23rd Annual Chocolate and Food Lovers Expo to Benefit CT Easter Seals January 2016

PRESS RELEASE

The 23rd Annual Chocolate & Food Lovers’ Expo to Benefit Easter Seals – January 31

A sweet day of chocolate and specialty food tastings, shopping, music and more!

A fun-filled choco-licious day is planned for everyone - with plenty of chocolaty treats of all shapes, sizes, and flavors, as well as delicious specialty foods.

The 23^rd Annual Chocolate & Food Lovers’ Expo to benefit Easter Seals will be held on Sunday, January 31, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1284 Strongtown Road, Southbury, CT.

Proceeds benefit the programs and services of Easter Seals, serving the special needs of infants, children and adults with disabilities in Greater Waterbury, Central and Northwestern Connecticut. 

Other exhibitors will be showcasing their unique gift items, products and services.

Event:       23rd Annual Chocolate & Food Lovers Expo to benefit Easter Seals
When:      Sunday, January 31, 2016 from 11a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where:     Crowne Plaza Hotel in Southbury.

This fun-filled event offers samplings of delicious chocolate, specialty and gourmet foods from well-respected businesses. Shop for unique gifts, products and services from an array of exhibitors - just in time for Valentine’s Day and other gift-giving occasions. 

Guests will enjoy festivities including; door prizes, music, special drawings, entertainment, and chocolate demonstrations.

Proceeds benefit the programs and services of Easter Seals, serving the special needs of infants, children, and adults with disabilities in greater Waterbury, central, and northwestern Connecticut. Easter Seals helps individuals and families achieve maximum functional independence in the community through developmental, educational, medical and employment services. To learn more about Easter Seals click HERE.

Tickets are $20 in advance ($25 at the door). Children ages 5-12 are $5. 

For tickets and information, please contact Faith Hull, 203-754-5141 (ext. 251) or Carolee Kalita (ext. 243).

 Crowne Plaza Hotel
1284 Strongtown Road   
Southbury, Connecticut   06488


For more information on Easter Seals log on at www.waterburyct.easterseals.com .

Cookies on 9 - December 2015

New Haven's Cookies on 9 2015 - Delicious!

On December 4, 2015 from 6pm-8pm we got to sample dozens of delicious cookies and other sweet treats!

The first Friday in December we traveled back to New Haven's Historic Ninth Square to participate in their Cookies On Nine event! This annual cookie crawl is always a crowd pleaser, featuring cookies baked by students in Gateway Community College's Culinary Department. And best of all - tickets are only $10.00!

We picked up our cookies carriers and off we went! The weather was unbelievable for December in Connecticut! It was about 55 degrees and beautiful weather for a cookie crawl!

We didn't get to visit every place because we tend to visit longer than we should with each participating merchant - but we loved every place we visited!

And we got A LOT OF COOKIES!!!

In no particular order, here's some of the places we visited...

Baobab Tree Studios (71 Orange St.) *Check-in location. Serving: Triple Chocolate Chunk cookies.

G Cafe (141 Orange St.) Serving: Spritz Cookies. Offering samples assorted mini cookies for $1.00!

Fletcher Cameron (91 Orange St.) Serving: Lemon Cookies. 

Capture Salon (100 Crown St.) Serving: Snicker Doodles and Peppermint Cocoa

The Grove (760 Chapel St.) Serving: Oatmeal Cookies. Also featuring a special art exhibit Serendipity:Marks of Abstraction with artist and Creativity Coach Carmen Lund, MFA with additional works by Annie Sailer and Giada Crispiels. In collaboration with Happiness Lab downstairs (756 Chapel St.) who provided coffee for the event.

The Trinity Bar (157 Orange St.) Serving: Chocolate Chewies.

Reynold’s Fine Art (96 Orange St.) Cookie stop & Free Opening Reception from 5-8pm for “Pieces.” Serving: Raspberry Macaroons

Neville Wisdom Fashion Design Studio (63 Orange St.) Serving: Ginger Cookies from Katalina’s (on 74 Whitney Ave)

Artspace (50 Orange St.) Serving: Peanut Butter Cookies.

