Many may have heard of the wonderful show on the Food Network, especially if you are a foodie like myself, titled, "The Best Thing I Ever Ate." If you haven't heard of the show it is a whole half hour encompassing the best food some of Food Network's best chefs have ever eaten! As much as I love the show, I have to admit I am jealous. I have wanted to be on the Food Network since I was 3 years old and I would love to share my favorite food experiences. Instead of being jealous I simply decided to share with you a few of the best things I have ever eaten... New England Style!
1. Burger
The BRGR Bar in downtown Portsmouth, NH, makes amazing shakes, fries, and sides, but their Mac Daddy burger definitely trumps all. It is a juicy "Maine Family Farm" meat burger, topped with slow cooked and slathered with love short ribs and mac and cheese like mama makes. As if that wasn't enough for your taste buds to take, there is a sweet and sour relish, lettuce, tomato, and onion to pull the whole thing together. This burger is an explosion of flavors and textures!
2. Chicken Wings
Being from New England I certainly like my chicken wings for tailgates and football games. The typical fan favorite chicken wing for celebrations was buffalo chicken... until I tried Pour Judgement's general tsao wings in Newport, RI. These wings are the perfect marriage of sweet and spicy! They get a light crisp outside before being doused in the slightly sticky sauce. Saying these are worth devouring is an understatement.
3. Steak
Steak is a go to on menus for me and I think I speak for a few others on that as well. A typical choice to venture to is usually filet, rib eye, or steak tips. I don't usually see a lot of flank steak on menus, but after having the flank steak at the Haraseeket Inn in Freeport, ME I wish it was on every menu! This flank steak has the perfect amount of char balanced with a juicy center. As much as I agree the way a steak is cooked makes or breaks the meal, for this steak the gorgonzola butter that pools at the top and waterfalls down the sides makes my mouth water every time.
4.Lobster
Lobster is a staple in NE cuisine, but not any lobster will do. Here in New England we are Lobster snobs and we take our rolls very seriously as well. The favorite lobster roll can differ between mayo-less and dill, to traditional with a toasted bun, but everyone agrees a steamed lobster with butter is better eaten simply. Barnacle Billy's in Ogunquit, ME does just that. Steamed, cracked, and accompanied with lots of melted butter.
5. Clam Chowder
Clam chowder is a favorite of my mom and I, thus it is very close to my heart. The Black Cat in Hyannis, MA never disappoints. Creamy and fresh with ample amounts of dill is the key to this wildly successful soup.
6. Pasta
Coming from a big Italian family, I have grown up with amazing Italian cooking that has given me very high standards. Venda Ravioli in Providence, RI meets every expectation with their ravioli. From cheese to walnut chicken, they are cooked to perfection with an amazing traditional marinara sauce.
7. Pancake
I still haven't found anyone who makes better pancakes than my mom, but The Friendly Toast in Portsmouth, NH is a close second. Their seasonal pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes and light and fluffy, cooked to perfection with loads of flavor that melts in your mouth and fills you for the whole day. Enough said.
