Sunday, October 27, 2013

New Haven Restaurant Week 2013 November 3th - November 8th

It's here!

One of Connecticut's most anticipated restaurant weeks!

Restaurant Week -- New Haven


Here's a list of participating restaurants. 

Many are offering Prix Fixe Dinner for $32.00
And some have  Prix Fix Lunch for $18.00
Please call or check their website for exact details

Please call for information and reservations.

116 Crown 116 Crown Street New Haven      203-777-3116

Adriana's Restaurant and Wine Bar  771 Grand Avenue New Haven     203-865-6474

Anna Liffey's 17 Whitney Avenue New Haven      203-773-1776

Barcelona Wine Bar  155 Temple St. in the Omni Hotel New Haven      203-848-3000

Basta Trattoria – RW Menu – 1006 Chapel Street New Haven  203-772-1715

Bentara Restaurant  RW Menu 76 Orange Street New Haven       203-562-2511

Briq  – RW Menu –  266 College Street New Haven       203-891-7155

Carmen Anthony Steakhouse of New Haven     660 State Street New Haven   203-773-1444

Caseus Fromagerie Bistro 93 Whitney Avenue New Haven      203-624-3373

Christopher Martins Restaurant      860 State Street New Haven      203-776-8835

Geronimo  271 Crown Street New Haven        203-777-7700

Goodfellas Restaurant    702 State Street New Haven 203-785-8722

Heirloom at Yale Dining   in the The Study at Yale hotel on Chapel Street New Haven 203-503-3919

Ibiza Restaurant   39 High Street New Haven  203-865-1933

Istanbul Cafe     245 Crown Street New Haven      203-787-3881

John Davenport's Restaurant in the Omni on 155 Temple Street New Haven 203-974-6858

L'Orcio     806 State Street  New Haven  203-777-6670

Miya's Sushi 68 Howe Street New Haven 203-777-9760

Oaxaca Kitchen 238 College Street New Haven 203-859-5774

Pacifico       220 College Street New Haven        203-772-4002

ROÌA  261 College Street New Haven       203-200-7045

Soul de Cuba     283 Crown Street New Haven      203-498-2822

Temple Grill     152 Temple Street  New Haven  203-773-1111

Thali New Haven 4 Orange Street New Haven 203-777-1177

The Cask Republic  179 Crown Street New Haven  475-238-8335

Tre Scalini Ristorante 100 Wooster Street New Haven  203-777-3373

Union League Cafe  1032 Chapel Street New Haven 203-562-4299

Zafra Cuban Restaurant & Rum Bar    259 Orange Street New Haven 203-859-5342

Zaroka Bar & Restaurant 148 York Street New Haven  203-776-8644

Zinc Restaurant American  964 Chapel Street New Haven     203-624-0507


Where are YOU planning on going?


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

Upcoming DISHCRAWL Event in SoNo CT on 11/20/13


Do you know about the DISHCRAWL events?


They are great little ways to sample some great foods at some of the hottest places around.

DISHCRAWL CT has recently visited some neighboring restaurants in Greenwich, Old Greenwich, Stamford, and New Canaan. And now they're coming to one of my favorite restaurant areas in South Norwalk (SoNo) CT on November 20th at 7:00pm!

Several restaurants will be selected - and we'll visit them, sample some of their special dishes, and meet the chefs and owners of some of the best culinary goodness around!

Shhhh...the participating venues are kept a secret until just before the event. But I know they'll be the best of the best. And there are so many GREAT restaurants in the area, that there's really no way you can go wrong!

Follow them on twitter and you might be one of the first to know! ==> @DishcrawlFCT 

Photo Source: Dishcrawl-SoNo



Tickets are still available - but caution - they sell out quick!  Get yours NOW!!!

Click here to purchase ==> http://dishcrawl.com/sono/


See you in SoNo CT on November 20th!

Dishcrawl will notify attendees regarding the meeting location via email, 
48 hours prior to the event.

