If you are ever travelling through Connecticut on I-84 and passing through the Middlebury/Southbury area, and get a hunger attack, Patty's Pantry is the place to stop. It's a jewel. Right off Exit 16 (Middlebury, Ct.), Patty’s is very E-Z off and E-Z back on. They have excellent sandwiches, both hot and cold…terrific crispy fried chicken…soups…daily specials…salads…snacks…and more…all of the above in this little shack that you would never notice otherwise…the fried chicken is excellent and always very fresh…the breads they use for sandwiches are excellent, so ask for your favorite type. Patty's is one of the best little delicatessens around, anywhere. Patty’s is at the end of the exit ramp, just turn right. West bound travelers will see it immediately, while east bound travelers should turn right at the end of the exit ramp and go about 100 yards. They also have shelves full of stuff you may need for your travels, like a miniature grocery store. Patty's is truly a one-of-a-kind place.

Newly Renovated! I love any place that has a 'NO CELL PHONE" policy, and that is just starters for what will be a great experience if you choose to drink and/or dine at The Mooring. We have always found the staff at The Mooring to be just about as friendly, helpful, and sharp as any establishment we have been to, anywhere. Whether it's for lunch, dinner, or just drinks, this place is simply awesome, and guaranteed to be a highlight of your trip to Newport. You get great views of the marina to compliment their excellent food. Most entree prices are between $22 ans $30, with your 'combos' (surf & turf dishs) higher.

D&G’s is a fun, very friendly place with food that is consistently good (the appetizers are excellent). There is always a pleasant, upscale crowd, and it's a great place to unwind before dinner. They offer top-shelf brews on tap, along with additional bottled beers, but it's the food, atmosphere, and staff that keeps us coming back. Dunn & Gaherin’s is highly recommended. Call ahead to get your name on the list…once there, you move to the top of the list. Only drawback is a lack of parking, so try the street before the small parking lot.

The S&P Oyster House, after our last visit, was a total disappointment. And it used to be one of our favorites. The waitress we had knew nothing of local seafood, and having grown up in the area myself, I found her pretentious attitude about seafood to be extremely ignorant and annoying, if not frustrating. The shrimp we were served were tiny, slimy, and tasteless, as if they we the pre-cooked and then thawed type you get at a grocery store. We will try it one more time before making final judgement, but their prices are way too high for the food you get and their attitude (at least this waitress) needs a major overhaul

You could put this fine establishment anywhere and it would be a success. Simply terrific food, neat little tucked away bar, and a wonderful, wonderful staff. Add an award-winning wine list, a good selection of beers, a gentleman on the piano, and a policy that prohibits cell phones from ringing inside, and it all combines to make dining at the Fife 'N Drum a memorable treat. This is a serious and very enjoyable dining experience, folks, the kind that gives you the feeling that all is well with your world. Please note that their lunches are reasonably priced. If you are going for dinner, you should make a reservation.

They say some of the best presents come in the smallest packages…and no where is that more true than Restaurant Moosilauke. Moosilauke is a captivating restaurant, and for us, it was an unexpected and wonderful discovery. The atmosphere is wonderful (extraordinary, actually, with two working fireplaces being just the beginning), the service courteous and efficient, the wine list good, and the food absolutely 4-star fabulous. They also balance their menu with some standard entrees (good steaks, chicken, and seasonal specials from local farms) for those who prefer a more down-home dinner, which I find very appealing. The small, 4 or 5 seat bar is upstairs, and the dining downstairs. Fireside dining in the winter, and outdoor dining also available on a handsome patio during the warmer months. You are in for a treat at Restaurant Moosilauke.

Not fancy, just plain good, with reasonable prices, here you’ll find some of the best seafood in the area. The owner and staff are as gracious as can be, and the dining is peaceful, with excellent food all around. At night they even have an old guy on the piano (we hope he's still there). In addition to the lobster, scallops, and clams, they they have great sandwiches and other stuff to suit you and the kids. Pleasant bar too. It is hard to find nicer people or better seafood. If you plan on getting there at crunch time Friday or Saturday, then reservations are suggested.

Buon Appetito is an unassuming and warm place with top-notch gourmet cooking and generous portions. Bring your favorite wine or beer. Funky looking interior, but who cares? The food is excellent. Don't forget, it's BYOB.

