As Westport’s dining scene explodes, we enjoy more options than ever.
Of course, prices are rising too.
Comparisons with days past is a bit like apples and oranges (though they were not on the menu). Much has changed since the time when appetizers at one of Westport’s favorite dining spots included a half grapefruit, tomato juice and chopped chicken livers, steaks were $3.50, and a side salad set you back a whopping 25 cents.
Still, it’s fun to see not only what we paid, but also what we could choose from. This menu below is from Manero’s, the long-lived, much loved Saugatuck ancestor of what is now Rizzuto’s.
The date is uncertain. But the “CA” phone number offers a clue. CApital 7 became 227 in the mid 1960s.
Click on or hover over to enlarge.
Here are the drinks. A bottle of beer was 50 cents. Nothing cost more than $1, except wine.
(Menus courtesy of Seth Van Beever)
Speaking of Saugatuck restaurants: A bit later, across Riverside Avenue and a few yards south, De Rosa’s had great run.
It was razed to make way for what is now Momu and Sea Kayak Connecticut.
We don’t have their menu. But prices were higher than Manero’s.
And lower than Rizzuto’s. And The Whelk.
(Photo/Rose Colletti)
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DeRosa’s chicken rollatini was to die for.
and don’t forget the Mansion directly across the street from Manero’s. The fried combination with fried onions was amazing.
Porky Manero’s restaurant was a popular spot! Also, our phones had CL (Clearwater) 259 and not 227. Give me a call at the golf range later CL-9-9108. I’ll be working until 10:00 tonight.
Hey Dave and Pete
Janine and Pietro say hi and would love to know how you guys are?
All our best!
I remember the CApital-7 phone area code days. Manero’s was across the street from my dad’s hardware store in Bridge Square and we ate there from time to time; love those prices! My dad and uncle were fond of The Mansion Clam House’s soft shell crab sandwiches that looked like a giant spider between two pieces of bread. Thanks for the trip down memory lane Dan.
Huge shout out to Mansion Clam House too. I loved their food! Also, remember Porky used to sit by the front door outside and great everyone.
Cool menu
Thanks Dan. “Sanka.”
Maneros where does one begin?
The best Garlic Bread that ever or ever will exist. The steaks were prime and cooked perfectly. I was not a fan of but my parents praised the Gorgonzola Salad.
Of all the steak places I have been round the big blue marble Porky Manero , where ever you are up there, yours was the best.
Their Gorgonzola salad dressing was sold at the Bleecker Street Grand Union where I shopped when we lived in Soho.