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

Chef Neil Fuentes of Branford's Jojoto Restaurant returns to Food Network

The Singing Chef Neil Fuentes To Appear on Food Network’s REWRAPPED

Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 1 PM  

Chef Fuentes doesn't mince any words...“Yes, I am the chef that literally chopped my finger when I appeared on Chopped last year!"

Neil Fuentes looks back on the episode that didn’t quite go according to plan. But Neil’s big personality and enthusiasm caught the eye of Food TV producers and he was quickly asked back to the network to tape an episode of “Rewrapped”, a new series that has chefs challenged with the task of recreating a commercially known product and then using it in a dish.

The show began taping in August right when the Singing Chef was preparing to open Jojoto, his Venezuelan restaurant in Branford, “It was crazy. I was literally working past midnight in the restaurant and then going home to prep before heading into the city for a 5 a.m. call time on set.”

Sworn to secrecy, Neil is inviting guests to Jojoto for a special screening of the episode which airs Saturday, December 6 at 1 PM. Neil will be showing the original Chopped show prior – and we all know how that one ends… But Rewrapped is a different story…or, is it?    

Watch, eat, sing and cheer on Neil for a special afternoon at Jojoto on Saturday December 6th!

Here's info on the episode:

“Pudding Up a Fight”   The proof is in the Swiss Miss Triple Chocolate Dream pudding! Three chefs must impress the judges with their recreation of this snack to avoid elimination. But one chef’s overuse of white chocolate may spell disaster. Then in the Innovate Round, one Rewrapper decides to dress coleslaw with Swiss Miss Pudding. Is it an outrage or a stroke of dreamy brilliance? Find out as Joey Fatone hosts this velvety episode of Rewrapped!



COMPETITORS: Chris Sell, Dawn Tyson, Neil Fuentes

JUDGES: Marc Summers, Ken Hall, Hugh Mangum



http://www.jojotorestaurant.com/

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Jojoto Restaurant - Modern Venezuelan Dining in Branford CT

Social Media Sampling

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

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

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

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

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

Let's start with the drink!

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

Savannah, Nichola and Victor

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

Pasapalo at Jojoto

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

Click the arrow below to play.

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

Chef Fuestes prepared Toston in a live demonstration

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Jojoto Cocktails 

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

#JustSayHohoto

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

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

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

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

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

Jojoto - El Pabellon Criollo

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

Jojoto - Gallinta

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

Jojoto - Short Rib over Polenta

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

Chef Fuentes and his Paella

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

Jojoto - Dessert
Tres Leche, Coconut Custard Cake, Churros

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

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

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

The Jojoto Family

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

Jojoto Modern Venezuelan Restaurant

130 Shore Drive Rd

Branford CT 06405

203-208-4141

Web: http://www.jojotorestaurant.com/

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

Follow them on Twitter: @JOJOTOBranford

Follow them on Instagram: @jojotorestaurant

 


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

Greek Food? Greek Diner! The Townhouse Diner in Branford CT

Every now and then you just have a hankering for some Greek Food.

You know the flavor profile I mean...that briney delicious Greek and Mediterranean flavor profile.

Greek cooking traditionally consists of using organic cheeses, oils, fruits, nuts, grains, legumes, and vegetables. This is because Greece's climate is perfect growing for olive trees. And their cooking involves a creative use of spices, garlic and other herbs such as oregano, basil, mint, and thyme. Proteins include lots of seafood, as most of the Greek coast boasts fishing villages, and their inland communities use goats, lamb, whole roasted pigs, chicken, and beef.

I typically get my dose of Greek sampling at the yearly Greek Festival held in Orange CT (This year held Labor Day Weekend Aug 29, 30, 31, Sep 1, 2014 12 noon to 10 PM (Fri. Sat. Sun.) 12 noon to 8 PM (Mon.) - See more at: http://www.saintbarbara.org/our_parish/odyssey_festival/)

But because I was in the mood NOW - I headed over to my local Greek diner, The Townhouse Diner in Branford CT to partake in some hearty Greek food!

