Delicious Old Fashioned Matzoh Ball Soup At Katz's Deli In Woodbridge, Connecticut

Katz's Deli Has The Best Matzoh Ball Soup In New England
After visiting Katz's Deli Restaurant in Woodbridge, Connecticut, I believe I may have found the best Matzoh Ball Soup in New England.

In fact it may just be one of the best Matzoh Ball soups anywhere in the world. I was returning from a trip to "The Big Apple "(NYC) and was driving on the Merritt Parkway when the idea of stopping at Katz's Deli in Woodbridge, CT (Exit 59) was suggested.

Leaving The Big Apple In Search Of Matzoh Ball Soup

Now this idea is a bit funny, since we had just left NYC a state with probably the most Jewish Deli's in the universe. But we had left "the City" quite full from our BAGEL brunch and needed some driving time to make room for M O R E F O O D . But we didn't want a lot of food, so the idea of "doing soup" made sense.

Judging A Deli By It's Matzoh Ball Soup

Now if you know anything about American Deli's (short for delicatessen).... especially in the Northeast...... if the Matzoh Ball soup is GOOD...you can bet that everything on the menu will be quite satisfactory as well. And as I expected our deli sandwiches were also excellent. (I know I said we were just doing soup). Steve told me that he watched his mom making Matzoh Balls as a kid and the secrets are in his genes!

Kneydlalch Are Matzoh Balls

In Yiddish, Matzoh Balls are known as kneydlach (plural) or knedyl (single). Matzoh Balls are usually served in Chicken Soup and are made from Matzoh Meal and seasonings. While some folks like their Matzoh balls firm and dense, to me the best soups are served with Matzoh Balls that are light and deliciously fluffy. I have heard people refer to Matzoh Balls as
"floaters' or "sinkers". My mom called large , dense Matzoh balls "cannon balls".

Perfect Matzoh Ball Soup

Katz's Deli did everything right...the soup was served HOT...the kneydlach was fluffy, large (tennis ball size) and PERFECT, the carrots were sweet and FRESH, the soup was flavorful without being salty. In summary....the soup was AMAZING. Katz's "small" portion is very generous. The larger two ball option is enough for two people or extra soup the next day at home.

Jewish Penicillin

Matzoh Ball soup (Jewish Penicillin) is popular during the holiday of Passover at the Seder or on Shabbat (Jewish sabbath) or whenever comfort food is desired. For help with making Chicken Soup you might like a website called Feed Me Bubbe. Matzoh Balls can be made "from scratch" or made from already prepared mixes. Look online for recipes and experiment with

Or you can visit Katz's Deli in Woodbridge, Connecticut and have PERFECT Matzoh Ball Soup! I noticed a lot of customers coming in for "take-out soup " as well.

Katz's Deli Restaurant
1658 Litchfield Turnpike
Woodbridge, Connecticut
203-389-5301

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

"Good 2 Go" Is A Retro Cool Place For Hot Summer Take-Out Dinners, Avon Connecticut

"Good 2 Go": Delicious Easy To Travel Meals Retro Style

It's too hot to cook.....so the way to get through this sizzling summer is to dash over to "Good to Go" and have Billy send you home with a great easy to serve take out summer meal. Billy calls his place "comfort food for a busy world".

Of course you know that I only write about places that are are retro cool with great food. And "Good 2 Go " is just that kind of place.

Visiting Old Avon Village

Located in the charming "Old Avon Village" of Avon, Connecticut, "Good To Go" is a cute little eatery decorated in 1950's style. This is quite a change for the Village which evolved from a old fashioned country styled shopping village years ago to a newer "updated" shopping center.

Getting Back That Neighborhood Feeling

"Good 2 Go" makes you feel like you are back in your neighborhood coffee shop, but kicked up a notch with today's version of retro. A slick but casual black and white tiled counter with red Formica and vintage decor make this place a comfy hang-out or adorable place to pick up take -out.

Try The Chopped Salad

My favorite light dinner is Billy's Chopped Salad with Grilled Chicken. Other delicious easy to travel complete meals he makes which are quite good are Grilled Salmon, Stuffed Shells, Lasagna. Most of his entrees are large enough for two people.

A Sampling From Billy's Menu
(in Billy's own words"

Billy's Blue Plate: Open Faced Meatloaf Sandwich - Thick Cut Cheddar Meatloaf with Hunter Style Gravy and Shoestring Fries

Italian Tuna Salad Salad - Our "secret recipe" Italian tuna salad ( no mayo) over crisp romaine, cucumber, grape tomatoes, artichoke hearts, shredded carrot, red onion and house made croutons - topped with Asiago cheese

Cheeseburger Club Sandwich - 8 oz. top sirloin patty with American cheese, Applewood smoked bacon, lettuce and tomato on toasted wheat bread with a side of Cole slaw

Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla- Lightly breaded chicken breast with diced tomato, cherry peppers, shredded carrot, cheddar cheese and tangy buffalo sauce on a Southwest tortilla - salsa and sour cream on the side

My Favorite Grilled Cheese - American and provolone cheeses with honey ham, bacon, sliced tomato and sweet n' hot mustard on over-sized griddled rye bread with a side of tater tots


Good 2 Go
11 East Main Street
Avon, CT.
860-676-8646
C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

East-West Grille In West Hartford Connecticut: Asian Cuisine In A Retro Diner

Delicious Asian Cuisine Served In A Funky Retro Diner

What happens when a Laotian family takes over an old retro diner? You get The East-West Grille, an experiment of Eastern culture in a Western setting. Since the 1940s, there has always been a diner at 526 New Park Avenue in West Hartford, Ct.

