Archive for the ‘Food’ Category

Out and about: Things to see and places to be this weekend

Friday, May 17, 2013 by:Christina Hennessy
Comment
Comments
|
|

There are other events, of course, too, some of which stretch into the next week.

Aspiring illustrators plan to gather in Westport to enjoy the town library’s first comics convention. Musical fans have several year-end concerts to enjoy, including a performance by the Stamford Young Artists Philharmonic. Christine Lavin will make a return to the Edmond Town Hall in Newtown. Jean-Michel Cousteau will be at the Maritime Aquarium early next week. James McCartney (yes, Paul’s son) will be in New Haven. And, Melissa Ferrick will feature songs from her new record during an appearance in Fairfield.

Like the “American Idol(s)” of today, Jenny Lind captured the attention of America back in 1850, during a tour of the country organized by P.T. Barnum. The singer’s influence continues today with Saturday’s Jenny Lind competition that is part of the Barnum Festival. Meanwhile, Danbury band Standby hopes to attract some attention during a release party at Heirloom Arts Theatre. The Connecticut Choral Society delivers some music, as well.

On stage, A.R. Gurney’s “Black Tie” will receive its Connecticut premiere this weekend in Stratford. And community dancers will take to the stage to raise funds for Curtain Call.

Phew! But, wait …

You can see Pilobolus at the Shubert Theater in New Haven. There will be a full weekend for endangered species at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. A parody of “Harry Potter” comes to Hartford. You can see the stars in Stamford or Danbury. Singer Summer Williams will entertain in Bethel. Westfair Singers will put on a concert in Greenwich. The Travelin’ McCourys and Karla Bonoff will be in Mamaroneck, N.Y. The Capitol Theatre will welcome Iron & Wine and Secret Sisters. Or, perhaps it is a spring doo wop you seek. Motley Crue anyone? Soundgarden? Rave On will be in Westport. And, Connecticut Playmakers will begin two weekends of popular hits.

“Connecticut Inventions and Innovations” will open in Bridgeport. Lidia Bastianich and Faith Middleton will be in Simbsury. And Boothe Memorial Park will mark the beginning of a season in style. You can help the Norwalk Seaport Association open its season on Saturday. You can check out Adopt-A-Dog and Westhill High School’s combined cause. Or, you can walk in support of breast cancer research.

Until next time …

P.S. The Bruce Hornsby show, originally scheduled for Sunday, May 19, at the Ridgefield Playhouse has been postponed because the singer is coping with a “persistent vocal issue,” according to the Playhouse. The show has been rescheduled to Sept. 29. A recent news statement indicated that previously purchased tickets will be honored.

Lidia Bastianich heats it up in Norwalk

Tuesday, May 7, 2013 by:Christina Hennessy
Comment
Comments(1)
|
|

Culinary celebrity Lidia Bastianich is whipping up a brand new television show, set to air in October on public television stations across the country. Bastianich’s new show will coincide with her new cookbook, “Lidia’s Commonsense Italian Cooking.”

All 26 episodes of “Lidia’s Kitchen,” which is being produced by her production company, Tavola Productions, were recently taped at Clarke Showroom and Test Kitchen in Norwalk, Conn. The shoot took just nine days.

In a recent news release, the store’s general manager Sean Clarke said he was honored to have her use the showroom as her studio kitchen, considering she uses her home kitchen in her other cooking shows, which include “Lidia’s Italy in America” and “Lidia’s Italy.”

Clarke’s other appliance showroom in Massachusetts will serve as the studio kitchen for Chef Ming Tsai, who will tape his 11th season for the PBS’ “Simply Ming” this summer. Seven years ago, Clarke produced its own show, “New England Living,” which focused on different areas of New England and featured a cooking demonstration by a local chef.

Clarke began in 1955 when Jim Clarke Sr. opened an appliance store, The Clarke Electric Company in Stamford, according to the company’s website.

“While television is certainly not our core business, we believe in the power of video to communicate and empower,” Clarke noted in the release. “Lidia’s show is totally synergistic with our mission at Clarke. We like to tell our clients that cooking is believing.”

