Labor Day Weekend at MGM Springfield

#NewTraditions For Labor Day Weekend at MGM Springfield

There's so much going on in New England for Labor Day! Why not start some #NewTraditions and spend the weekend at the **NEW** MGM Grand in Springfield Massachusetts!

MGM Springfield
One MGM Way
Springfield MA

MGM Springfield is kicking off its VERY first Labor Day Weekend with legendary entertainment from the ONE AND ONLY Stevie Wonder, a unique Bags & Brews cornhole tournament and the region’s coolest end-of-summer dining and entertainment experiences.
  
One of the most celebrated and prominent figures in popular music for decades – Stevie Wonder – will take the stage at MassMutual Center with “The Stevie Wonder Song Party: A Celebration of Life, Love & Music” on Saturday, Sept. 1.
  
The Plaza kicks off its reign as the new neighborhood hotspot beginning Saturday, Sept. 1 at 10 a.m. with the debut of Stretches and Spirits. Presented by local yoga studio Simply Grace, the event combines two centuries-old therapies for the mind, body and soul: beer and yoga. The event will be held on select Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout the month.  

On Sunday, Sept. 2, amateur and seasoned cornhole fans alike will converge on The Plaza for the first-ever Bags & Brews Cornhole Tournament from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Competitors will vie for the top prize of $1,000 while trying to qualify for the American Cornhole League’s Championship of Bags. While the tournament spots are sold out, spectators can cheer on the teams with a cold beverage and delicious snack in hand while they enjoy live music on The Plaza.

For pre- and post-event dining or an indulgent meal this weekend, guests can enjoy an Amalfi Coast-inspired meal at Chef Michael Mina’s Cal Mare.

Amalfi Coast Inspired
Cal Mare
MGM Springfield

Or some great refined steakhouse fare at Chandler Steakhouse. Just look at this amazing space!

Chandler Steakhouse
MGM Springfield

For a more casual outing, TAP Sports Bar offers craft beers and elevated bar food in a carefree atmosphere made for socializing, featuring a 10-lane bowling alley, arcade and wall-to-wall big screen TVs airing all the best sports action. 

Vintage Furnishings
Taps Sports Bar
MGM Grand

To see and be seen, guests can head to Commonwealth Bar and Lounge for nightlife and sophisticated libations like the Indian Side Car pictured below.
  

The Indian Side Car at
The Commonwealth Bar and Lounge
MGM Springfield

To learn more about what’s going on at MGM Springfield, please visit MGMSpringfield.com. 

MGM Springfield

One MGM Way
Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 273-5000
https://www.mgmspringfield.com/en.html

About MGM Springfield

MGM Springfield covers three city blocks in the heart of downtown Springfield, Mass. Creating 3,000 permanent jobs and igniting a cultural and economic renaissance in a historic New England city, the resort, which combines new construction with revived historic buildings, offers more than 125,000 square feet of gaming space, a 250-room boutique hotel on Main Street, superior spa services, diverse retail and inspired dining headlined by award-winning Chef Michael Mina’s Cal Mare. MGM Springfield also features the seven-screen Regal luxury cinema complex, bowling lanes, a seasonal skating rink and outdoor marketplace displaying local art, events and talent. MGM Springfield opened on August 24, 2018. For additional information, please visit mgmspringfield.com.

Fresh Salt Hosts Caymus Vineyards Wine Dinner

Saybrook Point Inn's Fresh Salt Restaurant 

To Host Caymus Vineyards Wine Dinner

Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point is hosting a delightful wine dinner on Saturday, February 25 featuring distinct wines by Napa Valley’s first family of wines, the Wagner family – owners of Caymus Vineyards in one of California’s richest wine regions.

With special guest speaker Dan Campbell, Regional Director of Wagner Family of Wines, this exclusive Caymus Vineyards Wine Dinner will feature a wide collection of premier California wines expertly paired with a hearty selection of fresh seafood, steaks and poultry creatively prepared by Saybrook Point’s talented Private Event and Banquet Chef Bill Titus and Fresh Salt Chef d’ Cuisine Gesé Rodriguez.

The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with a first course of hors d’oeuvres featuring Truffle Mac & Cheese, Curry Crab Cannoli, Brie & Tomato Jam Wonton, and Short Rib Stuffed Mushroom served with Conundrum Sparkling Wine.

Dinner immediately follows at 7:00 p.m. with a first course of Crudo Duet – Scallops and Bluefin Tuna with Blood Orange, Radish, Tobiko, and Avocado paired with Conundrum White V. 2014.

The second course features Steelhead Trout with Marcona Almond Crust, Sweet Potato Hash, and Ginger Butter Sauce paired with Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey V. 2013.

