I first met Andrea Gartner, owner of the new Pour Me Coffee and Wine Cafe (274 Main St. Danbury), many years ago when she was the Executive Director of CityCenter Danbury. She and I cross-promoted each other’s events to families in and around Danbury year after year. So when I heard that after leaving her post at CityCenter she opened her very own eatery in the heart of downtown Danbury, I was both intrigued yet not all that surprised because she struck me as someone who had a special love for Danbury and would continue to make her mark on the city. So I just had to go check out what she was up to.
While I regretfully had to miss her Grand Opening celebration over the summer due to another conflict, I was able to stop in on my way to a meeting downtown not long after. And I was so glad I did! The first thing I noticed was the decor. The exposed brick wall, local photography and wall graphics provided a historic downtown Danbury vibe while the green couch cushions, curved light fixtures with coordinating tiles and textures provided a bit of a European coffee and wine cafe flair. I spotted Andrea and congratulated her on her new venture, went to the bar/counter and ordered a chocolate coconut muffin and the Ruby Sipper — one of Andrea’s recommended signature iced-teas — and was off to my meeting. I walked out thinking, “A perfect first impression. I will definitely be back.”
Fast forward a month or so and I visited Pour Me again, but this time with my family for a sit-down dinner. Pour Me has a wonderfully planned eclectic menu that will appeal to all whether you are looking for something light and simple (small bowls, salads, all-day toasts, paninis) or something more hearty and filling (dinner entrees, sandwiches, personal pizzas). One thing you’ll find about their menu is that healthier ingredients are carefully chosen throughout (think nut butters, local honey, kale, goat cheese, etc.) providing a guilt-free, interesting spin on some favorite dishes. Looking for gluten-free or vegan options? Pour Me has several —and I guarantee you will have a hard time making a selection because they ALL sound delicious e.g. Rocket Fuel Vegan Chili, Edamame & Soba Noodle Toss and Cauli-Chick Curry to name a few! I knew at that moment why Pour Me touts their mission to:“fuel and fortify our guests to go out and do good in the world.”
So what did we order? In scanning the menu I saw that Pour Me has a house-made hummus. My kids LOVE hummus so this was a big hit for the entire family — a perfect starter option! The menu offered it to be served with bread or veggies.
My husband and I had skipped lunch that day (not good, I know) so we were pretty hungry! We each chose one of the main entrees: he the Chicken Marsala (my older daughter wanted to try it so she was very vocal about him ordering that over some other dishes he was eyeing) and I, the Chicken & Arugula Linguini. The marsala sauce was light and flavorful but the homemade gnocchi that it was served with definitely stole the show! As for the Chicken & Arugula Linguini, the garlic sauce was rich yet not overpowering and the shaved Grana Padano laced throughout the dish provided the perfect creamy texture and flavor boost in just about every bite. Warning: these entrees are healthy portion sizes so come hungry or be prepared to box it up to bring home for lunch the next day!
The kids menu had many expected favorites, yet with a Pour Me twist. From bagel pizzas and homemade mac and cheese to grilled cheese with baked fries (love that they are baked!) and chicken, cheese or steak quesadillas, there’s something on the menu for kids of all ages. My oldest loves trying mac and cheese whenever we discover a new restaurant, so she ordered that and thoroughly enjoyed it! The description on the menu simply states, “Homemade goodness” and that it was. We all picked at that mac and cheese and…just WOW. Highly recommended.
All in all, our family dinner out at Pour Me was just wonderful. The atmosphere was warm and family-friendly, yet elegant and trendy all at the same time. It actually felt like we got away with taking the kids out to eat at a place that mommy and daddy really wanted to go for a change. Imagine that? A date night with the kids? Dare I say it? I will.
Oh…and I can’t wait for my next visit where I plan to go with friends and order a few all-day toasts and a glass of wine (or two!). Anyone care to join me?
Publisher and her family received a complimentary dinner in order to write this review. Photos shared and opinions expressed herein are her own.
