Rico Chow

403 Williams St., New London

(860) 442-2469

There are treasures to be discovered in Rico Chow, a storefront eatery in New London's Hodges Square strip center. Dispensing a brand of self-proclaimed Hispanic Asian Fusion, the owners/kitchen wizards at Rico Chow are doing a wonderful job of reflecting the eclectic neighborhood's various ethnicities, rhythms and energies.

It's a small place with front-of-the-room dining available in a plain but functional, dark-paneled space, and there are a few picnic tables out front with umbrellas to protect against weather. I suspect the bulk of the orders are for take-out — but however you get the food from the friendly staff, you're going to be pretty happy at the creativity and intertwined flavors.

Over two recent visits in which we were impressed by pretty much everything we tried, two dishes stood out in particular fashion. The Green Bowl ($9, comes with choice of white or brown rice; fried rice or mofongo $3 extra) is a clever mix of tofu, mixed steamed veggies and sesame seeds in a stir fry sauce, redolent of garlic and ginger. The vegetables were crisp and kept their innate moisture, and the tofu stayed firm and provided a nice chew.

Also excellent is a Puerto Rican lasagna called the Pastelon Stir Fry ($11.95). Amongst its layers of Greatness are tangy, spicy ground beef and delightful flavor-pops from fried plantain chunks. Throw in cheddar cheese scallions, crunchy shards of lettuce, moist white rice and a savory, slightly Asian sauce for counterpoint, and you'll order this one again. I suspect that's true of most of the items on the menu.

— Rick Koster

The Stumble Inne

90 Halls Road, Old Lyme (in the Old Lyme Marketplace)

(860) 434-2342

Info and menus posted to Facebook

Trivia, karaoke, and sports fans take note! The Stumble Inne at the Old Lyme Marketplace hits that trifecta and serves up some tasty victuals to boot in the space once occupied by the Public House.

There’s no shortage of classic comfort foods on the menu, and you’re likely to stumble upon a few favorites quickly. Fish & Chips anyone ($18.50)? How about zesty, smooth and hot Buffalo Chicken Dip ($10.50) with chips? Craving a pastrami sandwich? Take your pick from a Reuben ($15) or the sauerkraut-less New Yorker ($15). We recommend the New Yorker with one note: Ask for extra napkins.

If you’re looking for a quieter meal without a side of “Sweet Caroline,” avoid Thursdays and enjoy the warm and welcoming bar area or spacious dining room over a burger and a beer. We recommend the Stumble Burger ($15; served with fries), if you happen to like tender, flavorful patties topped with bacon, lettuce, tomato and cheese and served on a perfect brioche bun.

For a restaurant that’s going into its third month of operations, we see a lot of potential here and we welcome the addition of a new live music venue that features local acts on Fridays and Saturdays. 

— Marisa Nadolny

Bomb Burritos & Bowls

240 Post Road, Westerly, RI 02891

Find them at www.bombburritosri.com and on Facebook and Instagram.

The portions are substantial so bring your appetite when you go to Bomb Burritos & Bowls.

This eatery in a strip mall on the Post Road in Westerly near Dunns Corners seems to always be busy with customers lining up to place their orders for burritos and bowls.

As a customer watches, staff members build their meal, adding whatever ingredients they like, including vegetarian. There are all kinds of options, like rice, beans, sauteed squash or fajita vegetables, shredded beef, chicken, spiced pork loin, and different types of salsas. Maybe you want to add house-pickled veggies like spicy carrots, Fresno chilis, or red onions. Then come the toppings — cucumbers, cilantro, shredded cheese, lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, and crushed blue corn tortilla chips.

Don't forget the sauce. That's what helps to meld all the flavors together. Pick your heat — Mean Bean is hot, Bomb Sauce medium, and Charred Tomatillo super zesty with little to no spice.

Both the bowl and burrito start at $12, and depending on what you add, the price can creep up to about $15. But the food is good. It is filling. And the service is terrific.

— Ann Baldelli