Greenwich Wine+Food Festival 2014 Recap - #GWFF2014

The 4th Annual Greenwich Food+Wine Festival featured a stellar line up of Celebrity Chefs, Food Demonstrations and Competitions, and, of course, their usual line up of amazing vendors, sponsors, and entertainment.

Welcome to the Greenwich Wine+Food Festival!

Presented by Serendipity Magazine and Unger Publishing in support of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, this year's event drew over 5000 culinary enthusiasts, and close to 200 vendors featuring wine, beer, beverage and food tastings, and culinary related merchandise. The Greenwich Food+Wine Festival is the ultimate three day foodie adventure!

Over the course of the weekend participants experienced specialty dining events, competitions, and extravaganzas, such as oyster night, innovative chefs gala (hosted by Geoffrey Zakarian and John Georges) and tostadas and tequila pairing dinner  (hosted by Aaron Sanchez) and more!

In addition, there were concerts in the evening featuring the Marshall Tucker Band and Alabama! But the highlight of the event each year is the Culinary Village where over 175 restaurants and beverage distributors, as well as culinary product distributors, showcase their wares.

Here's some sights and experiences from this year's Culinary Village event!

Chipolte Scallop Bisque - Parallel Post
Pictured above L-R: Kenny B and Chef de Cuisine Ali Goss

From Barcelona Wine Bar Greenwich
Clockwise L-R, Chef Lucente carves Mangalica, chick pea pancake, gazpacho

Cook and Craft - Old Greenwich CT

Fairfield Cheese Company

Harvest Vodka

MW Coastal Goods

One of the highlights of my day were the interviews in the CTbites lounge, which featured many of the celebrity and local chefs participating over the weekend. 

I honestly felt like I was transported to the Food Network studios as I met some of my favorites from Chopped (judges Aaron Sanchez and Geoffrey Zakarian), Anne Burrell from Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and Worst Cooks in America, as well as two contestants from the Next Food Network Star (season 10) Nicole Gaffney and Emma Frisch.

In addition there were also some local chefs and restaurant teams, as well as the Travel Channel's Adam Richman (Man V Food).

Anne Burrell discussed her joy of preparing food and spoke about her upcoming cookbook  Own Your Kitchen. Chef Burrell explains, "give someone joy with what you create with your own hands".

The interviews were conducted by Danielle Dubin Manion of Serendipity Magazine and Chef Matt Storch, owner and chef at South Norwalk's Match Restaurant.

Chef Anne Burrell
Interviewed by Danielle from Serendipity and Chef Storch from Match Restaurant.

Click the arrow below to hear a portion of Chef Burrell's interview.

Another favorite, Geoffrey Zakarian explained how his life path was changed by a summer vacation. He was on the track to acheive his MBA with an emphasis on economics when a trip to France changed his career path.

Geoffrey Zakarian with Chef Storch (L) and Danielle Manion (M)

Hear a portion of Chef Zakarian's interview with Adam Richman and Chef Matt Scorch of Match SoNo.
Click the arrow to play.

Adam Richman was another fun interview and began by talking about one of his favorite restaurants in New Haven, and one of mine as well, Bentara on Orange Street in my beloved 9th Square! His favorite menu item there?  Mee Soup Istimewa peanut based soup. My favorite too!

Adam Richman
Pictured with Matt Storch owner/chef of Match Restaurant and Danielle from Serendipity

In the mini-clip below Adam talks about his favorite spice Sirichia and some other favorite places to eat Bayo Hot Wings, Brasa Rotisserie, and the Pig and the Lady. Click the link below to hear more.

And another Food Network favorite, Aaron Sanchez joined us to talk about his new restaurant in Stamford CT, Paloma, the chefs who inspire him (starting with his mom!), and more! Unfortunately I wasn't able to capture any video of his interview - but suffice it to say he was such a humble 'regular' guy.

Aaron Sanchez
Interviewed by Danielle from Serendipity and Chef/Owner Storch of Match Restaurant in South Norwalk.

We also met up with the Next Food Network Star's competitors Nicole Gaffney and Emma Frisch! I kept looking around for TV cameras thinking they were still competing!!

