Bailey’s Backyard: an authentic farm to table restaurant in the heart of Ridgefield

Over the years we have walked by Bailey’s Backyard in Ridgefield Ct and were curious about dining there. Luckily we were recently invited to have dinner there, and we jumped at the chance. Located on Bailey Avenue, a side street off of Ridgefield’s quaint Main Street, the restaurant is housed in a small building and is comprised of three separate dining spaces. The main dining room is an intimate space that is snug and cozy and reminded us of a warm inn in New England. The second larger space is a former alley that was transformed into a dining room and has a more airy vibe. Outside on the sidewalk, additional tables and umbrellas add another seating option for guests.

Bailey’s describes itself as a Farm-to table bistro. While many restaurants may aspire to this title, owner Sal Bagliavio and chef Zach Campion have delivered a menu filled with fresh locally sourced ingredients that is both innovative and refined.

Though Bailey’s does not have a bar, do not despair as wine, beer, and creative cocktails are available. We sampled the delicious Pisco Sour that topped with a foam of aquafaba(juice from chickpeas instead of using whipped egg) which was refreshing and vegan friendly.

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Cornbread is delicious and is made with molasses butter. This is a pure comfort food that will satisfy your hunger as you await the first course.

Starters ($12-$16) include both greens and seafood. The Tomato and Peach Gazpacho with almonds and feta was a light and healthy way to start off the meal. Farm Greens was a healthy medley of English pea, fava beans, green apple carrots and fermented grape vinaigrette .

We also sampled the Scallops, lightly browned and served with a tabboulah, capers. shitake and a lemon cream. The Spanish Octopus was also a favorite and is served lightly charred with squid ink, chorizo marmalade, daikon (a radish),and served in a salsa verde. Delicious and light.

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Main dishes include burgers, beef, chicken and pork. We opted for the lobster tail which was fresh and nicely presented sitting atop its opened shell. Important to remember is that Bailey’s is constantly changing the menu not only to introduce current farm to table offerings but to give guests the opportunity to return again and again and enjoy new flavors.

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Wednesday night offers a 4 course tasting menu at only $40 per person and seems to be a great opportunity to sample the great dishes at Baileys. There is also a full dinner tasting and lunch tasting menu as well. Check their website for details and the current menu. We are certainly happy we finally made it to Bailey’s Backyard and are planning to return again soon.

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