Ansonia Rotary Club holding restaurant raffle fundraiser

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Rotary Club's first Restaurant Raffle is live!

Cost is $20 per entry for a chance at six prizes.

Grand Prize is a $100 gift card to each of five fine dining establishments on Ansonia's Restaurant Row.

Entries are available here or by contacting any member of the Ansonia Rotary Club.

Rochelle shares info on Lamont's easing of COVID-19 restrictions

Friends and Neighbors, In case you missed it on Monday, Governor Lamont announced Connecticut will begin easing certain business restrictions in two phases. The first phase will start on May 1 and pushes the business curfew back from 11 p.m. to 12 a.m. This phase also allows bars to reopen with no table size limits. The second phase happens on May 19 and ends all remaining business restrictions. This means curfews will be lifted and social distancing mandates will be up to businesses. Masks will still be required.

This is promising news that will depend on low rates of infections and increases in vaccination rates. Read the full announcement here.

Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby, represents the 104th District. This is a press release from her office.

'Feed the Valley' initiative featuring 11 local restaurants kicks off today

 

Click here for complete story posted in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Cassetti announces outdoor dining to begin May 20 in Ansonia

Sharing Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti's message on Saturday:

"Good Evening Residents of the great City of Ansonia.

"After a long and difficult two months it looks as though the light is beginning to shine even brighter as we near the end of the tunnel and we begin to return to the way things SHOULD be. I hope that you have all weathered this storm and are stronger because of it.

"As we navigate our way through this endless list of laws and regulations, with new ones enacted daily, our restaurants are going to be allowed to open their doors and serve patrons outdoors with outdoor dining being permitted on May 20 along with the continuation of take out service. We are working on a plan with the state’s approval to close down Main Street to allow our restaurants and businesses to spread out into the street keeping patrons and tables six feet apart. I am working with our neighboring communities of Derby and Seymour and city and town staff to prepare a plan for this new outdoor arrangement. Stay tuned for that announcement.

"City government and staff will work together on a plan that will move city staff back to city hall with appointment only visits and staff shifts after Memorial Day.

"On another positive note, I am pleased to announce the re-opening of parks, riverwalks and fishing on Wednesday, May 20. Of course everyone is required to maintain a six-foot distance and wear face coverings when in the public. We are trying to resume normal activities, but must be careful and diligent about staying safe and healthy.

"Please know that I am looking forward to a vibrant and bustling city once again and I am looking forward to seeing all of you very soon.

"Thank you and God Bless you all."

Rochelle seeks insurance relief for restaurants, bars during COVID-19 pandemic

Dziekan shares restaurants, delis in Derby to patronize

Pizza 'battle' on tap at Ansonia Harvest Festival

Derby slates Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza

'Turnback Tuesday' features Grassy Hill Lodge in Derby

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" visits Grassy Hill Lodge, [77 Sodom Lane, Derby,] once owned and operated by the Rapp Family. 

Rapp’s Restaurant was founded in Shelton around 1900 by Adolph Loather Rapp. Adolph and Josephine had six children, five of whom became involved in the family businesses. 
Their son, Robert, took over and ran the Rapp family catering as well as Rapp’s Grassy Hill Lodge. 
Grassy Hill Lodge was a business the Rapp family operated for over 50 years.

Thanks go to the Derby Public Library for sharing interesting local history each week.

*Editor's note: The site is now the home of The Hops Company. 

Shops at Seymour to celebrate First Saturday

SEYMOUR - Greet the month of March and make The Shops At Seymour your destination for First Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. downtown. 
With several antique and consignment and gift shops, the treasures vary every day. 
Bring some friends for lots of fun. Enjoy one of the several restaurants and visit the specialty shops and galleries. 
There will be refreshments and door prizes at some shops.

This event is hosted by The Strand Theater, Lizzie's Corner Consignment and Gifts, Shops at Seymour, Tickled Pink, and The Uncommon Peacock.

*Information shared from a Facebook event page.

Greater Valley Restaurant Week on tap in October

Polish restaurant opens in downtown Ansonia

Cassetti: 'Main Street is becoming a dining destination'

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti welcomes Warszawa Restaurant owner Michael Dembowski to the city./ Contributed photo

ANSONIA - At 6 p.m. Sept. 9 Warszawa Restaurant opened its doors to a full crowd.
Owner Michael Dembowski has hired six full-time employees. 
The restaurant at 350 Main St. occupies approximately 1,800 square feet of space. 
Warszawa features a piano and dance floor for dining entertainment. 

