ChowdaFest 2017 Results

The 2017 ChowdaFest Winners! 

We had such a great time at this year's ChowdaFest!

Congratulations to our new 2017 New England Chowdafest Champions!

This year's contest was no exception - all entries were soooo good!

New England Clam Chowder:

1st - Pike Place Chowder (a threepeat!)
2nd - B.R.Y.A.C Restaurant & Raw Bar
3rd - Sedona Taphouse Norwalk, CT

Traditional Chowder

1st - Dunvilles Restaurant
2nd - Crave Fairfield
3rd - The Clam Castle

Creative Chowder:

1st - Our House Bistro (a threepeat)
2nd - Sam the Clam's Pub and Grub
3rd - Hub & Spoke

Soup/Bisque:

1st - Crab Shell Restaurant
2nd - Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill, Fairfield
3rd - J Timothy's Taverne

Vegetarian:

1st - Old Post Tavern
2nd - Harvest Wine Bar Westport
3rd - Harbor Harvest

We will update the attendance and donation information as soon as announced!

MGM Springfield - Coming in 2018

MGM Resorts to Debut 

New England Luxury Gaming Resort in Late 2018

$960 Million MGM Springfield Marks Largest Private Investment in Western Massachusetts

It's coming! Expanding its presence on the East Coast, MGM Resorts will debut MGM Springfield, the Commonwealth’s first integrated luxury resort and entertainment destination, in Q3 2018. The $960 million project will celebrate Springfield’s rich heritage while establishing its role as the gateway to New England.

As the largest private investment in the history of Western Massachusetts, MGM Springfield is at the forefront of the burgeoning revitalization of Springfield, primed to attract thousands of new travelers from the region and beyond.

It's said the property will span 14 acres and three blocks within the heart of the historic city. Igniting a cultural and economic renaissance, the development will encompass a 250-room boutique hotel, gourmet dining options, well-curated retail stores, tranquil spa facilities, more than 125,000 square feet of gaming space and an 8,000-seat entertainment and events venue via a partnership with MassMutual Center. Interactive entertainment elements such as a contemporary cinema, bowling complex, seasonal skating rink and an outdoor marketplace spotlighting local art, events and talent will round out the resort’s offerings.

MGM Springfield’s design will fuse modern construction with historical buildings—including First Spiritualist Church, Springfield Armory and Chandler Union Hotel—to pay tribute to the city’s revered past while delivering entirely new experiences for guests. Serving as an integral part of the community, its retail and dining options will accessible via Main Street, allowing visitors easy access between the property’s shops and restaurants and other Downtown Springfield attractions.

A Glimpse into MGM Springfield:

·         Accommodations – MGM Springfield’s six-story boutique-style hotel will be a whimsical-yet-sophisticated retreat. Design details—including factory-style paned glass and Edison bulb fixtures—will harken to Springfield’s industrial roots, while eclectic artwork will evoke the locale’s creative iconography, visually referencing Dr. Seuss, Emily Dickenson and Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

• Retail – New England’s own Kringle Candle is the first partner to announce new boutique locations within MGM Springfield’s curated shopping collection. The much-anticipated retail lineup will animate MGM Springfield’s street-level with exciting offerings, creating a vibrant interface with Springfield’s revitalized downtown experience.

·         Art – Woven through all elements of the resort, a public art program will feature a captivating collection of commissioned and hand-selected pieces, including an exclusive exhibit developed in partnership withSpringfield Museums: “Cabinet of Curiosities: Springfield Innovations from the Springfield Museums.” The specially curated exhibition will embody the enterprising legacy of Springfield, showcasing turn-of-the-century objects such as a 1925 Edison Western Union Stock Ticker, a 1915 Springfield-made Telegraphone, an 1895 Edison Home Phonograph, thoughtfully placed throughout the resort.

·        Food & Beverage - MGM Springfield will offer an array of food-and-beverage spots, including MGM's signature TAP Sports Bar, the bustling South End Market off Main Street and numerous new-to-market concepts ranging from specialty restaurants and fast-casual venues to in-room dining.

