Customers` Favorites
Customers` Favorites
“📅 11.13.25 *WRITTEN REVIEW Big Al’s Reel Reviews - EP.180 Whitecrest Eatery 💎 (Velvet Mill - Stonington Borough, CT) Tonight I headed back inside the historic Velvet Mill for my next food adventure and Whitecrest Eatery did not disappoint. Founded in 2019 by husband & wife team Johan Jensen, a Danish born, British-trained chef, and Abby Hamann, a Connecticut native, Whitecrest focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients and dishes that are handmade with care. You can seriously feel that philosophy the moment the plates hit the table/bar. I grabbed a seat at the bar, and the place was packed. The atmosphere was low-lit, warm, bustling, with high ceilings and beautiful décor that makes the Velvet Mill such a standout setting. Service was handled by a small three-person team: Liz (manager)- friendly, welcoming, and a supporter of Big Al’s Reel Reviews Amber (my bartender/server)- attentive and on point Jocy- helping run the floor Even with a full house, they kept everything moving smoothly. Service was bomb.💣 Now let's talk about the Food: 1️⃣ Steamed Wild Maine Mussels- $16 💣 BOMB The sauce- cream fraîche, herbs, Weissling, and lemon was addictive. Mussels cooked perfectly, full of flavor, and the sourdough they make in house and served with it was the perfect pairing. A strong bomb right out the gate. 2️⃣ Béarnaise Burger- $22 💣 BOMB Burger came out perfectly cooked bright pink inside, juicy, seasoned right. Alone, it’s a thumbs-up… But then the tallow fries hit. These fries are soft, hot, insanely flavorful, and some of the best fries I’ve had anywhere. The fries elevated the entire plate into a straight bomb. 3️⃣ Roasted Duck Breast- $36 💣 BOMB This dish was incredible. Duck breast cooked perfectly, tender, rich, and beautifully plated. The potatoes were absolutely amazing, and every bite delivered. I was full, but I wanted more. Another full bomb. ⭐ FINAL VERDICT: WHITECREST EATERY IS AN OFFICIAL BIG AL’S 💎 GEM SPOT 💎🔥 Every dish: bomb Service: bomb Atmosphere: bomb Experience: bomb That makes two Gem Spots inside the Velvet Mill 💎 Dock 9 and 💎 Whitecrest Eatery. If you’re in or near Stonington Borough, this place is absolutely worth checking out so get your a** down there right away, and make sure you tell ’em Big Al sent you! To the Whitecrest Eatery Team: Thank you, I had an amazingly Dope dining experience ❤️ ☝🏾❤️ - Big Al Mayo “See you on the Rebound, Peace✌🏾out”“
Customers` Favorites
“Amazing people, wonderful food. They make you feel like family“
“Checked out Saltwater Farm Vineyard with my husband, Scouting locations for our upcoming vow renewal and this vineyard took our breath away…… needless to say we found our vow renewal location. Beautiful views of coastal Stonington, war era airplane hanger meets natural tidal marsh. Location was beautiful even in the rain. Had a meeting with Jessica( Jess for short) prior to walking into the venue we were happily greeted by a older gentleman( which I’m assuming was the owner, but not sure) opened the door for my husband and I also let us know the the Vineyard was closing at 3pm. Once my husband and I walked through the doors we were greeted with rustic charm, then we met Jess, very accommodating. Jess talked with my husband and I while a bee hive of activity was going on, the vineyard was hosting a wedding. What a perfect time to see elegance in the making. Jess showed us the outside which was covered by a huge tent. The vista was exactly what I had pictured in my mind, rows and rows of grape vines as far as the eye could see. Jess asked if we wanted some complimentary wine for tasting( I chose white wine, my husband chose rose) I took pictures as Jess talked with my husband, then she let us do some exploring. My husband and I went upstairs which there were tables and chairs meant for enjoying their beverages, outside seating as ( area covered with huge tent). Dog friendly Vineyard…… which was nice to see. We were then told politely that the venue would be closing in ten minutes for the wedding/reception….. older gentleman was very nice and friendly. he was definitely not rude, which was refreshing. Took more pictures as my husband and I were leaving. Great place for a wedding or any other special event.“
Customers` Favorites
“Food was great and atmosphere was wonderful!“
Customers` Favorites
“We had a baby shower for my daughter and son-in-law at the Dog Watch Mystic, and I could not be happier with them. The tent and grounds were perfectly appointed, the food was fantastic, and the entire staff was wonderful. Thank you, Dog Watch!“
Customers` Favorites
“The Early Riser breakfast sandwich-💯“
Customers` Favorites
“From the greeting when arrived, our server (Anna) and Malakai….AMAZING service, food, and cocktails! Although we were “stuffed,” we had to try the fried ice cream—- it concluded a great meal with a 10/10—OUTSTANDING—the best I’ve ever had!
