Mike Urban Libros

150 recipes from the best seafood markets in New England.

From hot dogs to haute cuisine, Connecticut boasts an impressive array of tempting delicacies for every taste and budget. Hot, buttered lobster rolls, steamed cheeseburgers, and coal-fired New Haven-style pizza are just a few of the delights that await adventurous foodies in the Nutmeg State. With Unique Eats and Eateries of Connecticut as your guide, you’ll find a new place to try on every page and get the stories behind the food too. Bask in the warmth of the Connecticut shore at Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough, where three generations of the Mears family slow steam and serve lobsters on sunny picnic tables along the waterfront. Find out why O’Rourke’s Diner in Middletown was supported by its community and the Wesleyan students who love it after a devastating fire threatened to put them out of business in 2006. Get a taste of Yale life at the high-ceilinged Union League Café, where Chef Jean-Pierre Vuillermet wows diners with his ever-changing French brasserie menu. And if you love reading and eating, be sure to learn about the free books with your meal at Traveller Restaurant. Local writer Mike Urban takes you on a tour around this culinary wonderland to explore eats and eateries that are both familiar and exotic. Come along on this fascinating tour of Connecticut’s most unique, unusual, and enjoyable food spots where there’s a delightful culinary revelation around every corner.

Exploring the rich history of diners in New England, particularly Rhode Island, this cookbook showcases the unique charm and culinary offerings of these beloved local establishments. It highlights classic dishes such as corned beef hash and clam chowder, while also featuring innovative menu items like Lobster Chow Mein and Butterscotch Indian Pudding. Each recipe reflects the distinctive character of these diners, celebrating their role as cherished community eateries that continue to attract loyal customers with both traditional and contemporary fare.

The state of Maine punches way above its weight class when it comes to culinary adventures. There's so much to explore and experience in Maine's unique food landscape, and Unique Eats and Eateries of Maine is just what you need to experience the most interesting, unusual, and unforgettable places that Maine has to offer. You'll get an authentic look at some of Maine's finest restaurants, like Le Mu Eats in Bethel where chef and owner Sa Sengsavang whips up Laotian and Southern cuisine reflecting his Southeast Asian and Virginia roots. Check out the lobster roll at the Clam Shack in Kennebunk, one of the most lauded and award-winning rolls in the world. Or motor up to Milbridge, a colorful restaurant that began life in a converted bus serving Mexican fare to migrant workers in nearby blueberry fields. Whether it's unexpected ingredients, oversized favorites, or dishes you can only find in Maine, you'll find something for every palate and more along with the inspiring stories behind the menus. Let award-winning food and travel writer Mike Urban be your guide to the most interesting, unusual, and unique places for stellar food experiences in the Pine Tree State.