The Patio is Open at Rooftop 120 in Glastonbury CT

Sponsored: Social Media Promotion

It's finally spring in Connecticut! The temperatures are rising, spring menus are getting ready, and outdoor patios are open! We had an invite last weekend from Kat at Bird Social Media to visit Rooftop 120 in Glastonbury Connecticut and sample some of their NEW spring cocktails and items from their small plates menu.

This was my first time at Rooftop 120 - and my first time in this particular area in Glastonbury - an area that surely must be known as 'restaurant mecca"! There were some great restaurants that I had heard of all in this square block and Rooftop 120, with its third story location, overlooks them all with an absolutely amazing view of the area. Don't let the third floor scare you off - there is easy access via a lobby elevator.

We started off our tasting with a "Red Flavored" Strawberry Sangria - a fruity bright way to start the day!

Strawberry Sangria

Our first small plate sampling was the absolutely delicious Shrimp and Andouille Sausage with Avocado Butter on a lightly toasted French Baguette. Seasoned  with a slightly spicy piquillo pepper relish this was a dream.

 Shrimp and Andouille Sausage with Avocado Butter
on a lightly toasted French Baguette.

Next, we sampled what was likely one of the favorite cocktails of the day, the Havana Breeze, made with muddled lime and zesty mint, with coconut rum and lemonade. It was light and tasty and perfect for a summer afternoon rooftop gathering.

Havana Breeze

Then, we sampled the Nosh Watermelon, made with vodka, watermelon puree, and lemonade. So refreshing!

 Nosh Watermelon

We then moved on to our next sampling, the Smoked Salmon Rillete with pickled onions, chives, and a sour cream and green onion sauce, with a side of fresh greens with a blood orange vinaigrette. What fun this was to dig in and eat and I could have eaten every drop in that Mason Jar, scraped the sides, and licked the spoon clean. So good!!

Smoked Salmon Rillete
Salmon rillettes topped with a green onion sour cream
 grilled pita bread and a simple pickked green salad and citrus vinaigrette 

Smoked Salmon Rillete

Next up we paired a bit of Beef Tartar with a White Guava Cosmo. The tartar had a nice blend of pickled chilies with a mustard vinaigrette with fresh herbs, allowing for a hearty, but bright flavor profile.  And really, who doesn't love a pretty cosmo with an edible orchid garnish.

 Beef Tartar with a White Guava Cosmo

Our final food tasting was Octopus Bolognese made with squid ink pasta, a San Manzano sauce, and roasted tomatoes.

Octopus Bolognese

Our final cocktail sampling was another perfect patio cocktail, the Pineapple Mojito, with muddled mint, rum, lime, mixed with sour mix and pineapple juice.

My tablemates and I made a final toast to good friends, great food, delicious cocktails, and vowed to return as soon as we could to another patio afternoon at Rooftop 120 in Glastonbury Connecticut!

Pineapple Mojito

Be sure to visit Rooftop 120 and enjoy some fabulous food and fine cocktails on their patio and enjoy the view!

This ultra-chic restaurant is open year-round, and features an outdoor lounge with fire pits, small plates, shared plates, flat bread specialties, large plates, & signature cocktails. All that and weekend live music, too!

See more pictures  HERE on the Home Place facebook page

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

Rooftop 120

120 Hebron Avenue
Glastonbury, CT 06033
Phone:(860) 430-9989
http://www.rooftop120.com/


Disclaimer: We received an invite to sample Rooftop 120's small plate and cocktail menu by members of the public relations and management team, however, all views expressed in the review are our own.

Firehouse Subs in Glastonbury CT

Sponsored: Social Media Promotion

The first Firehouse Subs in Connecticut 

is now open in Glastonbury CT!

Firehouse Subs Glastonbury CT

Owners Jeff and Jen Finnerty are bringing Firehouse Subs, a U.S.-based fast food chain to Connecticut in their beautiful community of Glastonbury. Adjancent to the Fox Run Shopping Center (where Whole Foods Market is housed) this neighborhood focused sub shop is located in the heart of Main Street Glastonbury!

