Friday, January 19, 2018

2018 Connecticut Flower and Garden Show - in Hartford CT

The 37th Connecticut Flower and Garden Show
is coming to Hartford Convention Center
February  22-25, 2018 



I was so happy tonight when I left work - and it was still light out! This time of year the days are noticeably getting longer - which means ONE thing! 

That's right!

 SPRING IS ON THE WAY!

And that means it's time to count down to the Connecticut Flower & Garden Show in Hartford CT! Here's where we New Englanders can enjoy the beauty of spring even before the weather warms up!


This year the 37th annual “Connecticut Flower & Garden Show” begins on Thursday, February 22th and runs through Sunday, February 25th, 2018 at the Connecticut Convention Center on 100 Columbus Blvd. in Hartford. 

This show NEVER disappoints and is one of the largest and most prestigious flower shows in all of New England. This year's theme is "Breath of Spring" -- a completely perfect theme!


The show’s hours are: 

Thursday, Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to  7 p.m.; 
Friday, Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; 
Saturday, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and 
Sunday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The colorful, fragrant show covers almost three acres of a “Breath of Spring”, with creative and practical ideas for house, apartment and condo dwellers alike.  



Highlights include: 



  • Over an acre of different gardens in full bloom, created by professional landscape designers and nonprofit organizations. Includes naturalistic, low maintenance, native, organic, herb and pollinator gardens. Featured in this area will be “Butterfly Encounter”, an interactive walk-through exhibit of live butterflies in all cycles of development. 
  • Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut’s 2018 Advanced Standard Flower Show: over 12,000 square feet of a design, horticulture, botanical arts and photography competition with more than 250 judged entries, all themed “Breath of Spring”. 
  • 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:  
    • Craig LeHoullier, author of Epic Tomatoes and Growing Vegetables in Straw Bales, Garden Writers Association Gold Award winner 2016; 
    • Stephanie Cohen a/k/a The Perennial Diva, gardening designer, author and lecturer; 
    • Doug Tallamy, author, professor and chair of the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at University of Delaware, who focuses on understanding the many ways insects interact with plants and how such interactions determine the diversity of animal communities;
    • Nancy DuBrule-Clemente, author, horticulturist & owner of Natureworks Horticultural Services, an organic garden center, landscape design, consultation, installation and maintenance service in Northford, Conn.;  
    • Len Giddix, a garden guri, former mushroom grower and the radio co-host of the weekly Garden Talk show; 
    • Tovah Martin, Horticulturalist, author, freelance writer, photo stylist and lecturer; and 
    • Charlie Nardozzi, gardening author, public speaker, radio & TV show host and garden coach. 



Admission: 

$18 Adults; 
$16 Seniors age 62 and over on Thursday/Friday only; 
$5 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 16, 2018 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 Landscaping & Garden Center in Newington; and
  • Woodland Gardens in Manchester.  



Show Sponsors: 

B & P Turf Farm, Maple Meadow Farm, Bob Buettner Florist, Renewals by Anderson, Bedard Enterprises, and North East Expos, Inc.  


To join the email list and get more information about the 2018 Connecticut Flower & Garden Show, seminars, and driving directions, visit www.CTFlowerShow.com or their Facebook page, and follow them on twitter or call North East Expos, Inc. at 860-844-8461.                             

Monday, January 8, 2018

Town Green District - Winter 2018 Flights of Fancy

Flights of Fancy on January 25th!

Winter Wine Crawl 
through
Historic New Haven
Winter 2018 Style!


Join the fun people at the New Haven Town District for the premier wine and shopping event of the season in New Haven! 

There will be exclusive in-store discounts, zero ticket fees, free parking, raffle prizes and special gifts for all who attend! This will make this an evening to remember!  

In addition, there will be a reception and welcome party hosted at The Shubert Theatre with a champagne toast and a Fancy Wonderland photo booth to kick off an evening of sipping, shopping and sampling!


Here are the current "sip and shop" stops for Flights of Fancy!


Ann Taylor | 968 Chapel St |

Barbour | 27 Broadway |

CandiTopia | 1022 Chapel St |

Derek Simpson Goldsmith | 1094 Chapel St |

dwell New Haven | 1022 Chapel St |

GANT | 268 York St |

Hull's Art Supply | 1144 Chapel St |

idiom | 1014 Chapel St |

J. Crew | 29 Broadway |

J Press | 206 College St |

Merwins Art Shop | 1052 Chapel St |

Modern Trousseau | 1020 Chapel St |

Patagonia New Haven | 1 Broadway |

Trailblazer | 296 Elm St |

The Wine Thief | 181 Crown St |

WAVE Gallery | 1046 Chapel St |

Yale Bookstore | 77 Broadway |


Here are the current "Shop and Taste" stops for Flights of Fancy!