The Branford Townhouse Diner

I started with Townhouse's version of a Greek Salad made with icy cold shredded lettuce, crumbled feta cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, thinly sliced red onions, and a few Greek olives, served with a crisp vinaigrette dressing.

 Townhouse Greek Salad

For my meal, I ordered the Gyro Deluxe (with fries and salad). I loved that the sandwich was served open face, so I could assemble it the way I like! I broke up the block of feta cheese, and pulled apart the tomatoes and onions, so that whole pieces wouldn't come out with every bite I took!

Townhouse Diner Gyro

And here's what it looked like after I assembled it. I did have to ask for extra Tzatziki Sauce.

Gyro at Townhouse Diner

What I didn't like was not having the deli paper that often times comes with a Gyro to help keep the excess sauces and juices from dripping out. Luckily, a nearby waitress came to my rescue by bringing extra napkins. (And got a good chuckle out of my Tzatziki covered face!). No pictures please!

And of course, for dessert, I had a nice wedge of Baklava

Baklava at Townhouse Diner

This was a little more dense and less syrupy than I'm used to - but the delicious combination of nuts, honey, and flaky light pastry came shining through. Just look at that fork full of flavor below!

Baklava

So if you're like me, and get a hankering every now and again for some delicious Greek Food - head to your nearest diner to satisfy the urge and craving.

About the restaurant / diner. They've been in Branford for almost 20 years, and relocated to the "pretzel" area in 2011. The outside property and grounds are well kept and maintained. The inside, maybe not so much, as the aisles were full of crumbs and tiny bits of papers ignored by most of the employees. Eventually, about 20 minutes after we were seated, one waitperson did carpet sweep the area.. Note to restaurants and staff everywhere. Please don't seat customers until the entire area is cleared, table, chair,  AND floors included! It only takes a second to tidy up!

This was my first visit to the Branford Townhouse...and in spite of my floor complaints, I'll definitely be back. It's just a little pet peeve of mine.

Branford Townhouse Diner

18 North Main Street (Route 1)

Branford, CT 06405

203-481-0550

Open 7 Days A Week

M-S 7AM - 11PM, Sunday 7AM-10PM

On the Web: http://www.branfordtownhouserestaurant.com/

Like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/branford.townhouse

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

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Do you have a favorite Greek dish?

Do you have a soft spot for your local diner?

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

JoJoTo Venezuelan Restaurant to Open in Branford CT in Mid-August 2014

JoJoTo Brings Venezuelan Cuisine to Branford, CT

UPDATE: Read my recap at==>> http://bit.ly/jojoto

The Singing Chef Neil Fuentes Presents the Food He Grew Up With Plus Mango Martinis and a Little Bom-bom Shakin’.

Ain't nothin' wrong with that!!

Which means there will be some added heat coming to the Branford, CT coastline this summer in the form of Jojoto, Venezuelan Restaurant + Bar. Owner Victor Figueroa has teamed up with culinary / entertainment powerhouse Neil Fuentes, a.k.a. The Singing Chef, in creating a restaurant and bar that features the cuisine both Victor and Neil grew up with in their home country of Venezuela.

Located in the beachy shoreline community also known as "Short Beach" on Shore Drive in Branford, CT, the petite restaurant and bar, formerly Augie’s Restaurant, has been transformed into a vibrant, high-energy, Latin infused locale for authentic Venezuelan dishes.

Jojoto, which means “corn on the cob”, gets its cues from its namesake, with many of its food preparations utilizing this versatile grain (when harvested past maturity) and vegetable (when harvested before maturity). The dining room, which seats 40, is framed by large glass windows and bright sun kissed walls, enlarged by an over-sized mirror. The sleek bar boasts a large screen TV and striking cityscape prints of Caracas, Venezuela.

