Last Sunday Wilton, Connecticut’s, Cannon Grange, had their annual fair. I love this little fair because it truly is something from out of the past. The fair is held inside the grange where people compete against one another for things like “best homegrown tomatoes” and “best homemade pickles.” Outside are various local venders as well as a children’s’ watermelon eating contest. On a whim I decided to enter my Root Beer Brownies and won first prize. Next year I may enter my rhubarb jam or my double decker carrot cake. These are some of the simple things in life that make me happy.
This makes me very angry. I just bought this mozzarella from Whole Foods a few days ago and it’s already turning bad.
Connecticut Lobster Lover’s Guide
If Connecticut ever had to name an official state food, it would probably be a close call between pizza and lobster. Of course, lobster has been on the Connecticut menu a lot longer, dating back to the days before the European settlers arrived. Today it’s available everywhere, served in all sorts of ways and always hard to say no to. Here is a quick look at some of the best Connecticut lobster purveyors.
Lobster Rolls: Connecticut, 80 years ago was the birthplace of the hot lobster roll, now commonly called the Connecticut lobster roll. It began at the eatery called Perry’s in Milford when the proprietor heated up freshly picked lobster meat, doused it with melted butter and put it on a bun. Simple, but delicious. You can find modern day versions at Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock in New London, Lobster Landing in Clinton, Lobster Shack in Branford, and Johnny Ad’s in Old Saybrook. Try lobster rolls and homemade slaw at Higgie’s Food and Ice Cream in Higganum or daily caught lobster where sweet lobster meets toasty buns at Guilford Lobster Pound in Guilford. Ride the charity carousel (which features a lobster chariot) before ordering a hot buttered lobster roll at Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale in Madison. Savor poached king lobster rolls at Knapp’s Landing Restaurant in Stratford.
Whole Lobsters: Sometimes only a complete lobster will do, complete with bib, shell cracker and accompanying melted butter. You can find yours at seafood restaurants such as Westbrook Lobster in Clinton and Wallingford, Carmen Anthony’s Fish House in Woodbury, Max’s Oyster Bar in West Hartford, at classic steakhouse, The Capital Grille in Stamford or David Burke Prime at Foxwoods Resort Casino, where every Monday is Lobster Night. For a unique treat, head for The Place in Guilford, where you can dine outdoors with a crackling wood fire cooks your lobster to smoky perfections.
Lobster Mac & Cheese: This could be the ultimate comfort food, and now it can be found at a number of places around Connecticut. You can give it a try at Mac N’ Out in Milford and MacDaddy’s in Monroe, both of which specialize in many different sorts of mac & cheese, or lobster specialist Lobster Craft in Darien.
Lobster Bisque: Creamy, with a touch of sherry, lobster bisque is a wonderful way to taste a favorite crustacean. You can get yours at a full-fledged restaurant such as Good News Café in Woodbury, The Lazy Lobster in Milford or Gaspar’s in New London. Or you might try the more casual approach at Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough in Noank (who will also ship lobsters or lobster rolls to your door) or the Clam Castle in Madison.
Miscellaneous: Still not satisfied? Go ahead and try the classic New England Shore Dinner (chowder, cherrystones, lobster, steamers, corn) at Lenny’s in Branford, or the lobster pot pie at U.S.S. Chowder Pot IV in Hartford or Flander’s Fish Market & Restaurant in East Lyme or perhaps the lobster sliders at Plan B Burger Bar in Simsbury and other locations.
“Work With What You Got!”
© Victoria Hart Glavin Tiny New York Kitchen © 2015 All Rights Reserved
Often on the weekends I stop for ice cream at Ferris Acres Creamery in Newtown, Connecticut. The drive from my house to the creamery is breathtaking between the countryside and beautiful historic homes. When arriving to the creamery the parking lot is typically full, but somehow everyone finds a place to park. The line is typically long, but moves fairly quickly. It’s wonderful to see families of all sorts deciding on flavors and chatting about this and that. Getting ice cream at Ferris Acres is always about happiness. Last night I ordered a scoop of “Paradise Found” which is coconut ice cream, chocolate swirls, toasted coconut, and toasted almonds. Think mounds bar in the form of ice cream. While I ate my treat I was able to watch the cows on the hillside who’s milk was used for ice cream making. Life is good and I have so much to be grateful for.
Each December I head to Shakespeare's Garden in Brookfield, Connecticut to pick up a variety of poinsettias to place around my house during the holidays. It's always such a joy to go to this charming nursury. They also have amazing ornament displays which are fun to look at and, of course, I can't resist picking up a few ornaments.
Cannon Grange Fair In Wilton, Connecticut
Tiny New York Kitchen went to the Cannon Grange Agricultural Fair today. We had so much fun today looking at all of the winning pies, baked goods, eggs, vegetables, flowers and bunnies. There was a great turnout and everyone seemed to be having a great time.
