Columbus Day Parade in Branford CT 2013

This year the Columbus Day Parade was held in my little town of Branford CT! 

And even better was the fact that all I had to do was walk three short blocks to watch it.

I took sooooo many pictures. Over 300 to be exact, and because I simply can't choose my favorites from them, I'm simply going to post a few and, if you want, you can click the link to the Home Place facebook page at the bottom of this post to see the rest.

Branford First Selectman Unk DaRos, CT Governor Dan Molloy, CT Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman

CT Governor's Foot Guard

Sons of Italy

Stony Creek Drum Corps

Totoket Ancient Fife & Drum Corps

BPOE No. 1939 Branford Elks Club

The Webster Hose, Hook and Ladder Company No. 3

For more pictures visit the Home Place Facebook page

Click  Here

Macy's Fall Fashion Essentials for 2013 - Providence Rhode Island

This post is sponsored by the Everywhere Society

Fall is creeping us on us slowly here in New England. The weather is getting cooler and the leaves are changing into some beautiful shades of crimson, orange, yellow, and soft brown. It was a perfect day for a drive to neighboring Rhode Island to view the fall foliage, AND some fall fashions at Macy's Providence Place Mall in Providence Rhode Island. Look for info under #MacysFF13

This is my third time visiting the Providence Place Macy's and each time I visit I'm always impressed with the store's management team and sales associates. For this trip my sister accompanied me, and as soon as we arrived at the Macy's store, I spotted one of Macy's incredible store managers, Craig Robbins. Each time I've attended one of the Macy's events in Providence, Craig has welcomed me to his store and made sure I had logistics on the event and any and all background information I would need.

Macy's Store Manager Craig Robbins (center) and models from today's event

Today was no different. Not only did he make sure we were situated front and center for the fashion event, but he also took the time to explain a little bit about how the Macy's in Providence connects with the local community. This fall they are partnering with some local organizations to support the Gloria Gemma Flames of Hope Run Walk event on October 13th. The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation is out of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and Craig was so happy that Macy's shares his commitment to supporting this worthwhile cause and the local community. "After all, the community supports us," said Craig. 

Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation

While I was getting situated, my sister did a little shopping, and came back and reported how helpful sales associate Deb in housewares was. Since my sister has about 20 years experience in retail department store management, she knows an outstanding sales team when she sees one, and also noted that it's a direct reflection of the store's management when the sales staff is so attentive and helpful! Again, kudo's to Craig Robbins! 

I also got to meet some of the "extra's" that Macy's recruits for their events. Alisha from Manicures-n-Motion, a mobile manicure lab out of D.C., as well as the greatest DJ who saved this blogger by letting her charge her phone at his deck. See! Everybody at Macy's is helpful!  (THANK YOU!) 

Macy's Attention to Detail! Manicures -- and Music!

In fact, there was something for everyone at Macy's today! Some candy - and downstairs in the children's section, there was a balloon contortionist!

Fun for everyone at Macy's

Time for the fashions! And the Five Fashion Essentials!

Bold prints, leggings, leather or pleather, cool accessories, and saturated colors are on trend for Fall 2013.

The Weekender:

Denim & Supply and BarIII

Wearing Rachel Roy

Wearing Kensie and Impulse

Mock Leather Jacket by BarIII

Date Night:

Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson

Betsy Johnson

 Wearing Guess

Girl on the Go:

Ralph Lauren

Bar III

Jacket by Bar III - Blouse by Rachel Roy

Sweater by Rachel Roy

All of the clothes were amazing and I can't wait to put my own spin on Fall 2013's fashion trends! 

If I had one critique to make of this event, it would be the absence of an MC to announce the model's looks down the runway and explain the origins and backstories of this season's fashions. Each model, however, was knowledgeable about what designers they were wearing, and the makers of all their accessories, from shoes, to purses, to jewelry.  

Another great fashion event at Macy's! 

Looking for a Macy's Event near you?  click here: Find Macy's Events

or Follow Macy's Events on Twitter: @macysevents

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For more pictures from this event visit the Home Place facebook page HERE

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What's your favorite look or trend for this season?

