
5

"Tucked inside Wallingford health food shop Juisala, I discovered Secret Congee, a new takeout-only spot that opened Wednesday, October 21 and focuses on variations of rice porridge; the short, focused menu features congee topped with blue crab, slow-cooked brisket, miso-roasted kabocha squash, Tom Yum shrimp, and braised pork belly, with a few add-ons such as crispy fried dough. I like that they aim to be eco-friendly—using sustainably sourced ingredients and 100 percent compostable takeout bowls—and that orders are to-go only with credit-card payments (no cash or sit-down service). The operation comes from the team behind the former Uwajimaya kiosk Congeez and includes chefs who worked at Pestle Rock, Agrodolce, and Tilth, and it's already generating chatter as a treat for congee lovers as the weather cools." - Gabe Guarente