Oak Haven Table and Bar - Farm to Table in New Haven CT

Social Media Sampling

Early in December we were invited to sample some of the snack items and small and medium plates available at Oak Haven Table and Bar in New Haven CT. (Note: 'large' plates are also available but were not part of this sampling.)

Owners Craig Hotchkiss and Al Greenwood have a winning combination of specialty cocktails and a true farm to table menu overseen by chef Meg Fama.

Enter the cozy restaurant on State Street in New Haven's East Rock section and you'll be surprised at the size and comfort of the surroundings in the warmly decorated and amber toned dining room and bar.

The menu changes daily in accordance with the availability from local sources. And everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING, is made on premise. Good lordy, even the ketchup is made on premise from scratch!

We started with some cocktails, which also change seasonally, as well as featuring market specials of the day. Remember I said made on premise...yup...even the juices are prepared on premise!

Left: Taste of Christmas with rye and winter spices
Right: Market Special Rime Vodka with Cranberry and Rosemary herbs

We started with the Autumn Rolls from the snack menu, prepared with shredded market vegetables and a plum sauce, these were crunchy good, and similar to a spring roll.

Autumn Rolls

Next we moved on to the small plates, where we sampled some sweet and meaty mussels, prepared with a beer broth, herbs, and garlic. The mussels were perfectly prepared, and probably some of the best I've ever tasted, plump and flavorful.

Oak Haven Mussels

Also from the small plates menu were a nice dish of brussel sprouts, prepared with garlic, shallots, and a maple reduction.

Oak Haven Brussel Sprouts

And last from the small plate menu were the crabcakes, prepared with a house made remoulade. These were also quite tasty and chock full of fresh crab meat.

Blue Crab: Dual Crispy Crab Cakes

Then we moved on to the medium plates menu, where we sampled scallops, a cassoulet, and steamed clams.

The seared scallops were served with a tangy tarragon cream sauce, bacon bits and fresh market vegetables.

Dry Boat Scallops

Then, my favorite dish of the evening, a beautiful cassoulet, prepared with sausage, mushrooms, carrots, onions, white beans, local greens, parmesan cheese, with a wine broth. While I'm not typically a fan of anything made with sausage, this dish was an amazing blend of flavors that didn't allow the sausage to overtake the dish.

Oak Haven Cassoulet

Last on our medium plate menu sampling were the clams fra diavlo. The star of this dish was the incredible spicy tomato based broth it was prepared in. My tablemate Julie, of JuliEdibles kept referring to the broth as 'liquid gold' and I couldn't agree more. It was rich and hearty, and the Cowboy and I had the perfect arrangement, I savored the clams while he soaked up the broth with Oak Haven's crusty bread. It was all he could do to keep himself from picking up the bowl with two hands and drinking the warm delicious elixir.

Clams Fra Diablo

To finish our evening, we sampled some of Chef Fama's baked goods for dessert, delicious cookies, dessert bars, and shortcakes.

Assorted Cookies and Bread Pudding Bars

Shortbread with Jam

During dessert, Chef Fama was able to join us for a few minutes and we were certainly impressed with her commitment to the farm to table movement that the restaurant is becoming well known for. She was able to name each dish we sampled and the farm it was connected with. Every dish, and even many of the cocktails, have ties to local sources. Folks, this is a wonderful way to support local!

For a list of farms the restaurant works with click here => Oak Haven's Local Farms


We certainly enjoyed this cozy little place in New Haven and we're looking forward to a return in the coming year!

Oak Haven Table Bar

932 State Street

New Haven, CT 06511

Phone

(203) 915-9413

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

Disclaimer: We were invited to this sampling by Oak Haven's management team. However, all opinions expressed are entirely our own.

Brick + Wood in Fairfield CT - Love Life and Pizza

Social Media Sampling

We were thrilled to be invited to Fairfield County's newest addition, Brick + Wood Pizza in Fairfield Connecticut.

This isn't your ordinary corner pizza joint, instead, it's a fresh clean concept designed by Haverson Architecture & Design of Greenwich, CT. The architectural team, spurred by the vision of the Cavalli family, has transformed the restaurant into a multi-layered / multi-sensory restaurant and bar.

