Progressive® Insurance Norwalk Boat Show™ Info and Ticket Giveaway #NorwalkBoatShow

Boating and Waterfront Fun 

at the 

Progressive® Insurance 

Norwalk Boat Show™
September 20-23, 2018

The end of summer means ONE THING! 

Let's get ready for next summer! 

And there is NOWHERE BETTER to do that than at a BOAT SHOW! Not just ANY boat show, but one of the biggest and best shows in the Northeast. 

The best thing of all is we are partnering with the folks at Progressive® to offer two lucky couples two tickets to the boat show with an easy rafflecopter entry at the end of this post!

But first, let me tell you all about the fun you'll have at the Progressive® Insurance Norwalk Boat Show™

The Boat Show returns this year with a Bigger & Better Touch-a-Boat Tour for Kids and Free Boat Rides for the Whole Family at the Area’s Largest One-Stop Shop for Luxury Yachts, Center Consoles, Watersports Boats and Affordable Family Cruisers

The 2018 Progressive® Insurance Norwalk Boat Show®, the Northeast’s premier in-water boating event, docks at Norwalk Cove Marina Thursday through Sunday September 20-23, 2018, offering water lovers an all-access pass to discover why life is better with a boat. 

With more than 300 boats from luxury yachts and center console sportfishers to affordable family cruisers, the Show is best place to compare and buy boats in a beautiful waterfront setting.

Photo Courtesy
Progressive® Insurance Norwalk Boat Show®

Thousands of boating novices and lifelong enthusiasts can check out the newest introductions and best deals of the season with exclusive show specials and competitive bargains on hundreds of boats, plus thousands of the latest marine accessories. In addition to boats and accessories, attendees can enjoy the last days of summer on Long Island Sound with unique events and features.

Photo Courtesy
Progressive® Insurance Norwalk Boat Show®

THIS YEAR'S HIGHLIGHTS

NEW! Shop, Save & Win Big on “Super Thursday” – Elevate savings, shopping and boat show fun to superstar levels at our annual “Super Thursday” on Thursday, September 20.  Super Thursday specials include even deeper savings on the best in boating, plus food & drink specials, discounted tickets and exclusive giveaways!

NEW! Boat U.S. Hands-On Boating Courses: All levels of on-water experience can sign up for boating courses to hone skills or learn new ones with Boat U.S. experts and captains. Check BoatShowNorwalk.com to reserve your spot and view a full listing of courses soon.

Expanded Touch-a-Boat Tour gives kids the opportunity to talk with captains of real rescue and fireboats, snap a pic at the helm and learn the ropes of life on the high seas. Kids can also build their very own toy boat, take a free boat ride & much more!

Try It Cove invites attendees to get their feet wet and try the latest in paddlesports, including kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddle board demos.

Progressive® Boat Club: Attendees can take the helm at Progressive’s NEW Oculus Rift virtual reality experience and race a boat.  Plus, those looking to improve their nautical know-how will find an array of hands-on boating courses and a docking pool with remote control model boats from the Annapolis School of Seamanship.

Fred’s Shed DIY Seminars: Think “Tool Time” for boaters where attendees can enjoy free hands-on clinics on boat maintenance, repair and upgrade techniques in a garage-like setting.

WHEN:
Thursday, September 20 – Sunday, September 23, 2018
10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Thursday-Saturday;
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sunday

WHERE:
Norwalk Cove Marina
48 Calf Pasture Beach Road, East Norwalk, CT

TICKETS:
$15 for adults; children 12 and under get in FREE when accompanied by a paid adult
Save $2 on advance tickets online when you purchase by September 19

MORE INFO:                       
For more information, visit BoatShowNorwalk.com.

