Saturday, September 08, 2018
DELICIOUS DISH: THE SWEDISH MEATBALLS AT IKEA
Saturday, September 08, 2018
90'S PUNCH & "OMG" ENTREES AT CONNECTICUT'S WOOD-N-TAP BAR & GRILL
Saturday, September 08, 2018
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| Newington, CT location |
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| 90's Punch |
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| Lobster mac & cheese |
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| Salmon with asparagus & risotto |
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| Spinach-n-Artichoke dip |
Newington, CT (with several other CT locations)
www.woodntap.com
The Wood-N-Tap Bar and Grill is popping up all over Connecticut. With dishes like lobster mac & cheese and drinks like 90's Punch, that's something that Eat Up New England can certainly get behind!
I've stopped by there Newington location several times and am always delighted by the vast selection of options on their menu. Apps include a cheesy skillet of Spinach-n-Artichoke dip (pictured above) with tortilla chips, flatbreads, Sesame Ahi Tuna, Monster Nachos, Maine Crab Dip, Chicken Fingers and Fried Mozz.
The drink menu is quite impressive. Sure, there are plenty of beers and wines, but I enjoy their unique cocktails. Their 90's Punch is a blend of vodka, Hub Punch and juice served in a drink pouch! It's one of their "OMG" options on their menu for creative food & drinks you're aren't going to find anywhere else. Wood-N-Tap also makes their own hard lemonades with flavors like blueberry, peach, raspberry, blackberry and strawberry.
Entrees run the gamut from pasta entrees like Blacked Chicken Pasta to pizzas like their Mac and Cheese Pizza, one of their "OMG" entrees. There are also several salads like their Chop House Steak Salad, along with traditional sandwiches and wraps. Over the summer, Wood-N-Tap offered several lobster apps and entrees. I enjoyed their hearty portion of lobster mac & cheese. Their Atlantic Salmon entree is absolutely fantastic. The fish is served with a cheesy risotto and asparagus. Delicious.
Stop by Monday-Friday between 3-6pm and after 9pm for Tappy Hour. A selection of apps and drinks are served for cheap at their bar.
Saturday, August 25, 2018
ZAFTIGS DELICATESSEN
Saturday, August 25, 2018
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| Every meal starts with their bagel chips. |
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| Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner |
Natick & Brookline, Massachusetts
www.zaftigs.com
Zaftigs is a classic Jewish deli that specializes in hearty portions of flavorful food. One thing that sets them apart: they serve breakfast ALL DAY! There are a bunch of egg dishes like beef salami & scrambled eggs and steak tips and eggs. They also make a bunch of omelettes and benedicts. Hungry customers can also order favorites like Banana Stuffed French Toast, Challah French Toast and Buttermilk Pancakes from the griddle.
Every meal at Zaftigs begins with their bagel chips and they will happily bring you seconds. It's tough to settle on just one thing at Zaftigs. There are a bunch of salads, loaded latkes, soups and sandwiches. Diners can also make their own deli sandwiches by choosing a meat, bread and other fillings. Some of their entrees include baked mac & cheese, Grandma's Brisket, Latke Piccata, Homemade Baked Meatloaf and Grilled Chicken Kabobs. I ordered their Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner - a large portion or turkey with gravy, stuffing, masked potatoes, beans and stuffing. It was tasty and filling.
One of my favorite things about Zaftigs is their dessert showcase. They have pies, cakes and pastries on display. I LOVE their New York style cheesecake, which is drizzled with just enough raspberry syrup.
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
COMFORT FOOD & A WATERFALL VIEW AT OLD GRIST MILL TAVERN
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
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| Fishbowl cocktail complete with Swedish Fish |
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| Lobster mac & cheese |
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| Fresh from the salad bar |
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| The waterfall is one of the star attractions at Old Grist Mill Tavern. |
Seekonk, Massachusetts
ogmtavern.com
For decades, my family has always made reservations at The Old Grist Mill Tavern in Seekonk, Massachusetts for special occasions. Graduations. Anniversaries. Birthdays. Why do we keep coming back? The food is fantastic. The portions are perfect. There's a waterfall right outside, which makes for a super pleasant dining experience. And, of course, there's their salad bar. There aren't so many restaurants with salad bars anymore, but the Old Grist Mill Tavern has kept theirs going much to every diners delight.
Every meal begins with a basket of their fresh bread, which also includes their famous cinnamon bread and butter. The Tavern offers all kinds of fun cocktails. In the summer, I love their fishbowl.