Nicole Gaffney
Check out her blog Too Full for School - all about Coastal Cuisine!

Emma Frisch - bottom right Emma's Mom joins the interview
Read Emma's blog at Frish Kitchen - Did you know Emma is from CT?

Here, local celebrity chef Rafael Palomino shares his thoughts on favorite ingredients, social media reviewers, and how to deal with unhappy customers. Click the arrow below to hear more.

So much food to eat, wine to drink, cocktails to sample, and products to hear and learn about. The Greenwich Wine+Food Festival is a foodie paradise!

For more pictures of the event visit the Home Place facebook page HERE and while you're there, don't forget to "like" us!

The Greenwich Wine+Food Festival is a must for anyone who loves food. Be sure you put it on your calendar next fall!

Roger Sherman Baldwin Park
Site of the Greenwich Wine+Food Festival
Arch Street Greenwich CT

Greenwich Wine+Food Festival

Roger Sherman Baldwin Park‎

Arch St, Greenwich, CT 06830

On the Web: http://greenwichwineandfood.com/

Like them on facebook: Here

Follow them on twitter: @GWFOODandWINE

Special Thanks to Shelley from Splash PR for the opportunity to participate again this year!

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Did you attend the Greenwich Wine and Food Festival?  

Who are your favorite chefs and what are your favorite dishes?

I'd love to hear about it in the comments below.

Gastro Bar - Fine Casual Dining in Stamford CT

Social Media Sampling

As the warm Connecticut nights are slowly dwindling with fall's arrival, we took the ride up to Gastro Bar in Stamford Connecticut.

Gastro Bar in Downtown Stamford

Gastro Bar is located in downtown Stamford directly in the Columbus Park neighborhood. Its open air concept offers both inside and outside dining along picturesque and bustling with activity West Park Street. Gastro Bar is quickly becoming the 'go-to' place for tapas, pasta, and a wide array of Mediterranean style dishes!

We started with some delicious cocktails, the Gastro Mule (Hendricks Gin • pineapple juice • triple sec • St. Germain • Rose wine), the Banana Mojito (Don Q Rum • mint • lime • banana), the West Park Tini (Curacao • Tanqueray • pineapple juice • lime juice • syrup), and the Slow and Low (Slow low & Low whiskey • muddled oranges & lemon • ginger beer).

Clockwise, L-R
The Gastro Mule, the Banana Mojito, the West Park Tini, the Slow and Low

As we sipped on our cocktails we started our sampling with some of Gastro Bar's delicious appetizers... Calamari, bruschetta, fried oysters, albondigus, salmon tartar, eggplant parmigiana, and brussel salad.

Fried Calamari with Smoked Aioli
Perfectly cooked and I loved that the dip sauce was hidden beneath the tender morsels

Brucshetta - Fresh tomato, shallots, garlic, basil, and parmigiano cheese
The cowboy's favorite!!!

Fried Oysters with Grapefruit and Avocado Puree
Tender Sweet Oysters - and beautifully presented

Albondigas - Lamb Meatballs with Pomodoro and Sauteed Baby Kale
Comfort food at its finest!

Salmon Tartar: With jalapenos, shallots, crispy potatoes, and cilantro

Eggplant Parmigiana - with prosciutto, marscapone and ricotto cheese
Tasted even better than it looked - and it looked GOOD!!!!

Brussell Salad: Shaved Brussell Sprouts, Truffle Oil,, Lemon Juice on a Crispy Polenta Cake
A creative and fun way to serve baby cabbages!

A delicious pasta dish!

Short Rib Cavatelli with a Black Truffle Cream Sauce
AMAZING & AMAZING * AMAZING

And a sample of Gastro Bar's wonderful artisan pizza!

Throughout the evening, Chef Fernando Gomez and owners Mario and Alejandro Lopez checked on our progress, and were gracious enough to pose with some items! Pictured below, Chef Fernando and Owner Mario serve up a FAB fig pizza!

Fig Pizza with 10 year Balsamic, Prosciutto, and Arugula
The perfect blend of flavors with the sweet figs, the tangy balsamic, the slightly salty prosciutto and the peppery arugula

...and the shining start of the evening!  A beautiful and delicious paella!

