Sun Wine and Food Fest 2017 January 27th - 29th

14th Annual Sun Wine & Food Fest at Mohegan Sun

This year one of Mohegan Sun's premier events has even more to indulge in!

Join them for a world-class celebration of food and drink at the 14th Annual Sun Wine & Food Fest, January 27th - 29th, inside the Uncas Ballroom.

Here you'll discover a feast for all of your senses that showcases over twenty celebrity chefs and winemakers as well as 1,000 wines, craft beers, and select spirits.

This year Sun Wine and Food Fest includes signature dishes from New England’s finest restaurants. And of course there's still the high-end events including the Celebrity Chef Dine Around featuring the likes of Roblé Ali and Rocco DiSpirito, and Elite Cru & Bourbon Tastings as well as the FANTASTIC Grand Tasting on Saturday.

And me? I'll be the one following Aarón Sánchez around at Friday Night's AARÓN SÁNCHEZ'S MEXICAN NIGHT MARKET!!!!

Keep reading below for a list of the scheduled events, celebrity guests, and exhibitors that you'll find at Sun Wine and Food Fest!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

FRIDAY EVENTS

BOURBON TASTING

$90 | 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Taste a variety of fine bourbons along with delectable hors d'oeuvres and cigar sampling.
For details click HERE

AARÓN SÁNCHEZ'S MEXICAN NIGHT MARKET

$90 | 8:00pm - 11:00pm
Fiesta your way into the weekend at Sun Wine & Food Fest's Mexican Night Market with award-winning chef and TV personality, Aarón Sánchez.
For details click HERE

SATURDAY EVENTS

GRAND TASTING

$99 | Noon - 5:00pm
Sample over 1,000 wines and beer; there are also limited tastings of specialty spirits from our sponsors.
For details click HERE

ELITE CRU TASTING

$210 | 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Taste the "best-of-the-best" vintages from around the world, as well as meet the winemakers and principals behind them. Includes a Grand Tasting ticket & $50 iGourmet gift card.
For details click HERE

CELEBRITY CHEF DINE AROUND

$199 | 8:00pm - 10:30pm
Watch celebrity chefs prepare signature dishes at live cooking stations while enjoying the pairing of premium wine or beer to complement each dish.
For details click HERE

LIST OF CELEBRITY CHEFS

• AÁRON SÁNCHEZ
• ANDY HUSBANDS
• BETTY FRASER
• BRIAN DUFFY
• BRIAN REYELT
• CHIP MILLER
• CHRIS COOMBS 
• GOVIND ARMSTRONG  
• IHSAN GURDAL
• JASON SANTOS
• JAMIE MCDONALD
• JASPER WHITE
• LYNN MANSEL
• MANOUSCHKA GUERRIER
• MARIO BATALI
• MICHAEL GINOR
• MICHELE RAGUSSIS
• ROBERT SISCA
• ROBLÉ ALI
• ROCCO DISPIRITO
• ROSHNI GURNANI
• TODD ENGLISH
• WILLIAM GILSON
• WILLIAM KOVEL

EXHIBITORS

WINE

• Allan S. Goodman Incorporated
• Banfi Vintners
• Bogle Vineyards Winery
• Brescome Barton Inc.
• Brotherhood Winery
• Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyard
• Connecticut Distributors Inc.
• Evaton
• FitVine Wine
• Gallo Family Vineyards
• Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards
• Hartley & Parker Limited Inc.
• Highland Imports
• High Stakes Wine
• Langworthy Winery
• Latitude Beverage Co.
• MYTHIC Wines
• Notorious Wines
• Opici Wines
• Pernod Ricard USA
• Preson Ridge Vineyard
• Piufacile Import Wholesale
• Slocum & Sons
• Treasury Chateau & Estates Wines
• World Wide Wines

SPIRIT

• Absolut Elyx
• Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc.
• Michter's Limited Production American Whiskeys

BEER

• Constellation Brands
• Fishers Island Lemonade
• Guinness
• Harpoon
• Samuel Adams
• Smirnoff Ice Electric
• Soundview Brewing Company
• Two Roads Brewing Company
• Yuengling Traditional Lager

LIFESTYLE

• Aralia Olive Oils
• Cavedoni Balsamic
• Channel 3 Kids Camp
• Crabtree & Evelyn
• Crafty Drinker Candle Co.
• Deep Sea Cosmetics
• Demca Demo
• Designs By JJ
• Gunter Wilhem
• Hills Home Market
• Hyatt Place Mohegan Sun
• Maple Craft Food
• Patrizia's Delights
• Pearl Odyssey
• Rescom Exteriors
• The Drunken Palette
• Traveling Vineyard
• Tre Olive
• Uber
• Witchypoo