The Tavern is known for its seafood and steak. For dinner, there are dishes like Baked Boston Scrod, Sea Scallops and Shrimp Scampi over Linguini. Diners can also order fresh lobsters of various sizes right out of the tank. They also offer prime rib, sirloin, filet mignon and ribeye steak combos. Pair your meat with grilled salmon, baked stuffed shrimp, lobster saute or a steamed lobster
Every summer, Old Grist Mill tavern celebrates lobster with their Lobster Feast. There are steamed lobsters, a lobster roll, seafood pie, lobster scampi and lobster salads. There are also lobster inspired starts like lobster bisque, lobster spring rolls and lobster stuffed mushrooms. I ordered their lobster mac & cheese. This rich dish is made of bowtie pasta, chunks of fresh lobster meat and topped off with crumbled Ritz crackers.
Wednesday, August 01, 2018
FAMILY STYLE ITALIAN AT THE ROME RESTAURANT
Wednesday, August 01, 2018
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| The Mia Tia |
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| Seafood chowder |
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| Fettuccine and meatballs |
Franklin, Massachusetts
www.the-rome.com
Since 1965, The Rome Restaurant established itself as a prime spot for a hearty family dinner. Portions are huge, so bring your appetite.
The Rome's full bar offers a large selection of beer and wine, along with some yummy cocktails. I enjoyed the tropical Mia Tia, with black rum and pineapple juice.
Their menu is full of large entrees. Pastas include homemade spaghetti, fettuccine, cheese ravioli and penne, which can all be topped with sauce or olive oil. I ordered a heaping helping of their fettuccine with meatballs. I could only finish half and had plenty for lunch the next day.
Other entrees include several chicken, veal, eggplant and alfredo dishes. There are also many house pizza specials like chicken ranch and white shrimp & garlic or make your own pizza. Several salads and steaks round out there plentiful menu. All of the entrees come with soup or salad and a basket of bread & butter. For the summer, The Rome is offering a bunch of seafood specials.
Saturday, July 28, 2018
A VARIETY OF DONUTS & ICED COFFEE AT GOURMET DONUTS
Saturday, July 28, 2018
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| A variety of donuts, muffins and bagels. |
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| One of their dozens of flavors of iced coffee. |
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| Check out their compact Car Visor Menu. |
Several locations in Massachusetts including Westboro & Worcester. Also in Rindge, NH
www.gourmetdonuts.com
Growing tired of the national chain that's on every corner, which offers the same tasteless donuts and coffee? Check out Gourmet Donuts for a large variety of donuts, muffins, iced coffees and bagels. Eat Up New England stopped by their Westboro location today and was wowed by the selection.
The iced coffee menu at Gourmet Donuts is truly impressive. There's every flavor you can think of from banana cream pie and chocolate covered strawberry to mocha mint and maple french toast. They even make up special brews like cookie dough and KitKat. Gourmet Coffee also offers season coffees like Smashing Pumpkin and Vermont Maple Walnut. In the summer, stop by for one of their Del's or Watermelon frozen drinks.
Gourmet Donuts sells a variety of donuts. Classics like chocolate frosted, jelly, honey dip, maple frosted and rainbow sprinkles are available all year, with special donuts around certain holidays.
Eat Up New England enjoyed the chocolate raspberry iced coffee with a chocolate glazed donut. One thing I've never seen before is their Car Visor Menu, which lists all of their products and folds up for tucking away. It's a great idea for repeat customers on the go.
Sunday, July 22, 2018
WALK UP TO THE ICE CREAM WINDOW AT MILDRED'S DAIRY BAR
Sunday, July 22, 2018
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| Root beer float |
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| The Gobbler |
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| Located at The Vermont Country Store |
Weston, Vermont
The Vermont Country Store is one of my favorite places to shop in Vermont. They offer unique gifts, a huge candy section, Vermont beers and cheeses to sample. After shopping, customers can check out Mildred's Dairy Bar in season.
Walk right up to the windows to order ice cream, milkshakes and sundaes. There are also traditional summer foods like hamburgers and hot dogs, along with a couple of turkey sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, salads and a grilled cheese made with Vermont cheddar. I enjoyed The Gobbler turkey sandwich, which is made with nice cuts of turkey (not the shiny cold cuts garbage), Vermont cheddar, tomatoes, lettuce and a cranberry mayo. I also could not resist their root beer float with a big old scoop of vanilla ice cream.
