Sign of the Whale Brunch in Stamford CT

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Brunch at Sign of the Whale

We traveled up to Stamford Connecticut's "Harbor Point" area after an invite to sample some of the delicious brunch offerings at one of the newest restaurants in this trendy waterfront area, Sign of the Whale! 

This up and coming area is growing and growing and has become quite the restaurant mecca!


One of the first restaurants in the area was Sign of the Whale, who opened in September of 2014.  As the largest, multi-dimensional restaurant space in this waterside community, the restaurant boasts a main level dining and bar capacity for over 250 people and a rooftop bar which accommodates up to 300 people,


The Whale is quickly becoming known for their Sunday Brunch – which includes decadent brunch dishes, a DJ pumping out great tunes, breakfast shots (SAY WHAT!), bottomless sparkling cocktails, and the ultimate Bloody Mary Bar.

We started off with some cocktails, first the breakfast shots - the restaurant has a few that combine shots of alcohol with a chaser, and quite surprisingly they actually do taste like their namesakes! (Shots have names like Fruity Pebbles, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, etc.) What fun!

Sign of The Whale Breakfast Shots

Next I meandered over to their Ultimate Bloody Mary bar where you get to assemble, flavor, and garnish your own Bloody Mary!

I love horseradish so you can bet I loaded mine up with a hearty spoonful, and I added several pickles because I like a briny taste to my Bloodies as well. And as far as garnishes go, I skewered some great cheese, pepperoni, and peppers, because...well, because, why not nosh a bit while you sip? Right??!!

Sign of The Whale  - Ultimate Bloody Mary Bar

Menu highlights include; breakfast pizza topped with bacon, egg, hash browns, cheddar and spicy aioli; old fashioned eggs benedict with lump crab meat; lobster waffle made with fresh lobster and cornmeal waffles; and cookies & cream pancakes.

Here are some of the items we sampled for brunch and light lunch offerings:

Sign of The Whale - Breakfast Pizza

Sign of The Whale - Calamari

Sign of The Whale - Crab Meat Eggs Benedict 

Sign of The Whale - Fish Tacos

Sign of The Whale - Kale Salad

Sign of The Whale - Lobster & Waffles

Sign of The Whale - Cookies & Cream Pancakes

Sign of The Whale Pasta

Sign of The Whale - Steak and Eggs

Sign of The Whale - Tuna Tartar 

Because it was such a beautiful day, we decided to move up to the roof where the view is spectacular and the fun begins!

On the rooftop we sampled one of the specialty cocktails - the Tidal Wave. The drink includes Popsicle and molecular wonders and is a bubbling smoking elixir of pure summer fun!

Let the summer games begin! 

Enjoying the Tidal Wave at Sign of the Whale

We had such a fun day at Sign of the Whale enjoying the amazing views and great food and drink!

Be sure you visit Sign of the Whale soon!

Sign of the Whale

6 Harbor Poit Road
Stamford CT 06902
203.883.8282

http://www.signofthewhalect.com

Disclaimer: We were invited to Sign of the Whale by members of the restaurant's marketing and management team, however all views expressed are entirely our own.


© Home Place

Opus One Wine Pairing Dinner at Vue 24 Foxwoods

Social Media Promotion

At Foxwood's VUE 24

A few weeks back we received an invitation to visit Foxwoods Resort Casino's newest restaurant, VUE 24, to participate in a wine pairing dinner featuring Opus One Wines.

We loved the restaurant in its previous life as Paragon Restaurant, and we had also tasted a few of their items at the SAVOR CT press event over the winter, so we were excited to be able to return to experience their full dining experience. It's certainly one of the best views of southeast Connecticut, and add in the Opus One wine pairing and it was a win-win!

Upon arrival we were served some bubbly, and offered our choice of either the Gerard Bertrand Cremant de Limoux Brut Cuvee or the Rosé, Thomas Jefferson 2013. Both were oh so good - but I loved the sweet rosé, of course!

