If you are ever up near the quaint little towns of Stonington or Mystic Connecticut in the summer, make sure you swing by Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough. It’s a Counter-serve seafood restaurant known for its lobster rolls & water views. I got mine with only hot butter and I think that’s the way to go. Fresh as fresh can be. They don’t serve alcohol here but you are welcome to bring your own. Fun little spot.
In the hip Lower East Side in Manhattan Blue Ribbon Sushi is on the second floor of the Sixty LES Hotel. There are a few of them around town and one in Vegas as well. I always stay in this hotel and I always eat here at least once. They are open until 2am (gotta love New York!) and the food is fantastic. They also have a great sake and beer selection. I always belly up to the bar where they serve their full menu. A fan favorite is the Ox Tail & Bone Marrow Fried Rice (pictured below) so I had to get it. So Good! The bone marrow is in the mini omelet that sits on top of the rice. Great joint.
The Standard Grill is a fun place. It’s in the Meatpacking District right under The Highline, next to the new Whitney Museum and in the hip Standard Highline Hotel. Lot’s going on over there and this joint is hopping. It’s an American Bistro and you can sit inside or they have sidewalk tables. I had the Bacon Cheeseburger which was delicious. They also have steaks, pastas, fish, raw bar. Really fun. Really good.
I was doing what I love to do when I travel to big cities, walk. And just east of downtown Salt Lake I stumbled across Even Stevens Sandwiches. Love this place! This joint has a cool little vibe and excellent food. It’s short order and casual. I had the Do Gouda. Roast beef, smoked gouda, sweet onion marmalade, red onion and greens on sourdough. Ridiculous!
Who would have thought I would have an amazing soft shell crab experience in the land locked mountain town of Park City, Utah. But I did and it was incredible, fresh crab sitting on a bed of jambalaya with andouille sausage and it was at Zoom. This is Robert Redford’s joint that is in a restored train depot on Main St. in the heart of everything. Great casual atmosphere with a variety of delicious food and live music. Was a great night.
Up in The Neighborhoods area of Salt Lake is Sea Salt. It’s an Italian joint with a killer patio and the pizzas are delicious. They are cooked in a wood fired oven. I had the Margherita. Nice relaxing place.
I was recently in Salt Lake City and had to head down to Provo so I stopped for lunch at Mountain West Burrito. It is owned by the group that owns Communal. Also in Provo and one of my top 5 restaurants anywhere. Mountain West is Mexican Food and it is fast, fresh and local. Just a little short order joint and I loved it. I had the Steak Street Tacos. $2 and tasty!
If you are looking for a good bagel sandwich in Boulder or Denver head to Moe’s Bagel. They just had their 20 year anniversary and I have been going since day one. It ain’t fancy. It’s not a sit down but the bagels are made fresh daily and their breakfast and lunch sandwiches are all fresh. Just a good, easy place. I am a fan. Pictured here is one of my favorites. The Flamin Moe. Turkey with jalapeño cream cheese. Love it!
If you are in Fort Collins, CO and in the mood for delicious and casual then hit up The Pickle Barrel. This place is a classic in town and a favorite for Colorado State students. I love this place. The sandwiches are fresh and good. I had the Funky Punky. Grilled turkey, provolone, avocado, mayo and salsa. Tasty.
There is a little bar in downtown Salt Lake City called Bodega and in the back, if you ask, there is a door that leads down a stairway to a killer bar/restaurant called The Rest. This place is so cool. I love the atmosphere and these folks are serious about their craft cocktails (I had a delicious Manhattan) and beers. And the food was outstanding!!! Everything was fresh and tasty. Pictured are they house made onion rings (best I ever had) and the slow cooked pork belly with a lightly deep fried scotch egg. Tasty! This place is such a find and they do take reservations. Oh, and they have a large selection of albums that are played on a turn table. Very fun. I will be back!
