Homestead Inn
Greenwich, Connecticut

Located along a row of old mansions in Greenwich's Belle Haven neighborhood, the Homestead provides rooms and service on a par with any first class hotel - but with an intimacy that can be found only in a small country ii. Canopied shabby-chic beds, antique writing desks and armoires and capacious bathrooms will tempt you to shutter the French doors for some serious cocooning. Resist the urge long enough to visit proprietor-chef Thomas Henkelmann's intimate dining room, a seductive stage for his contemporary French cuisine. Grenadin of veal is unexpectedly paired with lobster risotto, and seared Hudson Valley duck foie gras is concealed in a puff pastry with sautéed sea scallops. Dessert is a must here, where baked peaches come with marzipan centers and homemade white chocolate ice cream, and sweetness of the warm vanilla bread pudding is precisely complemented by the tart lime yogurt sorbet. One caveat: With a wine list that numbers well over 400 labels, you'll want to bring your reading glasses
(203)-869-7500, fax -7502; doubles $185-$250; entrées, $28-$34