New England dining >>> What New Englanders like to order when eating out

by Eric H.

Restaurants can't hit a "home run" every time out. Have a unforgettable, mouthwatering meal one time and the next time another menu item pales in comparison. Sometimes, the simple meals outshine the more ambitious dishes and vice versa. It's all trial and error, at a cost.

Like a greatest hits package, our staff brings you the best of

New England restaurant dishes. Visit this page often, as staff and reader feedback will offer you a constant flow and updating of dining information. If you have a favorite New England meal at a restaurant, please e-mail us with your favorite meal (include your name or initials, and town), and we'll consider it for publication.

Roast Half Duckling, Clay Hill Farm, Cape Neddick, Maine -- This ambitious version of Crispy duck features blueberry-molasses sauce with real mashed potatoes. It's so phenomenal, not even the hearty portion they serve is enough. Clay Hill Farm is set in a quaint, rambling farmhouse, perfect for that special, romantic night out. Clay Hill Farm, 220 Clay Hill Rd., Cape Neddick (York), Maine, Tel. (207) 361-2272

Smoked Mozzarella and Basil Ravioli, Vanilla Bean Cafe, Pomfret, Conn. -- Pungent, cheesy and addictive, this one-of-a kind ravioli is topped with a spicy cream sauce, asparagus, roasted red peppers and served with a delicious asiago cheese bread. The Vanilla Bean Cafe is set within a cozy, beautifully restored 1840s farmhouse, located in Pomfret, Conn., one of New England's most attractive "village green" communities. The Vanilla Bean Cafe, Corner of Routes 44, 169, and 197, Pomfret, Conn., Tel. (860)-928-1562

Black Diamond Steak, Western Hotel, Burrillville, R.I. -- This mildly, spiced, tender sirloin comes in a single or double serving and ranks right up there with the best steak house steaks. The difference is, this is no high-end, expensive restaurant: the Western Hotel is located in old lonesome-looking, craggy long wooden building with a second floor balcony spanning the entire width of the building, an untamed dirt parking lot, a small air conditioner almost falling out a first floor window, a "specials" sign with nothing listed on it, and a straightforward brown "pizza and tavern" sign. Western Hotel Pizza and Tavern, 610 Douglas Ave., Burrillville, R.I. Tel. (401) 568-6253

Maple Ribs, Parker's Maple Barn, Mason, N.H. -- The thought of combining maple syrup with a half rack of succulent ribs is mouthwatering. Parker's follows through on its promise with the best tasting ribs dishes we've sampled in New England. Parker's is located in the middle of nowhere in a rustic, but very clean and pleasant dining rooms. Parker's Maple Barn, 1316 Brookline Road, Mason, N.H. Tel. (603) 878-2308

Seafood All' Apassionata, Rossi's Restaurant, Millis, Mass. -- Featuring fresh linguine sauteed with lobster, shrimp and scallops, tossed with bacon, plum tomatoes, garlic, butter and ripe olives, this dish surpasses many of the quality offerings from restaurants in Boston's famed North End Italian neighborhood. Rossi's atmosphere is wonderful, too, set in an elegant 1880s estate with upstairs and downstairs dining in small, but charming rooms. , 270 Exchange St. Millis, Mass. Tel. (508) 376-4995

Lobster Roll, Markey's, Seabrook, N.H. -- Packed with quality lobster meat (not mayonaisse dominated), Markey's serves the elusive, authentic lobster roll at a price that won't break the bank. Add a large family style dining room and pleasant outdoor dining overlooking the water and marsh land and you have a classic New England seaside seafood (large) shack. Markey's Lobster Pool, Route 286, Seabrook, N.H. Tel. (603) 474-2851. SEASONAL

Shed Burger, The Shed, Stowe, Vt. -- This large, attractive, popular Stowe landmark serves the incredible Shed Burger, soaked in beer, enhanced with spices and served on an English muffin. One serving is substantial, but just doesn't seem enough as the taste begs for another burger. The Shed 1859 Mountain Rd. (Route 108), Stowe, VT. Tel. (802) 253-4364

Berched Chicken, Ma Glockner's, Bellingham, Mass. -- One of the most delicious chicken preparations on the planet, berched chicken is parboiled in seasonings and the finished on a flattop grill. The result is a 1/2 chicken that us crispy on the outside, with juices remaining intact on the inside. Regarding Ma Glockner's, it is a throwback restaurant (established in 1937) with large, family-style dining rooms and friendly service. Ma Glockner's, 151 Maple St., Bellingham, Mass. Tel. (508) 966-1085

Forest Berry Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream, Anne's Lakeview Farms, Bellingham, Mass. -- Forest berry consists of a blackberries, raspberries and strawberries in a freshly made pie crust. The accompanying vanilla ice cream from Bliss Brothers Farms in Attleboro, Mass., is rich and flavorful. Amazing! Lakeview Farms has a medium sized dining room, an ice cream stand, a goat farm, and amazing turkey dinners, but save room for the terrific Forest Berry pie. Anne's Lake View Farm, 1048 South Main Street (Route 126,) Bellingham, Mass., Tel. (508)883-5003

Swordfish, Barker Tavern, Scituate, Mass. -- By far, the best swordfish we've sampled in a region serving great swordfish. Seasoned with bread crumbs and served cajun or grilled, the Barker Tavern gets this dish done right every time, as the taste and tenderness is well known and savored by locals. The Barker Tavern is located in a beautifully restored home, one of the oldest in the area. The romantic, candle lit atmosphere and attentive service make the Barker Tavern a great special "date" place. Barker Tavern, 21 Barker Road, Scituate MA, Tel. 781-545-6533

Clam Chowder, Vello's, Westwood, Mass. -- Vello's clam chowder proves that you don't have to travel to Maine to get this traditional taste of New England -- it's the thickest and most flavorful we've ever sampled. Call ahead, the clam chowder is not served everyday at this informal, friendly dining room with an open kitchen. Vello's, 79 High St., Westwood, Tel. (781) 461-2440

Lobster Bisque, Inn on the Blues, York Beach, Maine -- This quirky, loud seaside restaurant/bar is known for its entertainment menu (lots of great blues music), but equally impressive is its delicious lobster bisque. The lobster taste is hearty and plentiful, with the correct balance of the beloved New England shellfish and spices. This is a great restaurant, offering quality seafood (including lobster), a raw bar, salads, steaks, pasta, burgers, sandwiches, and many beer and wine selections. Inn on the Blues, 7 Ocean Ave York, Maine, Tel. (207) 351-3221

Seafood Alfresco, Morin's, Attleboro, Mass. -- White wine and saffron flavorings add a special quality to an ample serving of shrimp, scallops, clams and calamari and fresh vegetables over pasta. This is one of VisitingNewEngland.com's all time favorite mouthwatering meals, one we can't get enough of, at this historic restaurant with comfortable dining rooms, diner, tavern and bar all under one roof. 16 S Main St., Attleboro, Mass., Tel. (508) 222-9875