Anthony’s CF Pizza, Darien

Posted on August 19, 2014 by youngandstarved

I tried Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza in Darien for the first time this past weekend and I really enjoyed it!

They’re known for their wings (didn’t try them on this visit), salads, and their ‘well done’ pizza. This is great since I usually ask for my pizzas well done anyway!

My friend and I split a family size ‘Anthony’s Classic Italian Salad” and you can choose mozzarella or gorgonzola cheese – we chose mozzarella. The salad comes with red onions, tomatoes, hardboiled eggs, chick peas, and olives – with their house dressing. The cheese was served separately in a small container. If you like cheese – and I REALLY do – you’ll need to ask for a 2nd container…especially if you order the family size! We could’ve easily eaten 3 containers worth (again, we’re cheese lovers) but 2 was enough. All the ingredients were fresh and the dressing was light and not overpowering. The salad was very good and I would definitely order it again!

Onto the pizza!

We split a large pie – half pepperoni and half prosciutto & onion. So delicious! The prosciutto was perfectly fresh and the onions were not raw but sauteed and very flavorful. I have to say I favored the pepperoni though 🙂 Although the crust was very crispy and delicious, the middle of our pizza wasn’t as ‘well done’ as I would’ve liked- but the flavor was there and I won’t be a stickler about it. I very much enjoyed my pizza and I honestly can’t wait to go back! I think next time I’ll do a small pepperoni pie – that way it’s guaranteed to be crispy in the middle!

Behold the yumminess below…

Half Pepperoni & Half Prosciutto & Onion

Prosciutto & Onion Slice

In addition to their Darien location, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza has locations in New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania & Florida. Definitely check them out if there’s a location near you!

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza

319 Post Road, Darien, CT

203-655-2625

Sunday – Thursday 11:30 – 10:00
Friday & Saturday 11:30 – 11:00

www.acfp.com

Obligatory Shake Shack Post

Posted on August 2, 2014 by youngandstarved

It’s no secret that Shake Shack is pretty awesome…

My go-to order is a Shack burger with pickles, cheese fries, and the Shack-ago dog. Although the Smoke Shack burger is competing for my favorite…see below!

After a full meal of cheese fries, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, trying what other people ordered, etc – I’m usually too full get a shake! I know, I know, I have to step up my game. BUT I have gotten the ‘Fair Trade’ shake – which is a coffee shake made with 100% certified organic Arabica fair trade beans. So delicious. I like to get it with chocolate ice cream 🙂

What’s your favorite shake/ice cream/custard?

PRO MEAL TIP: (If you really love cheese) Ask for cheese on the side. Why? Because who wouldn’t want to dip their fries, cheeseburger, hot dogs, and God knows what else in MORE cheese. They gave me a side of cheese once because they forgot it on my fries, and now I’ll never go back! Enjoy some of my Shake Shack visits below…

Smoke Shack Burger – Cheeseburger topped with applewood smoked bacon, chopped cherry peppers, & Shack sauce

Shack Burgers, Cheese Fries, Shack-ago Dogs

Shack Burger, Cheese Fries, Shack-ago Dog

Shack Burger – Cheeseburger topped with lettuce, tomato, Shack sauce (and you gotta add pickles)

What’s your go-to Shake Shack combination?

The Capital Grille (Restaurant Week – Lunch)

Posted on August 24, 2013 by youngandstarved

230 Tresser Blvd Stamford, CT 06901 – (203) 967-0000

I’ve been to The Capital Grille numerous times for restaurant week in the past, but only for dinner (recommendations below). I decided to go for lunch because I saw that they had a cheeseburger on the menu and I’m always up for trying a new burger! For their lunch special, $20.13 gets you a salad, an entree, and a dessert. Anyone who is familiar with Capital Grille’s prices knows that $20.13 is a steal for lunch. See their Restaurant Week Menu HERE!

Capital Grille Signature Cheeseburger: A blend of Chopped Sirloin, Smoked Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and Sweet Onion with Truffle Fries

Capital Grille Signature Cheeseburger: A blend of Chopped Sirloin, Smoked Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickles & Sweet Onion with Parmesan Truffle Fries

While I do think that the cheeseburger was very good, it’s not the best I’ve had. I think I expected it to be a bit different and maybe more original – but I suppose bacon, lettuce, and tomato appeals to most of the population. Don’t get me wrong – I LOVE the BLT combo, but it’s been better at other restaurants. The meat was deliciously tender & seasoned and the truffle fries were AMAZING. A good burger – but I would rather have had another dish. I had their caesar salad & their chocolate ice cream as well – both were satisfying. The WOW factor for me was the parmesan truffle fries – definitely the star of the meal.

I’ve been dying to try their Wagyu Cheeseburger, which is supposed to be phenomenal! I did not see it on the regular menu online or restaurant week menu and was a little disappointed. Perhaps it’s a special? Or maybe they only offer it at specific locations? The Wagyu burger is served on a Brioche roll with Havarti cheese and a sunny side up egg & crispy onions. Now THAT sounds like a burger! Their signature burger is definitely worth a taste though!

