Breakfast at Chips in Rocky Hill

After church on Sunday we stopped by Chips on the Silas Deane in Rocky Hill. It is relatively new to the area and we have meant to try here before. I was pretty sure it would be crowded on a Sunday morning at 11:30 a.m and it was.

When we got there, they said it would be a half hour wait, since there were 8 of us, we weren't surprised. In actuality we only had to wait 10 minutes. They gave us a large booth with a small table for two attached.

The breakfast menu is quite extensive. You have lots of choices, some of the items remind me of IHOP including the special syrups that they have for the pancakes. They have the regular syrup, boysenberry, strawberry, pecan and apricot and  real maple syrup for an upcharge.

They have a bunch of pancake options, waffles, french toast and plenty of omelets. I ordered the potato pancakes which are served with applesauce and sour cream. They had a nice flavor of scallions and there were 4 huge ones. Al had the Western Plus omelet which added cheese to the usual Western omelet items.

John and Josh had the 2x2x2x2x which is two eggs, two bacon, two sausage and two pancakes. It was a huge meal. Kasey had Patriot pancakes which had blueberries strawberries and bananas. Brandon had an egg sandwich with homefries and he loved both of them. Chris got a little something from everyone else including two pancakes from me. Trust me, we had enough to share.

Our service was very good. I had my coffee refilled twice. We were very impressed. I can see us coming back here for breakfast often. I am almost afraid to tell people about this place, it is that good and I don't want to wait any longer than I did today. So by all means go here just don't come after church on Sunday. lol

Trinity College Summer Music Series in Hartford

2015 Summer Music Series

Peter Pan at Connecticut Repertory

Peter Pan is playing at the Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre on the campus of the University of Connecticut through July 3, 2015. I went to see it today with my daughter and 6 year old granddaughter and I highly recommend that if you are able you get up there.

The cast includes Tony nominee Terrance Mann as a very charming and humorous Captain Hook and Riley Costello as the always boyish Peter Pan. I have never seen Peter Pan before so I have nothing to compare it to but I was again very impressed with the talent of the entire cast and the orchestra. This is first class entertainment and certainly children are more than welcome and will pay only $10 for a ticket. 

Here are the remaining performances: 

Sunday June 28 2015, 2:00 pm
Tuesday June 30 2015, 7:30 pm
Wednesday July 1 2015, 2:00 pm
Wednesday July 1 2015, 7:30 pm
Thursday July 2 2015, 7:30 pm
Friday July 3 2015, 8:00 pm

You can order tickets online at their website.  

Disappointing visit to the Noah Webster House West Hartford, Conn.

As part of Open House Connecticut I decided to visit the Noah Webster House which is something I have always wanted to do. We arrived mid-afternoon and had a very short wait for the next tour. They were not offering the introductory video which I found quite disappointing. It was not nearly as disappointing however, as what happened once the tour began. 

I have been on hundreds of house tours all over this country and Europe and I have to say, this one was the most uninformative one I have ever taken. You can tell immediately that they are used to dealing with school children. We, however, were all adults. I do not need to be told what a bed warmer is. I wanted to hear about Noah Webster. I was doomed to disappointment.

If I want to find out how to make candles, I can go to a hundred other places but where else can I find out about the Webster family? Do you think that they might want to mention that Noah was a descendant of Governor Webster and that his ancestor was one of the early pioneers to the New World? 

The word dictionary was never mention and we were never told why we should be visiting this house, why it was preserved and his contribution to the United States. We learned nothing about his family, did he have siblings? These are the types of thing we expect to learn when we visit historic properties. 

The only thing that belonged to Noah Webster was a tall clock and that was not pointed out to us. The only reason I found out it was his was because in the kitchen I asked if anything was original to the house. 

So if you have children and want to learn about making candles and bed warming in colonial times, this is the tour for you. If you want to be treated like an educated adult who enjoys history don't waste your time. The only good thing I can say is that it was free, had I paid I would have been even more disappointed. 

Po's Rice and Spice East Hampton, Conn.

