Plan b Burger Bar- Burger Combo-Tition for National Burger Month

Social Media Promotion: Sponsored

National Burger Month at Plan b Burger Bar

You may not know this, but the month of May is rightfully dubbed "National Burger Month"!

Why? ---  I have no idea! But I think logically it is because the month of May means summer is on its way and it's time to pull out the grills and get ready for summer barbecues!

Plan b Burger Bar decided to take Burger Month up a notch and they issued their own version of Burger Wars, challenging each of their locations to come up with a  Burger and Beer Community Combo-tition!

Plan b Burger Bar in Milford CT

Because of Plan b's ongoing commitment to the communities in which they serve - the competition will also help support local nonprofits in their communities (CT, MA, VA and DC)

Burger & Beer Combo-Tition
Plan b Burger Bar

Restaurants will be competing in a separate challenge to benefit their local charities. Each participating location has partnered with a local foodie celebrity, selected a beer from one of their favorite breweries, and designated a local charity. The celebrities including Fox61’s Sean Pragano, Robert Howe (West Hartford Fire Fighter of the year), Nick O’Malley from Mass Live, and more have designed their very own burgers to compete head to head and raise funds for organizations in need.

What this means is that from April 26 to May 7, 10% of each location’s burger and beer pairing will be donated to their chosen charity. Performance of the pairings will be tracked in four categories:

• total sales, 
• highest percentage of celebrity burger to total burgers sold, 
• social media engagement and 
• a “no purchase necessary” vote. 

On May 8th the winning beer pairing across all categories will be announced.

From May 12th through June 4th, the winning burger will be featured on every b Restaurant menu, with the winning team’s charity receiving the 10% donation from all seven restaurants.

We stopped at Plan b Burger Bar's Milford CT location to sample their pairing and WOW is it good!

Plan b Burger Bar
Milford CT
Burger and Beer Combo-Tition

For the burger they came up with a Pineapple Express Burger - a Beef and Bacon patty drizzled with sriracha honey, and topped it with pineapple slaw. Wait - it gets even better. They put this delicious concoction on a pretzel roll. You got it! It's sweet, salty, savory, and spicy all in one! That sriracha comes in and sneaks up with you with a nice warm and gentle heat.

Plan b Milford's Pineapple Express

The burger is paired with a Ballast Point Pineapple Sculpin - a great combination with Ballast Point's natural inclination to summery beers, the pineapple only adds to the attraction with its citrusy and slightly sweet notes.

Ballast Point Pineapple Sculpin

I had a chance to talk with Plan b Milford's general manager Rich Boudreau to find out how they come up with the pairing and he explained it was a total team process. Chefs, waitstaff,  and other managers, everyone got together to brainstorm a selection. They all knew they wanted something summery and welcoming - and nothing says that more than a pineapple. They came up with the pineapple, honey, sriracha cole slaw - so perfect - and when they saw that the limited small batch Ballast Point Pineapple Sculpin was available - they knew it was all meant to be. It was a win - win!

Burger Month at
Plan b Milford

We took the pineapple theme to a whole 'nother level when we decided to split their Bourbon Soaked Pineapple Upside Down Cake for dessert. Oh. So. Good.

Plan b Burger Bar
Bourbon Soaked Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Milford's 10% of proceeds will be going to Companion Pet Rescue and Transport because so many of their staff members have used this great organization to adopt animals. See more about them here http://cprdogs.com/

Kudos to Plan b Burger for coming up with this great idea for Burger Month! Follow the competition on their local social media networks! Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

But for now, visit a Plan b Burger Bar near you and try one of their amazing combos! You can find them all listed here => http://www.burgersbeerbourbon.com/#locations

Or stop at my local Milford Location and try the Pineapple Combo!

Plan b Burger Bar Milford
1638 Boston Post Rd
Milford, CT 06460
Phone: 203-713-8700
Web: http://www.burgersbeerbourbon.com/milford/



For details on each location’s burger and beer pairing and to vote online, visit www.burgersbeerbourbon.com/burgermonth

About b Restaurants

Founded in 2006, b Restaurants, held by Locals 8 Restaurant Group, are the leaders in quality burgers, beer, and bourbon. Winners of best burger, beer and bourbon across four states and nationally known for excellent job creation, the company was created with the simple belief that food and drinks bring people together and the world needs more connection.
For more information, please visit www.burgersbeerbourbon.com

Disclaimer: I was invited to Plan b Burger Bar by members of their marketing and management team however all views and opinions expressed are my own.

