Chef Heather Haviland scours the state in search of farm-fresh eggs, seasonal produce and eco-conscious meats for her killer weekend brunches. Think sweet corn waffles with strawberry-rhubarb compote, cheddar-scallion scones topped with scrambled eggs and sausage gravy, and delectable pastries.
Dimly lit, slightly scruffy and immensely popular with the locals, circa-1949 Luigi's is the epitome of old-style pizza parlors, complete with Chianti in straw-covered bottles. (It is also alleged to be the inspiration for "Montoni's" in Tom Batiuk's Funky Winkerbean.) Personal faves include the cheese-smothered tossed salad, the ultra-gooey lasagna and of course, the prize-winning pizza, loaded with zesty toppings.
Weve all been there: too tired to cook and too apathetic to pull on anything fancier than jeans. On such nights, this homey little eastern European spot is just the ticket, with its comforting, inexpensive food and staff of maternal servers.