The Sun Winefest—What You Might Have Missed!
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:42:32 +0000
by Frank Cohen

Connecticut’s largest food and wine show is the annual Sun Winefest. The 2010 edition was held January 30th and 31st in Mohegan Sun’s convention center. To get there, my wife and I parked and ambled through the Casino of the Sky. On our way, we passed the geyser-like Dale Chihuly glass sculpture and the tumbling waterfall [...]

Hartford’s PolytechnicON20 Valentine’s Eve Dinner
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:45:07 +0000
by Bob DeZinno, Publisher

Saturday, February 13th… Chef Noel Jones and his team of professionals serve up what many food critics agree to be among Connecticut’s most creative and perfectly served dining. Normally open for lunch Monday thru Friday, and a la carte dining on Friday evenings only (with Jazz on the last Friday of each month), this opportunity [...]

Winter 2010 Taste Of Hartford 10—VIVO Seasonal Trattoria
Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:07:53 +0000
by Frank Cohen

My tenth, and final, Taste of Hartford visit took me to VIVO Seasonal Trattoria in the Marriott Hotel. As you can see from the spots on the photo, there were still a few scattered raindrops. We passed through the Hartford Marriott’s handsome foyer with its attractive reception desk and striking inlaid marble floor. Soon we progressed to VIVO’s entrance, and [...]

Winter 2010 Taste Of Hartford 9—Hook & Ladder
Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:39:56 +0000
by Frank Cohen

My ninth Taste of Hartford visit found me at Hook & Ladder on a cold, misty, Scotland Yard kind of night. You can see the raindrops in the photo. There was ample parking in the back of the building, a real bonus in Hartford. The restaurant’s entrance was located off an attractive corridor that bisected the building [...]

Winter 2010 Taste Of Hartford 8—Mayor Mike’s Bistro
Wed, 27 Jan 2010 04:25:42 +0000
by Frank Cohen

My eighth Taste of Hartford visit brought me to Mayor Mike’s Bistro. A few years before, I had reviewed the eponymous restaurant, finding former mayor Mike Peters a most congenial and helpful gentleman, even though I was undercover and he had no idea that he was being written about. There were a number of people milling [...]

Winter 2010 Taste Of Hartford 7—Hot Tomato’s
Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:32:14 +0000
by Frank Cohen

My seventh Taste of Hartford visit delivered me to Hot Tomato’s doorstep. There was hotness aplenty at the hostess station, thanks to Zenani and Katie. For those few individuals who have never set foot inside Hot Tomato’s, this restaurant wears its love of the bright red fruit and its pop-art heart on its sleeve. Its lower dining area, with [...]

Winter 2010 Taste Of Hartford 6—Bin 228 Panini & Wine Bar
Tue, 26 Jan 2010 05:50:58 +0000
by Frank Cohen

My sixth Taste of Hartford visit found me at Bin 228 Panini & Wine Bar. The joint was certainly jumping. My dining companion, Monica, and I took a small table near the window. On one wall were paintings of young women, on the other paintings of sheep. I was already a fan of this charming little eatery, having taken [...]

Winter 2010 Taste Of Hartford 5—J Restaurant/Bar
Sun, 24 Jan 2010 18:38:38 +0000
by Frank Cohen

My fifth Taste of Hartford visit took me to J Restaurant/Bar on Washington Street near Hartford Hospital. I couldn’t wait to try it. Of all the restaurants that I was scheduled to visit on this go-around, J Restaurant was the one about which I knew the least and had the most curiosity. A glance at [...]

Winter 2010 Taste Of Hartford 4—Wood-n-Tap
Sat, 23 Jan 2010 18:31:14 +0000
by Frank Cohen

My fourth Taste of Hartford visit found me still on Sisson Avenue at Wood-n-Tap. Although I had driven by the restaurant countless times, I had only visited the Farmington outlet of this restaurant group. Southington, Rocky Hill and Vernon remain unexplored. Once inside, we were greeted by this good-looking youth, who identified himself as the host. Wood-n-Tap’s bar [...]

Winter 2010 Taste Of Hartford 3—The Half Door
Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:38:10 +0000
by Frank Cohen

My third Taste of Hartford visit found me at The Half Door on Sisson Avenue. Ensconced in a comfortable, slightly raised booth, my companion Martha and I looked out over an oasis of warmth and conviviality. That warmth emanated equally from gracious general manager Spiro Koulouris and our sweet waitress, Ally. I wandered around The Half Door before our food [...]