RESTAURANTS

• BBQ Bear's Smokehouse
• COMIX Mohegan Sun
• First & Last Tavern
• MatuNuck Oyster Farm
• Munchies Food Truck
• NoRa Cupcake Company
• Pasta Vita at Mohegan Sun
• The Bridge
• The Whey Station

Mohegan Sun

1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard
Uncasville, CT 06382
https://mohegansun.com/sun-wine-and-food-fest.html
General Information: 1.888.226.7711
Hotel Reservations: 1.888.777.792

About Mohegan Sun:

A world at play and a world to its own, Mohegan Sun, created in 1996 by the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut, is one of the world's most amazing destinations with some of New England's finest dining, hotel accommodations, retail shopping, live entertainment and sporting events. Boasting three world-class casinos, Mohegan Sun is also host to the Kids Quest/Cyber Quest family entertainment facility, a luxurious day spa, convention center and meeting facility, a state-of-the-art Poker Room as well as three major entertainment venues with seating from 350 to 10,000. People from across the globe come to see live concerts with some of today's top headliners, along with major sporting events including Mohegan Sun's very own WNBA team, the Connecticut Sun and lacrosse team, the New England Black Wolves.

Broadway Classics at Foxwoods Resort Casino

Broadway Comes to Foxwoods!

Bringing the Wonder of It All!

Have you heard the buzz???

Now celebrating their 25th year in Connecticut, Foxwoods Resort Casino is bringing three of Broadway's classic musicals to the Fox Theater!

That's right! Broadway Classics are coming to Connecticut this spring via the Foxwoods Broadway Series!

42nd Street -- Pippin --  and Mamma Mia!

The wonders of the stage to help celebrate 25 years of wonderful at Foxwoods!

It all starts with ...

42nd Street at Foxwoods

 May 13 - 18 - Tickets $55 & $35

42nd STREET tells the story of Peggy Sawyer, a starry-eyed young dancer who leaves her quiet Allentown home for New York City to audition for the new Broadway musical, Pretty Lady. When the legendary leading lady breaks her ankle, underdog Peggy takes over and, against all odds, becomes a star. With a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Al Dubin, this sparkling new production utilizes direction by Mark Bramble and choreography by Randy Skinner, the team who staged the 2001 Tony Award-winning Best Musical Revival.

Pippin at Foxwoods 

June 15 - 18 - Tickets $55 & $40

PIPPIN is a high-flying, death-defying hit Broadway musical! Full of extraordinary acrobatics, wondrous magical feats and soaring songs from the composer of Wicked, PIPPIN will lift you up and leave you smiling. This unforgettable new production is the winner of four 2013 Tony Awards® including Best Musical Revival. Hailed as "an eye-popping, jaw-dropping extravaganza" (NY1), it's unlike anything you have ever seen! Come experience PIPPIN, one young man's journey to be extraordinary. PIPPIN is noted for many Broadway standards including "Corner of the Sky," "Magic To Do," "Glory," "No Time at All," "Morning Glow," and "Love Song." Join us... for a magical, unforgettable new PIPPIN.

Mamma Mia! at Foxwoods 

July 14 - 17 - $65 & $45

MAMMA MIA! is one of the most successful musicals of all time, the eighth longest running show in Broadway history and one of only five musicals to have run for more than ten years on Broadway. The West End production is now in its eighteenth year. To date, MAMMA MIA! has been seen by over 60 million people worldwide in 50 productions in 16 different languages. Inspired by the storytelling magic of ABBA’s songs from “Dancing Queen” and “S.O.S.” to “Money, Money, Money” and “Take a Chance on Me,” MAMMA MIA! is a celebration of mothers and daughters, old friends and new family found.

Foxwoods Resort Casino

 350 Trolley Line Blvd.
 Mashantucket, CT 06338

For more information: https://www.foxwoods.com/broadway/#

Click HERE for showtimes and to purchase tickets 

Sinatra Tribute Dinner at Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point

Saybrook Point To Host 

Special Tribute Dinner to Frank Sinatra

Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point is hosting a special tribute dinner in honor of the legendary performer Frank Sinatra to be held in conjunction with Old Saybrook’s Seaside Wine and Spirits on Saturday, January 21, 2017.