In The 1940s, Originally, The Yankee Flyer Diner

But back in the day the "Yankee Flyer Diner' which was brought here from Massachusetts by owner Nicholas Sotirhos was simply an old fashioned eatery where you could get eggs over easy, burger and fries or a BLT and more. The food was fast, comfortable and simple.

Yankee Flyer Diner Replaced in 1960's - Keeps Name

In the 1960s, Nick's son in law (John Kokinis) bought a new diner from New Jersey to replace the original "Yankee Flyer ". John who still flips burgers part time at a local diner (not his) , remembers how his own diner was transported over the George Washington Bridge to its home on New Park Avenue in West Hartford. John's dad owned diners in Hartford in the 1940s.

Manola Sidara, Born In Laos Buys The Diner

John sold the diner in 1989 and The Yankee Flyer has been through many more changes with a few different owners. In 2001, Manola Sidara, born in Laos and raised in Colorado, bought the diner and established a Pan-Asian restaurant which offers a new combination of traditional and "fusion" dishes from Laos, Thailand, China, japan and Vietnam.

While the diner's original turquoise interior is long gone, the current retro style red decor is quite funky and reminiscent of earlier times. And, Manola still serves an American breakfast in the morning and reserves the Eastern menu for for lunch and dinner.

Rave Reviews For The East-West Grille

The East-West Grille has earned rave reviews from diners. Although located in a commercial section of West Hartford (across from Home Dept), the restaurant is superb and worth the visit.
The presentation of the food is exquisite, with lots of attention to detail, garnishing and extremely fresh ingredients. Manola, a professional pastry chef, learned the secrets of Laotian food from her mother, Phet Zamountry. The food is light, flavorful and fairly priced. This restaurant is excellent!


For information and menus visit: http://www.eastwestgrille.com/about/

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Blue Sky Foods: A Clam Shack With Attitude In New Hartford, CT

Key West in New Hartford, Connecticut

Blue Sky Foods is essentially a Key West Clam Shack with attitude! Located in New Hartford, Connecticut, along Route 44, this roadside cafe seems like it should belong down at the shoreline which is over an hour and a half a way.

Funky Eatery For Displaced Beach Bums

In fact, this funky eatery is somewhat of an oddity in a area known for its nearby ski slope (Ski Sundown) and country style shops. It's a rather "beachy" hang out for this New England town which is far from the ocean.

"Kick Back And Relax"

Locals adore this place because they get to kick back and "shoot the breeze" with owners Deb and Mike. If you want to have a little fun and a quick good meal...this is your place. You'll find the menus at the register tucked into a sand pail and Deb ready to take your order. Moments later, Mike is at the grill or in the kitchen and your order is up and ready quite promptly. It seems that you hardly have time to read the boat magazines or play some of the games on your table before your tray of food arrives.

Down The Road from "Kitsch n Stuff"

I'm a frequent flier to Blue Sky Foods, because my shop, "Kitsch and Stuff" is right down the road in The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford. Deb is like me...she adores flea markets and tag sales and has quite a collection of her own displayed throughout the shop. This eatery is stuffed with treasures (for view only) ..

Jimmy Buffet Fans

It is not a secret....Deb and Mike are "Parrot Heads" and you will find Jimmy Buffett music playing and Buffett memorabilia everywhere, as well as all kinds of beach and whimsical collectibles mounted on the walls, hanging from the ceiling, decorating the bathroom...you get the point. I especially like the laid back beach theme.....it's nice to be greeted by a few plastic flamingos when the snow is falling in New England.


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

The Fire Place Wood Fired Pizza And Tap Room: A Trendy Vintage Hot Spot in Downtown Southington, Connecticut

Lunching At "The Fire Place" Wood Fired Pizza

Today's journey took me to The Fire Place Wood Fired Pizza and Tap Room on Center Street in downtown Southington Connecticut. After an afternoon antiquing in nearby Plantsville, I was ready for some dynamite wood fired pizza . Owner John Pucci welcomed me into his four year old restaurant and proudly took me on a tour while my "Classic Margherita" pizza was being made.

Located in a 100 Year Old Building

Like a proud father showing off pictures of the kids, John pulled out a photo album and showed me how he and his dad transformed this 100 year old building into an upscale trendy restaurant. Once home to a cap and hat store and than bootery, this charming old building was completely gutted and re-designed.

Re-Purposing Architectural Elements

The best part of the transformation is that John and his dad were able to salvage many of the architectural elements of the building and incorporate them in the new restaurant. The tables were made from the ceiling beams; the exposed brick wall was uncovered after the plaster was removed and many of the vintage signs found buried in the basement have been framed and mounted throughout the restaurant.

Meet The Polar Plunge Group in The Tap Room

The Tap Room was hopping even though it was late in the afternoon. It seems that a group of charitable folks were coming back from the Fifth Annual Polar Plunge at Camp Sloper, a fundraiser to provide camp scholarships.

Plenty of Ales and Specialty Pizza

There were a lot of smiling diners warming up with 18 beers on tap, wood fired wings, wood fired specialty pizza, personal T.V's and friendly experienced waitstaff. While I dined in The Tap Room, the restaurant has a large dining room as well as outdoor seasonal dining.

Menu Favorites

Wood Fired Wings are popular.....check out Spicy Fired Wings, Smoke House Wings, Fiery Buffalo Wings and more. Specialty Pizza include CB and Bacon, Buffalo Chicken, Veggie, Brooklyn Bridge, Honey Barbecue, South Philly, Verde, Shrimp Scampi, Quattro, Zucchini and more.

Perfect Pizza

My Margherita pizza arrived promptly and it was magnificent. Fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh tomatoes, basil over tomato sauce with a perfect crust. Move over New Haven...the best pizza may actually be in Southington!

The Fire Place
http://www.thefireplacect.com/
44 Center Street
Southington, CT 06489
(860) 620-1234

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.