Questions?
Contact Jesse, the Fairfield County Dishcrawl Ambassador! 
Email:  jessel@dishcrawl.com

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Champagne Day with Henri's Reserve at Southport Galleries

Well here's a new holiday that's fun to enjoy! Global Champagne Day!

That's right folks, it's not just a national movement, this one is global! Follow the hash tag #ChampagneDay to see all the posts and tweets in a multitude of languages and from all the participating countries! Merci à toutes et à tous pour le partage de ce C’Day 2013!

Ruth Franz, founder of the magnificent wine eboutique, Henri's Reserve, held an Artisanal Champagne Tasting in Southport, at the beautiful Southport Galleries, to lead the Connecticut coalition in celebrating the day!


What a wonderful afternoon we had sipping some bubbly champagnes, and nibbling some equally magnificent offerings from Sweet and Simple Bakery,  LeRouge Handmade Chocolates by Aarti,  the Fairfield Cheese Company,  and Wave Hill Breads.  And best of all, the backdrop was the beautiful Southport Galleries, home to fine American masters and exciting contemporary artists, many of whom are Connecticut locals!

I love the story behind Henri's Reserve! Ruthie explained that while she loved her former occupation of working with some of the best Champagne houses, those that make millions of cases of the best known Champagnes; so many of her clients were looking for the small Champagne houses, that manufacture in small batches. And just like that Henri's Reserve was born! This is NOT your ORDINARY champagne house! These are the true artisan champagne makers who do what they love and love what they do!

From the Henri's Reserve website:

What it’s NOT is ordinary. Here, you can only procure exceptional grower champagnes offering true depth and subtlety—original tastes you won’t find anywhere else. Handcrafted, estate-bottled champagnes produced by houses that ship often less than 5,000 cases a year and produce vastly fewer of their cuvée spéciales.

In honor of Champagne Day we sampled four of Ruthe's Artisal Treasures, and I loved that they included suggested food pairings with each sample! And Henri's Reserve items are lovingly packaged, with a variety of wine clubs (monthly, bi-monthly, and quarterly) for every connoisseur!


Also celebrating Champagne Day at Southport Galleries were:

LeRouge Chocolates by the delightful Aarti Khosla, whose eclectic mixes of peppers, fruits,and assorted nuts are fused with exotic dark chocolates for an amazing taste sensation.

My favorite? The apple pie a la mode, made with an apple and cinnamon ganache, a gluten free alternative to the traditiaonal apple pie! You can purchase Aarti's creations online at http://www.lerougebyaarti.com/.

Sweet and Simple Bakery in Fairfield CT. We were so sad that we missed owner Michelle Jaffe by just a few minutes, but we were delighted to meet her friend and new assistant Carrie.


We loved Carrie! She shares our admiration for Michelle's mad baking skills, and we were in compete and total agreement that the extra pinch of love that Michelle puts in all her creations is why Sweet and Simple's baked goods are so amazing! You can visit Michelle at her bakery at 75 Hillside Road, Fairfield CT - or purchase online at http://www.sweetandsimple.com.


Wave Hill Breads of Norwalk, whose olive and roasted red pepper ciabatta completely wowed everyone! So good, so light and delectably delicious!

Wave Hill Breads is located at 30 High Street in Norwalk Connecticut and was recently named Connecticut Magazine's best bread in CT for 2013!

And Fairfield Cheese Company, whose cheese was so creamy sweet, that if I didn't know better I'd swear it was butter. Delicious!

