Stamford is Celebrating!

This past Sunday, myself and over 200 Stamford-ites went down to the Old Town Hall steps and helped to celebrate the opening ceremony of Stamford375! This year the City of Stamford turns 375 years young and the Stamford375.org committee have months of events scheduled to mark the occasion.

In 1641, 29 Puritan settlers and their families came to Rippowam (Stamford’s former name) from Weathersfield after a rift within the congregation of the Church of Christ. These intrepid folks decided to come to Southwestern Connecticut to farm, raise their families and start their own sect of The First Congregational Church.  Its first meeting house was built in the area of what is now known as Veteran’s Park and this is what brings us to Sunday’s ceremony!

While this ceremony was billed as a ‘multi-faith’ event in honor of our founding fathers, you needn’t be of a particular faith to go and enjoy a wonderful few hours in the Spring sunshine learning about our history and hearing some inspirational speeches. The tagline of: Many Faiths, One Community: Stamford Proud was quite apropos for such an event.

It began with Sandy Goldstein of DSSD taking the mic to welcome everyone there and with her usual enthusiasm introduced to us all committee members and participants of the day’s event. She served as emcee and with Stamford’s first meeting house established just yards away from the Old Town Hall steps, it was truly fitting to have Downtown Special Service District open the months-long celebrations.

Mayor David Martin took to the podium next to fill us in more on the vision of Stamford375. This was the first time I had seen Mayor Martin speak in person and you could truly see how excited he is about this city-wide project.

From the Stamford Historical Society, Ron Marcus gave us insight on the Religious Faith in Stamford from 1641 to the present. The Historical Society is such a great resource for all of us who live here and it was an honor for me to hear Ron speak.

We had inspiring talks given by both Rabbi Daniel Cohen and Monsignor Stephen Giovanni that I personally took a lot from. While I am not of any religion, inspiration and learning come from everyone around you. This day had many voices to be heard. The message of paying it forward or as Rabbi Cohen referred to, “Finding your Elijah” was definitely something that everyone could get behind no matter who you are.

Speaker Mark Levine got up and surprised many of us with a short list of names of celebrities, sports icons, writers and more who have/had lived in Stamford over the years. From Jackie Robinson to J.D. Salinger to Joseph Lieberman…the list goes on and on. While he limited the list for speaking purposes to but a few, if you’d like to see a longer list of those who both called and presently call Stamford their home: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_from_Stamford,_Connecticut

The Union Baptist Church Choir graced us with their voices and gave us beautiful renditions of The Star Spangled Banner, My Country Tis of Thee and God Bless America. They were truly wonderful and later, led everyone in the ‘faith walk’ over to Veteran’s Park for the wreath laying ceremony.

After everyone gathered around in the park area, Mayor Martin and Reverend Dr. Todd Grant-Yonkman, Pastor of the First Congregational Church of Stamford laid a wreath commemorating the spot where the first meeting house was assembled 375 years ago. With the choir singing in the background, it made for a moving moment that I was proud to be a part of.

If you’ve followed WOTM for any time, you know what a passion I have for local history. It was inspiration for my post (around Halloween time) called The Stranger Side of Stamford. After I posted it, I had a number of folks thank me for posting it as they didn’t know a lot about the history of the city. That’s what is so exciting to me about the Stamford375 project! It’s getting residents interested in learning more about where they live!!

I often say in posts and in hashtags: learn where you live and stop and look around. I think it’s important, I really do. This was a great day to do both!

While at Veteran’s Park the other day, I took the time to really look at the monuments and memorials that reside there. Many of us walk through that park on a daily basis or run through it to get to the mall or maybe to catch a bus. How often do you stop and look at what has been placed there?

One that I’ve never seen before was the most fitting for the day we had just had. It was a tablet set in a large stone commemorating the spot where the 29 Puritan settlers made their home 375 years ago. And THAT is what we are going to be celebrating for the rest of the year. Whether it was the celebration downtown, or future events in North Stamford at the Historical Society, down at Mill river Park, Fort Stamford, Cumming Park, etc, the rest of this year will be packed with fun activities that everyone can attend, enjoy and maybe learn a thing or two!

Our tagline here on WOTM is KEEP IT LOCAL. You can’t get much more local than this!!!

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For the pics I took during the event, please see our album on WOTM’s FB page: http://bit.ly/1S9QsP1

For more information, schedule of events and more: Stamford375.org

1641 Monument at Veteran’s Park

#wotm #keepitlocal #wotmnation #stamford375 #stamforddowntown #dssd #learnwhereyoulive #stopandlookaround #saveourhistory

This past weekend saw the annual Fairfield County Women’s Expo at the newly renovated Crowne Plaza hotel. Having been to quite a few of these events, I was excited to share this event with a friend and have a ‘girl’s day out’. The Women’s Expo is a fun time out with tons of exhibitors that are both local (as from here in Stamford) to outside our area. While mostly from the CT area, I have to say, today was the first time I saw a few from as far away as Lake George, NY.