Firehouse Subs
2520 Main Street
Glastonbury CT 06033
860.430.1800

Step into this bright sandwich shop and prepare to be dazzled! There are bold bright red and white tiles, firehouse memorabilia, and friendly, smiling faces to greet you. With its brick facade, chunky wood tables, and comfortable "firehouse red" seating, it invokes a feeling of the community firehouses of yesteryear!

Owner Operator Jeff Finnerty (center)
and members of the Firehouse Sub Crew

Invited as part of a soft-media information session, I was able to sample a few of their signature subs and listen in on the background of the business from the organization's co-founder Robin Sorenson, a former firefighter who now oversees franchise operations in 44 states and over 960 locations!

I sampled two subs, the Hook & Ladder® Sub and the Smokehouse Beef & Cheddar Brisket™ Sub - both were delicious, piled high with meat, flavorful sauces and spreads, and soft fresh bread. 

Hook & Ladder® Sub, served with fresh sliced daily 

smoked turkey breast and Virginia honey ham 

smothered with Monterey Jack cheese.

Smokehouse Beef & Cheddar Brisket™ loaded with USDA choice beef brisket
smoked for at least 16 hours in an authentic Texas smokehouse
topped with melted cheddar cheese and a special combination of sauces,
including Sweet Baby Ray’s® Barbecue Sauce.

While Robin was filling in the rest of our group in on the history of Firehouse Subs, I had the chance to sit and chat with franchisee Jeff and hear his vision for the shop. He's so proud of his community roots and is looking to grow the Firehouse Sub brand in more towns in Connecticut! Lucky us!

Besides serving really great sandwiches made with fresh ingredients, what separates Firehouse Subs from other sandwich shops is their dedication and commitment to the community, specifically the civic services. In 2005, Firehouse Subs created the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation® with the mission of providing funding, life-saving equipment and educational opportunities to first responders and public safety organizations.​ Many first responders make do with older equipment and have limited or no access to needed resources. The 501(c)(3) Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has given more than $17 million to hometown heroes in 44 states and Puerto Rico.

Each restaurant recycles leftover, five-gallon pickle buckets, available to guests for a $2 donation to the Foundation. Donation canisters on register counters explain the nonprofit’s mission and collect spare change, while the Round Up Program allows guests to “round up” their bill to the nearest dollar. All funds raised benefit the Foundation.
Above info from http://www.firehousesubs.com/

Firehouse Subs  in Glastonbury offers both eat in and take out options and also does party platters as part of their catering services. In addition to their traditional subs, and sub combos, they offer healthy size options, all under 500 calories, as well as salads.

Sub-Combo Menu

Sub Combo Menu
Menu Options from 4-13-16
Prices and availability of items are subject to change

Lighter Fare Menu

Lighter Fare
Menu Options from 4-13-16
Prices and availability of items are subject to change

Have a sweet tooth?

They also offer delicious cookies! While I was there I sampled a Lemon and White Chocolate Cookie, that had a beautiful bright citrus burst of flavor!

Owners Jeff & Jen Finnerty welcome you to their beautiful establishment! 

Jen and Jeff Finnerty
Firehouse Subs - Glastonbury CT

Be sure to stop in and experience some of their delicious subs and sandwiches.

Open from 10:30am to 9:00pm daily, the shop is already a neighborhood hit!

Visit them soon!

Firehouse Subs

2520 Main Street
Glastonbury CT 06033
860.430.1800



Disclaimer: I was invited to this sampling by members of Firehouse Subs Public Relations and Marketing team, however, all views and opinions are my own.

Whole Foods Local & Organic Showcase in Glastonbury CT

Did you know that your local Whole Foods holds daily / weekly / monthly events and specials?

Whole Foods Glastonbury Events and Happenings

In early July I attended Whole Foods in Glastonbury's Local and Organic Food Showcase on the same night of EVERYTHING's CHERRIES! What fun! We got there early and were able to visit a few of the cherry tastings that were going on to celebrate that day's $1.99/lb Cherry Special!