Located in the Nassau Inn, The Yankee Doodle is a must visit. “Rest Traveller, Rest, and Banish Thoughts of Care; Drink to Thy Friends and Recommend Them Here." With these words hand-carved into the mantle of the big fireplace for all to see, the Yankee Doodle Tap Room may just be the quintessential drinking spot in all of New Jersey. It’s tough for us to visit Lawrenceville/Princeton without going to the Nassau Inn for dinner, or at least a pint – but some advice first: The food is very good (always ask about their daily specials), and the bar is a classic, but often the place is so packed that A) You can’t get to the bar, B) the waitress can’t get to your table, and C) parking can be a minor problem*, unless you are familiar with the area. Eventually you’ll be seated and served (and glad you were), but the place is very popular and may test your patience. Having said all that, it’s still a fun place to meet friends for a cocktail, or dine with your family. Get a booth in the ‘dining’ area (not the tavern area), as that is much, much better for dinner. Some of their bartenders can be slow and snotty, but generally they're OK. Maybe that's part of their charm.

Simply put, The Atlantic Grille "…rocks the house!" The Atlantic Grill is where the locals go all week long, and if you go, you'll see why. The booths have seats that are just like Adirondack chairs, and the wait staff is very, very friendly. The head chefs are the owner and his brother....so quality is everything to them. They offer a regular menu as well as the daily chalkboard specials. Everything from eggs-any-way-you-want-them, stuffed French toast, all kinds of pancakes, to a 'must try' Eggs Benedict. They also include chourico (a tasty Portuguese sausage) in quite a few of the menu items, which is a rarity on the island. The Grille had a fire last year, and they had to completely gut and re-do the interior, so it is squeaky clean and the decor has that "old beach house" theme…really neat. Open for breakfast at 6am, they close at 3pm (8pm Fridays).

No trip to Newport would be complete without at least a quick stop into Aidan's. This is the 2nd of two pubs with the same name and owner (the other being in Bristol, RI). This one in Newport is more authentic, as Aidan gutted an actual Irish Pub in Ireland and had the interior shipped over here and put back together again. Everything on the menu is good, with our favorites being the Shepard's Pie, The Limerick Burger, and the Sizzling Angus Steak....it actually comes out on a sizzling skillet....it's to die for! Lots of great beers on draft (and the best Guinness in Rhode Island, in my opinion), with live Irish music on the weekends. If you're wondering shanty or lace, this terrific spot is serious lace.

Founded originally as a steakhouse, 22 Bowen’s is excellent, upscale, and fun. Simply put, it is a first-rate restaurant with great steaks, absolutely terrific seafood, and very comfortable atmosphere. No attitudes here, just great food, a superior wine list, elegant surroundings, and memorable harbor-side dining. It isn't cheap, but it is awesome. Reservations are strongly suggested.

It is our opinion that what sets the White Hart apart, in addition to their excellent food and comfortable setting, is the staff. They instinctively and effortlessly make you feel welcome and right at home. So, after relaxing a while in their Tavern (it's small, maybe 8 or 9 bar stools, but there are tables too), a dinner here (lunch too) is simply a treat. My favorites are the Baked Chicken Breast with applewood-smoked bacon ‘hash’, the grilled steak with mushrooms marsala, and the Honey-Lemon Glazed Stone Church Farm Breast of Duck. But then again I also love their Grilled Lamb Loin. The White Hart also has great rooms if you get snowed in. And yes, there are some fireplaces for those cold winter afternoons and nights.

, Millbrook, New York () - Now here is a true diamond in the rough. Allyn’s is a special place to relax with a cocktail, and an equally special place for dinner. Simply stated, Allyn’s is low key elegance with great atmosphere, warmth, and superb cuisine. The whole place is tastefully done, and everyone just feels comfortable here. The tavern room (neat copper-top bar) is such a warm, attractive, and friendly place, albeit small (with a fireplace) that you just don't want to leave it. Allyn's is not inexpensive by any means, but we believe you'll find their food, atmosphere, and service to be superior, and the whole experience is very worthwhile. The do have a 'Lighter Fare' menu (about $10 per entree) that is excellent, and they boast a superb Sunday brunch.

Located at the Thames Street Landing, the De Wolf Tavern is worth the trip from virtually anywhere. Because of their location, the seafood is always fresh, and it is always superbly prepared, as are all the other appetizers and entrees on their menu (there is a separate ‘tavern menu’, which is also excellent. The roasted loin lamb chops, King salmon, seared sea scallops, and the Duck Confit are out of this world, as are their lobsters. I’m not sure which is better - the absolutely intriguing building and phenomenal renovations (without question the most captivating location, exterior appearance, and interior charm I have seen in many, many years), the truly incredible cuisine, or the cozy atmosphere of the pub. Yes, there is a fireplace too, just to make this place perfect. First courses range from $5 to $12, while entrées range from $19 to $36. Guinness on tap, along with other fine brews. Good wine list too.