© Home Place 2017

Rite Aid in East Haven CT - A Community Tag Sale

Community Tag Sale at Rite Aid on Foxon Road 

East Haven CT

It's time to  spring clean! Clean out your closets, your spare rooms, your garage. 

It's time to get rid of everything you don't want - to make room for everything you do!

On Saturday, May 6th, from 9:00am to 3:00 pm, the Rite Aid on Foxon Road in East Haven is hosting a community tag sale.

At the BARGAIN price of $15.00 for one parking space and $20.00 for two parking space you can make some money off the things you don't want!

And the best part is the monies collected for the space fees are being donated to the Connecticut Children's Hospital in Hartford Connecticut.

That's a win-win!  Hope to see you at Rite Aid!

Rite Aid

645 Foxon Road
East Haven, CT

203.468.1039

May 6th 9:00am to 3:00pm
Rain Date Sunday, May 7th

The Other Side of MA - Brunch at the Esselon Cafe

Social Media Promotion: Sponsored

Sunday Brunch at the Esselon Cafe in Hadley, MA

On the final morning of our trip to Massachusetts, as we made our way to the Annual Spring Bulb Show with the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council, we stopped at the Esselon Cafe in Hadley MA.

The Esselon Cafe
in Hadley Massachusetts

An independently owned and operated coffee shop and retail operation, Esselon Cafe opened in June of 2006. Since its inception, it has grown from a popular local cafe and coffee shop, to an award winning restaurant -- and a retail and wholesale provider of fresh-roasted artisan coffees, fine teas, and coffee equipment and accessories.

The place was super busy! It's a self-order at the counter place, with plenty of daily specials each day - and a quite extensive menu for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner! With both indoor and outdoor seating - I can't wait to return to enjoy the beautiful outside space!

Inside it's rustically charming - with antique fixtures and an authentic tin ceiling.

Esselon Cafe
Hadley MA

Beautiful Chandelier and Antique Mirror
Esselon Cafe - Hadley MA

In the true spirit of a farm-to-table type experience, they use lots of local items, produce, and proteins from area farms.

Locally Sourced North Hadley Sugar Shack Maple Syrup
is served at the Esselon Cafe

Service was fast and friendly, and soon after we ordered our beverages they were served. What a difference freshly roasted coffee makes! And their cappuccino and hot cocoa "art" was spot on!

We ordered a wide array of their specials from pancakes to eggs to french toast -- and everything - and I mean EVERY THING was absolutely delicious.

Butternut Squash Hash Brown Eggs Benedict
With Fresh Fruit

Pancakes
Served with North Hadley Maple Syrup

Cinnamon French Toast with Caramel Drizzle

Bacon and Eggs
At the Esselon Cafe

Brunch at the Esselon Cafe

Be sure to stop and visit this local restaurant when traveling through western Massachusett - or make a special trip just to try their delicious offerings. The food is wonderful, service is fast and friendly, and a visit to local farms or area attractions will make it well worth the trip.

If you're traveling from my native Connecticut, Hadley Massachusetts is about an hour from Hartford and 1.5 hours from New Haven.

Esselon Cafe

99 Russell Street

Hadley, MA 01035

413.585.1515

www.esselon.com 

About Hadley MA

Hadley is a town in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 5,250. It is known as a major shopping destination for the surrounding communities. Hadley was settled in 1659 and continues to showcase some of the most beautiful farmland and scenic views in the county.

For more area restaurants visit: http://visithampshirecounty.com/eat/

Disclaimer: This visit was part of a trip sponsored in part by the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council, however all opinions are my own.