Fairfield Cheese Company is located at 2090 Post Road in Fairfield CT and many items are also available for purchase online at https://fairfieldcheese.com/lets-shop/. Want to learn more about Fairfield Cheese Company's cheese?  Attend one of their Cheese Schools at: https://fairfieldcheese.com/cheese-school/

I had such a wonderful time celebrating Champagne Day with Henri's Reserve and friends, and learning about the wonderful artisan wine selections. I especially love the different sampler packages that are offered at different price points. There's truly something for everyone! Learn more about Henri's Reserve and their exclusive eboutique here: http://www.henrisreserve.com/The-Champagnes/Henris-Sampler

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the beautiful backdrop for this lovely evening, the Southport Galleries itself. The historic building is a former hardware store, with the bins still visible in the upper level. Southport Galleries is located at 330 Pequot Avenue in Southport, CT.



For more pictures of this lovely event, visit the Home Place Facebook page HERE and while you're there, don't forget to "Like" us!


Thanks to Ruthie and friends, and all in attendance for making this such a wonderful evening!
Bon vivants unite! 

*****

Comments? Questions? I'd love to hear from you in the comment section below!

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Connecticut Holiday and Craft Fairs - 2013

Everybody loves a great holiday craft fair!


 Here's some that you'll want to add to your calendar!
Want to add your Holiday Fair to the calendar?
Email homeplaceblogger@live.com with details

Branford:

First Baptist Church of Branford Holiday Bazaar
December 7th, 9am - 3pm
First Baptist Church
975 Main Street
Branford Center
Branford, CT
ALL PROCEEDS going to benefit the wider community of Newtown via the Sandy Hook Restoration Fund!


St. Mary's Ladies Guild Annual Christmas Bazaar
December 7th 8:00am - 2:00pm
St. Mary's School
62 Cedar St, Branford, CT 06405
(203) 488-8386

St. Therese's Holiday Fair
Saturday, Nov.23, 8:30AM to 4:00PM
Sunday, Nov.24, 9:00AM to noon
105 Leetes Island Road
Branford, CT 06405
203.488.2998


Cheshire:

Shoppers Delite and Christmas Bazaar
November 9th 9am-3pm
St. Bridget Parish Center
171 Main Street
Cheshire CT
Vendor space: Applicants must call for details
Contact: Mary 203.272.2650

Chester

Holiday Shopping Extravaganza
Featuring fabulous and unique artisans, gourmet imported and local edibles, jewelry, mixed media and more! There are over 25 different booths to entice you and help with your holiday gift giving
Friday, December 6, 2013 5:00pm to 9:00 pm  
The Chester Meeting House
4 Liberty Street
Chester, CT 06412

East Haven:

Joseph Melito Middle School Holiday Craft Far
November 23rd 9am to 3pm
East Haven Senior Center
91 Taylor Avenue
East Haven CT
Vendor space available for $25.00 (craft item donation required for raffle)
Contact: Maria 203.675.3476

Hamden:

Silk and Sounds Fall Festival / Holiday Bazaar
November 9th 9am to 2pm
Knights of Columbus Hall
2630 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT
Vendor space available for $50.00
Contact: Louise 203.239.7104 or jtalarczyk@snet.net

Hartford

Community Expo
December 7th from 1:30-4:00 pm
Hartford Public Library
500 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103
Vendor space available for $35.00 (item donation required for raffle)

Tasheena at 860-580-9511 or info@brighterwithin.org

Madison

Daniel Hand High School Holiday Crafts Fair
sponsored by show choir VIBE,
Nov 2310am-4pm, Free Admission.
Daniel Hand High School, 286 Green Hill Road.
For info,please contact Michelle at  860-965-2204

New Haven:

Christmas Bazaar
November 8th from 6pm to 9pm
November 9th from 11am to 6pm
St. Francis
397 Ferry Street
New Haven, CT
Vendor space available for $75.00 (2-days)
Contact: Cindy at 203.444.8628

North Haven:

Faith United Methodist Holiday Bazaar
November 9th 8:30am to 2:30pm
Faith United Methodist Church
81 Clintonville Road
North Haven, CT
Vendor space available for $25.00
Contact: Vicki at 203.265.1070 or vicklip@aol.com