Thanks for a memorable experience!“
Customers` Favorites
“My husband and I dine at Go Fish often and have never been disappointed. The entire experience- exceptional food, warm atmosphere and great service- never misses a beat. Highly recommend!!“
Customers` Favorites
“BEST CLAM FRITTERS. I am a local guy and have lived here most of my life. Every summer I conduct my version of the great fritter chase. SEAVIEW SNACK BAR, is the 2023, UNDISPUTED winner. Best quality and Quantity of clams, best taste, best of all the cheapest. CONGRATULATIONS SEAVIEW, they got fritters right.“
Customers` Favorites
“Was very pleased with the service. Waitress was attentive but not overbearing. The food was exceptionally well prepared. For 2 apps, 2 entrees, desserts and coffee the price was reasonable.“
Customers` Favorites
“Had a family dinner with 10 guests for my sons 18th birthday last night. We've been going to Peking a long time and always have great service however, last night was extra special. Our waitress was great, and even surprised my son with a wrapped birthday gift. Very happy customers“
Customers` Favorites
“📅 11.15.25 *WRITTEN REVIEW Big Al’s Reel Reviews - EP.181 Noah’s Restaurant 👎🏾 Stonington Borough, CT Tonight I headed into the historic and absolutely beautiful Stonington Borough for Episode 181, and I started my evening with a quick stop at the nationally known Lobster Trap Tree. They just finished putting it up on Friday. You will see a ton of dope custom painted buoys, the whole display looks incredible. It’s only two blocks from Noah’s, so after checking that out, I took the short walk through the Borough and made my way over for dinner. I arrived early, around 4:30pm which was before the full dinner rush, but people were already flowing in. By 5:35 PM, in the dining section alone (10 tables total), 7 were filled and more guests were coming in minute by minute. Inside, Noah’s gives you that classic New England charm. It's beautiful. Warm lighting, rustic décor, and dope local prints of New London, Stonington, and shoreline scenes all across the walls. It genuinely felt like stepping straight into a Hallmark movie. My server tonight was Ryan, friendly, attentive, and had water waiting at my table right from the start. He also brought out bread with a plate of butter, which was a good touch. Service was friendly, but overall super slow. I waited 40 minutes for my main dish even though the restaurant wasn’t fully packed yet. Alright, let’s talk about the food... 🍽️ THE FOOD 1️⃣ Steamed Mussels- $14 Garlic, butter, white wine, parsley I really wanted to like these and I love garlic, but these mussels were overpowered. The garlic was extremely strong, to the point where it drowned out everything else. Worse, the mussels had a slightly sour taste, and the broth wasn’t enjoyable. I literally choked down 2 mussels on bread and I was done! I couldn’t finish them. 👎🏾 Thumbs Down 2️⃣ Oven-Roasted Chicken Wings- $13 (I chose BuffaBlue) The wings were a no-go for me. Dry, bland, over-baked - just not it. And the “Buffalo Blue” sauce? Yo Listen… I spent $13 for seven unseasoned chicken wings that were dry, over-baked, and came with a little tin of Frank's Red Hot sauce with a dollop of blue cheese dressing mixed in. That wasn’t going to cut it. No way. That was an insult 🤷🏾♂️ and that’s why these wings earned a 👎🏾 Thumbs Down 3️⃣ Fettuccine (Arugula/Walnut/Pesto)- $16+ Stonington Bay Scallops- $20 This dish saved the entire night. The pesto was fresh and flavorful, the pasta looked and tasted incredible, and the Stonington Bay scallops that are caught right off the boats here were sweet, tender, and absolutely delicious. This was the one plate that delivered. 💣 BOMB 4️⃣ Apple Crisp- $8 A rare move for me, I actually ordered dessert tonight. It was to cheer me up from the disappointing dinner. It didn't cheer me up but it was good. 💬 FINAL THOUGHTS Noah’s is a landmark here in Stonington, it’s been part of the Borough since 1979, and the atmosphere inside is truly beautiful. The town is charming, the décor is gorgeous, and the vibes were perfect. But the food tonight with one hit (💣), two major misses (👎🏾👎🏾), and slow service didn’t help. The mussels and wings were a disappointment, but the fettuccine with scallops was excellent. Based on tonights visit, Noah's Restaurant did not pass the Big Al's Reel Reviews 👎🏾 And as always, these are my honest opinions based on what I experienced. You know that I always keep it Real to Reel, and you can always go try it yourself and decide but for me, it's a no-go 👎🏾 "See you on the rebound, Peace✌🏾Out!" ☝🏾❤️ - Big Al Mayo “Always keeping it Real to Reel”“
