My Wine Stroll with New Haven's Flights of Fancy

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Flights of Fancy in New Haven

This year was the first year I was able to participate in New Haven's Wine Crawl "Flights of Fancy" through the Chapel Street Historic and Broadway District. As soon as the Wine Gods smiled down upon me I cleared my schedule and grabbed friends Gayle and Maggie and made plans for the night!

This totally affordable wine crawl costs only $20.00 ($15.00 if you saved your glass from last year) and gives you the opportunity to sample over 30 different wines, and visit some great boutiques, stores, and restaurants . In addition, you also get to admire some classic Gothic architecture as you stroll through sections of the Yale University campus.

Maggie and Gayle pose in front of a Yale entryway

We checked in at the Study at Yale Hotel, got our wine glass and entered ourselves in the raffle that featured prizes from many of the merchants we were visiting, as well as a grand prize drawing.

Check in at the Study at Yale

With maps in hand everyone set out to do some wine tasting and shopping on this fun wine stroll!

Let's get this party started!

In alphabetical order, here are the participating merchants and the wine they served, as well as any discounts or extras they were serving their visitors.

Because we like to stop and chat with every merchant, we weren't  able to visit every one - but here are some of the highlights of the Wine Stroll and the participating merchants.

Ashley's Ice Cream (280 York St.) 20% off purchase. Serving: Villa Rosa Moscato NV.

Barbour (27 Broadway) 10% off 1 item that evening only. Serving: PJ Valckenberg Gewurtztraminer.

Campus Customs (57 Broadway) 20% off purchase. Serving: Vicolo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.

Canditopia (1022 Chapel St.) 20% off & free truffles with the wine tasting. Serving: Cascina Sant' Ubaldo Brachetto d'Acqui

Canditopia

Denali (13 Broadway) Offering 20% off 1 item. Serving: Societe Cooperative Castelmaure Corbieres Col des Vents.


Derek Simpson Goldsmith (1094 Chapel St.) Anniversary Sale 20-70% off. Serving:Tenuta Ulisse "Sognodiulisse" Chardonnay Malvasia.

Derek Simpson Goldsmith

Elm City Social (266 College St.) Offering Happy Hour pricing to participants. Serving:The Federalist Cabernet.

Elm City Social

Froyo World (46 High St.) 20% off your purchase. Serving: Adega de Pegoes Moscatel de Setubal NV.


GANT (268 York St.) 20% off 1 item that evening. Serving: Lockhart Cabernet Sauvignon.

GANT

Harvest (1104 Chapel St.) Free glass of Prosecco or Moscato with dinner purchase. Serving: Cape Point Vineyards "Stonehaven" Sauvignon Blanc.

Harvest

Hello Boutique (1090 Chapel St.) Additonal 25% off the existing 15-50% sale items. Serving: Nik Weiss Urban Riesling.

Hello Boutique

Hull's Art Supply (1144 Chapel St.) 20% off 1 item. Serving: Sin Nombre Crianza.

Hull's

Idiom Boutique (1014 Chapel St.) 20% off 1 item. Serving: Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling.

Idiom /Boutique

J. Crew (29 Broadway)Extra 40% off final sale styles*40% discount valid on the purchase of select final sale items in J.Crew stores from January 26, 2016, 12:01am ET through January 31, 2016, 11:59pm ET. In-store discount as advertised. Cannot be applied to previous purchases and cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other offer.  Serving: Groiss Gruner Veltliner.

J. Press (206 College St.) 25% off 1 item. Serving: Red Tail Ridge Sans Oak Chardonnay.

Kiko Milano (11 Broadway) Offering 20% off 1 item. Serving: Line 39 Petite Syrah.


L'Occitaine en Provence (1042 Chapel St.) 10% off total purchase. Serving: Laudun-Chusclan Cotes du Rhone Les Costes Rouge.

Lou Lou (23 Broadway) 30% off 1 item. Serving: Auspicion Cabernet Sauvignon.

Merwin's Art Supply (1052 Chapel St.) 20% off 1 item. Serving: Roc des Anges "L'Effet Papillon" Cotes du Rousillon Blanc.