English Building Market (839 Chapel St.) Serving: Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Meat & Co. (116 Crown St.) Serving: Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles.

Make Haven (266 State St.) Serving: Almond Sugar Cookies.

Eco Works (262 State St.) Also featuring paper crafts - making hand made tags out of reclaimed paper and cookie cutters for gift giving this holiday season. No prior experience necessary. Free and open to the public. Serving: Butterscotch Brownies. 

Inspired Venue (82 Crown St.) Serving: Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies.

101 Art Threads (118 Court St.) Serving: Vegan Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Cedarhurst Cafe (44 Crown St.) Serving: Almond Horn Cookies.

Artist & Craftsman (821-825 Chapel St.) Paint-a-thon with canvasses & paint provided. Here's a great way to get creative! Serving: Ginger Snaps.

Breathing Room Yoga Studio (817 Chapel St., Unit 2F). Free kids yoga classes prior to the event. Serving: Classic Pecan Bars.

A big thank you to On 9 New Haven - and to friends Gayle and Carol for accompanying me on this sweet cookie stroll! And kudos to Gateway students and Katalina's for some delicious cookies!


For more information on the On 9 events, visit their website at: http://www.on9newhaven.com/

For more pictures from the event, 

visit the Home Place facebook page HERE

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

Chef Alex Rosado joins Paloma Restaurant in Stamford CT

Chef Alex Rosado Brings 

His Bold and Beautiful Latin Flavors to

Harbor Point’s Paloma Restaurant 

When describing the flavors in his dishes, Chef Alex Rosado uses words like “love” and “goodness”. He kisses his fingers as if to exclaim “Bellissimo!” Paloma is thrilled to add such passion to the dynamic team that head up Stamford’s popular tequila infused, bold and flavorful, wood-fired, indoor-outdoor, bi-level and multi-sensory restaurant, bar and event venue overlooking Stamford Harbor and an  industrial city at work.

Chef Rosado hails from Puerto Rico and brings with him an impressive culinary lineage. Alex graduated from Atlanta’s School of Culinary Arts in 1996. He began honing his skills, cooking in some of the city’s most highly-regarded restaurants, including Bill Swearingen and Philippe Haddad's The Abbey and Philippe’s Bistro. This up and coming chef would then go on to cook at such prestigious hotels as the Ritz Carlton in San Juan, Puerto Rico as the Chef de Cuisine for The Caribbean Grill, and then on to The Biltmore Hotel in Miami, Florida where he was fortunate enough to have worked closely under Executive Chef de Cuisine Philippe Ruiz. It was ultimately his position as the Executive Chef of Little Palm Island  in Little Torch Key, Florida from 2009-2012 that would thrust this young chef’s career into high gear, and where he amassed numerous accolades and awards, including a “Best Chefs of America” honor bestowed to him by his fellow chefs.

In 2013 Chef Rosado traveled up the coast to Westport, CT, where he managed the opening of one of Fairfield County’s most ambitious building renovations; Westport’s historical post office building, built circa 1935, and transformed the space into a striking New American restaurant and gathering place, Post 154. Paloma is excited to have Chef Alex Rosado at the helm of its kitchen where this talented and fearless chef can share his passion for Latin cuisine.


Guests can look forward to a new menu (January 2016) that will embrace the flavors and culinary traditions of Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Spain, and even Venezuela. In addition to Paloma’s signature botanas, perfect for sharing with the entire table, menu highlights will include slow braised and fire grilled meats and market fresh fish. A sneak peek into Chef Rosado’s new menu includes:

• King Crab Ceviche with aji amarillo, red onion, cilantro, and evoo; 
• Shrimp & Corn Taquitos with roasted tomato salsa, avocado relish, and cotija cheese; 
• Steak & Cheese Empanadas punctuated with smoked aioli; 
• Chipotle BBQ Ribs served with black beans and mango pico de gallo; 
• Mahi Mahi "a la plancha" with smoked passion fruit butter, baked "boulangere" style malanga, and serrano chiles; 
• Braised Lamb Shank Mole with root vegetable puree and warm Brussels sprout salad; 
• Wood Grilled Chateaubriand for two prepared with aji panca rub, butternut squash creamed potatoes, and Paloma steak sauce; 
• Lobster Mofongo of whole Maine lobster, New England bacon, and "criollo" lobster broth. 