Plus follow the latest and join in the excitement of the Boat Show on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 
Follow the fun at #NorwalkBoatShow

Contest Rules:
This contest runs Thursday, 09-06-18 midnight through Saturday, 09-15-18 midnight.
Winners will be notified within 24 hours of the contest end and will have 24 hours to respond. 
If no response is received, after 24 hours a new winner will be selected and notified. Tickets are not redeemable for cash.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wall Street Theater in Norwalk - One Year Anniversary

Wall Street Theater Company

Celebrates Their One-Year Anniversary
with
Connecticut’s Got Talent 

The Winners Show

This historic 'next generation' theater continues to develop an unbelievable entertainment schedule! Historical Next-Gen Theater Continues to Develop a Robust Entertainment Schedule  

 This past winter, eighty eager and talented performers took to the stage of Norwalk’s newly revitalized Wall Street Theater, embarking on a showbiz journey, called Connecticut’s Got Talent. 

The riveting month-long production had audience members and judges laughing, foot-stomping, and cheering on contestants as they left it all on that stage. The March 2nd finale not only set the winners on an upwards career trajectory, it solidified the Wall Street Theater’s standing as a premiere and ground-breaking entertainment venue.

On Friday, May 18, the first place winner, singer-songwriter Riki Stevens headlines Connecticut’s Got Talent – The Winners Show, along with runners-up, magician TJ Salta, and songwriter-rapper Khalil Williams.

Artistic Director, Billy Blanks, Jr. says :

“Working with the talent for CGT gave me such a sense of pride. Each contestant was individual with their talents but what they had in common was their excitement to represent their state,” It was so touching to see that moment where it all clicked - Riki the exquisite soul folk singer, TJ Salta the teenage magician with a stage presence to rival today’s biggest stars, and Khalil the diamond in the rough young rapper that stole everyone’s hearts. You won’t want to miss this show. It will be them in their truest form, no audition jitters, just them as winners doing what they love!”

 Also special on the agenda this year, on May 20th the Wall Street Theater has the honor of hosting Dance-A-Thon for Wigs & Wishes®, a three-hour dance-a-thon and flagship event led by dance studio professionals from around the world. 

Wigs & Wishes® is powered by Friends Are By Your Side®, a non-profit organization founded by Martino Cartier, which enlists salons and stylists throughout the world who empower women and children by providing them with complimentary services that allow them for a brief moment to forget about their fight. 

The fundraiser celebrates the life of a local young boy who lost his battle with cancer.

Wall Street Theater

71 Wall Street
Norwalk, CT
877.987.6487
www.wallstreettheater.com

Follow them on Instagram at @WallStreetTheater

Upcoming Wall Street Theater (WST) productions include:

April 20, 2018 – The Garcia Project is based on actual set lists performed by The Jerry Garcia Band from 1976 to 1995. Perfect for anyone that never had a chance to experience the Jerry Garcia Band or for fans that want to relive a classic show!

April 27, 2018 - Norwalk's own Tim Currie & the Motown Band - A performance fundraiser for Al's Angels, an organization that provides support to children and families battling cancer, rare blood diseases, natural disasters and  severe financial hardship in our communities.

April 28, 2018 - New York City Gay Men's Chorus, The Big Gay Sing, a world-class, world-renowned New York institution and a pioneering voice for the LGBTQ community with a vibrant sound and energy that audiences can feel and connect with. 

May 4, 2018 – Goose, The Heavy Pets, a Norwalk based group deeply rooted in an organic and easy-to-love mix of funk and contemporary folk, with touches of reggae, jazz, blues, and rock.

May 19, 2018 - Milo Z with Special Guests Chapell and American Nomads, “Razzamofunk”, a combination of rock, rap, jazz, blues and funk with indie rock by Alan Chapell and pure Americana with the American Nomads.

June 8, 2018 – Back by popular demand, Australia's Hottest Import! Thunder from Down Under, the world’s most sought after male revue! The perfect girls' night outback!

June 15, 2018 - Norwalk Band & Brew Night, featuring performances by Hosemen, Atomic Unknown and Fingersleeve!

About the Wall Street Theater

The Wall Street Theater is the first, next-generation performance space in Connecticut showcasing professional music, comedic, dance, and stage performances from nationally recognized names as well as local talent and organizations. The 700-seat theater underwent a $10 million-dollar renovation to restore this national historic landmark to its original glory. Originally known as The Regent when the location opened in 1915 featuring Vaudeville performances, future incarnations included The Norwalk and The Roxy. During its tenure as The Globe in the 90s, the stage featured many up-and-coming performers until it shuttered in the late 90s. 71 Wall Street remained dark until it reopened as The Wall Street Theater in the summer of 2017.