Paella - clams, shrimp, chicken, mussels, calamari, sweet peas, chorizo, saffron rice

Of course we saved room for dessert and sampled two of Gastro Bar's famous desserts!

Left: the Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream
Right: New York Style Cheesecake with a medley of fresh berries

Our thanks to our wonderful hosts in the Lopez brothers (in blue) and the amazing Executive Chef Gomez, (in red) and Sous Chef Reyes in white)!

Left to Right
Owner Mario Lopez, Sous Chef Fernando Reyes, Executive Chef Fernando Gomez, Owner Alejandro Lopez

You simply must take the trip to Stamford CT and enjoy this beautiful new addition to the downtown area! You'll certainly be glad you did!

Gastro Bar

78 West Park Pl.

Stamford, CT ‎06901

Phone: 203-817-0392

On the Web: http://www.gastrobarstamford.com/index.php 

Like them on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/GastroBarStamford

Follow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GastroBar1

Follow them on Instagram: http://instagram.com/gastrobarstamford#

 

Disclaimer: We were invited to this menu sampling by members of Gastro Bar's public relations and management team. However, all opinions are our own.

Parallel Post - Farm To Trumbull October 2014

Make your reservations now for Parallel Post's October Farm to Trumbull Event!

Parallel Post announces their fourth and final dinner of their 2nd annual culinary dining series, Farm-To-Trumbull, on Wednesday October 8th at 7p.m. Inspired by the season, the coveted events provide an intimate experience for 30 guests led by James Beard-nominated Chef, Dean James Max; Executive Chef, Chris Molyneux; and Chef de Cuisine, Ali Goss of Parallel Post.

For $75 per person (tax and 18 percent gratuity not included), guests can warm the palate with a welcome cocktail and sampling of small bites; followed by a family-style dinner ripe with the season’s finest local ingredients; wine pairings presented by Parallel Post’s resident mixologist, Greg Genias aka “Bootleg Greg”; and an all-you-can-indulge dessert bar.

The menus for the series - much like Parallel Post’s weekly-changing restaurant menu – focus on localism and follow the philosophy that natural and sustainable products, and responsible farming, are the key components in ingredient selection.  The menus are inspired by the farm’s fresh offerings of the day and as such, patrons will be invited to embrace their adventurous side with the Farm-to-Trumbull menu being revealed that day.

Parallel Post believes in strengthening the farming community and engages local purveyors for a majority of its ingredients – seafood from Norm Bloom & Sons in Norwalk, Conn. and Foley Fish in Boston, Mass.; meats from Ox Hollow Farm in Roxbury, Conn.; milk and ice cream from The Farmer’s Cow in Lebanon, Conn.

Tickets to the Farm-to-Trumbull dinners are available for advance purchase at $75++ per person. To RSVP for the October 8th dinner, please e-mail farmtotrumbull@gmail.com.

ABOUT PARALLEL POST
Chef Dean James Max returns to his farm-raised roots in his latest venture, Parallel Post at the Trumbull Marriott Merritt Parkway. Offering a bold and flavorful menu featuring modern American cuisine with Northeastern regional flair, Parallel Post brings an unseen level of quality and creativity to the culinary landscape of Trumbull, Connecticut. The intimate, yet casual eatery uses seasonal, local ingredients prepared with contemporary, healthy techniques. The menu is comprised of a wide array of options from snacks to small plates, large entree, and a multi-course tasting menu. Parallel Post serves breakfast Monday through Friday from 6:30 to 11:00 a.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; lunch Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and dinner daily from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. Parallel Post is located at 180 Hawley Lane, Trumbull, Conn. For more information please visit www.ParallelPostRestaurant.com or call 203.380.6380.

Jojoto Restaurant - Modern Venezuelan Dining in Branford CT

Social Media Sampling

This week we stayed local in our very own Branford CT and strolled down to the Short Beach area of town to visit Jojoto, a Venezuelan Restaurant, that features a modern take on traditional Venezuelan classics.

