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Saturday, March 29, 2014

Food and Wine Magazine nominates Lizotte of ON20 for people's best new chef of 2014

Food & Wine magazine is currently in the process of naming The People's Best New Chef of 2014, and Hartford's ON20 Restaurant's Chef Jeff Lizotte is the only contender from CT, and one of eleven representing the New England Region.





Lizotte, a Connecticut native, has been executive chef of ON20 in Hartford since 2012. The People’s Best New Chef, an extension of the Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs award, honors talented up- and-coming innovators who have run their own kitchens for less than five years. The public will determine The People’s Best New Chef winner via online vote on foodandwine.com/the-peoples-bnc continuing through 5pm EDT on Monday, March 31.


“I’m honored that Food & Wine included me in this roster of talented chefs nationwide and thrilled at the opportunity to possibly bring this award to ON20, to Hartford, and to Connecticut,” says Lizotte.

Lizotte, a Connecticut native and Hartford resident, trained at various restaurants in New York and France before joining ON20 and being named Executive Chef in 2012. In the time since, he has been recognized as the state’s Best New Chef by Connecticut Magazine and one of the Hartford region’s most influential chefs by Hartford Magazine

The poll runs from through March 31. Fans and foodies can place their votes at Food & Wine's website.

Friday, March 28, 2014

Branford Restaurant Week - Spring 2014!



The 3rd Annual Branford Restaurant Week runs Sunday, April 6 - Saturday, April 12, 2014

Here's a sneak peek at the participating restaurants and links to their restaurant week offerings or prixe fix menus!

Enter HERE for your chance to win a $25.00 gift certificate!

Allegre's 
249 West Main Street
Branford, CT
203-483-5553
Allegre's Restaurant Week Menu

Assiagio
168 Montowese Street
203-483-5426
www.assaggiobranford.com
Assagio's Restaurant Week Menu

Ballou's Wine Bar
2 Sybil Avenue
Branford, CT
203-208-1701
www.ballouswinebar.com
Ballou's Wine Bar Restaurant Week Menu

BB Shack
5 Sycamore Way
Branford, CT
203-208-2740
www.bbshackct.com
BB Shack Restaurant Week Menu

Campania
284 East Main Street
Branford, CT
203-483-7773
www.campaniaristorante.com
Campania Restaurant Week Menu

Darbar
1070 Main Street
Branford, CT
203-481-8994
www.darbarindia.com
Darbar Restaurant Week Menu

Dockside Seafood
145 Block Island Road
Branford, CT
203-488-3007
www.docksidebranford.com
Dockside Seafood Restaurant Week Menu

Donovan's Reef
1212 Main Street
Branford, CT
203-488-5573
www.donovans-reef.com
Donovan's Reef Restaurant Week Menu

G-Zen
2 East Main Street
Branford, CT
203-208-0443
www.g-zen.com
G-Zen Restaurant Week Menu

Home Restaurant
1114 Main Street
Branford, CT
203-483-5896
www.homerestaurantct.com
Home Restaurant Week Menu

Jalapeno Heaven
40 North Main Street
Branford, CT
203-481-6759
www.jalapeno-heaven.com
Jalapeno Heaven Restaurant Week Menu

La Luna
168 North Main Street
Branford, CT
203-483-9995
www.lalunact.com
La Luna Restaurant Week Menu

Lenny's
205 South Montowese Street
Branford, CT
203-488-1500
www.lennysnow
Lenny's Restaurant Week Menu

Nellie Green's
50 Maple Street
Branford, CT
203-483-5553
www.nelliegreens.com
Nellie Green's Restaurant Week Menu

Parthenon Diner
374 East Main Street
Branford, CT
203-481-0333
www.parthenondiner.com
Parthenon Restaurant Week Menu

Pasta Cosi
1018 Main Street
Branford, CT
203-483-9397
www.pastacosi.com
Pasta Cosi Restaurant Week Menu

SBC Restaurant
850 West Main Street
Branford, CT
203-481-2739
www.southportbrewing.com
SBC Restaurant Week Menu

Seagrass Grille
3 Linden Avenue
Branford, CT
203-315-3225
www.seagrassgrillct.com
Seagrass Grill Restaurant Week Menu



Monday, March 24, 2014

Thomas Hooker Brewery at Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino


Press Release

That's right! Thomas Hooker Brewery is coming to the Mohegan Sun! This means that two of Connecticut’s top businesses are aligning!

