One Hartford store owner shared an emotional story about how the pandemic has devastated her business and said she was so grateful when she found out she got the grant. A Hartford store owner shared her emotional story of the toll the pandemic has taken on her business as well as downtown Hartford and sheds light on just what help from a grant means. Note: This is sound only.
Jody Morneault has a clothing shop in downtown Hartford and said she and her husband have been living on savings and credit cards because they don t want to close the store.
Arethusa al tavolo Photo courtesy of Arethusa al tavolo
Fresh, local and seasonal are all terms that get thrown around a lot in the restaurant industry. None of those descriptors is an exaggeration for Arethusa al tavolo, whose dairy farm and garden are both less than 10 minutes up the street. At this fine-dining gem, expect a showcase of butter, milk, cheese and seasonal produce all farmed and crafted by Arethusa. Everything else, including beef, lamb, chicken and more, is obtained from nearby purveyors who practice the same sustainable ethics. Dishes here switch up often, so think light and bright in warmer months, and comforting when the weather cools. A recent autumn visit involved hot honey-glazed Peking duck with five-spice spaetzle and a new-age take on a classic steakhouse combo: fork-tender, garlic-crusted strip loin with a spinach tart and a trio of blue cheese croquettes. Arrive early to visit their coffee shop, Arethusa a mano, across the
CT Magazine: Best Restaurants 2021: The Top 15 Restaurants in Connecticut
Rand Richards Cooper, James Gribbon, Erik Ofgang, Mike Wollschlager, Andrew Dominick and Douglas P. Clement
Dec. 30, 2020
FacebookTwitterEmail
1of5
Cow prints decorate the walls of the Arethusa al tavolo restaurant in Bantam.Photo by Arnold Gold/New Haven RegisterShow MoreShow Less
2of5Chef Brian Lewis talks over the night’s menu at The Cottage restaurant in Westport with staffer Jason Leckey.Bradley E. Clift / For Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
3of5
4of5
Millwright’s stuffed pepper appetizer during a three-course prix fixe brunch.Joe Amaranter / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
5of5
This article originally appeared in Connecticut Magazine.
143 Water St., Stonington
In my wildest dreams, I never imagine I’d be touting the virtues of tofu, but it’s an excellent protein in the Crispy Tofu Salad ($16) at the Water Street Café. And it’s healthy. This dish was a favorite even before COVID, and it travels nicely as a takeout. Prepared with a generous heap of flash-fried tofu bites nestled on top of a bed of mixed greens and dressed with a soy-wasabi vinaigrette, it’s a bold bite. The tofu is crispy on the exterior and soft inside, and the pungent wasabi provides a kick. As a takeout, the salad is better when the tofu is packed separately and assembled at home, and I recommend asking for extra dressing.
The very first âPorch Paradeâ in Bay City premiered on a very dark and stormy night. It was led by Fire Chief, Darrell Griffith, and his passenger, Mr. Grinch, followed by the Oyster Club car with V.I.P.âs, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Anytime I see flashing lights in my rear view mirror it makes me nervous. However this time it was the Sheriffâs Department bringing up the rear to keep us safe on our route. Awards for lights and decorations were given out at the end of the parade. The first place prize went to Greg and Angela Sweeney, second place was won by Danielle Hurd, representing the Methodist Church, and third place was taken by Mayor, David McCall. It was fun for all, and we will do it again next year. Your ideas and kind comments are always welcome. The best part of doing the porch parade was hearing the little girl who said âThis is the best parade ever!â If you would like to know more about the Oyster Club and how you can be part of it, call me