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South Of The Border, Southington-style Agave Grill has gone "south" – make that southwest, actually, to Southington. Olé. The upscale Mexican restaurant in downtown Hartford opens its second location on busy Route 10 (461 Queen St) on Monday in a building once known as "HoJos." "It was a Howard Johnson's years ago, and then it was "Bickfords" and then Goldroc Diner," says Al Ferranti, one of the six-man group that is running Agave, Vaughan's Public House and Wood-N-Tap. "We gutted everything. We want to offer diners in this area a quality Mexican restaurant," says Ferranti. Gutted indeed. No evidence of naugahyde-upholstered booths or linoleum floors or the signature orange roof. The exterior is painted a warm rich green, with a huge patio for seasonal outdoor dining and oak doors that mark the spot to head inside. Rich black grillwork, stamped concrete that looks like amber quartz, hardwood, Mexican art work and pottery, and a cozy bar are just part of the interior makeover. Like its big brother in Hartford, the menu includes signature entrees like adobo-glazed costillas (country-style pork ribs), lobster enchiladas, chili-rubbed tuna, and paella. Soups, wraps, burgers, quesadillas and signature tequila drinks are featured at the new location. The Southington restaurant will be open daily. Hours on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and until 11 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The bar area will be open to 2 a.m. on weekends. Information: 860-329-0387. |