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.

Mystic Aquarium in Mystic CT for Mother's Day 2013

This weekend the wonderful folks at the Mystic Aquarium invited some of the local Connecticut blogging community to attend as their guests for a special Mother's Day Weekend celebration (#MysticMoms).

The Mystic Research Aquarium has all sorts of specials each month that are available for everyone! For the month of May they are offering two great discounts! A discount on lunch and moms get in free on May 11th and May 12th in conjunction with a child's admission, check the website for exact details.  And check their website each month for all their special offers! Hmmmm. I wonder what June has to offer!

The cowboy and I were looking forward to learning more about marine life as the aquarium is a recognized oceanic research facility!  Of course, we were also excited about meeting up with some of the other local bloggers.

As we entered we were greeted by the staff photographer who luckily snapped our picture.

Photo credit: Mystic Aquarium

Luckily - because about 20 minutes later the skies opened up and I was drenched.  The photos are moderately priced, from $35.00 for an entire package of a couple of 3 x 5's and some souvenir trinkets along with a photo folder of a 5 x 7 of your family (as pictured above) with a 5 x 7 of one of the park's beluga's whale. Not too bad if you want a souvenir of your visit. And I'm happy we purchased ours as every other picture of me from this day has me soaking wet! We purchased the single folder that included the picture above on one side, and on the other side one of the beluga whales for $22.00 plus tax.  A nice keepsake to remember the day!

We started off by visiting with our new friends, the beluga whales. It appears we were there right at feeding time because they were up and about and swimming around like crazy.  They are such beautiful creatures.

We also popped in to the "pet a stingray" tank where all the little ones were getting an absolute thrill about being able to touch these fellers.

Then we moved on to the sea lions where we met Stephen and Jordan. Nope, Stephen and Jordan aren't sea lions, you sillies, they are two volunteers at the park!

Today was Jordan's first day working at the park, and she was so excited.  I asked if they had to volunteer at the park as part of a school community or service project, and she said no, that she is a marine biology enthusiast and was doing it for the love of the sea creatures!  What a great kid! Stephen explained that new volunteers are paired up with senior volunteers who shadow them until they can go out on their own.  Hmmmm. A real Mother's Day reference...don't you think?! (chuckle)

Our next stop was with the penguins and I could have stayed there all day and watched those cute little guys and girls!  They would all gather on this one rock cliff.

Then, patiently line up, one by one.

And then they would take turns diving off the rock - unbelievably cute!

There was also an area where you could watch them swimming under water!

We then moved on to the seal tank where we learned all about seal habits.

And then the skies opened up with a spring shower downpour! So we scampered back towards the entrance to move inside to the gift store. And BINGO - rain ponchos!

Thank goodness for the clear plastic rain gear!  Only $2.95 for children and  $3.25 for adults! 

We then moved on to the snack bar for our complimentary blogger lunch.  A couple of cheeseburgers, hot dogs and fries, and some fountain soda Barq's Root Beer.

We also learned that straws aren't allowed on premise at Mystic Aquarium because of the choking hazard they pose to the sea animals.  Good to know!  Please don't carelessly dispose of items like this near ANY body of water where animals live, be it the beach or a lake, or an aquarium!

The highlight of lunch?  Meeting up with some great CT Bloggers we know!  Hilary from My Own Blog Review and Wendy from Connecticut Bloggers!

L-R, Hilary, Wendy, and me

 After lunch, we moved inside to the indoor exhibitions.  Below see some of the highlights from inside:

All in all we had a wonderful time visiting the Mystic Aquarium!  It's a great place for a day trip in CT and out of state-ers could certainly make a weekend of it as there are loads of family-friendly things to do in the immediate area. Shopping at the quaint Old Mistick Village and a visit to the Historic Mystic Seaport.  For overnight visits there's a Hilton Hotel right next to the Aquarium, as well as lots of great restaurants.

It's a fun place for the whole family and would make a great weekend get-a-way!

Happy Mother's Day!

Mystic Aquarium

55 Coogan Boulevard

Mystic, CT 06335

860.572.5955

Website: http://www.mysticaquarium.org/

Like them on facebook: www.facebook.com/mysticaquarium

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

There's lots of fun events going on at the Aquarium.  And they offer lots of discounts!
Big Y Card?  DISCOUNT!!! Foxwood Rewards Card?  DISCOUNT!!! Military? DISCOUNT!!
Check them all out on the website "Discounts and Promotions" click:  HERE!

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Have you visited the Mystic Aquarium or an aquarium near you?  

Do you have a favorite sea creature? 

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

Home Place Disclaimer: Our entrance fees to the aquarium and lunch at the snack bar were courtesy of Mystic Aquarium. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are those of our own. We purchased the rain gear and photos ourselves.

New Haven Restaurant Week 2013 - Christopher Martins

This time of year there is sooo much going on...and I am sooo behind on posts!

During the week of April 21st through April 26th New Haven CT held their Annual Restaurant Week.

#NewHavenRestaurantWeek

Because of all that was going on that week, I was only able to sample the wonderfulness of one restaurant, the oh so delicious Christopher Martins.

Christopher Martins in New Haven - New Haven Restaurant Week 2013

This was actually the first time that I've been to Christopher Martins, which is odd because it's been there on State Street New Haven for over twenty years. AND I've heard great things about it, namely, that their menu changes with the seasons due to the availability of local products and changing tastes in the spring, summer, fall, and winter seasons.