In addition to the sound of singing coming out of Neil’s kitchen, there are plenty of bold flavors and from-scratch recipes at play. The “traditional” side of the menu highlights more rustic, peasant style dishes including; Arepas stuffed with shredded beef and Reina Pepiada stuffed with potato chicken salad; Empanada Tasting; Toston, garlic seasoned, deep fried unripe plantain with slaw and spicy shrimp; Cachapa, fresh sweet corn pancake with cheese; Mejillones a la Vinagretta, chilled stuffed mussels; and Guacucos, clams with lime, shallots, shrimp fume and homemade linguini.

More refined dishes highlight land and sea preparations such as; Costillas de Res of sofrito and cabernet braised short ribs with polenta, gremolata and truffle essence; Venezuelan BBQ with beef tenderloin, chicken, pork, choice of chorizo or blood sausage, yuca, guasacaca and crema fresca; Hamburguesa Venezolana piled high with lettuce, tomato, ham, queso, avocado, bacon, crushed potato chips, slaw, ketchup, mustard, garlic sauce, topped with a duck egg and served with truffle fries; Pabellon Criollo with rice, black beans, shredded beef and sweet plantains; and Gallinita Rellena, deboned, crispy skin Cornish hen stuffed with leeks and sweet plantain with an orange, lemon grass and honey reduction . Seasonal paella preparations and market fresh fish dishes change daily.

The beverage program stays true to Jojoto’s Venezuelan roots. Martinis and specialty cocktails are made with mango, passion fruit and fresh citrus juices and purees. (YUMMM!!!)  Top shelf spirits, house made infusions, craft beers and a select wine list of varietals from Spain and Argentina round out the beverage menu.

Look for a mid-August opening.



About Chef Neil FuentesNeil Fuentes

Raised on a farm in Venezuela and upon graduating from performing arts school, Neil Fuentes’ combined passion for food and entertainment led to his popular persona, “The Singing Chef”. The Sensational Singing Chef, airing on Connecticut Style on WTNH Television in New Haven, CT since 2009, continues to be a highly rated show for the network, garnering numerous awards and a cult-like following. National appearances include The Food Network’s hit show Chopped, Sabra Humus’ Recipe Makeovers, as well as Neil’s on-going series on Food Channel’s Hot Spots, where Neil takes viewers on culinary tours throughout New England.

About Victor Figueroa

Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela and one of six children to a single mother, Victor learned what hard work meant early on. In addition to a strong education, Victor was very passionate about anything that flew, which led him to the Venezuelan air force at the age of 17 and paragliding off mountains while he pursued an accounting career. In 1996 he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Universidad Catolica Andres Bello.

After working as an auditor in Venezuela for many years, due to political unrest Victor decided to pursue a master’s degree in the United States and in 2006 he completed his MBA.  The lessons he learned from his mother about hard work had paid off when his employers paid his tuition and sponsored his green card. Victor’s dreams continue to come true as he and his wife Nichola raise two beautiful girls in Branford.  And now another dream has now become a reality - bringing a taste of Venezuela to his home, to his family and to this country in the form of Jojoto.

http://www.jojotorestaurant.com/

TEL 203-208-4141

ADDRESS  130 Shore Drive Rd, Branford CT 06405

Indian Neck General Store and The Stand

Take a ride down South Montowese Street in the Indian Neck area of Branford and see what's new!

The Indian Neck General Store and the Stand are undergoing a transformation.

Located across from Lenny's Indian Head Restaurant, the general store was originally an auto repair shop and garage, owned and operated by the Beatty family since 1938.  In recent years the garage expanded to include a convenience store selling various sundries, newspapers, snacks and fresh coffee.

New owners Ted Cwiertniewicz and Kevin O'Neill recently purchased this idyllic property and have plans to eventually expand the store, having already given the vegetable stand a fresh new look. They've added a quaint seating area where customers can sit a spell, enjoy their coffee, and pick up some fresh local and New England vegetables.  And, they still offer the convenience of filling up your propane to help us all fire up those gas grills this summer.

