Hidden Gems Of Connecticut

MANCHESTER, CT — Today's foray into a Hidden Gem brings us to Lena's Italian Kitchen, on the eastern end of a small strip plaza at 206 West Center St. in Manchester. Undoubtedly, it is one of the few places in Connecticut where, in the summertime, you can find lobster pizza.

Jim and Tammy Bourque, who had owned Kristalena in the Manchester Parkade, bought the shop formerly known as The Italian Kitchen seven years ago. They added the name Lena's due to the pending birth of their granddaughter of that name. "She was born a week after we bought it," Jim Bourque said.

A recent trip into the restaurant prompted amazement at the sheer amount of food contained in each order. "All our grinders are huge, with almost a pound of meat in a half-grinder," Bourque said.

The couple said the most popular sandwich is the Italian mix, followed by meatball, roast beef and steak. A variety of pizza combinations, appetizers, soups and salads are also available.

Online ordering may be done through the restaurant's website.

____

The Hidden Gems series features out-of-the-way mom and pop restaurants, small specialty stores you may have never heard of, little-known historical markers or beautiful nature spots that may be a bit off the beaten path, all located within Connecticut. Other columns in this series for 2021 include:

• The Benedict Arnold Trail
• Swank Pearce
• Vernon Depot Historic Park
• Farr's Sporting Goods
• Robs Drivin Diner

To register for free, local breaking news alerts from more than 100 Connecticut communities, click here.