Connecticut is a long way to go for dinner, but it’s worth it to spend time with my favorite artist and human being – Veecha.

“At the Art Students League in 1945, Will Barnet held up a mirror and insisted I do self-portrait. I did this lithograph, left. I did the line drawing and the self-portrait, below, a few years later.”

So where do you take a great artist for a memorable evening?

Here’s a suggestion: Artisan restaurant in Southport – a perfect spot for reminiscing, sipping, and sampling. “Take your time,” is Artisan’s mantra, and chef Frederick Kieffer makes you want to linger. We’re happy grazing and savoring, so it’s a perfect fit.

Roasted beet salad with dandelion and blue cheese is a perfect combination of sweet, salt, and tangy bitterness with a creamy hit. Lobster bisque arrives glowing with New England flavor and color – not an oxymoron, here. Robust gnocchi with lamb is silky and comforting. The roast duck breast “a la plancha” is succulent, drool-worthy delicious.

Another standout is grilled calamari over green tomato and mustard-seed – we’ll be back for more.

A smooth sorbet trio is a beautiful way to end a delicious evening of friendship and flavor, and the chef’s treat of caramel-and-sea-salt crowned cheesecake gets a standing ovation as we put on our coats and head out into the Valentine’s eve chill. Thank goodness, you can go home again.  •