New England Specialties
diners
The history of the American diner began in Providence in 1872 when a food cart outside of a newspaper started it all. At the end of the 19th century the Worcester Lunch Car Co. in MA designed a horse drawn diner on wheels that could take care of up to 20 customers. The classic diner motif that we all have came to know came about during the 1950's and many have this same vibe today. Some of the most well known New England diners include Modern Diner in Pawtucket, RI, The Maine Diner in Wells, ME, O'Rourkes Diner in Middletown, CT, The Capitol Diner in Lynn, MA, The Peterborough Diner in Peterborough, NH, & The Chelsea Royal Diner in West Brattleboro, VT.
apple cider donuts
Apple cider donuts are a harvest tradition during Autumn in New England and get their flavor from cinnamon, nutmeg & apple cider used in the batter. They are sometimes covered in cinnamon and/or granulated sugar depending on the baker's preference. Some of the tastiest apple cider donuts can be found at Atkins Farm in Amherst, MA, Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, CT, Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury Center, VT, Cider Bellies Donuts at Moulton Farm in Meredith, NH, & the modern take from The Holy Donut in Portland, ME
fried clams
Over 100 years ago it's said that the first clams were fried up by Lawrence “Chubby” Woodman at his roadside stand in Essex, MA. Woodman's of Essex is still serving up these delicious fried clams to this day and remains the classic, Other notable New England spots to enjoy them at include Bob’s Clam Hut in Kittery, ME, Mac's Shack in Wellfleet, MA, Blount Clam Shack in Warren, RI, Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale in Madison, CT.
new england clam chowder
New England clam chowder is defined as "a thick chowder made from clams, potatoes, onions, sometimes salt pork, and milk or cream." With many New England establishments offering this regionally named item,
Captain Parker's Pub in West Yarmouth, MA stands out as topping many best of lists. Other notables include Cape Neddick Lobster Pound, Cape Neddick, ME, Noah's Restaurant in Stonington, CT & Legal Sea Foods all over Massachusetts.
dunkin donuts
William Rosenberg founded Dunkin Donuts in 1950 in Quincy, MA and started selling franchises to others in 1955. Although the chain now has over 10,000 locations, including 3,000+ worldwide, headquarters still resided in Massachusetts and the brand will forever be known as a New England fixture.
pumpkin pie
The Pilgrims brought pumpkin pie back to New England and the first published recipes appears in Amelia Simmons's book American Cookery, which was printed in Connecticut in 1796. After the Civil War, the pumpkin pie was resisted in southern states as a symbol of Yankee culture imposed on the south. Today it has become a universal standard to be served as dessert following Thanksgiving Dinner, but it's roots can be traced back to early New England beginnings.