I do not like high-top tables in restaurants, even though I do like high-top stools in kitchens. It has to do, I believe, with the fact that when I go to restaurants, I have to put my pocketbook on the floor. Women do not want to put their pocketbooks on the floor. And, if I want to get something in my pocketbook, I have to get out of my high-top stool, put the pocketbook on the just-left stool if I want to show a picture of my grandchildren, the fabric I just picked for wallpaper or remember the name of the book I am reading.

I do, however, like eating at a bar, if the bar is as gorgeous as the new one at Alforno in Old Saybrook. And if I don’t want to eat at the granite topped bar among the mirrored liquor bottles, I talk to Michelle, wife of chef Ben Zemmel and the newest member of the Zemmel clan. The always-amazing menu is available at the bar, or the new (high-top) table in the bars or the original dining room. Maybe next time I will see the new kitchen.

Alforno

1654 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook

(860) 399-4166