When it comes to dining with a laid-back vibe, nothing beats a meal at your local diner or deli. And if you are looking for a more authentic ’50s style-drive-in experience, you can get that too in the 068. Let’s take a trip to Flavortown—the first stop, one of the classic Connecticut drive-ins still going strong today.
Celebrating its 75th year, The Sycamore Drive-In is located at 282 Greenwood Avenue in Bethel, right near the majestic Sycamore tree that gave the place its iconic name. People who visit are seeking more than juicy burgers, tasty malts, and home-brewed root beer; they come for a taste of 1950s nostalgia. Customers can dine inside at a booth or at the counter. Or they can opt for an authentic drive-in experience—just blink your lights for car-side service.
I bellied up to the old-fashioned soda fountain counter and sunk my teeth into their famous Dagwood, two ground sirloin steak patties topped with gooey American cheese, mustard, ketchup, thinly sliced pickle, onion, tomato, lettuce, and a light touch of mayo on a toasted bun with a side of crispy shoestring fries. I washed it down with a house-made root beer (with free refills, natch).
Sitting at that original Formica and chrome counter, it’s easy to imagine a time when poodle skirts and leather jackets were the rage. You’ll find a Wurlitzer 1015 jukebox in one corner, while vintage photos include a standee cut out of James Dean, a portrait of Lavern and Shirley, and other American artifacts. The Sycamore Drive-In hosts cruise nights every Saturday night (weather permitting) from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., where locals show off their vintage cars or come to experience a meal that feels like it’s straight out of Happy Days.
Danbury resident Ken Evans and his bride of 62 years enjoy coming to the Sycamore Drive-In several times a month. The love they share as they sit across from one another in that booth is evident. “This was my first meal when I came to Connecticut in 1949,” Ken says.
Italian deli classics
A visit to Parma Market and Bakery at 65 Danbury Road in Ridgefield will fill your belly and feed your soul. The first thing I notice, beyond the warm and inviting demeanor of owner Samuel Valdiviezo and his staff, is how beautifully the menu choices are displayed. The food cases are a feast for the eyes—brightly lit and clean, and every option is fresh and tempting.
Sam offers me and my guest a mélange of his best sellers. The Eggplant Parmesan consists of layer upon layer of thinly sliced eggplant covered in a tangy marinara. They take the extra step of peeling the eggplant cutlets, removing any bitterness from the skin. The Chicken Scarpariello is a tasty dish made with braised chicken and spicy sausage that packs a piquant punch. Sam also offers us a Russian Chicken specialty sandwich: a breaded chicken cutlet in a garlic bun topped with muenster cheese, bacon, and Russian dressing. Delish!
“We make special sandwiches for good people. The local kids have favorites on our menu. We also cater to businesses in town.” Sam’s commitment to the community is evident from the many awards and thank you notes that cover his walls. The market is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., which means you can grab anything from a fresh breakfast sandwich to a quick and tasty lunch to a sumptuous hot meal for dinner. You can also choose one of the many offerings in his takeaway case. Parma Market is also a bakery featuring old-school Italian butter cookies with raspberry jam, chocolates, crisp and tender biscotti, cakes, pies, and macarons.
Diner specials
Another not-to-miss trip in Connecticut food culture is Orem’s Diner. This Wilton treasure has been around for 103 years. Orem’s Diner has a long history in Wilton. The original location opening in 1921 and featured dairy cows and a ball field. Many famous ballplayers – including Babe Ruth – played on the Orem’s Field.
The food at Orem’s Diner is delicious, and their roots in the community run deep. Orem’s is owned and run by Demetri Papanikolaou, a second-generation owner who took over the business from his father once they relocated the diner in 2003. The Papanikolaou family has owned Orem’s Diner for 43 years, longer than any previous owners, including the original owner, Charles Orem. What a source of Wilton pride.
Stop by 167 Danbury Road to enjoy breakfast any time of day or choose from their lengthy menu of regular meals (including an authentic Greek Salad or Classic Ruben). This brightly lit, cheerful spot is always busy, and customers love the place! Orem’s welcomes an estimated 500 people daily from 6 a.m. to midnight, doubling that number on weekends.
Customer Kevin Fensky lives in Trumbull and enjoys visiting Orem’s whenever he’s in the area. “It’s very clean, and the food is consistently good. I particularly enjoy the Ruben and their Veggie Wraps.”