Under the direction of president Suzanne Cahill, artistic director Billy Blanks, Jr., concert director Gene Morell, and an advisory board, the theater offers arts education for families, mentoring programs for youth in the arts, summer camp programming, and private space rentals for parties and events.

Wine Down on The Block in Norwalk CT

Here's a fun event happening at The Block on Waypointe!

The Block at Waypointe invites you to “Wine Down at the Block” next Thursday, July 20 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30p.m.

Relax and enjoy some live music, delicious light bites, signature cocktails and special in-store promotions from the local merchants for an exclusive immersion of all that The Block has to offer.

With a purchase of the $25 ticket, you will receive the following food and beverages from The Block at Waypointe's featured restaurants:

• Sedona Taphouse | Appetizer of choice + glass of wine, mixed drink, or martini
• Colony Grill | Choice of a cold brew + hot oil pie bites
• Barcelona | One glass of sangria + one tapa from a special chef's selection

And there's MORE!  Wine Down at The Block ticket holders will enjoy the exclusive in-store promotions / discount specials at the following merchants:

• Endurance House | Free bike clinic + natural oil samples + muscle ache therapy
• Pinot’s Palette | Open studio with a special $15 paint + prosecco class
• Salons by JC | Wine + cheese mixer + express mani’s & blow out specials, plus the first (15) guests receive an exclusive gift

Purchase your ticket HERE or at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine-down-at-the-block-tickets

Check in with your printed ticket at the registration table located in The Waypointe’s Central Piazza | 515 West Ave. Norwalk, CT 


For more information on the shops and restaurants at The Block at Waypointe and to stay updated on news, events and happenings, please visit www.theblockatwaypointe.com

Wine Down at The Block

Where: The Block at Waypointe
Date: 7/20/17
Times 06:30pm-08:30pm
Location: The Block at Waypointe, 515 Merwin Street, Norwalk, CT 06850
Event website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine-down-at-the-block-tickets

Questions?

Contact information: Melissa DiMercurio 

Event Phone Number: Ph. 202-696-1862

Event e-Mail address: mdimercurio@delucchiplus.com

ChowdaFest CT Moves to Norwalk, Sunday Oct. 12 2014

B I G   N E W S !

ChowdaFest CT is back!

When: October 12th 2014

VIP Tickets:  Includes ChowdaHour 11am-12noon*  $25.00 (available online)==> CLICK HERE

General Admission : 12pm-5pm $15.00 ($10.00 in advance online) ==> CLICK HERE

NEW VENUE: Calf Pasture Beach, Calf Pasture Beach Rd, Norwalk, CT 06855

*Read details about the VIP Exclusive ChowdaHour below... 

Chowdafest Announces its FIRST EVER === VIP ChowdaHOUR!

The Chowdafest CT officials announced VIP tickets will go on sale Friday, Sept. 19 at 11:59 p.m.

And this year they have added a special VIP tasting time dubbed “The VIP ChowdaHOUR” because it gives foodies “front row eats” to the event from 11a.m.to noon and is sponsored by The Norwalk HOUR.

The tickets give exclusive access without the crowds.“People have been asking us to do something like this for a few years,” according to Jim Keenan event director. “I think our fans who want the VIP treatment will be happy as clams with everything this ticket includes and expect to sell out quickly”.

And, in more BIG NEWS, the Chowdafest has moved from its previous venue, and will take place at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk on Sunday, Oct. 12 from noon to 4p.m. (And 11am for those lucky and limited VIP ticket holders!)

Chowdafest is a culinary competition pitting award winning chefs & restaurants against each other where YOU are the judge! When you arrive, you get a pencil, ballot and spoon. Then slurp down 36 decadent samples of chowder, soup and bisque!  It's up to you to determine who has the best!  You'll also be able to visit the Italian section called "Ciao-dafest" or the new Chowda-Mex section.  Sample ice cream, cheese, crackers, beer & wine too.  Chowdafest is a true "foodie" experience.