Indian Neck General Store and The Stand

Here's a picture walking tour of some of the things you'll find when you stop and visit at the Indian Neck General Store and The Stand.

Inside the store are boxed and canned goods, ice cream, candy, friendly service and fresh coffee.

Jill and The Cowboy

Outside you'll find an outdoor patio with the most comfortable rocking chairs ever (and they're for sale too) - the perfect place to sit a spell and enjoy a deli sandwich, cold soda pop, or cup of coffee with friends.

Around back, you'll find fresh herbs and vegetables being grown.

There's always fresh produce at The Stand!

And all are from local farmers around CT and New England!

Did I mention there are FRESH PIES???

And handmade goods from my friends at Sunflower Farms!

Beautiful flowers and herbs surround the property...

Stop down and sit a spell! - Buy a soda and a sandwich!

Do some people watching and enjoy the summer weather!

We loved meeting new owner Ted and learning all about his visions for the store. He was so quick to point out that they couldn't be doing all these great things without the support of long time employees, new staff, and most importantly, the Branford Community!

And we're so happy that the tradition of "Buy Local" stays in Branford Connecticut!

The Indian Neck General Store and The Stand

196 South Montowese Street

Branford, CT 06405

(203) 488-0841

Like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndianNeckGeneralStore

Follow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theSTAND96

Follow them on Instagram: http://instagram.com/thestand96

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

Do you have a favorite farm market and general store in your area?

Have you ever been to the Indian Neck General Store and The Stand?

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

Branford Restaurant Week - Spring 2014!

The 3rd Annual Branford Restaurant Week runs Sunday, April 6 - Saturday, April 12, 2014

Here's a sneak peek at the participating restaurants and links to their restaurant week offerings or prixe fix menus!

Enter HERE for your chance to win a $25.00 gift certificate!

Allegre's 
249 West Main Street
Branford, CT
203-483-5553
Allegre's Restaurant Week Menu

Assiagio
168 Montowese Street
203-483-5426
www.assaggiobranford.com
Assagio's Restaurant Week Menu

Ballou's Wine Bar
2 Sybil Avenue
Branford, CT
203-208-1701
www.ballouswinebar.com
Ballou's Wine Bar Restaurant Week Menu

BB Shack
5 Sycamore Way
Branford, CT
203-208-2740
www.bbshackct.com
BB Shack Restaurant Week Menu

Campania
284 East Main Street
Branford, CT
203-483-7773
www.campaniaristorante.com
Campania Restaurant Week Menu

Darbar
1070 Main Street
Branford, CT
203-481-8994
www.darbarindia.com
Darbar Restaurant Week Menu

Dockside Seafood
145 Block Island Road
Branford, CT
203-488-3007
www.docksidebranford.com
Dockside Seafood Restaurant Week Menu

Donovan's Reef
1212 Main Street
Branford, CT
203-488-5573
www.donovans-reef.com
Donovan's Reef Restaurant Week Menu

G-Zen
2 East Main Street
Branford, CT
203-208-0443
www.g-zen.com
G-Zen Restaurant Week Menu

Home Restaurant
1114 Main Street
Branford, CT
203-483-5896
www.homerestaurantct.com
Home Restaurant Week Menu

Jalapeno Heaven
40 North Main Street
Branford, CT
203-481-6759
www.jalapeno-heaven.com
Jalapeno Heaven Restaurant Week Menu

La Luna
168 North Main Street
Branford, CT
203-483-9995
www.lalunact.com
La Luna Restaurant Week Menu

Lenny's
205 South Montowese Street
Branford, CT
203-488-1500
www.lennysnow
Lenny's Restaurant Week Menu

Nellie Green's
50 Maple Street
Branford, CT
203-483-5553
www.nelliegreens.com
Nellie Green's Restaurant Week Menu

Parthenon Diner
374 East Main Street
Branford, CT
203-481-0333
www.parthenondiner.com
Parthenon Restaurant Week Menu

