Thursday, January 26, 2017

Sea turtles and chocolates... @ Maritime Aquarium Norwalk


The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk is offering a recipe you just can't beat... especially if you are a foodie, chocoholic and animal lover!  Once again, on January 29 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, one of Connecticut's top attractions, is hosting one of the one of the largest and most unique consumer chocolate events in the United States.  
Chocoholics will have the opportunity to sample chocolates from 40 local and regional vendors – including top area chocolatiers that will fill the Aquarium galleries, offering samples and sales of their gourmet chocolates, baked goods and specialty foods. In addition, guests can meet “Willy Wonka’s” original Mike TeeVee and sit in on free presentations by celebrity chefs Barret Beyer, Tony Albanese and Larry Rosenberg, as well as famed mentalist The Amazing Kreskin.
To pack it all in, the Aquarium will stay open two hours longer than normal – until 7 p.m.  The sweetest part of the day, however, is that admission on Jan. 29 costs less than a regular Aquarium ticket. For one day only, guests can enjoy jellyfish and gelato, tree frogs and truffles, crabs and caramels – all at discounted prices, especially with advance online purchase.

Festival attendees will find traditional and gourmet chocolates, as well as specialty offerings like chocolate-covered bacon, chocolate tarts, candy apples, fudge, chocolate-covered pretzels, chocolate vinaigrettes, and even chocolate-infused Brussels sprouts and chocolate-scented candles.
For ready-to-eat treats, Aurora Gourmet will have their chocolate fountains flowing, while Crazy Crepe Café will be making delicious crepes and Pika’s Farm Table will serve authentic Belgian-style waffles dipped in a choice of white, dark or milk chocolate. Screme Gelato will scoop a variety of unique flavors.
Non-chocolate goodies to be sampled and sold include gourmet tomato sauces, hot sauces, empanadas, nut butters, jams, syrups, sodas, pickles, coffees, horseradish, honey, popcorn, cannolis, cakes, pies, tarts and more. You can even bring home specialty treats for your dog!
Buy your tickets online – even on the day of The Chocolate Expo – for the deliciously discounted prices of $15 for adults and $10 for children 3-12. (Under 3, free.).  Tickets purchased at the door will be $20 for adults and $15 for children.  Paid admission on Jan. 29 is required of Maritime Aquarium members: $13 for adults and $8 for children.(Regular admission to The Maritime Aquarium is $22.95 for adults and $15.95 for children.) This year, for the first time, an off-peak ticket for admission between 5 & 7 p.m. is available for $10 per person; an even greater discount.

There will be no IMAX® movie presentations on Jan. 29, so the theater can be used for special presentations, including free 30-minute demonstrations by three celebrity chefs:
–  Tony Albanese, pastry designer and former assistant to Buddy Valastro of TV’s “Cake Boss,” at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
–  Barret Beyer of Fox TV’s “Hell’s Kitchen” at 2 and 4 p.m.
–  and Larry Rosenberg, recipe-book author, owner of Bacon Bites and soon-to-be-seen on Food Network, at 1 & 5 p.m.
Plus, at noon, be astounded by The Amazing Kreskin. With a showman’s flair, a comedian’s wit and the capacities of a bona fide mentalist or thought-reader, The Amazing Kreskin dramatizes the unique facets of the human mind. For six decades, he has been wow-ing audiences and talk-show hosts – including Carson, Letterman, Stern and Fallon – with his unknowable insights and answers.
Seating of 310 for the chef demonstrations and The Amazing Kreskin will be on a first-come, first-seated basis.  The chefs will be available throughout the day for pictures and autographs.
This year’s Chocolate Expo also celebrates cinematic chocolate history by welcoming Paris Themmen, who played Mike TeeVee – the boy in the cowboy outfit – opposite Gene Wilder in “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” Themmen will sign autographs and pose for photographs throughout the day.

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Annual Chocolate Expo in Southbury Jan. 29

It is that sweet time of year again when chocolate lovers come together at the 24th annual Chocolate Expo on January 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wyndham Southbury, formally the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  With chocolate lovers in mind, this event showcases many of the area's finest chocolate delights and specialty food items from a wide variety of exhibitors and culinary schools.