As the name implies, much of the design is framed by stressed wood and worn Chicago brick with pockets of space throughout filled with stacks of wood that heat the oven. The mosaic tiled pizza oven and the butcher block and Calcutta Ciero marble top mozzarella bar are the focal point of the dining room.

Brick + Wood is also home to the area’s first all-tap wine bar, accentuated by a steel backdrop and wooden taps.

Owners Paolo and Clara Cavalli were the ultimate hosts at Brick +Wood.

Paolo, who lived in Texas for several years loved the Cowboy's hat...and, after comparing belt buckles (chuckle-chuckle) we learned about their restaurants in Texas, the Neapolitan Street Food they specialize in, the homemade mozzarella process, and why they love life and pizza!

Here's some of the items we enjoyed as we sampled some of their Neapolitan Street Food, Salads, and Pizza!

Of course we started with some of their signature and specialty cocktails.

Mojito, Peppermint Shooter, Tarraon Margarita, Pomegranate Martini

And then we moved on to some small plates, appetizers, and salads.

Croquettes

The Cowboy and I both loved the pillowly light Pizza Frittes! He loved the delicious marinara sauce, in fact we requested extra for dipping!

Montanara "Fizza Frittes"
Served with marinara sauce and fresh parmigiano

Then we moved on to the Arancini. These were prepared in a fun and whimsical way, on sticks!

Arancini
Pear and Gorgonzola with a sage brown sauce

Then we moved on to the Salad, Mozzarella, and Burrata Bar portion of our meal.

Starting with a palate cleansing. Aragula & Pear Salad. I adored this salad. My only critique would be I wish the salad had more pears! I loved how the pears were delicately shaved - and were a great contrast in flavors to the peppery arugula. The good thing? There were plenty of candied walnuts, another of my favorites. The salad was very lightly dressed with sweet and tangy maple vinaigrette!

Arugula Salad
Arugula, pear, candied walnuts, maple viniagrette, fried boconcinni

Then the Burrata fun began! We got to see how the burrata is prepared. I always wondered how the creamy milk gets inside. This was a lot of fun to watch, and if you're there when it's being done - don't miss it!

The Burrata Process

And here was our finished product! A wonderful Truffle Burrata! I can't gush enough about how good this was. Trust me - it's FABULOUS!

Truffle Burrata
House made mozzarella with a cream and truffle filled center, prosciutto and arugula

And because it was so creamy good on the inside - I just had to share a picture of it oozing out - and one of it spread on my bread with prosciutto!

Truffle Burrata

Next on our sampling menu were the Girelli, prepared in a fresh mozzarella rollup with eggplant, prosciutto, and roasted peppers.

Girelli
Thin mozzarella layered with eggplant, prosciutto, and roasted peppers

And now it's time for the stars of the show, the pizza at Brick + Wood! We sampled three of their most popular artisan pizzas, the Margherita, the Arugala and Prosciutto, and the Diavola.

Brick + Wood's pizza is certified by the Associazone Pizzaiuoli Napoletani (APN), an association formed in Naples by pizza makers to preserve the authentic Neapolitan pizza values. Supported by the Italian government, this rigorous certification process is required by any restaurant in Italy wishing to serve authentic Neapolitan pizza. Only a handful of pizzaiolos in the United States have earned this distinction.

Margherita
San Marzano Tomato Sauce, Fresh Basil, Fresh Mozzarella, drizzled with EVOO

Arugula e Prosciutto
Fresh Mozzarella, Prosciutto, Shaved Parmigiano, Balsamic Glaze

And my absolute favorite of the night, The Diavola Pizza! Loved the heat of the sauce and the spicy jalapenos. On a burn scale of 1-5, I would give this a solid 3+ - the perfect medium warm burn!!!  Delicious!

Diavola (Texas Heat)
Spicy Soppressata, Garlic, Jalapenos, and Oregano

And we ended our evening with two specialty desserts, a bread pudding and and nutella panzerotto.

Left:   Nutella Panzerotto
Right:  Caramel Bourbon Bread Pudding

Open since November 2014, they are quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite. There's a bright fresh vibe inside, and Brick + Wood is a fun destination to meet up with family and friends, and I'd even recommend it for a fun date night!

And...gluten free options are also available (call ahead 203.939-1400).