As you walk through the maze of booths, you never what each one will be showcasing. From jewelry to gutters to skin care and yummy samples, there is something for everyone…including any guys who tagged along! They offer lots of fun happenings to participate in at the Expo itself. This year’s offerings included: free yoga, pilates,  Zumba and ‘stroller pump’ classes, makeovers, talks and book signings with some special guests, raffles, giveaways and more.

Welcome to the Expo!

As I’ve said earlier, I have been to a number of these and have seen them both packed and somewhat busy, but with room to explore. This time around, the Expo is competing with some spectacular weather that Stamford has been lacking on weekends. So when we arrived, shortly after the doors opened, it was still waiting to get into the groove of the day. Have to admit, I liked it like this. We really got to meet some wonderful vendors and they had the opportunity to take their time with us as we asked a ton of questions and tried samples of everything from gluten-free vegan chocolate to some wonderful skin care items that I’ve already searched online for!

With Mother’s Day coming up soon, the folks that put this event together each year have the timing set up perfectly. You can do some serious shopping at this place! Get mom a bottle of her favorite perfume, cozy slipper socks to veg out in, buy a lovely handcrafted scarf or hell, get an estimate on new windows for her house! (I am not joking about that last one.)

One of the many jewelry vendor’s displays.

If you’re into a healthy lifestyle or even looking for inspiration to get you jump-started to a better way of eating or exercising…you’ll definitely get it here. Free health screenings, juice and healthy treat samples and even lifestyle coaches are waiting for you!  I’ll admit, I tried a few of the snacks and while the aforementioned special chocolate didn’t do it for me (but that’s because I’m not a dark chocolate person, sorry), the special juices I tried were fantastic!  Honestly, you just never know what you are going to find at this thing.

Himalayan Salt Lamps

Whether you go on Sunday or are already looking forward to the 2017 Fairfield County Women’s Expo, here are my (personal) suggestions:

• Take a friend or two. It’s great to have someone to tag along with so you can cover more ground, fill out more raffle entries (hey, you never know right?) and bounce help you decide if that scarf you just picked out looks better on you or should be given as a gift.
• If you are like me and have trouble with large crowds, go early. Not only will it not be as crowded but you’ll also have the full attention of the vendors. You’ll be able to take your time at each table you hit instead of feeling rushed by others waiting their turn.
• If you bring small children, definitely bring a friend with you. This is what we did. We spent a good amount of time at some of the tables and if you are the only adult with a little one, they are going to get bored quickly. They don’t want to hear about investments or what botanicals are good for helping your sleep pattern! So if you have another adult with you, they can keep the tiny person occupied and happy. Then at the next table, switch roles! Everyone wins!! (and if you’re lucky, you’ll stop at one of the tables with the free lollipops)
• If you’re looking to take one of the free classes, remember to bring your gear. Don’t get caught wanting to take an exercise class and not having proper attire and footwear. BE SAFE!
• It’s held right on Summer St. so why not plan about 2hrs at the Expo (to start) and then head to a great restaurant for lunch or an early dinner?! OR, go have a nice brunch with the girls and then hit the Expo after? Either way, you’ll have a fun day!!
• While the opportunity to shop is certainly there, you can get away without spending a dime other than the entry fee. Oh and the parking is free for the weekend as well!

All in all, this is a fun time. We walked out with our free gift bags filled with free goodies, catalogs and lots of business cards so we can look up some places to shop online. I do that a lot. This way I can take my time browsing the websites and still support some great small businesses as well!!

One more thing…there are wonderful non-profit organizations represented here as well. From animal care to  Stamford-based soup kitchen New Covenant House, there are groups who could use your help and you can learn more about them and ways you can help at the Expo!

The Fairfield County Women’s Expo runs one more day, Sunday April 17^th from 11-5 and for all the info on exhibitors, guest speakers, ticket discounts and classes for the day: http://fcwomenshow.com/

Keep it Local Stamford!!

Time to shop and explore!!

#wotm #keepitlocal #wotmnation #womensexpo #fairfieldcounty #girlsdayout #supportlocalbusinesses #supportsmallbusinesses #stamfordct #crowneplazahotel #summerstreet

 

 

 

It’s the weekend and we’re supposed to be getting some WONDERFUL Spring weather! So let’s get out there and have fun over the next couple of days!!! Here’s 5 things going on this weekend around Stamford…

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Fairfield County Women’s Expo:  Held at the Crowne Plaza on Saturday and Sunday, this annual event has become a great girl’s day out for women of ALL ages! (ok, guys can go too)  From 11am-5pm, you can walk through the aisles upon aisles of vendors and shop for jewelry, clothes, soaps, lotions and tons of awesome gift items. HINT: Mother’s Day is coming up soon! There’s also services to try such as massages and spa treatments, services to get ideas from like travel pros, painters and contractors as well as health services as well. There are classes to try, raffles and prizes, free samples and health screenings, special guests to see and just so much more! Truly a great way to Keep it Local as many of the businesses represented are from Stamford.

