{"id":975,"date":"2020-08-23T13:44:25","date_gmt":"2020-08-23T17:44:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ctdish.com\/?p=975"},"modified":"2020-10-01T18:29:23","modified_gmt":"2020-10-01T22:29:23","slug":"the-ultimate-foodies-connecticut-bucket-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ctdish.com\/?p=975","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Foodie\u2019s Connecticut Bucket List"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Editor’s Note: The vast majority of these bucket list picks are from still-existing restaurants, but a few restaurants, highlighted in orange, are known to be defunct<\/span>. We always recommend calling a restaurant before visiting it.
A regionalized, Hartford-centric version of this list appeared in the March 2018 Hartford Magazine<\/a>.<\/em>
[WYT=While You’re There, also try\u2026]<\/p>

Connecticut may be a small state, but it\u2019s a foodie\u2019s paradise. These 100 items should lead true foodies to Nirvana.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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  1. Cheeseburger at Louis\u2019 Lunch<\/a>, New Haven<\/strong>\u2014Louis\u2019 iconic burger is ground fresh daily from a proprietary five-meat blend, cooked to personal temperature on the original cast-iron grills and served sans condiments on toast. For a medium-rare burger with cheese, tomato and onion on toast, order \u201cone cheese works.\u201d [WYT: peach pie, Foxon Park<\/a> soda]<\/li>
  2. Fresh tomato summer pie at Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana<\/a>, multiple locations<\/strong>\u2014Pepe\u2019s lovers can\u2019t wait for summer for this pizza made with fresh Mozzarella and fresh tomatoes marinated in olive oil, garlic and herbs that tastes like a vegetable garden exploded in one\u2019s mouth. [WYT: white clam pie, original tomato pie]<\/li>
  3. Plain Italian tomato pie at Sally\u2019s Apizza<\/a>, New Haven<\/strong>\u2014Go with this simple Sally\u2019s classic with tomato sauce, Because no one\u2019s red sauce is better than Sally\u2019s, go with this simple classic; hold the Mozz, but fresh garlic and grated Parmesan are appropriate additions. [WYT: any red pie, white potato pie]<\/li>
  4. Burnt ends at Bear\u2019s Smokehouse<\/a>, multiple locations<\/strong>\u2014Although Bear\u2019s sauces are great, you may forget they\u2019re there while eating his tender, fatty, flavorful burnt ends with their delicious bark. [WYT: brisket, ribs]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    1. Duck cassoulet at Le Petit Caf\u00e9<\/a>, Branford<\/strong>\u2014This exceptionally meat-focused cassoulet with roasted duck breast, Armagnac duck sausage, applewood smoked bacon and flageolet beans will knock your socks off. [WYT: chilled shrimp in spicy soba salad, NY strip steak au poivre]<\/li>
    2. Paella de la casa at Costa del Sol, Hartford<\/strong><\/span>\u2014Teeming with clams, mussels, shrimp, chicken and chorizo, this Galician-owned restaurant\u2019s paella de la casa sets the Connecticut standard. [WYT: fresh grilled squid with crispy garlic, entrecote con chimichurri]<\/li>
    3. Torchio pasta course at BALLO<\/a>, Mohegan Sun<\/strong>\u2014Although it doesn\u2019t show on the menu, you can always order an appetizer serving of housemade pasta torchio cooked in a wheel of aged Italian grana and finished with fresh shaved black truffle. [WYT: arancini, orange zest zeppole]<\/li>
    4. Mustard BBQ salmon at Restaurant Bricco<\/a>, West Hartford<\/strong>\u2014The highly caramelized, mustard BBQ, cedar-planked organic salmon melts in your mouth. [WYT: wood oven-baked rigatoni, pistachio cake]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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      1. Two-way rabbit at Olea<\/a>, New Haven<\/strong>\u2014Experience two rabbit preparations in one: a confit leg and bacon-wrapped loin in a Rioja red wine sauce. [WYT: oxtail croquettes, sweet forest dessert]<\/li>
      2. West Coast burger at b Restaurants<\/a>, multiple locations<\/strong>\u2014While many burger joints lack imagination, Plan B\u2019s West Coast burger with a fried egg, avocado and kalamata olive mayonnaise is an inspired combination. [WYT: 3 shrooms burger, impossible burger]<\/li>
      3. Poached lobster and avocado salad at Arethusa al tavolo<\/a>, Bantam<\/strong>\u2014Arethusa\u2019s lovely lobster and avocado salad with pinwheels of pink grapefruit is not only delightful but a perfect magazine cover item. [WYT: Arethusa Farm Dairy<\/a> artisan cheeses, pistachio ice cream]<\/li>
