Fresh Market - Taste of the Holidays

The Fresh Market "Taste of the Holidays" Sampling Event

Photo Courtesy The Fresh Market

One of the BEST holidays is almost here! 

Thanksgiving has got to be one of my favorite times of the year! It's all about gorgeous fall weather, family, friends and GREAT FOOD!

I mean, really! Who doesn't love the sweet and savory flavors of the fall holiday season! One of my favorite places to shop for holiday meals is my local Fresh Market store. Lucky for me there's one about10 miles away from me in Guilford CT at the Guilford Commons! Find one near you HERE

The Fresh Market is THE destination for fresh and delicious holiday food! 

Not convinced? 

You can sample a little “Taste of the Holidays” at your local Fresh Market's Sampling Event on Saturday, November 11 and Sunday, November 12 (my birthday!!) from noon to 4 p.m. at ALL of their176 store locations!

The specialty grocer has selected holiday menu items available for sampling to spark meal ideas in advance of the Thanksgiving feast. 

That's right! The Fresh Market invites you to sample their mouthwatering, vegetarian-fed, 100 percent antibiotic-free thanksgiving turkey – never frozen and unmatched in taste and tenderness. 

Also featured at the event will be The Fresh Market’s spiral-sliced honey ham, double-glazed with honey and brown sugar and smoked over hickory hardwood – prepared to conveniently heat and serve at home. You can also savor some of their delicious side dishes during Taste of the Holidays, including The Fresh Market’s signature cranberry relish with just the right balance of sweet and tart. Perfectly spiced pumpkin pie, baked fresh in-store, will end the event on a sweet note – along with other traditional seasonal favorites made simple for the busy holiday season.

It only gets better! Now through Monday, November 20, The Fresh Market is offering holiday meal ordering for a simplified, foolproof Thanksgiving feast. The Fresh Market’s holiday meal ordering program is specially designed for guests who crave delicious, gourmet dishes prepared to perfection, as well as the comfort and convenience of a personalized order ready, reserved and waiting.  Uh-huh! Let The Fresh Market do all the food prep for you!

For those who savor the experience of cooking their Thanksgiving meal from scratch, The Fresh Market offers choices such as fresh turkey, beef tenderloin and lamb that can be purchased and prepared at home according to favorite family recipes. From a deluxe holiday dinner that serves 12-14 to a selection of à la carte items, the 2017 holiday meal ordering program delivers maximum flavor and minimum fuss to satisfy everyone at the Thanksgiving table.

After placing an order online or in-store, you can pick up a holiday spread at your local Fresh Market store by 10 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21 and Wednesday, November 22 and, in all store locations outside of Hingham, MA, by 3 p.m. on Thursday, November 23. 

Orders can be placed at thefreshmarket.com/holiday-meals.

About The Fresh Market, Inc.

Founded in 1982, The Fresh Market, Inc. is a specialty grocery retailer focused on providing fresh, delicious food with friendly service in a warm and inviting atmosphere. From seasonally fresh produce to exceptional quality meat and seafood, signature baked goods and thousands of organic options, The Fresh Market is dedicated to offering its guests the most delicious and inspiring foods available. 

As a destination for weekly shopping and special occasions, The Fresh Market provides a thoughtful product assortment curated for all tastes and culinary preferences. The company operates 176 stores in 24 states across the U.S. 

For more information, please visit www.thefreshmarket.com or follow The Fresh Market on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Wine On9 New Haven

One of my favorite events returns this Friday - the fabulous wine crawl through New Haven's Historic 9th District!

Wine On9 New Haven!

On Friday, November 3, Town Green District and The Wine Thief present an evening to remember with Wine On9! 

Visit the friendly 9th Square merchants & restaurants and sample over a dozen wines selected with the holiday season in mind. Find out how to pair these delicious wines with your favorite holiday meals, or purchase some to bring as a gift to parties. 

What a great opportunity to find your new personal favorite to enjoy all year long!

Free  parking  at  the Temple  St  Garage! 

Raffle Prizes!  

