Sunday, June 26, 2011

On Monday, the Cause is PAWS

Looking for a fun Monday night dinner activity? PAWS - the animal charity I've spoken of many times - is hosting a dinner event at Morton's (377 North State Street). Join them on Monday, June 27th from 5-10:00pm for a $65 prix fixe dinner that benefits their worthy cause. Ten dollars of each meal goes directly to help them help animals in our community.

You'll enjoy:

First Course:
-Caesar Salad or Morton's Salad

Second Course:
-Double Cut Filet, Prime Ribeye Steak or Single Cut Prime New York Strip
-Broiled Sea Scallops, Colossal Shrimp Alexander or Jumbo Lump Crab Cake
-Chicken Christopher

Served with Signature Potato or Fresh Vegetable
(A vegetarian option will be available upon request.)

Third Course:
-Morton's Legendary Hot Chocolate Cake
-Key Lime Pie or
-Creme Brulee

Eat, drink and be helpful!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

POSTPONED - Sad! Rock Your Locks

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED _ CONTACT RSVP LISTING BELOW FOR DETAILS ON RESCHEDULING
If you take your girly magazine with two shots of Jäger, you're probably a fan of NYLON Magazine. It's chic, edgy and exactly what Stamford needs.

Lucky us - they're coming to town! They're partnering with Noble Salon to share tips on how to have hip hair in the next few hot months. You'll also enjoy cocktails, hor d'oeuvres, discounts, gifties and other cool perks.

Join them on Wednesday, June 29th from 6-8pm. Noble Salon is located at 848 High Ridge Road. RSVP by emailing sebastiannoble@nylonmag.com and get set to look smashing.

(photo from Beny Shlevich, flickr.com)

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Alive @ 5 Starts THURSDAY

If you only have two eyes, you'll fit in just fine because tomorrow's act is Third Eye Blind. They've been around since '97, and you'll remember some of their bigger tunes like "Semi-Charmed Life" and "How’s It Going to Be." (Which are now officially stuck in my head.) Also rocking tomorrow's stage is the Bandapalooza victor, Black Taxi.

Don't forget:
- You gotta be 21+ to get inside the concert space after 7pm (bring an ID), but you can stick around if you're younger and enter earlier.
- Attendance will run you ten bucks; kids 12 and under are gratis.
- You can join the party by entering on Main St. east of Clark and bits of Summer St.
- What can't you bring? Coolers, glass containers, booze, pets, video cameras or tape recorders.
- Bags are probably getting searched.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Bar Rosso Boom or Bust?

This weekend, I went to a lover-ly birthday celebration at Bar Rosso. Clearly, acres of people tried to figure out its charms long before me because the joint was packed. We sat up on the second level with a view of the bar, the stunning textured lighting and quite a collection of Saturday night cleavage. There's a lot to love at our newest resto fixture, but it's not all crystal, sparkling perfection. Let's take a look at the:

Decor: People in my party familiar with Bennett's said they could hardly believe it was the same space. Apparently the staircase was the only vestige of the building's former self. The shaded bulbs in the fixtures, rough cut stone walls, hammered cutlery and black iron accents made for an upscale rustic feel. The space is both intimate and enormous. There were delicate touches as well, like paper thin wine glasses that were so light we almost broke them. It was an impressive, sophisticated space to enjoy a meal with friends.

Service: It's hard to find fault in the decor, but it's not quite the same challenge when the service is put to the test. Our initial greeting was warm and inviting. However, attention to detail was not their strong suit. The waiter brought out a small bowl of some dark condiment, explaining that it was spicy sauce "or something." Very specific. Although they did well accommodating our large table, the wait between courses was ridiculous - which was particularly bizarre because they limited us to a set menu because of the group's size. Although we only had three dinner options, they still managed to bring my neighbor the wrong one. Another guest never received the coffee he ordered. That same guest asked for a single flavor of the gelato trio, but still received all three like everyone else. Although they're doing quite a few things right, service is not yet one of them.