The brewery, located inside the Race Book in Casino of the Earth, brews hand crafted, unique beers on-site at Mohegan Sun. This partnership will provide beer buffs with the local, fresh, quality beer they have been thirsting for.

Named after the founding father of Hartford, the Thomas Hooker Brewing Company has been a Connecticut staple for years. Originating from Bloomfield, Hooker has drawn in an impressive following thanks to their refreshingly uncommon beers, brewery tours and tasting parties. Thomas Hooker boasts 14 unique beers including a summertime crowd pleaser, Watermelon Ale.

The Thomas Hooker Brewery at Mohegan Sun will officially open on Friday, March 28th. The Brewery will feature six beers on tap including their; Blonde, IPA, Irish Red Ale, Liberator Doppelbock, Chocolate Truffle Stout and one specialty beer crafted specifically for Mohegan Sun.

Thomas Hooker Brewery will celebrate the grand opening at Mohegan Sun with their first official “Final Friday” party on Friday, March 28th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Modeled after their popular Bloomfield events, guests are invited to stop by and experience the bustling brewery and unique brews. The celebration will feature 50% off all Thomas Hooker Draft Beers including a special hand crafted beer exclusive to Mohegan Sun.

Thomas Hooker Brewing Company is a firm supporter of the local community, and their partnership with Mohegan Sun is not their first Connecticut team-up. Hooker worked with the popular Connecticut Chocolatier, Munson’s Chocolate, to create their savory and sweet Chocolate Truffle Stout. Aside from brewing beers Hooker supports the local community by staying active in several charities around the region.

About Mohegan Sun: Mohegan Sun, owned by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to three unique casinos, a 34-story, 1,200 room luxury hotel, a world-class spa and golf course, over 75 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Arezzo Ristorante Remodels in Westport CT


Arezzo Ristorante and Bar, the newly renovated Westport CT restaurant, presents a beautiful new design for dining Italian Style along the Saugatuck River.


Restaurateur Juan Ceballos and chefs / brothers Vinicio, Sergio and Bolivar Llanos have been working together for over 20 years. Their foray into the restaurant world began while under the guidance of famed Italian Chef Pino Luongo, who in the 1980s and 1990s helped popularize Tuscan food with more than a dozen restaurants throughout the U.S.  Juan’s talents as a front of the house manager and the brothers’ impressive aptitude in the kitchen saw them through some of Pino’s most successful New York hot spots such as Le Madri, Centolire and Coco Pazzo, as well as several other well respected eateries throughout the city.




Today, the  owners have set out on an adventure all their own in the form of Arezzo Ristorante & Bar, a striking restaurant, bar and event space set along the tranquil Saugatuck River in tony Westport, CT. Truly one of the nicest views of the Post Road Bridge leading into downtown Westport, overlooking the Saugatuck River, Arezzo’s stunning stone patio and gardens can accommodate up to 150 people. A recent renovation to the interior of the restaurant includes the addition of a brick-faced wood-fired oven and an expansive wine bar dressed in dark wood furnishings and rich brown leather chairs and ottomans. The dining room, which seats 60, is framed in rustic wood beams and stone archways, Tuscan orange stucco walls, a warming fireplace and that stunning panoramic view. Plush high-back leather chairs and white table cloth seating set the tone for Arezzo’s relaxed environment, thoughtful service and comforting menu.
Arezzo has created a menu that highlights traditional regional Italian fare as well as more contemporary preparations. Antipasti dishes include; warm buffalo mozzarella over braised artichokes with roasted Roma tomato and prosciutto di Parma;     Carpaccio di manzo of thinly sliced seared filet mignon topped with baby arugula and shaved Parmesan; and antipasti misto, an assortment of prosciutto di Parma, sweet coppa,  bresaola, mortadella, sopressata, speck and imported cheeses served with marinated olives.