Jim Read, the advertising manager and chairman of the Hour Events Committee states,“we’re thrilled to have such a premier event come to Norwalk, As a sponsor of an event being held in our city, we wanted to be involved with something special and our ChowdaHOUR promotion is quite the ticket”.

The VIP experience starts with reserved parking right in front of the event. Parking is $5 and proceeds go to the local high school band. Resident beach sticker holders enjoy free parking. Like Disney, you’ll have a fast pass check in and you will be given a custom Chowdafest cap signifying your VIP status. You’ll then enter through the red velvet ropes of course, to sip and slurp unencumbered by crowds and long lines. You’ll meet and greet amazing chefs and even have a special sampling not available to general admission. As icing on the cake, VIPs have first access to the exciting new merchandise tent and get a discount!

The ChowdaHour is just $25 per adult. Accompanied children ages 6-12 are $5 and kids 5 and under are free. Tickets are limited and only available online. When they sell out, no more will be issued. Of course, VIPs are welcome to stay at the event longer but the general public will be allowed in at noon.

Chowdafest, presented by Stop & Shop, benefits Community Plates in an ongoing effort to eliminate hunger. General admission for the event is just $15 for adults at the door (Just $10 when purchased online) $5 for kids (6-12 years old). Kids also get a free chef hats, stickers, temporary tattoos, while supplies last.

And THERE's MORE! Chowdafest in conjunction with the Hilton Garden Inn in Norwalk, announce a Stay-n- Slurp package for Chowdafest weekend, Oct 10 and 11, 2014. Now chowder fans can enjoy a spectacular weekend filled with fun, food, entertainment and accommodations.

The Chowdafest package includes one-night deluxe accommodations for two at the Hilton Garden Inn in Norwalk, two general admission tickets to Chowdafest, a full American breakfast for two and roundtrip shuttle service to the event. This package is available for $119. Reservations may be made by calling the hotel directly at 203-523-4000 or the toll free number group code CHOWDA.

Link to details ==> CLICK HERE

For additional information about Chowdafest, please visit www.chowdafest.org or email event chairperson, Jim Keenan at chowdafest@gmail.com

Purchase tickets here ==> CLICK HERE

Oak + Almond for Brunch, Dining, and More in Norwalk CT

Social Media Tasting Event

On Sunday, after a gentle snowfall dusted the state, I headed out to Norwalk CT to visit one of Fairfield county's newest additions, the Oak + Almond Restaurant for a mid-day brunch. We've been having one heavy snowfall after another here in New England, so believe it or not, two inches of snow is now considered a light dusting!

Chittara Carbonara at Oak + Almond

Oak + Almond opened in the summer of 2013, and is quickly becoming a must stop for happy hour, lunch, dinner, late night fare, and, of course, a wonderful destination for a leisurely Sunday Brunch. Located right on Main Avenue, next to the Norwalk DMV, Oak + Almond offers easy access from the Merritt Parkway, with plenty of on-site parking. A big plus for me!

We started with the traditional brunch beverages of a Spicy Bloody Mary and Mimosa.

Spicy Bloody Mary and Mimosa

Both were perfectly made. The Bloody Mary had a great blend of spices and a hefty dose of horseradish, just how I like it, spicy warm, but not fiery hot. The Bloody Mary was attractively garnished with a pickled carrot, and baby onion. The Mimosa was just as tasty, with the correct balance of a hearty pour of champagne with a splash of orange juice. They have an entire drink book menu, so for those not wishing to partake in the usual brunch beverages, there are signature craft beverage items like the Oak + Almond Cocktail (four roses bourbon, luxardo triplum  orgeat, lemon, with a smoked sea salt rim, bittermens tiki bitters), the paper plane, the black dahlia, and where there's smoke.

I should also mention that we were a large group of fourteen and we were seated at a massive table that easily accommodated all of us quite comfortably. In addition to the main dining room, there are two additional dining areas that open behind shoji screen sliding doors that can easily accommodate private parties.

