Hours: Open Sunday - Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

By MAUREEN O'CONNELL
The Hartford Courant
Published: 10/5/2000

Go fly a kite, then eat. That's a good plan for diners headed to Jimmies of Savin Rock. The restaurant is on the edge of the West Walk boardwalk, next to Long Island Sound. The view features miles of ocean, people of all ages biking, blading, rolling and strolling, and kite fliers anxiously awaiting a blustery fall wind to set sail to their kites, creating funky, vibrant streams of color soaring along the shore. It's a great way to enjoy the season, before Connecticut blooms with fall foliage.

Of course, the food at Jimmies is also worth the trip. The menu offers plenty of options, with prices ranging from $7.25 to $19.95 and lobster entrees set at market price. If you are a lobster lover, bring your appetite. The lobsters are huge, as you can see when you visit the restaurant's lobster tank.

Forget traditional creamy New England chowders -- try the chef's special clam chowder. It has a light broth and a light seasoning, but it's loaded with potato chunks, clams, celery and onions.

The baked filet of sole was quite a hearty meal. The filet is wrapped around a crabmeat, scallop and shrimp stuffing. The fried scallops entree is also a hearty portion, served with crinkle-cut fries and fresh coleslaw.

Jimmies also has nightly dinner specials and an array of selections that goes beyond seafare, including chicken teriyaki, prime rib and pasta dinners. Children are also welcome at Jimmies, with a special menu for children under 12 priced from $4.25 to $6.95.

A visit to Jimmies feels like a trip through a mini-museum. There are photos and articles of Savin Rock in its heyday, when an amusement park and carousel were the big attractions.