Accompanying the sparkling wines were some appetizers - and while all were good, I absolutely loved the goat cheese crostini and the smoked salmon. Everything was prepared and plated so beautifully.

Mushroom Crostini

Smoked Salmon Crisps

Tuna Tartar

Goat Cheese Crostini with Greek Olives

We listened to some cool jazz tones from Vue 24's resident piano man, and our hosts representing Opus One Wines and Hartley Parker Distributors gave us a bit of background on the wines and welcomed up to VUE 24!

My friend Wendy from Connecticut Lifestyles is always telling me to slow down and relax and enjoy the full dining experience, to take in the ambiance of the restaurant and chat with our fellow dining companions..

Our hosts for the evening voiced similar sentiments. Dining out, especially at someplace as beautiful as Vue 24 is an experience to be savored and enjoyed.

Dine out well. Dine out often. And dine out with friends.

Enjoy the experience!

A toast to good friends and fine food and wine!

Here are some of the delicious courses we experienced.

Our first course was a Rainbow Trout with Honey Roasted Turnips and Citrus Cured Celery. This course was accompanied by Robert Mondavi Oakville Fume Blanc 2013, a delicious white wine.

Rainbow Trout

For our second course we enjoyed Pork Belly with Grilled Baby Gem Lettuce, Roasted Plums, and Cracklings.  This was served with a robust Opus One Napa Valley 2012, a wine comprised of a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec.

Pork Belly

Our last course was a Coffee Dusted Filet Mignon with King Oyster Mushrooms, Cipollini Onions, and a Black Currant Demi-Glace paired with Opus One Napa Valley 2010.

Filet Mignon

For dessert, we enjoyed a Spring Rhubarb Tart which was accompanied by a Robert Mondavi Moscato d’Oro 2013.

Rhubarb Tart

Our hosts (and my friend Wendy) are right! A wine pairing dinner is an experience to be enjoyed with great friends, good music, fine food, and amazing wine.

Thank you Foxwoods, VUE 24, and Opus Wines for having us! We can't wait for your next special event!

I know YOU'LL enjoy it too. Visit them soon!

VUE 24 is located on the 24th floor in the Grand Pequot Tower at Foxwoods.

Foxwoods Resort Casino

 350 Trolley Line Blvd.
 Mashantucket, CT 06338
1-800-369-9663

https://www.foxwoods.com/VUE-24/

Disclaimer: I was invited to VUE 24 by members of the restaurant's management and marketing team, however, all views and opinions are my own. 

About Foxwoods:

Foxwoods Resort Casino is the premier resort destination 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 quick service, world-renowned spas, award-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. Foxwoods Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. For a comprehensive look at Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation visit Foxwoods.com.

© Home Place 2016

Connecticut Open House Day 2016 - June 11th!

 Celebrate Connecticut Open House Day on Saturday, June 11, 2016

Free/Discounted Admission and Special Activities for Residents at 170+ Attractions  


Connecticut residents and families don¹t have to travel too far ­ or spend too much ­ to experience all the state has to offer this summer. More than 170 local attractions from historical sites and museums to renowned theaters and unique foodie stops will offer free or discounted admission, special activities, giveaways and hands-on activities for the kids on Connecticut Open House Day, Saturday, June 11.

Residents can browse the complete list of Open House Day participants, and view attractions by town, at the all-new www.CTvisit.com.

The popular statewide event, now in its 12th year, invites residents to discover and rediscover Connecticut¹s fascinating world of art, history and visitor experiences. And with more than 170 local attractions in towns and cities across the state participating, residents can plan a day to delight everyone in their group.