In the third course, guests will enjoy Coconut & Coffee-Crusted Duck Breast with Rutabaga Dauphinoise and Blackberry Sauce paired with Emmolo Merlot V. 2013, followed by the fourth course of Porterhouse Lamb Chop with Polenta Fries and Goat Cheese Stuffed Zucchini paired with 2014 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

The evening concludes with the fifth and final course, an Overnight Chocolate-Raspberry Truffle Crème Brulée served on an Almond Dacquoise.

 The Caymus Vineyards Wine Dinner at Saybrook Point’s Fresh Salt is $115/person plus tax and service charge.

Reservations are necessary and may be made by calling the Fresh Salt reservations line at 860.339.1327.

Seaside Wine and Spirits will be in attendance, and offer guests the opportunity to place orders for their favorite wine of the evening at specially reduced prices. 

Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point

2 Bridge Street
Old Saybrook, CT  06475
www.saybrook.com

Call  860.339.1327 to reserve

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.

David Burke Prime's Table Side Smoked Manhattan and Aged Steak Flight

Social Media Promotion

Oscar Worthy Presentation at David Burke Prime

As my foodie fortune would have it, I was included in an invite to sample David Burke Prime's new specials at their Foxwood Resort Casino location joining my friends Greg and Wendy from CTLifestyles.

With just one look at Prime's spacious entryway, you know you are in for a great dining experience that highlights a wonderful meal in an entertaining fashion. A life-size model steer greets you upon arrival, lighting is a soft amber tone, and there are large comfortable cowhide covered banquettes and comfy white leather over-stuffed chairs for seating.

Open at Foxwoods since 2008, Prime is operated by the Craveable Hospitality Group, who manage ten restaurants in the Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Chicago, and Aspen area. I can certainly see how they penned the motto "Eat, Drink, Crave" - as they are known for "transforming each meal into a cherished memory" by offering impeccable service and creative food and beverage offerings.

We started with some delicious sparking rosé to go along with this amazing seafood tower featuring lobster , shrimp, clams, oysters, Alaskan king crab legs, jumbo lump crab meat, served with sauces like old bay mustard sauce, sweet chili cocktail, mignonette, and more!

Seafood Tower at David Burke Prime
Foxwoods Resort Casino

And it just kept getting better and better from there!

Next our mixologist extraordinaire gave us the premiere performance of Prime's new amazing cocktail, the Smoked Rosemary Manhattan.

Below are some pictures of the preparation process and a link to a video  HERE

And the finished product! 

A theatrical Manhattan Cocktail like none other before!

The Smoked Rosemary Orange Manhattan
at David Burke Prime
Foxwoods Resort Casino

This cocktail tastes just as amazing as its preparation shows!  And I love these new jumbo ice cubes as they hold the 'chill' longer and allow the cocktail to shine and not hamper the flavor with melted ice. The Smoked Rosemary and Orange Manhattan was so subtly smooth with the added aromatics of the rosemary and the citrus essence from the fresh orange. Made with premium rye - it's a definite win-win!

In addition to the table side cocktail presentation we were also treated to a table side preparation of a Caesar Salad, complete with white anchovies, Prime's signature crab croutons, and thickly grated cheese.

Caesar Salad at David Burke Prime
Foxwoods Resort Casino

Next was another fun little treat! A clothesline of candied bacon! The Clothesline Bacon appetizer consists of  extra thick-cut candied bacon, black pepper maple glaze, and flambéed table side, as well!

David Burke Prime's Clothesline Bacon
Photo Source @davidburkeprime Instagram

Next was the star of the show  - the Aged Steak Flight! This fabulous new special allows you to sample not one, not two, not three, but FOUR different styles of aged beef. This special Steak Flight includes a sampling of the 30-day bone-in Kansas City strip, 40-day ribeye, 60-day sirloin, and 75-day rib-eye. These hand-selected beef cuts are aged in their patented Himalayan salt lined aging cooler which allows them to develop the deep intense flavors that only aged beef offers.

David Burke Prime
Aged Steak Flight

Prime's Aged Steak Flight

As is typical with aged beef - the longer it is aged the more intense and earthy the flavor. As we worked our way around the plate sampling the different aging times, we couldn't all agree on a 'hands down' favorite. Each cut was delicious in its own right - and each of us had different flavor preferences. Suffice it to say - they were all great!

After all that sampling - we somehow found room for dessert! We nibbled on the Cheesecake Lollipop Tree complete with sour apple cotton candy (say what!!) .... before digging in to our final table side presentation of Toffee Monkey Bread made with banana, pecan brioche, bourbon-butterscotch ice cream. No descriptive adjectives needed. So good!!!

Toffee Monkey Bread at David Burke Prime
Photo Source: @DavidBurkePrime Instagram

Another favorite - the Molten Chocolate Cake, made with a deep, rich chocolate cake, a chocolate ganache filling, and served with a side of creamy coffee gelato.