Fairfield County (& Surrounding Areas) Farmers’ Markets
Summer is officially here and Farmers’ Markets are in full glory! Here is a list of a good number of Fairfield County Farmers’ Markets. No doubt I may have missed a few, but here is a good guide for some farm to fork eating.
Bethel Farmers’ Market: Saturdays 9am to 1pm, From June 29th to November 2nd, Location is Fairfield County Extension Center, 67 Stony Hill Road (Route 6), Bethel, CT. For more information go to www.bethelfarmersmarket.org.
City Center Danbury Farmers’ Market: Fridays 11:30am to 5:30pm, From June 28th to October 25th, Location is at Kennedy Park on Main Street (across from the bus station), Danbury, CT. For more information go to www.citycenterdanbury.com.
City Seed Farmers’ Markets: Multiple New Haven Locations: Wooster Square, Saturdays 9am to 1pm, From May 4th to December 21st, Location is at Russo Park (Corner of Chapel Street & DePalma Court), New Haven, CT. Edgewood Park, Sundays 10am to 2pm, From May 5th to December 22nd, Location is at Corner of Whalley & West Rock Avenues, New Haven, CT. Downtown, Wednesdays 11am to 3pm, From June 19th to November 27th, Location is at New Haven Green at Temple & Chapel Streets, New Haven, CT. Fair Haven, Thursdays 2pm to 6pm, From July 11th to October 31st, Location is at Corner of Grand Ave & Poplar Street, New Haven, CT. The Hill, Fridays 11am to 2pm, From July 12th to October 25th, Location is at Connecticut Mental Health Center (Corner of Park & South Streets, New Haven, CT. For more information go to www.cityseed.org.
Darien Farmers’ Markets: Wednesdays 11am to 4pm, From May 29th to Christmas, Location is in the Municipal Parking Lot off of Mechanic Street which is behind the firehouse on Boston Post Road, Darien, CT. For more information go to www.darienfarmersmarket.net.
Fairfield-Greenfield Hill Farmers’ Market: Saturdays 11am to 4pm (Rain or Shine), From May to October, Location is at 75 Hillside Road (Between Hillside & Bronson), Fairfield, CT. For more information call: 203-259-8786
Georgetown Farmers' Market: Sundays 10am to 2pm, From June to October, Location is in the Village of Georgetown, 4 Old Mill Road, Georgetown, CT. For more information go to www.georgetownctfarmersmarket.com.
Greenwich Farmers’ Market: Saturdays 9:30am to 1pm, From May 18th to the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Location is at the Commuter Parking Lot (Corner of Arch Street & Horseneck Lane), Greenwich, CT.
John Jay Homestead Farm Market: Saturdays 9am to 1pm, From June 22nd to October 12th, Location is at 400 Jay Street, Katonah, New York. For more information go to www.johnjayhomestead.org.
New Canaan Farmers’ Market: Saturdays 10am to 2pm, From May 11th to November 23rd, Location is at Old Center School parking lot at South Avenue (Maple Street & Main Street), New Canaan, CT. For more information go to www.newcanaanfarmersmarket.net.
Old Greenwich Farmers’ Market: Wednesdays 3pm to 6pm, From May 29th to TBD, Location is at Presbyterian Church in Old Greenwich at 38 West End Avenue, Old Greenwich, CT. For more information go to www.oldgreenwichfarmersmarket.com.
Rowayton Farmers’ Market: Fridays 12pm to 5pm, From May 31st to TBD, Location is at Pinkney Park, 177 Rowayton Avenue, Rowayton, CT. For more information go to www.rowaytonct.com/farmersmarket.
Stamford Farmers’ Market (French Market), Saturdays 9am to 3pm, From June to October. Location is at Bedford Street at Forest Street, Stamford, CT.
The Farmers’ Market at Fairfield Hills: Tuesdays 2pm to 6pm, From June 18th to Oct 22nd, Location is at Fairfield Hills Campus @ Wasserman Way, Newtown, CT. For more information contact Mary Fellows at 203-313-9908.
Village of Devon Farmers’ Market: Sundays 10am to 2pm, From July through October, Location is at 120 Bridgeport Ave (Route 1), Milford, CT. For more information check their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Village-of-Devon-Farmers-Market/308864369173448
Weston Farmers’ Market: Saturdays 9am to 12pm, From Mid-June through October, Location is at the Weston Historical Society at Weston Road (Route 57) & High Acre Road, Weston, CT.
Wilton Farmers’ Market: Wednesdays 12:30pm to 5pm, From June 5th to September 25th. Location is at the Wilton Historical Society, 224 Danbury Road (Route 7), Wilton, CT. For more information go to www.wiltonfarmersmarket.com.
Farmers’ Market at Gossett’s Nursery: Saturdays 9am to 1pm, Location is at Gossett’s Nursery, 1202 Old Post Road (Route 35), South Salem, New York. For more information call 914-763-3001.
