Inside what was once the Opera House in downtown Bethel (built 1860), you’ll find Edison Kitchen; a brand new eating spot by experienced restaurateur, Chris Bruno. We’ve dined at one of his restaurants in the past…so we knew we were in for a treat.
Post sponsored by Edison Kitchen
And a treat it was! It was silly cold the night we visited, but we thawed out quickly. The ambiance and vibes are warm & stylish. A combo we love.
We ♥️ a restaurant in a historical building. Don’t you?
We immediately want to know everything about it! Here’s what we learned about the Bethel Opera House. Then we’ll get to the food, promise!
John F. Nichols acquired the building in the late 1800s and ran it as an entertainment complex until after the First World War. Singing minstrels, vaudeville actors, and the community chorus graced the portable stage of the old Opera House, while in the downstairs tavern, Nichols pushed his old-fashioned root beer. In its better days, it was known as a combination of opera house, roller skating rink, and billiard hall. – Thanks Bethel Historial Society!
Where’s our time machine??
On to our experience…
Appreciating the creative touches
We think Chris has done an awesome design job. Grammable moments. ✔︎
Loving the brick wall backdrop, bandana napkins, and fun decals in partic. New word. You heard it here.
Feels like we haven’t been out since last year. Arf arf.
They offer a great wine/beer/tap/craft cocktail menu! We opted for a couple of Transfusions. Hammer & Sickle Vodka, ginger syrup, fresh lime juice, Concord grape juice, club soda. Cheers!
For all you raw bar & steak lovers…
Edison Kitchen is a full-service restaurant with a fresh raw bar and top choice steaks. When they can, they source fresh fish from the coast of New England. Meats are sourced from multiple sources around the U.S., featuring natural products raised humanely and free of hormones and drugs.
The rice cracker-crusted ahi tuna was delicious! The oysters we admired from afar but they looked so fresh and fabulous.
THIS dip combo
Gah, we love a good dip, and this was a good dip combo. Especially the honey ricotta. Drool.
Hello, rib eye. ?
Chris Bruno – owner & chef
We learned that Chris Bruno lived in Bethel for many years and was the original owner of the Foundry Kitchen & Tavern in Sandy Hook. He owned a few more restaurants since then and has consulted with or helped open over 20 additional restaurants throughout the Northeast and Canada.
Chris, along with VZ Home Improvements, renovated the building to realize his vision for Edison Kitchen – to evoke a feeling of welcoming and comfort, while still giving off an energetic vibe. The handcrafted booths were made locally by Backwood Builders (so amazing!).
That right there ⇧ is the cutest little egg (a quail egg to be exact) on the yummiest Bangkok Street Noodles.
Chris believes in offering interesting and flavorful cuisine with a minimal amount of ingredients. The seafood is always fresh, and the meats are of the highest quality; certified Angus beef, pork, and organic chicken. Additionally, all marinades, dressings, sauces, rubs, salsas, and pasta are handcrafted in-house daily.
Peruse the menu here!
His advice to anyone interested in the food industry is to start minimal, keep it simple, work hard, and stay humble.
We couldn’t catch Chris (busy guy!) but we could catch a pic with Executive Chef Michael Raymond and GM Ralph Alterisio!
And for the grand finale to a fun night out, this coconut custard/animal cracker crust/mascarpone number.
Edison Kitchen – 186 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel, CT 06801