Jojoto, pronounced ho-ho-toe, opened in late August 2014 to rave reviews!

The restaurant is owned and operated by Victor Figuero and his wife Nichola. Victor, originally of Caracas Venezuela, longed for the food of his native country, and together with his lovely wife knew that the only way they would satisfy this urge was to take the plunge and open up their very own restaurant. They sought out and found an executive chef with an equal passion in Venezuelan-born Neil Fuentes, known as The Sensational Singing Chef.

Chef Fuentes is known locally for his frequent appearances on Connecticut Style, and nationally for his Food Network feature on Chopped.

On this visit we sampled some of Chef Fuentes specialties and Victor and Nichola were able to join us for a fabulous dinner that focused on just what the Fiquero's envisioned in their restaurant's conception, an entertaining and fun gathering place, highlighted by interesting conversation, hearty laughter, storytelling and song, and, of course, great food and drink.

Let's start with the drink!

As soon as we arrived we were greeted by Savannah, with a tall flute of prosecco, and owners Nichola and Victor, who warmly welcomed us into their home away from home, Jojoto!

Savannah, Nichola and Victor

Our first course, or "Pasapalo", started with a wide variety of the appetizers, passed butler style, available on the menu in the form of empanadas (chicken, beef, and rice & bean), arepas (beef, cheese, and reina pepiada), and more!

Pasapalo at Jojoto

Before beginning our next course, Chef Neil Fuentes surprised us in true Singing Chef style, with a rousing rendition of Mack the Knife! What a greeting!!!

Click the arrow below to play.

Chef Fuentes is the consummate performer, and, in addition to serenading us with song, he also treated us to a live demonstration of his Toston preparation.

Chef Fuestes prepared Toston in a live demonstration

Our second course, the starters or "Entradas" consisted of a sample of some of the many items that appear or will appear on the menu. Chef Fuentes notes that the menu will change seasonally in accordance to flavors of the season and availability. We sampled Ensalada Mixta, Venezuelan Capresse, Venezuelan Sandwiches, Toston, Mejillones,  and Guacoucos

Entradas / Starters at Jojotos
Ensalada, Venezuelan Capresse, Venezuelan Sandwiches, Toston, Mejillones, Guacoucos

Here's a short description of some of the items we sampled.

Ensalada Mixta: Chef Fuentes' mom's "go to" salad which taught her children to eat veggies in their original form, with hints of dressings used to enhance flavors. Comprised of potato, carrots, beets, tomato, qual egg and bacon, with a light orange honey vinaigrette.

Venezuelan Capresse:  Homemade cheese, tomato, salt, pepper, and olive oil.

Venezuelan Sandwaches: (a) La hamburguesa con todo which translates to the burger with everything. Beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, ham, coleslaw, potato chips, sauces and an egg. and (b) A simple Pork Sandwich with homemade coleslaw and Perrill.

Toston: Small toasted bread topped with Shrimp and a light cajun sauce.

Mejillones (Mussels): Choritos a la chalaca, a mussel stuffed with a ceviche style salad.

Guacucos (Clams): Pasta con Guacoccos, a modern version of Chef Fuentes' mom's classic recipe.


Before moving on to our main course, I must mention some of my favorites from the incredible cocktails I sampled, all made with fresh ingredients. The star of the show, prepared and explained by Ceceila (also from Venezuela) was the Passion Fruit and Jalapeno Martini. For those who desire a more 'relaxing' cocktail, I heartily recommend the Lavender and Lime Martini.

Jojoto Cocktails 

Ceceila had an interesting story about Jojoto and explained that as she drove by the restaurant prior to its opening she spotted the "Coming Soon - Jojoto Restaurant" sign. Because Jojoto, which translates to corn on the cob, is a phrase or translation traditionally used only by Venezuelans, she too was excited to be involved with the foods, culture, and philosophy of her native country. Needless to say, she immediately applied and is an integral part of the Jojoto extended family.

#JustSayHohoto

And while Chef Fuentes worked his magic behind the scenes, Savannah entertained us with the song from her audition that landed her the position at Jojotos.