© Home Place 2017

Shell and Bones Happy Hour for Spring 2017

Happy Hour at Shell and Bones

One of my favorite things to do once the weather warms up is to meet friends for a quick happy hour during the week. It's a nice way to catch up with one another without feeling that any of us are stealing time from our family -- or neglecting other facets of life (like work, children, cooking, cleaning, car-pooling, shopping, etc.!)

And, because friends are such a very important aspect of my life - we should celebrate in style, right??

Photo Courtesy Shell and Bones

So ... isn't it just the perfect coincidence that Shell and Bones Oyster Bar is launching their new spring offerings for happy hour - just when I get the hankering to plan a meet up with friends?

I think so!!!

You should enjoy this fun location too! Shell & Bones Oyster Bar is located directly on the waterfront in New Haven CT - so it's the perfect location to get together for a few hours and enjoy breathtaking views of Long Island Sound. It's a win-win that there's a delicious new happy hour menu to go along with it all.

Photo Courtesy Shell and Bones

Here are just some of the items on the menu!

Shell and Bones Spring Happy Hour Menu

• ½ bottle Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne, 6x oysters (daily featured choice) and 6x clam fritters for $50
• $6 glass of featured wine – 1x white, red and Rose offering
• $6 house spirits cocktails
• $3 cans of Black Hog Brewing
• $1.00 daily featured oysters and littleneck clams
• $1.00 fried oyster
• $1.00 per piece grilled skewers (meat will vary daily)

Shell and Bones - Beef Satay Skewers

Come treat yourself and your friends to some fabulous cocktails and small bites Monday - Friday from 4:00pm-6:00pm

Shell & Bones

100 S Water Street

New Haven, CT 06519

(203) 787-3466

http://shellandbones.com/

About Shell and Bones Oyster Bar

Shell & Bones Oyster Bar, located on the waterfront in the historic City Point area of New Haven, Connecticut, offers the finest in seafood and steak, receiving accolades from Connecticut Magazine, New Haven Living Magazine and a “Very Good” review from The New York Times since opening in July 2015.
Acclaimed Executive Chef Arturo Franco-Camacho incorporates fresh and sustainable ingredients to present new takes on classic dishes, including his award-winning New England Clam Chowder, with all soups, stocks, sauces and desserts made in-house.  In addition to its cuisine, Shell & Bones offers an extensive wine and beer list and creative cocktail menu, with several beers, liquors and wines sourced locally in Connecticut.
The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor waterfront dining with an indoor fireplace and outdoor fire pits, complimentary parking and private event space.  Shell & Bones is open for dinner seven days a week, and offers Brunch Friday-Sunday beginning at 11:00am.  For more information, visit http://shellandbones.com/.

The restaurant can also be found on Facebook (ShellandBones) and Instagram (shellandbonesoysterbarandgrill).

Treat Mom on Mother's Day at Mohegan Sun

Mother’s Day Specials At Mohegan Sun

It's all about making the Number One Mom or Moms in your life feel happy, loved, and cared for on Mother's Day. And here's where you can give Mom a bit of everything she deserves and more! Treat her to something nice this Mother’s Day with brunch and dinner specials and shopping discounts, Mohegan Sun is the perfect place to show your Mom how much you love her.

Mother’s Day Brunch inside the Uncas Ballroom

On Sunday, May 14th, join us for a Mother’s Day bunch inside the elegant Uncas Ballroom. Serving up a meal any mom would love, this brunch includes complimentary soft drinks, one complimentary alcoholic beverage per adult and a commemorative photo. Tickets are $55.00 for adults 21 and over, $30.00 for guests under 21 and children 8 and under are free; on sale now through Ticketmaster and the Mohegan Sun Box Office. To see the full menu and seating times, please visit their website.

BALLO Italian Restaurant Mother's Day Specials

BALLO Italian Restaurant will feature a Mother’s Day meal including marinated seafood salad with Castelveltrano olives and chilies for $17.00 and mezzelune pasta filled with asparagus and goat cheese for $26.00.

Mother's Day at Landsdowne Irish Pub

At The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House, enjoy Mother’s Day dining specials all day long. On May 14th, specials will include; broccoli and cheddar quiche served with a small side salad; corned beef and Swiss quiche served with a small salad; baked stuffed sole with buttery Ritz cracker stuffing topped with a lemon beurre blanc and served with rice pilaf and daily vegetable; steak frites featuring prime grilled skirt steak topped with a house made sofrito sauce served over French fries tossed with tomatoes, peppers and green onions. Wash it all down with a Mum’s mimosa with fresh squeezed orange juice.