Out and about: Things to see and places to be this weekend

Friday, May 3, 2013 by:Christina Hennessy
Comment
Comments
|
|

go0502mustang-001c

Above, the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s Model Ts to Mustangs outdoor antique and classic car display will take place Saturday, May 4, 2013, and feature many makes and models. However, special attention will be given to Fords this year. For more information, call 203-322-1646 or visit http://www.stamfordmuseum.org. Contributed photo

With the spring blooms having sprung and nice weather on tap for the weekend, it appears to be the time to check out a number of outdoor events planned over the next few days.

Car fans can see how the Model T eventually gave rise to the Mustang, and later Ford models, during the 10th annual classic and antique car show at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. About 70 cars are expected to roll their way onto the meadow on Saturday, and perhaps pick up a few honors in the process. Flora will be the focus in Fairfield when the 78th annual Dogwood Festival gets under way. There will be music, blossoms, outdoor items to purchase and food to enjoy. KidsFest will bring vendors, activities and inflatables to Ridgefield’ Ballard Park. And Wilton will enjoy a Go Green festival in this season of green.

Of course, there will be music, too, including a special concert at Sacred Heart University in honor of the late actress and singer Patricia Hemenway-Cook. The Greenwich Choral Society will be spreading a bit of “Eternal Joy,” and welcoming back Greenwich native Holly Sorensen. Pacifica Quartet will be in Westport and Rodgers and Hammerstein will be honored with a show in Bridgeport. The Connecticut Master Chorale will put on “A Hungarian Rhapsody” in Newtown. Joni Mitchell’s “Blue” tribute will be staged in Hamden. And, Yale’s Redhot and Blue will perform at the Coastal Chordsmen Barbershop Chorus’ annual show in Stratford.

The weekend continues into next week, with a melding of film and music when the Fairfield Theatre Company hosts a screening of “Stop Making Sense,” the 1984 Talking Heads concert movie. It will help to raise funds for the theater company and WPKn 89.5.

Live productions aimed at a younger audience include “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” and “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” in Fairfield, “Little Mermaid Jr.” in Ridgefield and the “Wizard of Odds” in Bridgeport. Children and families may also want to check out the Victorian tea party that is taking place in Norwalk.

The stage is not just for children’s fare. “American Idiot” comes to the Shubert, while Albee’s “Seascape” comes to New Milford. “Looped” arrives in Hartford; “Clybourne Park” settles in to New Haven run; “The Dixie Swim Club” will be presented in Stamford and “The Dining Room” continues in Westport. “Of Mice and Men” will open in New Canaan and “The Little Dog Laughed” will play in Newtown.

There are several art events, as well, including an opening reception for Steven Miller’s work in Greenwich, an ongoing show of Philip Trager’s work, a First Fridays event at the Aldrich, the 14th annual Vivian and Stanley Marine Show opens at the Stamford Art Association galleries.

Tomorrow also marks Free Comic Book Day. Several shops around the area will be hosting the day with special events, including Stamford’s A Timeless Journey. At Heroes Comics & Cards in Norwalk, Jeff Marsick and Kirk Manley will be there signing their books (“Dead Man’s Party” and “Z-Girl and the 4 Tigers”), making art and giving away items. Rogue Comics of Bridgeport will be involved, as will Alternate Universe of Milford and New Haven.

Rounding out the weekend (and into next week), Florence Henderson, a star of theater and television, will be at the Sacred Heart University’s Edgerton Center this weekend to talk about her career. You can see her before she attained her “Brady Bunch” fame in performance below. Dennis Elsas of WFUV will present “Rock ‘n’ Roll Never Forgets” at the Avon Theatre in Stamford and comedian Elaine Williams comes to Ridgefield.

Get on out there. Until next time …

 

Dan Aykroyd to get into the spirit in Norwalk

Wednesday, April 3, 2013 by:Christina Hennessy
Comment
Comments
|
|

Throughout his long movie career, Dan Aykroyd’s has faced a disgruntled bar crowd and angry protoplasmic creatures. He has battled dangerous foreign operatives and become embroiled in neighborhood politics, just in time for the holidays. But his part in an event on Saturday, April 6, 1-3 p.m. hopefully will be a lot more peaceful than all that.

