Long tiring journeys require hearty meals to make it through the day. If you are taking a trip on the American East Coast, luckily, there are a number of classics on offer to whet your appetite. As you make your way from New England to Maryland make sure you try these delicacies.
- Lobster Roll
There is no better place to try lobster than from the place where it’s freshly caught. If you’re in Maine you must sample the regions specialty – the lobster roll. The meat of the shellfish is soaked in butter and served with a few subtle ingredients to send your taste buds in overdrive. Either served in a hot-dog bun with mayonnaise studded with cucumber and scallion, or in a brioche bun topped with shallots, mustard sauce and a hint of lemon juice, the lobster roll is a treat for your senses.
- Feeling crabby, crack a crab
Famous for its blue crabs, Maryland is the place to visit if you’re craving this delicious meat. You can try a crab cake or order them whole, seasoned with salt and paprika. I personally prefer the latter, the satisfaction you get from bashing it open is what life is all about.
- Comfort in Clam Chowder
The seafood saga continues with clam chowder next on the list. This classic soup is the perfect comfort food. Made with potato soup base, the clams are cooked with celery, onions and carrots, thickened with cream and served in a hollowed out French or sourdough bread. If you’re in Massachusetts and skip the chowder, you haven’t lived.
While I’m praising the explosion of flavors it offers now, the first time I tried it, I ended up puking it out. Seafood is a risky business so make sure you have internet connectivity throughout your trip to find the places with the best reviews.
- Good ol’ Beef
Its true seafood isn’t for everyone and even if you like the taste there still comes a time when you want to eat what you know best. For a meat lover like me, seafood items taste best when consumed occasionally. Soon my craving for beef kicks in and there’s no going back till it’s sated.
Driving through Philadelphia and not indulging yourself would be a big mistake. Known for its mouthwatering cheesesteaks, it’s where my heart is truly home. Traditionally served with ingredients like caramelized onions and sweet peppers, the thinly sliced rib eye beef is filled in crusty rolls and topped with slabs of your favorite cheese melted to perfection.
My regrets
I took a road trip with a friend a few months ago and I wish I could say it was filled with the best of food, unfortunately that was not the case. Good cooks and bad cooks are everywhere and we managed to sample food from some of the worst. Stopping at the first place you find is not the smartest move. Make sure you plan ahead to avoid this ordeal. Till then, happy eating!