Po Chan Fong is not new to the dining scene in East Hampton but her new restaurant Po's Rice and Spice is in a league of its own. I am not even sure what to call it, Nouveau Asian Fusion perhaps comes as close as anything. What it isn't is the same old Asian food that you can get at a dozen other restaurants within 20 miles. 

Fresh roll with peanut sauce

On our first visit we had the Fresh Rolls with shrimp served with peanut sauce, it was love at first bite. The Peanut sauce is so good we all decided that it would be good on everything we eat, including ice cream. For my dinner I had the Pad Thai which is made with chicken and shrimp. It was delicious. My husband had the peppercorn steak and the others with us had the mango chicken and Mongolian beef and all of us were delighted. 

Mango Chicken

The last time we went was on my birthday, Al offered to take me anywhere I want and I chose Po's. I asked Po what I should have for my birthday and she suggested the Fried shrimp. For an appetizer I had the steamed veggie dumpling which they served to me with the peanut sauce because they know I love it. They were wonderful but she was so right, the shrimp were amazing. I chose to have them with green beans instead of broccoli. They also have glazed walnuts and of course rice. We all fell in love with the light garlic sauce which everyone ended up putting on their food. 

Fried shrimp

Al had a noodle bowl with beef which he liked very much and for him to say that is really something since Asian food is not his favorite. 

Noodles with beef

Po's Rice and Spice is located in the historic downtown area of East Hampton. The decor is light and modern and feels a lot like IKEA. It is casual and a great place to celebrate special events or just bring the family for a delicious lunch or dinner. 

This is one of my favorite local restaurants and I recommend it to anyone who will listen.

Summer Events in Connecticut 2015

If you are looking for something fun to do this summer in Connecticut, here are a few suggestion to consider. 

Music at the Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown Summer Series

• July 1: Avenue Groove
• July 8: The United States Coast Guard Band
• July 15: Goza
• July 22: Jeff Pitchell with Texas Flood and the Jeffettes
• July 29: Rain Date

All of the concerts will begin at 6:30p. The grounds will be open for picnicking at 5:30p. Parking will be at the Mansion, at the Wilbert Snow School, 299 Wadsworth Street, and at Mercy High School, 1740 Randolph Road. Concerts will be held in light rain, or the threat of showers, but cancelled with the proximity of electrical storms that may endanger both guests and musicians.

St. Andrew's Italian Feast in New Haven

When:	Thursday, June 25, 2015 at 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Where:	Wooster Square 515 Chapel Street , New Haven CT 06510
Cost:	Free
Contact:	pattijoespo@sbcglobal.net or (203) 469-7473
Website:	http://www.ssaanewhaven.com/
Ages:	All

The St. Andrew the Apostle Society and the Amalfitani-Italian Community of New Haven continue to celebrate their heritage and traditions. Join us for great Italian food, entertainment, parades, and kids activities.

• Thursday June 25- 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
• Friday June 26 - 5 p.m.-11p.m.
• Saturday June 27- 5 p.m.-11p.m.
• Sunday June 28 - 4 p.m.-9 p.m.

Branford Jazz Events Schedule Summer 2015

The 2015 Branford Jazz on the Green Series is coming JUNE 25th! Please come join us!
The Branford Jazz on the Green Series is pleased to announced that we are again back for NINE Thursday nights in row beginning Thursday night, June 25th at 6:30pm and concluding on Thursday , August 20th.

The Branford Jazz on the Green Series ... It's HOT! It's SMOOTH! It's COOOL!

URBAN JAZZ COALITION ~ Opening night! June 25

LYNN RILEY & THE WORLD-MIX ~ July 2

KELLY MITTLEMAN ~ July 9

KATHY KOSINS ~ July 16

FRANK VIGNOLA & VINNY RANIOLO ~ July 23

MATT MARSHAK ~ July 30

MARIA TISCIA with RIO BOUND ~ August 6

PHIL DENNY ~ August 13

JANET PLANET & FRIENDS ~ August 20

Woodbridge Summer Concert Series 

July 2015 
Every Tuesday Evening 6-8 p.m. on the Woodbridge Town Green

The first concert will be on Tuesday July 6th and will coincide with the very popular Taste of Woodridge event. The entertainment will be Airborne Jazz. Check out their website for addition concerts. 

