I like pubs and microbreweries for their American comfort food and craft beers. Unlike bars, which can get so noisy you can't even talk to the person sitting next to you, pubs are cozier places to meet up. Many of them are also rich in character. These two are no exception:
Willimantic Brewing Company, Willimantic: www.willibrew.com/ (known affectionately by UConn students as "Willibrew")
The food: The menu is a nice mix of classic pub grub and upscale seafood and steak dishes. Their appetizers are just as good, especially the Canterbury Three Bean Chili, a spicy vegetarian dish with lime cilantro sour cream, green onions, and tortilla chips. It goes perfectly with one of the many beers brewed right on-site, changing each month: like "Smokey the Beer" (cherry wood-smoked beer), "Broaters" (oatmeal porter), or "Flowers Infusion" (chamomile, lavender, and honey beer). If you can't decide which beer to have (an understandable dilemma), try the Beer Sampler of five 4-oz. glasses.
The vibe: From the outside, the building looks like a bank or town hall. That's because the restaurant is housed in the historic granite 1909 U.S. Postal Office Building on Main Street, Willimantic. On the inside, you can choose to sit in either the pub or dining room. For a quieter atmosphere, choose the dining room; if you can find a seat in the busy pub, it's a fun environment. The restaurant is impressively furnished with deep mahogany wood furniture, memorabilia, and a large wall mural. Even better, you can see where the beer is made!
The value: Although on the pricier side, there are plenty of deals to be found here. There's a different special every night of the week: Martini Monday, Stein Day Sunday, etc. There are food specials as well, and once I got a steak with vegetables and mashed potatoes for only a little over $10.
Go for: Relaxation with friends on a Friday night after a long week of classes
Bidwell Tavern, Coventry: www.bidwelltavern.com/
The food: Although they have lots of tasty dishes, the Bidwell is known primarily for their award-winning wings. Now, the Storrs area has no shortage of good wings (it is a college town, after all). Bidwell's wings are right at the top of my list. They have such a great array of flavors: staples like Honey BBQ and Buffalo, but also Hickory Horseradish, Sante Fe, or Sesame Garlic Pepper. My personal favorite is the Honey Mustard. Although they're not boneless wings like Wings Over Storrs, they are perfectly spiced and have plenty of meat. If you're not in the mood for wings (hey, it could happen) you can order one of their yummy burgers, sandwiches, or quesadillas. In addition to all the local and international beers you'd expect, there's also a wine list.
The vibe: Entering the Bidwell I almost feel out of place not wearing a dress with a hoopskirt. It's that historic. Established in 1822, the tavern has a long history in Coventry as a gathering place for the locals on Main St. Now lots of UConn students come here, to talk about ideas or politics or just to hang out with friends. There's a dining room area, with lots of light from the large windows, and a darker pub area. Although it can get crowded here as well, there are some nooks and crannies where you can find more private seating.
The value: Good, as long as you're going to split the wings with friends!
Go for: A late night snack
Showing posts with label American. Show all posts
Showing posts with label American. Show all posts
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Food Everybody Likes: Burgers
Like I said before in my pizza post, I have a somewhat biased opinion when it comes to burgers (on what food topic don't I have a bias?) Therefore, I believe that the best burgers in the world can be found at Schaller's Drive-In in Rochester, New York, my hometown (I'll have to do a post about Rah-Cha-Cha sometime). True, they're not gourmet, but they are mouthwateringly delicious in the way that only a greasy burger smothered in American cheese can be. A trip down to Abbott's at the lake for frozen custard afterwards and I'm all set.
So my standards were pretty high when I went searching for great CT burgers. I wasn't disappointed...
If you want gourmet:
Plan B, Glastonbury and West Hartford: http://www.planbburger.com/flash.html
Why go? For a burger that tastes like it's made with real meat. For a wide variety of toppings and beers. There's a relaxed, bar atmosphere in both locations, though Glastonbury is more upscale and West Hartford is more down-to-earth (it's also the original location, and some say, the best). Just be prepared to pay for your gourmet burger.
Best dish: I loved the Baja burger (avocado, jalapenos, tomato, jack cheese, lettuce, and chipotle). Be aware that the chipotle is HOT; I recommend asking for it on the side. You can get either a regular bun or whole wheat, pretzel, or no bun at all! The only weird part of the meal was that it came with a cucumber, which I thought was a pickle--a bit of a surprise! Make sure to order a side of the Disco Fries, Plan B's version of Canadian poutine (French fries, gravy, and cheese). For a healthier alternative, go for the fried green beans.
