Another Backyard, This One In Brookfield

Bailey’s Backyard in Brookfield has been operating at Elmbrook Plaza on Federal Road for about nine months. It is the second Bailey’s for partners Alfonzo DeMasi and Salvatore Bagliavio, Culinary Institute of America graduates who have been operating Bailey’s Backyard in Ridgefield for about six years. The restaurants serve new American cuisine; the Brookfield location, managed primarily by Mr DeMasi, also serves pizza, as a pizza oven came with the premises.

The former pizzeria interior was completely remodeled to resemble the Ridgefield venue with white picket fences and sconces accenting the salmon-colored walls, blue ceiling with stars and pendent lights, and Brazilian cherrywood floors.

Occupying two storefronts, the 58-seat dining room and the 20-seat bar are connected by doorways that close with frosted glass pocket doors when the bar is open but restaurant is not (see hours below). There is a Happy Hour in the bar Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 6, and on weekends pizza is available only in the bar and for takeout.

The menu changes seasonally and can be viewed at www.BaileysBackyard.com. At present, diners can choose from 14 dinner appetizers ranging in price from $6 to $11. Two soups are offered, roasted butternut squash and apple, and French onion. Among the favorites starters are Bailey’s crab cakes, grilled chicken quesadilla, and crispy chicken wontons. Bailey’s BBQ baby back ribs can be ordered as an appetizer or as an entrée.

 Of the 12 entrees offered the favorites are seared breast of duck with cranberry-ginger chutney with mashed potato and seasonal vegetables, $18, and seafood risotto — sautéed lobster, shrimp scallops and baby clams in a garlic, fresh tomato wine sauce, $26. Other entrees, priced from $16 to $28, include almond-coated apple and brie stuffed chicken, seafood gumbo, and seared filet medallions with cabernet sauvignon demi glaze. There is also the Bailey’s burger for $8 and five pasta dishes to choose from ($14–$19), including shrimp and spinach scampi or chicken Romano rolls

Desserts, such as key lime pie, $6, and crème brulee, $8, are prepared daily by Bailey’s pastry chef.

For lunch one can choose soup ($3.50 cup, $6 bowl), salads ($10–$16), starters ($7.50–$9), wraps ($8–$13), sandwiches ($7–$10) or pasta ($14–$16).

 A children’s menu is available at lunch and dinner offering four choices priced at $6 or $7.

A small cheese pizza is $8, $11 for a large or add a favorite topping at $9 small, $12.25 large. Gourmet 12-inch pizzas such as chicken pesto, sauce, mozzarella, peppers or The Teddy (white pizza with mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage and meatballs) are $10–$15; for a large add $3. Pizza is also available by the slice, but only during the lunch hours.

Bailey’s provides on and off-premise catering and all menu selections are available for takeout. Orders can be called ahead or faxed in.

Bailey’s Backyard, 640 Federal Road, Brookfield, 775-3392; fax 740-0640. Restaurant is open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 to 2:30; dinner 5 to 10 Tuesday through Sunday. The bar is open 11:30 to 11 Tuesday to Saturday and 5 to 10 on Sunday. Closed Monday.