Merwin's 

SHiFT Cycling (199 Crown St.) Free class pass for participants and 20% off a 3-day pass. Serving: Ten Mile Bridge Red.

Tarry Lodge (278 Park St.) Offering complimentary Antipasti or Soft Serve with purchase of pizza, pasta or secondi. Serving: Laya Garnacha/Monastrell.

Tarry Lodge

Thali Too (65 Broadway) 20% off total check for participants. Serving: Castellargo Nero d'Avola.


The Green Teahouse (1008 Chapel St.) Free tea pastries & 15% off all merchandise. Serving: Hakutsuru Sake Junmai Excellent NV.

The Green Teahouse

Therapy (286 York St.) Offering 20-30% off 1 item. Serving: Laudun-Chusclan Cotes du Rhone Les Costes Blanc.

Therapy

Trailblazer (296 Elm St.) Offering 20% off 1 item. Serving: Domaine des Cassagnoles VdP Cotes de Gascogne.

Trailblazer

Wave (1406 Chapel St.) Offering 20% off 1 item. Serving: Real Companhia Velha Porca de Murca Douro Tinto.

Wave

Willoughby's Coffee & Tea (194 York St.) Official coffee sponsor of the event. Offering 20% off your purchse. Serving: Moobuzz Chardonnay.

The Wine Thief (181 Crown St) Stop by for various wine samples and pick up your favorite bottle from Flights. Most wines provided during event are from the Wine Thief.

The Wine Thief 

Yale University Bookstore (77 Broadway) Offering 20% off 1 general reading book or 1 apparel item. Not serving wine.

Yorkside Pizza (288 York St.) 1/2 price beer or wine. Spend $25 or more and receive free pitcher of soda. Serving: Josh Wines (Chardonnay & Legacy).

Yurway Boutique (1130 Chapel St.) 50% off sales items. Serving: Tortoise Creek Zinfandel.

Yurway

Before the night was over we headed back to the Hotel at the Study at Yale to listen to some great music and enjoy getting together with all the strollers for the special drawing and prizes!

 

Congratulations to the winners!

Special shout out to Harvest who had a wide array of nibbling items and to the Green Teahouse for taking a fun picture of me and Gayle (and for some amazing organic cheesecake). (See that photo HERE on their facebook page).

And we LOVED seeing our babe Chef Sam (Samantha) Moore at Tarry Lodge! 

Chef Sam Moore
Look at that megawatt smile!

We had a beautiful night to enjoy this fun event. The weather was crisp and clear and the recent snow fall had mostly melted away or was cleared from the walkways.

The Lights on Broadway

Special thanks to the sponsors of this event, the Broadway Merchants Association, The Wine Thief, The Study at Yale Hotel. 

This was a wonderful evening organized by the Town Green Special Services District - don't miss their next one scheduled for July 14th, 2016!  (SAVE THE DATE). I'll be back with details as soon as they're available!

For more pictures of the Flights of Fancy visit the Home Place facebook page ==>> HERE

and while you're there, don't forget to "like" us!

Disclaimer: I was invited to Flights of Fancy by the event's marketing department. However, all views and opinions are my own.

Valentine's Day in West Hartford at A'vert and Treva

The most romantic day of the year is approaching! 

Valentine's Day!

Here's what some local Connecticut establishments in the Hartford area have in store for you and someone you love!

Both are offering a three course brunch menu (for $45 per person, including a glass of champagne), and a four course dinner menu (for $69 per person) on Valentine’s Day.

Treva Restaurant is Chef Dorjan Puka’s signature Italian Restaurant.

Its sister restaurant, A’vert Brasserie, features a French menu with romantic, bistro style dining.

Both restaurants are located in the heart of West Hartford.

A’vert Brasserie

www.avertbrasserie.com
35 A LaSalle Road
West Hartford, CT 06107
Phone: 860-904-6240
Valentine's Brunch==> Menu
Valentine's Dinner ==> Menu

Treva Restaurant 

www.trevact.com
980 Farmington Ave
West Hartford, CT 06107 
860-232-0407
Valentine's Brunch==> Menu
Valentine's Dinner ==> Menu


Reservations are recommended.