This creative Jack Daniel’s Family of Whiskey Dinner honors the iconic performer’s special relationship with the forerunner location during the property’s 1960's heydays when Sinatra and his “Rat Pack” were regulars at the Terra Mar Hotel & Yacht Basin.

Yes, that's right! Frank Sinatra kept his boat and entertained friends on a regular basis on the property where Saybrook Point Inn and Marina sits today.

At one time it was rumored that Sinatra was interested in purchasing the Terra Mar where Hollywood royalty like Jayne Mansfield and Tom Jones spent time. In fact, parts of the movie Parrish, starring Troy Donohue and Connie Stevens were filmed here. The hotel eventually fell on hard times, was raided twice for illegal gambling, and finally shut down in 1980, owing a large tax debt. Louis and Mary Tagliatela then purchased the unoccupied hotel at auction, and nine years later, the Terra Mar was replaced with the beautiful Saybrook Point Inn.

The Jack Daniel’s Family of Whiskey Dinner will feature a robust selection of single barrel whiskey and rye by one of America’s most iconic distilleries, expertly paired with a hearty selection of fresh seafood, steaks and poultry creatively prepared by Saybrook Point’s talented Private Event and Banquet Chef Bill Titus and Fresh Salt Chef d’ Cuisine Gesé Rodriguez.

The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres featuring Crabmeat Salad-Sweet Potato Pancake, Assorted Sushi, and Braised Pork Belly with green tomato jam served with a Jacked-Up Cider Cocktail.

The five-course whiskey dinner begins at 7:00 p.m., commencing with a first course of Ceviche Tartare Duo with Scallop-Tuna Citrus Sauce paired with Gentleman Jack.

The second course features a Lamb T-Bone with Lentil Croquette, Trumpet Mushrooms and Marsala Glace paired with Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select.

The third and fourth course feature Almond-Crusted Black Pearl Salmon with Sweet Potato and Caramelized Onion Stack paired with Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Roast Loin of Venison with Celery Root-Cauliflower Puree, Pear Chutney and Brussel Sprout Leaves paired with Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye.

The dinner concludes with a Black Jack Cake served with a warm malted barley-dusted pretzel paired with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey Sauce.

Seaside Wine and Spirits from Old Saybrook will be in attendance, and guests can place orders for their favorite whiskey of the evening at specially reduced prices.

The Jack Daniel’s Family of Whiskey Dinner at Saybrook Point’s Fresh Salt is $94/person plus tax and service charge.  Reservations are required and may be made by calling the Fresh Salt reservations line at 860.339.1318

Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point

2 Bridge Street
Old Saybrook, CT  06475
www.saybrook.com

Call  860.339.1318 to reserve

About Saybrook Point 

Situated along the picturesque shores of historic Old Saybrook, Connecticut, Saybrook Point features a collection of 100 elegantly-appointed guestrooms, a rejuvenating full-service SANNO spa, and casual fine dining restaurant Fresh Salt, as well as a unique waterside Lighthouse Suite. In addition, the historic Three Stories and Tall Tales luxury guesthouses offer exquisite rooms that convey the story of famous local residents. The pristine Saybrook Point Marina, a landmark boating destination conveniently located at the mouth of the Connecticut River, serves as a focal point for the Inn. More information is available at www.saybrook.com.

Connecticut Flower and Garden Show Feb 23rd-26th 2017

The 36th Annual 

Connecticut Flower and Garden Show 

returns to 

Hartford Connecticut!

Save the dates for the annual CT Flower and Garden Show at the Connecticut Convention Center.

February 23-26, 2017 

Get ready for spring months before the weather warms up at the 36th annual “Connecticut Flower & Garden Show” on Thursday, February 23 through Sunday, February 26, 2017 at the Connecticut Convention Center on 100 Columbus Blvd. in Hartford.

Show Times:

One of the largest and most prestigious flower shows in all of New England, the show’s hours are:

• Thursday, Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
• Friday, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The colorful, fragrant show covers almost three acres with the 2017 theme, “Woodland Enchantment”, with creative and practical ideas for house, apartment and condo dwellers alike.

 Highlights include:

- Over an acre of gardens in full bloom, created by professional landscape designers and nonprofit organizations, and include naturalistic, low maintenance, native, organic, herb and pollinator gardens.

- The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut’s 2017 Advanced Standard Flower Show: more than 12,000-square feet of a design, horticulture and photography competition with more than 250 judged entries, all with the “Woodland Enchantment” theme.

