50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #32

The Hudson Valley foie gras trio at Bernard's, Ridgefield. This lavish appetizer includes foie gras smoked with apple ginger chutney, sauteed with apple cider reducation and "torchon" style with Concord grape gelee.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #31

Amaretto shrimp at Kensington's, The Spa at Norwich Inn, Norwich. Even though you're at a spa, you'll feel like you're splurging on this heavenly appetizer featuring crispy shrimp tossed in a sweet and spicy almond emulsion, with walnut crumbs and microgreens.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #30

A steamed cheeseburger at Ted's, Meriden. this is a central Connecticut specialty that everyone needs to try at least once. The beef and cheddar cheese are steamed in little metal boxes and served on a bulkie roll. At Ted's, the process is on view in its purest form.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #29

Orecchiette Juventine at Trattoria Finalmente, Westport. There's lots of great pasta in Connecticut, but this one's a must: fresh orecchiette sauteed with artichoke hearts, fresh plum tomatoes, prosciutto, wild mushrooms, black truffle paste with garlic and extra virgin olive oil finished with shaved Parmiggiano Reggiano.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #28

Confit de canard at Union League Cafe, New Haven. In the mood for French? Don't miss this classic appetizer featuring boneless duck leg confit, crisp potato galette, Granny Smith apple, walnuts and a watercress salad.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #27

The garlic bread at Michael Jordan's Steakhouse, Mohegan Sun, Uncasville. This is no ordinary garlic bread, oh no, no, no - not even close. This toasty, creamy, transcendent appetizer is made with a Maytag bleu cheese fondue that might make you forget all about the main course.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #26

Apple, walnut and cranberry pancakes at Patty's Restaurant, Litchfield. This is one of those places where it can be incredibly hard to choose what to have for breakfast from the extensive menu (not to mention the specials), but when in doubt, go with the pancakes.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #25

Dover sole at Thomas Henkelmann, Greenwich. The four-star menu changes from time to time, but Dover sole seems to be something you can always count on here. Not long ago, it was poached and filled with saffron mousse and accompanied by lobster medallions in Champagne sauce. More recently, it was Dover sole and sea scallops with fresh pea puree, red wine, shallots and lobster sauce.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #24

Beef brisket on rye at Rein's, Vernon. There never have been very many old-fashioned Jewish delis in Yankee Connecticut, but Rein's has been in Vernon since 1972 (a good sign) and its sandwiches, and other specialty dishes, meet and exceed every possible test.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #23

French toast at O'Rourke's Diner, Middletown. One morning, early, make the trip to the legendary O'Rourke's for a big breakfast of French toast - and be sure it's prepared with the diner's justly famous Irish soda bread.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #22

Tomato salad at West Street Grill. Among the many treasures to be had at West Street are these locally grown heirloom tomatoes served on a plate sprinkled with fleur de sel, drizzled with the best virgin olive oil, topped with fresh basil leaves and accompanied by a thick slice of homemade peasant bread. A gift of the season.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #21

Caesar salad at Carbone's, Hartford. For those who crave the old-school presentation, this is it: laboriously prepared tableside, with fork-mashed fresh garlic, olive oil, assiduously emulsified anchovies, Tabasco, mustard, a squeeze of lemon, Parmesan cheese, romaine, croutons and, yes, a raw egg.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #20

Paella negra at Ibiza, New Haven. Tuesday night is paella night at Ibiza, with a special menu served only then. This spectacular dish (which needs to be ordered by at least two at your table) includes squid ink rice, Spanish prawns, shrimp, mussels, squid, clams, day-market fish and herbs.

50 Dishes to Try Before You Die - #19

Italian combo grinder at Nardelli's, Waterbury and Naugatuck. Get back to the roots of the whole grinder thing with this original beauty, circa 1922: prosciuttini, cappicola, salami and provolone, with lettuce, tomato, olives and hot sauce.