Vermont

Vermont Cheese Trail | Cheddar Cheese

Truly fantastic cheeses, of all types and from the milk of several species, are made in the Green Mountain State, but cheddar is our choice for the most New Englandy of the lot. Most of the credit goes to the fine cow’s milk from which it’s made, but also to the strong backs of the […]

Maine

Caseus

Yes, it’s the Latin word for “cheese.” The menu here is dairy-centric, with comforting, oozy options, from poutine (fries, cheese curds, and gravy) and a classic raclette mac-and-cheese to a rustic grilled cheese that should be the standard by which all others are judged. But it’s the cheeseburger, made from local beef and tucked into […]

Magazine

Burger Bar & Bistro

The chefs grind their organic beef in house, and their basic burger on a big, soft bun is one very good reason to visit. But they don’t stop there: Their decadent Kobe burger, for example, may come with a high price tag, but the deep, rich flavor is so worth it. And the ground-beef soul […]

Magazine

Bobby’s Burger Palace

We like that celebrity chef Bobby Flay appreciates a simple, good burger enough to open a palace of an eatery suitably equipped to showcase them. Right on the gaming floor at Mohegan Sun, Flay offers big, juicy patties with a nod to American regional cooking. His “L.A. Burger” with avocado relish plus a side of […]

Magazine

Ted’s Restaurant

In Meriden, the folks at Ted’s have been doing their share of burgering for more than five decades, and the secret to inspiring their loyal following is the way they steam the patties. Juicy, tender, and topped with cheddar … We’re reluctant to suggest that they’re healthier than grilled or broiled burgers, but for sure […]

Food

Louis’ Lunch

Four generations of the Lassen family have been running this diner continuously since 1895, making Louis’ the oldest burger joint in the nation. The creation story goes like this: One day in 1900 a customer asked for a quick meal to go, so Louis piled some ground-steak trimmings on toast for him–and made history. Be […]

Connecticut

Connecticut Food Trail: Burgers

With its significant coastline and interior farmland, Connecticut suffers no shortage of great food from land and sea. But notwithstanding the state’s well-documented affection for pizza, it seems that the humble hamburger is the point of greatest pride in these parts–and it may have even been invented here. Where would American cuisine (and the U.S. […]

Food

Recipe for Entertaining

Stepping across the threshold of Lisa Ekus-Saffer’s 18th-century farmhouse in Hatfield, Massachusetts–past the long table, carefully set from her vast collection of plates, glassware, and candles–you instantly know that you’re welcome and that a great meal awaits. “When my first husband and I bought this house in 1983, it was a disaster,” Lisa says, flashing […]

Travel

Restaurant Review: Shepherd’s Pie

Perched on the craggy hillside overlooking the small harbor in Rockport, Maine, Shepherd’s Pie–a new gastropub under the direction of chef Brian Hill–commands a view that is in itself a reason to visit. But then there’s Hill’s casual but carefully composed fare–the best motivation of all. The namesake shepherd’s pie is a rich delight that […]

Vermont

Restaurant Review: The Belted Cow

The Belted Cow Bistro’s chef/owner, John Delpha, earned his culinary stripes in some of Boston’s best kitchens. These days he has full reign over the local ingredients in his own kitchen, while partner Caitlin Bilodeau runs the dining room–an excellent combination of beautiful food and relaxed yet top-notch service. Seating options include a cozy alcove […]

Food

Homegrown: These Shrimp Are Real Shrimps

They begin their chilly journey as year-old boy shrimp, trekking from inshore waters out into the cold Atlantic. There they spend a couple of years at sea; then, after spawning, they flip a biological switch and become girl shrimp. They mature for a year and then, carrying their fertilized eggs, begin their fall migration back […]

Food

Braising Recipes | In Praise of Cooking Low and Slow

A collection of winter braising recipes, including pork chops and brisket, that let your food’s deep flavors take center stage. In summer the sun and soil do all the work to make our food taste so good: A tomato pulled from the vine in August needs but a sprinkle of salt and pepper and a […]