- Over 300 booths of displays, activities and shopping: artisans and handcrafted gifts, fresh flowers, plants, garden ornaments, metalwork sculptures, herbs, bulbs, seeds, fertilizers, soils, gardening books, patio furniture and lawn and garden tools and equipment. Bring a 1/2 cup of soil to the UConn Co-op booth for free soil testing.

- More than 80 hours of seminars by horticulturists and experts are included in general admission (see www.CTFlowerShow.com for full schedule) including:

• Roger Swain, The Man in the Red Suspenders, former host of PBS’ The Victory Garden and HGTV’s People, Places & Plants: “No Fruit Like Your Own Fruit” on Thursday at 2 p.m. and Friday at 11 a.m.;
• Nancy DuBrule-Clemente: “More Food from Small Gardens” and “Plants with a Purpose – More Than Just a Pretty Face!”;
• Carol King Platt: “The Year Round Cutting Garden” and “Vertical Gardening”;
• Helen Yetman-Bellows: “The Yogic Gardener™” Clinic”;
• Bob Buettner:  Connecticut Florist of the Year 2010, floral design instructor, and Connecticut Florists Association Board member presenting on “Floral Arranging”;
• Karen Bussolini: “The Year Round Pollinator Garden” and “Eco-Friendly Garden Coach; Problem Solving & Brainstorming Session”;
• Amanda Morris: “Backyard Chickens”; and
• Andy Brand: “Plants with Year Round Appeal”.

Admission: 

$18 Adults;
$16 Seniors Age 62 and Over on Thursday/Friday only;
$4 Children 5-12;
Free under age 5 

Admission payment by Cash Only.
Group rates for 15 or more people: contact 860-844-8461 or Kristie@northeastexpos.com.

Advance tickets are discounted by $2 and can be purchased no later than February 20, 2017 at the following Connecticut locations:

• The Garden Barn Nursery in Vernon; 
• Garden Specialties in Mystic; 
• Moscarillo’s Garden Shoppe in West Hartford; 
• Natureworks in Northford; 
• Stonehedge Garden Center in Newington; 
• Woodland Gardens in Manchester.

Show sponsors include B & P Turf Farm, Maple Meadow Farm, Bob Buettner Florist, WRCH Light 100.5, WFSB Channel 3, Bedard Enterprises, and North East Expos, Inc.

To join the email list and get more information about the 2017 Connecticut Flower & Garden Show, seminars, and driving directions, visit www.CTFlowerShow.com or our Facebook page, or call North East Expos, Inc. at 860-844-8461.

Fire and Ice at Saybrook Point for 2017

Fire & Ice at Saybrook Point 

for some Cool Winter Fun

Saybrook Point is celebrating the charm and character of winter with its fourth annual Fire & Ice Festival on Saturday, January 14, 2017 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm.

Guests will marvel at two fully sculpted Ice Bars created exclusively for the event, and revel at such seasonal activities as a spectacular wood and ice carving showcase, delightful sushi samplings, and charming horse-drawn carriage rides along the picturesque Connecticut River.

Two uniquely designed Ice Bars will warm the soul with creative winter themed libations, and lend a handsome contrast to Fresh Salt’s beloved signature Fire Bar. Guests will also enjoy drink specials and tastings at the Marina Bar with special guest vendors, as well as savor delectable food samplings by Fresh Salt’s award-winning chefs, including chili, chowder, salmon sliders, fried ice cream, and more.

The Fire & Ice Festival at the Saybrook Point is free and open to all ages. Tickets will be sold for select food and beverage items at a cost of $5.

For young attendees, the event will feature children’s movies and face painting inside the Inn’s Grand Ballroom and a strolling magician will be enchanting guests throughout the property.

In addition, the event will feature exciting live entertainment with the electrifying sounds of “Java Groove.”

For more information about the third annual Fire & Ice Festival at Saybrook Point, or to make a room reservation, guests may call 800.243.0212 or visit www.saybrook.com.

Saybrook Point Inn & Spa

2 Bridge Street
Old Saybrook, CT  06475
800.243.0212
www.saybrook.com.

 About Saybrook Point 

Situated along the picturesque shores of historic Old Saybrook, Connecticut, Saybrook Point features a collection of 100 elegantly-appointed guestrooms, a rejuvenating full-service SANNO spa, and casual fine dining restaurant Fresh Salt, as well as a unique waterfront Lighthouse Suite. In addition, the historic Three Stories and Tall Tales luxury guesthouses offer exquisite rooms that convey the story of famous local residents. The pristine Saybrook Point Marina, a landmark boating destination conveniently located at the mouth of the Connecticut River, serves as a focal point for the Inn. More information is available at www.saybrook.com.