Hash House A Go Go Mother's Day Features

Hash House A Go Go will be hosting a special Mother’s Day brunch and dinner celebration just for you. 

For brunch, enjoy:

• Margie’s Famous Crab Cake Benedict – Homemade all blue crab cake on top of a fresh split biscuit, griddled mashed potatoes, sliced tomato, fresh spinach, two eggs and asparagus, all topped with chili cream sauce for $18.99 

• Stella’s Favorite Strawberry Frosted Flake Pancake – Everyone’s favorite Frosted Flakes with strawberries griddled into our homemade buttermilk pancake for $9.99 

For dinner, indulge in:

• Pan Seared Skillet Chicken – Two pan seared Airline chicken breasts finished with a red wine beurre blanc served over garlic mashed potatoes, topped with asparagus. Served with sautéed dill carrots and fried green beans for $24.99 

• Dijon & Pecan Crusted Salmon – Pan seared salmon with a Dijon and pecan crust served over garlic mashed potatoes. Served with sautéed dill carrots and fried green beans for $26.99 

Micheal Jordan's Restaurants for Mother's Day

Michael Jordan’s Steak House will open at 1:00pm on Mother’s Day and every mom will receive a complimentary mimosa until 9:00pm. For $48.00, the featured item is Surf & Turf, served with petite filet with sesame butter and ginger brined, shrimp, basmati pilaf, balsamic soy reduction and picked ramps. 

Or, take Mom to Michael Jordan’s 23.sportcafe for a special Mother’s Day meal. On the menu for $29.00, enjoy a 16 oz. prime rib served with mashed potatoes and asparagus.

Pasta Vita Mother's Day Specials

A gift sure to make her smile, Pasta Vita is celebrating Mother’s Day with a free personal size tiramisu and rose for each mother with the purchase of an entrée. While supplies last.

Ben & Jerry's Sweet Treats for Moms

For a sweet treat for Mom, visit Ben & Jerry’s on May 14th for buy one, get one free small cup or cone.

The Shops at Mohegan Sun Mother's Day Specials

After your Mother’s Day meal, bring Mom to The Shops at Mohegan Sun and pamper her with some retail therapy!

From Wednesday, May 10th to Sunday, May 14th, Galina’s offers 25% off any one Vera Bradley item. One discount per customer. Does not apply to previous purchases or sale items. Must be mentioned at the time of sale.  

Stop in Coach May 5th through May 14th to take advantage of the Mother’s Day event offering 30% off select styles!  

Spoil Mom at Swarovski and receive an exclusive Slake Bracelet with your purchase of $200.00 or more on Mother’s Day.  

At Splendeur, receive a gift of fragrance with any purchase over $250.00 on May 14th. While supplies last.  

Don’t forget Victoria’s Secret; treat your mom to Bombshell, the #1 fragrance at Victoria’s Secret, and all-new exciting summer scent, Bombshell Summer, will be here just in time for Mother’s Day. $52.00 for 1.7 oz.; $68.00 for 3.4 oz.

Entertainment Specials for Mom

Before the day is over, bring on the good times and laughs at COMIX Comedy Club. Join the fun on Silly Sunday featuring Krystal Dyer’s Mother’s Day special. All moms with kid pictures will receive 50% off COMIX signature cocktails.

Mohegan Sun

One Mohegan Sun Blvd
Uncasville, CT 06382

ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN: 

Owned by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, Mohegan Sun 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, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, 2 world-class spas, a golf course, over 80 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. Connect with them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and Instagram @mohegansun, view them on YouTube and follow them on Snapchat at username MoheganSun.

The Other Side of MA - Dining at Osteria Vespa

Social Media Promotion: Sponsored

Dinner at Osteria Vespa in Amherst MA

On our trip to Western MA to visit the Annual Spring Bulb Show with Western MA Tourism on behalf of the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council we found this great restaurant, Osteria Vespa, on our itinerary! This gem of a restaurant is tucked in the Amity Street Shopping Center district in downtown Amherst.

