Au poivre burger

This is definitely the first time I’ve eaten at a restaurant twice in one week after featuring it in a column.

My story about Republic in Bloomfield ran in the Flavor section Thursday (and online a few days earlier.) I had lunch there with my editor Thursday and then returned for dinner Saturday night with Rob. The place was absolutely hopping at 5:30.

Republic’s current claim to fame may be its $46 “Heart Attack” burger, with premium beef, foie gras and black truffles. But there’s a lot more to the stylish space: a big open kitchen full of activity, a lofted second-floor dining space, plenty of beer on tap and a menu that can be as casual or elegant as you want.

Scenes from our dinner:

Thomas Hooker-battered fish n'chips; Wellfleet oysters with raspberry mignonette

Peruvian roasted chicken with Yukon Gold potatoes for my favorite Peruvian

Au poivre burger with caramelized onions, Swiss, cognac cream sauce, crushed black peppercorns and grain mustard

The pièce de résistance: cheesecake lollipops with raspberry puree

Thoughts: While some of the pricing is high, (the small portion of fish above was $9!) overall, it’s a solid and enjoyable experience.

It’s definitely a bright new spot in Bloomfield, which is at the moment pretty heavy on Asian restaurants and chains. And you can’t beat the fun factor of the desserts, which also include pineapple carpaccio with candied cilantro and lime sorbet; banana bread pudding and “sweets under glass” (see pic here.)

Side note: Among the dozen beers on tap, we tried one by brand-new Bloomfield brewery Back East. We didn’t catch the specific type (our server seemed a little confused by recent changes on the draft list) but it was impressive. It’s good to drink local.

Yes, at some point I will break down and try the Heart Attack burger. We weren’t able to order it for our photo shoot (it would have eaten up nearly our entire weekly budget) but I’ve got to get a taste, if only to satisfy my own curiosity.

Republic is at 39 Jerome Avenue in Bloomfield, Conn. 860-216-5852, republicct.com.