Wood-fired Neapolitan pizza starts with the classic Margherita with fresh tomato, basil and homemade mozzarella. The “Pizza Contadina” is a tasty combination of organic eggs, mushrooms, Fontina cheese, truffle oil and prosciutto di Parma.   Pizza fans can also look forward to seasonally inspired pizza specials.  Robust and fresh salad offerings include; frutti di mare consisting of shrimp, scallop, and calamari dressed with lemon and extra virgin olive oil; shaved artichokes with Parmesan cheese and truffle vinaigrette;   organic greens with chicory, fresh tomato and red wine vinaigrette; and roasted beets with baby greens, pistachios and goat cheese with a balsamic vinaigrette.
Everyone’s favorite pasta dishes such as gnocchi Bolognese and linguine with Manila clam sauce shares the stage with more contemporary pasta creations as seen with the cavatelli with pea-ricotta and hot and sweet sausage ragout,   homemade squid ink Tagliolini with shellfish in a cherry tomato sauce, spaghetti and meatballs with tomato basilica sauce and shaved ricotta salata, and lobster ravioli with burrata cheese.
Entrées are truly inspired dishes developed throughout the chefs’ years of experience, many of which utilize the fabulous high heat and smokiness of the wood burning oven. From the oven comes baby organic chicken with Brussels sprouts and fingerling potatoes with fresh herbs and olive oil, and roasted rack of lamb with goat cheese with mashed potatoes, glazed carrots and red wine and rosemary lamb jus.  Market fresh fish dishes include whole Mediterranean Sea bass with escarole, pan seared wild Alaska Salmon with mustard sauce, and a hearty fisherman’s stew bathed in tomato sauce with fennel.   Veal Saltimboca is topped with prosciutto di Parma and fresh sage and a spicy classic of chicken scarpariello is prepared with pork sausage, potatoes and hot cherry peppers. 
Arezzo’s wine bar, a destination all its own, is ideal for late night meals, post work cocktails and a great place to meet with friends and co-workers throughout the day. The bar menu features small bites such as lobster arancini with saffron aioli and lemon, gorgonzola and fig crostini, angus cheeseburger sliders, and rosemary marinated shrimps skewers.  


Pastry Chef Patricia Llanos demonstrates her sweet side with such decadent dessert offerings as warm flowerless chocolate cake, espresso laced Tiramisu, rustic apple tart with olive oil gelato, vanilla panna cotta with fresh berry compote and homemade biscotti and gelato.
The global wine list highlights Italian varietals and wine makers. Top shelf spirits, domestic and imported beer, and a selection of port, grappa and liqueurs round out the beverage program. 
Spring is on the horizon and Arezzo Ristorante & Bar is looking forward to a fresh new start and welcoming their guests to their waterside destination for great food and drink with a gorgeous view to match.



Arezzo Ristorante 
5 Riverside Avenue
Westport CT 06880
203-557-9375
arezzowestport.com


Monday, March 10, 2014

John Galliano Womanswear Collection - Autumn Winter 2014-2015


The designers at John Galliano womenswear know women.

Their Autumn Winter 2014-2015 Collection is inspired from structured menswear that partners fine tailoring with exquisite details.

Source: BeautyPress.com


Smoked shades of grey, pale blue, Bordeaux, pink, mustard, navy, cream, cocoa and caramel combine on crocodile bonded velvets, honeycomb neoprene, fur and felts and crystal punctuated seams. 


Source: BeautyPress.com


The silhouette is built from the curves of a woman. Sculpted sweetheart necklines and moulded sleeves. Tailored construction that highlights a fitted feminine waist. Contradictions such as perforated crocodile technique fuses velvet on neoprene. Fabrics that explore texture from jacquard butterfly wings to abstract powder moon print velvets. 