If you're in the area, also try: Max Burger, The Counter (West Hartford)
If you want to time travel back to the 1950's:
Shady Glen, Manchester: http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurant/Review/14-14/shady-glen (so old school they don't even have their own website)
Go for: The experience of visiting a Connecticut institution. Shady Glen is literally an old fashioned diner and ice cream shop, complete with waitresses decked out in retro uniforms and the menu posted on the walls. Although prices are (unfortunately) not on par with the 50's, this is still probably the cheapest burger around. The Bernice Original Cheeseburger is also the most unique burger I've ever had. To fully understand, you'll just have to try it, but I'll do my best to explain. Basically, it's a cheeseburger with extra cheese fried on the grill, giving it enormous crunchy wings. Weirdly, the taste reminded me of Ritz crackers. It was certainly original...
Best dish: Come for the cheeseburger, stay for the ice cream. There's a huge selection of sundaes, floats, milkshakes, and homemade seasonal flavors. I got the blueberries in cream, and it was the ideal summertime treat.
If you're in the area, try: Jack Rabbit's (Storrs)
So my standards were pretty high when I went searching for great CT burgers. I wasn't disappointed...
If you want gourmet:
Plan B, Glastonbury and West Hartford: http://www.planbburger.com/flash.html
Why go? For a burger that tastes like it's made with real meat. For a wide variety of toppings and beers. There's a relaxed, bar atmosphere in both locations, though Glastonbury is more upscale and West Hartford is more down-to-earth (it's also the original location, and some say, the best). Just be prepared to pay for your gourmet burger.
Best dish: I loved the Baja burger (avocado, jalapenos, tomato, jack cheese, lettuce, and chipotle). Be aware that the chipotle is HOT; I recommend asking for it on the side. You can get either a regular bun or whole wheat, pretzel, or no bun at all! The only weird part of the meal was that it came with a cucumber, which I thought was a pickle--a bit of a surprise! Make sure to order a side of the Disco Fries, Plan B's version of Canadian poutine (French fries, gravy, and cheese). For a healthier alternative, go for the fried green beans.
If you're in the area, also try: Max Burger, The Counter (West Hartford)
If you want to time travel back to the 1950's:
Shady Glen, Manchester: http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurant/Review/14-14/shady-glen (so old school they don't even have their own website)
Go for: The experience of visiting a Connecticut institution. Shady Glen is literally an old fashioned diner and ice cream shop, complete with waitresses decked out in retro uniforms and the menu posted on the walls. Although prices are (unfortunately) not on par with the 50's, this is still probably the cheapest burger around. The Bernice Original Cheeseburger is also the most unique burger I've ever had. To fully understand, you'll just have to try it, but I'll do my best to explain. Basically, it's a cheeseburger with extra cheese fried on the grill, giving it enormous crunchy wings. Weirdly, the taste reminded me of Ritz crackers. It was certainly original...
Best dish: Come for the cheeseburger, stay for the ice cream. There's a huge selection of sundaes, floats, milkshakes, and homemade seasonal flavors. I got the blueberries in cream, and it was the ideal summertime treat.
If you're in the area, try: Jack Rabbit's (Storrs)
Friday, July 22, 2011
Food Everybody Likes: Pizza
This may be a touchy subject. You see, I'm from New York, and New Yorkers have strong opinions about pizza. Granted, I'm not from New York, New York, but my relatives are. So I have the bias from childhood that NYC pizza is the best there could ever be.
That being said, there's nothing wrong with a little variety, and outside of New York and Chicago, Connecticut may boast of its own excellent pies. This fine reputation comes primarily from the New Haven style, made famous by Frank Pepe's. Legend has it that New Haven is the birthplace of American pizza. New Haven style apizza is thin, crispy crust baked in a coal oven, sometimes until the crust is black. Usually there's a variety of gourmet toppings, but the plain version is just tomato sauce, basil, and pecorino romano cheese. Pepe's other speciality is the white clam pie, with olive oil, garlic, and clams. Very different from New York style, which has lots of mozzarella cheese. In some ways, New Haven pizza is more similar to the pizza I had in Naples, where they eat it with a knife and fork.
Although Pepe's is the most well known, there are tons of great pizzerias all over the state. I'm only listing a few of my personal favorites here:
Frank Pepe's Pizza Napoletana, New Haven: http://www.pepespizzeria.com/
Why go here? It's a historic CT classic.
Best dish: White clam
If you're in the area, also try: Sally's Apizza, Modern Apizza
Willington Pizza House, Willington: http://www.willingtonpizza.com/
Why go here? For the thick crust, homemade red sauce, and most of all the generous array of toppings, from eggplant to capers to canadian bacon. The atmosphere is cozy and old fashioned: the restaurant is a 250 year old farmhouse and historic memorabilia and antiques line the walls.