David Burke Prime
Molten Chocolate Cake

We finished the night with a tour of the dry aging room and the wine tower. Both spaces were equally incredible and that wine tower alone is worth a visit on your next trip to David Burke Prime at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Aging Room at David Burke Prime
Lined with Himalyan Salt - this process is patented!
Photo Source: @DavidBurkePrime Instagram

The Wine Tower at David Burke Prime
(The view looking up!)

We had a wonderful time at David Burke Prime and we know you will too! Prepare to be pampered and delighted by the service, food, and libations. It's truly an incredible place to visit and I'm certain you will be as entertained as we were!

Enjoy!

David Burke Prime is located in the Grand Pequot Tower at Foxwoods, on the restaurant level.

David Burke Prime

FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO
350 Trolley Line Boulevard
Mashantucket, CT 06338
Phone: 860.312.8753

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

Disclaimer: We were invited to this premiere of the new specials offered at Prime by members of their marketing and management team, however, all opinions are our own.

Gastro Bar - Fine Casual Dining in Stamford CT

Social Media Sampling

As the warm Connecticut nights are slowly dwindling with fall's arrival, we took the ride up to Gastro Bar in Stamford Connecticut.

Gastro Bar in Downtown Stamford

Gastro Bar is located in downtown Stamford directly in the Columbus Park neighborhood. Its open air concept offers both inside and outside dining along picturesque and bustling with activity West Park Street. Gastro Bar is quickly becoming the 'go-to' place for tapas, pasta, and a wide array of Mediterranean style dishes!

We started with some delicious cocktails, the Gastro Mule (Hendricks Gin • pineapple juice • triple sec • St. Germain • Rose wine), the Banana Mojito (Don Q Rum • mint • lime • banana), the West Park Tini (Curacao • Tanqueray • pineapple juice • lime juice • syrup), and the Slow and Low (Slow low & Low whiskey • muddled oranges & lemon • ginger beer).

Clockwise, L-R
The Gastro Mule, the Banana Mojito, the West Park Tini, the Slow and Low

As we sipped on our cocktails we started our sampling with some of Gastro Bar's delicious appetizers... Calamari, bruschetta, fried oysters, albondigus, salmon tartar, eggplant parmigiana, and brussel salad.

Fried Calamari with Smoked Aioli
Perfectly cooked and I loved that the dip sauce was hidden beneath the tender morsels

Brucshetta - Fresh tomato, shallots, garlic, basil, and parmigiano cheese
The cowboy's favorite!!!

Fried Oysters with Grapefruit and Avocado Puree
Tender Sweet Oysters - and beautifully presented

Albondigas - Lamb Meatballs with Pomodoro and Sauteed Baby Kale
Comfort food at its finest!

Salmon Tartar: With jalapenos, shallots, crispy potatoes, and cilantro

Eggplant Parmigiana - with prosciutto, marscapone and ricotto cheese
Tasted even better than it looked - and it looked GOOD!!!!

Brussell Salad: Shaved Brussell Sprouts, Truffle Oil,, Lemon Juice on a Crispy Polenta Cake
A creative and fun way to serve baby cabbages!

A delicious pasta dish!

Short Rib Cavatelli with a Black Truffle Cream Sauce
AMAZING & AMAZING * AMAZING

And a sample of Gastro Bar's wonderful artisan pizza!

Throughout the evening, Chef Fernando Gomez and owners Mario and Alejandro Lopez checked on our progress, and were gracious enough to pose with some items! Pictured below, Chef Fernando and Owner Mario serve up a FAB fig pizza!

Fig Pizza with 10 year Balsamic, Prosciutto, and Arugula
The perfect blend of flavors with the sweet figs, the tangy balsamic, the slightly salty prosciutto and the peppery arugula

...and the shining start of the evening!  A beautiful and delicious paella!

Paella - clams, shrimp, chicken, mussels, calamari, sweet peas, chorizo, saffron rice

Of course we saved room for dessert and sampled two of Gastro Bar's famous desserts!

Left: the Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream
Right: New York Style Cheesecake with a medley of fresh berries

Our thanks to our wonderful hosts in the Lopez brothers (in blue) and the amazing Executive Chef Gomez, (in red) and Sous Chef Reyes in white)!

Left to Right
Owner Mario Lopez, Sous Chef Fernando Reyes, Executive Chef Fernando Gomez, Owner Alejandro Lopez

You simply must take the trip to Stamford CT and enjoy this beautiful new addition to the downtown area! You'll certainly be glad you did!

Gastro Bar

78 West Park Pl.

Stamford, CT ‎06901

Phone: 203-817-0392

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

Like them on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/GastroBarStamford

Follow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GastroBar1

Follow them on Instagram: http://instagram.com/gastrobarstamford#

 

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