Registration  opens  at  5:45 pm  at  Baobab Tree Studios.

Participating Merchants for Wine On9:

116 Crown | 116 Crown St | New Year’s Eve Party

Artist & Craftsman Supply | 821 Chapel St | Crafting Holiday Fun

Baobab Tree Studios | 71 Orange St | Registration & Holiday Story Recordings

Breathing Room Yoga | 216 Crown St | Essential Holiday Healing

Capture Salon | 100 Crown St | Holiday Pampering

Ciivies | 845 Chapel St | Vintage Cocktail Party

EBM Vintage New Haven | 839 Chapel St | Holiday Table Settings 

EcoWorks | 262 State St | Build a Cork Trivet

Fletcher Cameron Design | 91 Orange St | Christmas in the Kitchen

Fornarelli's Ristorante | 99 Orange St | John’s Special Mulled Thanksgiving Sangria

G Café | 141 Orange St | Bread and Tapas

Make Haven | 266 State St | Laser Cut Snowflake Ornaments

Meat & Co |116 Crown St | Day After Thanksgiving

NHV Pride Center | 84 Orange St | Photo Booth Fabulosity

Reynold's Fine Art Gallery | 96 Orange St | Gift Guide for Art Buyers

The Institute Library | 847 Chapel St | Literary Selections for the Season

The Wine Thief | 181 Crown St | 15% case discount & 10% discount on single bottles of wine from tour, beer & spirits! After the tour ends at 8 pm visit to the enter raffle!

VOVO Organics | 28 Orange St | All Organic Holiday Gifts

Purchase tickets HERE

or visit http://infonewhaven.com/on9-event-series for more info

And save the date *Friday Dec 1st* for Cookies On9

Here Comes the Third Annual Great Mac and Chili Challenge

Get Ready to Celebrate Comfort Food at Its Finest!

Get ready cuz it's back! 

The 3rd Annual Great Mac & Chili Challenge to be held Sunday Nov. 5th at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. 

“You never know where you might find a great chili or mac n' cheese” say event director Jim Keenan. “For example, you wouldn't expect a great mac n' cheese from a pizza joint, would you? Well you can find an incredible Alfredo Mac recently entered in this year from Pizza Planet in Norwalk”. 

That's just one example as you can find other examples like a great pesto mac n' cheese from the Cast Republic in Norwalk or a spinach and artichoke mac from Killer B also from Norwalk. 

All of the chili entries are just as amazing. From local classic favorites to creative chili entries like a Yankee white bean and seafood chili from Harbor Harvest in Norwalk and a green hatch chili from Geronimo in Fairfield. 

“Your taste buds will be dancing” says Keenan!


This people's choice competition determines who has the best classic chili, creative chili, classic mac and creative mac n' cheese! And everyone who attends will be  given a spoon, ballot and pencil when they arrive. That's right! YOU'LL BE THE JUDGE!

You'll rate each entry on a scale from 7 to 10.5 and the restaurants with the highest rating average in their category will be declared this year's champion. 


“I love how seriously everyone takes this event” said Keenan. “First, they grab a complimentary coffee or tea from the New England Coffee Company or Harney & Sons , then discuss their strategy about whether they start their day with chili or a mac n' cheese. They bring a muffin tin from home to carry their samples. Some break-up and head in different directions and meet in the middle to discuss who they think are the best and compare ballots.. They take their voting seriously as they know it determines who is declared the best”. Keenan says it's great fun and to come early, come hungry and bring your muffin tins! 


Joe's American Bar & Grill from Fairfield along with Pizza Planet from Norwalk recently joined the competition that now includes: Firehouse Grill in Monroe, Hub & Spoke in Blackrock Bridgeport, Little Pub from Wilton, Fairfield, Ridgefield and Greenwich, Prime 16 from Orange, The Blind Rhino from Norwalk, Cask Republic in SoNo, Stamford and New Have, Geronimo of Fairfield and New Haven, Harbor Harvest of Norwalk, Simply Delicious of Norwalk and Westport, Burger Bar & Bistro in Norwalk, Peaches Southern Pub & Juke Joint of Norwalk, Bobby Q 's Cue & Company of Norwalk, Killer B of SoNo and Old Post Tavern of Fairfield. 