·         Entertainment – The 8,000-seat MassMutual Center is MGM Springfield’s official entertainment venue, serving as the home for large-scale conventions and events along with its 100,000-square-foot convention center. As one of the world’s leading presenters of live entertainment, MGM Resorts International will leverage its pipeline of global relationships to attract first-rate events, reinforcing the city’s reputation as the region’s premier entertainment hub. MGM Springfield also will partner with other local venues such as Symphony Hall.

• Open-Air Plaza – Inspired by the classic New England town common, MGM Springfield will create a lively outdoor plaza and thriving public space, with the iconic Revolutionary-War-era Springfield Armory at the center. The historic United States arsenal will offer a remarkable backdrop for an open-air marketplace, which will offer live events, local artisans, a weekly farmers market and seasonal programming including an outdoor ice rink. The plaza will become the anchor for the neighborhood’s pedestrian crowd, encouraging guests to explore the many local businesses and historical sites nearby.
• Enjoyment for all – Extending from the outdoor plaza, the resort will offer several multi-use amenities, including an eight-screen movie theater complex; 10-lane bowling center; serene spa; and an 8,000-square-foot pool situated within a terraced rooftop garden.

·         Meetings & Events – In addition to large-scale convention capabilities at MassMutual Center, MGM Springfield will offer approximately 44,000 square feet of meeting-and-event space to accommodate events ranging from business to social gatherings.

• Casino – An expansive, 125,000-square-foot gaming floor will feature approximately 2,550 slot machines, 120 gaming tables, a poker room and high-limit VIP gaming area for a variety of experiences.

Located approximately 80 miles west of Boston, Springfield boasts a 375-year legacy as a major crossroads of New England. Among the city’s numerous draws are the Basketball Hall of Fame—a shrine to the sport in its founding locale—and The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, a recently debuted interactive center devoted to literary great and Springfield native Theodor Geisel.

Immediate access to Interstate 91 and the Mass. Pike, as well as nearby Bradley International Airport in Hartford and the Amtrak-serviced Union Station, make MGM Springfield well connected and accessible to local and global audiences

In the coming months, MGM Springfield will unveil more details about the offerings and amenities available to guests. For more information, visit mgmspringfield.com. 

Uncorked: Wine and Beer Tasting at Westfield Trumbull

Westfield Trumbull to Host “Uncorked”  

Wine and Beer Tasting Event 

to Support Local Charity on October 7

Local shopping mall’s ‘sip-and-shop’ event 

will benefit The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp

Save the date! Westfield Trumbull is hosting its very first Uncorked event on Saturday, October 7, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The ‘sip-and-shop’ experience invites shoppers to purchase a bracelet that will give them access to wine and beer tastings from local wineries and breweries as well as light refreshments, and shopping perks at participating retail locations. Westfield Trumbull is located at 5065 Main Street in Trumbull, Conn.

The event was organized to benefit The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.  All ticket sales for the Uncorked event will be donated to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp to help provide funds for the more than 20,000 seriously ill children and family members the organization serves annually. 

“Support from community partners like Westfield Trumbull is so important in helping Hole in the Wall bring our year-round programs to the seriously ill children and families we serve,” said Andrea Keefe, manager, peer-to-peer programs at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. “We are grateful to be the charity beneficiary of ‘Uncorked’ and are excited about the many stores, restaurants and others who are sharing their hearts with Camp for the event.” 

Participating retail stores within Westfield Trumbull include: Banana Republic, Brookstone, Denali, Gift-ology, J. Jill, Lord & Taylor, Michaels Jewelers, Pandora, Sephora, Solstice, and Soma. During the Uncorked event, bracelet holders will enjoy light appetizers and a tasting of wine and/or beer from local wineries and breweries like Two Roads Brewing Company(Stratford, Conn.) and Jonathan Edwards Winery(North Stonington, Conn.). Additional wine and beer tasting will be facilitated by Lifted Spirits Bar Concierge & Staffing. To add to the experience, select retailers are offering Uncorked participants special deals and promotions including chances to win gift cards and free merchandise at J. Jill, Solstice Sunglasses, and Soma, and 20% off at Denali and Brookstone.

“At Westfield we are passionate about the important philanthropic work we do in the many communities we serve, both on a local basis and across the nation,” said Katherine Bolas, Westfield Trumbull’s Marketing Director. “Supporting causes that focus on children’s health, wellness and education is particularly important to us and to our customers, and so through this first-ever Uncorked event, we hope the Trumbull community comes together to enjoy a unique shopping experience while supporting The Hole in the Wall Gang.” 