Savor CT New Event - Savor the Legends

Savor – A Celebration of Wine, Food & Spirits 

Announces a New Event: Savor the Legends  

Plan b presents an EXCLUSIVE opportunity to taste five years of Pappy Van Winkle!

Photo Courtesy Plan b

That's right! Savor CT adds a NEW event to this year's fun weekend lineup!

Savor, A celebration of Wine, Food & Spirits presented by Foxwoods Resort Casino, announced this week that Plan b will present a new Savor event, Savor the Legends.

This EXCLUSIVE event will offer guests the unique opportunity to taste five years of the very rare, legendary Pappy Van Winkle bourbon.

Savor’s host chef for the weekend is Robert Irvine from the Food Network’s show, Restaurant: Impossible.

Savor the Legends will be held at the Connecticut Convention Center on Thursday, April 7 from 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.

• Bourbon Passports (tickets) for Savor the Legends are $125 and include:  
• A taste of five limited and rare batches of Pappy Van Winkle, aged 10-, 12-, 15-, 20- and 23-years 
• A special gift -- handmade, crystal Johnson’s Whiskey Tot  
• Mingle with Robert Irvine 
• Plan b’s award-winning bourbon cocktails  
• Plan b’s Kentucky-inspired menu with Kentucky ham, hot browns, fried green tomatoes, BBQ pork, mini burgers, pecan pie and more 
• A live DJ 

A portion of Savor’s proceeds will be donated to the Robert Irvine Foundation (ChefIrvine.com/foundation), a not-for-profit organization that honors the men and women defending our country. The foundation’s mission is to support individuals and organizations committed to enriching the lives of our military personnel, and to create awareness throughout the community of the sacrifices made by those defending our freedom.

“To be able to taste five years of Pappy is an incredible opportunity for Savor guests;” said Vicky Cirilli Event Director for Savor, “it fits right in with Savor’s mission to offer guests only the highest quality wine, food and spirits.” 

Photo Courtesy Plan b

“Bourbon lovers will get to taste some batches that are very, very difficult to find, while supporting our local and fellow restaurants and non-profits like the Robert Irvine Foundation. It’s a win-win for everyone – good food, good booze and a good cause,” says Lena DiGenti, Chief Strategy Officer for Plan b. 

Tickets are on sale now at: Showclix.com/Event/savor-the-legends.

About The Connecticut Convention Center: 

The Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford is the state's premier meeting venue and the largest full-service convention facility between New York and Boston. Overlooking the beautiful Connecticut River, it features 140,000 square feet of exhibition space, a 40,000-square-foot ballroom and 25,000 square feet of meeting space, as well as ample sheltered parking. The venue is professionally managed for the State of Connecticut by Waterford Venue Services, an affiliate of Waterford Hotel Group. For more information, visit CTconventions.com.

About Foxwoods Resort Casino: 

Foxwoods Resort Casino, the presenting sponsor of Savor, is one of the premier hotel, gaming, shopping and entertainment destinations in the Northeast. As the largest resort casino in North America, Foxwoods offers a vast array of gaming in six casinos; AAA Four-Diamond hotels, restaurants from gourmet to express, world-renowned spas, awarding-winning golf, state-of-the-art theaters, and exclusive retailers. Perfect for both recreation and business, Foxwoods provides modern and versatile convention and meeting space to infuse new life into any meeting or event. At Foxwoods, you can be anyone and do everything with endless possibilities of experiences that are Anything but Ordinary.

Foxwoods Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.

The Mashantucket Pequots are a native Algonquin people in Southeastern Connecticut known for their “Pequot spirit of survival.” Since opening one of the first Native American gaming halls in the country in 1986, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) has also developed a host of lucrative economic ventures including the Lake of Isles Golf Course and the Spa at Norwich Inn. The MPTN is one of Connecticut’s highest state tax payers and largest employers. The Tribe provides significant financial contributions to state and local nonprofit organizations that support neighboring communities. For a comprehensive look at Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation visit Foxwoods.com.

About Plan b:  

Plan b was founded in 2006 by Al Gamble and Shawn Skehan. The award-winning, all-American burger, bourbon and beer bar provides a sophisticated dining experience in an upbeat, relaxed, neighborhood environment. There are nine locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington D.C. and Virginia.