For info on tickets and the whole event:   http://fcwomenshow.com/

PS. Parking is FREE!

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Stamford375:  2016 marks the 375^th Anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Stamford. It was in 1641 that 29 Puritans settled on the land that was once named “Rippowam” by the Native Americans who once lived here. STAMFORD375.org will be celebrating this historic milestone with 9 months of happenings all around our city!!

This Sunday at 3pm, the opening ceremonies will take place at Old Town Hall followed by a ceremonial wreath-laying across the street at Veteran’s Park. Can’t think of a more LOCAL way to Keep it Local than this!

For information and a list of events happening over the next months, please go to: http://stamford375.org

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Stamford Museum & Nature Center:  The Sunday drop-in program returns for another year of Sunday Fun for the whole family! Check out the hiking trails, explore the farm, help feed the animals, help plant the garden and make sure to see some of the babies that have been born so far this season!! There’s also crafts and so much more. What a great way to get outside and un-plug for the day!!

For more info: http://www.stamfordmuseum.org/

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Ferguson Library: There is always something going on at the library! Check out the calendar for Saturday April 16^th alone and you’ll see a full day’s worth of events for kids who are 3 to kids at heart who are 83! Always check back on the Ferguson Library’s (brand spanking new) site to see all of the events that go on all week long.

For Saturday info: http://fergusonlibrary.org/events/2016-04-16/

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Park Time:  Like I stated earlier, the weather is supposed to be fantastic this weekend. Get away from the tablets, phones, computers and whatever you are normally plugged into on a daily basis and head outside! There is still time to enjoy a lot of the parks without a sticker, so take advantage of it!

Fly a kite at Cove Island Park, throw a Frisbee or play some Whiffle Ball at Scalzi, check out the blooming trees at Mill River Park and be sure to head down the Shippan way and maybe catch a glimpse of the bald eagles that were sighted there this week!!

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There are so many places to go and so little time in a weekend, but I hope I’ve given you some ideas on where to head out either with friends or the little ones and spend some time together.  Our weather has been so bizarre so far this year let’s take advantage of it while we have it warm and sunny!!

Of course no Spring weekend would be complete without getting on the Dairy Queen line! It may be in the 60’s Saturday and Sunday, but the Blizzards will be churning up on Summer Street!!

KEEP SPRING LOCAL STAMFORD!!!

 

#wotm #keepitlocal #wotmnation #springinstamford #greatweather #stamfordct #womensexpo #SMNC #flyakite  #parks #fergusonlibrary #stamford375 #happybirthdaystamford

Happy to share this press release from the Stamford Historical Society regarding an event taking place this Sunday, April 10th from 2-4pm:

If you are tempted by glass display cases filled with fanciful rings and brooches, you will want to attend the Stamford Historical Society’s next “Cozy Sunday” on April 10^th.  Nagi Osta will discuss Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco and Retro Moderne styles during his talk entitled JEWELRY: VICTORIAN to ART DECO. Discover the history of jewelry and how designs and ideas from early civilizations have influenced and contributed to the modern age of this wearable art form.  Mr. Osta will share special period examples with the audience.

This “Cozy Sunday” event will be held at 1508 High Ridge Road in Stamford from 2 – 4 pm.  Tickets are $15 per person by cash or check.  Refreshments are included.  Since seating is limited, please contact the Stamford Historical Society at 203-329-1183 orinfo@stamfordhistory.org to make your reservation.  You can also learn more online at www.stamfordhistory.org.

Your ticket price includes admission to the Historical Society’s current exhibit, How We Say Goodbye: Funerary and Mortuary Practices in Stamford.  It charts what is known of how Stamford treated the dear departed from the time of the first settlement to the present era. The exhibit includes gravestones, mourning dresses, fans, parasols, jewelry made of jet, jewelry using human hair, embalming equipment and many photos.  How We Say Goodbye is generously sponsored by Bosak Funeral Home.

The bulk of the material of the exhibit dates to the 19^th century, and especially to the later Victorian era. It was during this time that the cult of death spread across the United States from England. Large amounts of money were devoted to procuring fashionable mourning dresses and gowns with a host of accessories including fans, parasols and jewelry. It had been the practice even in the Colonial era to have locks of hair enclosed in lockets or rings to be kept and worn by the living as keepsakes in memory of their deceased kin. During the Victorian era, this practice continued and jewelry was also made from human hair. Women bore the brunt of the cult of death and many spent from months to years in funeral garb. The colors varied based on how long the women had been in mourning, starting with black and graduating to shades of purple, dark blue and brown.