Private events at Paloma continue to shine, now with added menu options such as a variety of whole roasted meats, including suckling pig, lamb, and steamship round of beef.

Sharing the stage and complementing Chef Rosado’s lively flavor profiles is an equally inspired beverage platform led by Olie Berlic, an award-winning sommelier, cocktail aficionado and bartender, who has been a professional in the fine wine and spirits industry for over 25 years. He is the creator of Beleza Pura Cachaça and Caipirinha, and the first importer in the U.S. to create a portfolio of handcrafted cachaças. Cocktails we’re all abuzz about include; The Paloma –camarena reposado tequila, grapefruit crème brulée nectar, grapefruit, lime, sea salt, and carbonated purified water; Bees & Honey – el buho mezcal, maker's mark bourbon, raw honey, lemon, and ginger-turmeric nectar; Red Sangria – malbec, cab, apples, oranges, rosewater, and house concoctions; and a happy hour favorite, the Paloma Cosmo - lemon vodka, orange jasmine vodka, lime, cranberry, and agave nectar.

2016 is going to be a fabulous year for Paloma. Join them for lunch, dinner, happy hour, Sunday brunch, late night music and cocktails, and be sure to check out their Private Event offerings, featuring stunning rooms with a waterfront view to intimate dinners by the fireplace – Chef Rosado and the Paloma team will craft your perfect event.

Paloma Restaurant

15 Harbor Point Road
Stamford, CT 06902
203-998-7500

www.palomagrill.com

Celebrate Frank Sinatra's 100th Birthday at Foxwoods December 2015

Foxwoods Resort Casino to celebrate Sinatra's Centennial Birthday!

Photo Source: Foxwoods Resort Casino

Month-Long Celebration to Include Property-Wide Offers and Events 

“The best is yet to come” never rang so true as Foxwoods® Resort Casino prepares to honor “Ol’ Blue Eyes” throughout the property during the month of December.  Highlighting the festivities will be a full-scale, property-wide birthday party during “Sinatra Weekend,” December 11th - 13th, culminating with a special not-to-miss performance of Sinatra songs by Robert Davi on Saturday, December 12th.

“As a world-renowned Frank Sinatra tribute artist, Robert Davi’s performance makes perfect sense in his ability to recreate the ultimate Sinatra experience, just as Frank Sinatra, Jr. has delivered in the past,” stated Monique Sebastian, Foxwoods VP of Entertainment & Marketing.  “In light of Mr. Sinatra opening the Fox Theater in 1993, we can think of no better performer to commemorate that milestone event.”

This once-in-a-lifetime show will take place in Fox Theater – the venue the legend himself opened in 1993. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased online at www.foxwoods.com, or by calling the Foxwoods Box Office at 800-200-2882 or Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available on site at any Foxwoods Box Office.  Additional celebratory offers and events will take place all month long in areas including gaming, hotel, dining and shopping.

Gaming 

A limited number of Frank Sinatra commemorative gaming chips have been exclusively commissioned for Foxwoods and will be in action on select table games.  The gaming chips will available in $5, $25 and $100 denominations.  Additionally, Foxwoods will play host to an exclusive $500k Blackjack tournament in the Stargazer Casino.

Hotel Packages 

* “Sinatra’s Favorite” hotel package will be offered December 1st  – December 30th  and includes deluxe room accommodations at any Foxwoods hotel,  a $200 dinner voucher redeemable at Al Dente, Cedars or Paragon restaurants and a Limited Edition Time Warner Sinatra Box Set.

* “Sinatra’s 100th Birthday Celebration” hotel package will be available during Sinatra Weekend and come complete with overnight stay in a deluxe room at any of the hotels on property on December 11th or December 12th, admission for two to the Robert Davi Show on December 12, a $200 dinner voucher redeemable at Al Dente, Cedars or Paragon restaurants and a Limited Addition Time Warner Sinatra Box Set.

