Though I grew up in New Haven, I haven’t spent much time there over the past 10 years. Going back this past Thanksgiving was a truly great experience; not only seeing old friends after far too much time apart… but eating my way through some of my favorite old haunts, as well as some new additions to the neighborhood.

Pizza was my central focus during any food discussion while at home. The blinders were on people, this is New Haven, pizza mecca… and I cannot get real pizza in Atlanta!. My first available lunch was taken at Yorkside Pizza, with meatball Parmesan and far too much pizza ordered (purposefully). More pizza stop-offs followed, including a memorable dinner at Pepe’s (best pizza in the world, blah, blah, blah.. just go, Seriously).

Though I knew I would be impressed (as always) with my hometown favorites, I was pleasantly surprised by a very new addition to the downtown dining scene. Heirloom, located near the Yale Art Gallery within the Study Hotel, delighted Bonnie and me in the hours before heading off to catch my return flight. Two seasonal appetizers got us started; roasted golden and red beets with chevre, drizzled with fresh olive oil were beautifully plated while the ‘signature’ heirloom tomato salad with soft mozzarella-like sheep’s cheese was exquisite. We split a bistro burger topped with tomato confit and a thick slab of cheddar cheese before getting into fresh creme brulee, seared with a branding iron… a delicious addition to New Haven’s dining scene. Sometimes even coming home can be a new adventure..