For more on the Cavalli family read here ==>> HomePlace/Brick+Wood_Opens

Brick + Wood

1275 Post Rd No. 7  

Fairfield, CT 06824

203-939-1400

www.lovelifeandpizza.com

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

2015 Connecticut Flower and Garden Show in Hartford CT

Save the date!

“Spirit of Spring”

Connecticut Flower and Garden Show

The 34th Annual 

“Connecticut Flower & Garden Show”

February 19-22, 2015 

 Connecticut Convention Center

“Spirit of Spring” is the theme of the “34th annual Connecticut Flower & Garden Show” to take place on Thursday, February 19 through Sunday, February 22, 2015 at the Connecticut Convention Center on 100 Columbus Blvd. in Hartford. This is THE Hartford Garden Show and is one of the largest and most prestigious flower shows in New England. The show’s hours are: Thursday, February 19 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, February 20 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, February 21 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, February 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The colorful, fragrant show covers almost three acres with the 2015 theme, “Spirit of Spring”, with fresh, creative and wonderful ideas for homeowners and apartment and condo dwellers alike. This is the best Hartford Flower Show! Highlights include:

• Eighteen (18) gardens fill over an acre, created by professional landscape designers and nonprofit organizations, and include naturalistic, low maintenance, native and organic gardens.
• Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut’s 2015 Advanced Standard Flower Show: more than 12,000-square feet of design and horticulture competition and more than 250 judged entries, all with a “Ports of Call” theme.
• More than 300 booths with displays, activities, artisans and handcrafted gifts,  and aisles of fresh flowers, plants, garden ornaments, herbs, bulbs, seeds, fertilizers, soils, gardening books, patio furniture, ornaments and lawn equipment for purchase. Bring a 1/2 cup of soil to the UConn Co-op booth for free soil testing.

More than 80 hours of seminars by horticulturists and experts including::

• Daily seminars by Mar Jennings of Greenwich, CT, Emmy-nominated TV host, best-selling author and America's top Lifestyle Expert: Creating Casual Luxury in Your Home & Garden;
• Roger Swain, known as The Man in the Red Suspenders, former host of PBS’ The Victory Garden and HGTV’s People, Places & Plants: Vegetables That I Have Known & You Will Love;
• Connecticut Florist of the Year 2010, floral design instructor, and Connecticut Florists Association Board member Bob Buettner: Floral Arranging;Award-winning photographer and author Ken Druse: Making More Plants – Propagation and Natural Companions;
• Lifelong organic gardener, photographer and lecturer Karen Bussolini: 40 Great Plants for Connecticut Gardens and Gardens in Winter;
• Plant Pathologist Dr. Wade Elmer of New Haven, CT: Fighting Fusarium in Flowers, Nutrition to Manage Disease;
• Award-winning container garden designer and certified horticulturist & landscape professional Deborah Trickett: Celebrity Containers and Jaw Dropping, Get Your Neighbors Talking Containers;
• Wildlife biologist Peter Picone: Create & Enhance Wildlife Habitats in Your Surroundings;
• Baroness Maureen Haseley-Jones a.k.a. The English Lady of Old Lyme, CT: Mother Earth;
• Jeffrey Eleveld, who provides therapeutic horticulture to older adults, including individuals with dementia: Tropical Plants – Clean Air;
• Rich Howard, retired civil engineer and past president of the Connecticut Daylily Society: Daylilies;
• Plant Pathologist Dr. Yonghao Li, who heads up the Plant Disease Information Office at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station: Disease Control in Home Vegetable Gardens;
• Master Gardener Dawn Pettinelli of the University of Connecticut in Storrs: Soils for Gardeners;
• Master Gardener and Landscaper Thomas Mickey: America's Romance with the English Garden

And there's more!!!!

