Chef Emily Mingrone Launches The Pearl At Fair Haven Oyster Co. Food Truck September 1st

Lobster roll photo by Winter Caplanson

This just in. Chef Emily Mingrone of Tavern On State, Provisions on State, and her most recent addition, Fair Haven Oyster Co, is off on another exciting culinary adventure. After winning “CT’s Restaurant Of The Year” in 2022, Mingrone is expanding her New Haven footprint and launching a NEW FOOD TRUCK, this weekend, Friday, September 1st. The truck’s name is “The Pearl At Fair Haven Oyster Co.” and you can find it just next to her restaurant, Fair Haven Oyster Co., in the marina picnic area. The Pearl will be open Fridays-Sundays, noon to 7pm in the season, and depending on demand, Mingrone may keep the party going all year long. 

The Pearl will offer a curated menu that features some of the more casual fare Mingrone opened with at Fair Haven, but had to pare down as it didn’t match the more upscale vibe of her waterfront fine dining menu. Dishes will include hot dogs, lobster rolls, soft serve ice cream, and “some really fun beverage selections,” says Mingrone. 

Let’s start with the dogs. Mingrone has selected locally based Hummel Bros Hot Dogs (from New Haven) as her dogs of choice, and these foot-longs will be served on Martin’s potato rolls.  At launch they will offer a classic dog, a dog with chili relish bacon aioli, and her chili cheese dog. 

Lobster rolls will be served both hot and cold, piled high in split top New England style brioche rolls. There will be a classic hot buttered roll as well as a Mingrone menu fave, her cold lobster roll with creme fraiche, roe and dill.

Dessert is a simple affair with chocolate or vanilla soft serve + sprinkles if you feel like getting crazy,

“The beverage list is definitely a tightly curated menu,” says Mingrone, and will include some great canned cocktails: i.e. a gin and tonic and an Amaro Pop, as well as a really tasty blueberry wine made in Maine. There will also be a few local beers from the neighborhood, including NEBCO, East Rock Brewing, & Armada.

So who can you expect to see when you walk up to the truck? It’s a face you may recognize, Ed Jones, formerly the Chef at Firebox. Ed will be spearheading the truck program, and Emily’s dad will be helping out (insert aww sound here).

Also Fun fact: The truck once belonged to Chef Dan Kardos, so all the good karma happening going on).

The marina picnic area has tons of umbrellas and seating. See you there this weekend.

The Pearl @ Fair Haven Oyster Co.

Fair Haven Marina