Source: BeautyPress.com


Galliano Authumn Winter explores fluidity of line with architectural precision. Double-face jersey, luxurious lamé, jacquard knit, micro mesh contrast with light lurex waffle, double silk georgette and silk back crêpe. Eveningwear features pleated pane velvet and crystal beaded neoprene. Hybrid ankle boots of lizard and antelope fur balance on tri-galvanized heels while textured chunky knit hats are embroidered with feathers and drop crystals. 

Source: BeautyPress.com



























The collection features sculpted silhouettes and detailing, and its modern techniques and fabrics fuse with tailored construction to form the Galliano Fall Winter woman.


Source: BeautyPress.com

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Desigual Collection - NY Fashion Week Fall-Winter 2014

As we look ahead to Fall Winter Fashion 2014, the good news is in!

There's lots of color and pattern to look forward to, especially from design companies like Desigual. The design house is known for its use of saturated color and flamboyant prints.

Photo Source: BeautyPress.com

This fall/winter expect to see more color than usual in your wardrobe from Desigual. In the true Desigual nature, dresses, tops, and coats were eye-catching with mixed prints, lots of geometrics, and checkered patterns with stripes and graphic images.

Photo Source: BeautyPress.com

Chunky peep toe booties were what models wore on their feet. Short dresses and bulls-eye patterns reminded us all of a mod ‘60’s influence in this collection.


Models’ skins were kept fresh faced, while eyes were played up with gold foil shadow. Bright yellow gold shadow was used in the inner to half of the eyelid and a darker burnt gold color smoked out the eyes towards the end.

Photo Source: BeautyPress.com

Lips were glossy in nude, pink, or burgundy. Pink blush made cheeks look like fresh, young, and natural. Hair was bouncy with curls either half up and half down with a funky side part, or in a retro-pixie cut  and pompadour.


Source: beautypress.com

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Tanduay USA Asian Rum Mixologist Competition - Home Restaurant Branford CT

Tanduay Rum USA recently held a bartender's competition featuring drinks made with Tanduay Rum at Home Restaurant in Branford CT. Though I was familiar with the brand name, it would be my first time sampling a cocktail made with this spirit. I coudn't wait!

I had always thought that rum was only produced in Latin American or Caribbean countries but I soon learned that Tanduay Rum is made from sugar cane grown in the Philippines, where the fragrant rain, tropical climate, and fresh rural air contribute to the distinctive Tanduay flavor. This delightful rum is the product of a combination of sugar cane juice, Philippine water, a single yeast, and fermented molasses that has been aged for 5-years in a charred oak barrel.. (Source: Tanduay Rum USA/Discover)

We arrived early which allowed us to sample a few of the Tanduay Rum specialty cocktail drinks that Home Restaurant was offering that evening in honor of the event. My favorite was the Philippine Rum Punch, made with a combination of both Gold and Silver Tanduay Rum, and a blend of exotic fruit juices. It was the perfect blend of hearty rum and sweet juice.

Home Restaurant - Tanduay Drink Specials
Bartender's Competition - March 2014

And while the bartenders were setting up and prepping for the contest, the nice folks at Home Restaurant treated us to a wide array of appetizers. We sampled everything from crab cakes to beef stew bites to pickled beet crostini to sliders. How good were they? Just take a look at the bottom right hand side of the picture below at the hands grabbing at those sliders!

Home Restaurant Appetizers

On to the competition!

Participants from restaurants throughout Connecticut competed for the right to the be Connecticut Tanduay Mixologist Champion! Competing were bartenders from Wood-n-Tap, Quench, Post 154, The Chelsea, Forbidden City, Oak Haven Table and Grille, The Cask Republic, Max Fish, and Home Restaurant.