The atmosphere during the day was bright, light-filled, and airy. Tables are situated at comfortable distances apart, so that even when the dining room is full, there is still a sense of intimate dining.  There is a small cocktail lounge to one side of the restaurant, and a chef's table to the rear, where one can dine while observing the open fire oven, chef and kitchen preparations. How fun would that be??!!!

Time to move on to the all the amazing food we sampled at this tasting! We started with some sample size selections off the brunch menu, and I was glad to see so many local CT food purveyors listed that I was already familiar with. Wave Hill Bakery for muffins and breads, Hollbrook Farms for greens,  a wide array of cheeses from 109 Cheese + Wine in Ridgefield, and many more! The best thing about the farm to table movement is that it all supports LOCAL!

We indulged in sample size and shared platters of:  a combination of the Artisan Cheese Board and the Meat Board, Pork and Ricotta Meatballs, Charred Octopus, and two types of flatbreads (funghi and margherita).

Sample Tastings

Everyone loved every item we sampled, but I must say that the pork and ricotta meatballs in a spicy marina sauce were a hit, favorited by all, and something I would love to re-create at home. Is it possible that a meatball can be creamy tasting?  Well, this one was, and I could have eaten the whole bowl pictured above and more. I also loved the cheese and meat boards, and could imagine myself meeting with friends for cocktails and ordering both boards and enjoying the wide array of meats and cheeses, nuts, crostini, and fruit preserves available. And the pickled vegetables were amazing! Done on premise, I even found myself nibbling on the stems to enjoy every last flavorful bite.

Combination of the Meat Board and Artisan Cheese Board

For my main entree, I ordered the Chittara Carbonara, made with guanciale, pecorino, a farm fresh egg, and black pepper. Delicious! Guanciale, made from pork cheeks, is a more refined yet powerful flavor compared to those who typically use pancetta when making their carbonara. The pecorino cheese, made from sheep's milk offers a buttery and nutty flavor.

The chittara (pronounced key-tahr-rah) pasta, a tad wider, porous, and more dense than a typical noodle, was the perfect accompaniment to these rich flavors, especially when I broke the yolk open and gently rolled it in to the pasta dish. While I'm not certain if the pasta was made on-premise, it certainly tasted like it was.

Here's some of the other main fares my table mates selected:

L-R across from top
Buttermilk Pancakes w/Roasted Apples, Kitchen Sink Salad w Grilled Shrimp, Kitchen Sink Salad w Grilled Salmon
Eggs with Sausage-Potato Hash-grilled toast, Brioche French Toast with caramelized bananas and pecans
Mussels + Fries, Scrambled Eggs-bacon-potato hash w grilled toast, Rolled Oat Granola w fruit, yogurt & red bee honey

I did get to taste a sample of both the pancakes and french toast. The pancakes were extra light and fluffy due to the addition of  extra egg whites, and the french toast tasted like bananas foster for breakfast. So good, and slightly sweet, with the caramelized goodness from the bananas and nuts.

For our happy ending for dessert we sampled the chocolate tart with olive oil vanilla gelato, and a house baked walnut and milk and dark chocolate chip cookie.  I had read a "tip" on foursquare to try the cookie, and...it...was...AMAZING.  Chef Holly sprinkles a bit more than a dash of sea salt over it, and as every pastry chef and baker knows, sweet desserts need to be tempered with salt.

This cookie was more than tempered with salt...it was undoubtedly enhanced and elevated by it. I ate more than my fair portion of it...and apologies to those around me for not playing nice and sharing as well as I should have.  The chocolate tart had the same treatment and the salt definitely brought out its fudgy goodness. The olive oil drizzled over the gelato simply made it all the more decadent. Who knew! Commenting on my facebook pictures was my friend Jenny who noted that her grandmom would add a dab of olive oil to gelato, and now she does too! Well all I can say is Jenny, Jenny's grandmom and Chef Holly are certainly on to something! This is genius! I'm a convert now and will certainly do the same! It definitely enhanced the flavors!