• Charlotte Albers, environmental educator and owner of Paintbox Garden landscape design in Shelburne, VT: Gardens of Paris;
• Rob Townsend: Watergardening Basics and Pond Ecology;
• Pamm Cooper of the UConn Home and Garden Education Center, and a former golf course superintendent who teaches the entomology and turf portions of the Connecticut Master Gardener Program AND Carol Quish Advanced Master Gardener, Master Composter, horticulturist and certified accredited nursery & landscape professional: Our Gardens, The Good, The Bad & The Ugly;
• Soil scientist and wetlands Ecologist Kyle Turoczi, Co-Founder of Earth Tones Native Plant Nursery & Landscapes in Woodbury, CT: Working With Wetlands on Your Property;
• Donna Katsuranis, an Advanced Master Gardener and interfaith minister from Brookfield, CT: Composting & Soil Health and Rain Gardens; and
• Master Gardener author, photographer and designer Amy Ziffer of Sherman, CT: Shade Revealed.
• Denise Ciastko of Pan Acres Nursery in Canterbury, CT: Creating Sustainable Habitat for Pollinators;
• Allison Kaminski: Winter Interest in Your Garden;
• Kasha Furman of Cricket Hill Garden in Thomaston: Peonies; and
• Dan Furman of Cricket Hill Garden in Thomaston: Backyard Orchards.

Admission: $16 Adults; $14 Seniors Age 62 and Over on Thursday/Friday only; $4 Children 5-12; Free under age 5 – Cash Only. Group rates for 15 or more people: contact 860-844-8461 or Kristie@northeastexpos.com.

Advance tickets are discounted by $2 and can be purchased no later than February 17, 2015 at the following Connecticut locations: The Garden Barn in Vernon; Garden Specialties in Mystic; Moscarillo’s Garden Shoppe in West Hartford; Natureworks in Northford; Stonehedge Garden Center in Newington and Woodland Gardens in Manchester.

Show sponsors include B & P Turf Farm, Goodyear Farms, T.J. Bark Mulch, Bob Buettner Florist, WRCH Light 100.5, WFSB Channel 3, Bedard Enterprises and North East Expos, Inc.

To join the email list and get more information about the 2015 Connecticut Flower & Garden Show, seminars, and driving directions, visit www.ctflowershow.com or call North East Expos, Inc. at
860-844-8461.

See you at the Connecticut Convention Center on February 19th -22nd!

Connecticut Flower and Garden Show

Connecticut Convention Center

100 Columus Boulevard

Hartford, CT 06103

www.ctflowershow.com 

First Night Danbury - 25th Anniversary 12-31-14

Make New Friends - Keep The Old!

FIRST NIGHT DANBURY CELEBRATES ITS  25TH ANNIVERSARY

 Your favorite performers will be there on New Year's Eve

BUTTONS - ONLY $10 - ON SALE NOW!

First Night Danbury marks its 25th milestone anniversary on New Year's Eve, Wednesday, December 31st, 5:00 - 9:00pm, by bringing back favorite past performers to ring in the New Year throughout CityCenter. The weather outside won't be frightful, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac, and you may still have no place to go, so wrap up the kids and grandparents, don your best holiday caps, and join in a Danbury Downtown year-end tradition.

First Night Danbury was founded in 1989 by volunteers. One of only three First Nights in Connecticut and about 40 throughout the US, the event prides itself on being family-friendly.  First Night was adopted by CityCenter Danbury seven years ago  in order to rebuild and recognize First Night’s potential for significant impact on the downtown arts and business community, as well as to provide an alcohol free alternative to ringing in the New Year.  First Night's theme this year is chosen appropriately: "Make New Friends, Keep the Old." The Auld Lang Syne maxim continues with "These are Silver, Those are Gold." Appropriately, First Night has invited the participation of favorite past First Night entertainments as it heralds in a new 25 years.

The Mad Hatters return!

They include the Mad Hatters Barbershop Chorus and the New Hope Mass Choir (both first performed at First Night in 1989); internationally acclaimed flautist Sherry Winston; children's entertainer John Fogarty; singer-songwriters Bob Stanhope and Lara Herscovitch; the comedy musical trio, The Coconuts; Boston's Funny Guy, Robert Clarke; Off Broadway's Monday Night magician Peter Samelson; the amazing ice sculptures of Ice Matters; and CityCenter's unofficial "ambassador" of goodwill, Magic Marty.

The Coconuts return!

In this year’s program, you’ll find tidbits of history, and we’re sure you’ll remember cherished moments from First Nights past. But there will also be the New. Light and LED, high atop the Patriot Garage, will close out the evening as we count down to the New Year. The spectacular finale, beginning at 8:30pm, will feature performances by Fractal Phenomenon and Boston-based Cirque de Light and, as tradition calls for, hot cider and cookies courtesy of The Danbury Parking Authority.

