I ate dinner too early the night of the snowstorm (what else was there to do besides reading and television), so by the next day I had no time for breakfast. Then a drive to Old Saybrook for an appointment until noon. By then, I was ravenous, so I stopped at The Hideaway in Old Lyme.

How could I not choose a Winter Warmer? Within 10 minutes came a big platter with a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich, a bowl of French onion soup, pub fries, ketchup and a pickle for $10. The sandwich was just the way I make it: thick white bread, lots of cheese and two slices of tomatoes, grilled on both sides with lots of butter. The soup was so hot it seared my tongue, but the waitress had warned me. Actually, that is just the way I like my soup and tea.

There were just enough fries to please me, too. I don’t think I’d been to The Hideway in a decade. I won’t make that mistake again.

The Hideway

19 Halls Road, Old Lyme

(860) 434-1455