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

Milford Food Truck Festival 2016 at Eisenhower Park

Summers are all about getting outside and finding fun things to do. So when my friend Gayle spotted an event for a food truck festival in nearby Milford CT -- I was all in!

Gayle and I headed out early to Milford to take a quick foray around Eisenhower Park to sample some great food and visit with some of the local vendors that had set up shop. We arrived just before their 11am opening so we were able to get a great parking space and we beat the crowds.

I had purchased entry tickets online prior to the date (only $2.00) so we breezed on in!

However...we arrived before our appetites did (it was only 11am!) so we perused the vendors and shops that were also assembled for the Milford Food Truck Festival!

There was a bit of everything! Jewelry, local foods, art, clothing, crafts and more!

Roth Jewelry Designs

My Husband's Nuts - Flavored Nuts

Ree's Butterfly Sweets

Teeny Beanies, Bibs & More

Then we ambled on over to the Food Truck section 

Here are some of the trucks that were there!

Milford Food Truck Festival - Nosh Food Truck

Milford Food Truck Festival - Crazy Taco Mex Truck

Milford Food Truck Festival - Dave's Food Truck

Milford Food Truck Festival - Fryborg Truck

Milford Food Truck Festival - Samba's Cuisine Food Truck

Milford Food Truck Festival - Szabo's Seafood Food Truck

Milford Food Truck Festival - Snowie Food Truck

So many to choose from, but in the end we both decided to go with Nosh Hound!

Milford Truck Festival - Nosh Food Truck
Jamrock Salad

Milford Truck Festival - Nosh Food Truck
Chicken Sammie Sandwich

Milford Truck Festival - Nosh Food Truck
Cheesecake

And topped everything off with an ice cold beer 

(WHERE I GOT CARDED!!)

YAY!!

Our only regret was that we filled up - and didn't get to try any of the other trucks!

If you have the opportunity - visit a food truck festival this summer! It's a great way to sample a wide array of cuisine.

We really enjoyed our time at this particular one - and were pleasantly surprised that there were tables and chairs set up for eating. We had  brought our own chairs but quickly put them away when we saw that the organizers provided lots of seating.

But be prepared for any food truck festivals that you might attend - have a back up plan of chairs to bring with you - or tote along a large blanket to sit on.

Eat well and enjoy!

For more information on the Milford Food Truck Festival visit their facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/MilfordFoodTruckFestival/


© Home Place

Carvel Ice Cream Stores for Holiday Cakes

If you're looking for a fun dessert treat for upcoming holiday get togethers and parties, look no farther than your local Carvel Ice Cream Store!

It's that great time of year when Carvel outdoes themselves creating HOMEMADE on premise cakes and treats perfect for any holiday occasion.

I was recently invited to visit a Carvel to sample a holiday cake and went to the nearest one to me in Milforrd CT.

Some of my favorites are the delicious ice cream cakes they make for the holidays!

Let's start with the Christmas Tree Cake

The Christmas Tree Cake at Carvel features layers of freshly made vanilla and chocolate ice cream separated by a layer of chocolate crunchies, and covered in icing that recreates a lush green Christmas Tree.

The Snowman Cake is also adorable!

The Snowman Cake at Carvel is made with layers of fresh vanilla and chocolate ice cream separated by a layer of chocolate crunchies, and covered with white icing with blue, green and red icing on top.


Also available are a Santa Cake and a Hanukkah Cake, both made with layers of both vanilla and chocolate ice cream separated by layers of chocolate crunchies.

Also available are Lil’ Snowmen Novelty Treats (not pictured) – These take-home treats feature delicious freshly made soft serve ice cream and are decorated to look like adorable miniature snowmen.

I purchased the Christmas Tree cake and I know it will be the hit of  the Holiday Party!

Carvel Ice Cream stores are found nationwide

To find a Carvel Ice Cream Store near you click here ===> http://www.carvel.com/find-a-shoppe/

Find them on the web http://www.carvel.com/

Follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CarvelIceCream

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

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

Disclaimer: I received a gift certificate to Carvel to facilitate this review.However, all opinions are my own.