Alongside the clothing, death inspired many decorative arts. In addition to the gravestones themselves, which in Colonial Times bore winged skulls, hourglasses and bones and later depicted a Neoclassical Willow/Urn pattern, embroidered and watercolor pieces were executed showing the grave and people in mourning. Such patterns could even be found on china tea sets specially created in memory of the deceased.

Nagi Osta is a long time jewelry professional and owner of Nagi Jewelers on High Ridge Road in Stamford, having started his business in 1980 and now extended to a second generation.  He is both a G.G.A. and CGA, and his favorite place is on the sales floor with his customers. Nagi and his team celebrate the beauty of jewelry both old and new in his showroom.  They take pride in educating and guiding each customer in all of their products, including diamonds, exquisite gemstones, antique, estate, new and custom made jewelry, design services, expert jewelry and watch repair and restoration, insurance replacement and appraisals of all types.

The Stamford Historical Society, located at 1508 High Ridge Road, is an educational and research institution whose primary functions are to collect, preserve, conserve, interpret, and exhibit materials relating to Stamford, Connecticut and the surrounding area.  As the City of Stamford’s history center, the Society is dedicated to providing opportunities for the community to understand and experience the past through the presentation of exhibits and displays, lectures, demonstrations, special events and participatory programs. For more information, call us at 203-329-1183 or visit our website at www.stamfordhistory.org.

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#wotm #keepitlocal #wotmnation #stamfordhistoricalsociety #learnwhereyoulive #stopandlookaround #stamford375 #cityofstamford #nagijewelers #cozysundays

 

 

Spring is here and you’re getting the itch to get out and do something fun. Well, whether you’re a long-time resident, new to Stamford or are like me, always broke, there are things you can do around the city  that you may not have known or thought about.

Here are some ways you can Keep it Local that are both fun and FREE!

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Parks:  Stamford has so many great parks you can lose count! From ball fields, to beaches, to playgrounds and more, there are parks for everyone in the city…including the dogs!  Until May 1^st, ALL parks are free to enter. However, (from the Stamford Government site) parking permits are required at Cove Island, Cummings, West Beach, Southfield, Dorothy Heroy & Newman Mills Riverbank Walk, from May 1st through September 30th. Especially if you’re new to Stamford, now is the PERFECT time to check out these parks and see if they are places you think you will want to keep going to over the Summer. (you know, to see if it’s worth it to get the parking permit) Permit info: http://www.stamfordct.gov/cashiering-permitting/pages/beach-sticker

If you head to Scalzi Park, be sure to talk a walk along the Scalzi Riverwalk Nature Preserve. This spectacular peaceful bit of nature is home to many types of bird, animal and plant species that are just waiting to be seen and photographed. The volunteers work tirelessly to plant and replant, to clean and keep clean this bit of serenity in the midst of our crazed city.  http://www.scalziriverwalk.org/

Egret taken from Scalzi Riverwalk

(Photo taken by Me 2015)

Go and check out the progress of the restoration project and beauty that is Mill River Park. Also, check out their website to find upcoming events and updates on STEM programs and other activities: http://www.millriverpark.org/  Over the Summer, they hold free exercise classes, movies in the park and much more!

Looking for a place to take your four-legged furry child? The Stamford Dog Park on Courtland Ave is a great spot for your dog to have a play date!  If you have kids, you can bring them to look at the dogs playing and then head to the playground area where they can go on the swings and other equipment. There’s also a nice big field area for Frisbee or wiffle ball and picnic tables too. http://www.stamforddogpark.com/index.html

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Ferguson Library:  I love libraries and yet (I’m ashamed to say) haven’t visited one in quite some time. We tend to take these hidden-in-plain-sight gems for granted and forget that they are not just about the books!  We have an invaluable resource in our library system and are lucky enough to have three branches of it as well as the Bookmobile that serves our city. A great way to ‘unplug’ for a while is to get back to reading. Why not check out a book and head outside on a nice day! Raining? Why not take some time to rediscover the library itself and soak in some peace and quiet away from your everyday chaos? (Remember, you can also check out ebooks and more on their website as well.)

