Rice Spice Noodle

Had a chance to stop by Rice Spice Noodle in Mystic last week. Absolutely delicious.

We had the place to ourselves at 3 pm. A couple arrived just as we were finishing, and found out that the chefs were running out for more supplies. They sat down to wait a half hour for the chefs to come back. "We come here all the time," they said. "We can't get enough of it."

Find out more in the Insiders' Guide to Connecticut!

James Merrill House in Stonington

James Merrill, one of the 20th centuries great poets, lived in Stonington, Connecticut for forty years. His wonderful two-story apartment was gifted to the town, and now is open on select occasions for the public. Go here to find out more about it.

They also sponsor a writer-in-residence program in which you get to live in the amazing place for a season. Amy thought about applying, but then realized she would have to live away from me (and the cats) for several months. That is not happening. But for those young, unattached writers out there, I can't think of a more inspiring place to work.

Connecticut in Autumn

Bolton Notch on the Hop River Trail

Amy and I biked from Vernon to Andover over Bolton Notch - quite a ride, 21 miles with a total of more than 600 feet of elevation gain. The Hop River Trail is a wonderful, if difficult, bicycling experience.

At McLaughlin Vineyard

Gave a presentation at the McLaughlin Vineyard in Newtown this week. We had a lot of fun talking to the local horticultural club, and getting great questions. Luckily, DeeDee from the vineyard was also on hand to answer some of the more difficult agricultural questions!

We also took part in the wine tasting...and the new Vista Reposa at McLaughlin was nothing short of miraculous. 100% Cabernet Franc, with a distinct nose (cherry), middle (cloves), and finish (caramel!).