1st Annual Milford Farmer's Market Apple Pie Contest

Calling all amateur pie makers! - This means you!

Milford Downtown Farmers' Market Apple Pie Contest
Entry Deadline: September 28th, 2013
Contest: October 5th, 2013

The Milford CT Downtown Farmer's Market is holding their 

FIRST ANNUAL Apple Pie Contest on October  5, 2013

And all you have to do to enter is bake a "from scratch"  Apple Pie!
Entry Deadline 9-28-13

Yum!!! - Who doesn't love Apple Pie???

OFFICIAL RULES

1. Contest is open to individuals or groups working as a team
2. One entry per person per category
3. Recipe MUST accompany the entry (the pie)
4. Pies entered must have bottom and side crust
5. Pies must be made from scratch. No store bought pies. No store bought crusts.
6. Apple Pies only
7. Amateur bakers only
8. If pie plate is not disposable, it must be clearly marked for proper return
9. Contestants agree to have their photos published

JUDGING OF PIES AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

1. Complete entry form and submit to Milford Downtown Farmers' Market (Sunflower Farm tent) or mailed to Milford Downtown Farmers' Market-Sunflower Farm, 767 Derby Milford Road, Orange CT 06477, by September 28th, 2013
2. Submit pies on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, between 8:30am and 9:30am. Pies should be dropped off at the Milford Downtown Farmers' Market PIE JUDGING TENT WHICH WILL BE CLEARLY MARKED ON THAT DATE.
3. Judging will begin shortly after 10:00am and the winner will be announced at approximately 11:00am
4. Judging will be based on Taste (50%), Appearance (25%) and Overall Appeal (25%)
5. Taste is judged on flavor; Appearance is determined on the pre-slice and post-slice runniness, firmness and juiciness after the pie is cut; and Overall Appeal is how appealing and impressive the pie is in general
6. Contest judges are Kathleen Donovan, Joe Agro, Louis Agro, and a surprise Judge!!

WINNER WILL RECEIVE A BEAUTIFUL BASKET OF MARKET GOODIES

For additional Information Contact
Sabrina Santoro, Sunflower Farm, 203.795.6829
Link to entry form HERE

Happy Baking!

Note: Home Place is not affiliated with this contest, its rules, nor responsible for the judging or awarding of any prizes.

New Nikon 3200 from Milford Photo in Milford CT

HO-HO-HO

Santa came a little early this year.

Nikon 3200 Camera and DSLR Starter Kit

The Cowboy finally tired of my hints...and surprised me this morning with a trip to Milford Photo in Milford CT.

Hello Nikon 3200! And hooray!

At Milford Camera (taken with my old Olympus by "can't hold a camera still" cowboy)

Luckily, I had been doing a little background research, and he had too, for we both spotted some of the sales flyers the camera shop had been distributing this season.  I was planning on going with the Nikon 3100 as it was about $120.00 less, but he insisted that we go with a little better model, so we agreed on the Nikon 3200 model that was selling for $599.00.

Our sales associate, Lachell Workman, was so patient with me and all my questions!  Frankly, I didn't even know how to turn the thing on! She let me walk around the store and practice with the floor model so I could see if the camera weight and grip were comfortable, and to explain the very basic questions I had.  Lachell also let me experiment with the telephoto lens to judge whether it was something I might want to include.  Although I did like it, I think I can put that purchase off for awhile.  (AKA - put it on my wish list for birthdays, anniversary, etc.)

We decided to go ahead and purchase the Digital SLR Starter Kit that included the following for an additional $119.00:

Gray Camera Bag, filled with:

• Pro 52MM Multi Coated filter
• Pro SDHC 16GB Memory card
• Pro HB-45 Nikon Hood
• Pro Opti Cleaning Cloth
• Pro Opti Cleaner
• Pro LCD Screen Protector
• Nikon EH-EL Spare Battery
• Nikon D-SLR DVD
• Gift Certificate for a free 12 x 18 print

Me and Lachell going through the accessories

Another picture by the "can't hold a camera still" cowboy.
Gotta love him!