“We are excited about the first Polish restaurant in the Valley," Mayor David S. Cassetti said. 
"The food is superb and we are hoping that residents of Ansonia and neighboring towns will stop in for dinner. It is a nice complement to our Polish deli Europol Deli and Gifts located on the same side of Main Street. 
"Main Street is becoming a dining destination for Ansonia and the Valley," he said."We hope to attract visitors from all over who want variety.” 

Corporation Counsel John Marini added, “There is a lot of activity in downtown and a lot happening. These restaurants are drawing much-needed foot traffic into the downtown and that’s good news for Ansonia.” 

The restaurant serves traditional Polish fare such as blintzes and a Polish platter which consists of pierogis, golumpkis, and blintzes.
It is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m.- 9:30 p.m., Thursday - Saturday from 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon - 9 p.m.

The new restaurant is one of many developments occurring on Main Street. 
A new Thai restaurant will be opening soon, and Massimino’s new construction project, which will consist of a restaurant and catering venue (new construction on Main Street hasn’t happened since the '90s). 

In addition, the purchase and sale of the site adjacent to Target for the redevelopment of a big box store and restaurant is forthcoming.  
Road Ready is preparing to open, Fitzpatrick’s Chrysler Jeep Dealership is in the middle of a million-dollar expansion, LuLu Pazza Italiano is about to open in the former Antonio’s restaurant location with a multi-million dollar renovation, and the city is preparing for the sale of the ATP/Palmer buildings.

This is a press release from Cassetti's office. 

Grab your forks! Greater Valley Restaurant Week is almost here

It's time to go pink to promote breast cancer awareness in the Valley

DERBY - The 7th Annual Valley Goes Pink Campaign invites the Lower Naugatuck Valley and surrounding communities to enjoy a variety of events featuring good food, drink and fun for a good cause throughout September and October.

The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community wide effort to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, and to celebrate the charitable spirit of the region’s businesses and organizations.

The following is a list of unique Valley Goes Pink fundraising events. 

For more information about “going pink” and joining the campaign visit griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at 203-732-7504, Jodi Dawley at 203-521-2233 or dawleypink@yahoo.com, or Sue Petrizzo at 203-400-1068 or petrizzopink@yahoo.com.

For more information about Valley Goes Pink and additional events, visit the Valley Goes Pink on Facebook or griffinhealth.org/pink.

Waiters Go Pink, Sept. 26 from 5:30-9 p.m. – Volunteer waiters will serve guests at Wellingtons Restaurant, 51 Huntington St., Shelton, and tips will go to the cause. Reservations required at 203-929-0336.

Trivia Night, Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m. – Come for a fun night filled with trivia and fun prizes at Porky’s Café, 50 Center St., Shelton. Call Karyn for reservations, 203-445-3091.

Wine Pairing for Pink Dinner, Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m. – Enjoy dinner paired with wines for each course at Ari Bella Restaurant, 66 Huntington St., Shelton. Call Sue Petrizzo at 203-400-1068 to reserve your spot.

Paint for Pink, Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. – Come to the ever-popular Paint & Sip event which features great raffle prizes at Vazzy’s Cucina, 706 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton. Call Ann at 203-305-0817 for reservations.

Mystery on Main, Oct. 7 from 6-9 p.m. – A Clue inspired evening of mystery, intrigue, music and more at Spector Furniture, 385 Main St., Ansonia. $40 per person.

Pinktoberfest by Yuengling Night, Oct. 10 at 5:30 p.m. – Come enjoy Yuengling beer specials, a special “Germanfest” tasting menu and great giveaways at Wellingtons Restaurant, 51 Huntington St., Shelton.

Bingo for Boobies Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. – Enjoy a fun-filled night of bingo and great prizes, including a flat screen TV, at The Hops Company (THC), 77 Sodom Lane, Derby. Call Sue for reservations at 203-400-1068.

Rock Out Your Pink, Oct. 12 6:30 p.m. – Enjoy wine and cheese while viewing the dazzling works of Marks of Design, 500 Howe Ave., Shelton. 10% of all sales will be donated.