There's also a second Mildred's at the Vermont Country Store's other location in Rockingham, Vermont.
Thursday, July 12, 2018
GO YARD GOATS! ENJOYING THE FOOD AT DUNKIN DONUTS PARK
Thursday, July 12, 2018
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| Super Nachos |
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| Chompers entertains the crowd! |
www.milb.com/hartford
Since 2016, the Hartford Yard Goats have been all the buzz - or maybe the MEHHH - in Connecticut. The beautiful new park for the AA team sells out all of the time with the help of its adorable mascots, Chompers and Chew Chew. Dunkin Donuts Park is also the home of some good food, which Eat Up New England was lucky enough to try out.
There are the ballpark staples like hot dogs and hamburgers. Fans can get a large popcorn in a large Yard Goats helmet to take home. Ice cream is also served in small souvenir helmets. There's also Bear's Smokehouse BBQ, which features dishes like pulled pork and pulled pork mac & cheese. Of course, there is a Dunkin Donuts along with several donut-inspired dishes. There's the Glazed & Grazed Burger, which uses a glazed donut for a bun. There are also Dunkin' & Chicken Skewers - boneless bbq chicken with glazed Munchkins.
I enjoyed the Super Nachos from one of the concession carts. I piled nacho cheese, shredded cheese, chicken, salsa, lettuce and sour cream on top of my chips. I kept my beer local, opting for a gigantic cup of 308 Pilsner from Hartford's own Hanging Hills Brewing company. By the way, the food prices are reasonable, unlike in the big leagues.
Saturday, June 30, 2018
EAT UP ON THE ROAD: PHILLY'S FANTASTIC FOOD
Saturday, June 30, 2018
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| Cheesesteak Hoagie from Cleavers |
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| Crabfries from Chickie's & Petes |
Eat Up New England also made it to Citizens Bank Park for a Phillies game. So many people were eating crabfries, so I hunted them out. They come from the local chain, Chickie's & Pete's. These seasoned fries are so addictive, especially when you pair them with hot cheese sauce.
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
MYSTIC CAFE IN MANCHESTER, VERMONT
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
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| Italian sandwich with chips |
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| One of the many beers on their menu. |
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| Mystic Cafe offers customers a bright and inviting atmosphere. |
4928 Main Street
Manchester, Vermont
The town of Manchester, Vermont is known for its shopping. There are tons of outlet shops. It is also the home to Orvis. There are also many cozy restaurants in town like Mystic Cafe.
The Cafe's menu features comfort foods like soups, sandwiches, flatbreads and salads. I really enjoyed their Italian sandwich, filled with thinly sliced meats and cheese. There's also a grilled cheese stuffed with three different cheeses. Order some tomato soup with it for dunking. Dinners include entrees like lamb sliders, paella and a boneless chicken caciatore.
Mystic Cafe offers brunch on Sundays with waffles, eggs dishes, frittatas and sandwiches. There are plenty of coffee options including lattes, espresso and cappuccino. They also serve alcohol, with many local beers, wine and sangria to choose from.
EAT UP NE FAVORITE: THE LOBSTER POT
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
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| Clam strips & fries plate |
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| Cup of clam chowder |
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| The Lobster Pot has a raw bar with oysters, cherrystones & shrimp cocktail. |
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| The Lobster Pot is known for their HUGE lobsters, which they will cook for you. |
Buzzard's Bay - Wareham Line, Massachusetts
http://lobsterpotrestaurant.biz/
When the sun starts to shine and the temperature rises, The Lobster Pot is the first place Eat Up New England goes for an authentic seafood meal. This restaurant boasts an extensive menu with all of the Cape Cod classics.
I LOVE their clam strips plate. It comes with a pile of clam strips, crispy fries and cole slaw. I usually order a cup of their fantastic clam chowder to go with it. Other seafood dinners include fish & chips, oysters, scallops, calamari, shrimp and whole clams. The Lobster Pot also offers baked and boiled haddock, lobster and scallop dinners. Their lobster rolls are also amazing and jam-packed with fresh lobster meat. Be sure to check out their tank of live lobsters to eat. Some of them are pretty big. Their menu also includes burgers, a hot dog, grilled cheese and the summer classic, corn on the cob.
Customers can drink up at The Lobster Pot. They have a bar that's stocked with beer and wine. For dessert, there are frappes and ice cream sundaes.