This actor and musician turned wine and spirit producer will be visiting with fans and signing bottles of his Crystal Head vodka at Total Wine & More, 380 Main Ave., Norwalk.

“He has been working with us for a while now,” said Edward Cooper, of the Potomac, Md.-based company’s affiliation with the actor. In the past, Aykroyd has visited some of the chain’s other locations to meet with fans and talk about his wines and spirits. The store opened last year.

For those who want to pick up a bit of knowledge about the vodka before meeting this maker can get a sense of what has gone in to the product by watching this video. For instance, the unique packaging reflects Aykroyd’s interest in the supernatural, which also is reflected in the way this spirit is produced.

Cooper said the company works to create these opportunities, so that customers can meet the maker of the products in the store. But, he said this one also brings out the fans of Aykroyd’s show business career. He said he would not be surprised to see people in line dressed like some of the star’s most recognizable characters, including Dr. Raymond Stantz, Elwood Blues or Georg Festrunk, brother to Steve Martin’s Yortuk Festrunk and one half of the “Two Wild & Crazy Guys from “Saturday Night Live”’s early years.

“He is a terrific guy and very personable,” Cooper, the company’s vice president of public affairs, said of Aykroyd. “I think the customers will really enjoy his visit.”

Out and about: Things to see and places to be this weekend

Friday, February 8, 2013 by:Christina Hennessy
Comment
Comments
|
|

Given the weather, the first part of the weekend might be less about being out and about and more about staying in, but still there should be a few diversions worth checking out once the snow has moved on through.

First, there are some postponed events because of the weather. The performance of Rhonda Denet and the Bad Cats scheduled for Friday, Feb. 8 at Danbury’s Palace Theatre has been postponed. And the Danbury Museum’s Valentine’s Day Cake Creation Celebration will get cooking on Feb. 23.

Also, Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack, which was set to perform at Waterbury’s Palace Theatre, Friday, Feb. 8, has been postponed (new date and time May 2, 7:30 p.m.), as has The Pink Floyd Experience, which was set for Feb. 9 at the theater (now Tuesday, Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m.) And, a Smooth Jazz Affair, set for Saturday night, will now swing at 6 p.m., Feb. 22. Tonight’s Martin Sexton performance at the Fairfield Theatre Company also has been postponed.

The Makers Forum set for Saturday at the Westport Public Library has been postponed, though a new date has yet to be determined. The Voices of Poetry event at the Bank Street Coffee House in New Milford has been moved from Saturday, Feb. 9, to Saturday, Feb. 16.

For those who are hard-core about their entertainment, I’d suggest calling ahead or checking the websites if you are headed out this weekend. Even today, as I was checking to update the schedule, the weather (and its inherent uncertainty) was making it hard for organizers to determine whether to postpone or go on with their events. Whatever you do, be safe out there!

So far, the Chili Winter Warm Up in Danbury still plans to warm things up Sunday at the Danbury Ice Arena, Black Rock Rocks still plans to bring a taste of Mardi Gras to the Park City (organizers say they will assess the situation by Saturday morning and post updates to their website and Facebook).

Fans of Bon Jovi know a little snow won’t keep these rockers from taking to the stage. The band’s Feb. 9 show at Mohegan Sun is scheduled to kick off as planned, though you can check here throughout the day today and tomorrow to see if anything changes. Tenor Alek Shrader will give a free afternoon performance at the Pequot Library as part of the Young Persons’ Concert and The Kerry Boys will be bringing some Irish-flavored music to the Westport Public Library on Sunday. That is the same day “A Family Concert of Caring, Healing and Togetherness” will be performed in Ridgefield.

The Towne Crier in Pawling has several events coming up this weekend, including Luther “Guitar Jr.” Johnson and the Magic Rockers on Saturday, Feb. 9, and Jeffery Broussard on Sunday, Feb. 9, for an annual Mardi Gras celebration. And, you can still catch a laugh at Foxwoods with “Last Comic Standing” winner Alonzo Bodden.