Joyce Budrow Senior Center Annual Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair
November 22nd 3pm - 6pm
November 23rd 9am to 2pm
Joyce C. Budrow Senior Center
189 Pool Road
North Haven, CT
Vendor space available for $25.00
Contact: 203.239.5432

Milford:

St. Andrew's Annual Holiday Fair
November 16th 9am to 3pm
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
283 Bridgeport Avenue
Milford, CT
Vendor space is available for $25.00
Contact: Dee at 203.283.1140

Christ the Redeemer's Ladies Guild Christmas Bazaar
November 23rd 9am to 6pm
Christ the Redeemer Church
325 Oronoque Road
Milford, CT
Vendor space available for $30.00 (deadline 11-1-13)
Contact: Mary Ellen 203.874.6369

Naugatuck

St. Francis- St. Hedwig Holiday Bazaar, 
Dec 15, 8am to 2pm
St. Francis of Assisi Church Hall, 318 Church St. Naugatuck
For info contact Bazaar Chairperson at cms0413@att.net 
Website:  http://www.stfrancishedwig.org/ (Click on News and Events tab)

Ridgefield

Ridgefield Woman’s Club 43rd Annual Craft Fair, 
Nov-23 10am-4pm (inside, juried show) 
East Ridge Middle School, 10 East Ridge Road, 
Admission: $7. 
For info by email: rwc.craftfair@gmail or website:  rwc-craftfair.com

Seymour:

25th Annual Snowflake Fair

November 23rd 9am to 3pm
Seymour Congregational Church
45 Broad Street
Seymour, CT
Vendor space is available for $25.00
Contact: Call 203.888.6729
Email: seymourchurch@comcast.com (put "Snowflake Fair" in the subject line)

Winter Wonderland Craft Fair to benefit Seymour Pink
Seymour Community Center 
20 Pine Street
Seymour, CT 06483
11/23/13 9am-3pm
Contact Elizabeth Pisano
emirabella2006@yahoo.com 

Southington

20th Annual Craft Fair, Aqua Turf, 
Dec 1 CT Southington, 9am-5pm (inside show) 
For Info Contact Patricia at  978-939-2317 or 
patriciak704@gmail.com Website:   www.newenglandcraftshows.com



Trumbull

Trumbull Agriscience Holiday Craft Fair & Plant Sale
Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th
10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Trumbull Agriscience & Biotechnology Center at Trumbull High School
536 Daniels Farm Road
Trumbull, CT  06611
203-452-4200


Wallingford:

Masonicare Holiday Fair
November 30th 9am to 2pm
Masonicare Health Center
Masonic Avenue
Wallingford, CT
Vendor space is available for $50.00 (6 ft. table provided)
Contact: Carla 203.679.6253 or cyoung@masonicare.org
              Noreen 203.679.5744 or nschmidt@masonicare.org

Watertown

Holiday Shopping Boutique
Friday, December 13th 6:00pm – 9:00pm
United Methodist Church
305 Main St. Watertown, CT
Everyone is invited to this exciting shopping event! 
Looking for that hard to buy for person or grab bag gift? You’re sure to find it here at our boutique featuring local business women.  We will have vendors and hand crafters from the Greater Watertown area to help you shop for those on your holiday list!
Vendors include: Thirty One Gifts, Avon, Origami Owl,Wicked Wicks, Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, Tastefully Simple, BeautiControl, Designs by the Sea, It Works, Jewell, Scentsy, Beautycounter, Lia Sophia & More!
Free Raffles  ~ Free Admission
Free Coffee & Dessert while you Shop!


Woodbridge:

JCC Arts and Craft Fair
November 24th 10am to 4pm
JCC of Greater New Haven
360 Amity Road
Woodbridge, CT
Vendor space is available for $70.00 - $85.00 (deadline 11-3-13)
Contact: Tanya 203. 387.2522 x216 or tanyaw@jccnh.org

Our Lady of Assumption Christmas Bazaar and Craft Fair
November 16th from 10am to 4pm
Our Lady of Assumption Church
75 Center Road
Woodbridge, CT
Vendor space is available for $50.00 - $75.00
Contact: Kathy@bbesq.com or 203.393.3761

*Note: Home Place is not affiliated with any of these organizations and cannot be held responsible for any pricing or cost errors or changes in dates.