The Ferguson Library has packed calendars of events for kids as well as adults that you can attend for free! From story hours, baby time and afterschool programs for the kids to knitting circles, computer classes and discussion groups for the adults, there is always something going on. (Please note: While most programs are free, some special events such as guest lectures may require you to purchase tickets.)  Ferguson Library Website: http://fergusonlibrary.org/

Ferguson Library Main Branch

(photo courtesy of  StamfordCTRentals.com)

Exercise: Stamford is home to two great shops that run free events around the city for runners, walkers and bikers (the Schwinn type…not Harley). First up, Fleet Feet Stamford on Bedford St. offers weekly fun runs that are free to join in and they have several to choose from: http://www.fleetfeetstamford.com/group-fun-runs

The second, Pacific Cycling & Triathlon, now on High Ridge Rd. also offers free events for those looking to get out there and get active. Hit up their Facebook page for events, updates and more: https://www.facebook.com/PacificSwimBikeRun/

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Bartlett Arboretum:  Over 100 years old, the Bartlett Arboretum is a treasure trove of gardens, wildlife, hiking trails and so much more. While you can go and discover so much of this on your own, they also offer classes and events for kids and adults alike. Among their many collections of trees, be sure to check out the Nut Tree collection!  Where else are you going to find a collection of growing pecans, walnuts, chestnuts and others around Stamford?

Be sure to take your camera. If you’re a birder like I am (and if you follow WOTM on Instagram, you know what I’m talking about), there are many photo ops for all kinds of birds and other critters hanging out in the trees, ponds and along the trails.  Kids will love the outdoor play area complete with some funky instruments they can bang out a tune on! http://bartlettarboretum.org/Home

Bridge–Bartlett Arboretum

(Photo Taken by Me 2014)

Avon Theater:  The FTMA (Film and Television Masters Program) Talkback Series will be held at the Avon on Bedford St. presented by the Avon and Sacred Heart University. This FREE series will take place on the following four Wednesdays:  April 6^th, April 20^th, May 4^th and May 18^th.  The screenings will begin at 1pm on those days and here is the lineup of films to be shown: The Yazuka, Cape Fear (the original 1962 version), Something Wild and Married to the Mob.

Each screening will have Q&A’s with either Professor Justin Liberman or Professor Damon Maulucci depending on the film. For more information: http://www.avontheatre.org/index.php

Photo Courtesy of Avon Theater

Trolley Ride:  You may have seen the old fashioned looking Harbor Point Trolley around downtown Stamford. Well next time you see it, HOP ON! The trolley makes 14 stops every 30 minutes going from downtown to the South end/Harbor Point area. Running 7 days a week, stops include the transportation center, Fairway Market and more.  By the way, one of the stops is the UCONN Stamford campus. So if you’re new to the area and a student or work at the University and live on the trolley route, you now have a way to get to the school for free!

A ride on the trolley is also a great way to look at the city in a whole new way. You can ride it the whole loop and just take in the area. Maybe head down to a restaurant you haven’t been to before at Harbor Point or when the ARTWalk pieces are out over the Summer, the trolley ride can help you check off more sightings on your map!

For information on the Harbor Point Trolley, it’s route/stops map and info on the tracking app: http://www.harborpt.com/harbor-point-trolley/

Harbor Point Trolley

(Photo Courtesy of Stamford HamletHub)

There you go Stamford—just a few of the many great ideas on how to take in the city in new ways and for FREE too!

Have fun KEEPING IT LOCAL STAMFORD!!!

#wotm #keepitlocal #wotmnation #stopandlookaround #learnwhereyoulive #stamfordct #funandfree #getoutsidect #stamfordmag #fergusonlibrary #stamfordparks #scalziriverwalk #millriverpark #harborpointtrolley #avontheater #bartlettarboretum #ctvisit #connecticutmagazine #connecticuttourism #stamforddowntown #walkbikerun #hikingtrails #nature #wildlife #coastalct

 

 

 

Press Release– March 31, 2016, Fairfield County, CT: Chef Judith Roll first introduced her vibrant Middle Eastern Cuisine to Stamford, CT in 2009. Her fresh and flavorful menu, which featured grilled meat kabobs, traditional shawarma, creative salads, creamy hummus, tabouli, baba ghanoush, chicken schnitzel, and scrumptious falafel soon worked its way into an already robust local dining scene. In 2011 Tabouli Grill headed north and opened a sister location in Southport, CT, once again acquainting consumers to this delicious and healthful cuisine.

This week Judith closed the doors of her Southport location, making the decision to head back to her home town of Stamford and concentrate her efforts on her newly opened neighborhood restaurant, Judy’s Bar & Kitchen. Judy’s, and American comfort food respite, includes house smoked brisket, ribs, chicken, wings, and turkey, in addition to fried chicken, juicy burgers, overloaded sandwiches, and hearty salads. Judy’s from-scratch philosophy carries over into her decadent dessert menu. Faves include North Carolina lemon tart, pecan pie, and chocolate peanut butter cake. Wines on tap, extensive beer selections, and craft cocktails round out the menu.

New menu items: Pickled Shrimp Cocktail with house quick pickled veggies and avocado, Laird’s Applejack Chicken Liver Pate with grilled buttered brioche, Shaked and Baked Chicken with baby arugala, corn and tomato salad, and Crispy Chicken Sandwich on bacon cheddar waffle with siriacha maple mayo.