Tanduay Rum Bartender's Contest Competitors

Judging the contest were the following:

Carl Carrion: Culinary Director of the SKAL Restaurant Group
Rowena White: Sales Manager - Special Events for Connoisseur Media
David Brogan: Master Mixologist, TV Personality and owner of "Signature David"
Adam Zengou: Bartender at Brennan's Shebeen and Bartender of the Year in 2012 for Fairfield County by Advocate poll

After Mari, the Tanduay representative, gathered the entrants together, she introduced the judges, sounded the Asian Gong, and got the competition started!



Cocktails were judged on the following points of criterion: (a) Taste, (b) Drink Presentation, (c) Overall Presentation, and (d) Overall Creativity.



After each contestant prepared their cocktail, a sample was offered to everyone in attendance.



And here's a sample of some of the contestants creations

Tanduay Rum USA Cocktails
(L) Tanduay Thunder  from Wood-n-Tap (M)  Thrilla in Manilla from Quench  (R) Liquid Turtle from Post 154

Everyone had a wonderful time cheering on their favorite cocktails, establishments, and contestants! The first ever Tanduay Mixologist Contest was a rousing success!

Congratulations to the winning cocktail, the el arándano (the blueberry) mojito style cocktail, entered by the Cask Republic!

Home Restaurant is located at 1114 Main Street in Branford CT. Follow them on facebook at /HomeBranford.

Follow Tanduay USA Asian Rum on ==> twitter, ==> facebook, and==> instagram. Look for @TanduayUSA!

Additional pictures of this event are found on the Home Place Blog's facebook page HERE and while you're there, don't forget to "like" us!

Pamella Roland - NY Fashion Week Fall-Winter 2014


All that is old is new again.

Source: BeautyPress.com
Photography by: Eric Marillier

Shows like Mad Men and movies like the Great Gatsby have made a comeback and each salutes the elegance of a not so long ago era.

Pamella Roland's New York Fashion Week Show for Fall-Winter 2014 offered fashion the same salute with her designs that feature a retro vibe with a modern twist. What I love most about these designs are that they can be worn by a woman of any age. They're classic, timeless, and uber-chic.

For the 2014 Fall/Winter Season, Roland's designs capture the modern stylish woman - and women everywhere will thank her for it!

Beauty Press.com reports:
Vintage meets old Hollywood glam in the most recent collection from Pamella Roland. Form fitting dresses with deep V-cuts in lush colors like deep plum and red wine bared arms through sheer black sleeves. Silky black, gold, and burgundy dresses also stunned the runway. The Great Gatsby must have inspired much of this collection, as it’s apparent with the amount of flapper look alike dresses. Leather skirts and sequin pants with boxy, thick velvet sweaters were bountiful.

 Models wore their hair in deep side parts and large finger waves in the front; long hair was brought all to one side over the right shoulder. Silver metallic eye shadow was used on the eyelids while lips were stained with a cherry red. Eyebrows were kept natural. 

Source: beautypress.com
Photographer: Eric Marillier

The Bodega Food Truck Hits the Road in Fairfield County!

Beep!  Beep! Bodega expands into the Food Truck Industry!


Bodega Taco Bar continues to make its mark on Fairfield County with the addition of the Bodega Food Truck hittin’ the road this month. The rolling vibrant green mobile might as well be named the party bus as it already being booked for private parties, school functions and outdoor events – and the paint’s not even dry yet! Fans of Bodega’s innovative and edgy, while authentic and fresh cuisine, will now have the opportunity to follow their favorite cuisine to a street corner near them or grab a taco while partaking in a local event. This taqueria on wheels will also be the centerpiece of Bodega’s thriving catering business.

The team has created a catering menu that straddles the line between “fine” and “fiery” with ease. From a Burrito Bar and Taco Party, to passed hors d’oeuvres of Tuna Tataki and Smoked Chicken Albondigas,  party goers are assured to have a unique experience.  Bowls of hand slapped guacamole, pico de gallo, and cucumber mango salsa with fresh corn tortilla chips are a true crowd pleaser, as are roasted veggies with poblano agave yogurt dip and ceviche bowls with vibrant citrus shrimp and scallops. That deli sandwich platter at the office lunch meeting is transformed with hearty “tortas” such as; Argentinian grilled hangar steak with chipotle aioli, greens and queso fresco; Grilled Chicken with black beans, goat cheese and pickled onions; Grilled Portabella with truffle red pepper aioli and crispy kale; and the Baja Fish Wrap with mango cucumber salsa.