Cirque de Light

If you want to get an early start, First Night will hold a Special 25th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting Ceremony from 4:15 to 5:00pm at St. James Church. Mayor Mark Boughton will make a proclamation; The Silvertones, a group of 62 to 95-year-old “hipsters” will regale you; Mrs. Connecticut USA Universal 2015, Susan Bawlick Pagan, will add a touch of “glam;” and a Carillon Concert will kick off  First Night's 4 hours of diverse and celebratory entertainments. Host venues, all within walking distance,  include the Danbury Ice Arena, Danbury Public Library, Danbury Music Centre, Palace Danbury, St. James Church, Heirloom Arts Theatre, and the Danbury Innovation Center.

First Night Danbury is sponsored by Family & Children's Aid, All About Kids Pediatric Dentistry, Union Savings Bank, Ventura, Ribeiro & Smith, Danbury Parking Authority, Danbury Cultural Commission and the City of Danbury. Their contributions allow CityCenter to make First Night Danbury affordable and fun. Buttons, which get you into all entertainments, cost only $10! They can be purchased at CityCenter, 186 Main Street;  select branches of Union Savings Bank and the Savings Bank of Danbury; Danbury Public Library; the Patriot Garage; The Sweet Spot in New Milford; and Byrd’s Books in Bethel.

For more information, call CityCenter Danbury at (203) 792 1711 or visit facebook.com/firstnightdanbury

THERE’S SOMETHING GOING ON DOWNTOWN 

Carvel Ice Cream Stores for Holiday Cakes

If you're looking for a fun dessert treat for upcoming holiday get togethers and parties, look no farther than your local Carvel Ice Cream Store!

It's that great time of year when Carvel outdoes themselves creating HOMEMADE on premise cakes and treats perfect for any holiday occasion.

I was recently invited to visit a Carvel to sample a holiday cake and went to the nearest one to me in Milforrd CT.

Some of my favorites are the delicious ice cream cakes they make for the holidays!

Let's start with the Christmas Tree Cake

The Christmas Tree Cake at Carvel features layers of freshly made vanilla and chocolate ice cream separated by a layer of chocolate crunchies, and covered in icing that recreates a lush green Christmas Tree.

The Snowman Cake is also adorable!

The Snowman Cake at Carvel is made with layers of fresh vanilla and chocolate ice cream separated by a layer of chocolate crunchies, and covered with white icing with blue, green and red icing on top.


Also available are a Santa Cake and a Hanukkah Cake, both made with layers of both vanilla and chocolate ice cream separated by layers of chocolate crunchies.

Also available are Lil’ Snowmen Novelty Treats (not pictured) – These take-home treats feature delicious freshly made soft serve ice cream and are decorated to look like adorable miniature snowmen.

I purchased the Christmas Tree cake and I know it will be the hit of  the Holiday Party!

Carvel Ice Cream stores are found nationwide

To find a Carvel Ice Cream Store near you click here ===> http://www.carvel.com/find-a-shoppe/

Find them on the web http://www.carvel.com/

Follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CarvelIceCream

Follow them on Instagram http://instagram.com/carvelicecream

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

Disclaimer: I received a gift certificate to Carvel to facilitate this review.However, all opinions are my own.

Parallel Post Christmas & Holiday 2014 Celebrations in Trumbull CT

Following their celebratory second anniversary in late November, Parallel Post is continuing to spread the holiday cheer this month.  From festive gatherings and dedicated Christmas and New Year’s Eve menus to newly unveiled body-warming cocktail creations, Parallel Post is jumping full swing into the season.

Executive Chef Chris Molyneux will showcase his skills with two holiday-specific menus inspired by seasonal offerings.

Christmas Dinner

A four-course Christmas Day dinner ($45++/$60++ inclusive of wine/beer pairings) will be served from 12:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. on December 25th, 2014 with open seating.

Christmas Dinner at Parallel Post

The Christmas Dinner will feature items such as Fire Roasted Copps Island Oysters; Prime Rib Espresso Crusted Rib Roast, roasted sweet onion au gratin, greens and au jus; ending with Chocolate Panna Cotta, sea-salted caramel sauce and toasted hazelnuts.