For restaurant week Christopher Martins had a separate lunch and dinner menu.  Lunch prixe fixe three course meals were $18.00 and dinner prixe fixe four course meal offerings were $32.00.

Two of my colleagues from work wanted to go, so we headed over for lunch on a Tuesday. We were lucky enough to find a parking space right in front, parking isn't really wonderful in New Haven, but Christopher Martins offers valet parking in the evenings, on Tuesdays through Sunday.  A great bonus BUT please be sure to call before you leave to be sure that a valet is actually available - I've heard that a valet is not always there. (Hmmm...that's NOT a good thing)

Although we neglected to make reservations, which meant we would need to eat in the pub, lucky for us, just as we walked in they had a cancellation, so we had a beautiful big window-side table in the dining room.  We were seated quickly, and a warm basket of fresh baked bread and olive oil for dipping was served as we perused the menu.

Does the mis-matched salt and pepper shakers bother you?

Allie and I decided to go with the Restaurant Week luncheon specials.

For our appetizers:

Allie ordered the BBQ Duck Confit Spring Rolls 

BBQ Duck Confit Spring Rolls - Christopher Martins New Haven Restaurant Week

Peking Duck slow cooked in an Asian inspired BBQ served with Szechuan Cole Slaw and reported that it was wonderful, with just the right amount of warm heat.

I ordered the Butternut Squash Ravioli 

Butternut Squash Ravioli - Christopher Martins New Haven Restaurant Week 2013

With candied Pecans in a Fresh Sage Cream with Shaved Parmesan, which needless to say was absolutely to die for.  The sauce was creamy good and flavorful, and the addition of the candied pecans complemented the squash as a subtly sweet nutty addition.

For our lunch

Allie ordered Chicken Saltimbocca

Chicken Saltimbocca - Christopher Martins New Haven Restaurant Week 2013

Chicken Breast layered with Prosciutto di Parma, Fresh Sage and Cato Corner Farm’s Vivace Bambino Cheese, over sautéed Baby Spinach with Mashed Potatoes. Allie reported that the chicken was delicious, but that she didn't care for the mashed potatoes.

I ordered the Chipotle Honey Grilled Salmon

Chipolte Honey Grilled Salmon - Christopher Martins New Haven Restaurant Week 2013

A great combination of Spicy Sweetness tops a grilled Atlantic Salmon Filet with Saffron infused Rice & Beans and Baby Spring Vegetables. It was oh, so, good! The salmon was perfectly cooked and not too sweet due to the spices used in the sides. Perfect.

Patty, who ordered off the menu, decided on a salad, which I can't seem to find on the menu online. It included mixed field greens, pine nuts, dried cranberries, and grilled polenta, as Patty is a vegetarian.

For dessert, included as our lunch prixe fixe, 

Allie ordered the Tira Misu

Lady Fingers soaked in Espresso and Kahlua and slathered with a cool Mascarpone Sabayon

Tira Misu - Christopher Martins New Haven Restaurant Week 2013

I ordered the White Chocolate Mousse, 

A Silky White Chocolate Mousse Topped With Chocolate Ganache…Award Winning

White Chocolate Mousse with Chocolate Ganache - Christopher Martins New Haven Restaurant Week

This was incredibly good, and I am such a fan of anything white chocolate. This dessert certainly didn't disappoint. As full as I was after three courses, I scraped the large glass bowl clean! YUM

If you have a chance to visit Christopher Martins, I would heartily recommend them.  The interior is on the small side, so make sure you have a reservation, and remember there is valet parking Tuesday through Saturday evenings.

Christopher Martins

860 State Street

New Haven, CT 06511 

203.776.8835

www.christophermartins.com

"Like" them on facebook HERE

Note: Their website is a little bit clunky to use. Or maybe it's just me. :-)

On our way back through New Haven we passed the beautiful tulip display in the street meridian's courtesy of the 

City of New Haven and New Haven Parks & Works

Have you visited Christopher Martins?

Did you attend New Haven Restaurant Week?

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

What My Mom Taught Me - A Mother's Day Tribute

My mother passed away over a decade ago, yet I feel her presence daily.  Not in that metaphysical twilight-y zone sort of way, but more so by the many things she taught me.

Mom and me (circa 1988)

My mother was not a gourmet cook, a fashion icon, or a fabulous decorator. And, of course, neither am I.

Instead she concentrated on having a smile for everyone, every day.

She taught me to appreciate the truly important things. A kind gesture, a thank you, a loyal friend.

Now that she’s gone, she’s still teaching me. Reminding me to take the time to spend with those you love. 

She taught me that life isn’t about counting hours; instead it’s about appreciating minutes. 

L-R, Mom as a bride (1945), a young mother (1946), and attending church on Sunday (1951)

Mom grew up during the depression, and she instilled a deep sense of re-purposing materials, do-it-yourself projects, hand-me-down clothes and furniture, and appreciation for anything (or anyone, for that matter) with a patina. 

I miss her more and more everyday.

If you're lucky enough to have your mother this Mother's Day, give her an extra hug, spend an extra minute, and please, above all, appreciate the time you have together. 

Please continue reading posts from Generation Fabulous and learn what their mothers taught them by clicking on the links below.