Left at the Fork

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Category: 3 Cars (Page 5 of 6)

That's Maine Wildberry on the left, Maine Black Fly on the right (sitting atop other flavors).

Gifford’s Ice Cream, Skowhegan ME

January 30, 2015 / / 1 Comment

REVIEW

Why does ice cream taste better in New England than anywhere else in the country? We don’t have an answer, but as long as we keep travelling the area, we’ll keep tasting. There are boutique, one-shop stores offering superb hand-crafted renditions, and there are small companies that also turn out a product superior to the national brands. Gifford’s is one such Maine-owned ice cream maker that buys its cream locally and sells all over New England. Gifford’s premium ice cream has an honest flavor that we never tire of. Continue reading

At the register you'll encounter a collection of filled cookie jars. Don't try to resist. They're terrific!

Dorset Union Store, Dorset VT

January 24, 2015 / / 0 Comments

REVIEW

The Dorset Union Store was started in 1816 as a member-owned cooperative. Then-owner Perry Peltier changed the name to Peltier’s in 1955. When the current owners purchased the store in 2007, the name reverted back to its original Dorset Union Store. We like the ring of it. We also like how the store has achieved a perfect balance between old and new. Continue reading

Butternut Applepecan Hotcakes were a special one morning. The batter includes butternut squash, and between the cakes are apples and maple mascarpone creme. They are crowned with toasted pecans and drizzled with apple cider syrup.

m. henry, Chicago IL

January 18, 2015 / / 0 Comments

REVIEW

There’s no shortage of great breakfast spots in Chicago, many of which can be found all over the net. Let us add one of our favorites to the mix, Andersonville’s m. henry. Their motto is “chow for now,” which apparently refers to a modern food sensibility that focuses on locally sourced and organic provisions and healthy eating. But, clearly, taste comes first here because the breakfasts we’ve tried have been sensational. Continue reading

The quarter cake sampler contains Chocolate, Kahlua, Raspberry Ripple, and Deluxe (already attacked by an eager eater). Our favorites: Chocolate and Kahlua.

New Skete Nuns, Cambridge NY

January 17, 2015 / / 0 Comments

REVIEW

Alright, let us get all the lame puns out of our system before we begin: we are devout fans of the heavenly cheesecake from New Skete; it’s divine. You’ll find nun better. Eating a slice is a religious experience. Our cheesecake prayers have been answered. (Deep breath.) Had enough? So have we. Continue reading

Sue's condiments of choice: brown mustard and relish. Note the beautifully blackened, bursting exterior of the pup.

Ted’s Hot Dogs, Tempe AZ

January 12, 2015 / / 0 Comments

REVIEW

Ted’s Hot Dogs is a regional mini-chain with locations in the Buffalo, NY suburbs of Amherst, Cheektowaga, Lancaster, Lockport, North Tonawanda, Orchard Park, Tonawanda, Williamsville, and Tempe. Wait a minute, Tempe? As in Arizona? Why is one, and only one, branch of Ted’s in Tempe? Well, oddly enough, this Tempe location is the one with the most direct ties to founder Theodore Spiro Liaros. Ted’s son Spiro (who passed away in 2013), was the president of Ted’s Hot Dogs, and opened this Ted’s when he moved to Arizona. Continue reading

An assortment of first-rate biscotti from Torino Bakery, ready for their cup of espresso

Torino Bakery, Newburgh NY

January 8, 2015 / / 0 Comments

REVIEW

Torino, a 45-year-old Italian bakery, is down towards the western end of the Broadway shopping strip anchored on the east by Tony’s Newburgh Lunch. If the name Newburgh conjures mental images of the worst symptoms of urban decay, rest assured that this piece of Broadway, not far from the New York Thruway, is something of an oasis. Continue reading

The Gianluca panino is stuffed with fresh mozzarella, prosciutto di Parma, roasted peppers, pesto, sea salt, pepper, oregano, and balsamic vinegar . This one is on 7-grain bread. Ciabatta is also an option. A truly first-rate sandwich in the balanced Italian mode, where quality ingredients speak for themselves.