New Year's Eve Dinner Celebration

Bringing the season to a close, the New Year’s Eve four-course menu ($45++/$60++inclusive of wine/beer pairings and a complimentary champagne toast) will be served from 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. on December 31st, 2014 with open seating.

New Year's Eve at Parallel Post

The celebration will highlight dishes such as Endive Salad, beets, pomegranate, goat cheese, figs, walnuts and Clementine vinaigrette; Grilled Rabbit Rack, sweet potato, Benton’s bacon, greens and roasted vegetables; and topped off with Espresso Chocolate Cake.

Holiday Specialty Cocktails

Parallel Post’s leading mixologist Gregory "Bootleg Greg" Genias has created a holiday cocktail menu filled with sweet citrus, creamy flavorings, rums, wines, and liqueurs guaranteed to satisfy the palate.  For those in need of a defrosting, wrap your hands around a hot mug of XMAS Tea ($10), infused with red wine, cardamom, cinnamon, orange, apples, dark berries, brandy and Drambuie; or toast your body with Natural is the Mystic ($12), mixed with JP Weiser vanilla spiced whiskey, homemade orange cello, hot water, fresh orange peels, and a tea ball steeped with cloves and Stevia leaves for sweetener. For patrons looking for an alternative to the traditional eggnog, savor the Dr. Phil’s 3-Cream Coquito ($12), blended with evaporated milk, condensed milk, fresh coconut cream, Bacardi white, Onyx 111 moonshine, cinnamon, nutmeg, and thyme.

Holiday Drinks at Parallel Post
L-R
(L) Natural is the Mystic, (Center) XMAS Tea, (R) Dr. Phil's Three-Cream-Coquito

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 entrée, and multi-course tasting menu.

Parallel Post serves breakfast Monday through Friday from 6:30 to 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.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, CT.
For more information, please visit www.ParallelPostRestaurant.com or call 203.380.6380.

Chilifest 2015 in Westport CT - You Be The Judge!

UPDATE  --- Read the RECAP =====>>>> HERE

Chilifest in Westport CT 

Chilifest in CT

Get your tickets to Chilifest now!

Chilifest is a pre-Super Bowl event that takes place on Feb. 1, 2015 at Bedford Middle School in Westport CT from 11AM to 3PM.   Just like its sister event, Chowdafest, everyone is given a spoon, ballot and pencil, and the opportunity to sample 18 different kinds of chili and to vote on their favorites.

Chilifest will feature THREE categories of chili:  classic beef, creative chili (turkey, vegetarian, green etc.) and “Firehouse” chili.

Twelve local restaurants will compete in the classic and creative categories while firefighters from the Fairfield, Norwalk, Trumbull, Weston, Westport and Wilton Fire Departments are slated to compete in a separate category for best firehouse chili.

Jim Keenen, event director for Chilifest says,

“We're excited to find out which restaurant people believe has the best chili - and equally thrilled to be holding a separate competition to determine what firehouse makes the best chili too. Fire departments are famous for their chili. Some of these fire fighters really know their way around the kitchen."

The Firehouse category is sponsored by Local Kitchen & Beer Bar of Norwalk and Fairfield to remind people to support their LOCAL fire department.

Some of the restaurants competing in the 2015 competition include:

• Bobby Q's (Westport)
• Cask Republic (New Haven, Stamford)
• Chef's Table (Fairfield), Chilibomb (Fairfield)
• Liquid Lunch (Milford, Shelton)
• Local Kitchen & Beer Bar (Fairfield, Norwalk)
• Naked Greens (Norwalk, Wilton)
• Simply Delicious (Norwalk)
• Southport Brewing Co. (Branford, Milford, Southport).  

The entire roster of competitors will be finalized soon (and this list will be updated at that time.

Tickets bought online are just $10 adults, $5 for kids ages 6-12.  “At ten bucks, they make great stocking stuffers” said Keenan.  Tickets at the door will be $15.  Tickets can be purchased online at:  www.Come2Chilifest.com

Chilifest benefits the Turtle Fund which seeks to promote the education of young people in art, music, theater, skilled craft and other creative pursuits in order to create a rich cultural heritage for tomorrow.

