A true gem in the beautiful quiet corner of Connecticut. The Hampton General Store is quaint, inviting, friendly and gives you that hometown feeling with the added attraction of having some of the greatest "ready to eat" dinners that I have experienced. Truly, this general store reminds you of an updated version of the stores our grandparents shopped in years ago. Absolutely amazing. This spring, I happened to stop in to the Hampton General Store while passing through Hampton while on CT Rte. 97. As I walked in the store, I immediately was thrown back into a time that I used to hear about from my grandparents and great grandparents; local jellies, great (and I mean great) sandwiches, cookies, muffins, fun things to look at, old fashioned soda "pop," but, what really stood out for me and everyone that I shared this food with was the home cooked, absolutely perfect, pre made meals. I first purchased the meatloaf. At first bite, menories flooded my brain. This was exactly like what my mom created and put out for her growing family so many years ago. Not fancy but extremely tasty, juicy, well prepared, excellent portion size with old fashioned mashed potatoes. When you put the first forkful of meatloaf into your mouth, your taste buds explode with enjoying the flavor and your remember the love only a mom can provide. What a memory. What a taste. Since that time, I have been back more than just a few times. I have to share three of their other dinners that stood out with each morsel that entered my mouth, was an experience in phenomenal home cooking. First, the Shepherds Pie. Growing up in an ethnic family, my Irish/Italian mother knew exactly what to do to make this favorite dish as well as how to make her shepherd's pie really leave a long lasting memory of "feel goodness" in your stomach and in your head. Hampton General Store's version is quite the same as was made by my mother and what I ate in my travels all over Ireland. Wow. Other meals that were just wonderful were the Beef Bourgeon and the Beef Stroganoff- the gravy, the meat, the perfect pasta. You just do not think you will get this tremendous quality or taste from someone else's kitchen. The owner and chef really puts her soul into these meals. Incidentally, on a recent visit to New York City, I had the occasion to eat in Cafe Un, Deux, Trois, a French restaurant in the theater district. As I love Beef Bourguignon, I ordered it there and it was excellent. This is not an easy dish to create yet, when I purchased this dinner at the Hampton General Store, memories of that NYC restaurant came flooding back to me. As with Julia Childs recipe, the chef at the Hampton General Store proudly flaunts that she follows Childs' recipe. She well incorporates each of the key elements including (and you can taste this) searing beef in bacon, using quality red wine (I think a Pinot Noir but not sure) to create a velvety, thick sauce, and separately cooking mushrooms and onions to ensure perfect texture. I was shocked, surprised and appreciative of that quality being brought home to each during January's bitter cold days. What also is surprising is that the meals are not expensive at all. That too amazed me. During your visit to the Hampton General Store, don't overlook the owner/chef's blondies and brownies. Sadly, they are better than what I can make and again, WOW. I could go on for pages about my most recent culinary find in Connecticut, I highly recommend this little store in Hampton, Connecticut. Take a moment, take a drive and visit little Hampton Connecticut and visit the Hampton General Store - you most certainly be thrilled that you did! read more

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Brand new in Hampton and they have something for everyone. Gifts, "penny" candy, home made bread and baked items. Vanilla olive oil cake with a Dulche de Leche buttercream was out of this world! What I really love is that they are all about local. If you need milk or farm fresh eggs or Tylenol they have it. Highly recommend! read more

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Really cute! All homemade breads, cupcakes, sausage in pastry, pepperoni in pastry...all delicious! Service by owner was great too! Beautiful ride down a country road to find this little gem! read more