“The Interrobang !?” — yes, that punctuation is an interrobang, and part of the name — is a quirky website that scours the country looking for interesting, offbeat places to visit.
Recently, Connecticut’s number came up.
Though, the site said, our state is “usually thought of as just the Gateway to New England,” it actually might be “our most underrated food destination in the country.”
Lest we forget, “The Interrobang!?” says the Nutmeg State is home to
- pizza– some of the best in the nation
- great hot dog joints
- homemade ice cream
- a coastline with great seafood
- the nation’s first Hamburger
- and a long list of amazing farm to table restaurants.
Sadly, though, when the website listed specific places to visit, none of our pizza, hot dog, seafood or burger spots made the list.
We did manage 2 listings under “Other Great Local Restaurants.” (One is not, strictly speaking, a restaurant. But it is great.)
“The Interrobang!?” cites Dressing Room:
Our first pick is Paul Newman’s place. This adorable country restaurant is tucked behind a local institution, the Westport Country Playhouse, and that would be a destination in itself even if the Dressing Room wasn’t on the premises….
You’ll find a brightly lit, comfortable and incredibly inviting spot, often with live music blaring from the door. Nothing here is pretentious and everything is completely shareable. Comfort food meets creative, and it’s all very local. The oysters are amazing, local cheeses and hand cured meats, mini burgers, mini meatloaf, Pork Belly Mac n Cheese and it’s all done in harmony with Paul Newman’s food philosophies including his commitment to neighborly hospitality, local, natural and organic ingredients and regional American heirloom food.
The not-really-a-restaurant is Coffee An’. “Interrobang!?” says:
It’s a tiny little coffee shop-slash-diner. It’s as cute as a button. It’s family owned and run by the nicest people this side of the Mississippi. And it’s everything that people miss about those “old days.”
They’ve also got a wall lined with photos of politicians, dignitaries and other assorted celebrities.
Why? The donuts. You’ve probably been settling for chain-store donuts for so long that you’ve long forgotten what a donut is supposed to taste like. Go to Coffee An’ and it will all come rushing back. Don’t expect a wall full of choices here though, there are only a few options. Take our advice, don’t mess around — go straight for the chocolate glazed.
I’m sure “06880” readers don’t think our dining options begin and end with the Dressing Room and Coffee An’.
If “The Interrobang!?” ever comes through town again, where would you send them? Click “Comments” — and give culinary details!