We so enjoyed all the brunch items at Oak + Almond and hope to return soon for a delicious dinner!

Oak + Almond
544 Main Avenue
Norwalk CT
203.846.4600
www.oakandalmond.com

Like them on facebook here
Follow them on twitter here

For more pictures from my visit to the Oak + Almond click HERE and don't forget to like the Home Place facebook page.

Disclaimer: We were invited to this promotional sampling at the Oak + Almond by members of  the Oak + Almond Management and Marketing Team, however, the views and opinions expressed herein are our own.

Chocolate World Expo 2014

The Chocolate World Expo is coming to New England in 2014!

Are you a serious chocolate lover? 

Can't get enough of the creamy cocoa goodness?

Come to the Chocolate World Expo!

Where?

Connecticut: Sunday, January 26, 2014 at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk CT

Sunday, January 26, 2014, 10am-7pm
Admission:  Adults/$15 & Children/$10 (Ages 3-12)
Tickets for Chocolate World Expo can be purchased online via MaritimeAquarium.org and at the Maritime Aquarium’s Box Office during regular business hours (10am-5pm everyday).
Ticket prices for Chocolate World Expo include both admission to the event itself and full admission to the Aquarium’s fascinating exhibits (regularly $19.95/adults and $12.95/children ages 3-12).  Tickets are non-refundable. 

New York: Sunday, March 2, 2014 at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City NY

Sunday, March 2, 2014, 10am-7pm
Admission:  Adults/$15 & Children/$10 (Ages 2-12)
Tickets for Chocolate World Expo can be purchased online via CradleOfAviation.org and at the Cradle of Aviation’s Box Office during regular business hours (10am-5pm everyday).
Ticket prices for Chocolate World Expo include both admission to the show and full admission to the Museum’s fascinating exhibits, which would otherwise regularly cost $14 for adults and $12 for children ages 2-12.  In addition, admission to the Nassau County Firefighters Museum is included at no charge (reg. $5/adult and $4/child), making CWE Cradle of Aviation an exceptional value.Tickets are non-refundable.
Tickets purchased online will incur a small “convenience fee” from Tickets.com.
Tastings of wines, beers and other alcoholic beverages will be available for adults 21 and over only (ID required).  Please drink responsibly.  Do not drink & drive. Designate a driver, take public transit, take a taxi or plan to stay one of the nearby hotels.

Celebrate your love of all things chocolate… and have some fun! Chocolate is one of life’s simple pleasures. And quite frankly, who doesn't love chocolate?

Chocolate World Expo, also known as CWE, has become the area's largest chocolate-themed event. CWE offers tastings & sales of chocolates, baked goods, specialty foods, gelato, cheeses and much more from local and regional vendors. For a list of participating vendors, click HERE..

Each regional event combines chocolate and food with a dash of fun such as unique exhibits, performances, demonstrations and/or celebrity appearances. Whether its touring a world-class air & space museum on Long Island, touching live sharks in Connecticut, a magical Beatles tribute concert in NYC or an appearance by “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro in New Jersey, CWE is unlike any other chocolate event in the United States!

If you’re attending CWE for the first time, take a look at the FAQs page HERE, which answers many questions and will help you to plan your visit.

For more information visit the Chocolate World Expo website at  www.ChocolateWorldExpo.com

What's your favorite chocolate treat? 

Have you attended a chocolate festival?

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

A #WarmAndFuzzy Giveaway - From Teroforma

I love the holidays and the meaningful things that they stand for.

Tradition. Celebration. Home. Family.

There's something about this time of year that brings out the warm and fuzzy in everybody. Don't you agree?  Everyone has an extra smile to share, from the postman, to the corner grocer. Everyone gets in the spirit for the season.

Everyone is more caring. Everyone is more giving.

That's why I'm so happy that the great folks at Teroforma contacted me to help them spread some #WarmAndFuzzy cheer with all of you! That's right!  In the true spirit of giving they are gifting FIVE lucky readers of the Home Place blog with some of their amazing products!

Do you know about Teroforma?