Just a sampling of the participating attractions include:

• Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill: free admission from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks: buy one admission and get one free (higher price prevails) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wesleyan Potters in Middletown: free tours and demonstrations, including pottery wheel throwing and fun activities for children, from noon to 4 p.m.
• Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry: free admission from noon to 4 p.m.
• Fascia¹s Chocolates in Waterbury: free special chocolate experience and tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours include behind-the-scenes look at the factory and its history
• Mystic Aquarium in Mystic: $6 off general admission when you mention Connecticut Open House Day at the gate
• Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield: free admission from noon to 5 p.m.
• Oaxaca Kitchen in New Haven: 15 percent off entire check for lunch or dinner from noon to 10 p.m.
• SportsCenter of Connecticut in Shelton: one free activity per person from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Stamford Museum & Nature Center in Stamford: free admission for the first 100 visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Specials and discounts, as well as hours of operation, vary by attraction.



³The Connecticut Office of Tourism is thrilled to invite residents to enjoy the state¹s dynamic blend of attractions and experiences for another Open House Day,² said Randy Fiveash, director of the Connecticut Office of Tourism. ³So many businesses are eager to throw their doors open and participate. It is yet another example of the collaboration that fuels the state¹s $14 billion tourism industry.²


For more information about Connecticut Open House Day, visit www.CTvisit.com.

Also RSVP to the Facebook event and follow @CTvisit on Twitter, #CTOpenHouse.

Justin and Landmark Wine Dinner June 7th at David Burke Prime Foxwoods

JUSTIN & Landmark Vineyards Wine Dinner 

Tuesday, June 7th at 

David Burke Prime - Foxwoods Resort Casino

Join David Burke Prime at Foxwoods Resort Casino for an exclusive evening and dinner with JUSTIN and Landmark Vineyards.

Executive Chef Pedro Avila and Sommelier Julian Holme have created a special 5-Course menu with wine pairings designed to compliment each incredible dish.

JUSTIN & Landmark Vineyards Wine Dinner, June 7

FIRST COURSE - 

Oyster-Lobster Shooter*
osetra caviar, quail egg, spicy heirloom tomato gazpacho
Justin Sauvignon Blanc 2014

SECOND COURSE - 

Candied Bacon & Seared Stonington Scallops*
english peas, beet coulis, himalayan salt
Landmark Overlook Chardonnay 2013

THIRD COURSE - 

Foie Gras-Stuffed Quail Tagine
blueberry gastrique, crispy grapes, brioche
Landmark Overlook Pinot Noir 2013

FOURTH COURSE -

60-Day Dry-Aged Boneless Sirloin*
goat cheese polenta, shallot confit, red wine sauce
Justin Justification 2012

FIFTH COURSE - 

Pomegranate-Poached Pear
cognac glaze, vanilla cheesecake, candied pecans
Justin Obtuse 2012

*Items marked with an asterisk can be cooked to order. Consuming undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, shellfish and eggs may increase your risk of food-borne illness, especially if you have certain medical concerns.

SPECIAL GUESTS 

Founder Justin Baldwin and Winemaker Greg Stach will be on hand to discuss their process, history, and vision.

CALL (860) 312- 8753 TO RESERVE

View Menu Here

David Burke Prime is located at the restaurant level 
in the Grand Pequot Tower

 Foxwoods Resort Casino

 350 Trolley Line Blvd.
 Mashantucket, CT 06338

http://www.davidburkeprime.com/index.php

860.312.8753

About David Burke Prime:

David Burke Prime is the classic New York steakhouse set amid the excitement of one of the world's largest casinos, Foxwoods. Vibrant and vast, Prime features classic and creative preparations of the world's finest steaks, aged in an on-premises patented salt-brick aging room, as well as seafood, chops and more. With a supremely-stocked 3,000-bottle wine tower and attentive and knowledgeable service, Prime will ensure that you score and 'A' on your beef exam.

About Foxwoods

Foxwoods Resort Casino is the premier resort destination 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 quick service, world-renowned spas, award-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. Foxwoods Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. For a comprehensive look at Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation visit Foxwoods.com.

Memorial Day Weekend Sales at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets

Memorial Day Weekend 

Specials to Remember
at 

Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets

Photo Source: Clinton Crossing Facebook Page

 In honor of Memorial Day Weekend, visitors of Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets, a Simon center, can enjoy special sales, extended hours, live music, touch a truck, meet a super hero and more beginning Friday, May 27 through Monday, May 30.