Plan b offers fresh, never frozen beef that is ground in-house daily like old world butchers have done for centuries. All beef is hormone-free and antibiotic-free, fed a 100% vegetarian diet, fully raised in the U.S. and source verified. Plan b is also widely recognized for their extensive bar offerings, specializing in American boutique bourbons and hand-selected craft beers with certified Cicerones (beer sommeliers) on staff. For more information, please visit thebonline.com.

Bridal Trunk Show Featuring Sabrina Dahan in Westport CT

Sabrina Dahan Trunk Show at The Plumed Serpent 

Connecticut brides-to-be are the first to have the opportunity to try on gorgeous, one of a kind styles from Sabrina Dahan’s debut bridal collection at an exclusive Bridal Trunk Show at The Plumed Serpent in Westport CT on January 23rd and 24th 2016.

After launching in October 2015, Sabrina Dahan, has surely proved herself by turning the heads of 10+ top bridal salons nationwide. As a bride-to-be herself, Sabrina understands exactly what brides today are looking for! 

Her handmade, romantic, couture creations are the perfect fit and now local Connecticut and New York brides can meet the designer herself, try on the collection and place orders. 

January 23rd & 24th at The Plumed Serpent in Westport, Connecticut 

Reserve your spot now!

The Plumed Serpent

295 Post Road East, Playhouse Square

Westport, CT 06880

203.226.9868

http://plumedserpentbridal.com/

More about Sabrina Dahan 

Sabrina Dahan’s passion for bridal is apparent in her soft touch embroidered masterpieces that display immaculate technique, fit and attention to detail.  Inspired to launch a couture bridal line by her own love story and engagement, Dahan’s expert technique and keen eye comes from top notch schooling at Otis College of Art and Design and from her hands on experience in the bridal industry for several years.  Dahan has been the light and talent behind successes for top couture projects and design houses, including the likes of Monique Lhuillier. In pouring effortless luxury into each garment, Dahan draws upon inspiration from her sun-soaked southern California upbringing and Parisian summers with loved ones. As her collections come to life, Dahan's unique originality shines through embodying a sense of romance that will resonate with each bride embarking on her own love story.

Flights of Fancy 2016 in New Haven CT

Flights of Fancy Returns to New Haven!

That's right, New Haven's BIGGEST wine crawl, Flights of Fancy returns this January to the Chapel Street Historic and Broadway Districts on Thursday, January 28, 2016 from 5-8 P.M.

Join the fun for an evening of shopping, mingling, and wine tasting.

Participation for the public is $20* and includes the exclusive Flights of Fancy wine glass, a sample of each featured wine, a map of participating shops, entry into the grand prize drawing, validated parking, coffee and dessert.

Flights of Fancy is sponsored by The Broadway Merchants Association, The Wine Thief, The Study at Yale Hotel, and organized by the Town Green Special Services District. Online registration will close at 11:00pm on Wednesday, January 27.

Online registration will close at 11:00pm on Wednesday, January 27.

CLICK here for tickets==>> http://flightsjan2016.bpt.me/

Walk-in registration will be available at The Study at Yale.

Live music, raffles and more!

REMEMBER, Free parking is available with event validation at The York Street Garage, 150 York Street.

PARTICIPANTS:

•Ashley’s Ice Cream (280 York St.)
•Barbour (27 Broadway)
•Blue State Coffee (276 York St.)
•Campus Customs (57 Broadway)
•Canditopia (1022 Chapel St.)
•Denali (13 Broadway)
•Derek Simpson Goldsmith (1094 Chapel St.)
•Elm City Social (266 College St.)
•Harvest (1104 Chapel St.)
•Hello Boutique (1090 Chapel St.)
•Hull’s Art Supply (1144 Chapel St.)
•Idiom Boutique (1014 Chapel St.)
•J. Press (206 College St.)
•L’Occitaine en Provence (1042 Chapel St.)
•Lou Lou (23 Broadway)
•Merwin’s Art Supply (1052 Chapel St.)
•SHiFT Cycling (199 Crown St.)
•Thali Too (65 Broadway)
•The Green Teahouse (1008 Chapel St.)
•Trailblazer (296 Elm St.)
•Willoughby’s Coffee (194 York St.)
•Yale University Bookstore (77 Broadway)
•Yorkside Pizza (288 York St.)
•Yurway Boutique (1130 Chapel St.)