I must admit, it's not the easiest place to find, tucked in one of the side aisles of the center, however I'm so glad we DID find it. Step inside and you are transported away to a cute little bistro in a dreamy Tuscan village.

Photo Source: Osteria Vespa - Location

Osteria Vespa is the merging of two great restaurant legends: Jonathan Welch, Vespa's owner, is a retauranteer with over 25 years of experience, as well as experience in local farming; and Thomas Schnapp, Vespa’s Executive Chef, who has been in the restaurant business for over 35 years.

The two formed Osteria Vespa, whose menu is inspired by the history and culture of northern Italy, primarily Tuscany, and the Mediterranean.  They know what's important, their pasta is made daily, all sauces are made from scratch with the highest quality ingredients. Most of the meats served at Vespa are sourced locally in New England. In the style of a true restaurant that takes pride in their proteins, the butchering of large cuts of meat, including veal, pork and lamb, are done in their very own kitchen.  Even their seafood and shellfish are sourced from the Atlantic.  The classic Italian cheeses for cooking and cheese plates as well as artisanal Italian style cheeses from Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire cheese makers.  Some of Vespa’s salami are made in their own kitchen, including pates, terrines, sausages and cured meats.  Mustard, pickles and relishes are also made in the restaurant’s kitchen. Their attention to detail shows.

I started with an amazing lemony light cocktail, the perfect precursor to the fabulous meal to come!

We knew we had to order some of that made on premise pasta and sample some of their home-style bisque. Needless to say - everything was delicious!

Osteria Vespa - House Made Fettuccine 

Photo Courtesy: ConnecticutLifestyles.com

Photo Courtesy: ConnecticutLifestyles.com

After all that food we needed to sip on coffee prepared by a miniature French Press!

There was no way we could fit in any of the dessert - but here's a sample of what was available the night we visited.

I don't know about you - but that Salted Butter Caramel Chocolate Mousse is calling my name. Guess it's time for another trip to Western MA! 

Here's something you really need to know! On Monday and Tuesdays Vespa offers a 3 for $30 special where guests can select three-courses from a sample menu. What a great way to try a wide variety of items!

Be sure you visit them when traveling in or through Amherst!

Osteria Vespa

28 Amity Street | Unit 1G
Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 230-3194
http://osteriavespa.com/

About Amherst MA

Amherst is a town in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, in the Connecticut River valley. With a population of 37,819 (2010 census), it is the largest community in Hampshire County. The town is home to Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

For more area restaurants visit: http://visithampshirecounty.com/eat/

Disclaimer: This visit was part of a trip sponsored in part by the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council, however all opinions are my own.

© Home Place 2017

Visiting Local Craft Kitchen and Beer Bar in Branford CT

Local Craft Kitchen & Beer Bar in Branford CT

We finally had a chance to stop at one of Branford's newest places, Local Craft Kitchen and Beer Bar. Formerly the site of SBC Brewing and then Burrata's, the location has been through many incarnations since originally opening on the Branford Hill as a Bonanza in the 70's.

The cowboy was told there was a great burger to be had, and I was in the mood for some small plates, so we stopped there to try the place out.

It's definitely a fun little place, and boasts 16 craft beers on tap, as well as a cute little cocktail menu.
Local is a great pub-like place with some good food and drink.

Local Kitchen and Beer Bar
Interior - Dining Room

We started with our typical "his & hers" cocktails - for him a rye and soda and for me something from the specialty cocktail menu, the "Fruity Pebbles." - The Fruity Pebbles was made with Bacardi Limon, lime juice and cranberry juice.

Local Craft Kitchen & Beer Bar

Next we ordered up some grub, the cowboy going with the 50/50 Bacon Burger and I went for the Pork Sliders and Bang Bang Shrimp from the small plates menu. The great thing about the small plates menu is that you can order a small "small plate" - or a large "small plate." I went with the small size for both.