On the buffet menu are a wide array of ”platos” including Camarones  Enchilados, Slow Roasted Pork “Lechon”  and Pepita Crusted Mahi Mahi a la Plancha. Fresh “Ensaladas” feature Massaged Kale Salad with kabocha squash, queso cotija, chilified peanuts and lemon-poblano dressing and a healthful Quinoa Salad with savoy cabbage, red jalapeños and smoked peanut vinaigrette.  Seasonal and outdoor event menus highlight the Paella Party, Parrilla Mixed Grill, and of course, Bodega’s popular Whole Roasted Pig Fiesta. Adding to the fiesta atmosphere are Bodega’s signature cocktails;
Traditional Bodegarita, Rosarita with hibiscus, Pomarita with pomegranate, the Mojito, the Alibi with cucumber, and it’s a party now with pitchers of Sangria! Look out for the Bodega Margarita Wagon!

The Bodega team is also sprucin’ up the auto in time for their famous CINCO DE MAYO weekend celebration which starts Friday, May 2 and parties on ‘til Monday, May 5, 2014.

Check out Bodega’s twitter, instagram and facebook pages to find out which concerts, markets and festivals The Bodega Food Truck will be putting it into park and serving up their Mexican inspired fare.

Food Truck / Catering: 203-259- TACO.
Bodega Fairfield, 1700 Post Rd / Bodega Darien, 980 Post Rd / www.bodegatacobar.com

Saturday, March 1, 2014

The 21st Annual Taste of Stamford - Stamford CT


The 21st Annual Taste of Stamford, sponsored by the Stamford Chamber of Commerce, was held on Thursday, February 27th at the Stamford Marriott Hotel and Spa in Stamford CT. In attendance were wine, spirit, and fine cuisine purveyors from some of the city's premier establishments.

The 21st Annual Taste of Stamford
held at the Marriott Stamford Hotel and Spa
Sponsored by the Stamford Chamber of Commerce

Fairway Market's table featured a delicious Party Bagel with Gaspe Smoked Salmon as well as Dumplings with Fairway Sauces.

Fairway Market of Stamford
Gaspe Smoked Salmon Party Bagel
Dumplings with Fairway Sauces

Moving on, we continued our sampling with some deliciously cheesey homemade ravioli from the fun people at Columbus Park Trattoria.


Columbus Park Trattoria
Homemade Ravioli

Perhaps one of the most colorful displays was at the Little Gourmet Shop with Curry Chicken Salad and pan roasted brussel sprouts with golden raisins and bacon. I'm so glad that brussel sprouts are making a comeback! So deserved!

The Little Gourmet Shop
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Curry Chicken Salad

Sliced Filet Mignon and Chocolate Mousse was available at Morton's The Steakhouse. I need to take a knife skills class to have the same carving skills as this chef!

Morton's The Steakhouse
Sliced Filet Mignon
Cup of Chocolate Mousse

Villa Italia Ristorante's delicacies included Mozzarella Caprese Sliders and Chicken Scarpariello with Hot Sausage.

Villa Italia Ristorante
Mozzarella Caprese Sliders
Chicken Scarpariello with Hot Sausaage

Our sweet tooth received a boost at DiMare's Pastry who not only had some wonderful desserts, but also displayed them magnificently.


DiMare's Pastry Shop
An array of Mini Cakes and Assorted Parfaits
Cookies and Dessert Pastries


We then ambled over to to the Cappricio Cafe to sample their scrumptious offerings of Seafood Salad and Crab Cakes.


