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BRIDGEPORT, Conn. The Ash Creek Saloon has been a haven for Fairfield County barbecue lovers for the last 20 years. But despite the restaurants solidified status as a reliably family-friendly establishment, owner Michael Friedman felt it was time to saddle up for some change. First up, a new name. The space at 2895 Fairfield Ave. in Black Rock is now called simply The Creek at Black Rock.
We really just tried to take a look at ourselves to see where we were doing things well, and where we could bring some things up to date, says Friedman. We got really lucky and came across a wonderful chef who has really taken things up a few notches.
The new chef, Jose Draganac, comes from the celebrated Stamford restaurant, Napa & Co. With Joses help, we have developed a really exciting new concept and menu.
But with 18 consecutive years of garnering the title Best BBQ in Connecticut from both Connecticut Magazine and Fairfield County Weekly, one wonders why the owner felt compelled to change?
Weve had plenty of people call us up and ask, Do you still have your ribs? laughs Friedman. And we definitely do. But when you bring in a really good, really talented chef, the level goes up across the board. Presentation, flavor, and developing real signature elementsthese are all things Jose is bringing to the restaurant. And he has also given us the opportunity to put some healthier elements on the menu. We have a new summer vegetable tart. We have a farmers market chopped salad.
But for die hard fans, Friedman assures that the steak frites, ribs and other barbecue favorites are still very much on the menu and better than ever.
There are just a lot of new restaurants out there, says Friedman. People have more choices than ever about where to eat. I wanted us to really step up our game, from food to flavor to service. Jose is helping us do that.
Friedman also points to some of Chef Joses signature homemade desserts as proof of the restaurants new focus. He makes an unbelievable key lime pie from scratch, and a really wonderful bread pudding. The feedback on everything has been just tremendous. Were looking forward to a great summer.
The Creek at Black Rock is located at 2895 Fairfield Ave. in Bridgeport and will have a new website up and running very soon. In the meantime, you can reach them by phone at (203) 333-2733.
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