Expo goers are invited to sample a plentiful assortment of scrumptious chocolate, specialty and gourmet foods provided by well-respected local businesses. Vendors will also be offering unique gifts, products, and services. Attendees can shop for Valentine's Day or pick-up treats for Super Bowl parties, while enjoying music, a silent auction, special drawings, door prizes, and demonstrations.
Adult tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Children's tickets (ages 5-12) are $5. For tickets or exhibitor information please contact Faith Hull, 203-754-5141 ext. 251. Proceeds benefit the programs and services of Easter Seals, serving the special needs of infants, children, and adults with disabilities in greater Waterbury, central, and northwestern Connecticut.  Tickets available online. Visit the website www.easterseals.com/waterbury 

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Cooking Classes @ The Silo in February

When the days outside are cold and stormy one fun way to spend your time is in a nice warm kitchen cooking, or learning how to cook at The Silo in New Milford.  This February they are offering a delightful variety of classes sure to please young and old alike.



On February 4 you can learn how to make edible gifts for your valentine from 11 a.m.  to 2 p.m.  The class will concentrate on heart healthy Omega 3’s and flavonoids that are blended together to form a healthy luxury that ‘s not so bad for your health, and known to enhance your mood! You will learn how to make basil oil, and move on to individually designed organic chocolate bark. You’ll leave with beautifully packaged gifts for your sweetheart. Perfect for Valentines Day!



Just in time for Valentines Day, on February 11 from 6 pm to 9 pm the Silo is offering a Romantic Dinner for two class with Abby Dodge.   The menu will include: Toasted Walnut Gougeres, Fig-Pear Pastry Tart, Apple-Sausage Fennel Crepes with Salad and make ahead Double Chocolate Souffles.  This class is $75.



Tapas is a trend in the restaurant industry that is sweeping the country.  This class concentrates on small bites that boast huge flavor paired with innovative cocktails. To learn about tapas, take the class on February 18 with Maria Laura Quintero from  11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu is extensive and consists of: Duck breast pastrami "Slab" with cherry/port compote over polenta cube, Tostones de Camaron (gluten free) – Green fried plantains topped Shrimp, pickled cabbage, chipotle mayo and avocado mash Choripan – Argentinian sausage on baguette with "chimichurri argentino" Grilled Pizzeta – Blood Sausage, grilled apples, caramelized onions, Octopus Tostada – Chile morita souce, shaved radishes, cilantro leaves, and Strawberry/Blood orange "Mille Feuille" served with powder vanilla pastry cream and candied "burnt" lemon sirope.



On February 25, learn how to make one of the most famous dishes of Spain, Paella with Chef Melanie Cecilio. The class takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the menu consists of Paella Valenciana- seafod dish from Valencia province of Spain, Manchego with Membrillo- manchego cheese with quince jam, Croquetas de jamon y queso- traditional béchamel based croquettes, Gambas al Ajillo-Garlic Shrimp, and *Sangria. 



Chef Melanie Cecilio is teaching a second class on February 25 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. called Paris Bistro.  The menu for this full participation class includes specialties such as:  Soupe à l'oignon- Onion Soup, Gratin Dauphinois- A rich gratin of sliced potatoes and cream, Duck Confit Express, Frisée aux Lardon- Frisée salad with poached egg, and Tarte tatin with Crème Frâiche- Lightly spiced apples with caramel sauce.



The final class for February is Italian Cooking Basics and takes place on the 26th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  with Chef Melanie Cecillio.  The menu includes: Fritto Misto (Calamari and Artichokes) with Aioli, Bruschetta, Fresh Egg Pasta, Pappardelle all Bolognese Ragu and Tiramisu.




On March 4 a very special South American Food & Wine Pairing Dinner from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. is being held at the Silo prepared by Chef Anne McClelland who will dazzle you with a fabulous South American cuisine paired with wines to please your palate. New spices and textures will awaken your desire to explore the foods this culture offers. There will be four courses plus dessert. The cost is $110 per person.

The Silo is located on 44 Upland Road in New Milford. Classes maybe booked online or by calling 860-355-0300.



Monday, January 23, 2017

Sea turtles and Chocolate turtles @ Chocolate Expo at the Maritime Aquarium Jan 29

The Maritime Aquarium is offering a recipe you just can't beat... especially if you are a foodie, chocoholic and animal lover!  Once again, on January 29 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, one of Connecticut's top attractions, is hosting one of the one of the largest and most unique consumer chocolate events in the United States.  


