stuck in Hartford County's Posts

Markets & Stores

Southern New England

West Hartford: Which Whole Foods?

by Berheenia 7 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 7 years ago

Blue Back Square hands down! The other one is closer to me, but I adore the variety of foods in the Blue Back store.

Restaurants & Bars

Southern New England Mexican

Glastonbury Chipotle Mexican Grill

by geminigirl 11 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 11 years ago

My teenage son loves Chipotle (in West Hartford Center). He orders the "kids" soft taco trio (3 small tortilla rounds, spicy beef chunks, rice, cheese and lettuce to build his soft tacos from). I have tried several vegetarian burrito combos, but I'm not crazy about burritos so I usually stick w/the tasty nacho chips, fresh tomato "salsa" and guacamole (which is pretty tasty- and I'm picky about my guac). It's economical and he likes the industrial-style interior of the restaurant. I don't, but I'll concede because it's a nice, casual place to sit and chat w/him.

My teenage son loves Chipotle (in West Hartford Center). He orders the "kids" soft taco trio (3 small tortilla rounds, spicy beef chunks, rice, cheese and lettuce to build his soft tacos from). I have tried several vegetarian burrito combos, but I'm not crazy about burritos so I usually stick w...

Restaurants & Bars

Southern New England

Cheap Eats around Ridgefield CT

by RatherBeFishing 12 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 11 years ago

They used to have a Wednesday nite clambake- I kinda miss it! The kids would bring a million quarters for the video games and jukebox, and the adults could linger... I don't miss all the cigarette smoke that used to hover over everything, though.

General Discussion

What did your Mom always have on hand, that you NEVER do?

by coney with everything 13 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 11 years ago

All the better to "butter" that "healthy" corn!

Not to mention those silly corn holders...

General Discussion

Candy

What is your favorite hard to find candy?

by rthorn46 13 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 11 years ago

Oh yes they are! Just check out the Jamaican isle in the Hartford Stop & Shop. Not that I've ever bought one...OK, I have. I LOVE all the chocolate/coconut confections in that isle!

General Discussion

Do you ever like the crappy better than the excellent?

by detzelpretzel 13 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 11 years ago

Idk. I suppose any cocktail that contains Hawaiian Punch can't be "real" on the CH boards. Or maybe I've just become too much of a snob...

Bottoms up!

Restaurants & Bars

Mid-Atlantic Dinner Summer

Don't put your brother in charge of the summer rental! Need Bethany/Rehobeth Dinner Recs

by stuck in Hartford County 11 years ago

We've vacationed in Ocean City, MD every summer since 1972, and my brother felt we "needed a change". So he rented a place in Bethany Beach, DE. Without telling anybody until 1 week before we leave our homes in CT.

Now that we're all resigned to the "drastic" change in plans, I'd like some good CH advice re:dining in the area. Not: pizza, Italian food, sandwiches, or chain food (Phillips!). Where to go for upscale, well-prepared dinners (seafood + contemporary American). Oh, and a crab shack for steamed crabs, please.

Also, any advice re: a nice place to have an afternoon drink on the water? I'll be needing one...or two!

We've vacationed in Ocean City, MD every summer since 1972, and my brother felt we "needed a change". So he rented a place in Bethany Beach, DE. Without telling anybody until 1 week before we leave our homes in CT.

Now that we're all resigned to the "drastic" change in plans, I'd like some g...

10

General Discussion

what do you prefer that most foodies would scoff at?

by vandan 12 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 11 years ago

Enjoy your "retirement" from teaching, and thank you for the fatherly advice. I actually do quite a bit of traveling and enjoy all of the foods I miss from my youth. My family owns homes on the Cape, in Chautauqua, NY, on the Eastern Shore (MD) and in Florida- so I have most of my food/seafood cravings met. I do miss New Orleans (Tulane!) and their cuisine. I don't get up to Maine much, but I bought my first car (a Subaru) form a guy in Ellsworth. So no worry 'bout "overcrowding" the state! (We always laugh at the Welcome to Mass. sign and add "Now Get Out!" to the end whenever we drive by).

I am expecting reports on the local New Mexican cuisines! AND NO PEEKEYTOE CRABS. EVER!

Enjoy your "retirement" from teaching, and thank you for the fatherly advice. I actually do quite a bit of traveling and enjoy all of the foods I miss from my youth. My family owns homes on the Cape, in Chautauqua, NY, on the Eastern Shore (MD) and in Florida- so I have most of my food/seafood ...

General Discussion

Do you ever like the crappy better than the excellent?

by detzelpretzel 13 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 11 years ago

Hawaiian Punch. The "original" red stuff. I still secretly love it. I freeze some as popsicles. I've been known to make great fake cocktails w/added coco cream and vodka over ice. Yum! Bring on the Red Dye #1 and the drink umbrellas!

