Glad you enjoyed the culinary offerings of southwestern CT- Many from CA and NYC/LI northern NJ complain about the lack of good Chinese food.
Frankly I do not think many are unaware of some of the fine Chinese, Thai, Indian, Vietnamese restaurants in the area.
Myself- I am with your husband-I love whole bellied friend clams.
Check into this links from CT Magazine
Connecticut Magazine - 2007 Readers' Choice Restaurant Awards
Connecticut Restaurants - Restaurant Reviews and Dining News from ctnow.com - DINING (broken link)