Those who attend can add Hummel hot dog “bites” to either their chili or mac n' cheese samples grilled up by the DogTracks food truck. 

To cap all the sampling, attendees can enjoy sweet samples of Farmer's Cow ice cream and milk, or try amazing cookie dough form the CT Cookie Company and grab a sample of those famous NECCO wafers! 

The Great Mac & Chili Challenge 

11AM to 3PM on Sunday Nov. 5, 2017 
Sherwood Island State Park in Westport CT. 
$15 Adults at the door or online HERE
$5 Kids 6-12
Parking:  FREE

For additional information please visit the event website: www.MacAndChiliChallenge.com 

The Great Mac & Chili Challenge is sponsored by: The Farmer's Cow, New England Coffee Company, Hummel Brothers, Cabot Creamery, Connecticut Cookie Company, New England Confectionery Company, Acadia brand water, WEBE 108, Clover, Lowe's, Harney & Son Teas and City Carting & Recycling

Liv's Oyster Bar - New Fall Menu

If you're anything like me you love this time of year! 

Even though I absolutely adore Spring and Summer, there is just something so special about Fall. The beautiful colors of nature surround us inspiring our sense of fashion for deep jewel tones and warm cozy clothing. 

But even better - Fall harvest means sensational homestyle rustic dishes and savory comfort food. 

There's a great place out this way in southeast Connecticut that features some fabulous fall dishes. Now that fall weather is finally upon us, this is THE place to visit and enjoy some delicious fall food fare!

Where? Liv's Oyster Bar located on Main Street in Old Saybrook Connecticut. Executive Chef/Owner John Brescio has just added some new dishes to the fall menu and they sound absolutely delicious.

Sip your  way through a big bowl of savory soup enhanced with one of my favorite spices, curry in their Curried Cauliflower Soup made with smoked mussels, capers, and crème fraiche.

Curried Cauliflower Soup $9.95
Photo Courtesy Liv's Oyster Bar

Soup not your thing? How about a Farro and Fall Vegetable Salad made with roasted fall squash and broccoli, baby brussel sprouts, beets, red onion, delightfully dressed with a brown butter and cider vinaigrette.  I know...right? So many fall flavors in one beautiful dish.

A must try is Chef's Fall Squash Ravioli, made with mushrooms, shrimp, parmesan mushroom sauce, pine nuts, and sage. Tell me this doesn't look and sound absolutely incredible. Rich, hearty, and so dang good!

Fall Squash Ravioli $24.95
Photo Courtesy Liv's Oyster Bar 

Feeling like a bit more protein? Try the Pan Roasted Chicken served with potato gnocchi, roasted brussel sprouts, fall squash, with made on premise chicken sausage, with a beautiful chicken a jus! 

Pan Roasted Chicken $24.95
Photo Courtesy Liv's Oyster Bar

Last, but certainly not least, you simply must try these Short Rib Pastrami Sliders! Talk about a melding of fall flavors melting in your mouth! These flavorful big bites are made on pretzel rolls, with pickled red cabbage, cheddar cheese, whole grain mustard dijonaise, and potato knish. 

Short Rib Pastrami Sliders $18.95
Photo Courtesy Liv's Oyster Bar

Liv’s Oyster Bar opened in 2006 from Executive Chef/Owner John Brescio’s desire to welcome the community to his family’s table, savoring time with friends and family on the shore during summer and beyond.  

The menu changes with the seasons, delivering simple, focused dishes with an emphasis on local ingredients, and stunning seafood, a mainstay of the Connecticut shoreline   

The restaurant is open six days a week for dinner on Main Street in the heart of scenic Old Saybrook, CT!

Be sure to visit them soon!

Liv's Oyster Bar

166 Main Street

Old Saybook, CT 

(860) 395-5577

http://www.livsoysterbar.com/ 

Follow them on Twitter (@LivsOysterBar)

Like them on Facebook (Liv’s Oyster Bar) 

Follow them on Instagram (livsoysterbar). 