*Some exclusions may apply. Participation is limited to 650 attendees. Must be 21 years of age or older to participate. Valid ID required. You must be present to win.

Bobby Q's BBQ in Westport to Close - But What a Grand Finale!

Bobby Q's Bodacious BBQ

3 Month Closing Celebration 

Before Smoking Its Last Piece of Meat

 in Westport on March 31st

Bobby Q’s Bodacious BBQ & Grill in Westport (www.bobbyqsrestaurant.com) is celebrating a successful 11 year run in town before closing their doors on March 31.  Opened by Bob LeRose in the fall of 2004, the restaurant has become known as a local watering hole for families, couples and friends, all seeking award-winning BBQ, creative house drinks and the best live music in Fairfield County.

“We’ve had an amazing run as a member of the Westport community for the past eleven years, establishing friendships and seeing kids grow up over the years,” commented owner Bob LeRose.  “We are looking forward to celebrating with our friends and family over the next three months, remembering all of the good times that were had – birthday parties, family dinners, celebrations and more - and those that are still TO BE had at Bobby Q’s, before we fire up our smoker in Westport one last time at the end of March.  While I’m sad that this chapter of my restaurant career is coming to an end, I’ll have some exciting news coming soon on my next chapter.”

As sad as it is to see Bobby Q's close - they've got some great things in store for us before they do!

To invite the community to join in on the celebration over the next three months, Bobby Q’s will be offering numerous promotions.  Kicking things off for the month of January to celebrate National Pie Day, the restaurant will be offering each table one complimentary slice of pie throughout the entire month.

The restaurant’s social media channels -  @bobbyqs on Twitter and Bobby Q’s Bodacious BBQ & Grill on Facebook – will be announcing additional promotions and contests to continue the celebration through the end of March.

“We’re proud to have had a particularly strong relationship with the local Westport Fire Department and Police Department over the years,” added LeRose.  “To say thank you for their tireless service, I’d like to offer members of both departments 50% off their dine-in or take-out bill throughout the month of January.”

 The restaurant will also be continuing to offer its Monday & Tuesday Family Night promotions, inviting kids 12 and under to eat from the kid’s menu for $3.00 per child.

The Saturday evening indoor concert series will also continue, with concerts beginning at 10pm:

• January 30 - Mill River Band
• February 5 - TBD
• February 20 - DNR
• February 27 - Bridgeport Blues
• March 4 - Terrapin
• March 12 - Vamp Kings
• March 19 - FreeRide
• March 26 - Adult Swim

Bobby Q’s Bodacious BBQ & Grill

42 Main St
Westport, Connecticut
(203) 454-7800
www.bobbyqsrestaurant.com

About Bobby Q’s Bodacious BBQ & Grill

Bobby Q’s Bodacious BBQ & Grill, located in the heart of downtown Westport, is a lively neighborhood hub that features authentic BBQ, house specialty drinks and live music both indoors and on the Rooftop Beer Garden.  Opened in 2004, the restaurant put BBQ on the map in Fairfield County, receiving numerous local accolades for Best BBQ, and national honors for its sauces and on the BBQ competition circuit.  The restaurant’s ownership is active in the local community, offering cooking classes to share the passion for BBQ, donating to local charity auctions and events, sponsoring children’s sporting teams and creating the Blues, Views & BBQ Festival in 2008.

The 35th Annual Connecticut Flower and Garden Show

The 35th Annual Connecticut Flower & Garden Show 

Coming February 18-21, 2016 to 

Hartford’s Connecticut Convention Center

Discover the sights and fragrances of spring months before the weather warms up at the 35th Annual Connecticut Flower & Garden Show on Thursday, February 18 through Sunday, February 21, 2016 at the Connecticut Convention Center on 100 Columbus Blvd. in Hartford.