Chocoholics will have the opportunity to sample chocolates from 40 local and regional vendors – including top area chocolatiers that will fill the Aquarium galleries, offering samples and sales of their gourmet chocolates, baked goods and specialty foods. In addition, guests can meet “Willy Wonka’s” original Mike TeeVee and sit in on free presentations by celebrity chefs Barret Beyer, Tony Albanese and Larry Rosenberg, as well as famed mentalist The Amazing Kreskin.
To pack it all in, the Aquarium will stay open two hours longer than normal – until 7 p.m.
The sweetest part of the day, however, is that admission on Jan. 29 costs less than a regular Aquarium ticket. For one day only, guests can enjoy jellyfish and gelato, tree frogs and truffles, crabs and caramels – all at discounted prices, especially with advance online purchase.
Festival attendees will find traditional and gourmet chocolates, as well as specialty offerings like chocolate-covered bacon, chocolate tarts, candy apples, fudge, chocolate-covered pretzels, chocolate vinaigrettes, and even chocolate-infused Brussels sprouts and chocolate-scented candles.
For ready-to-eat treats, Aurora Gourmet will have their chocolate fountains flowing, while Crazy Crepe Café will be making delicious crepes and Pika’s Farm Table will serve authentic Belgian-style waffles dipped in a choice of white, dark or milk chocolate. Screme Gelato will scoop a variety of unique flavors.
Non-chocolate goodies to be sampled and sold include gourmet tomato sauces, hot sauces, empanadas, nut butters, jams, syrups, sodas, pickles, coffees, horseradish, honey, popcorn, cannolis, cakes, pies, tarts and more. You can even bring home specialty treats for your dog!
Buy your tickets online – even on the day of The Chocolate Expo – for the deliciously discounted prices of $15 for adults and $10 for children 3-12. (Under 3, free.).  Tickets purchased at the door will be $20 for adults and $15 for children.  Paid admission on Jan. 29 is required of Maritime Aquarium members: $13 for adults and $8 for children (Regular admission to The Maritime Aquarium is $22.95 for adults and $15.95 for children.)  This year, for the first time, an off-peak ticket for admission between 5 & 7 p.m. is available for $10 per person; an even greater discount.

There will be no IMAX® movie presentations on Jan. 29, so the theater can be used for special presentations, including free 30-minute demonstrations by three celebrity chefs:
–  Tony Albanese, pastry designer and former assistant to Buddy Valastro of TV’s “Cake Boss,” at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
–  Barret Beyer of Fox TV’s “Hell’s Kitchen” at 2 and 4 p.m.
–  and Larry Rosenberg, recipe-book author, owner of Bacon Bites and soon-to-be-seen on Food Network, at 1 & 5 p.m.

Plus, at noon, be astounded by The Amazing Kreskin. With a showman’s flair, a comedian’s wit and the capacities of a bona fide mentalist or thought-reader, The Amazing Kreskin dramatizes the unique facets of the human mind. For six decades, he has been wow-ing audiences and talk-show hosts – including Carson, Letterman, Stern and Fallon – with his unknowable insights and answers.
Seating of 310 for the chef demonstrations and The Amazing Kreskin will be on a first-come, first-seated basis.  The chefs will be available throughout the day for pictures and autographs.
This year’s Chocolate Expo also celebrates cinematic chocolate history by welcoming Paris Themmen, who played Mike TeeVee – the boy in the cowboy outfit – opposite Gene Wilder in “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” Themmen will sign autographs and pose for photographs throughout the day.

Friday, January 20, 2017

The A -to- Z of Acrylics @ Silvermine Art Center

Have you ever wondered about the mystery of perfecting the artistic technique of working with acrylics?  If you have, don't miss the lecture hosted by the Silvermine Arts Center located on 1037 Silvermine Road in New Canaan on Sunday, January 22 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  This lecture is free and open to the public and will take place in the school's auditorium.