      4. Boquerones at Ibiza Tapas<\/a>, Danbury<\/strong>\u2014Most Spanish restaurants use harsh commercial marinated anchovies, but Ibiza Tapas\u2019 house-marinated anchovies served over olive oil toasts with avocado and black olive tapenade are wondrous. [WYT: ca\u00f1a de cabra, lubina]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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        1. Konkan crab at INDIA, West Hartford<\/strong><\/span>\u2014Prasad Chirnomula\u2019s delicate Konkan crab, served in a coconut-lemon sauce over beet patties, is inspired Indian cooking. [WYT: crispy baby kale, biryani]<\/li>
        2. Indulgence burger at Match Burger Lobster<\/a>, Westport<\/strong>\u2014What self-respecting gourmand wouldn\u2019t beat a path to MBL\u2019s door for its towering beef burger topped with lobster, foie gras and truffles? [WYT: hot CT lobster roll, lobster truffle fries]<\/li>
        3. Bufalina pizza at Bufalina<\/a>, Guilford<\/strong>\u2014Score a seat at Bufalina\u2019s popular counter and order the bufalina pie with buffalo Mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes and basil. [WYT: house salad, rossa pie with anchovy]<\/li>
        4. Crystal roll at Wasabi<\/a>, Orange<\/strong>\u2014At this \u201cpoor man\u2019s Nobu,\u201d enjoy a crystal roll with tuna, salmon, yellowtail and avocado on the inside, white tuna and different varieties of tobiko on the outside. [WYT: ankimo, sashimi deluxe]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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          1. White shrimp pizza at Roseland Apizza<\/a>, Derby<\/strong>\u2014Perhaps a physicist can explain how a New Haven-style, thin-crust pizza can hold up to roughly a dozen enormous shrimp without collapsing. [WYT: fresh tomato pizza, lobster shrimp and scallop pizza]<\/li>
          2. Pike quenelles at \u00c0vert<\/a>, West Hartford<\/strong>\u2014At this wonderful French brasserie, try its pike quenelles in a sumptuous, crayfish-based sauce Nantua. [WYT: seared foie gras, pig\u2019s ear salad]<\/li>
          3. Cupcakes at Erica OBrien Cake Design, Hamden<\/strong><\/span>\u2014These are simply Connecticut\u2019s best cupcakes, frosted with an ideal ratio of buttery buttercream frosting to cake. [WYT: wedding cakes, \u201cSoup Girl<\/a>\u201d Jessica Hazan\u2019s soups]<\/li>
          4. Bar bites at Wood-n-Tap<\/a>, multiple locations<\/strong>\u2014These perfect sliders are made with Black Angus ground beef, American cheese, pickle and honey mustard. [WYT: bison burger, blackened chicken pasta]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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            1. The \u201cWhaler\u201d lobster roll at The Lobster Shack<\/a>, Branford (moved to East Haven)<\/strong>\u2014Our favorite warm, buttery, lemony, Connecticut-style lobster roll is the Lobster Shack\u2019s \u201cWhaler\u201d with a half-pound of picked lobster meat. [WYT: lobster bisque, grilled clams]<\/li>
            2. Wings at Dew Drop Inn<\/a>, Derby<\/strong>\u2014This now-gentrified biker bar serves wings that are fresh, crisp and juicy, and come in dozens of imaginative flavors like maple butter bacon and mango pineapple habanero. [WYT: fried green beans, Swiss onion mushroom burger]<\/li>
            3. Clams DeMayo at Biagetti\u2019s<\/a>, West Haven<\/strong>\u2014When Biagetti\u2019s isn\u2019t slammed, customers in the know request the clams DeMayo, cherrystone clams in their shells stuffed with scallop and shrimp doused in garlic, seasoned breadcrumbs and white clam sauce. [WYT: Thai calamari, tomahawk steak]<\/li>
            4. Fried oysters at Caf\u00e9 Routier<\/a>, Westbrook<\/strong>\u2014Caf\u00e9 Routier\u2019s fried oysters set the standard with their perfect breading, juicy interior and chipotle r\u00e9moulade. [WYT: \u201ccampstyle\u201d grilled trout, profiteroles]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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              1. Guava and cheese Danish at Bread & Chocolate<\/a>, Hamden<\/strong>\u2014Of its many great treats, Bread & Chocolate\u2019s best is its croissant pastry topped with the famous Latin combination of guayaba y queso. [WYT: ciabatta, croissants]<\/li>
              2. Tableside Caesar at Carbone\u2019s Ristorante<\/a>, Hartford<\/b>\u2014Carbone\u2019s still makes the extra effort to connect with its customers by doing a delicious tableside Caesar. [WYT: tableside spinach salad, desserts flamb\u00e9ed tableside]<\/li>
              3. Tomatillo gazpacho at Artisan<\/a>, multiple locations<\/b>\u2014The tomatillo gazpacho features a moat of green chilled soup surrounding an island of delicious Maine crabmeat topped with avocado sorbet. [WYT: baked vegan tian, Arctic char]<\/li>