Once the snow settles, you may want to check out the work of painter Stanley Meltzoff, which is featured in a show at the Bruce Musuem (where Chinasaurs also recently opened.) And, the artists of the St. Philip Artists’ Guild, will be hosting their first Valentine’s Day-themed art show from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 10. That is the same day Junie B. Jones is set to hit the stage in Westport.

And, later in the week, author Nicholas Sparks will be the featured speaker at Sacred Heart University’s Students Affairs Lecture.

Stay safe and keep warm.

Until next time …

Out and about: Things to see and places to be this weekend

Friday, February 1, 2013 by:Christina Hennessy
Comment
Comments(1)
|
|

Undoubtedly, there will be Super Bowl fans among the Souper Bowl fans at the fifth annual Chowdafest at the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard, but one not need be a fan of the big game to come out for a tasty competition. Organizers are hoping to draw the crowds on Sunday, which will not only determine the day’s top soups, but also raise funds to benefit the Connecticut Food Bank.

You can get a look here at participating restaurants and the kind of frothy goodness you will find (such as chicken Marsala soup, Sengalese peanut soup and oyster pork belly chowder). May the best soup win!

If chocolate is your thing, Sunday is the day for the 20th annual Chocolate Lovers’ Expo in Soutbury. Bring those appetites, since vendors will be sampling items.

There is plenty more to this weekend, however, beginning with today’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of Grand Central Terminal. If you have not already made it in to New York City, there are plenty of activities planned during the day to honor this busy transportation hub. If you want to mark another anniversary, you can make your way to the Stamford Center for the Arts Palace Theatre where Paco Pena and his flamenco dancers and musicians will help the Namaskaar Foundation celebrate a quarter century.

As with every weekend, music fans have plenty to choose from, including a performance by Sixpence None the Richer in Fairfield, the Blue Oyster Cult in Ridgefield, Stephanie Blythe at the Quick Center, The Temptations and the Four Tops in Stamford, Mystic Bowie, Lindsey Stirling, School of Rock, The Zamboinis, Darik and the Funbags, Bfunked, The Bernadettes, Ryan Monbleau, the U.S. Coast Guard Band, Fairfield County Children’s Choir, and Brother Sun and Sister Sun. Concerts also continue to benefit victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy.

There is no lack of movies, from the 007 Red Carpet Festival at the Avon Theatre in Stamford or “Body of War” at the Ridgefield Playhouse. On stage, you can catch some “Ancestral Voices” at the Music Theatre of Connecticut in Westport or “The Addams Family” in New Haven. “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” opens in Stamford. Some community productions get under way as well, including “The Yellow Dress” in Wilton, “Big River” in Shelton, “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” in Milford and “Rabbit Hole” in Westport.

Dave Kane aims to make audiences chuckle in Danbury, while Margaret Cho arrives at Foxwoods. Connecticut-based Treehouse Comedy also has a full lineup in multiple venues this weekend. You will not go wanting for comics.

You also can check out the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut’s first visual art show of the year or have a “Brush with Magic” in Fairfield.

This weekend also marks the “Take Your Child to the Library Day,” with various towns and cities, such as Bridgeport, Norwalk, Greenwich, Stamford and New Canaan planning special events. “The Tortoise and the Hare” will be performed in Fairfield. And a “Look and See” program will be held next week as part of the “Chinasaurs” exhibition now open at the Bruce Museum.

You also may want to sharpen some pencils (or tuck a pen into your pocket if you are that good) and high-tail it over to the Westport Library. The 14th annual Crossword Puzzle Contest gets under way Saturday.

1-2-3 Hut! Until next time ….

Out and about: Things to see and places to be this weekend

Friday, January 25, 2013 by:Christina Hennessy
Comment
Comments
|
|

The area will soon be filled with singers, musicians, actors, authors, artists and other performers, ready to provide an eclectic mix of entertainment. It begins tonight with several musical performances, including the Pink Floyd tribute band The Machine, Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, Michael Dunham Trio, What Up Funk Band, Dylan Connor and the Epic Poets, The Fred Eaglesmith Traveling Steam Show, Groove Time, City Express Band, Marilyn Manson and others.