Dining 

Al Dente, Foxwoods’ fine Italian restaurant, will serve up the “Sinatra Tribute” menu option every Wednesday through Sunday in December comprised of such delicacies as Fusilli Con Pomodori (Fusilli Bucati, San Marzano Tomato Ragu and Locatelli Cheese), Vitello Milanese (Pounded Thin, Breaded Veal Chop topped with Arugula & Shaved Reggiano and Lemon) and Melazane Alla Parmigiana (Baked Eggplant, Herbed Ricotta, Mozzarella, Parmigiano over Capellini Pomodoro) among others.

Sinatra Signature Cocktail - Frank’s Way “The 3-2-1” 

Guests 21+ are invited to toast “The Sultan of Swoon” with a Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select, Frank’s Way “The 3-2-1” – three rocks, two fingers and a splash of water. “The 3-2-1” will be available all month long at Al Dente, Cedars and Paragon restaurants.

Shopping 

For the Sinatra fan on anyone’s list, copies of “Ultimate Sinatra” four-CD Centennial Collection will be available for purchase beginning December 1st while supplies last.

Sinatra Art 

World-renowned pop artist Peter Max is celebrating the life of Frank Sinatra with a series of paintings depicting “the Chairman of the Board.”  Max has created more than 25 works of Sinatra, showing the crooner in various stages of his career surrounded by Max’s bold color schemes.  A mini exhibition of these Sinatra prints will be on display outside the Fox Theater.  This stunning presentation will be on display for a limited time.

Reservations for Sinatra Month Hotel Packages all Foxwoods restaurants can be made by calling 1-800-369-9663, or by logging onto Foxwoods.com.

About Foxwoods® Resort Casino 

Foxwoods Resort Casino is one of the premier resort destinations in the Northeast.  As the largest resort casino in North America, Foxwoods offers a vast array of gaming in six casinos; AAA Four-Diamond hotels, restaurants from gourmet to quick service, world-renowned spas, award-winning golf, state-of-the-art theaters, and exclusive retailers. Perfect for both recreation and business, Foxwoods provides modern and versatile convention and meeting space to infuse new life into any meeting or event.  Foxwoods Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. For a comprehensive look at Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation visit Foxwoods.com.

Nixs Evergreen in the Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk

NIXS Evergreen to open in December 2015!

NIXS Evergreen will be open for business in December just in time for holiday parties at 500 Evergreen Way in South Windsor CT as part of the Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk.

Nixs is a sophisticated neighborhood lounge, bar and restaurant that will seat 100 guests with a small private dining space available.

Booking parties now at NIXS Evergreen

When you host your next event at NIXS Evergreen, you'll experience  exceptional taste, style and superior service.  Their extensive event planning experience will make planning your special events seamless and stress-free!

NIXS Evergreen Private Dining Room

Their private dining room can accommodate up to 25 guests for a plated dinner or a cocktail party.

 NIXS Evergreen Dining Room

You can book the dining room for a private event of up to 100 guests for a plated dinner or a cocktail party.

About NIXS Evergreen South Windsor Location:

Paying tribute to the other NIXS restaurants, Boston Harbor Island, Nix’s Mate, and Nixs Hartford, the newest addition to the NIX family, NIXS Evergreen will carry on their traditions of seasonally inspired fare, and handcrafted premium cocktails that capture the true spirit of New England, in the heart of an upscale shopping district.

More info coming soon!

NIXS Evergreen

The Promonade Shops at Evergreen Walk

500 Evergreen Way

South Windsor, CT 06074

http://www.nixsevergreen.com/

Follow them on twitter https://twitter.com/NIXSEvergreen

Like them on facebook https://www.facebook.com/Nixs-Evergreen

 Nixs is part of The Bostonian Hospitality Group, with locations in Boston, Nantucket, Hartford, South Windsor, Plymouth, and Newburyport. For more information, visit  http://www.nixsevergreen.com/.

