Happenings Down The Hill: Pre-Winter Changes to Willimantic Restaurant Scene

One up, one down, and one dynamic change: This is "the score" of the downtown Willimantic scene as fall moves toward winter.

The change: About a month ago, Cafemantic gained approval to sell beer and wine, and with that approval began opening for dinner. Cafemantic, located in beautifully restored building in downtown Willimantic, has always offered freshly cooked meals with fresh and many locally grown ingredients and now features a similar model for its dinner offerings. According to the menu, Cafemantic encourages the "small plates tradition" so that guests share food and conversation; according to my drop-in visit, Cafemantic also offers daily specials. The restaurant also offers wi-fi for those who prefer to dine alone or work while enjoying the food and atmosphere. This benefit is certainly appreciated by students and staff from nearby Eastern Connecticut State University and University of Connecticut.

Dinner at Cafemantic is available from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday. The restaurant is located at 948 Main Street in Willimantic. More information is available at their web address www.cafemantic.com or by calling 860-423-4243.

The two recent changes to downtown Willimantic's restaurant ventures are an apparent closing and an upcoming opening. Giro's Plus has been closed for more than a month, with a sign on the door listing phone numbers for more information. On the plus side, a bright and vibrant sign announces the soon-to-open Jamaican Me Crazy. More details will follow on that addition to Willimantic's eclectic and diverse restaurant scene.

This report is written by Peter Leeds, who reports frequently on Willimantic happenings and "wonders"; he can be emailed at peter@cgrealestate.net or found on Facebook at Peter Leeds Not Just The Sports Guy for more information about Willimantic or Windham.