On Saturday, the music continues with Greenwich Symphony, Bang on a Can All-Stars, Chris Trapper, Great American Ghost, Tom Crowley and the Speakers, Aaron Lewis, a Johnny Mercer tribute, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Lita Ford, Jeremy Denk, Kashmir, Wynton Marsalis and a Hot & Cool jazz session.

On Sunday, one can check out Kate Liu, Christine Ebersole, the Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut, Tokyo String Quartet and others. And, one can see the intersection of jazz and art during a special performance at the Old Town Hall Museum (175 Atlantic St.) in Stamford, Sunday, 2 to 5 p.m.

There are some tasty treats in store as well, including a “Chocolate World Expo” in Norwalk on Sunday. The 10th annual Winefest will take place in Uncasville.

On stage, “Next to Normal” comes to Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport. “Almost Maine” visits for a spell in Hartford. The Clockwork Repertory Theatre takes on a murder-mystery. And next Wednesday, stage fans can get a behind-the-scenes view of Broadway with the one-night only screening of “One Night Stand: Creating a Play in a Day.”

Author Fran Lebowitz will come to share her view of things during an evening at Fairfield University on Monday. A celebration of the lunar new year will kick off on Sunday. Graveyard shift tours are set at the Mark Twain House. The artist William Wegman will show work in Westport inspired by his travels (see right). Bruce Museum’s Chinasaurs opens this weekend. And “Texas Chainsaw” fans will be gathering in Norwalk.

Kids may want to check out “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” at the Emelin Theatre. “Yo Gabba Gabba Live” comes to Port Chester, N.Y. Stepping Stones Museum in Norwalk hosts a night for “The Lorax.” Trumbull Library will host a concert for the whole family. “Fancy Nancy” comes to Westport and the “Jungle Book” will be in Waterbury. Several night hikes also are planned in Ansonia and New Canaan.

There’s plenty to do, as always. Plan ahead, get started early and enjoy!

Until next time …

“Souper” bowl to heat up Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard

Wednesday, January 23, 2013 by:Christina Hennessy
Comment
Comments
|
|

Spoons will soon be at the ready as the fifth annual Chowdafest is set to kick off at the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard in less than two weeks. Having outgrown its home at Westport’s Bedford Middle School, the event will likely attract about 10,000 people, all of whom will have a chance to determine just who can lay claim to having the best soup.

This culinary competition, which began in 2008, has consistently attracted competitors from across Fairfield County who vie for the top three spots in three categories: classic New England clam chowder, creative chowder, and soup or bisque. This year, organizers have cast their net a bit farther and are featuring restaurants from Middlesex and Hartford counties. It is organized annually by members of the Unitarian Church of Westport.

Soup fans can look forward to a varied menu of concoctions, including multiple takes on the classic, and creative creations featuring such ingredients as chicken marsala, buffalo chicken and sweet onions. Manhattan clam chowder fans can rejoice, too, since this is the first year it will be in the “souper” bowl lineup. You can check out the full complement of competitors at the event’s website.

Event chairman Jim Keenan said with the event taking place on Sunday, Feb. 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., he expects families and foodies to use the soup-fest as a kickoff to the Super Bowl festivities set for later in the evening. At the very least, football fans will be well-fed by the time the game begins. To get into the party spir

it, the Sacred Heart University marching band will be entertaining the crowds and kids will have their own activity area in which they can design chef hats and enjoy other activities.

Youngsters also are encouraged to utilize their taste buds and let their thoughts be known on who should be deemed a winner.

Entry fees are $10 for adults, $5 for children 6 to 12 and free for those 5 and younger. Visitors also are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations, which will allow one to be entered into a raffle. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the Connecticut Food Bank.

Leading up to the big event will be a number of appearances by Chowdafest’s mascot Chef Quahog. Presenting sponsor Stop & Shop will be hosting Quahog beginning this week at stores throughout the area.

The next appearance is set for Friday, Jan. 25, at the Westport store from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. You can see the rest of the appearances here.

Page 1 of 6123Last »