Roseland Cottage Twilight Lawn Concerts

Come to Roseland Cottage in Woodstock to enjoy these summer concerts. 

Twilight Lawn Concert, July 17
Twilight Lawn Concert, August 7

Friday, July 17, 7:00 p.m. (Rain date, Friday, July 31)
Friday, August 7, 7:00 p.m. (rain date Friday, August 21)

Roseland Cottage, 556 Route 169, Woodstock, Conn.

Bring a blanket and picnic supper and join us as we continue the tradition begun by Mr. Bowen himself: open-air concerts on the grounds of Roseland Cottage. July 17 artist is Little Big Band.

Free

Please call 860-928-4074 for more information.

What's Happening This Weekend June 13-14

Summer is right around the corner and there is the smell of strawberries in the air all over the state. If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend, here are a few suggestions. 

 

Saturday

 

Strawberry Fest at Lyman's Orchard- Middlefield 

Come and enjoy all things strawberry at the Apple Barrel. Begin with Breakfast on the Deck and enjoy fresh local strawberries at their finest. Fun activities include  strawberry picking in the orchard, live music, complementary food tastings and demos, pie eating contests, pony rides, and interactive activities for children throughout the day. 

Open House Connecticut

Many attractions throughout the state will be free, at a reduced rate or offering special activities this Saturday. Check out this website for all the details.

 

Saturday and Sunday

 

Mohegan Sun BBQ Fest

Enjoy the best BBQ in the area in addition to live music, a beer trailer, barbeque battles, local vendors, foods trucks  and even fireworks on Saturday evening at 9:30 p.m. The event takes place in the Winter Parking Lot.

Opens at 11:00 a.m both days.  Entrance $5 at the gate.

Sunday 

 

Ice Cream Social 

Lockwood Matthews Mansion Museum  Norwalk 2-4 p.m.
Free General Admission in the Park  Mini-Tours of the Museum: 12-4 p.m., $5 per person (reduced admission) This is a family friendly event with a variety of activities including vendors and entertainers. All food at the event will require payment. 

All Weekend

Deeply Rooted Farms Harwinton

Pick your own Strawberries and rhubarb. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit their website for directions and prices.

Connecticut Open House June 13, 2015

What could be better than seeing some of the great attractions that Connecticut has to offer? Seeing them for free or at a discounted price. This is the perfect opportunity to see some of those great historic houses, museums, farms, galleries, distilleries and so much more all over the state.

Check out the Connecticut Tourism Website for all the details. Be sure to read carefully the times and requirements for the discounts and free entries. I can't wait for Saturday so I can visit some of these amazing places. 

Strawberry Festival Middletown, CT Thursday June 11

If you have never gone to the Ladies Aid of the Third Congregational Church of Middletown Strawberry Festival then you are missing the best strawberry shortcake ever. Located at 94 Miner Street, this is one strawberry festival you don't want to miss. 

The large strawberry shortcake

There is something about the shortcake that is so perfect, once you have eaten one, you will wish you had room for another. The festival begins at 11 a.m and continues until 4:30 p.m. People come from all over to enjoy these luscious treats. Save the date, next Thursday and be prepared to wait in line for a chance to enjoy what I am confident is the best strawberry shortcake you will ever eat.

Connecticut Repertory is Awesome

If you read this Saturday June 6 or early on Sunday June 7th then I am going to suggest that you get right online and book a seat at the last performance of Les Miz at the Harriet Jorgensen Theatre in Storrs at 2 p.m. I went to today's 2 p.m. performance and wish I was available to go to tomorrow's performance, it is that good.  Terrance Mann is a perfect Javert but the rest of the cast does not pale in comparison. I have seen this musical maybe 20 times and this is one of the best ever. 

If you can't get there for this performance, there are two more shows in the summer season and Terrance Mann will play Captain Hook in Peter Pan. Check out the Connecticut Repertory website for details.

Whats Happening This Weekend June 5-7

As we enter the first weekend in June, events are starting to reflect the upcoming summer months.

