Food tip

"Dulce de Leche Crunch Pancakes"

Denny's

Far be it from moi to recommend you not go to one of the numerous and excellent locally owned breakfast spots in this area. On the other hand, just once, sneak into the bizarrely tiny Denny's in New London and order their new "Dulce de Leche Crunch Pancakes" special. The full platter, with accompanying eggs, hash browns and bacon/sausage ($10.99) are sturdily fine in "opening act" fashion (though of course it's all served at once). But you can just get the two giant pancakes alone ($6.99). The batter is infused with a brittle, alchemical mosaic of melted cinnamon, butter and sugar with particulate speckles that glow like a feisty demon's eyes. This is in turn augmented with luxuriant whipped cream and a sumptuous vessel of salted hot caramel sauce to pour according to your own formula. When you've consumed this at what will be an embarrassing speed and dazedly note an empty platter before you — the dining area will echo with your wounded howls of grief and longing.

— Rick Koster