Best dish: Go for one of the speciality pizzas, which range from the traditional (Greek pizza) to the more creative (such as the red potato, with sour cream, red potatoes, chives, bacon, and cheddar cheese). My favorite is the House Special (hamburg, sausage, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and pepperoni).
If you're in the area, also try: Randy's Wooster Street Pizza (UConn, Storrs). It's New Haven style, but with some truly unique and bizarre topping combinations. My favorites are the Napolitana and California pizzas, but if you're feeling adventurous, try Skippy's Dare (bacon, provolone, and peanut butter with a white sauce).
Harry's Pizza, West Hartford: www.harryspizza.net/
Why go here? The pizza is as simple, fresh, and authentic as it gets. It's the real deal. The West Hartford Center branch looks like a typical pizza parlor, with plain wooden booths. There's another branch in Bishop's Corner, but I haven't been there.
Best dish: Tomato Basil or True Napoletana.
If you're in the area, also try: Luna Pizza (trendy and upscale, with plenty of outdoor seating, right next door to Harry's).
Yanni's Pizza Restaurant, Newington: www.yannispizzarestaurant.com/
Why go here? Because it's more than just pizza! The pizza is obviously fantastic, but their other dishes are great as well. This is a true family restaurant, and a popular one (the line was out the door when we got there and we had to wait at least 45 minutes for a table). It was worth it. They have Greek specialties, calzones, grinders, all at reasonable, affordable prices.
Best dish: Eggplant grinder
If you're in the area, also try: Andy's Italian Kitchen (Farmington).
What style pizza is best? Which pizzeria in Connecticut is best? I'm not going to go near these questions, but feel free to go at it in the comments!
That being said, there's nothing wrong with a little variety, and outside of New York and Chicago, Connecticut may boast of its own excellent pies. This fine reputation comes primarily from the New Haven style, made famous by Frank Pepe's. Legend has it that New Haven is the birthplace of American pizza. New Haven style apizza is thin, crispy crust baked in a coal oven, sometimes until the crust is black. Usually there's a variety of gourmet toppings, but the plain version is just tomato sauce, basil, and pecorino romano cheese. Pepe's other speciality is the white clam pie, with olive oil, garlic, and clams. Very different from New York style, which has lots of mozzarella cheese. In some ways, New Haven pizza is more similar to the pizza I had in Naples, where they eat it with a knife and fork.
Although Pepe's is the most well known, there are tons of great pizzerias all over the state. I'm only listing a few of my personal favorites here:
Frank Pepe's Pizza Napoletana, New Haven: http://www.pepespizzeria.com/
Why go here? It's a historic CT classic.
Best dish: White clam
If you're in the area, also try: Sally's Apizza, Modern Apizza
Willington Pizza House, Willington: http://www.willingtonpizza.com/
Why go here? For the thick crust, homemade red sauce, and most of all the generous array of toppings, from eggplant to capers to canadian bacon. The atmosphere is cozy and old fashioned: the restaurant is a 250 year old farmhouse and historic memorabilia and antiques line the walls.
Best dish: Go for one of the speciality pizzas, which range from the traditional (Greek pizza) to the more creative (such as the red potato, with sour cream, red potatoes, chives, bacon, and cheddar cheese). My favorite is the House Special (hamburg, sausage, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and pepperoni).
If you're in the area, also try: Randy's Wooster Street Pizza (UConn, Storrs). It's New Haven style, but with some truly unique and bizarre topping combinations. My favorites are the Napolitana and California pizzas, but if you're feeling adventurous, try Skippy's Dare (bacon, provolone, and peanut butter with a white sauce).
Harry's Pizza, West Hartford: www.harryspizza.net/
Why go here? The pizza is as simple, fresh, and authentic as it gets. It's the real deal. The West Hartford Center branch looks like a typical pizza parlor, with plain wooden booths. There's another branch in Bishop's Corner, but I haven't been there.
Best dish: Tomato Basil or True Napoletana.
If you're in the area, also try: Luna Pizza (trendy and upscale, with plenty of outdoor seating, right next door to Harry's).
Yanni's Pizza Restaurant, Newington: www.yannispizzarestaurant.com/
Why go here? Because it's more than just pizza! The pizza is obviously fantastic, but their other dishes are great as well. This is a true family restaurant, and a popular one (the line was out the door when we got there and we had to wait at least 45 minutes for a table). It was worth it. They have Greek specialties, calzones, grinders, all at reasonable, affordable prices.
Best dish: Eggplant grinder
If you're in the area, also try: Andy's Italian Kitchen (Farmington).
What style pizza is best? Which pizzeria in Connecticut is best? I'm not going to go near these questions, but feel free to go at it in the comments!
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