If you live in the greater New Haven area, the Milford Photo Store is a great place to go for information. Lachell was very knowledgeable and so patient with my questions!  She's been at Milford Photo for about a year and is also a professional photographer, check out her website here.

Milford Photo also has an online learning center with tutorials and helpful articles. What's more, they also offer loads of on-site classes for both beginners and advanced!  I've already signed up for their Introduction to DSLR Cameras in January 2013! The class is a very affordable $29.95

Wish me luck!  This type of stuff brings out the geek in me!  Time to put away the ole' point and shoot and join the digital age!

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post.  All opinions are my own.
All pictures in this post were taken by the "can't hold a camera still" Cowboy with my old Olympus camera.  

Can't wait to try the new Nikon 3200!  It's charging as I write this post!

What kind of camera do you use? 

Are you a point and shoot-er or a manual focus-er? 

Do you have any special lenses that you recommend?

I'd love to hear your suggestions and recommendations in the comment section below!

Cash Mob at Something of Bev's in Milford CT

Each month the folks at REX Development, together with Cash Mob CT,  choose a town or city that is part of the 15 municipalities that make up the South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG) to descend on to be "Cash-Mobbed" 

Cash Mobbing is simple!  Anyone can do it!  All you need is a twenty dollar bill, a destination, and the desire to help support local business!  

Did you know that for every $20 that is spent at a local retailer, $13.60 will return to the community through taxes and payroll?  REX Development is doing their part to help local commerce and supports 15 towns and cities in Connecticut.  They need you to do your part too and support your local retailers!

Past winners have been RJ Julia Booksellers in Madison, Flutterby in Guilford, the Bethany Farm Market in Bethany, Sweet Cioccolata in Wallingford, and the Sweet Shoppe in East Haven, CT. 

If you're lucky enough to live in one of the 15 municipalities covered by REX - look for a  Cash Mob CT to come to your town soon! 

For the month of October, REX Development chose Milford CT, and the voters overwhelmingly selected Something of Bev's!

Something of Bev's  is located on the Boston Post Road in Milford, CT. Although they list themselves as a furniture and decorating store, Something of Bev's is all that...and so much more!

Owner Beverly Dennis has been in the retail business for 24 years! She is a long time Milford resident, moving to Milford, the Small Seaside City with a Big Heart, when she was two!  

Bev is the consummate hostess, and her retail business is an extension of herself.  Today she opened up her store to welcome the Cash Mobbers with an assortment of coffee and beverages, and dips and treats to eat.  

Bev, an elegant woman with eclectic taste, has a store that reflects her good eye for decorating.  Here you'll find antiques she's acquired from estate sales, and retail items from magazine and trade shows.  That's Bev, below, to the right.

When I mentioned to an old friend (who is also a Milford resident) that I would be at Something of Bev's, she quickly replied "I love that place!" 

Here's some of the wonderful items that can be found in the store!

Holiday Tea Towels

Window Decor
These would look so good on my window sill at home!

Roomy Showrooms

In addition, Bev features items made from local craftsman and artists.

Made in Milford Mittens

Locally made Jewelry

Hand Painted Stoneware

 Look at these lovely iridescent seashells.  

Wouldn't they look beautiful on a seaside themed Christmas tree?

Starfish in a decorated clam shell

Antique silver trophies & candlesticks, crystal, mercury glass, and framed charcoal sketches

Please take a ride out to visit Bev and say Hi!  You won't be disappointed.

At Something of Bev's there is Something for Everyone!

Something of Bev's

400 Boston Post Road

Milford, CT 06460

203-874-4686

Closed Mondays

Find them on the Web!

Website:  Something of Bev's

Facebook: "Like" Something of Bev's here