Savor New England: Top 5 Food & Drink Experiences

Savor New England: Top 5 Food & Drink Experiences

Selection of delicious New England foods

New England, a place just steeped in both history and natural charm, is so also a culinary paradise! We aren’t just talking about the leaves that turn a vibrant collection of hues each fall, oh no, it is about a whole collection of amazing eating experiences too. From cozying up in places offering comforting bowls of clam chowder to indulging in freshly caught lobster rolls, the flavors found right here have stories to tell that date way, way back. We, like your culinary tour guides, will explore the tastes you absolutely have to savor so you experience some real, proper New England charm. Join us as we sample some famous dishes, a bit of delicious craft brews, and a tiny hint of the region’s distinctive sweets.

1. Clam Chowder: A Taste of the Sea

Bowl of creamy clam chowder

Clam chowder, very arguably the soul of New England cuisine, is that perfect representation of comfort and the coast, so right in a single bowl! It’s almost a food hug on a cold day! That creamy texture, those chunks of clam, and maybe the saltiness, well that really hits the spot, right? Is that creamy texture from cream or milk, though? Is that something we want to think about? Places all along the coastline claim their own, and usually slightly tweaked, recipes, yet that basic base, well it remains the same. Each restaurant, very arguably from Maine to Connecticut, might boast their own secret ingredient or little trick that somehow, apparently, just enhances the flavor. Imagine getting some fresh clams, simmering them a little with potatoes and onions, so next folding in cream, maybe a touch of butter… See? Very satisfying! Now add some common crackers on top, and you’ve reached proper New England chowder perfection. Seriously, look, just head over to somewhere such as the Neptune Oyster in Boston, or perhaps Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough over in Connecticut. That chowder experience is ready, it’s there and waiting.

2. Lobster Roll: New England’s Star on a Bun

Classic New England lobster roll

Talking of icons, so here is the Lobster Roll, right? So it’s this super choice showing off fresh, totally locally-sourced lobster, more or less served up in a simple, yet rather tasty bun. Two paths people, look: “mayo-based” against “butter-based”. Yeah. One is all cool and creamy, just playing up that sweetness of the lobster, while the other, hot version really sings, doesn’t it? As a matter of fact, that one gives a toasty kind of indulgence with each and every bite. Oh wow. Many places really want to go simple so nothing takes that lobster flavor away, yet very apparently some will add just that extra hint of seasoning (celery, maybe?) just to make theirs something more. As I was saying, seriously check out something like Red’s Eats in Maine. Yeah you’ll likely wait in a pretty darn big line, yet is that worth it? Oh yes, of course it is! Look, alternatively we have the Bite Into Maine food truck and the amazing lobster flavor it offers too. Are those rolls so not just dishes yet an actual experience? Well, it’s almost true, and totally tasty too. Don’t skip this part!

3. Craft Beer: Brewing Excellence

Selection of craft beers from New England

That craft beer scene in New England really exploded, so really taking inspiration from its beautiful environment to offer some drinks that are as rich, or richer, than their stunning surroundings, actually. From super hoppy IPAs and more dark stouts to crisp pale ales, is that anything you’re wanting in a flavor? Sure! So there’s the beer! Incredibly there’s very apparently a whole bunch of brewers now getting very adventurous and using ingredients like maple syrup and cranberries… Just for that little, proper local touch. Honestly, we are talking about breweries such as The Alchemist (VT) with their Heady Topper or the Tree House Brewing (MA) with…well, practically all their beers. I mean they are so rated very highly and yes, rightly too, if you like those kind of brews anyway. See that perfect drink on a day out looking at foliage? Well, this has pretty much got you completely covered.

4. Apple Cider Donuts: A Seasonal Sweet Treat

Fresh apple cider donuts

If there’s an autumnal delight, is that the apple cider donut? Almost everyone likes it! As a matter of fact, these treats give some hint of cider spice and what’s seemingly always a totally soft crumb that’s great when paired with a farm, or a market. If you like this kind of a thing of course. Right as apples come completely into season in the late summer and into autumn, are there very many farm stands who aren’t now selling this? And seriously are you even experiencing that peak season if you didn’t have that little bag? A touch warm and maybe still super fresh. Yeah, that’s some of that seasonal goodness you can, basically, have on the go, that is. Take a bit of time to look at places like Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Vermont, or maybe Russell Orchards right over in Massachusetts. Seriously are these visits that should become some tradition of yours? Well apparently a donut is such a simple yet tasty way so we properly mark and feel those autumn feelings we love to love, you know?.

5. Maple Syrup: Liquid Gold of New England

Maple syrup being collected

Ok, maple syrup so basically New England in a bottle (kinda)! Made really just by tapping all those local maple trees, yeah that’s something that locals cherish for that pure, and rather distinct taste, of course. That whole process of transforming sap directly to a liquid with golden colors takes true skill and… some patience too, honestly. Drizzle on those pancakes (clearly!), or French toast… As I was saying use this syrup just as some sweetener in the coffee, well that sweetness really makes a splash and you can be sure, seriously that that maple is super authentic and that it shows. Go see a proper sugar house and you will almost certainly see it firsthand – now Vermont? That is maple country and what is seemingly something every enthusiast absolutely should see. A bottle from places like Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks? Basically that flavor of tradition captured very carefully and yeah, basically that will take you right back there, you know!