Celebrate Shelton to hold Downtown Sounds tonight at Veterans Memorial Park

 

Wine, beer tasting at St. Jude Church in Derby to benefit Troop 3

 

Wesley Heights residents in Shelton learn about food, beverage pairing

From left: Toni Gaites, Chef Richard Scaife, and Rebecca Montreuil designed the event, made the food, and created the pairings./ Contributed photo

SHELTON- Chef Richard Scaife and the dining team at Wesley Heights created what they called a “decadent experience of food and beverage pairing” for residents of the community. 

Residents enjoyed wine and beer samplings coupled with suggested food pairings. 

The culinary team worked together with local liquor store owner Linda Borgia from Linda’s Wine & Liquors on Bridgeport Avenue, a friend and sommelier Christian Carrone, and researched recommended pairings, such as serving a German Pilsner with a cranberry, cinnamon, and goat cheese roll. 

“There is no better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with chocolate and wine,” Scaife said. “But in true Wesley Village style, we wanted to bring something extra special to our residents and share an experience to remember.”

Other combinations included a Dill Havarti cheese with a Beaujolais, Smoked Gouda with a Bourbon Barrel Aged Chardonnay, and everyone’s favorite, Rose’ champagne with hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries.

Cook supervisor Rebecca Montreuil and Sous Chef Toni Gaites, worked alongside Chef Scaife to create the food and appropriate sampling displays.

The Thomas Hooker Chocolate Truffle Stout, which is brewed with locally made Munson’s Chocolate, was paired with chocolate covered bacon, a sweet madeira wine was served to complement the chocolate mousse cups, and a Bourbon Aged Cabernet was served with a sharp cheddar cheese.  
The residents were invited to enjoy a bubbling chocolate fountain with fruit, pretzels, and other dippables.

“It was wonderful,” said resident Pat Baker. “They had quite a selection, bacon with chocolate was different but good.”

It seems the chocolate-covered bacon garnered the most attention at the event.  

Fellow resident Nancy Lenoce was impressed by the overall elegance and delicious samplings, but definitely found the chocolate covered bacon “too good to be true!” 

The Wine & Chocolate Extravaganza was held in the dining room at Wesley Heights. 
Wesley Heights is part of the Wesley Village senior living campus at 580 Long Hill Ave. It is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. 

The campus offers assisted and independent living, memory support, skilled nursing, short-term rehab, and outpatient therapy and fitness services. 
To learn more, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.  


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Local musicians to perform at venue in New Haven

Tickets on sale now!
Come welcome HMG recording artist Frank Viele home from the road with a night of great music in an intimate, wine/coffee bar venue! 

The evening kicks off with Passing Strange, who will be heading into the studio in October to record its first of two, full-length albums under NeuroTronix Records.

Tickets can be purchased at: https://frankvielepassinstrange.bpt.me/ $10 in advance; $15 at the door. 

This is an all ages show. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. performance.

This is a press release from NeuroTronix Records President/Senior A&R Representative Richard Demko.

Recuperation journey: Getting out

Ralph and I enjoyed going out to dinner Saturday at Copper City Bar and Grill on Main Street in Ansonia. We always like the food there.
'Twas a nice break for us, but I suppose it was a lonely couple of hours for our cat. 
Or am I projecting that? Maybe he just slept while we were gone.

Recuperation journey: Having a margarita! in Seymour

SEYMOUR - As we have in the past my daughter Allegra and I went to Hot Tamale Mexican Grill and Bar Wednesday night to celebrate Seymour Pink Day. 
The place was packed with supporters of Seymour Pink, a community's fight against breast cancer. 
The restaurant donates 20 percent of the day's proceeds to the nonprofit. 

And I had a margarita, which is not like me. If anything I'll  order a glass of red wine with dinner. 

However, when my nephrologist gave me the OK to imbibe a bit several months after my May 9 kidney transplant, I admit I was thrilled. 
He said, "Have a margarita! You didn't go through all this to not enjoy life."

Actually when I visit the clinic each medical professional ends the appointment with a similar message. "Enjoy your life," they tell me with a smile.   

The waitress asked me if I wanted a flavor. I had no idea margaritas came in different flavors. Haha. And I went without the salt. 
It was good, but I'm not a huge fan. I prefer a Cabernet or Pinot Noir, truth be told. 