Customers` Favorites
“Sunday Fundays are the best!!!!!“
Customers` Favorites
“11.11.25 *WRITTEN REVIEW Big Al’s Reel Reviews - Ep.179 🇺🇸 (Veteran’s Day Edition) 🍽️ Breakwater - Stonington Borough, CT Big Al’s 💎 Gem Spot It was one of those raw, windy Veteran’s Days down by the shoreline. My pops and I stopped first at Stonington Point, the American flag waving strong over the water. He looked at it and said, “I did my 20.” That line hit deep. From there, we made our way to Breakwater, a beautiful spot right on the harbor. The second we stepped inside, we were greeted by that warm coastal glow thru bright windows, with beautiful waterfront views, and a calm, classy energy. 💣 And then came one of those full-circle moments life throws at you sometimes… Our server was Trina, someone I worked with almost 30 years ago at Mohegan Sun Casino. Seeing her again made the day even more special. She was absolutely wonderful, kind, quick, and professional. It was everything you could expect. Service was top-notch. 💣 Now let’s talk about that food 👇🏾 1️⃣ Crispy Fried Calamari- $17.50 💣 Light, crispy, and perfectly fried. The cherry peppers gave it just the right kick, and that Thai Chili sauce was straight fire. Pops and I tore it down in minutes 🤷🏾♂️😀 both calling it a bomb. 2️⃣ Fish & Chips- $24.50 💣 Fried Atlantic Cod - Done golden and perfect. My fries were crispy and seasoned just right; My Pops went with sweet potato fries. Delicious Coleslaw, and with cocktail sauce every bite of fish hit. Comfort food at its best. We both said bomb 3️⃣ Seafood Pasta- $34.50 💣 This one was loaded: four big scallops, three shrimp, crab meat and two thick lobster pieces all swimming in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with a little sweetness from the julienne veggies. Every bite was rich, buttery, and flavorful. This s**t was incredible - bomb all the way. Everything we ordered hit. No misses, no maybes. Breakwater delivered from start to finish Son! Great atmosphere, phenomenal service, and food that was cooked with care and flavor. This Veteran’s Day review turned into something special. Breakwater is officially a Big Al’s 💎 Gem Spot. You need to get your a** down there right away and check them out and make sure you tell ’em, Big Al sent you! See you on the Rebound, Peace✌🏾out ☝🏾❤️ - Big Al Mayo “Always Keeping it Real to Reel”“
“First time here. I came with CT beer passport. Located inside the Velvet Mill with other shops and restaurants. Excellent service. I mentioned to the bartender that I preferred lighter beers and she let me sample few. The Connecticut Casual beer was excellent.
I will be returning.“
“Had a nice visit today at Stonington Vineyard. When talking to the staff found out one had some mutual fur babies. One of which was a spunky calico. Had to share this photo when I got home of my calico checking out my purchase.. Love the wine and staff! Always gracious and the wine is perfect.“
Customers` Favorites
“Coming here, you can tell it's less about seafood than many of the other restaurants in Mystic and more about their burgers and unique cocktails.
The food we ordered was good enough, the service was friendly, but they definitely need to work on their service times. It took about fifteen minutes from when we ordered our drinks and apps to get our apps, and we were still waiting on the drinks.
I'd suggest this place as one to grab a drink rather than to get a full meal, save your hunger for a neighboring restaurant“
Customers` Favorites
“{{restaurant.reviews}}“
Loading...
“02.12.25 'Big Al's Reel Reviews' dropped into a Spot located in the Town of Stonington called Dog Watch Cafe. I dropped in unannounced late this afternoon to find out if this spot is serving up Great food, great service with a great atmosphere. Absolutely everything about this place is amazingly Dope!! I absolutely loved the full experience from the service, the atmosphere and most importantly the delicious meal! Dog Watch Cafe is without a doubt a Top Notch restaurant! This place is Off The Hook!! 💣💣💣 Thank you Dog Watch Cafe 👍🏾 194 Water St. Town of Stonington, CT See you on the rebound, ☝🏾❤️- Big Al Mayo“