General Discussion

Family foods I thought was normal

by HotMelly 13 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 11 years ago

Sounds like fun! My brother and I used to roll our eyes when mom forced dad to pull over at every darn farm market we passed on the way to the beach or lake, but now we both do the same thing!

General Discussion

what do you prefer that most foodies would scoff at?

by vandan 12 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 11 years ago

Last nite I made my first soft shell crab, as those delicious live blues are not available here in CT.

Yuck! Nowhere NEAR as yummy as boiled crab. And it was really creepy eating the whole thing. I can't wait to get to Ocean City (MD) for some REAL crabs this summer! Pass the hammers and beer- only 3 more weeks... Yay!

General Discussion

what do you prefer that most foodies would scoff at?

by vandan 12 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 11 years ago

pass the mustard!

:)

General Discussion

what do you prefer that most foodies would scoff at?

by vandan 12 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 11 years ago

Yup! I find mine in the "ethnic" aisle. Or, you can stew your own w/bacon, onion, bit sugar, water, pinch salt, splash hot sauce (only on mine, the kids think I'm crazy)...yum!

Restaurants & Bars

Southern New England

Max Burger-West Hartford Center

by masha bousha 12 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 11 years ago

Son had the 8oz. beef hb on the fancy roll (med-rare) w/lettuce and swiss. I had the 5oz beef hb w/grilled onions and Gruyere on the potato roll (pinch mayo, dab ketchup, dab yellow mustard). Both burgers were perfectly med-rare and delicious. I had the (boring) Max side salad instead of fries...and it comes w/a bunch of sweet pickle slices. Son had the sweet potato fries that I ate when he wasn't looking. Gosh they were good! We sat outside under a lovely umbrella. The chairs are really comfy, also. I like the decor, especially the lovely photographs of the happy cows and the wood accents.

To be honest, one of the cool things about this restaurant (aside from the happy vibes) is the varied menu. I vowed to return for the iceberg wedge (I know, I know...) and about 100 other menu items that all sounded good. The special of the day was a lobster burger (!). If the rain lets up, stop by Celebrate W.H. and give it a try.

Son had the 8oz. beef hb on the fancy roll (med-rare) w/lettuce and swiss. I had the 5oz beef hb w/grilled onions and Gruyere on the potato roll (pinch mayo, dab ketchup, dab yellow mustard). Both burgers were perfectly med-rare and delicious. I had the (boring) Max side salad instead of fries...

Restaurants & Bars

Southern New England

Max Burger-West Hartford Center

by masha bousha 12 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 11 years ago

My son and I just had lunch there today. The atmosphere was really nice, the service was great, and the food was terrific. And to top it off, our final bill was less than we spent at The Counter. The only downers were the Max Salad (not enough dressing) and the parking (it took me 1/2 hour to find a spot, probably b/c tomorrow is Celebrate West Hartford). It's like a larger, hipper Plan B. So now Plan B is our plan b if Max's is full.

-----
Plan B
4 Railroad St, Simsbury, CT 06070

General Discussion

what do you prefer that most foodies would scoff at?

by vandan 12 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 11 years ago

OMG! I don't like rice due to an unfortunate "encounter" w/maggots (years ago). Now adding the crunchiness factor makes me even more ill...

But no judging here. I can appreciate undercooked starches. Except rice :(

General Discussion

what do you prefer that most foodies would scoff at?

by vandan 12 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 11 years ago

I disagree w/you. Mustard in NOT popular here in CT. It is never out w/ketchup or hot sauce and restaurants routinely omit it.

That said, "fancy" and expensive mustards are available everywhere. Furthermore, when the Baldwin's (also on the Mayflower, as you know) get together for a boiled seafood dinner, mustard in nowhere to be found.

It would be interesting to compare the amount of mustard sold in stores in CT versus other states. A mission before summer school starts next month!

General Discussion

what do you prefer that most foodies would scoff at?

by vandan 12 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 11 years ago

I went thru this food phase in college. But now I can't find those boxed, frozen egg rolls anywhere around CT. I think they stopped making them. I used to cook them WAY longer than the box said so they were really crunchy. And I['m ashamed to admit that I ate them covered w/yellow mustard.

General Discussion

What Foods Do You Hate/Dislike that Most Hounds Probably Love?

by Perilagu Khan 12 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 11 years ago

I'm opposite here- really enjoy steamed lobster w/butter (the tail being my least favorite part) but would do embarassing things for a crab boil on MD's eastern shore. I'm counting the days till our summer trip there.

General Discussion

What Foods Do You Hate/Dislike that Most Hounds Probably Love?

by Perilagu Khan 12 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 11 years ago

Not as sweet (at least in my opinion) as other oranges. But they are visually more interesting.