Capriccio Cafe
Seafood Salad
Crab Cakes

Grade A Shop-Rite offered some Salads and Chicken Scarpariello and the Sushi Village Caterers were, of course, preparing fresh sushi on site.

Grade A Shop-Rite and Sushi Village Caterer
Cold Salads and Chicken Scarpariello
Sushi Table

Water's Edge at Giovannis offered a beautiful Seared Filet Mignon with a side Gorgonzola Salad.


The Water's Edge at Giovanni's
Seared Angus Filet Mignon
Gorgonzola Salad

David's Soundview Catering prepared a terrific Taco Bar, offering Corn Tacos filled with your choice of grilled chicken or spicy shrimp. 

David's Soundview Catering
Taco Bar: Corn Tacos
Grilled Chicken or Spicy Sauteed Shrimp

The Capital Grille prepared their version of Surf and Turf with a beautiful Kono Crusted Filet Mignon and a side of Lobster Mac-N-Cheese.


The Capital Grille
Kona Crusted Filet Mignon
Lobster Mac-n-Cheese

Then we sampled Cask Republic's Eggplant Caponata and their Pork Confit Sliders. Cask never disapoints and always has a unique and delicious sampling.

Cask Republic
Eggplant Caponata (pictured)
Pork Confit Sliders

Tabouli Grill's offerings included Turkey Meatball Tagine with Cous Cous and Assorted Middle Eastern Salads.

Tabouli Grill
Turkey Meatball Tangine with Cous Cous
Assorted Middle Eastern Salads

Rizzuto's Italian Kitchen was offering Meatball Sliders and Hot Cherry Pepper Wings. WOW - the wings were lip-tingling hot - and incredibly good!

Rizzuto's Italian Kitchen
Meatball Sliders
Hot Cherry Pepper Wings

Oh, and I haven't even mentioned the wine yet! There was no Riesling to be found...but the nice people at World Wide Wines thought that I might like the Cavit Moscato, and they were on point with their recommendation. A great Italian wine that is aromatic and delicately sweet.

World Wide Wines
Cavit Moscato


Next stop was the barbecue carving station at Dinosaur BBQ. Who else is always looking for good barbecue in CT? Well, look no more, Dinosaur's beef brisket is just the BBQ fix that you need!


Dinosaur BBQ
Beef Brisket Slider on a Potato Roll
Parfaits and Cookeis

Then we sampled some delicious Peruvian offerings from Fiesta Atlantic, the Chauta de Pollo and Picante de Carne.

Fiesta Atlantic
Chaufa de Pollo
Picante de Carne

For a sweet ending there were some offerings of Gelato and Crepes from Volta Gelateria Creperia.  Guess what I had?

Volta Gelateria Creperia
Gelato and Crepes

The Stamford Marriott Hotel and Spa offered some delicacies from their catering menu. I adore the sleek and modern artistic display shelf they used - can't you just imagine that at a beautiful wedding ceremony or dinner event filled with luscious hors d'oeuvres?

Stamford Marriott Hotel and Spa

Of course, capping the night off for the ride home to the shoreline was a bit of coffee from the Shearwater Organic Coffee Roasters.

Shearwater Organic Coffee Roasters
Toasty Hearth and Colombia Quinchia
Fresh Roasted Certified Organic Coffees

Put this event on your calendar next year!

There was an incredible array of establishments offering some of their very best menu selections.  Tickets for 2014 were $50.00 in advance and $60.00 at the door. Free parking was offered that evening for event attendees by the event host, Stamford Marriott Hotel and Spa, at 243 Tresser Boulevard, Stamford.

The Stamford Chamber certainly outdid themselves  - and a wonderful time with great food and drink was enjoyed by all.

For more pictures visit the Home Place facebook page HERE and don't forget to "like" us!

Stamford Chamber of Commerce
773 Summer Street
Stamford, CT 06901
Phone: 203.359.4761
Web: http://www.stamfordchamber.com/default.htm
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/stamfordchamberofcommerce
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/groups/StamfordChamber