Trumbull's O Bar Recognized in Connecticut Magazine's Dining Guide

Who would have thought that Trumbull would be home to one of Connecticut Magazine’s "Most Notable Restaurants" of 2011, but that’s exactly what has just happened.

“O” Bar & Grill, located in Trumbull Center, used to be The Grill & Bar, a longtime local establishment that served burgers and such. After The Grill & Bar closed, restaurateur Patrick Jean purchased the space in 2009 and altered the restaurant, both in looks and cuisine.

“I always wanted to open a restaurant in town,” said Jean, a Trumbull resident who originally hails from St. Tropez, France.

Seventeen years ago, Jean’s American culinary life began. He had worked in the restaurant business since he was sixteen years old and after spending some time working in restaurants in New York City, Jean opened “O” Bar in Fairfield and St. Tropez French restaurant in Fairfield as well.

Recently, the restaurateur converted “O” Bar Fairfield to Bubble Lounge, a champagne and cocktail bar and his beloved St. Tropez restaurant was converted into The Brasserie, which is more casual than its rather formal predecessor.

“O” Bar & Grill Trumbull is a family friendly establishment with a modern flair.

Jean kept the burgers and left the bar in its original location, but now customers can order boeuf bourguignon as well and drink La Fin du Monde, a highly rated French beer that contains nine percent alcohol.  

“We kept what people love,” said Jean, who along with chef René Galicia designed the blended menu.

“The Fairfield restaurant is mainly French. Here it is more of an American bistro,” he explained.

Three times a week, Jean and Galicia head up to Restaurant Depot in Orange, a New York based multi-purpose culinary supply market, which is where they purchase, among many things, quality meats and fish.  

“It cannot get any fresher than this,” said Jean of the market’s products.

The menu and indoor space weren’t the only areas to get a make-over. Prior to renovation, the outdoor patio area was surrounded by a very high fence.

“It almost felt like you were in jail,” said Jean. Now the outdoor seating area is sectioned off with a low brick enclosure, complete with the restaurant’s insignia martini glass logo.  A bar patio is scheduled to open in spring 2012.

Jean admits the restaurant was slow at first, but once the menu changed the location became a local hot spot once again.

“O” Bar & Grill hosts happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily Monday through Friday with $2.50 domestic beers and $5 mixed drinks and wine. Sundays and Monday nights the bar caters to the football crowd with fifty cent wings and a $1 off beer discount if you wear your team’s jersey. Sunday Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.