Food: I should say that although we were presented with a limited menu, our options were excellent. My one gripe is that they failed to print prices on our set menu, so we had no idea what cost what. Still, I ordered the grilled vegetable appetizer, the baked chicken entree and the gelato. The vegetables were very much in keeping with the atmosphere: rustic and rich. I enjoyed the provincial flavor of the eggplant, but I could have done without the shock of the green olives. I generally prefer that sort of dish served warm, but it was tasty and charmingly presented in a simple dark glazed bowl. My fellow party goers had praise for the calamari, but wanted some sort of dipping sauce. Perhaps the upscale version is a nudist. My husband ordered the salad, and the dressing had a little too much punch for me, but I liked the thin, broad slivers of carrots. The texture was just right.

As for the entree, I adored the chicken. I never eat chicken with the skin, and I'd forgotten how much moisture and flavor it lends. Yum! I enjoyed the cheesy roasted potatoes, but the dish could have used a little something green. The balsamic glaze was particularly palate pleasing. Most people liked the spaghetti and meatballs. It was a variation on spicy meatballs to have a spicy sauce with a mild meatball, but I suppose it's a good plan to change up a classic dish. Some people noted that the sauce overwhelmed the meat, but other folks had high praise. My friend, TL, ordered the steak and had no regrets. She particularly appreciated the potatoes and the companion sauce (and I appreciated the tender fava bean I stole off her plate!).

The gelato trio was delish. The chocolate was phenomenal - hands down, the highlight of the meal - and paired well with the caramel/sea salt and basil. I didn't know what to expect with basil gelato, but it was an unmistakable, fresh seasonal treat. A friend shared a bite of the rosemary pound cake, which was unique and fabulous. It was grilled and served with strawberries and cream on a long slender plate. The texture was toasted on the outside, soft on the inside and melded seamlessly with the savory stewed berries. My husband had the third option (whose name escapes me now) and it was a vaguely suggestive-looking churro-like pastry served with bananas. Its odd shape made it a challenge to eat gracefully, but the flavors were spot on.

At almost $100/person, it was not a penny pincher's evening, but we had a splendid time among friends eating fine food in an amazing venue. I would definitely go back and see what the rest of the menu has to offer (and see if the service has risen to the promise of the setting).

Friday, June 10, 2011

I Don't Need No Stinking Ribbon...

And I will cut it!

Or at least Congressman Jim Himes will. You can see him and a few other folks, novelty scissors in hand, snipping that ribbon at the Franklin Street Community Health Center.

To meet a growing demand, they've added five exam rooms and four new jobs, all to get you and yours a little healthier. You can watch the magic happen at 141 Franklin Street in Stamford on Monday, June 13 at 9:30am. For more info, contact Eliza Cole at (860) 262-2546 or eliza@chc1.com.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Bandapalooza

TOMORROW see Bandapalooza on Bedford Street, which closes down for the event from 5-11pm. It's tomorrow and on June 16th. It features extended sidewalk cafes and live entertainment from bands competing for a coveted Alive@Five spot. We went last year and had a blast!

June 9 bands are Stalking Sally vs. The Mike Cusato Band
June 16 bands are The Adam Currie Band vs. The Mad Things featuring The Good Doctor

Restaurants taking part are:
- BUtterfield 8
- Bradford’s Grill & Tavern
- Brick House Bar & Grill
- Capriccio Café
- Lola’s Mexican Kitchen
- Lucky’s Classic Burger & Malt Shop
- Remo’s Brick Oven Pizza
- Telluride
- Tengda Asian Bistro
- Tigín Irish Pub

More info available on the SDDS website.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

This Just In

Volta (aka, crepes, gelato, summer patio awesomeness) will open its doors on (or pretty darned close to) June 15th - how exciting!

Wednesday Means Summer Party Day

Ok, so Memorial Day has come and gone and skirts are getting shorter, but as far as I'm concerned not really summer until the Stamford sculptures tell me so. They're speaking to me (and you!) on Wednesday with the Opening Party from 5:30 to 8:30pm TOMORROW at the Stamford Marriott (243 Tresser).

