The Everyday Joe

Iron strengthens Iron in Poughkeepsie - Daily Planet, 1202 Route 55, Lagrangeville, NY

Just north of Poughkeepsie is a diner that was featured on the Food Network and Travel Channel.  They also have a location in Brewster, NY.  In fact, the entire Hudson Valley is filled with former culinary school students opening little restaurants and diners with their own take on dining. That makes keeping interest in your food a bit more daunting around there, especially if you are in the diner business.  

The Daily Planet American Diner in Lagrangeville - a suburb of Poughkeepsie, if such a thing exists - has risen to the challenge and has a menu filled with healthy, interesting, and tasty combinations that, in my opinion, exceed the offerings of it's more famous competitors in the region.

Italian in vast quantities: Sunshine Restaurant, 152 Route 202 (Lincolndale Plaza), Lincolndale NY

A couple of quick additions this morning to catch up.  First up, Sunshine Restaurant.

Tucked into a shopping center that looks like it would house a dentist, insurance office, and VFW hall, the Sunshine Restaurant is easy to miss.  But I was hungry and on the lookout, and am very, very glad it caught my eye.

Old favorites with a twist: Fireworks Restaurant, 73 Main St., Brattleboro, VT

If you ever want to know why people consider Vermont to be a far left, hippy filled, 'progressive' haven, then you should come to Brattleboro.  The wife and I spent Labor Day hiking in the area, and had the opportunity to try a wide variety of local restaurants.

The reviews were not all good, and of all the meals, only two really stood out enough for recommendation - with Fireworks as a great place to start.

Bear and Grill - 385 Boston Post Road, Orange, CT

Found a good one!  The Bear and Grill in Orange, Ct, was a last minute decision - it was late, raining, and the mother lives nearby, so we decided to stop for dinner. 

What we found was surprisingly good for what may be a regional chain (I've never seen one before, but will keep an eye out).  I had an herb roasted chicken and mashed potatoes, the wife went with an awesome prime rib (thick, rare, and juicy, with a nice crust), the stepdad had salmon, and the mother unit went with ribeye.  

None of us walked away hungry, and all plates were empty.

Sea Witch Restaurant and Oyster Bar, Rt 1 North, Peabody, MA

Since I stopped in for lunch, I didn't go too crazy at the Sea Witch, opting for the fish and chips and a half dozen oysters on the half shell.   But the meal was great, the atmosphere very old school New England fish house, and the service good.

The strange man who decided to sit in the next booth past mine, facing me, in an otherwise empty restaurant (I get up early and often eat lunch around 11 - 11.30 to beat the rush, or wait until later for the same reason) made the experience a bit surreal.  

Fish House and Grill, 184 Cambridge St., Burlington, MA

In a strip mall, behind a gas station, is a nice place to get a quick lunch or dinner.  Not cheap, but not expensive either, the Fish House and Grill has some good things going for it.

The first is selection - a wide variety of fish, fresh lobster, the ubiquitous steak tips of New England - no iced tea, which is always a disappointment - and a casual atmosphere.

I had the swordfish and steak tips, with rice and sauteed snow peas.  It was all good, served hot and fast, and while it's pretty no frils on the service end - order at the counter and they bring it to you at the table - it was a good, filling dinner for about 20 bucks.

Rosy Tomorrow's - 15 Old Mill Plain Rd., Danbury, CT

Tucked back behind a row of trees, you'll only see Rosy's when you are heading west on Old Mill Plain, or after the leaves have fallen.  But it's well worth finding.

Their selection is astounding.  I had a rare burger of fresh ground tuna, while the wife had a turkey burger and our other guests had a pasta dish and a big salad.

The Phoenician, 623 French Road, New Hartford, NY

Just across from Utica College, The Phoenician has a welcome sight for any traveler looking for a good meal or, if your timings is right, a high-quality lunch buffet. 

The spread featured a good selection of cold  and hot foods - falafel, stuffed grape leaves, salad, olives, feta, hummus, fresh tomatoes, yogurt sauce, 3 soups, rice pilaf, a spicy chicken in red sauce, three meats cooked kabob style - that filled two (ok, maybe three) plates nicely.  

But the real highlight of the meal was the iced tea, brewed with mint and cinnamon for a taste I'll be trying on my own at home.