Everything's Cherry at Whole Foods Glastonbury 7-11-14
(L) Ice Cream with Brandied Cherries - (R) Sirloin Steak with Cherry Cole Slaw

We then moved on to the Local and Organic Showcase and met up with some of Whole Foods Glastonbury's favorite local vendors!

First we started with Project Fresh Juice, a local company out of New Haven, CT. Project Fresh uses a natural cold pressure process to keep their juices safe, full of flavor, and bursting with fiber and protein — with no need for additives, preservatives, or pasteurization. Offered in flavors like Spicy Maple Lemonade, Carrot Apple Ginger Blend, Whole Deep Kale Blend, Whole Deep Beet Blend, and Easy Pink Lemonade. My fave, the spicy maple lemonade. What a kick! And oh so good!

Project Fresh - All Natural Cleansing Juices
http://www.projectfreshcraftjuice.com/

Then we visited with Bakery on Main from Glastonbury CT and sampled some of their natural and gluten free granola. We loved learning the background of founder Michael Smulders' story of listening to his clientele who had dietary issues with Celiac, etc. so he made it his mission to offer products his customers needed.

Bakery On Main Gluten Free Granola
https://www.bakeryonmain.com/

Then we stopped and sampled some of the delicious mixers available from Ripe Bar Juice of New Haven CT! Lucky for me it was National Mojito Day (Who Knew??) and so of course I sampled the Agave Mojito Mix! Ummm --- YUM! Even without the rum! The Cowboy sampled the San Marzano Bloody Mary Mix and absolutely loved it!  Also available are Agave Margarita, Lemon Sour, Punch Bar.

Ripe Bar Juice
https://www.drinkripe.com/

Then we sampled some of the refreshing ice cream from Tea-rrific! GOOD!!! Tea-rrific Ice Cream is just what it sounds like - tea infused ice cream. I loved the delicate and subtle hints of the Chamomile, Masala Chai, London Mist, Ginger Matcha, and Chunky Ginger Matcha, that they are made from. My fave was the chunky Ginger Matcha as I loved the play on texture.

Tea-rrific Tea Infused Ice Cream
http://tearrificicecream.com/

Then we learned all about natural soap from the soap nut lady (that's what the cowboy keeps calling her) from YoreGanics, makers of all-natural soap products and skin care. I absolutely loved founder Kim Mendes' story about her holistic journey to health and her family's skin care issues. You simply must try her products. I've been using her Yore Balm - Bye Bye Dry skin care balm on my dry skin patches, and already 7 days later I'm experiencing a marked improvement!

YoreGanics Products and Skin Care
http://www.yoreganics.com/

Next we met up with the baked goods from Bella Sophia Baking Co. who create yummy desserts like whoopie pies, biscotti, and uglies. Don't ask me why they call them uglies - because they are such GOODIES! But in any case they taste like funny bones! I do know however that the company is named after the chief baker's adorable daughters "Bella" and "Sophia" - and what could be sweeter than that (except her baked goods!)

Bella Sophia Baking Company
http://www.bellasophiabakingcompany.com/

Last, but certainly not least was the ice cream sampling from Arethusa Farms in the Litchfield Hills of CT who pride themselves on their  award-winning purebred Jersey, Holstein and Brown Swiss cows. In addition to ice cream, Arethusa Farms also produces milk, yogurt, and cheese products. And oh my goodness! Their coffee ice cream is AMAZING!!!! So creamy with a strong coffee flavor!

Arethusa Farms
http://www.arethusafarm.com/

Finally I rounded all these wonderful and gracious vendors up for one final group picture! Thank you ALL for taking time from your busy schedules to tell us about your wonderful products!

The Whole Foods Glastonbury Local and Organic Showcasers!

All of the above products are available in the Whole Foods Glastonbury CT store. If you are looking for a product shown in this article, please visit the company's websites as many products are available online.