They are a local CT company right out of Norwalk CT who are curators of design products from around the world for the home and table.

Vases, dinnerware, linen, and accents, everything for the discriminating host or hostess.

For the #WarmAndFuzzy giveaway Teroforma is offering five readers of the Home Place blog some warm and fuzzy prizes!

Two lucky readers will each receive a set of four Arbor Coasters!

Inspired by the foliage in Berlin's famous Tiergarten, these 100% wool felt coasters pop in any season and are at home in any home. The lyrical stem detail cutout in the coaster allows it to do double-duty as a napkin ring. The natural density of 100% wool felt makes it relatively durable, spills should be wiped away quickly.
Value $36.00 per set of four

Three lucky readers will each receive a set of the Trio Candlesticks!

Natural beech wood handcrafted set of three taper candlesticks is almost two sets in one. On one end, a clean natural finish and on the other, a sophisticated yet energetic pop of color. Whether set out in a row or clustered together, the gracefully complementary angles of the Avva series make the combinations distinctive and practical.
Value $52.00 per set of three

So let's get this giveaway started!  Not only are there FIVE LUCKY WINNERS - but there are also FIVE WAYS TO WIN!

Just use the rafflecopter below! And enjoy the #WarmAndFuzzy Giveaway! 

This contest runs Dec. 16, 2013 through December 20, 2013

IMPORTANT - Open to continental U.S. residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Added Bonus!!! From now until December 25th 2013 Home Place readers will also receive an exclusive 20% off discount code (home) to readers on Arbor Coasters & Trio Candlesticks


DISCLAIMER:  This contest is sponsored by Teroforma. Home Place is not liable for the delivery of any prizes. Winners will be contacted by Home Place within 48 hours of the contest end date and at that time they will need to supply a continental U.S. mailing address.

---

I received the candlelight trio and arbor coaster set for facilitating this giveaway.

Clockwise, left to right.
(L) Set of Trio Candlesticks
(top R) Arbor Coaster used as a Napkin Ring
 (bottom R) Arbor Coaster

The Mediterraneo Restaurant at the Hotel Zero Degrees in Norwalk CT

This week we were invited to the the Mediterraneo Restaurant at the Hotel Zero Degrees in Norwalk Connecticut for their Fairfield County Food Writers Dinner.

Mediterraneo Restaurant

The restaurant and hotel are located in Norwalk, CT with easy access from both I-95 and CT-15, as well as MetroNorth. If you're not familiar with the area, Norwalk is a short 40 miles away from New York City, and located in Connecticut's beautiful Fairfield county.

We arrived and were greeted by Mia, one of the development officers for the Hotel Zero Degrees, who had organized the event. Mia then led us on a quick tour of the Hotel Zero Degrees, visiting the Zen Den, banquet and community room, exercise room, deluxe room accommodations, and the amazing Sky Top 353 Rooftop Lounge.

L-R Top: Zen Den, Breakfast Room, 353 Sky Top Lounge
L-R Bottom: Exercise Room, Zen Den, Classic Queen Accommodations

The light filled modern building is built of sustainable materials, eco-friendly, and offers a panoramic view of the Norwalk River and a lovely waterfall.

View of the waterfall from the dining room

Each of the 120 tables in the dining room has a panoramic view of the river

Executive Chef, Albert DeAngelis, greeted each of the tables prior to our sampling. Chef Albert's background in French and Mediterranean preparation was apparent, as his dishes displayed both the influence of his training in sauces and use of fresh seafood, along with his Italian heritage and twenty years of culinary experience.

Chef Albert with Kristien and Dan Del Ferraro of OmNomCT

Owner of the Z Hospitality Group, Ramze Zakka, was also there, and took the time to welcome each of us to his beautiful hotel and restaurant. The Z Group also operates the Acqua Ristorante in Westport, Sole Ristorante in New Canaan, Mediterraneo of Greenwich, Aurora in Rye NY, and the Terra Ristorante Italiano in Greenwich.

Ramze Zakka greets the contingencies from New London and New Haven County

And we started the night off with a toast to the good times and great food that we knew would follow.