Atticus Bookstore | 1082 Chapel St | 

Breathing Room Yoga | 216 Crown St |

The Juice Box | 1092 Chapel St |

Raggs Fashions | 1020 Chapel St |

Ten Thousand Villages | 1054 Chapel St |

The U Store | 265 College St |

Yurway Boutique | 1130 Chapel St |

GET YOUR TICKETS at https://www.squadup.com/events/flightsoffancy


CHECK-IN: The Shubert Theatre | 247 College Street | There will be signage to and from the garage to help you find your way. Registration will be open from 4:30 PM - 7:15 PM- bring valid ID. 

PARKING: Free parking for ticket holders at the Crown Street Garage | 213 Crown St | *validation given at reception only 

WELCOME RECEPTION & RAFFLE: The Shubert Theatre | 247 College St | Guests will be welcomed to Flights of Fancy with a special reception complete with a champagne toast, warm cookies and the chance to pose for photos in the Fancy Wonderland photo booth.  You will receive a map of stops, a stemless wine glass, Flights of Fancy shopping tote bag and other surprise gifts.  


Special thanks to the event sponsors The Wine Thief, The Shubert Theatre and the Broadway Merchants Association.


Sunday, January 7, 2018

Welcome the New -129 - to New Canaan CT

Social Media Promotion: Sponsored     

"129" in New Canaan

129 Restaurant

Ushering the New Year in with a Fresh Look

New Logo - 129
129 Restaurant

I just love when restaurants take it upon themselves to reflect on where they are - where they want to be - and ultimately decide it's time to update and "rebrand" themselves. 

When they do this the right way they start by infusing all that was great in their previous endeavors and inject a fresh new energy and zest into new beginnings. The former "Chef Luis" Restaurant, located at 129 Elm Street in the heart of New Canaan’s bustling retail and dining district, did just that! 

YES! A beautiful rebranding done the right way!

Beginning in November 2017 they announced their new name, new menu focus, and a new executive chef.  

Now called "129 Restaurant" or  simply"129" for short, they offer classic American Contemporary cuisine. Along with the expertise of General Manager Sergio Tamburlini on board, there is a winning combination in both the front and the back of the house.

Join me in welcoming "129" to the New Canaan neighborhood!

We accepted their kind invitation and traveled up Connecticut's scenic Merritt Parkway to New Canaan CT to visit them and sample a few of their items. 


Delicious Cocktails at 129 Restaurant in New Canaan CT
129's revamped cocktail menu

We started with cocktails off their revamped specialty cocktail menu, sampling the Strawberry Julep made with Redemption Bourbon, Fresh Strawberries, Fresh Mint, and some Sparkling Soda Water and the Vodka Mule made with Tito's Vodka, Mescal, Redemption Rye, Fresh Lime Juice, Ginger Beer


Cocktails at 129
129 Cocktails
Strawberry Julep (L)
Vodka Mule (R)

While sipping on our cocktails we were also able to drink in the beautiful artwork courtesy of nearby Sorelle Art Gallery located on Main Street in New Canaan. A partnership with Sorelle Art Gallery provides an extension of their gallery in town, offering a rotating collection of art that is available for purchase. Those pictured below are courtesy of New York artist Jason Young and his team and are made from urethane, automotive lacquer, mirrored plexiglass and mounted on aluminum. 


Photo Courtesy 129 Restaurant

After cocktails we moved on to the appetizer section enjoying a Chicken Taco and a  Chef Salad made with Red and Green Leaf Greens, Sliced Apples, Pecans, and Gorgonzola Cheese.


Chicken Taco Appetizer at 129 Restaurant
Chicken Taco


Chef Salad

We were able to talk with GM Sergio Tamburlini for a few minutes who was equally excited about the revamping as we were. He noted, “To complement our comfortable, family-friendly ambiance, our new all-day menu offers casual cuisine that is accessible to diners of all ages.  Guests will recognize a few of their tried-and-true favorites from our old menu – tacos, calamari chorizo and our classic salads – along with a spin on classic recipes including lobster salad with avocado and grilled tomatoes, tuna tartare with roasted shallots, radish, arugula and avocado, a wild mushroom omelet with organic eggs and gruyere, and more!”

