Nathan Hale Homestead


Stopped by the Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry. Although Hale never lived there (his parents were building it while he was serving in the Continental Army), it has a number of his relics, and is definitely worth a stop.


This monument is actually the grave of the historian George Seymour's horse, after he bought and restored the house in the early 20th century. Seymour is partially responsible for bringing Hale forward into national consciousness with his work gathering documents and preserving sites.


This plaque marks the original home site, where Hale grew up.  Of course, things like doors and whatnot were reused in the second house, and on the back of one, what may be a drawing of Hale's head by his sister is one of the cool things you'll see on the house tour of this American hero.

Cassidy Hill Vineyard


Stopped at Cassidy Hill Vineyard in Coventry the other day. Use your GPS - it isn't easy to find! The wine was very good - they clearly have the process down well. Only 9 acres of a 150 acre farm are under cultivation right now (they just started a few years ago), and I hope they expand that significantly. Then they can have more AVA wines and Connecticut label wines. Keep going, guys!


Bidwell Tavern



Stopped by the Bidwell Tavern to try their amazing wings, which we stupidly forgot to take a picture of. They were great. However, I must say I like a little more 'sauce' on my wings in general. Archie Moore's buffalo version might be better. But the appeal of the Bidwell is that they have so many different KINDS of wings, so many different flavors. That's a rare treat, and worth going to Coventry for.

Farmer's Markets France and United States



It was a pleasure to experience the outdoor markets of France again this spring. They are full of delicious food that has a clear origin, something the French desire more and more. I was told by several French people that they have 'rejected' the foods from the supermarkets.




 
We have farms and farmers' markets here in America, and they are getting more popular. I hope that trend continues.







They are willing to pay a couple dollars extra for good food, and we should be, too. But in some ways it is a Catch-22. I can't get everything I need at the markets here, so I go to the supermarket. But if I go to the supermarket, the markets don't get my money and can't grow.



We have come a long way with the quality of our restaurants in the past decade. Let's hope that the quality and diversity of our other food follows.

French Travel Literature


As you know, I teach (and write) travel literature at the University of Bridgeport. Apparently the French have a great appreciation for this art form. This was not the only Paris bookstore dedicated to travel that I saw, either. Unfortunately I don't read French...although perhaps it is for the best, because otherwise I would have spent my entire vacation browsing shelves.

In fact, the number of bookstores in Paris was simply astounding. A literature culture, to be sure. I mean, only cafes outnumbered bookstores as far as I could tell. Well, perhaps boulangeries...bread and books, what more do we need?

Back From France


More soon, but I'm back from two weeks in France - revisiting some old places from our honeymoon in Paris, and seeing lots of Normandy and the Loire Valley. Had a great time of course.

Lobster Shack, Branford


Stopped by the Lobster Shack in Branford on their opening day yesterday, furthering my quest to ascertain the best lobster roll in the state. (Hot Lobster Roll, of course - or I should state correctly and fully, "Connecticut Hot Lobster Roll")


Despite misspelling "Hooray" I was impressed with their authenticity and location on the inlet in Branford. The boats in front of the old factory was quintessential Connecticut.


As for the roll itself, well, they used a grinder roll, which I am more and more convinced is the right way to go. They did not use too much butter, and added more lemon than usual, something my wife was very appreciative of. Alas, the meat itself was a bit on the rubbery side. So, a very good lobster roll, but not the best. That title still goes to Lobster Landing in Clinton.


Mattabesett Trail


Took a lovely hike along the Mattabesett Trail over Mount Pisgah, past Pyramid Rock (above), and up the Mica Ledges to the corner marker of Guilford, Durham, and North Branford (see below).



Some great views, but there's a lot of development below, especially off the Mica Ledges. Really disgusting McMansions with no trees around them - like a wasteland - I can't believe that those are even permitted in Connecticut. We have some of the nicest suburbs in the country, all because of the trees. I'm sure its harder to leave them up, or put them in, when making a new development, but the box-like prefab houses and lack of trees just indicate the cheapest, most poorly thought out construction.


Luckily, such thoughts were far away as we watched red-tailed hawks from the ledges and ate a lunch of p and j sandwiches, gouda cheese, and apples.


Two Roads Brewing


Finally got around to stopping in Stratford at Two Roads Brewing. I had tried the beer before, and although it was good I wrongly assumed that it was a small operation. Boy, was I wrong.


Right off the I-95 exit, Two Roads fills an old factory, and has over a dozen large tanks. 14? 16? It is a huge operation for Connecticut, and the layout inside was very impressive. They spent a lot of money on the start-up, and you can tell.


Of course, I like the Robert Frost quote inside (from where the brewery gets its name), and the idea of Igor Sikorsky Russian Stout beer (being a Connecticut booster).


Amy and I tried all 11 beers currently on tap, and though I am not a fan of bourbon beer (though I like either alone), I enjoyed everything else. I was particularly taken with the Maibock.


Amy like the IPAs. We will go back, of course, because this place is a destination, not just a brewery. It is larger than any of the wineries currently operating in the state already, and its product is consistent and good. Thanks for being one of Connecticut's newest and best attractions, guys!



Kumo, Hamden


Kumo in Hamden is one of the most reliable traditional sushi restaurants around. Of course, if I want something new and crazy I will go to Miya's Sushi in New Haven. But for rolls and sushi of the 'traditional' or rather the 20th century variety, I will go to Kumo every time, despite having a dozen or more sushi options in Hamden alone. It is interesting that we have so much Japanese food here in Connecticut, and so little Chinese (relatively). Does anyone know the reason for this switch of the usual ratio?

Future Authors of America


Here are some of the future novelists and poets of America - some of our creative writing majors at the University of Bridgeport. We have dozens more, and we're growing all the time.


Left to right - Michelle Calero, Michael Doran, and James Novoa.


At the annual poetry slam and literary journal release party - James Novoa giving one of his excellent readings of his long poems, which don't seem long at all when he reads them out loud...