Judy’s is looking forward to the beautiful weather and the opening of their large patio where a front seat to a bustling town at work and play can be viewed while enjoying a smoked chicken reuben with gruyere, house smoked chicken breast, cole slaw and Russian dressing on grilled rye bread, along with a cold IPA.

 

Judy’s Bar & Kitchen

927 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT

www.judysbarandkitchen.com

 

Tabouli Grill

59 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT

www.tabouligrill.com

Hey guys, VERY proud to share the following–please check this event out:

COMMUNITY PLATES’ FOOD FOR ALL 2016 to Showcase

Fairfield County’s Newest Restaurants and Craft Cocktail Bars

A Benefit to End Food Insecurity in Fairfield County

Wednesday, May 4, 2016,   Abigail Kirsch at The Loading Dock, Stamford, CT

                                                                   

About Community Plates

Founded in January 2011, Community Plates is committed to ending American food-insecurity through direct-transfer food rescue. Established as a 501(c)3 non-profit food-rescue platform, Community Plates is focused on transferring healthy, usable foods to where it can help feed those in need. This volunteer-driven, technology fueled process coordinates with restaurants, grocers, bakeries, caterers and other food-service organizations who have foods destined to be thrown away and delivers the food to soup-kitchens, food-pantries and other hunger relief organizations who serve food-insecure individuals and families. Community Plates currently operates in Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Albuquerque, NM; Fairfield County, CT; New Haven, CT; Hartford, CT; New Orleans, LA; with plans to open seven additional sites in 2016.

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day Stamford! Even though I said I wasn’t going to do a St. Patrick’s Happenings list, I caved. Not going to do a complete list of course. Between the holiday and March Madness, there is something going on EVERYWHERE! However, I wanted to give you some info on the Irish pubs (I’m taking most info directly from their posts so as not to get anything wrong—there will be NO edits) and a few others…SLAINTE!!!

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Tigin: 10am doors open. $10 cover begins at 2pm. (NO minors after 1pm and NO table reservations for the day.) The Last Hoorah takes the stage from 12:30-3:30pm.  Hybrid goes on LIVE at 7pm.

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Murphy’s Townhouse: Gets the party started at 11am…Corned Beef and Cabbage Platters $14.95, Corned Beef on Rye Sandwich’s with Fries $10.95, Dublin Fish & Chips $14.95, Shepherd’s Pie $13.95, Lamb Stew $14.95 and Bangers & Mash $13.95. 6pm the Irish Band begins and goes all night long and at 6:30pm, Irish Step Dancers will perform. Murphy’s will also have March Madness coverage beginning at 12pm and the UCONN game at 1:30pm.

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Casey’s Tavern: $5 Bud Light bottles, bagpipers and Irish dancers throughout the day! Potato & Chive Soup – $5, Corned Beef and Cabbage – $16, Shepherd’s Pie – $16, Corned Beef on Rye w/ chips – $11, Fish & Chips – $12, Casey’s Burger w/ chips – $12, Chicken Tenders w/ chips – $11, Veggie Burger w/ chips – $11, Irish Sausage w/ chips – $15.

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Fiddlers Green: Irish dancers during the day, followed by bagpipes, drums and bands! Irish breakfast platter $13.95, Irish breakfast platter Jr. $9.50, Irish Sausage or Bacon on a roll $4.95, Shepherd’s Pie, $8.95-13.95, Chicken Pot Pie $7.95-12.95, Corned Beef & Cabbage $8.95-$16.95, Bangers & Mash $10.95, Curry Chips $6.95-8.95, Corned Beef on Rye $10.95, NY Strip Dinner $25.95.

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Tiernans: Irish dancers, bagpipers, drink specials all day long. $6 bud light aluminum bottles. DJ and  The Tub Band goes on LIVE at 8pm!

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McFaddens: $3 Green Beers All Day, Irish Food Specials, Green Fishbowls & of course plenty of Jameson & Guinness!!

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The Fez: $5 Jame-o shots, $5 Guinness, $8 Irish Car Bombs, $12 Irish Flag Cocktails and LIVE at 7pm…Gadelica takes the stage with traditional Irish music!

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Brick House: $8 Miller Lite Yards, $4 Dr. Pepper Shots, $3 Tippy Cow Shamrock Shots, $7 Pizzas, and 75 Cent Wings Open to Close. Karaoke w/ Chris Jack starts at 9:30pm!!

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Seaside: Corned Beef & Cabbage, beer flowing, March Madness and Karaoke at 9:30pm!

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Sign of the Whale:  $5 Guiness, a St. Patricks Day Inspired Menu, and a Live DJ!

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That’s it! I said I wasn’t going to do a big post and I went and did it anyway!! Now go forth and celebrate! (LEAVE THE CARS HOME!!) Have fun, be safe and as always…Keep it Local Stamford!!!