Special thanks to the Whole Foods Glastonbury peeps who always put on a wonderful and informative showcase of their products!  Remember to Buy Local - Shop Local - And Support Local!

Whole Foods Glastonbury

55 Welles Street

Glastonbury CT 06033

860.652.9800

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/glastonbury

Are you lucky enough to have a Whole Foods Market near you?

I love taking the ride to the Whole Foods in the Hartford area.

And I keep a-wishing-and-a-hoping that one will come to my 

shoreline community of Branford  / Guilford / Madison someday!

Whole Foods Market Local and Organic Showcase in Glastonbury CT

This week I was invited to the Whole Foods Market in Glastonbury CT, for a local and organic showcase event, featuring some of the best products New England has to offer! 

Whole Foods Market Glastonbury - Local and Organic Showcase

What an informational event! In attendance were several Whole Foods Culinary Specialists, as well as several brand ambassadors and owners of other local New England companies: Cissé Trading Company, Ripe Bar Juice, Ooma Tesoro's, and Tea-Rrific.

I worked my way around the room, starting with Rachael from Cissé Trading Company who prepared a refreshing frozen banana hot cocoa "frostéy". It was delicious, perfect for a health-conscious treat, and what a great idea to use a frozen banana instead of ice to "slush" it up. All it took was a frozen ripe banana, whole (or you can use skim) milk and Cissé's organic Fair Trade Vanilla Bean Hot Cocoa Mix. Cissé's also makes cake, cookie, muffin and brownie mixes, all made with Fair Trade organic products.  

Rachel from Cisse Trading Company at Whole Foods Glastonbury CT

Next we sampled some of Tia's Blueberry Granola Crisp made with local blueberries from Rose's Berry Farm in South Glastonbury. Tia is a demonstration specialist, and this crisp was easy to make, and oh.so.good. (Recipe: HERE)

Blueberry Crisp Granola at Whole Foods Market Glastonbury CT

Next we sampled some of the best cocktail mixes around, from Ripe Bar Juice. Ripe is 100% fresh and natural, and comes in Margarita, Mojito, Punch, Lemon Sour, and Bloody Mary flavors. My very favorite was the mojito, probably because CT is experiencing a South Beach-like tropical heat wave...and mojito's remind me of fun times in South Beach. Best of all? They're located in New Haven, CT - right near me. Now that's what I call local!

Ripe Bar Juice - Whole Foods Glastonbury CT

Next we met Mario from Tea-Rriffic Ice Cream - and sampled some homemade ice cream made with all natural ingredients. What a great idea! Tea infused flavors blended with light and creamy ice cream. The end result is a light subtle "grown-up" type taste. Tea-Rrific comes in Masala Chai (Assam black and rooibos teas with sweet aromatic and peppery spices), London Mist (malty and citrusy Earl Grey Tea with a hint of vanilla bean, Chunky London Mist (semi-sweet Belgian chocolate flakes and buttery roasted pecan chunks), Chamomile (with notes of Apple and Honey from Egyptian Chamomile Flowers), and Ginger Matcha (fresh ginger perfectly balanced with delicate grassy notes of premium Matcha green tea). Best of all?  It's ALL NATURAL!

Tea-Rrific Ice Cream - Whole Foods Market Glastonbury CT

Next up was Devon, a Culinary Demonstration Specialist, from Whole Foods-West Hartford who demonstrates at some of the greater Hartford area Whole Foods. Today Devon prepared a fresh Green Bean Salad with a homemade Berry Vinaigrette made with mostly locally grown products. (Recipe: HERE) Devon explained how Whole Foods partners with local growers to give their customers the freshest produce. Are you interested in pairing with Whole Foods? Contact your local store for more information.