Small Plates at Local in Branford CT

Local Craft Kitchen & Beer Bar
Bang Bang Shrimp (size small)
Lettuce wrapped battered shrimp
with a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce with carrots
cucumber sesame aleppo

Local Craft Kitchen & Beer Bar
Pulled Pork Sliders (size small)
Cole Slaw - BBQ Sauce on a Potato Roll

Local Craft Kitchen & Beer Bar
The 50/50 Bacon Burger
Half burger Half Bacon
with lettuce tomato and mayo

Beer Keg Light at Local

Local Craft Kitchen and Beer Bar is located on the Branford Hill in Branford Connecticut and has other locations in Fairfield and South Norwalk Connecticut. Stop and see them soon for some cocktails, burgers and small plates!

Local Craft Kitchen and Beer Bar

850 West Main St,
Branford, CT, 06405
(203) 481-2739
http://branfordlocal.com/index.php




© Home Place 2017

Fun at Cirkopolis at Foxwoods for Foxwoods Family Fun

Social Media Promotion: Sponsored

Cirkopolis at Foxwoods Resort Casino

This week we were invited to visit Foxwoods Resort Casino to view the opening day performance of Cirkopolis - Cirque Éloize's latest production that runs April 11th through April 15th at Foxwoods' Fox Theater.

Cirkopolis is a bit more 'gritty' than the last two shows Cirque Éloize presented at Foxwoods (read about them HERE and HERE). In Cirkopolis, the backdrop is a factory setting with black, white and grey tones depicting a shadow-like city skyline and revolving gear shifts from within a factory setting. The colorful costumes of many of the performers come to life and stood out beautifully from the monochromatic setting.

I thought the factory and work-themed backgrounds might not be a popular theme for the family-oriented audience, but I couldn't have been more wrong. There is plenty of humor and daredevil action to keep the children entertained -- and mom and dad on the edges of their seats.

Cirkopolis bills this production as:

"...  a breathtaking blend of circus arts, theatre and dance to a highly-stylized metropolis setting where multidisciplinary artists rebel against monotony, reinvent themselves, and challenge the limits of the factory-city as only they can. Performing within an inventive stage design and accompanied by an original musical score and video projections, they live in a world where fantasy defies reality—the veil of anonymity and solitude is lifted and replaced by bursts of humour and colour. Cirkopolis transforms the classic film Metropolis into a virtuosic circus spectacle for the whole family."

From http://www.cirque-eloize.com/en/spectacle/cirkopolis/ 

Here's a few pictures from the performance.

Remember that this show is only at Foxwoods through Saturday, April 15th! Get your tickets now!

Fox Theater
Foxwoods Resort Casino

350 Trolley Line Boulevard
Mashantucket, CT 06338
https://www.foxwoods.com/CirqueEloize/
Box Office: 1-800-200-2882

Ticket Prices:
$35 VIP & $25 General Admission

Dates:

Apr 11, 2:00PM
Apr 12, 2:00PM
Apr 13, 2:00PM  & 7:00PM
Apr 14, 2:00PM  & 7:00PM
Apr 15, 8:00PM

About Cirque Éloize Cirkopolis

Since the company’s foundation in 1993, Cirque Éloize has visited over 500 cities in more than 50 countries around the world. Since its first show in September 2012, Cirkopolis, has visited 84 cities in 23 different countries. More than 325,000 people have seen this show in more than 400 representations.
Missed this show at Foxwoods?  Check HERE to see if they're coming to a town near you!

About Foxwoods Resort Casino

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 seven 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.

Disclaimer: I was invited to attend this performance at Foxwoods by members of their marketing and management team, however, all opinions are my own.

New Haven Restaurant Week at Tarry Lodge - Spring 2017

Spring 2017 New Haven Restaurant Week at Tarry Lodge

I love that so many towns hold restaurant weeks twice a year, especially when it's in the spring when the days get longer and your mood elevates with all the sunshine to come! This spring, the 2017 New Haven Restaurant Week returned from Sunday April 2nd through Friday April 7th.

This year over 30 of downtown New Haven's ethnically diverse restaurants featured a two course $17 for lunch and a three course $34 prix fixe menu for dinner.