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

Disclosure: I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere has provided me with compensation for attending this event. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own. 

Oktoberfest at Redding Roadhouse in Redding CT

One of the best things about welcoming the fall season in New England is...Oktoberfest!!

Oktoberfest in America is an homage to the 16-18 day event in Germany that starts in late September and goes into the first few weeks of October. Beer flows, music rolls, and hearty and flavorful comfort foods are featured at its core.

This year, to celebrate the autumn season, we traveled to West Redding CT to visit the Redding Roadhouse on Redding Road. (That's alot of Redding!). We were so excited to be invited to this great promotion! What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than to take a drive through Fairfield county and view the beautiful fall foliage in this picturesque area of Connecticut.

Now, let me start by saying, I'm a big fan of any restaurant that calls themselves a roadhouse. 

The name itself conjures up images of great little "local taverns" alongside winding country roads, that feature hearty food, good drinks, and great music. A place where you can get a good meal and have some fun, all in a comfortable setting. And that's just what the Redding Roadhouse is!

The restaurant is owned and operated by Ted Stonbely,Wirt Cook and Karen Cook. Wirt also doubles as the Executive Chef and brings a comfort menu packed with classic favorites and a laid-back approach of New England cooking to the Roadhouse.

I knew I was in for a great time the minute I walked in and was greeted by a lovely Fraulein offering me a pint of Half Full Brewery Pumpkin Ale with a cinnamon sugar frosted rim! And it just kept getting better from there!

We met up with our group in the bar, chatted for a few minutes, and then were greeted by owner and the night's host, Ted,  who escorted us to our tables in the main dining room to start sampling some of the Oktoberfest menu items.

We began our meal with a cured meat and cheese board called the Charcuterie Plate that consisted of pastrami, head cheese, tongue, cornichon pickles and wurst pate, and browsed the special Oktoberfest sampling menu we'd be enjoying for the evening.

And then Chef Karen brought out some lovely made on premise bacon. To say that it was fabulous would be doing it a disservice. It was wonderful. Amazing. Delicious. We could have eaten this all night and been happy.
But then came the potato pancakes. Again, a German classic and these did not disappoint! These were just as good as my friend Oma used to make.

L-R Clockwise
Karen explains the process for the made on premise bacon,
potato pancakes with applesauce and sour cream, and my appetizer plate. 

And because it's an Oktoberfest, right as the delicious Burgoo Stew was being served, the German Oompah Band started up! They were assembled in one of the adjoining tavern rooms, close enough that we could easily hear (and sing along!) - but not so overpowering that it hindered dinner conversation.

We also sampled a few more beers, Octoberfest by Hooker Beer and the Okto Festival Ale by Widmer Brothers Brewing. Each of the evening's beer samples embodied the flavors of autumn.

Burgoo Stew (German immigrant stew)

And then came our entrees and sides! A sausage sampler plate of  smoked bratwurst, weisswurst and bauernwurst, all steamed in beer, and served with sauerkraut and steamed red cabbage. A big bowl of the German egg noodle spaetzle, and a side of homemade spicy mustard, that I could eat out of the glass with a spoon. (And did!)

L-R Clockwise
smoked bratwurst, weisswurst and bauernwurst, with steamed red cabbage and sauerkraut,
spaetzle and homemade mustard

But, no, wait... there's even more!

A deliciously tender Weiner Schnitzel, and, then, hands down my personal favorite of the night, Saurbraten, a Bavarian style pot roast, served with sweet and sour gravy thickened with gingersnaps.

Top L-R Clockwise
Saurbraten, my wonderful dinner plate, wiener schnitzel

And, for the finishing touch of the meal, dessert was served, a wonderfully flaky, buttery, apple streudel aka strudel, with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a dollop of whipped cream.