Devon from Whole Foods prepared a Green Bean Salad with Berry Vinaigrette 

Next up was Jon, another Culinary Specialist from Whole Foods Market, who prepared an amazing Grilled Corn on the Cob, using sweet cooking rice seasoning, butter, and soy sauce. I have to admit when he explained the ingredients, I was doubtful, but when I tasted it - I was SOLD! It was amazingly good, and I will be incorporating this corn on the cob grilling technique into my summer barbecues!  When I asked why the unusual flavors, he explained his history as an exchange student in Japan, and how that influences some of the flavor profiles he works with. The tips you learn from these chefs at Whole Foods never cease to amaze me! **Update: See the Comments section at the end of this post for Jon's Japanese Style Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe. (Thanks Jon!)

Grilled Corn on the Cob - Whole Foods Market

Last on my Whole Foods Local and Organic Showcase tour was Michael, founder, owner, and chef of Ooma Tesoro's Marinara Sauce.  Michael's love for food is apparent in his dedication to producing his Ooma's (grandmother's) recipe, in the same way he learned from her, made with love with natural ingredients in small batches. Ooma Tesoro sauce is made in our neighboring state of Massachusetts, in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains.

Ooma Tesoro's Marinara Sauce - Whole Foods Market Glastonbury CT

What an informational and inspiring showcase we shared at Whole Foods Market on this visit.  A wonderful reminder to shop organic AND support and buy local!

Whole Foods Market Local and Organic Showcase - Glastonbury CT

Do you have a Whole Foods Market near you? 

I'm still hoping that my immediate area in the Branford, Guilford, Madison, Old Saybrook shoreline in Connecticut gets a Whole Foods Market soon!  

 !! Hint-Hint !!

Disclaimer: I was invited to attend this Showcase by Whole Foods Market. All opinions contained herein are my own. All items shown are subject to change and may not be available in your area..

Wheels for Kristina - A Fundraiser

Kristina Hiller Dowling needs your help.

Kristina Hiller Dowling and "Ozzy"

Tonight at the Elks Club in Glastonbury CT, many of Kristina Hiller Dowling's friends gathered for a great cause to raise funds  to help purchase a used van that can be refitted with hand controls and handicap access.

Kristina is an important person in our family, she's the cousin of my nephew's fiance, and the godmother to their son Owen.

Unfortunately, the cost of a used, refitted van – including the cost of any minor modifications, is approximately $30,000.00 to $40,000.00

The fundraiser was organized by April Holman, a talented musician, who donated her services for this worthwhile cause.

Wheels for Kristina needs YOUR help too.

On the Wheel's for Kristina Facebook page they write:

Kristina was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, commonly known as “Brittle Bone Disease.” As a result of the disease, Kristina is confined to a wheelchair.... Her lungs are undeveloped, requiring the use of oxygen. She is extremely susceptible to catching ailments from others and, due to her lowered immune state, catching the common cold can and usually does result in pneumonia – a debilitating illness requiring long hospital stays.  

Despite all of this, Kristina has worked tirelessly to overcome the obstacles of her disease. She has thrived as an active and productive member of society. Kristina attended beauty school and volunteered her expertise at local convalescent homes – a venture she has aptly named “Nails on Wheels.” She mentors disabled children at her local middle school. She has rescued and cared for several animals so they would not be euthanized. Additionally, she lives independently and supports herself. Overall, Kristina has always taken the initiative by contributing to the community in every way she can. 

All of this was possible because she was able to independently travel. Kristina had owned a van refitted with hand controls and wheelchair access. The van was no longer safe for use and the computer system has failed. As a result, she can neither travel independently nor continue to participate in the community. This is why we are asking for your help on her behalf. 

If you could also assist, they need YOUR help.

Kristina's family asks that you consider a small donation on her behalf. If you are able to help, thank you!

 If you can only help by sharing this post with your friends, that would also be appreciated.

How to donate?


Link to PayPal:  HERE

Or send your donation to:

Wheels for Kristina c/o People's Bank 40 Welles Street Glastonbury, CT 06033

Legal Notice

• This initiative has been duly exempted from registration under the Connecticut Charitable Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act and otherwise complies with all federal, state, and local laws. All donations will be used solely for the purpose of purchasing Kristina Hiller Dowling a vehicle with sufficient modifications for her use. 