Saturday, October 19, 2013

Mama's Boy Southern Table and Refuge in South Norwalk CT

This week we headed up to Fairfield county to the eclectic South Norwalk CT and experienced some good ole' southern hospitality at Mama's Boy Southern Table and Refuge.

As part of their fall promotion, they invited a great mix of media representatives to sample some of their fall offerings. The cowboy was FINALLY able to accompany me, and was equally excited to try some southern goodness. Since he's a good ole' boy from the hills of Virginia, I knew he'd really like a place that bills itself as a 'southern table and refuge'!

Mama's Boy Southern Table and Refuge



Mama's Boy Restaurant is incredibly easy to find! It's located directly across from the Norwalk Maritime Center, and steps away from an easy access parking garage. Just look for the red and white 25 foot high sea buoy, and the restaurant is right there behind it!

Mama's Boy Restaurant - The 25 ft buoy pictured above on the right acts as a great landmark!

As soon as we arrived we were warmly greeted by owner Greer Fredericks who gave us a quick tour and some background info on her beautiful new restaurant. Meanwhile, bartender Chris gave us the libation menu and I happily selected their famous "Georgia Peach" cocktail made with Ciroc Peach Vodka, Amaretto, Orange Juice, and Lemon Juice.
Chris prepared a Georgia Peach Cocktail
I absolutely loved the combination of the highly aromatic peach vodka, mixed with both orange and lemon juices, giving the martini both a sweet and tart flavor. I'm always leery of a too-sweet cocktail, and the tang from the lemon juice was the perfect addition!

After greeting our dining companions for the evening, we settled in to our corner section  to experience some of the low-country favorites featured at Mama's Boy! In attendance for the night were Kait from 4LoveofCarrots, Jenn from That'sSoJenn, Anatoli from Talk-a-Vino, Dee from Dee'sCuisine, Chris and Jeff from Cooking with Jeff and Christina, and new friends Frank from EpicCures / RestaurantsCT, and Valerie from BonVivant.

We started with  galvanized buckets of steaming hot boiled peanuts and a basket of delicious corn muffins!
(L) Redneck Edamame Georgia peanuts boiled in a house spice blend
(R) Basket of fresh made corn muffins fruit preserves and honey butter
Next up, fried chicken skin and deviled eggs with okra pickles. I'll sheepishly admit, that my favorite part of Thanksgiving is eating so much crispy, salty, turkey skin, that I don't have room for the Thanksgiving bird. The fried chicken skin had the same flavor profile and was amazingly good. Make sure you sample it on your visit!  The deviled eggs were equally good, and something I've never seen on a restaurant menu before. But you and I both know a good deviled egg is a favorite snack to almost everyone! Go on, admit it!

(L) Deviled Eggs house-smoked Tasso, okra pickles
(R) Fried Chicken Skins with pickled beets and jalapeno-garlic honey dips
Then we were treated to a cast iron cauldron of low country bouillabaisse! The broth was light, fresh, and flavorful and each and every item was cooked to perfection.

Low-country Bouillabaisse, made with grouper, white shrimp, mussels,
house-smoked andouille, baby corn, potato, shrimp broth
The mussels were sweet, the potatoes salty, the broth buttery, the grouper delicate, and the fusion of flavors was incredible! Each item was incredible. And, although the cowboy isn't a big fan of mussels or shrimp,(what's wrong with that boy?)  he loved the broth and kept going back for more grouper! And me? Well, of course, I kept going back for more of EVERYTHING!