Westfield Trumbull urges participants to enjoy the event responsibly and has teamed up with Uber to provide a safe transportation option. Using the promo code WESTFIELD, new Uber users will get their first ride free (up to $15). 

Tickets for the event can be purchased in advance for $20 or at the door for $30, pending availability. All participants must be 21+ with a valid ID. To purchase tickets and find additional details, visit https://trumbulluncorked.eventbrite.com. 

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About Westfield Trumbull

Located in Fairfield County, Westfield Trumbull delivers a dynamic shopping experience featuring the area's best fashion, dining, family amenities and everyday conveniences. The property features a sleek ambience and an enhanced retail offering that includes Apple, Banana Republic, Victoria’s Secret, Sephora, H&M and Michael Kors alongside a popular The Cheesecake Factory and Connecticut’s first Wahlburgers (opening Fall, 2017). Visit www.westfield.com/trumbull for more information and center hours.

About The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp

Founded in 1988 by Paul Newman, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp provides “a different kind of healing” to more than 20,000 seriously ill children and family members annually – all completely free of charge. For many of these children and families, Hole in the Wall provides multiple Camp experiences throughout the year at the facility in Ashford, Conn., in more than 40 hospitals and clinics, directly in camper homes and communities, and through other outreach activities across the Northeast.

6th Annual BrewFest at Mohegan Sun

BrewFest Returns to Mohegan Sun

The sixth annual Sun BrewFest returns on Saturday, October 7th!

Join them for some brew fun! Enjoy an array of craft beers, bites from local restaurant, live entertainment, a cornhole tournament and so much more during the Grand Tasting event.

Sun BrewFest returns to Mohegan Sun on Saturday, October 7th with an array of craft beers for your tasting pleasure. 

Pair your favorite brew with a bite or two as local restaurants feature food for purchase. Get your game on by registering for the ultimate cornhole competition. 

It's sure to be a glass half-full event!

Tickets on sale: Friday, August 18th at 10:00am

A portion of all ticket sales will go towards the Channel 3 Kids Camp.

Purchase Tickets HERE ==> http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/237647?

GRAND TASTING

Location: Uncas Ballroom

Main Session: 1:00pm-4:00pm for $30 per person/ticket

VIP Preview & Main Session: 12:30pm-4:00pm for $50 per person/ticket

Join  Mohegan Sun's 6th annual Sun BrewFest! Step into a brew lover's paradise and sample the best of brews while enjoying delicious signature food. Let the good times flow!

HALFTIME HOPS
PRESENTED BY AROOGA'S

Location: Upper Lobby of Uncas Ballroom

Details: 6:00pm-9:00pm for $50 per person/ticket with unlimited beer and food samples

It’s all about the game, the bites and the brews at Halftime Hops! Presented by Arooga's, Halftime Hops will be sporting the best brews for sports enthusiasts to sample while viewing the hottest games in baseball and college football in the Convention Center. Plus, munch on some game-day staples like wings from Arooga’s! It’s all part of Sun BrewFest!

CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

Location: Uncas Ballroom

Price: $100 to participate for teams of two

Buy-in includes BrewFest ticket & VIP preview to tournament.

Shell and Bones Hurricane Relief Benefit

New Haven's Shell & Bones Restaurant 

Raising Money for Hurricane Relief Efforts/American Red Cross 

on Monday, September 18

On Monday, September 18, Shell & Bones will be raising money for hurricane victims, donating a portion of

Monday’s sales to the American Red Cross.

The restaurant developed three specialty cocktails to be served that evening, inspired by the islands of Cuba, Puerto Rico, St. Maartin, Dominican Republic and Virgin Islands, including:

Avast Ye! – Havana Club White (PR),  Old Man Guavaberry 8 (St. Maartin), 

Escubac Sweetdram Lime, Grapefruit

Walk the Plank – Atlantico Private Cask (DR), Banana Liqueur, Pineapple, Orange, Cream of Coconut

Davy Jones’ Locker – Bones Rum (USVI), Bacardi 8 (PR), Falernum, Passionfruit, Suze Bitters

Be sure to visit them at

SHELL AND BONES RESTAURANT 

100 S Water Street

New Haven CT 06519

(203) 787-3466

http://shellandbones.com/

Trees of Hope at the Long Wharf Maritime Center in New Haven

PLEASE Support THE 29^TH ANNUAL 

TREES OF HOPE 

TO BE HELD DECEMBER 1-9, 2018 

AT THE MARITIME CENTER IN NEW HAVEN.