Osteria Procaccini, Pennington NJ

January 4, 2015 / / 0 Comments

REVIEW

Have you ever spent time traveling in Italy? If so, you’ll recognize Osteria Procaccini very quickly. This osteria is very much in the classic Italian mold, with a simple menu of thoughtfully constructed antipasti, panini, salads, and pizza, and a very casual, almost offhanded, demeanor. None of that would mean a thing if the food wasn’t up to snuff. We’re happy to report that the execution is as successful as the conception. Continue reading

We think Charlie's serves one of the best tasting Italian hot dogs in NJ.

Charlie’s Famous Italian Hot Dogs, Kenilworth NJ

December 21, 2014 / / 0 Comments

REVIEW

It’s possible to be served an Italian hot dog in the Newark area at a restaurant with more soul, more sass, but few dog houses can compete with the taste of a Charlie’s Italian dog. What makes a Charlie’s dog special is that each item in the sandwich is a little bit, but noticeably, better than at most other places. The hot dogs themselves are more flavorful, the potatoes are superb and crisp, and the onions and peppers are brighter, too. We recommend getting a double. In fact, we always recommend a double when ordering an Italian hot dog. Not only is it easier to eat (you get a 180 degree section of bread, rather than the awkward 90 degrees), but it just feels right, in the same way that getting a double brat in Wisconsin feels more right than a single. Continue reading

Everything on the plate is good, but the fried pork chop is terrific. We ordered a la carte, but our waitress thoughtfully assembled it all into combo orders to keep the price down.

M & M Soul Food Cafe, Las Vegas NV

December 20, 2014 / / 0 Comments

When it comes to food for the visitor, Las Vegas is a funny place. All the attention goes to the casinos, for three things: the upscale restaurants run by nationally known chefs, the buffets, and the old-time bargains like 99-cent shrimp cocktails. People forget that Las Vegas is a big city and, like all big cities, there are plenty of superb places to eat around town. We guarantee that the 2 million folks living in the metropolitan area don’t limit their dining to The Strip. You just have to know where to go. Continue reading

The ribs at Gates are among the smokier specimens you'll find in Kansas City.

Gates Bar-B-Q, Kansas City MO

December 16, 2014 / / 1 Comment

REVIEW

As soon as you walk in you are hit with a greeting of “Hi, may I help you?” Of course, if you’re new here then at least a quick scan of the overhead menu will be necessary. So step aside and listen to the regulars place their orders: it’s like another language. Folks here are very specific about how they want their meats cut, their meals prepared. Slice this cut of beef in such-and-such a manner from that side, extra meat on a roll. None of these options appear on the menu, mind you; they are simply the requests of experienced barbecue eaters who know what they like. Newcomers can get flustered and overwhelmed. Continue reading

Freshly made whipped cream and sweetened berries on a homemade biscuit

Eagles Nest, Brewer ME

December 8, 2014 / / 0 Comments

REVIEW

We’ve traveled in Maine many times, but rarely have we ventured more than a few miles from the awe-inspiring coast. A visit to the Bangor State Fair brought us further inland in Maine than we’ve ever been, and lucky we were, as our search for dinner in the area turned up a gem in the nearby town of Brewer. Located on the banks of the Penobscot River, well out of town down Route 9, the Eagles Nest serves Maine down-home cooking to a mostly local crowd. Continue reading

New River sells tart-sized key lime pies, like this one, as well as full-sized pies. You'll find none better.

Bob Roth’s New River Groves, Davie FL

November 24, 2014 / / 0 Comments

REVIEW

If you haven’t spent much time in non-Disney Florida since the 1960s, you wouldn’t recognize it. Old, kitschy Florida has almost completely disappeared. Even now, the last vestiges are rapidly being replaced by the brand new. It’s no longer the state of glass bottom boats, the Weeki Wachee mermaids, and Jackie Gleason (although, except for Jackie Gleason, those still exist, if barely). For a sense of what’s been happening, see John Sayles’ film Sunshine State. Continue reading

The Fra Diavolo pizza is a white pie with caramelized onion, roasted tomatoes, shrimp, scallops, pancetta, and fresh tarragon, with a drizzle of hot pepper-infused olive oil.

Harry’s Bishops Corner, West Hartford CT

November 20, 2014 / / 0 Comments

Connecticut is packed with LAF-worthy pizzerias. The bar has been set awfully high. Can it be possible that Harry’s Bishops Corner clears that bar? With room to spare, based on the Fra Diavolo pie we enjoyed.
Continue reading

This late summer burger features Cloudland's own Angus beef garnished with house made sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and Spring Brook Reading cheese, served on a marble rye bun.