Apple Streudel

If you're looking for a great place to welcome fall with an Oktoberfest Special, or wonderful meal for every season - the Redding Roadhouse is the place to go! It's a little out of the way if you're not in the immediate area...but definitely worth the trip for a hearty homestyle meal in a comfortable setting.

Oktoberfest is running September 29th through October 27th - but visit the restaurant any time!

We sang - we danced - we had a great time! You will too, at the...

The Redding Roadhouse

406 Redding Road

West Redding, CT  06896

203.938.3388

on the web: http://reddingroadhouse.com/

like them on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Reddingroadhouse

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Have you been to an Oktoberfest this year?

What are your favorite German foods?

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

Auf Wiedersehen - Good Bye!

Disclaimer: I was invited to a promotional Oktoberfest sampling at the Redding Roadhouse, however, the views and opinions expressed herein are my own.

Greenwich Wine and Food Festival in Greenwich CT

This weekend we traveled to Greenwich CT for the third annual Greenwich Wine and Food Festival.

I was beyond thrilled to attend, for several reasons.  

First, because the festival supports Paul Newman’s The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. All of the proceeds from the festival’s Kick-Off Party, live and silent auctions, and direct donations benefit the organization.

Secondly, the list of over 100 vendors that were participating was amazing. 

Third, a group of celebrity chefs that I idolize. 

And lastly, because the venue, Roger Sherman Park, sits directly on Long Island Sound, and I knew the views there would be incredible.

I was not disappointed on any counts. In fact, the event far exceeded my expectations! 

We started out late Saturday morning to take the one hour trek down CT's I-95 to Greenwich. The park was just a few blocks from the exit (Exit 3 Arch Street) and there was plenty of parking directly across the street. Luckily, we encountered very little traffic on our way up, and arrived just a bit after the event opened at noon. I did hear that parking was scarce later in the afternoon, so I'm so glad we arrived early!

We checked in and received our souvenir wine glass, a Greenwich Wine+Food tote, and a copy of Serendipity Magazine, published by the event's sponsor, Unger Publishing. 

We started off in the CT Bites hospitality tent to say hello and I was thrilled that I was able to catch part of Chef Prasad Chirnomula of Thali and  New Haven's Thali too. 

Chef Prasad Chirnomula is the 2013 Elm City Iron Chef Champion. It was so interesting to hear him talk about the competition and how he created each dish. "Each plate told a story" he related. And, in spite of thinking he was the underdog, he emerged the victor! 

We then moved into the main tent where we sampled some of the great cuisine and cocktails from restaurants in the greater Greenwich area. Here's just some of our favorites!

L-R

Beef Tongue Crostini from The Spread SoNo

Tequila Salmon Brochette with a Lime Vinaigrette from the Ritz Carlton Westchester

Carved Prosciutto from Barcelona Wine Bar

                                                               More of our favorites 

Clockwise, L-R
Cookies and pastries from Sweet and Simple
Marinated Octopus from Napa & Co.
Pumpkin Apple Ravioli from Parallel Post
Stuffed Grape Leaves from Elia Taverna

And more favorites 

Pictured below, is my very favorite cocktail of the day, from American Harvest Spirits, the Farmers Market Cinnamon Citrus Smash, made with American Harvest Vodka, Cinnamon Syrup, Lemon Juice, Apple cider and garnished with mint leaves. Can you say HEAVEN in a FALL COCKTAIL! YUM!

American Harvest Farmers Market Cinnamon Citrus Smash
Click HERE for Recipe

In the celebrity tent I was able to catch the end of the Singing Chefs, Neil Fuentes and Billy DiCrosta as they led the crowd through their Latin-infused singing, dancing, and cooking show! What fun!

Neil Fuentes and Billy Crosta

Then I sat in on Dale Talde's demonstration. Chef Talde is the owner of Dim Sum and Talde, and a fan favorite Top Chef competitor. He did a great job of engaging the audience by talking about his heritage and how it related to his cooking style and preferences.

