Traditional New England summer foods, such as lobster rolls, clam chowder, blueberry pie, and vanilla ice cream, are classics for a reason — they’re delicious. Explore the wild side and try these foods that offer tradition with a twist.
LOBSTER ICE CREAM
Why decide between two summer classics when they can be combined? One of the most acclaimed treats at Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium, lobster ice cream consists of chunks of cooked crustacean mixed into a butter-flavored base. Ben & Bill’s makes all of its ice cream in-store. 209 Main Street, Falmouth, 508-548-7878, and 66 Main Street, Bar Harbor, Maine, 207-288-3281; benandbills.com
CORN PIZZA
This flavorful dish is a hit with customers at Al Forno in Providence. The local corn is impeccably fresh, picked the same day it goes onto the grilled pizza, which is showered with sliced scallions. 577 South Water Street, Providence, Rhode Island, 401-273-9760, alforno.com
CRAB MAC
Our House Bistro in Vermont offers numerous versions of mac and cheese, from classic lobster to “Nutty New England,” with candied pecans, apple, caramelized onions, and maple syrup. Crab mac includes lump crab meat, tomatoes, baby spinach, and cheese sauce, garnished with snow crab claws. In the summer, the tomatoes and spinach are local. 36 Main Street, Winooski, Vermont, 802-497-1884, ourhousebistro.com
BLUEBERRITINI
If you’re a blueberry enthusiast and craving a cocktail, consider a “Blueberritini” made with Wild Maine Blueberry Syrup from Maine-based Stonewall Kitchen. Visit the company website for the recipe. The pie and pancakes will have to wait. Syrup available at grocery stores and Stonewall Kitchen Company Stores, and from stonewallkitchen.com.
FRIED OYSTER TACOS
Oyster aficionados in search of the next big thing can stop into Midtown Oyster Bar in Newport, where fried oyster tacos are on the weekend lunch menu. The oysters are battered, fried, and served in flour tortillas with cabbage and a remoulade sauce. 345 Thames Street, Newport, Rhode Island, 401-619-4100, midtownoyster.com
TOMATO TART
Savory tomato pie (not to be confused with pizza) is a Southern specialty. SoNo Baking Company & Cafe in Connecticut has its own take. The house-made tomato tart is baked with fontina cheese and black pepper, with two to three tomato slices on top. 101 Water Street, South Norwalk, Connecticut, 203-847-7666, and 49 Tokeneke Road, Darien, Connecticut, 203-309-5401; sonobaking.com
Caroline Szachnowski is a graduate student at Emerson College. Send comments to [email protected].