Business & Tech

Hidden Gems Of Hartford And Tolland Counties

This Hidden Gem sits alone as a business on the edge of a neighborhood development which is actually in another town. Read on for details.

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Golden Irene Restaurant abuts Enfield, but is actually located in East Windsor.
Golden Irene Restaurant abuts Enfield, but is actually located in East Windsor. (Tim Jensen/Patch)

EAST WINDSOR, CT — There are a few misperceptions about this week's Hidden Gem, Golden Irene Restaurant in East Windsor. One, people think it's in Enfield, but it is not: it is just over the town line. Two, they assume it's on Steele Road, but that is the street name in Enfield; once crossing the East Windsor line, it becomes Mullen Road. Finally, if you say it's on Mullen Road, people assume it's Mullen Road in Enfield, which actually is just around the corner from the restaurant. Confused yet?

What is undeniable is the fact Golden Irene is among the top restaurants in northern Connecticut, with arguably the most generous owner. George Akkouris grew up in Suffield, then graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a degree in molecular-cell physiology. During high school and college, he worked at his family’s restaurant, Golden Irene, as a server, dishwasher, and cook.

When his parents fell ill and could no longer run the restaurant, Akkouris shifted career gears and took it over. He has seen it through tremendous expansion, as well as the tough times brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

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At Golden Irene, every dish is made from scratch, ranging from Greek and Mediterranean to Italian cuisines. Hand-made pastas, freshly cut steaks and local seafood are among the main entrees, as well as gourmet sandwiches, pizzas and salads. More than a third of the menu items are made gluten-free, and the restaurant adheres to a strict allergen policy to ensure all diners' safety.

The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday for dine-in and takeout. More information may be found at www.goldenirenes.com.

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Photo: Tim Jensen/Patch

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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 Hartford and Tolland counties. Do you have a favorite "hidden gem" in the area that you wish to see featured in this column? Email your ideas to tim.jensen@patch.com.

Other columns in this series:

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