Tarry Lodge 2017 Spring "Restaurant Week" Menu

Restaurants that participated offered a  multi-course, prix fixe menu. For lunch it was an appetizer and an entree and for dinner it typically consisted of an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Great idea for a two course lunch (instead of the usual 3-course lunch) because three courses for lunch can be a bit too much, especially when you have to return for the afternoon work day!

The year we had a pretty hectic week at work so I couldn't break away for an off-campus lunch with work mates, and the cowboy and I couldn't coordinate a night earlier in the week so, Gayle and I decided to get together for a girls night and make reservations for Friday night at Tarry Lodge. This was actually my first time dining at Tarry Lodge, in spite of the fact that both Gayle and I used to baby sit for the Executive Chef, Sam (Samantha) Moore -- AND we had stopped there multiple times for New Haven's Wine Crawl - Flights of Fancy!

Tarry Lodge Interior
Note: This picture is from a different date -
the night we stopped for New Haven Restaurant Week it was PACKED

It was great going downtown on a Friday night - and I was pleasantly surprised to see A LOT of traffic and busy restaurants - a great sign that our New Haven community is alive and well and booming!

Tarry Lodge serves classic Italian fare and is operated by the Batali / Bastianich group. Yep, that one, consisting of Mario Batali, Joe Bastianich, Andy Nusser and Nancy Selzer– the team behind the VERY successful Tarry Lodge Restaurants in Westport CT and Port Chester NY.

Cozy seating, a bit too cozy for me with close seating to maximize square footage, and ambient lighting, the restaurant pays homage to Yale's New Haven roots with a bronze bulldog statue of Handsome Dan, the Yale mascot.

Handsome Dan - Yale Bulldog Mascot

Tarry Lodge offers an impressive wine list and menu that includes house-made pasta, fritti and meats cooked over a grill. The restaurant’s pizza bar is wrapped around an oven crafted by Valoriani, the storied family operation that has constructed ovens outside of Florence since 1890. (Tarry Lodge, 2017, About Us)

We settled in at our table and began to peruse the menu over a deliciously tart Bellini

Bellini

Oh, and the bread! Tarry Lodge serves up some delicious peasant bread with olive oil for dipping.

Now let's move on to our Prix Fixe dining!

First Course: Antipasti at Tarry Lodge New Haven

Gayle went with the Tarry Greens with White Bean Vinaigrette and I selected the Funghi Arancini with Truffle Aioli. 

Funghi Arancini with Truffle Aioli at Tarry Lodge

Tarry Greens with White Bean Vinaigrette

Entree Course: Secondi at Tarry Lodge New Haven

For our entree's Gayle selected the Eggplant alla Parmigiana and I went with the Black Fettuccine with Rock Shrimp and Chorizo Sausage. 

Tarry Lodge
Eggplant Parmigiana
Black Fettuccine 

Both were equally delicious, the eggplant had just a hint of crispness and the the Fettuccine had a nice heat from the chorizo sausage.

Black Fettuccine with Rock Shrimp and Chrorizo Sausage

Third Course: Dolci

Believe it or not we had room for dessert. Gayle went for the Butterscotch Budino, a custard like rum pudding with a deep butterscotch flavor that hit your taste buds amazingly well and lingered on for a delicious way to end the night! I went with the Olive Oil Soft Serve Ice Cream drizzled with Honey and Candied Pistachios, equally delicious! 

Tarry Lodge - Desserts
Budino Top Left - Soft Serve Bottom Right

Don't let the sound of Olive Oil soft serve 'scare' you off, it's a delicate rich addition to the soft serve ice cream that actually enhances the vanilla flavor of the dish.

Tarry Lodge - Olive Oil Soft Serve

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Tarry Lodge! Chef Sam was able to come out and say hello for a moment and gifted us with some 'babysitter' biscotti to take home!  Thanks Sam!! 

Take advantage of the special menus at a restaurant week in your town soon and look for the next restaurant week coming in fall of 2017 to New Haven where you can enjoy similar specials like those we sampled at Tarry Lodge!

Tarry Lodge - New Haven location

278 Park Street

New Haven, CT 06511

Tel: 203 672 0765

http://newhaven.tarrylodge.com/