 The Legend behind The Curse of William Fly

Nix's Mate is one of the smaller islands in the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. In 1726, upon his arrest, officials brought pirate captain William Fly to Boston, where he was executed. His body was then gibbetted on Nix's Mate to serve as a warning to sailors not to turn to piracy. Before his execution, Fly famously scolded the hangman for incorrectly securing the noose, then retied it himself. His body, with those of two other pirates, is buried on the island. Pleading not guilty to the end, one pirate predicted the Island would sink into the sea to prove his innocence. Since 1803, the island has disappeared each day in high tide.

Parallel Post in Trumbull CT - Fall and Winter 2015

Parallel Post for the Fall and Winter Holidays!

There are some fun things going on in Trumbull CT at Parallel Post at the Trumbull Marriott this holiday season.

Let's start with everything Pumpkin!

November Pumpkin-Infused Plates:

Enjoy some flavorsome pumpkin infused plates including:

• the body-warming Pumpkin Soup with Sugar Pumpkin ($8) 
• the heavenly Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel Ice Cream ($6)

Parallel Post is serving both throughout the month of November.

And let's not forget Thanksgiving at Parallel Post!

Thanksgiving Menu:

Enjoy our Thanksgiving Day buffet from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., featuring items such as Acorn Squash and Apple Soup; Rosemary, Coriander Crusted Pork loin; Ox Hollow Herb Roasted Turkey and savory Gravy; Chocolate Bourbon Bread Pudding and more.

Tree Decorating and a Visit from Santa

Festive Christmas Tree Decorating Event, Saturday, December 5 from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.:

Enjoy a complimentary gathering as we decorate the Parallel Post Christmas Tree, sip and savor samples of BootlegGreg's new seasonal hot cocktail creations. Children will be treated to hot cocoa, roasted s'mores on our open fire pit, a meet 'n greet with Santa Claus along with cookie and ornament decorating stations.

And the culminating event of 2015 - Farm to Trumbull!

Farm-To-Trumbull, Thursday, December 10 at 7 p.m.:

Parallel Post hosts the final event of their 3rd annual three-part culinary dining series, Farm-To-Trumbull. Inspired by the season, the holiday-themed event provides an intimate experience for thirty guests led by Executive Chef Chris Molyneux and Chef de Cuisine Erik Waybright.

Parallel Post Restaurant

180 Hawley Lane, Trumbull CT 06611

Phone/Reservations  203-380-6380

Located in the Trumbull Marriott - Merritt Parkway

On the Web: http://parallelpostrestaurant.com/

Like them on facebook https://www.facebook.com/ParallelPost

Follow them on twitter: https://twitter.com/ParallelPostCT

 visit www.parallelpostrestaurant.com for more information

Parallel Post’s menu is conceptualized with the philosophy that sustainability, and natural products and responsible farming, are key components in ingredient selection.  Offering a bold and flavorful menu featuring modern American cuisine with Northeastern regional flair, Parallel Post at the Trumbull Marriott Merritt Parkway brings an unseen level of quality and creativity to the culinary landscape of Trumbull, Connecticut. The intimate, yet casual eatery uses seasonal, local ingredients prepared with contemporary, healthy techniques. Parallel Post serves breakfast Monday through Friday from 6:30 to 11:00 a.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; lunch Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and dinner daily from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.

For more information please visit www.ParallelPostRestaurant.com or call 203.380.6380.

Thanksgiving in New Haven County at Shell and Bones

Thanksgiving Dinner at Shell and Bones in New Haven, CT

Shell and Bones is a fairly new restaurant, having opened in summer 2015. They are located in the City Point section of New Haven, right on Long Island Sound and the New Haven Harbor at the site of the former Sage Restaurant.

Enjoy Thanksgiving 2015 with a special menu in a spectacular setting at Shell and Bones.

Reservations suggested.  Seatings start at 12pm.

A printable menu is available HERE

Shell and Bones

100 S. Water Street
New Haven, CT

203-787-3466

http://www.shellandbones.com/