Coconut Heads Souvenirs

Octagon turns 10: Regional hotel dining at its best

A chum and I recently visited the restaurant, waving goodbye to another summer clam shack in preference for more complex fare. Run by The Waterford Group, which manages a number of Connecticut hotels and restaurants, Octagon celebrated its tenth anniversary in June. It looks fresh as a daisy with its bright, shiny surfaces, floor-to-ceiling glass-partition wine rack, and colorful artwork. Octagon is evidence that the trend in serious hotel dining remains alive, although there were hardly more than a dozen guests during our two-hour dinner. We were compelled to ask out waiter if that was an aberration. Evidently, it was.

Octagon bills itself as a steakhouse, but its menu will please all but a vegetarian, with a small selection of beef, chicken and fish. It's moderate to expensive for dinner; expect to spend around $150 for two, with wine, tip, and tax. In true steakhouse fashion, side orders are extra, so that helps push the bill up. Fortunately, on the night of our visit, everything was worth the expense.

First courses include standards like French onion soup, crab cakes, and Caesar salad. We were eating light, so we shared an excellent asparagus, Maryland crab, and arugula salad bound in the lightest dressing. All of the constituents were first rate, including the barely crisp asparagus and the sweet, salty, and plump nubbins of crabmeat. Scattered toasted breadcrumbs provided a crisp counterpoint. My partner deemed it the best salad he'd had in ages. The salad was $12; other starters range from $9 to $14. MORE Octagon Steakhouse

Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa
625 North Road, Groton
(860) 326-0360
www.octagonsteakhouse.com

Cuisine: Steak, seafood, poultry.

Atmosphere: Tuscan-colored murals and glass sculpture add a lively note to the spot adjacent to the hotel lobby; there are separate dining areas.

Prices: Moderate to expensive. First courses generally under $15, and main courses from $25 to $45.

Reservations: Accepted, and recommended on weekends and holidays.

Service: Very good.

Credit cards: All majors.

Hours: Dinner Tuesday to Thursday, 5:30 to 9 p.m,. Friday and Saturday, 5:30 to 10 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Handicapped access: The hotel lobby is wheelchair accessible and on the same level as the restaurant.

Buzzy's Country Store: Souvenirs

This is Buzzy's Country Store blog designed to keep you apprised of what's going on at the Store. Buzzy's is a general store located in St. Mary's County, Southern Maryland near Pt. Lookout State Park. Buzzy Ridgell purchased the Store from his father-in-law Harry Raley in 1953 and operated it until his passing in 2009. His son J. Scott Ridgell is the current owner. I remember how Buzzy used to stock up on all sorts of tacky souvenirs ranging from coconut heads and coasters to pencils and pennants.  I've stocked up on some things such as the magnets, shot glasses, coffee mugs, hats and t-shirt souvenir items.  However, I haven't really gone overboard on carrying all the other kitschy stuff, mostly because I do this calculus of  "Would I buy this?" and   my answer is usually no.  It always amazes me at what people in general and tourists in particular will spend their money on.  In looking at some crab snow globes offered at the trade show, a vendor touted their re-sale possibilities by saying "Best of all they retail right at the TTT - tourist $10 threshold."  (Trade secret - if it's $10 or under, tourists will buy it; over $10 it's a little tricky.  Next time you are at a souvenir stand, note how many items cost $9.99.)  To check out a variety of items, there is even a website called Crap Souvenirs click here. Think I might be able to sell some of those Popeners though, even if I wouldn't want one!