              4. Filet Cognac at Goodfellas Restaurant<\/a>, New Haven<\/b>\u2014Chef-owner Gennaro \u201cGerry\u201d Iannaccone\u2019s signature, a steal on Ladies\u2019 Night, is his grilled CAB tenderloin topped with portobello mushroom and picked lobster meat and finished with a Gorgonzola cream sauce. [WYT: meat<\/b>balls with salad, beggar\u2019s purses]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                1. Mashed potato and bacon pizza at BAR<\/a>, New Haven<\/strong>\u2014The mashed potato & bacon pizza is one of those unlikely sounding combinations that works perfectly. [WYT: BAR salad, red sausage and mushroom pizza]<\/li>
                2. Three-man boat at Sono Bana<\/a>, Hamden<\/strong>\u2014The three-man sushi boat overflowing with sushi and sashimi is a miracle of design in its beauty and balance. [WYT: spider roll, black cod with miso]<\/li>
                3. Offal at Belvedere<\/a>, New Britain<\/strong>\u2014The offal at Belvedere is anything but awful, especially its perfectly perfumed beef tripe soup, rich blood sausage and beautifully seasoned chicken livers. [WYT: pork knuckle, sweet Belvedere platter]<\/li>
                4. The Dogfather at Woody\u2019s, Hartford<\/strong><\/span>\u2014Who can resist this mutt of a dog that, with marinara sauce, roasted peppers and Mozzarella, fuses two culinary traditions, tastes delicious and makes you laugh\u2014it\u2019s the dog you can\u2019t refuse. [WYT: They\u2019re all good dogs at this pound, so adopt any you like]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                  1. Fresh clam white pizza at Zuppardi\u2019s<\/a>, West Haven<\/strong>\u2014At Zuppardi\u2019s, which originated in New Haven in 1932, shucked-to-order littleneck clams are baked on fresh dough with a mix of garlic and spices and served with lemon wedges. [WYT: \u201cthe special,\u201d escarole and beans pie]<\/li>
                  2. Orange ravioli at Peppercorn\u2019s Grill<\/a>, Hartford<\/strong>\u2014These housemade ravioli filled with ricotta, spinach and orange rind in a sauce of fresh orange, butter, sage and Parmigiano-Reggiano are utterly lovely. [WYT: lobster carpacciato, veal meatballs]<\/li>
                  3. Grilled cheese at Caseus Fromagerie & Bistro, New Haven<\/strong><\/span>\u2014For its grilled cheese, Caseus stuffs thickly sliced, Lupi\u2019s Bakery rye with a half-pound of \u201cour best melting cheeses.\u201d [WYT: tart du jour, Painted Hill teres major steak fr\u00edtes]<\/li>
                  4. Bacon flight at Cure, Unionville<\/strong><\/span>\u2014Housemade bacon is an art form at Cure, where flavors include honey applewood, pastrami, roasted garlic and black peppercorn, and Frank\u2019s red hot. [WYT: beet-cured salmon, lobster grilled cheese]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                    1. Chocolate \u00e9clair at DiSorbo\u2019s Bakery<\/a>, Hamden<\/strong>\u2014Outside of the delicate coffee eclairs of France, the best you\u2019ll find anywhere is DiSorbo\u2019s richly chocolate frosted, pastry-cream-filled chocolate \u00e9clair. [WYT: cannoli, croccantini]<\/li>
                    2. Margherita pizza at Harry\u2019s Bishops Corner<\/a>, West Hartford<\/strong>\u2014Arguably the best capital-area pizzeria lacking Elm City origins, Harry\u2019s margherita is a classic, a red pie with extra sauce, fresh Mozzarella, fresh basil, Asiago and EVOO. [WYT: baby field greens salad, polpetina pizza]<\/li>
                    3. Pepe La Pew burger at Jack Rabbits<\/a>, Old Saybrook<\/strong>\u2014Jack Rabbits\u2019 Pepe La Pew burger brilliantly tops a CAB patty with grilled apple, applewood smoked bacon and Brie cheese. [WYT: lobster hot dogs and burgers, milkshakes]<\/li>
                    4. Grilled bacon appetizer at Joseph\u2019s Steakhouse<\/a>, Bridgeport<\/strong>\u2014You might struggle with your steak after ordering the extra-thick grilled bacon appetizer, which pairs tremendously well with the Peter Luger-style steak sauce. [WYT: home fries, porterhouse steak]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                      1. Trout at Kala Bistro<\/a>, North Haven<\/strong>\u2014This casual sibling of Spanish temple of gastronomy, Olea, scores big with its skin-on trout fillet in a Dijon mustard sauce with lyonnaise potato and shallots. [WYT: codfish mousse, cassoulet]<\/li>
                      2. Sky Highs at Katz\u2019s Deli<\/a>, Woodbridge<\/strong>\u2014Katz\u2019s Sky High sandwiches are served on rye with coleslaw and Russian dressing and come in pairings like corned beef and tip tongue or pastrami and chopped liver. [WYT: chicken matzo ball soup, raspberry rugelach]<\/li>