Pasta Cosi
1018 Main Street
Branford, CT
203-483-9397
www.pastacosi.com
Pasta Cosi Restaurant Week Menu

SBC Restaurant
850 West Main Street
Branford, CT
203-481-2739
www.southportbrewing.com
SBC Restaurant Week Menu

Seagrass Grille
3 Linden Avenue
Branford, CT
203-315-3225
www.seagrassgrillct.com
Seagrass Grill Restaurant Week Menu

Tanduay USA Asian Rum Mixologist Competition - Home Restaurant Branford CT

Tanduay Rum USA recently held a bartender's competition featuring drinks made with Tanduay Rum at Home Restaurant in Branford CT. Though I was familiar with the brand name, it would be my first time sampling a cocktail made with this spirit. I coudn't wait!

I had always thought that rum was only produced in Latin American or Caribbean countries but I soon learned that Tanduay Rum is made from sugar cane grown in the Philippines, where the fragrant rain, tropical climate, and fresh rural air contribute to the distinctive Tanduay flavor. This delightful rum is the product of a combination of sugar cane juice, Philippine water, a single yeast, and fermented molasses that has been aged for 5-years in a charred oak barrel.. (Source: Tanduay Rum USA/Discover)

We arrived early which allowed us to sample a few of the Tanduay Rum specialty cocktail drinks that Home Restaurant was offering that evening in honor of the event. My favorite was the Philippine Rum Punch, made with a combination of both Gold and Silver Tanduay Rum, and a blend of exotic fruit juices. It was the perfect blend of hearty rum and sweet juice.

Home Restaurant - Tanduay Drink Specials
Bartender's Competition - March 2014

And while the bartenders were setting up and prepping for the contest, the nice folks at Home Restaurant treated us to a wide array of appetizers. We sampled everything from crab cakes to beef stew bites to pickled beet crostini to sliders. How good were they? Just take a look at the bottom right hand side of the picture below at the hands grabbing at those sliders!

Home Restaurant Appetizers

On to the competition!

Participants from restaurants throughout Connecticut competed for the right to the be Connecticut Tanduay Mixologist Champion! Competing were bartenders from Wood-n-Tap, Quench, Post 154, The Chelsea, Forbidden City, Oak Haven Table and Grille, The Cask Republic, Max Fish, and Home Restaurant.

Tanduay Rum Bartender's Contest Competitors

Judging the contest were the following:

Carl Carrion: Culinary Director of the SKAL Restaurant Group
Rowena White: Sales Manager - Special Events for Connoisseur Media
David Brogan: Master Mixologist, TV Personality and owner of "Signature David"
Adam Zengou: Bartender at Brennan's Shebeen and Bartender of the Year in 2012 for Fairfield County by Advocate poll

After Mari, the Tanduay representative, gathered the entrants together, she introduced the judges, sounded the Asian Gong, and got the competition started!

Cocktails were judged on the following points of criterion: (a) Taste, (b) Drink Presentation, (c) Overall Presentation, and (d) Overall Creativity.

After each contestant prepared their cocktail, a sample was offered to everyone in attendance.

And here's a sample of some of the contestants creations

Tanduay Rum USA Cocktails
(L) Tanduay Thunder  from Wood-n-Tap (M)  Thrilla in Manilla from Quench  (R) Liquid Turtle from Post 154

Everyone had a wonderful time cheering on their favorite cocktails, establishments, and contestants! The first ever Tanduay Mixologist Contest was a rousing success!

Congratulations to the winning cocktail, the el arándano (the blueberry) mojito style cocktail, entered by the Cask Republic!

Home Restaurant is located at 1114 Main Street in Branford CT. Follow them on facebook at /HomeBranford.

Follow Tanduay USA Asian Rum on ==> twitter, ==> facebook, and==> instagram. Look for @TanduayUSA!

Additional pictures of this event are found on the Home Place Blog's facebook page HERE and while you're there, don't forget to "like" us!