#wotm #keepitlocal #wotmnation #stpatricksday #stamfordct #getyourgreenon #SLAINTE

 

Parade Day is upon us Stamford and that means it’s time to get your green on, grab your friends and hit ALL of Downtown like you never have before!

I’m a HUGE fan of Parade Day—I call it my ‘second Christmas’. Besides the Guinness, green beer and Jameson flowing, it’s become a reunion day of sorts. Every year, I see folks I either only get to see once a year on this day or stay in one place long enough and you will see friends that you haven’t seen in years! Also, since the actual St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Thursday this year, (and I won’t be writing emails to your bosses to get out of work the Friday after), it’s time to embrace the wonder that IS….Parade Day!!

I’m posting some Parade Day happenings for you here –by no means will this be a complete list. Let’s face it EVERYWHERE you go, there will be a lot going on! But I wanted to give you a sampling to get you in the St. Pats spirit!! Also, I’m posting the official website for the Parade with the route map and more of the official information as well.

Let’s get our Irish on:

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Official St. Patrick’s Day Parade Site: Parade route, times and more…   http://www.stamfordstpatricksdayparade.com/ If you are having trouble with the site, check their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/Stamford-St-Patricks-Day-Parade-123527887818324/?fref=ts

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Casey’s Tavern:  Starting at 11am:  $5 Bud Light bottles, bagpipers and Irish dancers throughout the day!! Special menu on hand as well and be sure to stay for LIVE music Saturdays beginning at 10pm w/the David Henry Project!!

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Murphy’s Townhouse: Opening at 9am on Parade Day, Murphy’s has a special Irish menu that runs from now thru St. Patrick’s Day. Going to be a great day for a beer or two on the patio!

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Tiernans:  DJs, Irish Dancers, Bagpipers, specials all day and then Fast Ricky takes the stage LIVE at 10pm!

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McFadden’s: $4 Green Beer from 11:30am-1pm as well as a $10 Breakfast Buffet!

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Tigin: Annual Parade Day party is BACK!! Doors open at 7:30am for the Spurs v Arsenal game and 6 Nations rugby after. HEATED tent opens up at 12pm with LIVE music. $10 cover begins at noon. Starting at 4pm, only 21 and older allowed in. Then starting at 7pm, the tradition continues with The Last Hoorah playing LIVE in the tent!! For all the info: http://www.tiginirishpub.com/stamford/st-patricks-day/

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Brick House: The Brick-turns-Irish tradition continues this year with LIVE Irish music w/Seamus throughout the day, Tippy Cow shots, $8 Miller Lite YARDS and the annual Jameson toast at 5pm! All this and Irish wonder Frankie behind the bar?! Absolutely!!   (Annual Jameson toast in Memory of Mike Chapman.)

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Fiddlers Green: While Fiddlers may not be downtown, this Irish bar will be ready for you with Irish Dancers, Bagpipes, Drums and bands as well as a wonderful Irish menu going all day long!

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Just a few tips for this day—it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Remember to drink some water or soda here and there and get some food in you too! At the end of your celebrating…call a cab, Uber it, or hell, even walk it if you have to…let’s all get home safely!!!

Oh one more thing…it’s a LONG day for those working behind the bars, at the doors and those in uniform keeping us safe. They are the heroes of the day–be nice! (And forget the ‘fancy drinks’–when it’s 5 deep at the bar, the last thing you should order are fancy drinks!)

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So there you go guys! Have fun, be SAFE and as always…Keep it Local Stamford!!! #wotm #keepitlocal #wotmnation #everyonesirish #getyourgreenon #irishproud #paradeday2016 #stamfordct #ripmrc #greenbeer #cornedbeef #guinnessflowing #LIVEmusic #jameson

 

What’s on the Menu? for the last five years has meant one thing…Keeping it Local. And the annual Taste of Stamford event does just that! Held at the Stamford Marriott and created by the Stamford Chamber of Commerce, this annual glut-a-thon showcases some of the city’s local eateries, caterers and beverage distributors.

This has become quite a hot ticket and happy to say that this past one was the 23^rd time this event has taken place. It’s a wonderful opportunity to try so many different restaurants at one time and believe me, no matter what your tastes are or if you are like me and have food issues, you won’t leave here hungry.

When I first walked in,  I was excited to see that we were given menus of what the individual food booths would be serving. I’ve been to quite a few of these types of gatherings and many times the lines at the tables are because you don’t know what kind of food you’ll be served. So bonus points in my book for this little touch!

There was great music playing thanks to the DJ from James Daniel Entertainment and it was time to grab an empty glass off of one of the tables and visit what I dubbed, the ‘beverage area’. Beer, wine and more were available to us and I was able to try a few different drinks before the evening was over. (Special shout-out to Al from Sam Adams who let me go back a few times for their Cold Snap ale.)