Rain fails to dampen gathering of Valley Experience group in Shelton

 It wasn't raining when we arrived at the winery. I love the flag decorating the barn. 

SHELTON - My husband, Ralph, and I attended a Valley Experience Meetup event Friday held at Jones Family Farms Winery Wine Down.

It was fun and we thank Valley Experience organizer Kayleigh Apicerno for inviting us to join the group.

I didn't get any photos of the folks we met, but I did take a few scenic shots.

There were a lot of bees buzzing in this lavender patch next to where we were sitting and sipping Jones' wines.

A beautiful double rainbow appeared Friday evening as we were leaving. I am re-posting the photo because it's so pretty!  

We're looking forward to attending another Meetup with members of Valley Experience this summer. 

Rain fails to dampen gathering of Valley Experience group in Shelton

 It wasn't raining when we arrived at the winery. I love the flag decorating the barn. 

SHELTON - My husband, Ralph, and I attended a Valley Experience Meetup event Friday held at Jones Family Farms Winery Wine Down.

It was fun and we thank Valley Experience organizer Kayleigh Apicerno for inviting us to join the group.

I didn't get any photos of the folks we met, but I did take a few scenic shots.

There were a lot of bees buzzing in this lavender patch next to where we were sitting and sipping Jones' wines.

A beautiful double rainbow appeared Friday evening as we were leaving. I am re-posting the photo because it's so pretty!  

We're looking forward to attending another Meetup with members of Valley Experience this summer. 

Rain fails to dampen gathering of Valley Experience group in Shelton

 It wasn't raining when we arrived at the winery. I love the flag decorating the barn. 

SHELTON - My husband, Ralph, and I attended a Valley Experience Meetup event Friday held at Jones Family Farms Winery Wine Down.

It was fun and we thank Valley Experience organizer Kayleigh Apicerno for inviting us to join the group.

I didn't get any photos of the folks we met, but I did take a few scenic shots.

There were a lot of bees buzzing in this lavender patch next to where we were sitting and sipping Jones' wines.

A beautiful double rainbow appeared Friday evening as we were leaving. I am re-posting the photo because it's so pretty!  

We're looking forward to attending another Meetup with members of Valley Experience this summer. 

Valley Experience offers fun events for community

I joined a meetup group - Valley Experience - started a few months ago by Valley native Kayleigh Apicerno. 

My husband, Ralph, and I plan to attend a Wine Down - our first meetup event - July 1 at Jones Family Farms' Winery in Shelton. 
It should be a fun Valley experience! 

I guess you could say I'm trying to become more "social" and get out in the community. 
I feel like I spend an inordinate amount of my free time with my cat. 
Not that there is anything wrong with that, but ... 

All work and no play makes for a dull person, or something like that. And I certainly don't want to be considered dull.

Cheese pairing class at Colonial Tavern in Oxford to benefit nonprofit

OXFORD - Caseus Fromagerie & Bistro of New Haven will sponsor the second cheese pairing class to benefit Connecticut Partnership for Children, Inc. April 14 at Colonial Tavern, 24 Hawley Road.

CTPFC is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to supporting low-income children throughout the state. 

The April class, entitled "Curds N' Vines" will feature five gourmet cheeses, paired with five wines, as well as local-made jam, honey, and chocolate. 

Caseus owner, Jason Sobocinski, will run the class. 
Guests will learn all about the cheese and wine, including where it comes from, how it's made, and what it pairs well with. 

Doors open at 5:45 p.m. and light dinner fare will be served until 6:30 p.m. when the class begins. After the class, dessert will be served. 

Cash bar is available before and after the class. 

This event makes a great early Mother's Day gift for that special mom in your life, or make it Ladies' Night Out. Entry is 21+ only. 

Tickets are $50 per person and all proceeds will benefit Connecticut Partnership for Children. 

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.ctpfc.org or call (203) 881-1804.

This is a press release from Connecticut Partnership for Children.

Assumption School in Ansonia to host annual wine, beer fest

*Shared from the Ansonia Community Updates Facebook page.

Holy Rosary Church in Ansonia to host beer, wine tasting event