeed Opera House. But it is a great place to go to even if you are not there to see a show.
Disclosure: We were invited to a media dinner at Gelston House. Your experience may be different than ours. Visit Gelston House and try it out for yourself.
The Gelston House offers three areas for dining: a semi-formal (not formal attire) dining area, gastro pub, or the patio / deck with views of the Goodspeed Opera house and Connecticut River. Gelston House Master Chef, Iso Dedushaj, refers to his cuisine as modern American; using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
One could just enjoy cocktails on the deck with a scenic view of the Connecticut River. There’s no better way to spend a gorgeous afternoon. Our merry group enjoyed a variety of cocktails, including the Apple Martini, Flirtini, Key Lime Martini, Pomegranate Martini, and Mango Surprise. While relaxing on the deck, why not treat yourself to culinary delights from their deck menu, from which one order appetizers, salads, or full entrees.
We were treated to several offering from the appetizer side of the menu, starting with golden brown Fried Calamari with a marinara dipping sauce.
Then along came the fresh Narraganset Oysters on the Half Shell, Bucket of Mussels, and Tuna and Avocado Tartar. The Bucket of Mussels were tasty sautéed mussels with tomato and chorizo sausage in a white wine garlic butter.
For salads, we tried the Roasted Beets and Cranberry Salad; where arugula, goat cheese, and toasted almonds sat atop sliced roasted beets dressed with a raspberry vinaigrette.
A few of their entrees that were chosen for our culinary adventure were the Lobster and Shrimp Scampi, Lobster Roll with French Fries, Chilean Sea Bass, and Fish Tacos. Each entree was prepared extremely well with a pleasing and enticing presentation.
Another appetizer that made its way around our table was the Tomato Balsamic Shrimp.
A few other items that graced our table were delightful Sea Scallops, Sweet Potato Encrusted Shrimp: jumbo shrimp battered in a sweet potato crust and fried to crispy and tasty morsel of goodness: and Banging Shrimp: perfectly fried popcorn shrimp tossed in a tangy sauce that left your mouth wanting more.
We also had the Pistachio-Encrusted Tuna in both an appetizer and entree presentation.
For dessert one can choose from several flavors of housemade ice cream. From the traditional vanilla or chocolate to peach, mango, or tiramisu.
Or can enjoy a traditional carrot cake for dessert. They also offer a variety of chocolate desserts as well.
The Gelston House offers lodging in one of four rooms, all with water views of the Connecticut River, Goodspeed Opera House, and the historical East Haddam swing bridge.
Spend a day in East Haddam by first taking a cruise on the Connecticut River, then following it will a relaxing, enjoyable meal at the Gelston House.
During the summer months, live music is featured on the deck usually on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.; although not every day of those days.
Thinking about where to hold your wedding, how about the Gelston House, nestled between the Goodspeed Opera House and the scenic Connecticut River.
The Gelston House, located at 8 Main Street, East Haddam, CT, is open everyday starting at 11:30 am.