                      3. Tortelli di zucca at L\u2019Orcio<\/a>, New Haven<\/strong>\u2014Perhaps New Haven\u2019s most authentic Italian establishment, the handmade butternut squash mousse-filled ravioli in a butter sage sauce with Pecorino Romano are wonderful. [WYT: sardine ripiene, polpo grigliato]<\/li>
                      4. Gnocchi with lamb at La Tavola Ristorante<\/a>, Waterbury<\/strong>\u2014In chef-owner Niccola Mancini\u2019s skilled hands, housemade ricotta gnocchi aren\u2019t so much the base as just another ingredient tossed with braised lamb shank, portobello mushroom, roasted tomato and baby spinach. [WYT: carpaccio, beet salad]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                        1. Lobster roll at Lobster Landing<\/a>, Clinton<\/strong>\u2014Poached in butter with a hint of lemon, one of Connecticut\u2019s best lobster rolls can be found at this quaint, friendly harborside eatery. [WYT: Hummel dogs, gelato]<\/li>
                        2. Heart attack burger at Republic<\/a>, multiple locations<\/strong>\u2014This burger fashioned from domestic Kobe beef, foie gras, black truffles, a brioche bun and a truffle demi-glace dipping sauce is worth its stratospheric price tag. [WYT: truffle Parmesan popcorn, dark ale-braised short ribs]<\/li>
                        3. Falafel sandwich at Mamoun\u2019s<\/a>, New Haven<\/strong>\u2014Mamoun\u2019s has been serving open pita sandwiches, brimming with crunchy falafel balls, salad ingredients and tahini dressing, since Gerald Ford was president. [WYT: tamarind juice, combination plate without meat]<\/li>
                        4. Spaghetti alla chitarra at Osa<\/a>, Middletown<\/strong>\u2014Great sourcing, skill and imagination are revealed in the spaghetti alla chitarra with smoked tomato sauce, roasted eggplant, olive crumbs, Tapping Reeve cheese and marjoram. [WYT: smoked carrots, dark chocolate mousse]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                          1. Filet of beef Wellington at Present Company<\/a>, Tariffville<\/strong>\u2014It\u2019s hard to resist the retro pleasure of filet with truffled mushroom duxelles in puff pastry finished with a classic bordelaise sauce. [WYT: bouillabaisse en croute, floating island]<\/li>
                          2. Rotisserie chicken at The Rockin Chicken<\/a>, Hartford<\/strong>\u2014The rotisserie chicken served at The Rockin Chicken is wonderful, especially with the three pastel-colored sauces in squeeze bottles. [WYT: soup a la minuta, anticuchos con rachi]<\/li>
                          3. Tapioca custard at Millwright\u2019s<\/a>, Simsbury<\/strong>\u2014The whimsical tapioca custard reveals all the flavors of clam chowder, but in counterintuitive form. [WYT: biscuits, smoked salmon rillettes]<\/li>
                          4. Coquilles Saint-Jacques at Union League Caf\u00e9<\/a>, New Haven<\/strong>\u2014A truffle sauce puts Union League\u2019s coquilles Saint-Jacques with black trumpet mushrooms and celeriac pur\u00e9e over the top. [WYT: lobster with chanterelles, chocolate souffl\u00e9]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                            1. Kampachi crudo at Winvian<\/a>, Morris<\/strong>\u2014Chef Chris Eddy\u2019s kampachi crudo with peach, watermelon, verbena and yuzu vinaigrette is simple understated elegance. [WYT: ricotta gnudi, composition of guinea hen]<\/li>
                            2. Whole roasted cauliflower at Zohara Mediterranean Kitchen<\/a>, West Hartford<\/strong>\u2014Order the whole roasted cauliflower with pine nuts, pomegranate, tahini and schug for its flavor, enjoyability and sheer audacity. [WYT: Moroccan cigars, lamb bacon]<\/li>
                            3. Hummel dogs at Glenwood Drive-In<\/a>, Hamden<\/strong>\u2014There\u2019s no better place to order a great grilled Hummel<\/a> dog, which you can then prepare exactly as you like it at the fixings station. [WYT: waffle fries, chili dog]<\/li>
                            4. Chowder-style Icelandic cod at Shell & Bones<\/a>, New Haven<\/strong>\u2014Chef Arturo Franco-Camacho is especially gifted with seafood and soups, and his Icelandic cod merges the two as the moist, flaky fish is served in an incredible clam broth with potato, bacon, corn, leek and light cream. [WYT: ceviche, tres leches cake]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                              1. The PLT at Meat & Co.<\/a>, New Haven<\/strong>\u2014Just as adjacent 116 Crown<\/a> broke new ground with its craft cocktails, sibling Meat & Co. has broken new ground with gourmet sandwiches like its PLT with porchetta, arugula, tomato confit and paprika a\u00efoli. [WYT: Rick Reuben, haute tuna melt]<\/li>