One of the largest and most prestigious flower shows in all of New England, the show’s hours are:

Thursday, February 18 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday, February 19 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, February 20 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, February 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

In the Spotlight

The colorful, fragrant show covers almost three acres with the 2016 theme, “In the Spotlight”, with fresh, creative and wonderful ideas for homeowners and apartment and condo dwellers alike. Highlights include:

• Over an acre of gardens in full bloom, created by professional landscape designers and nonprofit organizations, and include naturalistic, low maintenance, native, organic, and herb gardens. 
• Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut’s 2016 Advanced Standard Flower Show: more than 12,000-square feet of a design, horticulture and photography competition with more than 250 judged entries, all with the “In the Spotlight” theme. 
• Over 300 booths with displays, activities, artisans and handcrafted gifts, and aisles of fresh flowers, plants, garden ornaments, metalwork sculptures, herbs, bulbs, seeds, fertilizers, soils, gardening books, patio furniture and lawn equipment for purchase. Bring a 1/2 cup of soil to the UConn Co-op booth for free soil testing.

Seminars and Presentations

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

• Daily morning and afternoon seminars by Mar Jennings, Emmy-nominated TV host, best-selling author and America's top Lifestyle Expert: “Creating Casual Luxury in Your Home & Garden”;
• Connecticut Florist of the Year 2010, floral design instructor, and Connecticut Florists Association Board member Bob Buettner: “Floral Arranging”;
• Nancy DuBrule-Clemente: “Gardening to Help Monarchs and Other Pollinators” and “More Food From Small Gardens”;
• Wildlife biologist Peter Picone: “Create Season Habitats for Songbirds”;
• Connecticut landscape designer Rob Townsend: “Water Garden Basics”;
• Consulting rosarians and authors Mike & Angelina Chute: “25 Fabulous Roses” and “David Austin's English Roses for New England Gardens”;
• Garden writer, lecturer and photographer Tova Martin: “The Indestructible Houseplant.”

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 16, 2016 at the following Connecticut locations:

The Garden Barn Nursery in Vernon;
Garden Specialties in Mystic;
Moscarillo’s Garden Shoppe in West Hartford;
Natureworks in Northford;
Stonehedge Garden Center in Newington;
Woodland Gardens in Manchester.

Photo courtesy of the CT Flower & Garden Show and Laura Soll Public Relations, LLC

Sponsors

Show sponsors include B & P Turf Farm, Goodyear Farms, Flamig Farm Earth Products, Bob Buettner Florist, Bedard Enterprises, and North East Expos, Inc.

Location

Connecticut Convention Center
100 Columbus Boulevard
Hartford CT
www.ctflowershow.com

To join the email list and get more information about the 2016 Connecticut Flower & Garden Show, seminars, and driving directions, visit www.ctflowershow.com or call North East Expos, Inc. at 860-844-8461.

NOIR Stamford - Globally Inspired Cuisine on Summer Street

Globally Inspired Cuisine - Casual & Intimate Setting - NOIR Stamford

Here's a new word for me!  “Bistronomie”

And it's being introduced to Fairfield county by way of NOIR Stamford!

Inspired by the Europeans, and now making its way stateside, Bistronomie is a progressive form of dining derived from the mashing together of ‘bistro’ and ‘gastronomy’.  Call it five-star cuisine sans the white tablecloths and pretense of a stereotypical high end restaurant. It’s a new day, and chefs, as well as consumers, know what they want to eat and how best to enjoy their dining experience.

NOIR Stamford, spearheaded by veteran art dealer Carrin Schechter, introduced this innovative dining style to Stamford this past November, adding to the city’s robust culinary landscape.

The menu takes its cues from across the globe, with an undeniable and delicious nod to French cuisine. Chef Francisco Ciciliano, formerly of Baldanza Natural Market & Café and Bistro Bonne Nuit in New Canaan, infuses vibrancy and warmth, taking familiar dishes and making them new again.

