Boy, I don't know whether you're aware of this, but there's a state along the East Coast called Connecticut where I've heard they have some great places for hot dogs. Near Bridgeport, for instance, there's a place alled Merrit Canteen that's not too shabby.
Also to be found in Connecticut are things called lobster rolls. Now these aren't the lobster salad things one gets up in Maine or in New York. These are the real things, invented, so to speak, by a guy name Perry in Milford. Hot lobster pieces in butter and served on a hot dog bun -- usually a split-top bun that's been buttered and toasted.
And then there's this stuff known as apizza. There used to be a great spot in that Bridgeport place that was called Jerry's, but as it's long gone you likely never heard of it. Still in existence, however in New Haven are a few great spots. There's Frank Pepe's, where every kid should get to burn his or her palate on a hot pie as I did when I was 4 years old (a little before the Stone Age). Close by is Sally's which was Frank Sinatra's favorite pizzeria, and has been run by cousins of mine since the the first half of the last century. And then there's a place called The Spot, which is now owned by Pepe's, but is stuill pretty great. Every little girl should get to have some of the Foxon Park soda at Pepe's.
All in all, I think you and your 11 year old will find Connecticut an interesting place with some pretty good regional specialties.
Have a grand time.
I'm expectting to be up there come October, so ...
<message edited by Michael Hoffman on Wed, 08/31/11 3:36 PM>