                              2. Risottos at Bin 300 World Bistro, Wolcott<\/span><\/strong>\u2014Bin 300 is justifiably famous for risottos like its rock shrimp and sweet pea; wild mushroom, prosciutto di Parma and white truffle oil; and Parmesan and sweet butter risotto. [WYT: veal ossobuco; cr\u00e8me br\u00fbl\u00e9e duo ]<\/li>
                              3. Pork rillettes appetizer at The Cook & the Bear, West Hartford<\/span><\/strong>\u2014The crispy pork rillettes, served over fried green tomatoes and drenched in sauce choron and chopped scallion, represent the best of this restaurant\u2019s highbrow-lowbrow fusion. [WYT: grits with fennel jam, fried chicken & waffles]<\/li>
                              4. Lithuanian coffee cake at Claire\u2019s Corner Copia<\/a>, New Haven<\/strong>\u2014Of a great assortment of indulgent cakes, the Lithuanian coffee cake (with buttercream frosting added) is undoubtedly the most popular. [WYT: quiche, veggie burger]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                                1. Squirrel fish at Shu<\/a>, multiple locations<\/strong>\u2014This crunchy, deep-fried, mostly boneless, fish preparation with pine nuts, pork, green beans, corn and carrots in a fruity housemade sauce offers brief respite from Shu\u2019s mostly hot and mouth-numbing flavors. [WYT: spicy cumin lamb, lobster with spicy black bean sauce]<\/li>
                                2. Burger at Contois Tavern, New Haven<\/span><\/strong>\u2014Serious foodie street cred accrues to folk who appreciate this father-son neighborhood bar where juicy burgers with tomato and onion are served till they\u2019re not. [WYT: Have a beer, tread lightly]<\/li>
                                3. Lobster bomb at Ford\u2019s Lobster<\/a>, Noank<\/strong>\u2014Ford\u2019s takes a bread bowl, toasts it lightly and fills it with half a pound of buttery lobster meat, over which most customers opt for an additional ladle of lobster bisque. [WYT: lobster roll, littleneck clams]<\/li>
                                4. Shaved Brussels sprouts salad at Harvest Wine Bar<\/a>, multiple locations<\/strong>\u2014This salad of shaved Brussels sprouts mounted on a Parmesan risotto cake and dressed in a truffle vinaigrette has attracted a number of imitators. [WYT: spicy salmon tartare, pan-seared duck breast in blueberry sauce]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                                  1. \u201cMy mother\u2019s chips\u201d at Viron Rondo Osteria<\/a>, Cheshire<\/strong>\u2014These thin crosscuts of eggplant and zucchini flash-fried and served with tzatziki sauce are highly addictive. [WYT: Greek salad, veal Milanese]<\/li>
                                  2. Smoked wings at Taino Smokehouse<\/a>, Middletown<\/strong>\u2014Taino Smokehouse\u2019s marinated, smoked and deep-fried wings could easily make you forget that city south of Niagara Falls. [WYT: bacon pops, housemade pit sausage]<\/li>
                                  3. Whole belly clam roll at Lenny\u2019s Indian Head Inn<\/a>, Branford<\/strong>\u2014Although listed only as a platter on Lenny\u2019s menu, the whole belly clam roll, treated with tartar sauce and lemon, prompts frequent cravings, especially in summer. [WYT: corn on the cob, cold lobster salad roll]<\/li>
                                  4. Dirt wings at J. Timothy\u2019s Taverne<\/a>, Plainville<\/strong>\u2014J. Timothy\u2019s is justifiably famous for originating \u201cdirt wings,\u201d which are fried and sauced, then fried and sauced again, making them more caramelized and crispy but still juicy. [WYT: chicken pot pie, Kentucky butter cake]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                                    1. Jam\u00f3n Mangalica at Barcelona Wine Bar<\/a>, multiple locations<\/strong>\u2014Chewy, fatty, teeth-tingling jam\u00f3n Mangalica, an Ib\u00e9rico ham thinly sliced from the leg of a wooly breed of Hungarian pig, is a true bucket list item. [WYT: foie gras torchon with gooseberry jam, parillada]<\/li>
                                    2. Tableside ch\u00e2teaubriand at VUE 24<\/a>, Foxwoods<\/strong>\u2014Perfect for couples, VUE 24\u2019s retro tableside chateaubriand, with chef\u2019s accompaniments and a trio of sauces, is well worth the drive and expense. [WYT: lobster bisque, beef tartare]<\/li>
                                    3. Rodizio at ID Brazil<\/a>, West Haven<\/strong>\u2014Some are cheaper and some are fancier, but no churrascaria delivers better flavor on its grilled meats sliced tableside, which include top sirloin, brisket, lamb, chicken hearts and numerous other delights. [WYT: grilled pineapple, hot and cold buffet items]<\/li>