Dale Talde

And, one of the highlights of my day was meeting and watching Top Chef All-Star Winner, Richard Blais demonstrate Smoked Fish Tacos. I have to say, I was truly surprised at how funny he is, he was such a heartfelt and serious competitor. And, best of all, my fellow fans will be happy to learn that he's just a television click away, as he'll be the host of a new reality show, "Cook Your @ss Off" on the Headline Network.

He'll definitely be a great host, as he really kept this audience laughing and rolled with all the mis-haps happening all around him.

Richard Blais

What a great time we had at the Greenwich Wine and Food Festival! The celebrity chefs were so approachable and happy to meet with their fans. And it was equally wonderful to meet some of the local chefs from Fairfield County's best restaurants and chat with them.

This will definitely be on our yearly "Must" list!   Be sure to put it on yours.

Greenwich Wine+Food Festival

Roger Sherman Baldwin Park‎

Arch St, Greenwich, CT 06830

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

Like them on facebook: Here

Follow them on twitter: @GWFOODandWINE

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Did you attend the Greenwich Wine and Food Festival?  

Who are your favorite chefs and what are your favorite dishes?

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

Disclaimer:  We received media entry to the Greenwich Wine and Food Festival, however, all opinions herein are our own. 

Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort - Sun Brew Fest

UPDATE: For details on the 2014 Brew Fest see here: SunBrewFest 2014


Mohegan Sun really is a "world at play" - there's always something special happening!

The Sun Brew Fest aka #SunBrewFest is just one of the great events they have!

Held in Mohegan Sun's Conference Center / Uncas Ballroom, this venue is the perfect place to host a variety of both local and national brewers.


The event is held October 4th through October 6th in 2013.

This year over 100 of the best brews around  were available for sampling. And what's more, Mohegan Sun even added a complimentary souvenir mini-pilsner glass. Perfect for a sampling size! 

We were offered early media entry and got to talk with some of the local breweries, in fact, the first beer we sampled was one brewed in my own hometown of Branford CT! Thimble Island Breweries!

Their Coffee Stout was one of my favorite samples of the night. It was rich and hearty and the coffee flavor was really a great addition. Come to find out, the coffee is from another local CT company, Willoughby's Coffee! 

Another favorite was from East Hartford CT, Old Burnside Brewing Company. 

I sampled the Dirty Penny Ale, mostly because I was intrigued by the name. And when I asked about how it was made I learned it was a unique Black & Tan, that is blended California style stout. Roasty, with hints of chocolate and coffee. Well, of course I loved it. Who wouldn't love beer with chocolate and coffee!  And I also had a connection to this beer as well, as it's a salute to my Scottish heritage! 

Me and beer - who'd have thought - I tell you,  it's Karma!

There were even some live home brewing demos,  foosball, ping-pong and air hockey tables and games, and of course, loads of beer for sampling.

And some of  Mohegan Sun's world-class restaurants were  available - right there in the conference center selling some of their great offerings.

The Cowboy ordered Frank Pepe's Pizza and I had a Crab Slider from Jaspar White's Summer Shack. The cowboy was elated there was no wait for the pizza, and my slider was pretty good! The sauce was incredible and I asked for a dollop more on the side to use to dip my chips in. YUMMMM!

And at 8pm the party really got started when the band Sugar started up! They're a great 80's cover band and even the Cowboy was tapping his foot to some of Michael Jackson's classics. Well, no he wasn't. But I certainly was!

We also stopped to get photographed paparazzi style at the photo booth. And I even got to visit with my buddy, Jonathan Goldsmith, the Dos Equis man. You probably know him as the most interesting man in the world. Woman love him, men idolize him, and children want to be him when they grow up.

We had a great time! Don't miss this fun event at Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino!

Mohegan Sun

1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard

Uncasville, CT 06382

General Information: 1.888.226.7711

Hotel Reservations: 1.888.777.7922

on the web: http://mohegansun.com/

For more pictures from this event, visit the Home Place Facebook Page: HERE

And don't forget to "like" the Home Place page!

Disclaimer:  We attended the Mohegan Sun Brew Fest as media representatives, however, all opinions stated herein are our own.