Next up on our sampler menu were: The Charleston Crab Cake, a scrumptious chock full of lump crabmeat crispy cake sitting atop a bed of creamy sweet corn. Shrimp and Grits followed, and were served 'southern-style' perfectly centered in a cast iron skillet. The presentation was beautiful, as was the dish, flavorful shrimp, luscious grits, and a heavenly pimento cream gravy. The BLT Salad, but not your typical BLT, this one had a twist and was made with spicy candied bacon, artisan lettuce, and fried green tomatoes in a tangy buttermilk dressing!
(L) Charleston Crab Cakes, with creamed corn, house smoked bacon, red pepper, green onion
(C) Shrimp and Grits with white shrimp, Fall’s Mill grits, house-smoked Tasso, spring onion, pimento cream gravy
(R) BLT Salad made with fried green tomatoes, candied bacon, artisan lettuce, buttermilk-herb dressing
Time for the entrees! As if we weren't already full!! Next up was a Country Fried Game Hen served with collard greens and corn bread waffles. So good! The poultry was juicy and delicious on the inside, and light and flavorfully crispy on the outside. The cowboy was in collard green heaven.

And lastly, was what our waitress Nicole called "a mini-stegosaurus" a Crispy Pork Shank.
(L) The Little Yardbird marinated country fried game hen, corn bread waffle, braised collard greens
with 
Brookside Farms maple syrup, habanero jelly
(R) Crispy Pork Shank Sea Island red pea maque choux, herb infused braising liquid

Don't ask me how, but we somehow found room for coffee and dessert! I had a wonderfully creamy rich cappuccino and at our table we shared thick gooey slices of spice cake, red velvet cake, and carrot cake.

A trio of Cakes and Cappuccino

Some must mentions from our visit.

Owner, Greer, was the consummate host and purveyor of hospitality, and a true appreciator of the southern style and charm. When I asked the Ridgefield CT native, "Why southern cuisine" - she immediately quipped "Why not". And I was an instant fan from there.

I agree. Why not!

Greer and her staff embody the true southern way of cooking, that doesn't necessarily mean 'dripping with butter' but is instead centered around the flavors of the south, and a love of good food, good conversation, and good company.

Chef Scott Ostrander, a CIA graduate, brings a decade of experience from around the south, and has even prepared his cuisine for two Presidents, Clinton and Bush. His love of the farm to table movement is evident in his use of so many locally sourced items and ingredients.

Pastry chef Natalie Duplessy, is a goddess. It's as simple as that. The cowboy is in love with her and her spice cake, and only begrudgingly, allowed others at the table to partake in our shared slice.


The atmosphere is relaxed, service is friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. Tables are roomy, and seating is comfortable. Of special note are the dinner napkins, oversize cotton kitchen towels that sit nicely on the lap, and are soft and comfy to the touch. Much better than an overly starched white dinner napkin!

Large jugs of water are placed on the table. A relief for those of us that love to have a clear beverage with our meals. AND...If available, ask for "The Drink" a mix of gin and mint and Chris's secret ingredients. Oh so good, and the perfect accompaniment to a southern meal.

And classic blues music floats lightly in the background. Pure bliss.

We absolutely loved Mama's Boy in South Norwalk. And you will too! Stop by for their Madmen Lunch Specials, Sunday Brunch, and Happy Hour Specials.

19 North Water Street 
South Norwalk, CT 06854

Like them on facebook: facebook/mamasboy
Follow them on twitter: @mamasboyct
Follow them on instagram: @mamasboyct


******
Have you been to Mama's Boy?

Do you like southern style cooking?

What would you like to try from our sampling menu?

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

******

Disclaimer: We were invited to this promotional  sampling at the Mama's Boy Southern Table and Refuge, however, the views and opinions expressed herein are my own.


Mama's Boy Southern Table & Refuge on Urbanspoon

Sunday, October 13, 2013

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



Saturday, October 12, 2013

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

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

*****

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. 

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

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.
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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!)
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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.
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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...


406 Redding Road
West Redding, CT  06896
203.938.3388




***
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.
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