                                    4. Crispy chicken biscuit sliders at Park & Oak, West Hartford<\/strong><\/span>\u2014Park & Oak has fun interpreting Southern cooking, with its crispy chicken biscuit sliders topped with pickles and pepper jam a perfect snack. [WYT: fried green tomatoes, chicken and waffles]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                                      1. Hot-headed cowgirl roll at Miya\u2019s Sushi<\/a>, New Haven<\/strong>\u2014At this sushi joint decades ahead of its time, the hot-headed cowgirl roll is a coconut-covered creation with vegan cashew cream cheese, papaya, wild burdock, pickled radish and hot peppers. [WYT: miso eggplant, invasive species menu]<\/li>
                                      2. Prime rib at Max Downtown<\/a>, Hartford<\/strong>\u2014Max is now offering slow-roasted prime rib with pastrami-spiced, bone-in short rib, a hellaciously good combination. [WYT: daily crudo, lasagnette]<\/li>
                                      3. Sunday buffet at River\u2019s Edge Bistro<\/a>, Unionville (moved to Avon)<\/strong>\u2014A bucket list activity, not item, Connecticut\u2019s best (and least known) Middle Eastern restaurant makes it possible to experience most of its astonishing menu in one fell (or full) swoop. [WYT: lamb kofta, kanafa]<\/li>
                                      4. Bandeja paisa at Saoco<\/a>, West Haven<\/strong>\u2014Saoco offers the state\u2019s best bandeja paisa, with a big thin steak, chorizo, pork strip, fried egg, arepa, avocado wedge, sweet plantain, red beans, rice and vinegary hot sauce. [WYT: empanadas, lomo saltado]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                                        1. Baja fish taco at bartaco<\/a>, multiple locations<\/strong>\u2014Many of the taco combinations are winners, but especially the spicy, tempura-battered cod with chipotle slaw and cilantro. [WYT: pork posole, churros]<\/li>
                                        2. Wagyu Maximus at Max Burger<\/a>, West Hartford<\/strong>\u2014The Wagyu Maximus features an eight-ounce American Wagyu patty with Twain cheese, mushroom, caramelized onion, lettuce, tomato and zesty mayo on an artisan roll. [WYT: fried chicken street tacos, tuna poke,]<\/li>
                                        3. Feijoada at West Side Tavern, New Britain<\/span><\/strong>\u2014West Side Tavern\u2019s version of feijoada, the national dish of Brazil, a stew of black beans, smoked pork, smoked beef and sausage, is terrific. [WYT: garlic shrimp, mixed grill]<\/li>
                                        4. Donuts at Dottie\u2019s Diner<\/a>, Woodbury<\/strong>\u2014Folks say you have to go early if you want to be assured of getting some of Connecticut\u2019s best donuts, and they\u2019re at their best when they\u2019re still warm anyway. [WYT: coffee cake French toast, huevos rancheros]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                                          1. Pork in pipi\u00e1n sauce at El Nuevo Sarape<\/a>, Hartford<\/strong>\u2014This Frog Hollow gem offers tender chunks of pork in a flavorful pipi\u00e1n sauce accompanied by rice, beans and salad. [WYT: chorizo nachos, molcajete for two]<\/li>
                                          2. Brussels sprouts at Firebox, Hartford<\/strong><\/span>\u2014Firebox\u2019s Brussels sprouts are charred in a soy caramel sauce and finished with Marcona almonds and chili oil. [WYT: baked oysters, cast iron duck]<\/li>
                                          3. White Sicilian Pizza at Jerry\u2019s Pizza<\/a>, Middletown<\/strong>\u2014You have to call ahead because the special dough needs time to rise, but Jerry\u2019s White Sicilian pie with just spices, oil and anchovy is delicious and different. [WYT: fried dough balls, fresh tomato and garlic pizza]<\/li>
                                          4. Apple strudel at The Watch Factory, Cheshire<\/strong><\/span>\u2014Pretty much a one-man operation, chef-owner Markus Patsch\u2019s apple strudel is exemplary, with beautifully layered apple filling perfect pastry. [WYT: mussels in mustard cream, veal J\u00e4gerschnitzel]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                                            1. Zuppa di vongole at Tony & Lucille\u2019s Little Italy Restaurant, New Haven<\/strong><\/span>\u2014Tony & Lucille\u2019s zuppa di clams is so bountiful and fragrant it can become a distraction. [WYT: cheese calzone, pork ossobuco with marsala sauce]<\/li>
                                            2. Hogzilla at Hoodoo Brown BBQ<\/a>, Ridgefield<\/strong>\u2014The Hogzilla sandwich is a mind-blowing combination of shaved pork ribs, pulled pork, crunchy pork belly, Hoodoo Voodoo sauce, fried green tomatoes and smoked garlic bacon mayonnaise. [WYT: smoked wings, banana Bourbon cream pie]<\/li>