If you’re going to the Capital Grille in Stamford for restaurant week (dinner), I absolutely recommend their Bone-In Dried Aged Sirloin & Filet Mignon for an entree. Both are ridiculously good and I often have trouble deciding which one to choose. I do enjoy their Creme Brulee for dessert as well. I’ll be going back to CG for dinner next week so I’ll be updating this article with some pictures. Oh, and their Lobster Mac & Cheese is to die for – probably the best I’ve had 🙂

What do you recommend from The Capital Grille?

Smorgasburg @ Williamsburg

Posted on August 10, 2013 by youngandstarved

http://www.smorgasburg.com

“Smorgasburg happens in two locations every weekend: Saturdays at East River State Park—Kent Ave. and N. 7 St.—on the Williamsburg waterfront; and Sundays on the DUMBO waterfront at the historic Tobacco Warehouse in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Both locations are open from 11am to 6pm, and feature packaged and prepared foods, beverages, and more from purveyors from New York City and across the region, for a total of 75-100 vendors. The markets are always open rain or shine.”

Smorgasburg is by far heaven on earth for people who love food. There are bite sized/full sized eats along with vegan/gluten free options. A list of the food vendors is on the website. It’s very overwhelming at first, so it’s a good idea to get there early and get a game plan going. You really do need a game plan though, especially if you plan on stuffing your face and getting as much food as possible.

I went to the Williamsburg location, which is gorgeous and right on the water at East River State Park. Get there early. I went today, Saturday, and got there at about 1pm and the lines were okay. Most places didn’t have much of a wait, but there were a few places that I WISH I had waited in line for. But let’s get on to what I did have…

Braised Pork Belly from Bite Size Kitchen

I started off the Smorgasburg visit with these pork belly buns and they were amaaazing. It came with braised pork belly, cucumbers, scallions, hoisin, and pickled jalapenos. It definitely had a kick to it! The bun was super doughy and soft and the crunch on the inside from the cucumbers and jalapenos balanced everything out. I need to try the others! After the day was done I wanted to go back and get more, but I was at capacity. Look at the menu for Bite Size Kitchen here.

Parmesan Truffle Fries from Home Frite

A must have! These were insanely fantastic. It was between these Parmesan Truffle fries or the Bacon Cheddar fries, and these did not disappoint! The fries were crispy and not too oily, and sooo flavorful. Check out Home Frites here! They’re so good that I almost with I didn’t share it with anyone else. But then I suppose I wouldn’t have been able to try more things. Next up…

Bacon with Maple Glaze from Brooklyn Cured

Maple Bacon Sticks from Landhaus

Bacon lovers only! This was sprinkled with paprika and topped with a maple glaze. I ate most of it, and it really was delicious, but there was a good amount of fat on there that I just didn’t feel like eating haha. But nonetheless extremely tasty! Check out Landhaus here!

Dan Dan noodles from Noodle Lane

These noodles were phenomenal. The dan dan noodles consist of egg noodles with savory sauce, pork, sprouts, scallions, veggies, and chili oil. You can get different degrees of heat such as mild, medium, hot and spicy. I got medium and I have to say it was a little spicier than I would have liked, but in no way did it affect it’s deliciousness. Another must have, the noodles go down so easily 🙂 Visit Noodle Lane here!

Chocolate Nutella Ice Cream Sandwich from The Good Batch

Cocoa waffle cookie, Nutella buttercream, toasted hazelnuts, & chocolate ice cream. I mean obviously it’s good! This cookie sandwich is the biggest I’ve had and did not disappoint. I just wish my stomach was as big as my eyes! Visit the Good Batch here!

Overall, I’d say my first trip to Smorgasburg was a success! I was not disappointed with one thing, only the fact that I couldn’t get more! Next time I’m ABSOLUTELY having the Ramen Burger from Go Ramen, Red Hook Lobster Pound, Asia Dog, and Mighty Quinn’s BBQ to name a few… The line for Mighty Quinn’s was ridiculously long the whole time I was there. I’m going to have to go when it opens just to get a brisket sandwich because they’re obviously that good.

What do you recommend from Smorgasburg?

Helen’s Luncheonette – Stamford, CT

Posted on July 31, 2013 by youngandstarved

320 Hope Street, Stamford, CT – (203) 323-7571

Mon – Sat, 5:30am – 3pm

If you want home-style cooking, go to Helen’s. One of my favorite places to get breakfast! They have delicious omelettes, sandwiches, salads, and more! It’s a simple place and I appreciate that. Owners are very friendly – I wish they were still open on Sundays!

I usually get an omelette with some sort of combo of cheese (usually feta), onions, spinach, & tomato. I always ask for my potatoes crispy! And of course you have to have a breakfast meat, both their bacon and sausage are amazing. Sometimes I have to get both. If I’m feeling insatiable, (which is more common than not) I share a short stack of pancakes with whoever I’m with.