Friday and Saturday

Fair on the Green -Milford

The 44th Annual Fair on the Green, located on the beautiful Town Green of Milford, Connecticut. Connecticut's oldest arts and crafts fair. Come and enjoy 120 of the best crafters that New England has to offer from 10 a.m to 5 p.m.  Refreshments will served and many people rave about the strawberry shortcake.


Saturday

Madison Strawberry Festival
 The 5th Annual Strawberry Festival will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on The Green in Madison. It isn't just about strawberries however there will be entertainment, arts and crafts, food, games and family fun. 

Stratford Main Street Festival
This community family event will offer live entertainment, food, arts and crafts vendors and lots of fun. Acoustic Dizzy Fish  10:00 a.m., Grawlix 12:00 p.m., Someone You Can XRay  1:30 p.m., Jeff Pitchell & Texas Flood  3:00 p.m. will provide entertainment as well as Stunt Rider Mike Steidley at 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m., Bounce Houses, Roaming Railroad and Children's Carnival Rides. Visitor parking will be a Stratford High School with a shuttle service to the event provided. 

Roseland Cottage in Pomfret is open to the public for free on Saturday June 6 from 11 a.m to 5 p.m. with all tours being first come first serve. 


Connecticut Farm and Folk Festival will take place in Glastonbury 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on the grounds of the Glastonbury Elks Lodge. Come and enjoy the food trucks, the farmers market and live music. 

 Saturday and Sunday

Celebrate West Hartford

Head to West Hartford Center for this annual event. Town Hall Commons in downtown West Hartford will be the site for the Arts and Crafts Show. Additionally there will be a 5K run, food vendors, music and entertainment.Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. Rain or Shine. 

15th Annual Tag Sale at Kellogg School in Falls Village

The Tag Sale will be open for early birds from 7 a.m.-9 a.m. on Sat. June 6th with a $5 admission. It will then run from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, June 7th, 1/2 price on all remaining items.

 

Hartford Blooms Garden Tours June 6-14

Hartford offers some wonderful gardens and this is the time to take a tour of some of them. The 2015 edition of the Hartford Blooms Tour Book is your "ticket" to gain entrance to all the wonderful public and private gardens, historic sites and special surprises for the entire 9 days of the tour week!

The Hartford Blooms Website provides the history of the event and all the participants in this years tour. It looks to be one of the best ways to spend time in the great outdoors in the area. Some of the tours locations include Elizabeth Park Rose Garden, Cedar Hill Cemetery and the Harriet Beecher Stowe House.

The Tour Book , which sells for $10 is available  at the following locations:

Costa del Sol Restaurant 901 Wethersfield Avenue Hartford 860-296-1714		Elizabeth Park Conservancy Office 1561 Asylum Avenue West Hartford 860-231-9443		Knox 75 Laurel Street Hartford 860-951-7694
Max Bibo's 250 Main Street Hartford		Southside Publishing 563 Franklin Ave Hartford 860-296-6128		Tangiers International 550 Farmington Avenue Hartford 860-233-8168
		Vito's By the Park 24 Trumbull Street Hartford 860-244-2200

Guys and Dolls at Goodspeed

First, let me say, I love the Goodspeed. I have a subscription and have had it for quite a few years. I come back year after year because I love the venue, the enthusiasm and the orchestra. The musicals are a mixed bag, some we love others not so much. I will say, we have never disliked a performance, we have just liked some much better than others.

If you haven't had time to get your tickets for Guys and Dolls which runs through June 20th you might want to just let it pass. I was uninspired. The singing and dancing were just average and for me, this is a weak performance. I did not find it particularly amusing and the story line is so boringly predictable as to be well, boring.

I know this is a Broadway classic and is one that I felt could have stayed in retirement. If you enjoy a musical about redemption, you might just love this but there was a serious lack of chemistry between Sky and  Sarah. We did however laugh out loud a few times and Nathan and Adelaide were the saving grace of this show. Sky has a wonderful voice, Sarah we found too high for enjoyment.

I thought it was quite telling that there was no standing ovation, I think others probably shared my lack of enthusiasm, I know everyone in my party did. I did not walk away singing any of the songs which is how I grade a show.

I am however, looking forward to the next show La Cage aux Folles.