This lecture, "The A-to-Z of Acrylics: Educational Lecture Golden Paints" is a fun, fast-paced informative two-hours covering a technical review of acrylics and their varied application possibilities. The lecture includes live demos that will present information on pigment types, characteristics, heavy body, fluids, open paints, gels, mediums, pastes, iridescent and much more. Learn how acrylics can be used as grounds for other media, such as oil, watercolor, pastel or colored pencil.
Attendees of this lecture will get key information on color mixing for brilliant hues, blending and controlling drying time.  You will see how gels can be used to modify paint properties or create unique textural surfaces. From traditional to contemporary to mixed media, acrylics are infinitely versatile.
Artists of all levels will come away from this lecture with fresh new insights to feed their creative expression. All participants who register in advance will receive free products sample and an extensive literature packet, including hand-painted color charts and creative ideas using Golden products. Attending this lecture and learn many creative ways acrylics can be used. Advanced registration is required to receive free paint and product samples.

The guest lecturer, Patti Mollica delights in painting the world around her in a bold, confident style, with hues that are vibrant, energetic and contemporary. Patti has been commissioned by, and is included in the private collections of American Express, Sheraton Hotels, CBS & RCA Records, Penguin Press and many others. Additionally, she is a Certified Teacher for Golden Paints and conducts workshops throughout the U.S. Patti's original artwork is represented in several galleries throughout the US. Published prints and posters can be found in retail chains worldwide. Patti is the author of 3 books, "Modern Acrylics ", "Color Theory", and "Acrylics - Getting Started", as well as 3 instructional painting DVD's, "Value, Brushwork, and Color Techniques", published by Northlight Books.
The snow date for this lecture is Sunday, January 29. To sign up for a newsletter on travel tips for Litchfield Hills and Fairfield County visit www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

An Amazing New LEGO® Cityscape at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center

Skylines and superheroes! The ILUGNY team has built a fantasy Gotham City featuring five of the most iconic buildings in New York City — and they are HUGE! LEGO® trains, trams, and subways travel over, under, and around a totally new LEGO® landscape where superheroes save the day! Bring the whole family and be awed by these remarkable architectural landmarks — each made completely of LEGO® bricks.



There are  two upcoming lego workshops on Saturday & Sunday, January 21-22 Superhero Animation - Lights! Camera! Action! Two sessions: 10 am - 12 pm & 2 - 4 pm  LEGO® Super Hero animation with ILUGNY facilitators. Led by Alex Kobbs, of Kooberz Studios. Learn how to film stop-action animation with LEGO® creations and mini figures. Recommended for ages 10 and up, limited to 30 participants per session. 


Members: $40 (one adult & one child), $25 for each additional adult/child.
Non-Members: $55 (one adult & one child), $25 for each additional adult/child (includes admission).

Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all workshops. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited. Call 203.977.6521 to register.

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

The Glebe House presents Pudd’nheads: Childhood in Colonial America

On January 22 at 2 p.m. the Glebe House located on Hollow Road in Woodbury is hosting a program, Pudd’nheads: Childhood in Colonial America presented by Velya Jancz-Urban - of “The Grounded Goodwife” & Ehris Urban. Pilgrim and Puritan colonists had children, and though it would be hard to tell from historical records, so did African slaves and the indigenous families whom they encountered.



Velya Jancz-Urban - author, teacher, and creator of The Not-So-Good Life of the Colonial Goodwife - has partnered with her herbalist daughter, Ehris Urban, on this unique presentation. Pudd’nheads: Childhood in Colonial America is similar to The Not-So-Good Life of the Colonial Goodwife in that it is funny, sad, sweet, and shocking. Dive deeper into our history. There was much more to childhood than hoop rolling and horn books! Registration for this event is required by calling 203-263-2855 and is $20.

Pudd’nheads: Childhood in Colonial America examines the unique aspects of childhood between the late sixteenth and late eighteenth centuries and explores themes including birthing and childrearing practices, parenting, children's health and education, naming, gender, play, and rites of passage.

Providing fresh historical perspectives on key features of children's lives, this program offers compelling information on colonial children - as well as Native American and slave children, who are too often left out of conventional coverage. This new program will be presented in the “kitchen” of the Glebe House Museum (c.1750), immersed in colonial artifacts and history.  Light refreshments will be served.

To sign up for a monthly newsletter on Litchfield Hills and Fairfield County visit www.litchfieldhills.com

Monday, January 16, 2017

January Fun @ the Ansonia Nature Center

The Ansonia Nature Center located on 10 Deerfield Road in Ansonia has planned a fun filled series of events for the month of January.  Guests are invited to celebrate the 21st annual Dr. Martin Luther King Day at the center from 12 noon to 4 p.m. on Monday, January 16. Guests are invited to join the Nature Center at the Yale Peabody Museum, 170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven. The Peabody will once again offer world-class performances and educational activities for visitors of all ages, in honor of Dr. King and his efforts to ensure justice for all people.