You can meet the artists, tour the sculptures and party with the sponsors at the big fat kickoff event to this year's event, Wit & Whimsy.

Ok so the recommended RSVP deadline has come and gone, but I betcha they'll make a spot for you if you RSVP to annette@stamford-downtown.com. You can see the official invitation here. The price of admission is $50 and a sunny, summer attitude.

(photo from MinimalistPhotography101.com, flickr.com)

Sunday, June 5, 2011

I'm Sick!

And it stinks! I was coughing all night - some of that in my husband's face apparently (soooorrryyy!) - and felt feverish and nauseous. Yuck! Now this isn't really a "personal" sort of blog, and I don't like to burden you with all my trials and tribs, but I say this to tell you all the much more fun things I had PLANNED to do today.

1. Get my nails done with my lovely friend, TL. She's a fan of a spot called Tip Top Nails, but there are lots of other good choices around. I'm still sad that You Got Nails closed, but I did a lil' write up for a few other options around town here.

2. Have lunch with our neighbors. If I was feeling creative, I was going to make a summery salad from the excellent produce selection at Fairway (hey look at that, a sale on shrimp - maybe that's the way I'd have gone). If I was feeling lazy, I'd have picked up some sushi and salad choices from Tendga. Either way, yum!

3. Take a walk around the Stamford Nature Center. It's a gorgeous day, and the perfect time to take a stroll.

BUT instead, I'm partying with wadded up tissues and Vitamin C drinks. Bleh. Please go out and have much more fun than me!!

(photo from L'eau Bleue, flickr.com)

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Dining Options Coming Soon...and Already Here!

One thing I've always liked about Stamford is our restaurant offerings. Either they're good, or they don't stick around all that long and then there's something new and exciting in its place. So what's around the bend...or already here? Here are a few things you might enjoy in new local dining options.

- Bartaco. I am REALLY looking forward to this one! Their Port Chester location is already open, and I've heard nothing but good things. Their extensive wine menu is nearly as appealing as their summery cocktail list. How does this sound: "Rosita: Hibiscus Infused Gran Centenario Reposado + Rosemary + Pear Nectar + Cranberry." I'll take 6! You can even get a choice of tequila flights. They have a clever "taco" and "not taco" selection, and you wouldn't believe the options. Tacos include thai shrimp, spicy chorizo, portobello with queso fresco and even things like tripe and tongue! You can get set prices of taco trays or sides of grilled corn with lime, cayenne and cotija cheese or plantains. That's just a small sampling. Can't wait to see the rest of it - on my plate!

- Tasti-D-Lite. Located at 211 Main Street, our newest yogurt shop is now open - perfect for summer! They're all over NYC, and they feature flavors like Banana 'n Peanut Butter, Blueberry Cheesecake, Dulce de Leche and Red Velvet Cake. AND many of their offerings are healthy. You can see nutritional info for each flavor on the website.

- Bar Rosso (it's already here!) It's the brain child of the same folks who brought you Napa & Co., and it promises to offer a modern spin on Italian classics served in an upscale environment with a wall of natural cut rock and sky-high ceilings. The Stamford Advocate reports that whereas Napa is designed to attract a more mature audience, Bar Rosso is supposed to appeal to a younger crowd. The owners will be experimenting with live music and a DJ.

- ZAZA Italian Gastrobar. As CTbites reports, the new spot with the infamous poster is on the cusp of opening its doors - like this month! The tile work on the outside looks stylish, as do the bright red chandeliers (very Tavern on the Green). CTbites reports some exciting things, including brick oven pizza, 26 Italian Tapas, freshly made pasta, and a wide selection of beer and wine. Their write-up is fabulous, so be sure to check it out.

- Volta Gelateria Creperia. Stamford Talk has the scoop - and she got it from a very cool new blog called OmNomCT. Volta will be just next door to the new Bar Rosso. It's brought to you by the geniuses behind Capriccio - which I adore! - and will offer outdoor seating, and just as the name suggests, gelato and crepes! There will also be salads and sandwiches perfect for warm weather dining. Volta and Bar Rosso should certainly put some spring back into Spring Street.