The Charter Oak

At The Charter Oak, chef Christopher Kostow departs from his usual fine dining fare for a more simplified experience. Instead of fussy, delicate dishes, think charred, seasonal food. A hearth designed by chef Kostow fills the exposed-brick dining room with the smoky aroma of roasted local meats and vegetables from their 2-and-a-half acre garden. Meals can also be enjoyed al fresco on the expansive patio where dishes are prepared on a custom-built outdoor grill. Plates highlight one or two ingredients at a time and everything is served family-style, so sharing is encouraged.

Photos: The Charter Oak