Cloudland Farm, North Pomfret VT

November 17, 2014 / / 0 Comments

REVIEW

Here’s our idea of a perfect Vermont evening: we first drive to Lebanon, New Hampshire, pick up a growler or two of Dooryard Cider from Farnum Hill Ciders, then drive north of Woodstock, towards Pomfret, on winding dirt roads through the forest until we reach Cloudland Farm. We arrive earlier than our reservation so, on a pleasant summer evening, we sit in rockers on the porch as the kind folks at Cloudland bring us glasses. Continue reading

This is The Same: potatoes, beans, bacon, and cheese in a homemade flour tortilla. The same as what, you might ask?

Helen’s Casa Alde, Buda TX

November 14, 2014 / / 0 Comments

REVIEW

Migas, a savory amalgam of eggs scrambled with torn bits of corn tortillas and perhaps some combination of chiles, onions, tomatoes, cheese, and/or meat, is the breakfast dish of Austin. Its fame is justified, and no visitor to Austin should neglect it, but even more popular, if less glamorous, is the breakfast taco. Continue reading

A clam roll overflows with beautifully fried belly clams.

White Cottage Snack Bar, Woodstock VT

November 11, 2014 / / 0 Comments

REVIEW

The remnants of Hurricane Irene passed through Vermont, along the Connecticut River valley, on August 28th, 2011. The storm dumped massive amounts of rain on the region, swelling creeks and streams to powerful torrents which washed away bridges and businesses that were unlucky enough to lie in their paths. One such business was the White Cottage Snack Bar, a Woodstock summer tradition since 1957. We’d seen pictures of the damage to the White Cottage and, five weeks after Irene, we had a first-hand look at the devastation. It was clear to us that the White Cottage’s days were over forever. What do we know? It was back in business for summer 2012! Continue reading

Note the large chunks of beef in this hash.

Bijou Cafe, Portland OR

November 10, 2014 / / 0 Comments

REVIEW

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and we suspect “they” are from Portland. Portland is a breakfast hound’s paradise, filled with restaurants that open in the early AM, and close after lunch. One of our favorites is a high-energy, stylish but casual place called the Bijou Cafe. Continue reading

Pancakes at Rochester Cafe are superb. Here we have a short stack topped with fresh sliced strawberries, bananas, and walnuts - no goop! Real maple on the side, of course.

Rochester Cafe, Rochester VT

November 7, 2014 / / 0 Comments

REVIEW

Let’s deal with first things first. As soon as you are seated comfortably in the Rochester Cafe, whether you’re there for breakfast or lunch, ask for a slice of Vermont Maple Cream Pie. And ask them to bring it right away. The graham-crusted smooth cream flavored with local syrup (and, yes, extract, but added with a light hand) comes topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of maple sugar. It’s fantastic! Share with your tablemates, if you must. You won’t regret this one bit of self-indulgence. Continue reading

Get your pie with vegetables and you'll find firm cubes of potatoes and colorful carrot pieces added to the mix. This is our preference. Note the generous quantity of chicken, big pieces slow-cooked the night before.

Harrow’s Chicken Pies, Reading MA

October 20, 2014 / / 0 Comments

REVIEW

What foods do you turn to when you want, no, need to have jangly nerves soothed; to enjoy the culinary equivalent of a leisurely back rub; to shut out the modern world for a quiet evening at home? A mug of hot cocoa? A big plate of macaroni and cheese? Yes, those might work, but how does a warm chicken pie sound? Better yet, one you don’t have to cook yourself. Like the kind you can bring home from Harrows. Continue reading

Yes, that's sizzled bologna (!) garnishing those excellent kosher dogs.

Attman’s Authentic New York Delicatessen, Baltimore MD

October 18, 2014 / / 2 Comments

REVIEW

Corned Beef Row. The name designates an area that was once the center of Jewish life in Baltimore. Today, Corned Beef Row consists of Attman’s Deli and little else. Seymour Attman, longtime owner of the deli, has passed on but the deli continues. This once thriving Jewish neighborhood can today seem a little intimidating to some, but a daytime trip to Attman’s (the only time it’s open) will make it worthwhile. Continue reading

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