Peppery arugula and the earthy aroma of toasted cumin anchor the eclectic Mediterranean menu at Arugula Bistro. Chef Christiane Gehami and Michael Kask blend Northern Italian foundations with Egyptian and Asian influences, creating a technical tapestry of global flavors. The signature roasted eggplant and wonton "napoleon" is a masterclass in texture, layering soft, smoky fruit with the sharp, shattered crunch of fried wontons and a vibrant curry vinaigrette. For a deeper exploration of technique, the duck confit is prepared low and slow until the meat is exceptionally tender, then piled onto a flatbread with chorizo and a sweet onion marmalade. The crust, baked to a cracker-like, laminated finish, provides a sturdy base for the rich, savory toppings. Each dish, from the watermelon salad with grilled halloumi to the za'atar-spiced mezze, is balanced with precision, ensuring that the bold spices enhance rather than overwhelm the primary ingredients in this West Hartford institution.