• This initiative is not registered as a “non-profit” or “tax-exempt” organization under 26 U.S.C. § 501(c). Accordingly, donations are not tax-deductible by the donor. 

• Donor agrees that any tax liability, whether local, state, or federal, arising from any donation for any reason, will be the donor’s sole responsibility.

*Please note that Pay Pal takes a small discounted fee off your donation for use of their service.

On behalf of Kristina and her family - I thank you!

Whole Foods Market Valentine's Day Sweetheart Deals

Last week, members of the Connecticut blogging community were invited to Whole Foods Market in Glastonbury, CT to sample some sweets and savories.

All I can say is WOW!  

L-R Tia, Katie, Devin, Bryce

They offered us so many wonderful items to sample...I don't even know where to begin!

Bryce created two fabulous treats to start us off...

Panko Almond Shrimp

Panko Almond Shrimp, above, served on a bed of Sweet Potato Rossini, Spicy Slaw, and drizzled with a Honey Gastrique.  Bryce explained that gastrique is a stock or flavoring created when a sweet substance, in this case honey, is reduced with an acidic, such as vinegar.  

Chocolate Covered Orzo Risotto

Bryce also prepared Orzo Risotto with Candy Bacon & Marshmallow, covered in Chocolate. As unusual as this combo  might sound, I have to say, this was probably my favorite flavor combination of the evening. The orzo was almost creamy inside the chocolate, the bacon added a slight salty crunch, and the marshmallow and chocolate were ever so sweet. And,  oh. so. good.

Whole Foods Market didn't stop surprising us with flavors there!  Devin also made two great creations, Braised Pomegranate Short Ribs and Sweet Potatoes with Lime.

Braised Pomegranate Short Ribs and Lime Sweet Potatoes 

Just look at those short ribs melding with all the stock and vegetables. And the sweet potatoes with candied walnuts, feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.  When I tell you I didn't want to walk away from his station, I'm not kidding. Between the aromas and the taste...I could have stayed there all night!

Next Katie from Whole Foods Market prepared some sweet treats, Hail Merry Macaroons (gluten free, vegan, no refined sugars) Dark Chocolate covered Strawberries, Gillian's Chocolate Cake (wheat and gluten free).

Gluten Free Macaroons, Dark Chocolate Strawberries, Gluten Free Chocolate Cake

Tia then closed the Whole Foods Market event with her fabulous array of Mom's Organic Munchies and Hail Merry products, and a delicious Republic of Tea Cuppa Chocolate Peppermint tea. The perfect compliments to the wonderful foods we had sampled.

Are you looking for a special meal for your special someone? Whole Foods Markets in the Glastonbury, Bishops Corner and West Hartford area are offering a Sweetheart Dinner Deals for Two for only $24.99.  Call your local Whole Foods Market for details!

All prices subject to dates, locations, and availabilty

This was a wonderful event!  Each and every one of Whole Food's demonstrators were knowledgeable about the product they prepared, and chock full of information.  A common theme when talking with each member of the crew was that Whole Foods Market allows them the ability to be creative with their demonstrations, and how they love working with the superior merchandise at Whole Food Market stores.

Folks, that creativity shows! They were all so patient with our questions and explained that Whole Foods Market often has demonstrators and specialists preparing samplings for their customers throughout the week in many stores.  Don't be afraid to ask them questions, and learn some new cooking techniques! They love to be helpful!

And here's something special...that I can't wait to share!

Do you love chocolate?  Whole Foods Markets in select areas will be holding 

CHOCOLATE FEST 2013!

West Hartford February 7th (Thursday) from 5 to 7 pm

Glastonbury February 8th  (Friday) from 4:30 to  6pm

Bishops Corner February 9th  (Saturday) from 12 - 2pm

Visit a Whole Foods  Market near you!

Additional photos of this event available: HERE

Disclaimer: I was invited to attend this Valentine's Blogging Event by Whole Foods Market. All opinions contained herein are my own. All prices and items shown are subject to change and may not be available or applicable in your area.