You read that right folks --- every single applicant must prepare a reading or song to perform as part of the application process for Jojoto. You see, Victor, Nichola, and Chef Neil understand that part of the dining experience is in entertaining your customers, just as you would entertain them at home, setting a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Click the arrow below to hear Savannah sing "Where The Boys Are"

For our main course, Platos Fuertes, we sampled El Pabellon Criollo, Gallinta, Short Ribs, and Paella.

The El Pabellon Criollo is a traditional Venezuelan dish, prepared with simple ingredients that pack a flavorful and comforting punch, white rice, black beans, shredded beef, and sweet plantains.

Jojoto - El Pabellon Criollo

The Gallinta is pure Fuentes ingenuity, combining citric juices with shrimp fume and vegetable over a crispy chicken, with leeks and plantains to round out the flavors.

Jojoto - Gallinta

Next was an incredible Short Rib dish served over polenta.  This dish was so good that we asked for seconds!

Jojoto - Short Rib over Polenta

And, our final dinner item was Chef Fuentes' take on Paella, a rustic Spanish-influenced rice dish prepared with saffron, mussels, clams, shrimp, chicken and chorizo.

Chef Fuentes and his Paella

And it wasn't over yet! We saved room for dessert, or dulce, having a delicious Tres Leches, Coconut Custard Cake, and Churros.

Jojoto - Dessert
Tres Leche, Coconut Custard Cake, Churros

Favorites of my evening were the empanadas, the Shrimp Toston, the El Pabellon Criollo, and the Short Rib and Polenta.

Dessert? Hands down the Coconut Custard Cake. Order it while it's still on the menu!

All the flavors of Chef Fuentes foods were wonderful and were only enhanced by the hospitality and community we experienced at the Figueroa's restaurant. It is truly a home away from home for them, and it will be for you too, as you experience the comforting flavors and cultural foods of Venezuela.

The Jojoto Family

Our thank you to the entire Figueroa family and their amazing family of staff for welcoming us into their "home".

Jojoto Modern Venezuelan Restaurant

130 Shore Drive Rd

Branford CT 06405

203-208-4141

Web: http://www.jojotorestaurant.com/

Like them on facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Jojoto-Modern-Venezuelan-Cuisine/

Follow them on Twitter: @JOJOTOBranford

Follow them on Instagram: @jojotorestaurant

 


Disclaimer: We were invited to this menu sampling by members of Jojoto's public relations and management team. However, all opinions are our own.

Sticks and Stones to Open at the Mohegan Sun

It's FONDUE TIME!!!

Sticks and Stones Grill is coming to the Mohegan Sun.

Get ready to sip, sizzle and dip into Mohegan Sun’s newest restaurant, Sticks & Stones, coming to Casino of the Sky in late 2014.

The dipping grille, which seats just under 300 people, encourages playing with your food while sharing conversation, experimenting with new tastes and enjoying plenty of laughs. 

Set in a postmodern industrial décor, you'll feel the energy the minute you step into this very interactive and tasty experience found only at Mohegan Sun. 

Embrace the comeback of the fondue dipping concept at Sticks & Stones. The unique dining experience aims to bring conversation back to meal time while you gather around the table’s hot grilling stone with family and friends.

Savor ultra-fresh steaks, seafood and locally sourced vegetables as you immerse them, fondue style, into broths, sauces and gourmet cheeses.

Non-dippers can indulge in the freshest culinary treats prepared by the executive chef. Let the sommelier pair your choices with fine wine or explore the molecular bar where mixologists mix science with spirits for satisfying cocktails that bubble, pop and fizz with flair.

For more information about Sticks & Stones, please visit their website: http://www.sticksnstonesgrille.com/








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.

New London Annual Fall Food Stroll

Save the date for a wonderful fall event!

Downtown New London's Annual Fall Food Stroll! 

 Wednesday, October 15, 2014, 5:30pm-8:30pm

Streets of downtown filled with strollers celebrating New London’s best food and fun.

Join the fine merchants on New London Main Street with support from Presenting Sponsor Citizen’s Bank, City of New London, The Day, Dime Bank and Garde Arts Center.  Premiere local talent will perform along the stroll route.