After chatting with our new friend Sergio, we moved on to our dinner selections, the Steak Frites, a Rib-Eye with a shallot reduction and french fries, and the Chicken Paillard, served with Baby Arugula, Heirloom Tomatoes, Cherry Mozzarella, and Fresh Avocados.  

Steak Frites at 129 Restaurant
Steak Frites at 129


Chicken Paillard at 129 Restaurant
Chicken Paillard at 129

Friends, both were amazing! The cowboy is loving me for suggesting he order the Steak Frites and was feeling especially generous by offering me a few bites. I agree - he has good reason to love me!  My Chicken Paillard was equally delicious, the chicken pounded thin just as a good paillard should be - and flash grilled perfectly.

As much as I wanted to try their Tres Leches Cake - I was really hankering for more of a tart ending so I went with the Berry Tart, intending just to eat a bit of it. No way! It was so good I plowed through the whole thing. All. By. My. Self. (!!!)


Berry Tart at 129 Restaurant
Fresh Berry Tart


We know you'll love 129 as much as we did! Be sure you visit them soon! 

129 Restaurant
129 Elm Street
New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 803-1657
https://www.129restaurant.com/


About 129

129 is an American Contemporary restaurant and bar, located in the center of New Canaan, Connecticut at 129 Elm Street.  The menu incorporates new cooking techniques and unique fusions of flavor to enhance the best of classic American dishes for diners of all ages, served in a comfortable, neighborhood environment.  In addition to its food offerings, 129 offers an extensive wine list, creative cocktails and craft beer list.  For more information visit www.129restaurant.com

Disclaimer:
We were invited to 129 by members of their management and marketing team, however, the opinions expressed are entirely our own.


©  Home Place 2018

Thursday, January 4, 2018

The 2018 Mohegan Sun - Sun Wine and Food Fest

Sun Wine & Food Fest Is Back 

At Mohegan Sun 

Events Friday, January 26th - Sunday, January 28


Tickets for the 15th annual Sun Wine & Food Fest
are on sale now!

Whether you consider yourself a true wine connoisseur, a foodie enthusiast, or if you are simply looking for an exciting weekend, you’ll find it all at Sun Wine & Food Fest!

This is Mohegan Sun's weekend of wine, food, and amazing cooking demonstrations!

Beginning on January 26th at Mohegan Sun and ending Sunday evening, Sun Wine & Food Fest returns with its signature showcases including the Grand Tasting and Celebrity Chef Dine Around. Sip and sample your way through a jam-packed lineup including Sunday Brunch with Martha Stewart and the addition of Divine Delights, a sweet pairing of decadent treats and dessert wines.


Bourbon Tasting presented by Beam, Inc. and Bear’s Smokehouse

Start your weekend early and taste a variety of fine bourbons during the Bourbon Tasting inside the Uncas Ballroom. Mix and mingle at the tasting while enjoying top-quality bourbon along with delectable food provided by Bear’s Restaurant Group and a cigar courtesy of Boutique Cigar.
Friday, January 26th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
Tickets to the Bourbon Tasting are $90.00 per person.

Divine Delights presented by E & J Gallo Winery

The Sun Wine & Food Fest sweetens the deal this year with an all-new event! Divine Delights is your passport to explore a world of decadent desserts paired with the perfect wine to savor every sweet bite. Presented by E & J Gallo Winery, Divine Delights is an after-dinner treat you’ll want to save room for!
Friday, January 26th from 8:00pm to 11:00pm in the Uncas Ballroom.
Tickets for Divine Delights presented by E & J Gallo Winery are $90.00 per person.


The Grand Tasting

Sample over 1,000 varieties of wines and beer during Sun Wine & Food Fest’s main event, the Grand Tasting! Sip and sample some of the best wine and beer, as well as an array of specialty spirits inside the Convention Center. Plus, foodies can sample signature dishes from the region’s most highly rated restaurants. The Main Culinary Stage is the backdrop for two days of celebrity chef demonstrations along with fun-filled contests.
Saturday, January 27th from Noon to 5:00pm.
Tickets to the Sun Wine & Food Fest Grand Tasting are $99.00 per person.


