Newtown Arts Festival


Had a great time the other week at the Newtown Arts Festival...wonderful shopping, food, and fun.


Amy's poem, "Still Life with Parsnips and Snow" had won an honorable mention in the Newtowner contest, and she accepted her award.


The judge (blind judging of course) was Dick Allen, the poet laureate of Connecticut, and a good friend, so we were quite happy that he chose Amy's poem as one of the worthies.


Personally, I liked Amy's poem more than the one that won first prize, but of course I am quite partisan when it comes to that.


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.


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!).

Bluff Point


Took a walk at Bluff Point State Park recently - a great place to ride a bike, too.


You can walk all the way out to the wonderful beach, but be careful swimming, because there are no lifeguards.


You can see the awesome New London lighthouse from the point, one of the few 'high points' along the Connecticut coast.


Belissimo Grande


Amy and I stayed a night at the Bellisimo Grande near Foxwoods recently. A great alternative to staying at the casino itself, especially on nights when events make the prices too high. We were upgraded to the suite you see above, and I enjoyed the jacuzzi while Amy went down to the spa and got a "killer" massage. A shuttle takes you back and forth to Foxwoods - very convenient, especially for some of the (very drunk) people we shared it with. They even have quiet hours to make sure people don't come back and whoop it up while the rest of us are trying to sleep. I highly recommend a stay here (see the Insiders' Guide to Connecticut, of course).

Kobe Beef Meatballs


Tried grass-fed Kobe beef for these meatballs the other day. Egg, basil, onion (fried), breadcrumbs, and the aforementioned Kobe.


Made a nice brown sauce with tomato paste, cumin, red wine, red miso, basil, and more.


And I must say, despite my skepticism, they were some of the best if not the best meatballs I've ever had. Absolutely delicious. My wife says that is due to my superior technique, but I am not going to take credit for this one. Hats off to the Kobe beef...it lived up to its reputation, even in ground up form.

Travel and Adventure

In the 56th episode of the Real Life Survival Guide we discussed travel primarily as it pertains to “vacations” and not “adventure travel.” It’s difficult to have physically active adventures as parents of small children, as many of our panelists are. Or rather, we could say that even the simplest vacations become “adventures” when small children are along!

...Read the rest of my article about adventure travel at the Real Life Survival Guide.

Oyster Club


Stopped by the fairly new Oyster Club in Mystic for dinner recently. A wedding rehearsal dinner was going on, but we managed to squeeze in out on the porch.


The oyster shooter with vodka and tabasco was surprising and wonderful. And the appetizer of roasted tomatoes with lardo, basil, and a whipped ricotta (I think) was refreshing and delicious.


The lobster roll was excellent, though of course I prefer them "pure."


The pasta with rabbit was a rare treat.


And the snickerdoodles with basil ice cream was another delightful surprise.


I can't guarantee that you'll get any of these dishes, though - their menu is seasonal and direct from the farm or sea whenever possible.

I have to say that this was one of the best "cold" stops I've made recently - just trying a new restaurant with no idea about its quality from the magical internets. And you can be sure they will be in the next edition of the Insiders' Guide.

The Crystal Mall

 
 
Stopped at the Crystal Mall in Waterford, Connecticut the other day. Why? To see America's largest crystal chandelier made from Waterford Crystal in its sister city in Ireland. All those mall walkers had no idea that this outrageously expensive chandelier loomed above their heads...