                                            3. Cazuela de mariscos at El Pulpo<\/a>, multiple locations<\/strong>\u2014The cazuela de mariscos is a seafood stew abundant with fish, scallops, calamari, mussels and potato in a rich seafood broth. [WYT: torta de cangrejo, steak a la parilla]<\/li>
                                            4. Sfogliatelle at Mozzicato de Pasquale Bakery & Pastry Shop<\/a>, multiple locations<\/strong>\u2014Mozzicato\u2019s sfogliatelle are crunchy, lobster claw-shaped treats filled with mandarin orange-flavored ricotta filling. [WYT: rum bab\u00e1, fruit tarts]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                                              1. Hot oil pizza at Colony Grill<\/a>, multiple locations<\/strong>\u2014This Fairfield County-based pizza group sells unique thin-crust pizzas, of which the best representative is the hot oil pizza garnished with a few little \u201cstingers.\u201d [WYT: hot oil with sausage, salad pizza]<\/li>
                                              2. John Dory at Adriana\u2019s<\/a>, New Haven<\/strong>\u2014An almost daily special, Adriana\u2019s John Dory is lightly breaded, baked with lemon and white wine, and served with spinach. [WYT: arancini, fettucine con porcini]<\/li>
                                              3. Mozzarella caprese at DaPietro\u2019s, Westport<\/strong><\/span>\u2014Chef-owner Pietro Scotti makes his own Mozzarella, stacks it with sliced tomato and fresh basil, and finishes it with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. [WYT: veal sweetbreads, g\u00e2teau Saint Nizier]<\/li>
                                              4. Guacamole at Agave Grill<\/a>, Hartford<\/strong>\u2014Agave Grill\u2019s tableside preparation includes avocado, serrano chile, pico de gallo, cilantro, lime and optional corn and black bean salsa or fresh mango. [WYT: steak arrechera, famous cheesecake]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                                                1. Tagliatelle at Oyster Club<\/a>, Mystic<\/strong>\u2014The handmade tagliatelle, with a rag\u00f9 of prime beef, pork, tomato, vegetables, cream, parsley and Parmigiano-Reggiano, will spoil you for most pastas. [WYT: mussels, cod]<\/li>
                                                2. Pasta primavera at Primavera Pub<\/a>, Hartford<\/strong>\u2014Pasta primavera usually means vegetables, but at this welcoming Portuguese eatery it denotes its signature dish, which is loaded with flavor and good fresh seafood. [WYT: cabrito, codorniz]<\/li>
                                                3. Cheeseburger at Shady Glen Ice Cream Shop, Manchester<\/strong>\u2014The burger meat isn\u2019t special, but the hat-sized piece of fried American cheese is so popular some order it by itself. [WYT: lobster salad roll, ice cream]<\/li>
                                                4. Nacho changuito at Chango Rosa, Hartford<\/strong><\/span>\u2014Tex-Mex and barbecue combine in the nacho changuito with chips, guacamole, jalape\u00f1os, Bear\u2019s bbq sauce, salsa verde, muchos quesos and optional choice of brisket, pulled chicken, pulled pork or burnt ends. [WYT: elote, octopus carpaccio]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                                                  1. Steak on a rock at Santos\u2019 Restaurant<\/a>, Naugatuck<\/strong>\u2014Served with sides and a salad, customers cook this garlic-topped steak on a hot square piece of granite, which makes for a great dinner date. [WYT: pork with clams, codfish]<\/li>
                                                  2. Heirloom tomato pie at Dish, Hartford<\/strong><\/span>\u2014A Dish standard, the heirloom tomato pie is a slice of pastry crust filled with slow-roasted tomato, Mozzarella, basil pesto and Liuzzi ricotta. [WYT: trio of ahi tuna, mac \u2019n cheese]<\/li>
                                                  3. Pork egg rolls at Lan Chi\u2019s Vietnamese<\/a>, Middletown<\/strong>\u2014Crispy egg rolls stuffed with ground pork, onion and carrot are delightful in house dipping sauce with fresh chopped peanut. [WYT: lemongrass beef skewer, shaking beef]<\/li>
