One of the best parts about living in Connecticut and writing about food is simple: Mike Urban. Over the years, Mike has written about New England clam, lobster, and seafood shacks and his favorite diners. A few months ago I opened the mail and found his latest: Unique Eats and Eateries of Connecticut: The People and Stories Behind the Food. I have been to many of the places, heard about many more, and can’t wait to try the rest. My favorites include O’Rourke Diner in Middletown, Black Duck in Westport, Roseland Apizza in Derby, Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock in New London, and the UConn Dairy Bar in Storrs. Most are very casual; a few are a bit fancy including Grano Arso in Chester and Union League in New Haven. Mike’s prose is poetic. Read it on the couch on a wintry weekend, then put it in the glove box of your car. You can read it alphabetically and by location. Can you think of a better Christmas present for anyone lucky enough to live here?