Greenwich Wine and Food Festival 2017 Recap

Social Media Promotion: Sponsored

This year's 7th Annual Greenwich Wine and Food Festival was absolutely amazing! 

I honestly don't know how they do it - but every year it keeps getting better and better. From the delicious gourmet food served by some of New England's best restaurants and restauranteurs -- to the fine wine and libations - and consistently getting top notch entertainment, it truly is the best way to spend a fall weekend in Connecticut.

Greenwich Wine+Food Fest Gift Bags

This year was no exception, and on a beautifully sunny and warm September Saturday, over 5,000 people agreed with me and attended  the Greenwich Wine+ Food Festival. This year a portion of profits supported the year's host Mario Batali's own Mario Batali Foundation, as well as the Friends of James Beard Benefits and the Town of Greenwich Parks and Rec Foundation.

The festival opened on Friday evening with Scott Conant serving as MC of the 2017 Serendipity Magazine's "Most Innovative Chefs" Wine Dinner.  This dinner honors the area's most innovative chefs as well as the festival's ambassador chefs. Each group of chefs prepares their specialty dishes along with select wines and signature cocktails.

• Most Innovative Chefs: Carlos Baez (The Spread), Stavros Karipides (Famous Greek Kitchen), Lisa & Steve Maronian (Sweet Lisa’s Exquisite Cakes), Mike Pietrafeso (Ada’s Kitchen + Coffee), Brad Spence (Amis Trattoria), Ian Vest (Back 40 Kitchen) and Marc Weber (On the Marc Events).  
• Festival Ambassador Chefs: Mogan Anthony (Village Social), Rui Correia (Douro/Gaia), Constantine Kalandranis (273 Kitchen), Brian Lewis (The Cottage), Christian Petroni (Fortina), Debra Ponzek (Aux Délices), Nadia Ramsey (Méli-Mélo Catering), Robin Selden (Marcia Selden Catering & Event Planning) and David Snyder (Char Restaurant).

Saturday is the showcase event, the Grand Tasting where over 150 vendors meet under the Grand Tasting Tent. In addition, contests, demonstrations and interviews are taking place outside the tent. Guests were treated to demos and interview with Celebrity Chef and this years GWFF Chef Host, Mario Batali, Chopped judges Alex Guarnaschelli and Scott Conant, Man V Food host Adam Richman, as well as many locally renowned chefs! Here local Chef Matt Storch interviews Chopped's  Scott Conant. 

Matt Storch and Scott Conant

We started our day visiting the vendors and sampling some of the great food and drink before moving on to the contests, like this one of the Bartender's Showdown!

Bartenders Showdown
Photo Courtesy 2017 Greenwich Wine + Food Festival - Sara Luckey

• Burger Battle Winners: Hapa Food Truck – Judge’s Choice and Darien Butcher Shop – People’s Choice
• Top Bartender Showdown Winners: Juan Meyer from Eastend in Greenwich – Judge’s Choice and Jamie Johel from Craft 14 Kitchen + Bar in Wilton – People’s Choice

Here are some of our pictures from throughout the day

Small bites from The Lodge at Woodloch

Wine Pour with AIX Wine

Delicious offerings from Back 40
featuring their delicious Sunday Brunch

More Delicious Wine from Greenwich Wine + Food Fest

Del Frisco's Grille at Greenwich Wine + Food Fest

Bom Bom is the Bomb!

The highlight of my night was staying for the first time to see the entire entertainment act of the evening - with headliners TRAIN closing out the evening!

Train
Photo Courtesy 2017 Greenwich Wine + Food Festival - Sara Luckey

We had a wonderful time again this year at Greenwich's premier food festival and can't wait to return next year to see what Serendipity Magazine has in store for us all!

Hope we see you there!