For over 28 years, the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut and the greater New Haven community have partnered together to raise funds for the children and families staying at RMHCT through Trees of Hope. What began with a dozen trees at the Governor’s Mansion has flourished into a nine-day event displaying over 140 beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and holiday baskets decking the halls of the Maritime Center in New Haven. Trees of Hope is a dynamic and festive holiday spectacular – one that is enjoyed by more than 4,000 people each year!!

The event, now in its 29th year, features:

• Family-friendly event!
• Free and open to the public 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.  *Free parking on the weekends.
• Raffle tickets are only $1.00/each and can be purchased on-site daily throughout the event.
• Holiday Boutique open daily
• Live musical performances and visits from Santa on the weekends.
• Featuring over 145 holiday displays and gifts, generously donated by individuals, organizations and groups in the community, to be raffled off to lucky winners on the last day of the event!

Last year, Trees of Hope sold a record-breaking 63,000 raffle tickets helping support the families and children of the Ronald McDonald House of CT! Help them make 2018 an even bigger success!

If you are interested in participating in this event, or would like to receive event sponsorship information, please contact Melissa Funaro at 203-777-5683 x407 or at mfunaro@rmh-ct.org

If you visit, hashtag your photos with #RMHCTTOH18

December 1st through December 9th 2018

from 10am - 5pm!

View pictures of the 2016 Trees of Hope here ==>>  http://bit.ly/TreesOfHope2016

View pictures of the 2015 Trees of Hope here===> http://bit.ly/TreesOfHope2015

View pictures of the 2014 Trees of Hope here===> http://bit.ly/TreesOfHope2014

Every year I make sure to visit the Maritime Center  at Long Wharf in New Haven to view the Trees of Hope display. You should too! Make it a family day and visit these beautifully decorated trees!

Below are pictures from the 2012 event!

Tree of Hope decorated with feathers, berries, leopard and plaid bows. 

All proceeds from this event benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut (RMHCT). Here you'll find row after row of beautifully decorated trees.  It's a true holiday-season-spirit-lifter!

Trees of Hope at the Maritime Center Long Wharf New Haven

The display attracts nearly 3000 visitors each year.  Each tree is raffled off at the conclusion of the event - and raffle tickets are only $1.00!

And there are more than trees to win!  Many organizations donate baskets and and complete table settings.

YES!  That's right!  You can win a tree AND have your holiday table all set for you!

Each and every single item on display is raffled off to a lucky winner!  Oh!  And there's even a silent auction!

Here's just a glimpse of the many trees on display from 2012...

A "Yankee" Tree - winner gets four tickets to see the New York Yankees!

Crystal Fairy Revolving Sculpture

The Irish Tree

Lucky Lottery Tree

And there are even some unusual trees!

One made of stacked books....

 And a garden arbor draped with evergreen and twinkling lights.  Absolutely breathtaking!

Note: Speaking of gardens, my favorite gardener over at Idyll Haven tells me that the Wadsworth Museum has a similar Festival of Trees every year that benefits the museum's special events.  If you're not in the New Haven area...this is a great alternative! Read about her visit to the Wadsworth here.

I'm hoping one of these beautiful tablescapes will decorate my dining room table this season!

Saturday and Sunday visits by Santa and Rudolph!

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

...and in 2012 there was weekend Face Painting!!

Face Painting at Trees of Hope New Haven CT

Visit the Trees of Hope at the Maritime Center at Long Wharf New Haven!

The Maritime Center

555 Long Wharf Drive

New Haven, CT 06511

Free admission every day

Holiday Musical performances and visits from Ronald McDonald and Santa Claus on weekends!

Have you visited any tree or light displays this season? 