During the weekend-long sales, guests can find even bigger discounts in addition to the normal 25 to 65 percent off everyday prices. (And who doesn't love a great sale!)

For even MORE savings, shoppers can visit Simon Guest Services, to learn about the VIP Shopper Club and Savings Passport, featuring additional discounts from participating retailers.

Throughout the weekend there will be daily, live performances from 1 to 4 p.m. by a variety of entertainers. Attendees can enjoy the following acts, weather permitting:

• Listen to the melodic sounds of Channel Three Music on Friday, May 27
• Shake paws with the Paw Patrol Fireman as he strolls through the common area on Saturday, May 28
• Rock out to a solo acoustic performance by Scott Pomeroy on Sunday, May 29
• Learn how to be a superhero with Super Girl, who will also be available to sign autographs and take photos on Monday, May 30

On Saturday, May 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. guests have the opportunity to get a hands on look at various safety and military vehicles, rigs and cool cars during the Touch a Truck event, located across from J. Crew. The event is free to attend, however donations benefiting the American Legion Auxiliary Post 66 of Clinton, CT will be graciously accepted.

Photo Source: Clinton Crossing Facebook Page

After checking out all of the great vehicles, shoppers can chow down on the wonderful cuisine offerings of the ever-popular food trucks, which will be at the center all weekend long.

Memorial Day Weekend will also mark the grand opening of  Carter’s. Offering the finest in children’s apparel, the premium retailer will open its doors on Thursday, May 26 in Suite 440.

Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets will have extended hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 27, Saturday, May 28 and Monday, May 30. The hours on Sunday, May 29 will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. In addition, there will be special designated parking for active and retired members of the military.

 “We are pleased to welcome guests to our center for jam-packed weekend filled with a slew of exciting activities,” said Kathleen Mones, director of marketing and business development at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets. “With summer fast approaching, our Memorial Day Weekend event is the perfect time to get outside and pick up great seasonal attire at amazing prices, as well as experience the sights, sounds and flavors of summer.”

Clinton Crossing Premium Outlet Center

20-A Killingworth Turnpike
Clinton, CT 06413
(860) 664-0700

For additional information about Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets
visit premiumoutlets.com/clinton  or facebook.com/clintoncrossingpremiumoutlets.

About Simon Premium Outlets®

The global Simon Premium Outlets portfolio offers exceptional brands at extraordinary savings through a diverse mix of luxury, designer and popular retailers representing the best in fashion, family and home. Our 87 Simon Premium Outlets in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and South Korea are some of the most iconic and productive shopping destinations for residents and travelers including Woodbury Common (New York City), Orlando, Desert Hills (Palm Springs), Las Vegas and Wrentham Village Premium Outlets (Boston). For more information visit premiumoutlets.com or follow Premium Outlets on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Father's Day Brunch at Saybrook Point

Saybrook Point Inn Celebrates Father’s Day at Fresh Salt

That's right! The perennial Sunday brunch favorite at the award-winning Fresh Salt honors dad on his very own special day!


Saybrook Point is celebrating Father’s Day with a hearty feast for a king on Sunday, June 19 at the award-winning Fresh Salt restaurant.

This exquisite dining experience features a Slider Bar, Artisan Barbecue Station with Memphis-Style Beef Brisket, Barbecue Hand-Pulled Pork on an Onion Brioche Roll, along with an Over The Top Ice Cream Sundae Bar.

Seating for the Father’s Day brunch at Saybrook Point begins at 10:30 a.m. and ends at 1:45 p.m.

Reservations are advised, as this is a holiday favorite for New Englanders, and may be made by calling 860.339-1318.

The cost is $45.95 for adults, $23.95 for children ages 5 – 12, and complimentary for kids under 4-years-of-age.

More information is available at www.saybrook.com.