Restaurants & Bars

Southern New England

Highland Park Market macaroni salad

by ratbuddy 12 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 12 years ago

First of all, note the absence of pickle relish and it's juice (thank god!). The addition of relish contributes to the sweet/wet style salad that I hate, although other macaroni salads are watery and sweet w/o the relish. The binder appears to be just really thick mayo. It also contained juilened carrots (yuck) and celery. Plus, the pasta was al dente (yay!) and quite hardy (thicker and larger than cheap elbows). That's it, as far as I can tell.

I usually check the outside of the salad container- if it looks wet I pass on it. If it looks thick/creamy or that clear mayo look of jarred mayo left out for a bit (but not so that it goes bad) I give it a try. It was really obvious when Stews switched (or at least our Stews). But please don't remind me how heart-attack-inducing that mayo has got to be. Lordy!

First of all, note the absence of pickle relish and it's juice (thank god!). The addition of relish contributes to the sweet/wet style salad that I hate, although other macaroni salads are watery and sweet w/o the relish. The binder appears to be just really thick mayo. It also contained juile...

General Discussion

Candy

What is your favorite hard to find candy?

by rthorn46 13 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 12 years ago

I like all the Necco flavors except the GROSS purple ones and the green ones. Our CVS stores here in CT sell them, as well as other stores. You can even choose all cola flavored if you want. Additoinaly, you can buy a bag of small packs.

Restaurants & Bars

Southern New England

Highland Park Market macaroni salad

by ratbuddy 12 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 12 years ago

I purchased their macaroni salad after reading your post, and I have to say that it was really good (once I picked out the carrots). It reminds me of the old stews recipe which was my personal fave- creamy w/o being wet- w/diced red onion, green peppers, and celery. Recently, they changed the dressing and it's too sweet and wet. Thank you for the tip!

General Discussion

What Foods Do You Hate/Dislike that Most Hounds Probably Love?

by Perilagu Khan 12 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 12 years ago

Me too!

I do not like cooked salmon. I do not like it baked. I do not like it fried. I do not like it grilled. I do not like it poached. I don not like it here or there. Not in a house...or w/a mouse...or on a train! I do not like it ANYWHERE.

But I like it raw and smoked and in dips and on bagels. Go figure!

General Discussion

what do you prefer that most foodies would scoff at?

by vandan 12 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 12 years ago

I prefer Frank's Hot Sauce over Tobasco. It's such a bummer that here in New England it seems like NOBODY uses mustard. I always have to request it from the waitstaff when I eat out. McDonalds doesn't even have any mustard packets and sometimes they just omit the mustard on their burgers entirely. Why don't Yankees like mustard?! I like French's yellow, Maille's Old Style whole grain dijon, and Dan's Mustard from the (now shuttered) Hay Day Market.

Oh, I also prefer tap water over bottled water and carbonated water. I have no idea why. I danced a happy dance when restaurants stopped automatically serving bubbly water instead of good ol' iced tap water.

I prefer Frank's Hot Sauce over Tobasco. It's such a bummer that here in New England it seems like NOBODY uses mustard. I always have to request it from the waitstaff when I eat out. McDonalds doesn't even have any mustard packets and sometimes they just omit the mustard on their burgers entir...

General Discussion

What Foods Do You Hate/Dislike that Most Hounds Probably Love?

by Perilagu Khan 12 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 12 years ago

chicken breast
baked goods (cake, pastries, cookies)
caviar
tomato based sauces
tempura battered anything
fancy lettuce salads
oil-n-vinegar dressings
Maytag blue cheese
goat cheeses
Mediterranean foods
rice (except rice and beans and some risottos)
iced tea
coffee

General Discussion

what do you prefer that most foodies would scoff at?

by vandan 12 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 12 years ago

with Roquefort dressing!

General Discussion

What did your Mom always have on hand, that you NEVER do?

by coney with everything 13 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 12 years ago

Olive loaf on the kind of white bread that stix to the roof of your mouth, with lots of mayo. Oh, childhood...

Markets & Stores

Southern New England

New butcher shop on Route 44, across from Simsbury Common- has anyone been there yet?

by stuck in Hartford County 12 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 12 years ago

Thanks for the feedback. It would be nice to find local meats and cheeses, w/o having to go to Whole Foodsor Highland Park. A chain butchery sounds like an interesting idea. I'm going to check it out this weekend.

Restaurants & Bars

Southern New England

Everything for the Kitchen, Glastonbury, CT

by JayCT 12 years ago

stuck in Hartford County commented 12 years ago

You know, I have had moments where I wonder if a fellow foodie diner/shopper/browswer...is one of you guys! I'm all for the secret hand signals :)

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stuck in Hartford County(Stuck in Hartford, County was the way I felt post-divorce. Away from home, away from friends, away from the water... Bleeech. But it's not so bad, now. Except when it's not summer.)

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