Seasonal menu highlights include;

• Escargot prepared with garlic, parsley butter and toasted bread crumbs; 
• Tuna Tartare with caper lime dressing; 
• Slow Braised Short Rib served with house made sauerkraut, kale, lemon confit, and herb relish; 
• Real French Onion Soup Gratinee with crostini and melted Gruyere; 
• Avocado Salad with charred baby kale, mache, Manchego cheese, and orange vinaigrette; 
• Crispy Duck Breast with sweet potato puree and Grand Marnier sauce; 
• Stonington Sea Scallops with chive mashed potato and haricot verts; 
• Braised Lamb Shank with crispy onions, pickled vegetables and duchesse potato; 
• Steak Frites Au Poivre served with hand cut French fries and béarnaise Brussels sprouts; \
• Pappardelle with pesto cream sauce, garlic shrimp, and marinated tomatoes. 

Enhancing the culinary experience is a relaxed, while attentive service style and NOIR’s charming dining room setting. Framed in exposed brick walls, bistro chalkboard menus, eclectic FOSartwork, black chandeliers with dangling crystals, large mirrors and hip music, this stylish eatery can seat up to 40 people.

The beverage offerings feature top shelf cocktails such as:

• The Belvedere martini with blue cheese stuffed olives, 
• The NOIR, shaken with Knob Creek and absinth bitters.
• The Jazzy Latina made with jalapeño infused tequila, strawberry puree, lime and Cointreau.  

• A stellar wine list complements the cross cultural menu. 

Located at 225 Summer Street, a.k.a. “Little Summer Street”, among a melting pot of restaurants and gathering places, NOIR is open for dinner Tuesday thru Saturday and will be offering a Sunday Artist Brunch showcasing the talents of regional artists over spicy bloody Marys and Chef’s Sunday Hash starting in 2016.

NOIR Stamford

225 Summer Street
Stamford CT 06901

www.noirstamford.com

203.323.2711

Stags' Leap Wine Dinner at Fresh Salt Restaurant in Old Saybrook CT

Fresh Salt Restaurant at Saybrook Point To Host Exquisite Stags’ Leap Wine Dinner

Photo Source: Saybrook Point Inn and Spa Facebook Event Page

Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point is hosting an elegant opportunity for guests to experience one of Napa Valley’s finest winemaking estates. On Friday, January 22, the award-winning AAA Four Diamond restaurant will present an exquisite wine dinner featuring an exclusive selection of whites and reds by the Stags’ Leap Wine Cellars of Napa, California.


Guests will enjoy Chef de Cuisine John Cortesi’s creative dishes expertly prepared using the freshest locally grown ingredients.

This luxurious 4-course food and wine experience begins at 6:30 p.m. with a reception featuring imported and domestic cheeses along with assorted bruschetta, followed by a Potato Encrusted Diver Scallop with Osetra Caviar and Crème Fraiche, paired with Aveta Sauvignon Blanc 2012.

The second course on the menu features Herb Seared Halibut Cheeks with celery root puree, grilled zucchini and leek and sweet potato gnocchi, paired with “Hands of Time” Chardonnay 2012.

The third course offers a wonderful Pan Roasted Venison Loin with caramelized shallot and fig pudding, white asparagus and blackberry demi-gace, paired with “Hands of Time” Red Blend 2012.

The fourth course of the evening features Candied Bacon-wrapped Filet Mignon, Seared Foie Gras and Wild Mushrooms in a Puff Pastry with glazed organic carrots and Pinot Noir demi-glace, paired with Artemis Cabernet 2012.

Notable for being the winery that won the Cabernet Sauvignon competition in the 1976 Judgment of Paris, Stags’ Leap was founded in 1970 on Napa Valley's eastern side. The 240-acre estate features 90 acres of vineyards among the watershed of the Stags Leap Palisades where wine grapes have grown continuously since the 1880s. Considered one of California’s earliest wine estates, Stags’ Leap is a place of natural beauty, storied buildings and gardens, a lively history, and a reputation for elegant wines showing finesse and intensity.


This sumptuous culinary experience will feature a delightful 4-course menu paired with exclusive selection of reds and whites from one of Napa Valley’s finest wine making estates that you won't want to miss!

The Stags’ Leap Wine Dinner at Saybrook Point’s Fresh Salt is $99.50/person plus tax and gratuity.

Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point

2 Bridge Street
Old Saybrook, CT 06475

http://www.saybrook.com/restaurant/

Reservations are required and may be made by calling 860.395.2000.