This semester has been crazy, with intense course load, busy extracurriculars, and meeting many people around campus. I am so glad to be back on my blog and sharing my most recent foodie experiences!
Fortunately, I have had several opportunities to escape school and try some local food in Storrs. Both walking distance and short drives away, there are some decent eats around campus (which may be hard to believe as UConn is kind of in the middle of nowhere, but the pictures below can help prove my point). This good food has been my stress relief and reminds me of home, as I miss being in the kitchen.
Hops 44 is a restaurant/bar very close to campus. They are well known for their pretzel products, including stuffed hot pretzels and pretzel crust flatbreads. I will have to try these next time, because I was in the mood for something different and ordered two a la carte tacos: the best decision ever. The pulled pork taco (back of image) was one of the best tacos I have ever eaten; It was juicy, flavorful, and had a great mix of textures with its toasted soft shell at the perfect crispiness. The chicken taco (front of image) was also tasty, except it was slightly drier. One day I will have to try the brisket taco.
Two good friends chose this restaurant and I am very glad they exposed me to it. I will be sure to go back, try more of the menu, and bring family there. The prices were decent as well, each taco being only $5.
Next on my eating journey in Storrs was the UConn classic, Dog Lane Café. Being the only restaurant downtown with a nice seating environment, it's the place to walk for a nice meal with friends. I went for dinner at the beginning of the semester and got one of the all-day breakfast options (love me a good breakfast for dinner.) This sandwich hit the spot. Egg, avocado, turkey, and cheese on a toasted ciabatta, yum! I was satisfied and when returning to Dog Lane a few weeks later, found myself ordering the same thing.
Don't get me wrong, I go here often for their Spiced Iced Chai Latte: The BEST chai I've tried. They are also well priced at $4 for a small (much cheaper than the campus café chai's and a thousand times better). I owe Dog Lane smoothies and chili a try next time, as many people say these menu items are must tries.
The last of my eating around Storrs that's worth sharing is the Drunken Noodle bowl from Fresh Fork Café, a new establishment with a wide variety of items. This meal with a friend was relaxing, as we were the only people in the restaurant. We went for lunch around 12:30 on a Wednesday so not many people are downtown then.
The noodle bowl came with carrots, snow peas, baby bok choy, sweet chili & tamari soy sauce, and some other seasonings. It was decent but I would not get it again. The taste did not amaze me and the noodles were thick in a way that made then hard to separate. There were also many noodles compared to toppings, making it a poor ratio as I finished the vegetables first.
I returned to Fresh Fork after this experience and got the Asian Chopped salad (not pictured). This did not satisfy, I think because the base was baby bok choy and it was too crunchy, not holding the sesame vinaigrette. I would not spend $11 on this meal again. I will likely try the Café one more time and get a different menu item, such as a flatbread or fried chicken sandwich.
If you're ever new UConn Storrs, or want to visit, try out one of these popular places!