New London CT Historic Church Tour

It's a Holiday Church Tour in New London, CT 

with New London Landmarks!

Visit three historic churches in New London for a holiday tour with live music at each location on Saturday, January 7th 2017 starting at 1:00pm!  New London Landmarks hosts this family-friendly walking tour that will be held rain or shine!

• First Stop and Check In: St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church, 200 Hempstead Street. The Sistine Chapel of New London will include St. Sophia's Choir singing Christmas hymns in Orthodox faith tradition.
• Second Stop:  St. James Episcopal Church, 76 Federal Street. See several original Tiffany windows in this 1850 Richard Upjohn masterpiece with performance by Kia A. Baird, Soprano accompanied by Sue Caplet, piano.
• Third Stop: St. Mary's Star of the Sea, 10 Huntington Street. Decorated for Christmas, enjoy sounds of magnificent organ in this 1876 Gothic Revival Church.
• Final Stop and Refreshments:   Reception at New London Landmarks, 49 Washington Street. Enjoy coffee and treats at the historic David Bishop House.

(approximately 1 mile walk round trip)

The walking tour starts at Sophia’s Church at 200 Hempstead Street in New London on Saturday, January 7^th at 1:00p.m.  

See magnificent architecture, learn history of building and listen to live music.  $15 admission / $10 members.  

Tickets can be purchased by credit card up to one day before event online or by cash or check at the door.  For more information call 860-442-0003 or visit www.newlondonlandmarks.org

Meet at St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church at 12:45 p.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2017.

200 Hempstead Street, New London. Parking available on street and in lot behind church.

# # #

New London Landmarks is a non-profit corporation to promote the preservation and development of the urban environment of New London, Connecticut, including significant individual structures, streetscapes, neighborhoods, and open spaces. They are actively working to preserve New London’s historic resources through educational programs, house tours, and collaborations with other historic organizations in the city.

Engaged in CT - Bridal Open House at Saybrook Point

Free Bridal Open House at Saybrook Point 

Are you newly engaged this year?

Saybrook Point is offering an exclusive open house to give newly engaged couples a chance to embark on a discerning tour of Connecticut’s most luxurious waterfront wedding destination

On Saturday, January 21st, 2017, Saybrook Point Inn & Spa will host a Bridal Open House for newly-engaged couples to visualize their wedding at the luxurious waterfront property in historic Old Saybrook, Connecticut.

From the stunning views of the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound, to the elegant table settings and decor, future brides and grooms will experience Saybrook Point’s gorgeous ballroom in all its splendor and envision their wedding day at the inviting resort. This event is designed especially for newly-engaged couples; attendance is complimentary – guests are asked to register by calling 860-388-4809.

Photo Source: Saybrook Point Inn Weddings

During the informative Open House, guests will embark on an intimate tour of the property’s picturesque and well-appointed guestrooms including the luxury guest houses - Three Stories and Tall Tales, plus the unique waterside Lighthouse Suite.  In addition, they will experience the panoramic views and incredible amenities offered at the Inn, plus an exquisite champagne tasting and delightful hors d’oeuvres as they meet the professional and knowledgeable wedding team at Saybrook Point.

The Inn offers two outdoor ceremony venues; The Garden Terrace, and Compass Rose.   Guests also have the opportunity to enter to win a free overnight stay in a Luxury Water View Room including breakfast.

Unlike a large Wedding Expo, the Bridal Open House offers one-on-one attention and interaction with the same expert staff and bridal team who will be guiding brides and grooms through their planning process – from the first meeting to the last dance. And brides who book their wedding date during the Bridal Open House will be rewarded with a 10% price reduction off the wedding package (please inquire for full details).

When:

Saturday, January 21, 2017
1:00-4:00 p.m.

 Where:          

Saybrook Point Inn & Spa
The Soundview Ballroom
2 Bridge Street
Old Saybrook, CT  06475
www.saybrook.com

Photo Source: Saybrook Point Inn Weddings

About Saybrook Point Inn:

Situated along the picturesque shores of Old Saybrook, Saybrook Point features a collection of 102 elegantly-appointed rooms, rejuvenating full-service SANNO spa and casual fine dining restaurant Fresh Salt. The historic Three Stories and Tall Tales luxury guesthouses feature unique rooms that each convey the story of a famous local resident.  The pristine Saybrook Point Marina, a landmark boating destination conveniently located at the mouth of the Connecticut River, serves as a focal point for the Inn. More information is available at www.saybrook.com.