Sunday Farmers’ & Bakers’ Market & Second Sunday Antiques Market: Sundays 11am to 4pm. Location is at Antiques & Tools of Business & Kitchen, 65 Westchester Avenue, Pound Ridge, New York. For more information call: 914-764-0015 or 914-764-5122.
**Make Sure To Check Listings Before Heading Out As Things Are Subject To Change!
Fresco Trattoria
I love this place. I repeat I love this place. I discovered Fresco Trattoria about a month ago and I am really glad that I did. Making my Friday night trek from the city, my husband and I had gone to a French restaurant, in Wilton, earlier in the evening only to be rudely turned away. I had remembered that someone told me about a new restaurant in Georgetown that was really good and worth checking out. We were tired and it was late, but we decided to give it a go. What a surprise to find such a local treasure. Fresco Trattoria is an unpretentious Fairfield County treasure.
When we walked in we were promptly greeted and seated. Our server came over immediately and was extremely attentive. We reviewed the menu and were pleasantly surprised to see a wide array of authentic Italian food along with some nice creative salads. We were very hungry and I had heard that the restaurant had installed a wood –fired pizza oven. Always enjoying leftover pizza for the next day we ordered a pizza, salads and great pasta entrees. Everything was so delicious that we ate everything including the entire pizza.
During our meal the chef, Michael Pellizzari came to our table to inquire how our meal was. We certainly couldn’t complain and enthusiastically nodded our heads with mouths full. Next one of the owners, Frank Lombardi, came over to see how we were doing and chatted for a bit. Talk about a complete 180º from the previous Wilton restaurant that didn’t seem to want our business.
I am so happy that we found Fresco Trattoria. What a great local place to go to. Everything is homemade including the sauces. You can taste it too. The prices are very reasonable; the portions are generous and best of all you can tell that the owners and chef love what they do. They have a full bar with a decent wine list as well. I live in New York City during the week and am spoiled by all of the great high end restaurants. I typically don’t rave about many restaurants, but Fresco Trattoria is truly a special place.
Fresco Trattoria is open, Monday through Thursday, 11am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 11pm, and Sunday 5 to 10pm. The address is 22 Main Street, Redding, Connecticut 06896. Their telephone number is 203-544-9447. You can visit Fresco Trattoria on the web at http://www.frescotrattoriaredding.com/ or
https://www.facebook.com/FrescoTrattoriaRedding.
The Whelk – Westport, CT
A couple of weeks ago I was driving back from Pennsylvania and couldn’t decide where to go for dinner. I had a real hankering for a burger and immediately remembered how much I love the gourmet burgers at The Whelk. I called the restaurant and of course they were totally booked, but the hostess said that I could eat at the bar. It was about 6:45pm on a Friday night and the place was packed when I pulled up. I decided to park anyway and try my luck. After checking in I was immediately seated at the bar and given a menu. Of course I knew that I had to have that delicious burger, but saw the muscles on the appetizer column. I ordered the muscles to start and the burger for my main course. The muscles were absolutely delicious and the broth was to die for. The server asked me if I was done, and I was, but I just couldn’t let her take that delicious broth away. I told her I wanted to hang on to the broth. My burger came right up and I dug immediately dup in. Patrons at the bar were super friendly as well as the staff. I was having such a good time talking with Massimo and everyone around me. Suddenly I decided to dip my fries into the leftover muscle broth. It was so unbelievably delicious that I ended up dumping all of my fries into the broth and fishing them out by the handfuls. Eating the burger and fries soaked in muscle broth. My God I needed a shower! Patrons and the staff were still chatting away with me and I have to admit I was having the best time. Chef Bill Taibe came out of the kitchen to say hello and admitted that his muscle broth has become the condiment of choice for the fries. I have decided that The Whelk has become the Cheers of Fairfield County. Even if they don’t know your name they will welcome you with open arms anyway.
The Whelk
575 Riverside Avenue
Westport, CT 06880
Phone: 203.557.0902
Fax:203.557.0903
http://www.thewhelkwestport.com/
BILL TAIBE
Chef/Owner
LeFarm, Westport, CT
The Whelk, Westport, CT
Massimo Tullio
Owner/Sommelier
Andy Hayes
Chef de Cuisine
New Canaan Farmers’ Market
I love going to farmers' markets, especially good ones. It's the closest to "farm to table" that I can get without growing my own fruits and vegetables. Yesterday was my first visit to the New Canaan farmer’s market. It’s a good one! I picked up beets, radishes, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peaches and plums. Everything looked great and even though the vendors were busy they were very friendly and seemed happy to be there.
New Canaan Farmers’ Market
Saturday 10am to 2pm
May 12th Through October
Old Center School Parking Lot
South Avenue & Maple Street
www.newcanaanfarmersmarket.net
