FOOD TIP

Shrimp Curdito Tostada

Los Charros Cantina

30 Main St, Centerbrook

Yes, I loved the Shrimp Curdito dish ($18) I ordered at Los Charros Cantina. Listed on the menu in the Specialty Tacos or Tostadas section, it impressed first with its artful display. More important, it was absolutely yummy. (I wasn’t adept enough, though, to wrap it into one hand-held concoction and instead ate it in parts.) Everything was great, from the shrimp to the avocado to the pickled cabbage, crema, pepita, and veracruz salsa. What I loved even more was Los Charros itself. It’s got a cool vibe, and obviously other people agree — the place was hopping on the Friday night that I went. Even while I was there, I was already planning to return.

— Kristina Dorsey

FOOD TIP

Steamed Cheeseburger

7 Napkins

310 Flanders Road, East Lyme

There is much Connecticutian lore about the hamburger/cheeseburger. Was it indeed invented in New Haven (when they weren’t dazzling with pizza innovations?) Did the “steamed cheeseburger” originate at Jack’s Lunch in Middletown? Spring to modern fame at Ted’s Restaurant in Meriden and Louis’ Lunch in New Haven? Do we in southeastern Connecticut deserve our own go-to establishment where we can feast on these moist, meaty, cheese-bubbled delicacies? Why, yes, we do. In fact, head immediately to 7 Napkins, a new breakfast and sandwich shop, and relish the greatness of the steamed cheeseburger ($10.95, $12.95 with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle).

— Rick Koster