The cold January winter winds usually bring chapped lips so the Ansonia Nature Center is hosting a back to basics program on natural lip balms on January 21 at 1:30 p.m. Guests will learn how to soothe their lips with a homemade lip balm! Join Ranger Dawn and learn how to make lip balm with natural ingredients such as beeswax and essential oils in this easy and fun workshop. All participants will be taking home a sample! MATERIALS FEE: $10 per person. Please register in advance by calling 203-736-1053.

On January 22 at  2 p.m. guests are invited to join storyteller Leslie Elias that will tell participants about the Iroquois creation myth, a story of sky people and water animals and how the earth came to rest on Grandmother Turtle's back. During this workshop, children will create a mask and perform the creation myth for their families. MATERIALS FEE: $10 per person.


To close out the month, there will be a special edition of Playground Mouse on Saturday, January 28 at 2 p.m. This true story is told by Amie Ziner. Participants will learn about the adventure of Playground Mouse, who was found at the Ansonia Nature Center's beloved old playground. This is the fun story of a local mouse growing, meeting some friends, and his release back into the great outdoors. Kids will create a Playground Mouse of their own to take home and care for. Donate $10 and you will receive a copy of the adventures of Playground Mouse. All donations will help feed the animals at the Nature Center.

In addition to the above programs, ongoing programs at the Ansonia Nature Center includes guided hikes on Sundays at 1 p.m., Yoga on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Creature Features at noon on Saturdays. For more information http://ansonianaturecenter.org.

Friday, January 13, 2017

Warm up to Winter with Tito Puente Jr.

On January 14 at 8 p.m., be ready to salsa, merengue, and mambo! Tito Puente Jr. promises to have the Danbury Palace audience on their feet with his hot jazz and passionate Latin beats. The Danbury Palace Theater is located on 165 Main Street just minutes off I-84. 

By birthright and by virtue of his own talent, Puente has helped bring the Latin sound to a new generation of listeners. While nurturing the musical legacy left by his percussion superstar father, known as the "King of Latin Music," Puente has put his own modern spin on salsa, merengue, and mambo.
The comparison is inevitable. It's in his looks, his joy, his music. No doubt, every time Tito Jr. walks on stage - he walks in his father's footsteps.
When Tito Puente Sr died in 2000, his son launched a mission to preserve and promote the music by performing original Puente arrangements, with his own flavor added in. "There was magic in the music my father made. It made people happy, all over the world. My goal is to keep it alive, and in doing so, expose it to a whole new generation."
Crowds once lured to a venue by the father's magic have returned to enjoy the son -- participating once again in the high voltage celebration that takes place on stage. This vibrant entertainer wows audiences with his unique musical style and passionate performance.
Tickets are sold online; VIP tickets are $50 and regular tickets are $40, plus at $3 ticketing fee.

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Have Whale of a Time @ Maritime Aquarium Norwalk

This January, museum goers are invited to walk through a giant inflatable whale at the Maritime Aquarium located on ten North Water Street in Norwalk.  Guests will see what it's like to stand beside – and inside – a 43-foot life-sized humpback whale, centerpiece of the fun as we invite guests to "Celebrate Whales." All activities offer bonus family fun, and will appeal to teachers and students on field trips too!

This special event places a 43-foot inflatable humpback whale into the Aquarium's central Newman's Own Hall. Stand next to the whale to get a real sense of the creatures' size – especially to realize that some humpbacks (and some other whale species) can grow even bigger. Have your phone ready too, because it's a great 'selfie' – you and a whale! There's even an opening that allows guests to play Jonah and go inside the whale to see its internal organs, including its lungs, heart and stomachs. (Most baleen whales have three stomach compartments.)
Also during "Celebrate Whales" Jan. 7-16, bonus educational stations will let Maritime Aquarium guests touch real baleen, experience first-hand how blubber keeps whales warm, and – in displays created by NOAA's Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary – learn the dangers that whales face on their annual migration.
And check for special screenings of the IMAX movie "Humpback Whales" daily Jan. 7-16 on the Aquarium's six-story screen.