Let's Talk About Food! Connecticut!

I love to eat and love to cook and love to try new food.  I moved to Connecticut over 30 years ago, and the one thing I loved more than most things was the food.  So, here are some of my current favorites!

1.   Frank Pepe's Pizza.  I don't know that there's any way to argue this.  It's the best pizza I've ever had in my life, hands down.  They've been around since the 1920's and they now have a few franchises out there.  I can say one thing.  There is no substitute for visiting the New Haven, CT location in their Little Italy.  It's the original.  It's the magic one.  It's the best and I highly recommend it to anyone.  There is no experience like visiting the original.  By the way, I've had pizza in many forms, many countries, and many styles to cook them.  This rocks.  I do not lie.

https://pepespizzeria.com/

https://www.yelp.com/biz/frank-pepe-pizzeria-napoletana-new-haven

https://www.ctinsider.com/living/food/article/pepes-pizza-new-haven-ct-food-and-wine-18125572.php

https://ctvisit.com/listings/frank-pepe-pizzeria-napoletana

https://www.timeout.com/usa/restaurants/best-pizza-in-america

2.    Lasalle's Market and Deli, Collinsville, CT.  This is one of my favorite spots in one of my favorite hidey holes!  I don't know how long Lasalle's has been there.  I do know it used to be Keney Market, but that's all I know about that.  The current Lasalle's is a place that showcases local art, has open mic nights, sports eclectic decor, is relaxed and a great place to hang out.  They have games to play, reading material, and they're located on one of the most popular walking routes in the state along the Farmington River Trail.  Oh yeah.  They have great food!  They have sandwiches, pizza, salads, soups, entrees, breakfast, and even ice cream.  They make so many different things that you'll never run out of new things to try.  The place is completely informal and truly fun!

https://www.lasallemarket.com/index.php

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g33746-d879320-Reviews-La_Salle_Market_Deli-Collinsville_Connecticut.html

https://roadfood.com/restaurants/lasalle-market-deli/

https://www.yelp.com/search?find_loc=Collinsville%2C+CT&attrs=RestaurantsPriceRange2.1%2CRestaurantsPriceRange2.2

https://ctvisit.com/listings/visit-collinsville

3.    The Brass City Bistro, Waterbury, CT.  This is hands down, my husband's favorite restaurant, and I love it too.  The owners are so friendly that you may have seen this place on the cover of my recent novel, "Bourbon" with Rylee King as my cover model.  Brass City Bistro opened with the idea of seasonal food done well, leaving the customer feeling happy that they came in for a visit.  You never know what you're going to find on the menu, but whatever it is, it will be good.  Just don't be surprised at the portions.  They don't let anyone leave hungry. There are pasta staples and there's always steak, but if you like to try new things, the menu varies in the best of ways.

https://www.brasscitybistro.com/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g33963-d2420724-Reviews-Brass_City_Bistro-Waterbury_Connecticut.htmlut.html

 

https://www.yelp.com/biz/brass-city-bistro-waterbury

https://restaurantguru.com/Brass-City-Bistro-Waterbury

https://ctvisit.com/listings/city-waterbury

4.    Nour, Bethel, CT.  This is Lebanese food at its finest.  It's a tiny joint with more seating outside than inside.  To be fair we normally get takeout.  But, I promise you, if you like Lebanese food, this is the spot for you.  The owners and staff are amazing, and they always make sure you have everything you need and more.  The Kebabs, Shawarma, and everything is yummy.  They also have a small store area where you can buy some of the ingredients to go home and try it yourself.  It's one of my favorite spots in the whole state.  Can't say enough great things about the wonderful world of Nour.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/nour-lebanese-cuisine-bethel

https://www.instagram.com/nourlebanesecuisine/?hl=en

https://www.happycow.net/reviews/nour-lebanese-cuisine-bethel-126919

https://maps.roadtrippers.com/us/bethel-ct/food-drink/nour-lebanese-cuisine

https://ctvisit.com/listings/town-bethel

5.    The Rogi Shoppe, Shelton, CT.  Do you like Pierogis?  This is the place for you.  Derby/Shelton is one of the more confusing places to visit in Western Connecticut, but this place makes it worth the time.  I enjoy the river walk through the city, which is how I discovered this tiny little take out place almost underneath the bridge over the river between Derby and Shelton.  They have gourmet Pierogis of many kinds as well as Kielbasa and side salads.  All Polish yumminess!  It's one of my favorite finds recently, although it's been there for years.  It's the pinnacle of a foodie neighborhood that should not be missed.  If they're so busy that they're overwhelmed and have trouble keeping up with orders, which does happen on holidays; they'll be happy to sell you frozen pierogis that you can take home and fry up yourself.

https://www.therogishoppe.com/

https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-rogi-shoppe-shelton

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g33915-d23930226-Reviews-The_Rogi_Shoppe-Shelton_Connecticut.html

https://www.ctbites.com/blog/2022/2/21/the-rogi-shoppe

https://ctvisit.com/listings/city-shelton

So, there you have it.  If you happen to be in Connecticut, there's a lot of good restaurants and food to eat.  These are some of my favorites.  I have a lot of places that I can't get enough of, so I might continue to post the occasional fast five of great places to eat.  There are so many.  One thing they have right on the East coast is the food.  No matter what city you visit in Connecticut, there are restaurants that you will enjoy!