Friday, May 31, 2013

Reclaiming Old Warehouses


One of the encouraging signs of preservation in our state is the reclamation of old warehouses. They make such fantastic studio apartments! Here is one of these along the Yantic River in Norwich...a lovely location, lovely brick buildings, and as long as heating is included, move right in.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Sarah's Wine Bar


Sarah's Wine Bar in Ridgefield. Awesome.


Soft shell crab appetizer above. Smoked salmon hot and cold below.



Crispy pig's knuckles - amazing. Quail with a really really rich risotto.


Sarah's is attached to Bernard's (her husband's). Definitely in the top ten restaurants in the state.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Fitzgerald in Connecticut


Does anyone else know that F. Scott Fitzgerald summered in Westport and wrote The Beautiful and the Damned there? Perhaps the owner of this Jeep does.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum


Stopped in at the Aldrich in Ridgefield the other day...since it is "non-collecting," every time we visit it is new.


This sign was encouraging. But both Amy and I hated that exhibit.


So, why go to a contemporary art museum? Especially if some of the stuff will be annoying or lame?


For the discussions we have about them afterwards, of course. WHY do certain exhibits fail? What is art? What is good art? Is there a difference between aesthetics and taste? Et cetera. A good or bad collection of contemporary art never fails to get Amy and I talking. Try it out!

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Jonah Crab Claws


Tried some Jonah Crab Claws ala Momofuku the other day. Good, but a lot of work. I think cold is better than hot...the meat comes out more easily. I still prefer lobster to crab, I think, except that I love those summertime soft shells...

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Huntington Street Cafe


Stopped at the Huntington Street Cafe in Shelton the other day. Clearly one of the best coffee shops in Connecticut. And they serve steamed cheeseburgers! Delicious.


Thursday, May 16, 2013

Shelton Lakes Recreation Trail


Biked the Shelton Lakes Recreation Trail today. It goes from Route 108 right outside of the downtown, all the way to Huntington village. It's mostly gravel, which makes for difficult uphills, and there are quite a number, since the trail pretty much goes over the White Hills.


Check out this hanging tree, which rotted away in the grip of a grape vine. But the vine is still hanging on to the tree. Two big pieces are suspended above the forest floor. Fascinating.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Margarita Summer


It's time for tequila-based drinks again. And the best ones are the ones we make ourselves. Get out the blenders, everyone!

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

With Bill Ectric


Had a visit from author Bill Ectric last week - what a great, down-to-earth guy. And considering the fantastic nature of his fiction, that's a wonder. Get yourself a copy of his novel, Tamper, which I reviewed when it first came out.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Hempstead Houses, New London


Sometime make sure you check out the Hempstead House(s) in New London. The big wooden one above was built in the amazing early date of 1678, and both survived the burning of New London by Benedict Arnold.


Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Firebox



Stopped by Hartford's Firebox the other day for dinner. One of the best farm-to-table restaurants in the state, certainly.


The oysters were from Rhode Island, but I didn't hold that against them.


The duck was tender and delicious, and the wild ramps were delightful.


Chickpea gnocchi and a desert of vanilla creme brulee...