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)