I’ve also tried their burgers and they’re good! But it’s homestyle cooking – so don’t expect a five guys burger! Fries and coleslaw that come with it are also enjoyable! DO get their bacon or ham egg & cheeses as well.

Enjoy some breakfast pictures below!

Elevation Burger – Rye Brook, NY

Posted on July 31, 2013 by youngandstarved

http://www.elevationburger.com

100% Organic, 100% Grass-Fed, 100% Free-Range, 100% Ground-on-Site Beef Burgers; Fresh Fries Cooked in 100% Heart-Healthy Olive Oil; Fresh-Scooped Shakes and Malts; and Fresh-Baked Cookies.

Menu HERE!

My standard

The Elevation Burger (Double meat, double cheese) with bacon, “original” toppings (elevation sauce, pickles, lettuce, tomato), raw or caramelized onion (depends on my mood), ketchup, and mayo.
Side of fries
Chocolate shake with oreo cookies

Everything is amazing. Tender, juicy meat. Great toppings. Honestly one of my favorite burgers. Fries are good too. I love that you can get your burgers wrapped in lettuce if you’re going low carb!

Here are some pics from various visits!

Check their website for locations!

It ain’t easy, bein cheesy

Posted on July 28, 2013 by youngandstarved

Melt Mobile – Stamford/Greenwich, CT

Posted on July 28, 2013 by youngandstarved

Check their Facebook page for location details.

http://meltmobilect.com

Melt Mobile in Veteran’s Park – Stamford, CT

SPECIALTY SANDWICHES

Original Melt – House blend of Tillamook Cheddar, Gruyere,Monterey Jack on Country White Bread.
The Insanewich – A grilled 6oz Angus burger with Bacon, shredded Lettuce, chopped Tomatoes and Melt Sauce between 2 Originals.
Meatball 3 Cheese Squeeze – Diana’s Meatballs in Marinara, Fresh Mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, Parmigiano Reggiano and Fresh Basil on Tuscan Bread.
The Pork – U – Pine – Tillamook Cheddar, bbq pulled Pork, caramelized Onions, and sliced Dill Pickles on buttery grilled Country White.
The Svelte Melt(350 Cal) – Lowfat Jarlsberg, oven roasted Turkey, Roma Tomatoes, whole grain Honey Mustard grilled on a 7 Grain.
Montecristo – Herb baked Country Ham, farm fresh Turkey, house Cheese blend [Cheddar\Gruyere\Jack] on Challah Bread dipped in French Toast battered and grilled, sprinkled with powdered Sugar and served with Mixed Berry Preserves.
The Caprese – Fresh mozzarella, Prosciutto di Parma, fire roasted peppers, tomato, arugula and pesto aioli on kalamata olive bread.
The Strawberry Supreme Melt -Fresh Strawberries, Nutella and Vanilla infused Mascarpone on crunchy Tuscan Bread dusted with powdered Sugar.
The Fluffernutter – Caramelized Bananas, Marshmallow Fluff, Belgian Chocolate and Peanut Butter on crunchy Tuscan Bread dusted with powdered Sugar.

ADD ON’S

Apple Wood Smoked Bacon
Vine Ripe Tomatoes
Caramelized Onions
Sauteed Wild Mushrooms

I’ve tried the original & added caramelized onions, the meatball grilled cheese, and the pork – u – pine…loved them all!

Meatball and Co. Darien, CT

Posted on July 26, 2013 by youngandstarved

20 Center Street/23 Tokeneke Rd Darien, CT

http://meatballandcompany.com

The menu can be a little overwhelming at first…but I love that you can customize most items! I can’t steer away from the meatball sliders (you pick a meat & sauce). So far, I’ve been to Meatball & Co. 3 times & I haven’t been disappointed yet! Below is everything that I’ve tried & loved!

Slider – Spicy pork meatball w/ Cheesy goodness sauce
Slider – Beef meatball w/ Tomato sauce
Slider – Buffalo chicken meatball w/ Bleu Cheese sauce (my personal favorite, but it’s a special!)
Slider – Chicken meatball w/ Pesto sauce
Side of Rigatoni
Side of Roasted Asparagus (I believe this was the daily veggie special)
Side of their House Salad
Mixed greens Mozzarella Bacon Tomato red onion and mustard vinaigrette (Daily Salad Special)

Meatball & Co. – Darien, CT

They also have NOT JUST daily meatball specials; but other specials as well – They update their Facebook page daily to let people know what’s up for the day/week.

Meatball & Co. doesn’t stop at meatball sliders – you can get a meatbowl (4 meatballs, pick your sauce, pick your bread); meatball sandwiches; cookies; ice cream sandwiches; floats; beer/wine etc.. They have also just recently added Gluten Free meatballs (available most days). Overall, I have nothing but good things to report about Meatball & Co. – a great addition to the area & after a few visits I know I’ll be a regular!

Buffalo Chicken Sliders & Daily Salad Special!

Daily Salad Special & Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Posted on July 25, 2013 by youngandstarved

young and starved

in food there is truth.

Tag Archives: cheese