Glasses upon glasses waiting for us.

Despite the WOTM name, I’m not a food critic. However, I do know what I like and here’s what I had: Pulled pork from Brother Jimmy’s BBQ—piled high on the plate to which I added a little of their chipotle BBQ sauce to try—juicy, full of flavor, easily could have kept eating this.

I had a braised short rib taco from Cantina Tequilla Bar & Southwest Grill. The perfect size, it was packed with meat and personally felt it didn’t need the usual squeeze of lime or salsa, didn’t want to take away from the taste of it. On to Capital Grille to get a sample of the dish I get every time I go there—the Kona—a coffee encrusted, perfectly cooked piece of steak that you barely have to chew because it’s so tender and juicy.

Something new that I got to try and have been raving to anyone who will listen since was from Olio Restaurant on Hope St. It was the Gochujiang Pork Belly over Brussel Sprout Kimchi. I’m not a Kimchi person, never have been. But I can’t turn down Brussel sprouts—and who can pass by pork belly?! This small dish of food honestly made me stop where I was. There was so much going on between the pork and the Kimchi and it all worked so, so well.

Gochujiang Pork Belly over Brussel Sprout Kimchi from Olio.

I wish I was able to try more of the bigger dishes that were served as it all looked wonderful. As I have food allergies I have to be careful, so I brought a friend with me who got to try them and needless to say, they were hits! There were incredible presentations of sushi from Kona Grill, a mountain of fresh oysters waiting to become handcrafted oyster shooters from Sign of the Whale, big wheels of cheese with beautifully created dishes from Columbus Park Trattoria  and the Stamford Marriott itself. There were many more places represented and I will provide the list below—I don’t want to forget anyone!

Restaurants were not the only Stamford representatives at this gathering promoting their menus. This was a great place to introduce new ideas from old favorites as well as a couple of new comers!

DiMare Pastry was on hand with a table full of cannoli creations that even just looking at them I put on 20lbs! I saw cannoli cupcakes, shooters, puff pastry and more. They of course had traditional cannoli and their super-famous cannoli donuts and nachos in both regular and chocolate varieties. So what’s so new about this? How about the introduction of DiMare’s latest venture: http://everythingcannoli.com  Yes, everythingcannoli.com.  You’re welcome.

Giant cannoli shell filled with cannoli from DiMare Pastry!

Another surprise for me was meeting the folks behind Brown Dog Fancy mustards. Made here in Stamford, I could’ve pulled up a chair, grabbed a beer and hung out with these guys all night. And not just because the mustards were SO amazingly good! They’re a fun duo loving what they do and know that if you offer folks both pretzel bread and mini-hot dogs for dipping, they will have you at ‘hello’.  The selection varied from spicy to mild, honey mustards and a couple made with horseradish. Seriously good stuff and can be found at http://browndogfancy.com

Three local caterers were also on hand to show their stuff: David’s Soundview Catering, OntheMarc Events and Grade A ShopRite. Lovely presentations by all and I do have to say, even though I shop there all the time, I had no idea that ShopRite did catering! This is one of the beauties of these events, I learn something new every time! With wedding and graduation season coming up, or just for your next party, please keep all of these folks in mind.

Beautiful Spring-like display from OnTheMarc Events.

I was honored to be asked to go and represent WOTM this year. It gave me the chance to meet many of the folks that I’ve dealt with over the years but as many know, social media is funny stuff. You can culminate many relationships with folks without any face to face interaction! Well, there is a lot of that with this business. Thankfully, there are events such as this where names and emails become faces and friendships.  Special thank you to Linda from MaxEx PR for this opportunity to go and allow me to get the word out even more about What’s on the Menu?. Truly a great night and great way to Keep it Local!!

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Full list of exhibitors of the 2016 Taste of Stamford Event:

Acqua Panna, Amore Cucina & Bar, BevMax, Brother Jimmy’s BBQ, Brown Dog Fancy, California Pizza Kitchen, Cantina Southwest Grill & Tequila Bar, The Capital Grille, Columbus Park Trattoria, David’s Soundview Catering, Dichello Distributors, DiMare Pastry Shop, Franklin Street Works, Grade A ShopRite, Hilton Stamford Hotel, Judy’s Bar & Kitchen, Kona Grill, Myrna’s Kitchen, Olio Restaurant, Saffron Road Food, Sign of the Whale, S.Pellegrino, Sparkling Italian Sodas, Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa, Tawa, The Inn at Longshore, The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s and W. B. Mason.  Special mentions to: STAR 99.9 FM and 95.9 THE FOX!

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#wotm #keepitlocal #wotmnation #tasteofstamford2016 #stamfordct #whatsonthemenu #supportlocal