Tired of your same old weekend restaurant rotation? Want to change it up, but are unsure of other options? Well, look no further! Here are two options—one sweet and one savory—to explore the next time you’re out and about.
Sweet: Alyssa’s Cakery
The What: Asking someone to Garden Party? Trying to find a birthday cake for your friend? Check out Alyssa’s Cakery for custom cakes or cupcakes. The bakery also has a standing menu chockablock with delectable treats. An adorable bakery filled with pastel hues and over 45 flavors of cupcakes, it’s the perfect place to go when cupcakes at Mr. D’s just aren’t cutting it for you. There are even two featured seasonal flavors each month (October flavors are classic fall: Apple Cider and Pumpkin Spice). Alyssa’s also sells mochi, a Japanese dessert of pounded sticky rice and ice cream filling. Shaped into a ball, this bite-sized sweet is not to be missed. Opened in 2012 by its namesake Alyssa, this bakery is cozy and cute.
The Where: A bit of a hike, Alyssa’s has relocated from its previous location next to Vinny’s Deli and is now on Center Street just past the Flower Shoppe near Knuckleheads. Make a right after you pass Half Moon, the Tavern, and TD Bank.
The Verdict: Totally worth the hike to satisfy your sweet tooth. Or, to put it another way, should Alyssa’s be nominated for the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars? I vote yes. The one downside is the shop’s slightly inconvenient hours. The bakery is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Tuesdays through Thursdays it closes at 3:30 p.m.—smack in the middle of our afternoon activities. Weekends are your best bet: Alyssa’s keeps the oven on until 6:00 p.m. on Fridays and until 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Never miss a sweet fix again.
Savory: The Library
The What: Serving an interesting mix of American, Mediterranean, and Portuguese dishes, The Library is the place to be if you’re in the mood for tapas. Tapas range from five to twelve dollars. Entrees are a little more than double that. Pricier than Archie’s but less expensive than J. Christian’s, The Library is a happy medium. The venue is definitely a little fancier than the usual Wallingford hangouts, but there’s no need to dress up. Perfect for a Parent’s Weekend dinner or a break from the dining hall, The Library offers customers the pick of a more formal or casual dining area. Located in what used to be Wallingford’s public library, the self-proclaimed classic bistro prides itself on incorporating the atmosphere of the 1899 building. Completely renovated, the restaurant retains the feeling of antiquity. Almost like traveling back in time, The Library fuses a modern twist and a glimpse of historical Wallingford.
The Where: Yes, you’ve probably seen it—that building next to Mr. D’s that seemed to take ages to get redone. The closest eating establishment in relation to Choate: distance is no excuse not to come!
The Verdict: If you’re willing to switch up the usual routine and shell out a little more cash, it’s nearby and a refreshing twist. Check it out with your parents in a couple of weeks—or why wait? Check it out tonight.
