So I have recently returned from my mini American road trip and after catching up on some sleep and shaking off the jet lag I have been reminiscing about my time there, especially the food. Before we left I fantasised about the food I could have a chance of eating - juicy burgers and crispy fries, succulent BBQ and stacked sandwiches - and I wasn't disappointed. Every single meal I had was incredible and there were absolutely no let-downs. I don't have pictures of everything because some simply looked and smelled to delicious to wait but later on in this blog there'll be a few pics to make you feel jealous!
After flying to Newark in the State of New Jersey we found a place in Red Bank called Broadway Bar and Grill. It was the kind of diner-esque place I thought we'd see everywhere. From the outside it looked nothing particularly special but we were all hungry and, personally, I wanted my first American meal to be a classic burger, or a variation thereof. This place proves that appearances can be deceptive. The food was incredible. Firstly, I was asked how I would like my burger cooked - this has never happened to me before and means that the meat must have been fresh and of good quality. Secondly, when it arrived, it was the best burger I have ever had. That includes my own, which I happen to think are pretty good! I went for the bacon and blue cheese burger and it was fantastic. Crispy American bacon and the not-too-strong blue cheese which complemented the whole thing perfectly. It was a great start.
Day one continued with the first of a few long drives to Philadelphia. What a city! I could have easily stayed there, maybe even permanently. The weather probably helped as it was beautiful but it was so clean and everyone seemed welcoming and friendly. We were too tired and full to eat anything else that first night but we made up for it the next morning at Mrs K's Koffee Shop. Again, I wanted something classically American so (more) bacon and maple syrup were a requirement. And again, it tasted amazing. Perfect way to start a busy day.
As we were in Philly, a cheesesteak was a necessity and I had to have the best. We could have had one from anywhere. They were available in most restaurants, diners and food trucks but after doing my research I wanted my first taste of a Philly classic from Pat's King of Steaks. Pat lived up to that claim as the cheesesteak was, up until the very last night of the trip, the best meal I had. I didn't want anything to take away from the cheese and the steak so I had mine 'widout', which means no onions. I think it was a good choice as was having it with cheese wiz instead of provolone or American cheese. Although it is essentially fake, processed cheese and not something I'd usually eat, it tasted great. The cheesesteak brought our all too short time in Philadelphia to a tasty, juicy, cheesy finish.
From Philly we stayed in the State of Pennsylvania but left city life for a few days and went to Lake Ariel. We rented a cottage right on the lake with it's own mini pier and fishing boat. It was idyllic and a welcome change of pace. Unfortunately the weather turned while we were there but still managed to get some time on the water and make use of the barbecue there. Near the cottage was a shop on farmland that reared there own cows and buffalo so we stocked up there. Buffalo burgers and hot dog sausages worked really well on the BBQ, as well as some New York strip steak, which all tasted flame grilled to perfection.
I'm more of a city boy myself and, as beautiful as the lakeside cottage was, I was looking forward to moving on to Boston. I was looking forward to some great seafood, fresh from the harbour, and some good sandwiches, especially from Sam LaGrassa's which I was determined to find! The 'Boston Steak Bomb' sandwich was great. Lots of juicy medium rare steak with roasted peppers on an Italian roll - the best sandwich I have ever had. I also had a side of chowder which, although tasty, was blown out the water by the New England Clam Chowder I had on our final night in Boston. More on that later. We knew that Boston was likely to be our most expensive destination so I thought it would be best to accept it and enjoy, especially when it came to food. The first night there we visited Little Italy and, as much as I love the burgers and the steaks, I was craving something different. I had veal in azzuro, a white wine sauce, and it was just what I needed. Same with everything we had, it was cooked perfectly and the side of spaghetti it was served with was fantastic too.
The Hard Rock Cafe was our destination the next night and despite it obviously being a chain of restaurants, after looking at the menu I decided I wanted my first taste of American BBQ food. I went for the pulled pork sandwich and I couldn't begin to describe how good it was, just fantastic. Tender and juicy, everything I imagined it would be.
On our final night in Boston my and my fiance Emma decided to really push the boat out and so for some seafood. We knew it would be expensive but we also knew it would be some of the freshest you could get anywhere and plumped for the Atlantic Fish Company. This is where I had the best chowder I reckon I could find anywhere. Just perfect, flavourful and complementary, no ingredient overpowered another. Emma went for the 'small' one and a quarter pound lobster and you could just taste the freshness. As I was struggling to choose just one thing from the menu I had the 'Captain's Platter', as massive plate full of fried haddock, clams, shrimp and scallops and it was fantastic. Worth every penny.
I have to be honest, Boston was not the greatest part of the trip. Although it is a lovely city we all felt there was not a lot to do and (as we found a few times) it is a very easy place in which to get lost! The food saved it for me, and would return, maybe just for a day, for some seafood. It really was that good.
From Boston we headed to Brattleboro, Vermont. Our final destination on the trip and there for our friend's wedding, it truly is a beautiful place we will return to one day. I have to be honest, I wasn't expecting a lot from the food there but I am very glad to be wrong thanks to one place - The Top of the Hill Grill. A proper barbecue joint in a great location with mainly outdoor seating, I ate there three times in three days. Chicken, ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, burgers, fajitas, quesadillas, hot dogs and much more, it was the best place I ate in America. The pulled pork in particular was sensational. There's no photos as it never lasted long enough to take one! Brattleboro - I'll be back.
I would be wrong not to give an honourable mention in this blog to Dunkin' Donuts. I expected to see plenty of McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, KFC and Wendy's while in the States but I think we saw more Dunkin's than all of those put together. In the seven states we visited or drove through I estimate, with no exaggeration, we passed about 150 Dunkin' Donuts. We may have also frequented a few too.
All in all, the trip was an amazing experience and I was not let down one little bit by the food. One day I will go back to America and try many other dishes I didn't get a chance to this time. Until then though, memories will have to do. If only you could eat your food memories!
Thanks for reading!
