bspachman

In my primary world of theater, "Heads" always commands a large degree of attention! brad

It's reopened! Just last week! http://www.courant.com/entertainment/dinin...100,print.story More steamed hamburgers for all! brad

Thanks for the tip! I went tonight and it was delicious! I joined some friends there and had a really great time. I had a beef tenderloin/mushroom dish and sampled some of the paella and a couple of other things that I couldn't possibly remember. The sangria was delicious too! Later, brad

Those look like some interesting options near the southern end of the corridor. In doing a little more poking around in meatspace (pun intended), it looks like there are some other possibilities: Baci Grill Carmen Anthony's Fishhouse Elaine's I've been to the Tuscany Grill in Middletown--owned/operated by the same folks who run Baci. Carmen Anthony's and Elaine's are on the Berlin Turnpike--so a little west of the I91 area. Anyone know anything about them? What about non-Italian options? Any 'new American' places folks know about? brad

So...I'm growing weary of the continued proliferation of Applebee's, TGIFridays, and Chili's (although I DO love the Southwest Egg Rolls) I'm looking for some interesting suggestions for food along the I91 corridor between New Haven and Hartford. Think towns like Hamden, Wallingford, Meriden, Berlin, Rocky Hill.... Ideally, not too far from the interstate, but would take a short detour for something particularly outstanding. I'm not wild about Asian cuisines, but have been known to enjoy myself once dragged out to someplace fabulous. Any ideas from the collective? Brad

I was at Aureole about 6 months ago, and although it was good, I wasn't overly impressed. Something just was wrong about the vibe to me that night... I think I would look harder at the others. brad

Local news report here. Other local talking has said that he is more than hopeful to rebuild, he definitely plans to. <fingers crossed>!! brad

I (well, my folks) moved in to Roselle, IL about 2 years after Lynfred opened their winery in town (I think it opened back in 1979). We've always had the 'local' stuff on our tables. When I left IL, I was fortunate that their showroom had begun shipping wine around the country (a la 'Wine-of-the-Month'). All these years later, I still get a nice shipment of wine from them here on the East Coast every 3 months. Most of Lynfred's wines are made from grapes & fruits imported from other states. Like the article alludes, there isn't that much acreage suitable for grape growing in IL. The owner, Fred, has very strict shipping policies in place to ensure that everything he buys is extrememly fresh before he turns it into wine. I particualrly love their Cabernets & their Rhubarb wine. I believe they also have a showroom in Wheaton/Naperville called Tasting DeVine. Both that location and the main winery in Roselle are worth a visit. If you want to spend the night, they also have an amazing 4-room B&B attached to the winery. You would never think that being near a Metra line would feel so far away and relaxing, but WOW--what pampering! Best, brad

I enjoy the risotto at the West Bank Cafe (42nd and 9th-ish). I had a great aspargus one a couple of weeks ago.... Probably not in the same league as other mentioned here, but also not in the same price league, either. Best, Brad

I'll be the first to suggest New Haven pizza. Check out any of the eateries on Wooster Street--Pepe's and <arrgh, I can't remember the other one> come to mind. There are some long threads here about them. Other than that, there are some decent things in the Yale area, but you may have to pass through downtown to get there. Hot Tomato's has decent steaks. I can't think of anything else right now.... Best, Brad

Would that I could.... I only get back to the homeland about once a year, and it's hard to carry enough supplies back East to last me until my next trip :) Thank goodness for the Internet. Although Portillo's isn't the greatest of the Chicago dogs, at least they sell kits that they'll ship anywhere in the US that include Vienna dogs and some poppy seed buns... Nope. Couldn't even bring myself to think about it! Unless there's celery salt, yellow mustard, relish, onions, the occasional tomato, some peppers and maybe a pickle or cucumber wedge... Well, I'm sure I needn't go on :) I wouldn't go out of your way... Like you said, you'll never grow to love eating bugs! Best, Brad

Since this topic revived... As a transplanted Chicagoan to CT (on and off for 10 years), the 2 comfort foods I miss the most are Deep-dish pizza (natch) and a good ol' Chicago-style dog. I'm okay on the pizza front--I make my traveling friends bring back fresh frozen pies from Chi-town and I'll admit that New Haven-style pizza has its place. However.... I'm at a loss for dogs. I'm located on the CT river, between Middletown & Old Saybrook. All the dogs I've tried--restaurants, drive-ins, roadside stands have been found wanting. Are there any reasonable facimiles...or... (shudder), can someone school me on the enjoyment of dogs here in the East? Best, Brad