For more photos of our day 

visit our Facebook page HERE 

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

Greenwich Wine and Food Festival

Sponsored by Serendipity Magazine

Roger Sherman Baldwin Park

100 Arch Street

Greenwich CT 06830

https://serendipitysocial.com/greenwich-wine-food/

Disclaimer: Portions of our weekend at the Greenwich Wine and Food Fest were sponsored.

Chefs from West Hartford’s The Cook and the Bear Receive Accolades and National Attention

The Powerhouse Duo of Chef Tyler Anderson and Pit Master Jamie McDonald are Causing a Sensation on the Restaurant Scene

Within only three months of opening West Hartford’s newest dining experience, The Cook & The Bear at Blue Back Square, already has accolades and attention streaming in for the co-owners, the staff, and, of course, the acclaimed craft barbeque food and unique beverages. 

“The Cook” Tyler Anderson, also of Millwright’s Restaurant in Simsbury, was just announced as one of the competitors on Bravo TV’s fifteenth season of Top Chef, debuting this December. Chef Anderson is no stranger to national audiences having won Chopped and competed on Beat Bobby Flay. In addition to his upcoming appearance on this high-profile show, Anderson was nominated as a semi-finalist for the third time for the prestigious James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef in the Northeast.

Not to be outdone, Jamie “The Bear” McDonald, the owner of Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, was recently named – alongside his wife, Cheryl McDonald – a Polaris Award winner by Leadership Greater Hartford. This honor was bestowed on the McDonald’s due to their advocacy for the City of Hartford, Bear’s commitment to fair wages for employees with non-tipped workers receiving $15 an hour, and for their many philanthropic endeavors. In addition, Jamie McDonald has also been selected Alumni of the Year by his alma mater, Hartford’s Trinity College. 

The Connecticut Restaurant Associationhas nominated The Cook & The Bear, which is owned in partnership with A.J. Auricchio, in the category of “Best Newcomer” for their 2017 CRA Awards. Joining in the attention are The Cook & The Bear’s Pastry Chef Kristin Eddy (nominated for “Rising Star” for her work at TC&TB and Millwright’s) and bartender Aaron Stepka (nominated for “Best Mixologist”). 

With their combined backgrounds of Jamie McDonald’s award-winning classic Kansas City BBQ and Millwright’s fine dining, The Cook & The Bear takes taste buds on a casual-food journey combining adventurous New England with a twist of southern comfort. The restaurant itself highlights the marriage of two distinct visions. The capacious bar area features a bright, New England clapboard feel reminiscent of Millwright’s 17th century home in Simsbury while the dining area takes its rich, dark brown hues from Bear’s smokehousemilieu.

Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ has two popular locations in Windsor and Hartford’s Front Street, as well as a Bear’s Express takeout location in South Windsor. Jamie “The Bear” McDonald’s take on Kansas City BBQ was deemed “Excellent” by The New York Times, was named Casual Restaurant of the Year by the Connecticut Restaurant Association, and was voted Best BBQ and Best New Restaurant by the readers of CT NOW. Reflecting his expansive vision, McDonald opened the acclaimed Blind PigPizza in downtown Hartford in 2016 and, this summer, he debuted Chango Rosa, his fun and funky take on Latin street food at Hartford’s Union Station.

Tyler “The Cook” Anderson, a California native, has fallen in love with New England farms, aspiring to use foods within a 150 miles radius to provide fresh flavor. Chef Anderson honed his skills, learning from master chefs in Chicago at the Ritz Carlton, which achieved the highest Zagat rating and a Mobil Five-Star rank during his tenure. During his time at the Prairie Grass Café, he helped the restaurant receive the designation of one of the “50 Hottest Restaurants in the United States” from Bon Appetit. He was executive chef for Equinox in Manchester, VT and Arrabelle in Vail, CO.

At Pip’s at the Copper Beech Inn, Anderson’s spin on regional New England fare earned a five-star review in Hartford Magazine and was voted best new restaurant by Connecticut Magazine. At Millwright’s in Simsbury, he has received perfect score reviews from The New York Times, Connecticut Magazine, Hartford Magazine, and has earned four nominations for the prestigious Best Chef Northeast James Bear Award. Chef Tyler has twice (2014, 2015) been nominated for the prestigious Best Chef Northeast James Beard Award, and in 2014 was named Chef of the Year by the Connecticut Restaurant Association. Chef Anderson was the winner of the Food Network’s Chopped in 2009 and appeared on the popular Beat Bobby Flay in 2014.

Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, Noon to Midnight (kitchen open until 10 PM, 11 PM on Friday & Saturday), Sunday Noon to 10 PM (kitchen open until 9 PM) with the brunch menu available until 3 PM.  The Cook & The Bear offers happy hour specials Monday through Thursday. Reservations are not accepted, however the restaurant recommends calling in advance for a waitlist or downloading their The Cook & The Bear App to prebook your spot in line. The restaurant is located at 50 Memorial Road, Blue Back Square in West Hartford, Connecticut. 860-595-3345 and online at www.thecookandthebear.com. 

Connecticut Loves Puerto Rico

Let's Do This Connecticut! 

CT Loves PR (www.ctlovespr.com) is an initiative featuring Connecticut chefs, bartenders, bakers and restaurateurs standing together to serve up a small offering of food and drink – inspired by Puerto Rico – as tribute to this important sisterland that we will not leave behind. 100% of the proceeds generated by these dishes will be donated to Unidos Por Puerto Rico / United for Puerto Rico, an initiative brought forth by the First Lady of Puerto Rico, Beatriz Rosselló in collaboration with the private sector, with the purpose of providing aid and support to those affected in Puerto Rico by the passage of the hurricanes (http://unidosporpuertorico.com/en/).

The event will run October 21 – 28, with the following list of participants:

21 Oak (Manchester)

@ The Barn Restaurant (Granby)

Amis Trattoria (Westport)

Artisan (West Hartford and Southport)

Artisanal Burger Company (Manchester)

Avert Brasserie (West Hartford)

Beachland Tavern (West Hartford)

Black Bamboo (West Hartford)

Bricco Trattoria (Glastonbury)

Butchers & Bakers (Farmington)

Camille’s Wood Fired Pizza (Tolland)

Carbone's Kitchen (Bloomfield)

Carbone's Ristoronte (Hartford)

Caseus Fromagerie Bistro (New Haven)

Chief Brody’s Bahn Mi  (New Haven)

Cook & The Bear (West Hartford)

Cure (Unionville)

Flora Plant Food + Drink (West Hartford)

Grants Restaurant & Bar (West Hartford)

GZen (Branford)

Han Restaurant (Hartford)

Ichiro Habachi & Sushi (West Hartford)

India (West Hartford)

L’escale (Greenwich)

Liquid Nirvana (Glastonbury and Avon)

Max Oyster Bar (West Hartford)

McLaddens (West Hartford)

Millwright's (Simsbury)

Park & Oak Restaurant (West Hartford)

Park Tavern (West Hartford)

Restaurant Bricco (West Hartford)

Rockin Chicken (Hartford)

Rooster and Co (Newington)

Seoul BBQ (New Britain)

Shu (Fairfield)

Shu (West Hartford)

Table 580 Asian Fusion (Simsbury)

The Cottage (Westport)

The Green Teahouse (West Hartford)

The North House (Avon)

The Sweet Beet (Granby)

Toscano Trattoria (Manchester)

Treva Restaurant & Bar (West Hartford)

Vitality Juice and Smoothie Bar (Manchester)

Zohara Mediterranean Kitchen (West Hartford)

The event’s website - http://www.ctlovespr.com/ - will be adding information in the coming weeks to highlight the special dishes and cocktails each restaurant will be offering.  

Social media channels (#CTLovesPR) include:

o   Twitter: @CTLovesPR

o   Instagram: @CTLovesPR

o   Facebook Page: CTLovesPR

o   Facebook event:  https://www.facebook.com/events/360507917739710/

CT Loves PR is hoping to continue to add local businesses to this growing list of participants! The deadline to sign-up is this Friday – for any chefs or owners looking to join this initiative, contact Susan Hosmer ctlovespr@gmail.com.