Chilifest is proudly sponsored by Aitoro Appliances, Stop & Shop, Volvo of Westport, Local Kitchen & Beer Bar and WEBE 108.  For more information about Chilifest please visit  www.Come2Chilifest.com,

Chilifest 

Bedford Middle School

88 North Avenue

Westport CT 06880

Feb. 1, 2015

11:00am - 3:00pm 

Bonefish Grill in Newington CT - #GoColossal

Last weekend we were invited to the Bonefish Grill to sample their Winter Colossal Menu!

This was our first time visiting the Bonefish Grill, who have two locations in Connecticut. Did you know there are two in CT - one in Newington CT (where we visited) and the other in South Windor, CT.

The Bonefish Grill
Newington CT

As soon as I posted my first picture on Instagram, friends and family starting texting me thinking I was down south where Bonefish Grill restaurants are more prevalent. I'm so excited to let everyone know that YES! They are here in CT and hopefully will be expanding more into New Haven and Fairfield counties!

For Winter 2014, the Bonefish Grill is featuring a Winter Colossal Menu (see menu HERE) that offers great values on favorites like Lobster Stuffed Shrimp with a creamy lobster and shrimp Imperial stuffing, succulent King Crab Legs, and Whole Grilled Mediterranean Branzino stuffed with citrus and served with a Mediterranean sofrito and arugula almond grains salad.

To embrace the season and all its wintry frostiness, sip one of Bonefish Grill’s Colossal Menu's specialty cocktails, like the Cold Snap Blackberry Frost served in a glass made entirely of ice (SAY WHAT???), mixed with freshly muddled blackberries, blood orange liqueur, vodka and fresh lemon juice.

Or you can be like me, and keep it classic, and order the Bonefish Grill's winter-time favorite Winter White Cosmo, mixed Reyka Vodka with St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, white cranberry juice and fresh lime. (Also on the Winter Colossal Menu)

Winter White Cosmopolitan

I loved the tasteful decor in the restaurant and the atmosphere. It's the perfect place for date night...or a fun night out with family or friends!

We started with the delicious baked bread and dipping infused olive oil. I could eat this bread all day - every day!

For our dinner entrees, I ordered off the Winter Colossal Menu, and went with our waitperson, Christine's, recommendation of the Sirloin and Shrimp Scampi, I have to tell you that the steak was cooked perfectly and the shrimp was beautifully prepared in a savory tomato based sauce with just the right amount of garlicky goodness.

Sirloin and Shrimp Scampi
Summer Squash - Mashed Potatoes

Yep. I was in Colossal Seafood Heaven!

Christine, if you're reading this, thank you, thank you, thank you! Great recommendation!

Look at that beautiful shrimp!

Shrimp!!!!!!!!!!!

The cowboy was hankering for a great cut of beef - so he went with the 10oz USDA Prime Filet Mignon off the regular dinner menu. He has officially declared this filet one of the best he has ever had.

10oz Filet Mignon with Summer Squash and Potatoes Au Gratin

For dessert, we stayed with the Winter Colossal Menu and shared the Chocolate.Crème Brûlée, 

Oh my goodness, complete with whipped cream and chocolate shavings - this was a chocolate lover's dream! And more than enough for two people to share!

We had a great time at the Bonefish Grill. We even had the chance to talk with hospitality manager Nate who used to live right here in Branford just a few blocks away from us. It's a small, small world, isn't it.

Managing partner Liz Pachullo was overseeing the action in the kitchen, so unfortunately we weren't able to meet her and thank her for bringing Bonefish to Connecticut!!!

But the fun isn't over.... Here's where it gets really good for you too!

For a limited time the Fresh Fish Experts at Bonefish Grill are celebrating the holiday season in a big way by offering a $10 gift to Home Place readers now through December 30.

While you’re there, savor the same decadent dishes that we sampled on from the new Colossal Winter Menu - or order off the regular menu.  Either way, it's a win!

Note: This offer expires Dec. 30 2014
Some restrictions apply
See details http://bit.ly/12hXY3i

$10 gift for you and yours===>  http://bit.ly/12hXY3i

The Bonefish Grill

2903 Berlin Turnpike,

Newington, CT 06111

860-878-6812

https://www.bonefishgrill.com/

#GoColossal

Disclaimer: We were invited to the Bonefish Grill by their public relations firm and provided with a gift card that covered a portion of our meal  However, all opinions are our own.