New London Main Street continues its most popular tradition of celebrating New London's Historic Waterfront District at its Annual Fall Food Stroll on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 from 5:30 to 8:30pm.  www.newlondonmainstreet.org/stroll.  Participants experience a vibrant and safe downtown New London filled with people, good cheer and welcoming businesses.

Participants will stroll through over 40 different restaurants, shops and arts and cultural institutions in downtown New London, tasting bite-size samples of dishes or drinks that range from seafood to sweets, organic to ethnic and everything in between.

Participating  venues are expected to include:

2 Wives Brick Oven Pizza,
Bankok City,
Bean & Leaf,
Blissworks Yoga,
Bravado Barbershop,
Bulkeley House Saloon,
Chaplin’s,
Copperwood Grill,
Daddy Jack’s (*NEW!),
Dev’s on Bank,
The Drunken Palette,
Edible Arrangements,
Ernie’s Café,
Fiddleheads Food Co-op,
Flavours of Life – The Fair Trade Store,
The Firehouse Gallery,
Franks Place,
Garde Arts Center,
Hanafin’s Public House,
Hive Skate Shop,
Hot Rod’s Cafe,
In 'N' Out Caribbean Cuisine,
Jasmine Thai,
Lazy Leopard T
hai Café (*NEW!),
Mambo Bar & Restaurant,
Muddy Waters Café,
Nathan Hale School House,
New London Fire Department,
New London Maritime Society’s Custom House Museum,
Northern Indian Restaurant,
Northern Light Gems,
The Oasis Pub,
The Old Roadhouse (*NEW!),
Provinance Center,
Sarge’s Comics,
Seehund German Restaurant and Bar,
Shaw Mansion,
Spoiled Salon,
Studio 33 Art & Frame Gallery,
Thames Club,
The New Roadhouse,
State Street Saloon,
The Steaming Kettle,
Subway,
Tony D’s,
Washington Street Coffee House,
Wings ‘N Pies,
...and more.

And there's even a Contest!!! Food served will be judged in a competition, and judges include Jack Chiara of the Johnson & Wales College of Culinary Arts; Thomas Johnson, Executive Chef for New London Public Schools and the Interactive Cooking School, Culinary Secrets with Chef Tomm, Citizens Bank AVP Stacey Taylor, and more to be announced.

 On hand to provide entertainment are: Paul Brockett Roadshow, Frankenphil at the Seehund, Writer’s Block Street Team, Jeff Marttson, Tom Burgess, Teddy Gudias, Roxy 100.9, Q105, WCNI, and many more.


Where to start??? ==> On the day of the event the Stroll’s headquarters are at Harris Place, 165 State Street, New London from 10:00am.  A map containing stroll and entertainment locations will be available there and at www.newlondonmainstreet.org.

Ticket Information:  $30 in advance ($25 for military, students and groups) in advance and $35 on the day or (if available) and will be on sale as of September 15, 2014 at the following locations:

• www.newlondonmainstreet.org, all day every day.  
• The Garde Arts Center box office, 325 State Street, M-F 10:00am-5:00pm.
• New London Main Street, 147 State Street, Suite B, M-F 10:00am-3:00pm.

 **Tickets purchased online can be picked up on the day of the stroll from 10:00am on at Harris Place, 165 State Street, New London.


Tickets are available on the day of beginning at 10:00am until they sell out at Harris Place, 165 State Street or at the Garde Arts Center, 325 State Street.


Winners of the food judging contest will be announced at 9:15pm at Harris Place, 165 State Street, and judges will travel to each winning venue to announce their award immediately following the announcement. Winners will be announced October 15, 2014, 5:30-8:30pm; contest winners announced at 9:15pm.

 The Food Stroll celebrates one of New London’s best features - abundant and delicious eateries - and attracts visitors from around the region to explore the downtown and experience its vibrancy, beauty and safety.

New London Main Street is committed to revitalizing New London's historic downtown. The goal of Main Street is to build community through activities and programs that enrich the cultural fabric, preserve and enhance historic streetscapes and support and expand the economic base of the city center.