Bras for the Valley, Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. – Design a bra and have it modeled in our fashion show with local “celebrity” models for a live auction, or just come for the fun at Il Palio, 5 Corporate Drive, Shelton. Call Ann at 203-305-0817 for more information.

Durante Family Brunch for Pink, Oct. 16 at noon – Come have an extravagant brunch at Maria V’s Restaurant, 220 Leavenworth Road, Shelton. Tickets are $50. Contact Anna Durante at 203-732-1977 or annadurante1@gmail.com for reservations.

Tacos for Tatas, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. – Enjoy delicious tacos for a good cause at River Rock Tavern, 5 Main St., Derby.

Shoot for a Cure Basketball Clinics, Oct. 22 – Girls and boys ages 8-13 learn valuable pointers from the best! UCONN stars Maria Conlon Rinaldi and Ashley Battle will host a girls’ clinic from noon-3 p.m. at Shelton High School, 120 Meadow St., Shelton, and Dennis Kelly and Dribble Drive Basketball will host the boys’ clinic from 1-4 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Family Center, 220 Shelton Road, Trumbull. Admission is $40. Call Jodi at 203-521-2233 to reserve a spot.

Pink Ribbon Yoga, Oct. 23 from 10 -11:15 a.m. – Join Kimmarie for a yoga session at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St.. Minimum donation of $20. Visit kimmarieyoga.net to register.

Vineyards of the World Wine Tasting, Oct. 24 from 6-9 p.m. – Several distributors will be highlighting their wines at Wellingtons Restaurant, 51 Huntington St, Shelton, and the restaurant will offer great food to pair. Tickets are $50 per person. Call Linda for tickets at 203-414-8851.

The Valley Goes Pink is sponsored by 99.1 FM WPLR and Hearst Connecticut Media Group.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Hungry? Valley restaurants ready special menus for week

For a complete list of more than 20 restaurants, click here.

Valley Chamber of Commerce to host restaurant week

24 restaurants to participate 

SHELTON - Get your knives, forks and spoons ready: the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the fourth annual Greater Valley Restaurant Week, from Monday through Oct. 10.

“This is the largest group of participating restaurants that we have ever had, and it is testament to the breadth and diversity of the Valley restaurant scene,” Greater Valley Chamber President Bill Purcell said.

“The Chamber urges all businesses and residents alike to take advantage of the special menus and pricing offered during Valley Restaurant Week and to patronize our Valley restaurants throughout the year.”

During Greater Valley Restaurant Week, participating restaurants in the region will offer special deals from menus of their own creation. 

New this year is an online photo contest, where participants can enter pictures of their Greater Valley Restaurant Week adventures via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, including the caption #GRVW, to win a $50 gift card. 

The 24 restaurants currently participating include 121 Restaurant & Bar – Oxford; 500 Degrees – Derby; Antonio’s – Ansonia; Archie Moore’s – Derby; AriBella – Shelton; Baingan – Shelton; Bricks & Barley – Shelton; Captain’s Restaurant & Bar – Shelton; Center Street Social – Shelton; Crave – Ansonia; Draft House – Shelton; Focaccia’s – Shelton; Giove’s Pizza Kitchen – Shelton; Hot Tamale – Seymour; House of Bones – Derby; Il Palio Ristorante – Shelton; La Scogliera – Shelton; Molto Bene – Ansonia; Red Lotus – Seymour; The Pantry - Ansonia; Tavern 1757 – Seymour; Vazzy’s Cucina – Shelton; Verace – Shelton; White Hills Diner - Shelton.

Restaurant Week provides an opportunity for area residents to check out the many different restaurants - the hidden gems - here in the Valley. 
It is a great opportunity for employers to reward their employees and for area business people to coordinate lunch meetings. Restaurant Week also showcases the cultural and culinary value of our community.

For information about participating restaurants including their menus and hours, the Small Bites Restaurant Week Blog and featured Connecticut food bloggers, visit GreaterValleyRestaurantWeek.com. 
Be sure to visit the Greater Valley Chamber on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for updates throughout the week.  

Restaurants wishing to participate may contact the Chamber at 203 925-4981 or info@greatervalleychamber.com.


This is a press release from the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.