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

Shop and Nosh at the Cafe at Middlebury Consignment

Social Media Promotion: Sponsored

Cooking Class at the Cafe at Middlebury Consignment

If you follow my blog even semi-regularly, 

you know there are two things that I absolutely love to do 

SHOP and NOSH!

And now I've found a way to roll my two very favorite things to do into ONE, by taking part in a cooking class held at The Cafe at Middlebury Consignment! When an invite rolled into my inbox to visit the Middlebury Consignment Store, needless to say, I was thrilled!

I was familiar with the store through some television advertisements, and several friends have visited on a "destination day' to shop Middlebury, but until now, I've never had the opportunity to visit Middlebury Consignment for myself.

Opening in 2009, Middlebury Consignment is a one stop shopping store for all your home design needs. Not your typical 'consignment' store - Middlebury Consignment mixes a bit of  upscale consignment pieces with new design furniture and fixtures.

I spotted pieces from Lillian August, Howard Miller, Barkman, and more! The original store has since expanded to three buildings, the second two dubbed "the annex" located a few miles down the road. In addition, full design and decorating services are offered, as well as culinary accessories, tools, and utensils.

But on this visit we primarily spent time in the kitchen of the Cafe at Middlebury Consignment, taking part in one of their popular cooking classes. This particular class featured the preparation of appetizers, but they offer a wide and varied range of classes! A quick glance at their cooking class events lists dates that feature Cowboys and Campfires (Aug 6. 2017) Trip to Morocco (Aug 16, 2017) A Tuscan Grigliata (Aug 27, 2017)  End of Summer Tapas Party (Aug 30, 2017) Provence Inspired Steakhouse (Sept 7, 2017) and many, many more in the months to come.

Check out their event calendar at https://www.middleburyconsignment.com/cooking-events/

We started with a nice glass of wine and some cheese and crackers. Our cooking group consisted of a wide range of Connecticut social influencers invited to experience the fun of an 'appetizer' based cooking class led by The Cafe's own Chef Mary Kravec.

In attendance were Natalie from New England Foodie,  Brittny from Basic Britny, Hannah from Sometimes Social, Amanda from the Amanda Bella, Christine from Vigora and Vogue, Nonee from Nonee's World, and Yinka from Yours Truly Yinka and Linked Media.  (If I missed anyone - let me know and I'll link back to you too!)

Visit them all in the days to come for their details of this fun event!

Chef Mary instructs her cooking enthusiasts!

We jumped right in and donned our aprons and Chef Mary would rotate around the kitchen island recruiting the nearest participant to prep that particular portion of the meal. By the end of the cooking class everyone had some "hands on" experience and she included lots of great tips for food prep like how to use a spoon to peel ginger, blanching the broccoli rabe with salty water to draw out the bitterness and retain the crisp green color, and so many more!

Here are some photos of our food preparation:

Here I am --
so intent on stuffing those artichokes
Photo Courtesy of Linked Media

Voila! Stuffed Artichokes -
Ready to pop in the oven!

Amanda works on the flatbread dough!

Nonee works on the rosemary kebobs

Marinating the Balsamic Wings

While everything cooked up in the oven 

we had a wonderful tour of the store!

Yassss!

I'm definitely making a return trip just to shop!

When we finished touring the multiple floors of furniture and home decor we returned to feast on the fruits of our labor!

We made this!

My plate full of goodness!

Broccoli Rabe

Stuffed Artichokes

Roasted Grape Flatbread with Ricotta 

Balsamic Wings

Polenta Squares

Blueberry Lavender Crème Brûlée

I think I can speak for everyone and say we ALL thought the cooking class was a wonderful experience! We each felt like we had a part in the preparation and we certainly walked away with some great tips! I've already replicated the roasted grapes into a chicken dish I prepared this weekend with the same great results. DELICIOUS!

If you haven't already, visit Middlebury Consignment and treat yourself to one of their upcoming cooking classes!  You'll be glad you did!

Middlebury Consignment
The Cafe at Middlebury Consignment

1365 Whittemore Road
Middlebury, CT 06762
Phone (203) 528-0130
https://www.middleburyconsignment.com/

Store hours:
Monday through Saturday 11AM - 5PM
Sunday 11AM - 5PM

Disclaimer: I was invited to tour the store and take part in the cooking class by members of Middlebury Consignment's management and marketing team, however, all views expressed are my own.