Vintage Cru Tasting

Taste the “best-of-the-best” vintages from around the world and get one-on-ones with the winemakers during the Sun Wine & Food Fest Vintage Cru Tasting. Learn the principles behind their craft and get a closer look into some of the finer wines Sun Wine & Food Fest has to offer. Sponsored by Big Rock Oyster, Vermont Creamery and Celebrity Cruise Lines, inside The Cabaret Theatre.
Saturday, January 27th from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.
Tickets to Vintage Cru Tasting are $150.00 per person. The ticket price includes the Vintage Cru Tasting and a $50.00 iGourmet gift card. Tickets do not include access to the Grand Tasting.


Celebrity Chef Dine Around

Guests are invited to the Celebrity Chef Dine Around to watch the masters at work in the Uncas Ballroom. Celebrity chefs such as Alex Guarnaschelli, Rocco Dispirito and Todd English will be on-hand serving up their best recipes at several live cooking stations. Enjoy the pairing of fine wine or premium beer to complement each signature dish.
Saturday, January 27th from 8:00pm to 10:30pm.
Tickets to the Celebrity Chef Dine Around are $199.00 per person.


Sunday Brunch with Martha Stewart and Special Guest SNOOP DOGG

She’s a world-renowned household name and he's an unparalleled music force. Together this dynamic duo are ready to put their own unique spin on Sun Wine & Food Fest’s Sunday Brunch. Domestic diva Martha Stewart  and entertainer extrodinzire Snoop Dogg will host the ultimate feast of savory food and drink during this exclusive brunch event.
Sunday, January 28th from 11:00am to 2:00pm.
Tickets to Sunday Brunch with Martha & Snoop are $90.00 per person.


Sun Wine & Food Fest Ticket Packages

Grain & Grapes Package
Gain entry into the Friday night Bourbon Tasting and the Saturday Sun Wine & Food Fest Grand Tasting with the Grain & Grapes Package. The package is $150.00 and includes entry into both events.

Grain & Goods Package
Bundle the events on Friday including the Bourbon Tasting and Divine Delights presented by E & J Gallo Winery with the Grain & Goodies Package. The package is $150.00 and includes entry into both events.


Saturday Food and Wine Package
The Saturday Food & Wine Package is a perfect choice for guests interested in the Grand Tasting and the Celebrity Chef Dine Around. The package is $250.00 and includes entry into both events.
Select the Winemakers and Chefs Package for access to fine wine and signature dishes at the Vintage Cru Tasting and the Celebrity Chef Dine Around. The package is $300.00 per person and includes entry into both events.

Food & Wine Weekend Package
Guests looking to experience a little bit of everything are able to purchase the Food & Wine Weekend Package which includes entry into the Grand Tasting, the Celebrity Chef Dine Around and Sunday Brunch with Martha Stewart. The package is $325.00 per person and includes entry into all three events.


For more information about all Sun Wine & Food Fest 2018 events, featured personalities, packages, hours and area hotel information, download the Sun Wine & Food Fest app or visit their website.

Mohegan Sun

Mohegan Sun Boulevard
Uncasville, CT 06382
General Information: 1.888.226.7711
Hotel Reservations: 1.888.777.7922
https://mohegansun.com/sun-wine-and-food-fest.html

ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN:
Owned by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States.  Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to three unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, a golf course, over ninty shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and Instagram @mohegansun, view the fun on YouTube and find them on Snapchat at username MoheganSun.

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

The 2018 Fire and Ice Festival at Saybrook Point Inn

Fire & Ice Festival at Saybrook Point Inn


Fire and Ice Festival at Saybrook Point
Photo Courtesy Saybrook Point Inn

Saybrook Point Inn - Fire and Ice Festival
Saturday, January 20th, 2018
12:00 noon - 5:00 pm

The BEST winter festival, Saybrook Point's FIRE & ICE FESTIVAL returns this year on Saturday, January 20th, 2018, from 12pm-5pm.  

Taking place on the Waterfront Terrace and Grand Ballroom, this winter event offers guests a unique day full of food and beverage, ice sculptures and more.   

You can count on winter-themed festivities and demonstrations to be going on all day! The Fire and Ice Festival at Saybrook Point is an event and occasion that is a must see!

The festivities of the day will be accompanied by seasonal food from the amazing culinary team at Fresh Salt along with drink specials from the Marina Bar.

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.


Note: This event is geared for a 21+ crowd.

Fire and Ice 2018!

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.
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