                                                  4. Mango sorbet at Peaches N Cream Ice Cream<\/a>, Litchfield<\/strong>\u2014This sorbet tastes so real one expects it to have the life-sustaining properties of the fruit itself. [WYT: ice creams, Greek cookies]<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                                                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"97.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                                                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"99.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                                    Connecticut may be a small state, but it\u2019s a foodie\u2019s paradise. These 100 items should lead true foodies to Nirvana.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1732,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"sidebar_toogle":false,"sidebar_date":"","sidebar_drop":"","ocean_post_layout":"","ocean_both_sidebars_style":"","ocean_both_sidebars_content_width":0,"ocean_both_sidebars_sidebars_width":0,"ocean_sidebar":"0","ocean_second_sidebar":"0","ocean_disable_margins":"enable","ocean_add_body_class":"","ocean_shortcode_before_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_after_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_before_header":"","ocean_shortcode_after_header":"","ocean_has_shortcode":"","ocean_shortcode_after_title":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_bottom":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_bottom":"","ocean_display_top_bar":"default","ocean_display_header":"default","ocean_header_style":"","ocean_center_header_left_menu":"0","ocean_custom_header_template":"0","ocean_custom_logo":0,"ocean_custom_retina_logo":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_height":0,"ocean_header_custom_menu":"0","ocean_menu_typo_font_family":"0","ocean_menu_typo_font_subset":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_size":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_unit":"px","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_line_height":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_unit":"","ocean_menu_typo_spacing":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_unit":"","ocean_menu_link_color":"","ocean_menu_link_color_hover":"","ocean_menu_link_color_active":"","ocean_menu_link_background":"","ocean_menu_link_hover_background":"","ocean_menu_link_active_background":"","ocean_menu_social_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_links_color":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_color":"","ocean_disable_title":"default","ocean_disable_heading":"default","ocean_post_title":"","ocean_post_subheading":"","ocean_post_title_style":"","ocean_post_title_background_color":"","ocean_post_title_background":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_image_position":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_attachment":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_repeat":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_size":"","ocean_post_title_height":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay":0.5,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay_color":"","ocean_disable_breadcrumbs":"default","ocean_breadcrumbs_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_separator_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_hover_color":"","ocean_display_footer_widgets":"default","ocean_display_footer_bottom":"default","ocean_custom_footer_template":"0","ocean_post_oembed":"","ocean_post_self_hosted_media":"","ocean_post_video_embed":"","ocean_link_format":"","ocean_link_format_target":"self","ocean_quote_format":"","ocean_quote_format_link":"post","ocean_gallery_link_images":"off","ocean_gallery_id":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[99,98,97,101,100,96],"class_list":["post-975","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ct-bests","tag-best-connecticut-dishes","tag-best-connecticut-foods","tag-best-connecticut-restaurants","tag-best-ct-dishes","tag-best-ct-foods","tag-connecticut-bucket-list","entry","has-media"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ctdish.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/975","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ctdish.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ctdish.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ctdish.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ctdish.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=975"}],"version-history":[{"count":221,"href":"https:\/\/www.ctdish.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/975\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1820,"href":"https:\/\/www.ctdish.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/975\/revisions\/1820"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ctdish.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1732"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ctdish.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=975"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ctdish.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=975"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/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