Saturday, June 16, 2018
FOOD TRUCKS GALORE AT METROFEST
Saturday, June 16, 2018
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| Say Cheese! Grilled Cheese Food Truck |
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| The Pickleback |
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| MELT Food Truck |
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| Classic Poutine from MELT |
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| The food trucks are a huge draw at MetroFest. |
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
$9.99 FOR A LOBSTER ROLL PLATTER? YES, PLEASE!
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
GIGANTIC & FLAVORFUL BURRITOS AT "BUENO Y SANO"
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
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| One BIG burrito! |
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| Baja Burrito |
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| Bueno Y Sano's Acton, Mass. location |
Acton, MA
www.buenoysano.com
In Spanish, Bueno Y Sano means "Good and Healthy." This delightful local Mexican chain sticks by its name, offering healthy and local foods without skimping on the portions. Just look at the Baja Burrito I ordered at their Acton location. The thing is almost the size of a football. It's also packed with flavor. The Baja is stuffed with grilled chicken, bacon, white rice, black beans, pico de gallo, cheese, lettuce, onion and chipotle sour cream. The bacon and chipotle sour cream really add some flavor to this burrito. I ate the whole thing, but was stuffed for the rest of the night!
Other specialty burritos including a breakfast burrito with eggs, beans and cheese. There's even a spicy Thai burrito with rice, red cabbage slaw and Thai peanut sauce. Customers can make their own burritos and tacos with steak, chicken, pulled pork and grilled chicken. All burritos can be made into bowls. There are also several vegetarian options like spinach & garlic, tofu, mixed grilled veggie and bean burritos. Bueno Y Sano also serves up salads and quesadillas.
Bueno Y Sano was started by a UMass Amherst alum in 1995. It's original store is still in business in Amherst and there are now many other locations including in Springfield, MA and Burlington, VT.
Saturday, May 19, 2018
A TASTE OF PUERTO VALLARTA IN CONNECTICUT
Saturday, May 19, 2018
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| Puerto Vallarta has several locations in Connecticut including this one in Newington. |
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| Camarones Mexicanos |
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| Everyone gets bottomless chips and salsa! |
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| One of their fine margaritas. |
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| A good excuse to enjoy some tequila! |
PUERTO VALLARTA
Newington, CT
www.puertovallartausa.com
You don't have to travel to Mexico to experience the flavor of Puerto Vallarta. Eat Up New England recently enjoyed a hearty Mexican lunch at their Newington, Connecticut location.
Puerto Vallarta makes sure its customers don't go hungry. A waiter came rushing with chips and salsa before we had taken off our coats! When we ran out, they brought us more.
Puerto Vallarta's menu is HUGE. Choose from tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, salads, soups, burritos and a long list of house specialties. I ordered the Camerones Mexicanos (Mexican shrimp) from their lunch menu. I was presented with a large plate of shrimp over rice with peppers, mushrooms and tomatoes. They are served with tortillas so you can make your own tacos. This large and delicious dish was just $9.99 at lunch. If you save room for dessert, they offer traditional favorites like tres leches cake, churros and deep-fried ice cream.
Puerto Vallarta has other locations in Avon, Danbury, Middletown, Orange and Southington. It's the perfect spot for a mouth-watering Mexican meal whether your group is big or small.
Tuesday, May 01, 2018
CRAFT BEERS & LOCAL FOODS AT VERMONT'S KINGDOM TAPROOM
Tuesday, May 01, 2018
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| A stout with a sample of a vanilla porter. |
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| Artichoke dip & chips |
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| BBQ beef brisket with herb-roasted potatoes |
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| Kingdom Taproom serves craft beer and locally sourced foods. |
St. Johnsbury, VT
www.kingdomtaproom.com
Kingdom Taproom brings some of New England's best craft beers and locally-sourced food together. This gastropub is located in northeastern Vermont and is well worth a stop on the way to Canada.
At lunch, we were handed a beer menu which included an impressive selection of beers, many of them from Vermont and other New England states. I settled with a stout and was delighted when our server also presented me with a sample of a vanilla porter that they had on tap. Now, that's service. BTW, Kingdom Taproom always has a current list of their beers on their website.
The food is as tasty as their beer. We began with their cheesy artichoke dip and chips. I really enjoyed their BBQ beef brisket sandwich. I ordered it with herb-roasted potatoes, which were a tasty twist on regular fries. Also on their menu: several salads, flatbreads, mac & cheese and California BLT. For dessert, there's a root beer float but they also serve a Dark Beer Float with beer and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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