Appetizer Sample: 

Black Sea Bass Crudo-Citrus-Seaweed-EVOO-Dauno Gargano

Paired with: 

Inama, Soave Classico-Italy 2011

Light, fresh, and full of citrus. A great way to start the night.

Appetizer Sample: 

Chilled Cucumber-Avocado Purée - Colossal Crab

Paired with: 

Botani Moscatel, Muscat - Spain 2011

Great flavor, a touch of 'heat' from the sriracha, topped with a large piece of succulent crab meat.

Appetizer Sample: 

Red Curry Prince Edward Island Mussels-Fava Beans and Cilantro

Paired with: 

Hugel, Gewurtztaiminer - France 2011

My favorite appetizer of the night. The mussels were PERFECTLY prepared, and the red curry broth was amazing.

Appetizer Sample: 

Mini Maine Lobster Roll-Harissa-Pickled Ramp

Paired with: 

Fertuna Dorppelo, Sangiveses & Sauvignon Blanc - Italy 2011

Chock full of fresh lobster. Great flavors and my very first pickled ramp. I like it!

Salad Sample: 

Grilled Sucrine-Niman Bacon-Buttermilk-Maytag Blue

Paired with: 

Villa Antinori, Super Tuscan - Italy 2008

The sucrine lettuce was complimented by the tart buttermilk blue cheese dressing.
The slight grilling intensified the sweetness of the sugar lettuce.

Appetizer Sample: 

Crispy Soft Shell Crab-Citron Vinegar - Espelette

Paired with: 

Taittinger, Champagne - France NV

Again, perfectly cooked and prepared. The batter was light and airy and the crab was deliciously fresh.
And who would have thought to pair a champagne with a crispy seafood - yes, it worked!

Pasta Sample: 

Scallop Ravioli-roasted Cauliflower-Marcona Almonds

Paired with: 

Teruzzi & Puthod, Terre Di Tufi - Italy 2011

The scallop mixture, the dense pasta, along with the combination of earthy nuts and creamy cauliflower put us over the top into ravioli heaven!

Entree Sample: 

Parmesan Crusted West Coast Halibut

Paired with:

Chamisal, Chardonnay - California 2011

A wonderfully crusty Parmesan coating, light buttery sauce, and flaky halibut.

Entree Sample: 

Zatar Spiced Lamb Chop - Braised Artichoke - Tomato Confit

Paired with: 

Silvio Nardi, Rosso Di Montalcino - Italy 2010

My favorite entree of the night: Salty coating on the outside - perfectly 'rested' medium rare lamb chop.

Dessert Sample: 

Biscotti -Truffles-Berries

Dessert Sample: 

Warm Anise Shortbread-Rhubarb-Berry Compote-Vanilla Gelato
Paired with American coffee

Wonderfully warm compote with a sweet, tart berry rhubarb mix over vanilla gelato.
Comfort food at its best. 

There is nothing better than GREAT FOOD and SUPERB SERVICE in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Mediterraneo Restaurant at the Hotel Zero in Norwalk CT has all that, and more!

I was also happy to finally meet some fellow bloggers that I've followed for awhile, Maria from Pappa Don't Preach, and the OmNomCT writers, Kristien and Dan Del Ferraro.

And here's a picture of my dining companions from the evening.

L-R, Jenny Sweet Jenny's, Terese & Emily SECTKids, Wendy & Greg CTBloggers, and me Home Place

I can't wait to return with the cowboy to the Mediterraneo!

This will be our 'must stop' in Norwalk!

The Mediterraneo Restaurant at the Hotel Zero Degrees in Norwalk

353 Main Avenue

Norwalk, CT 06851

Phone: 203.750.9800

Web:  http://www.hotelzerodegrees.com/hotels/norwalk/mediterraneo

View the Mediterraneo Menu: HERE

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Have you visited any of the establishments owned by the Z Hospitality Group?

Any comments or questions on the food we sampled?

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

Disclaimer: I was invited to the Mediterraneo Restaurant as the guests of Z Hospitality Group. All opinions and views expressed are my own.