You can’t miss the beautiful historic building on North Main Street in Wallingford as you drive into town.

The historic landmark, originally The Ladies Library and Reading Room Association, was built in 1899 with land and money donated by Samuel Simpson in memory of his daughter, Martha DeEtte Simpson (if you look closely in the stained glass windows you can see the year of Martha’s birth and death.) The Library was for ladies only and remained ladies only until 1958 when they opened membership to men and changed the name to Wallingford Public Library.

The Library went through a major renovation in 1962 then eventually grew out of the space and in 1982 a new Library was built.

Today, after two years of intense restoration by the Gouveia Family, the historic building is now the home of The Library Wine Bar and Bistro, the perfect place to have dinner before going to a show at The Oakdale.

My son, Sean, and his girlfriend, now residents of Wallingford, joined us for dinner.  We toasted to the evening with a Grapefruit Martini with Elderflower and Fresh Lemon (not on the menu yet they graciously made it for me.) The four of us shared two appetizers – Lump Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli and Garlic Toast with Mascarpone, Prosciutto, Fig-Balsamic Glaze and Oven Roasted Tomatos on Toasted Crostini (WOW what a great combination!) Both appetizers were fabulous and I would certainly order them again!

For main course Mike ordered Mahi-Mahi with Sticky Rice, Spicy Tomato Broth and Pineapple Salsa. Me, I was in the mood for beef so I went with the Filet Mignon, Butter Basted with Roasted Asparagus, Mashed Potatoes and a Bordelaise Sauce.  John, our server, brought us Flan with Fresh Strawberries for dessert “on the house” as an extra one was prepared in error! Lucky us!

We loved our meal, the staff were delightful and the atmosphere was fun and upbeat.  The Gouveia family also own Gouveia Vineyards in Wallingford so why not make it a day trip and spend a lovely afternoon at the vineyard then head over to The Library Wine Bar & Bistro for dinner.  Be sure to check out their website for the hours as it may change.  Oh…and don’t forget to tell them Out and About Allie sent you!