Saybrook Point Inn and Spa

19 Bridge Street
Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Reservations: 860.395.2000
Website: www.saybrook.com

About Saybrook Point

Situated along the picturesque shores of historic Old Saybrook, Connecticut, Saybrook Point features a collection of 100 elegantly-appointed guestrooms, a rejuvenating full-service SANNO spa, and casual fine dining restaurant Fresh Salt, as well as a unique waterside Lighthouse Suite. In addition, the historic Three Stories and Tall Tales luxury guesthouses offer exquisite rooms that convey the story of famous local residents. The pristine Saybrook Point Marina, a landmark boating destination conveniently located at the mouth of the Connecticut River, serves as a focal point for the Inn. More information is available at www.saybrook.com.

Spring 2016 at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets

Social Media Promotion

Spring Fashion at Clinton Crossing

The weather is finally cooperating with the calendar! We're looking at rising temperatures, leaves popping out on trees, and flowers starting to bloom. It's one of my favorite times of year because it means everything is fresh shiny and new...and it means - Spring Fashion! YAY!

We received a mid-week invite to Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets in Clinton CT to preview some of the spring looks in stores for Spring 2016 - and believe me, this season's looks couldn't be better!

I grabbed my friend Dorene and off we went for a fun shopping night out at Clinton Crossing!

What was really great was that I learned that one of my favorite places to shop, Chico's is now at the outlet center! I can't believe I've been at the outlet center about a dozen times in the past six months and didn't know they were there. That's right! They are located in the lower level (where there's usually great parking)! Another thing I learned was that Bass Outlets carries clothes! I always thought they only carried shoes!

We loved learning about all Spring 2016 trends and about all the great upcoming events at Clinton Crossing!

We also got to meet up with some of our favorite Connecticut Social Influencers and Bloggers, Rosa from Lady Diana's Pearls, Lydia from Chic on the Cheap, Bethany from TwentySomethingPlus, Wendy from Connecticut Lifestyles, and Lauren from Sweeties Kidz

Here are just some of the items that were on display from the 70 design and name brand outlet stores at Clinton Crossing.

Dooney & Burke

Bass Outlets
That Green Fern Tee was just one of my many purchases that evening!

Chico's 

(L) Le Creuset Cookware
(R) Lindt Chocolates

Saks Off Fifth

Sunglass Hut

Yankee Candle

Under Armour

In addition to all these great fashions we sampled some nosh from Chris' Covered Bridge Grill!

And got to take part in a raffle and contest where both Dorene and I were winners! Dorene was "lucky" enough to win a pair of jeans at Lucky Brand!

Lucky Dorene wins a Lucky Gift Certificate!

And I won a gift certificate to Premium Outlets, which needless to say, was used that very night!

There's MORE good news!

Lucky for all of us is that Clinton Crossing offers a VIP Shopper's Club where you can get advance notice of upcoming events and enjoy some exclusive member benefits:

• Exclusive Online Coupons
• Voucher for a Free Savings Passport
• Deals Around Town
• Insider Info from Your Favorite Brands
• Email Updates: Sales & Special Events

Join Here (It's free and easy to sign up!)  ==> VIP Shopper Lounge     

Hope to see you soon at Clinton Crossing!

Clinton Crossing Premium Outlet Center

20-A Killingworth Turnpike
Clinton, CT 06413
(860) 664-0700
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/

Clinton Crossing Premium Outlet is located off I-95 at Exit 63 (on Route 81)

From New Haven/Fairfield/New York: Take I-95 north to Exit 63
From Hartford/Springfield: Take I-91 south to Exit 22S (Route 9 South) to Exit 9 (Route 81 South). Turn right onto 81 South and proceed 14 miles. Center is on the right.
From Mystic/Rhode Island/Boston: Take I-95 south to Exit 63. 

Want to know what's up and happening at Clinton Crossing?
Click this link here for news and events => http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/clinton-crossing/news-and-events

Disclaimer: I was invited to this Clinton Crossing event by members of Simon Premium Outlet's marketing and management team, however all opinions are my own.

For more pictures of this event visit the Home Place facebook page HERE

And while you're there, don't forget to LIKE us!

© Home Place 2016