Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1409819
"We know we need to bring in the best quality, so we're never compla- cent, no maer how busy we get, or how great our reviews are," he said. Known for its prime steaks, seafood, extensive wine list and creative cocktails, Max Downtown has seen both good and bad times and has persisted through 9/11, the Great Recession and now Covid. "We are commied to bringing in as many local products as possible, and we change our menus according to the season," said Cooke. And with cra cocktails all the rage, Cooke notes the importance of having a beverage director who keeps an eye on the latest trends. "Brian Mitchell does a lot of research and periodically takes our staff to New York to see what's out there," he said. What Cooke likes most about owning restaurants in the area is working with a loyal staff and seeing customers, who were children once themselves, dining out with their kids. "It's great watching the families grow up," he said. A gem in Hartford Andy Rizzo, who runs Salute Restaurant on Trumbull Street in Hartford, along with Jimmy Cosgrove and Chef Dave Caudill, said that three's a charm when it comes to running a restaurant like a well-oiled machine. The friends worked together at Hot Tomato's restaurant before going their separate ways and then reuniting. "We searched for a space in the suburbs at first, until we realized what a gem we had in Hartford and because we are from Hartford, we realized it would be stupid to look anywhere else," said Rizzo. The restaurant, described as 'upscale casual,' opened in 2010 and specializes in northern Italian dishes. "People thought we were crazy opening during the recession, but we didn't think twice about it. We knew it might be a struggle for a bit, but things have been going great," said Rizzo, aributing part of their success to a thriving downtown. "Right now, we have lots of stuff going on—there's the Bushnell Theatre, which is probably the biggest theater venue we have here in downtown Hartford, with shows like 'The Lion King' and 'Hamilton," he said, adding that the XL Center and the riverfront also bring in foot travel. The restaurant seats 120, "so it's controllable," said Rizzo, adding that 15 tables outside are within sight of the Capitol and overlook Bushnell Park. According to Rizzo, customers love north- ern Italian cream-based dishes, like a rosé pasta dish, prepared with sweet sausage and mushrooms and tossed in a light tomato cream sauce. "Our espresso martini is extremely popular, as well," said Rizzo. Things have been going so well for Salute that the partners are opening a second location in Rocky Hill. "We feel fortunate and have come a long way since the days at Hot Tomato's," said Rizzo. FOOD RUNNER TYQUAN EASON carries salads at Max's Oyster Bar. STEVEN LASCHEVER PHOTOGRAPHY 40 HBJ HARTFORD LIVE WORK PLAY