New Yorkers won’t be surprised in the least to discover that the city topped Food & Wine’s Global Tastemakers’ list of the 10 best culinary destinations in the US and abroad. As is the case with other busy cities like London or Barcelona, it’s hard to walk a single block without passing at least three restaurants. However, the very nature of lists is that they are small… imagine picking the winners from tens of thousands of cities worldwide. There are almost 19,500 cities in the US alone and New York is surrounded by numerous states that can more than compete with the Big Apple in terms of the quality, taste, and presentation of their culinary traditions. Below are just a few to include in your bucket list if feeding the body, mind, and soul is your goal.
Twists on Traditional Favorites in Connecticut
Connecticut is famed worldwide for its quaint villages, stunning fall foliage, and Revolutionary War history. Among foodies, however, it is fast becoming known as a state that knows exactly how to play with traditional treats to whiz them into the new millennium. Take pizza, an all-time American favorite that is always a star player during family get-togethers and big celebrations like the Superbowl. Chicago may have its deep-dish pizza and New York its New York-style pizza, but Connecticut is attracting lovers of a thin-crust pizza known as Apizza, which was first introduced by Frank Pepe’s in 1925.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
Apizza is a fine pizza with a slightly charred, thin crust, prepared in a coal-fired oven. The state is also known for its array of unique burgers such as steamed hamburgers (which you can find at Ted’s Restaurant and Jack’s Lunch). Ice cream is also a star in the Nutmeg State. It is home to over 85 dairy farms and numerous ice cream shops, including icons like Scooby Doo’s, Mystic Drawbridge, and Vecchitto’s Italian Ice. Reading a Connecticut Visitor Guide is a smart idea if you’re planning on visiting, since many new restaurants open during popular tourist seasons.
Sandwich Heaven in New Jersey
If you can think of nothing more wonderful than a hearty sandwich when you’re hungry, then head straight to New Jersey, where you will find delights like the famous Taylor Ham (or Pork Roll), containing slices of pork, egg, and cheese. This mile-high sandwich was developed in the Garden State in 1856 by John Taylor of Trenton and sold as “Taylor’s Prepared Ham” until the early 1900s.
Another must-try sandwich is the Jersey Sloppy Joe, which is essentially a club sandwich made with rye bread and stacked with numerous levels. Level One has bread, meat, coleslaw, and cheese. Level Two has bread, meat, coleslaw, and cheese, and Level Three has bread and a bit of Russian dressing. Both sandwiches can be found in various establishments across the state.
Watch this video to get a glimpse of the Jersey Sloppy Joe:
Creamy Offerings in Massachusetts
If Massachusetts is famed for one thing in the culinary sense, surely that is its comfort foods, which are by their very nature creamy, warm, and familiar. If you have only one meal to enjoy in the Old Bay State, tantalize your taste buds with a creamy New England chowder, made with clams, potatoes, and onions. Venues with a reputation for making great chowder include Union Oyster House, The Barking Crab, and the Atlantic Fish Company, all of which can be found in Boston.
Watch this video to get a glimpse of Union Oyster House:
If you’re staying a bit longer, then definitely try the Lobster Roll, which is equally popular in Connecticut but is enjoyed cold in Massachusetts. It contains tail, claw, and knuckle lobster meat cut into bite-size pieces, as well as mayonnaise, diced celery, and a buttered, toasted bun. Another dish to sample is Boston baked beans, which are sweetened with molasses and flavored with salt pork or bacon. For dessert, don’t miss out on a slice of Boston Cream Pie, which is filled with custard topped with a sinful but smooth chocolate glaze.
New York may be famed for its lively international cuisine, but nearby states have plenty to offer lovers of regional and local cuisine. From a fine Apizza crust in Connecticut all the way to a rich creamy New England chowder in New England, there are so many flavors and textures to discover. Best of all, the array of dishes includes sweet and salty treats that have been loved for centuries and form part of America’s diverse culinary tradition.
Business woman. Traveler. Self-Declared Host. If you’re here, you know the amazing, hits-the-spot feeling of good coffee. The key to my heart (and to keeping the engine running) is coffee, and I’ve sipped and savored A LOT of coffee over the years and around the world. I’m on a mission to bring great coffee and the warm fuzzy feeling of coffee culture into your home and life, every cup, every day, every time.
