Vol. 14, No. 3, 2024
Owners, managers and developers of commercial, residential and retail properties in central Connecticut for over 50 years.
We specialize in all sizes of office space and offer a wide range of living options including luxury apartments and townhouses.
For more information contact us at 860.232.1729
Happy Summer!
We have some significant anniversaries to celebrate this fall — but none are more special and worthy of celebration than the birthday of Hillary’s beloved grandmother, Silvia Pasternak, who turned 102 years old in May. It’s quite an exceptional milestone and we do hope you will join us in wishing this remarkable grandmother and greatgrandmother a hearty mazel tov!
Speaking of anniversaries…
The 10th anniversary of our popular BEST of WEST HARTFORD event will be held on Monday, November 4, (details to come) at the Mandell Jewish Community Center (JCC). To mark this special occasion, our local Arthur Murray Dance Studio will present “Dancing with the Stars.” Much like the TV show of the same name, this entertaining one-of-a-kind program will “pair” local ‘celebrities’ who will compete against other couples for the title ‘BEST DANCERS’ in West Hartford. Here’s a look at the ‘dancers’ who have thus far signed up to participate in this fun program. Each couple will be sponsored by a local business who will select a non-profit to benefit from proceeds raised:
THE DANCERS: Shari Cantor, Eric Feeney, Victor Gonzalez, Dennis House, Jah Jones, Ronni Newton, Zuliet Rivera... and more to come!
THE SPONSORS: Robin Gebrian/Raveis, Jeff Hodges Landscaping, Juniper Homecare, Lyons Auto Service in Memory of Gary Carducci, North Star Wealth, Lewis Real Estate, Sheehan Hilborn Breen, Udolf Properties, WeHa Cleaning ... and more to come!
THE CHARITIES: APK Charities (Veterans), Alzheimers of CT, Cleaning for a Reason (Cancer), Friends of Feeney, The Homeless, Ron Foley Foundation ... and more to come!
NOTE: Subject to change, updated as we approached deadline.
Two other anniversary celebrations are also in the planning stages: The 25th Anniversary of WeHa Magazine and the 95th Anniversary of the Connecticut Jewish Ledger (now known as the Southern New England Jewish Ledger). Watch our future issues for details!
On a related note…We look forward to seeing you all on Monday, September 9 at our special “TASTE” event celebrating we-ha.com’s 10th Anniversary at West Hartford Conference Center (Town Hall Auditorum.)
With this issue we welcome back a column that focuses on something we all love to do: EAT! Special thanks to our “foodie” couple (who will remain anonymous for now). We thank them for generously agreeing to share with us their reviews of some old and some new eateries around town — places WestHartfordites love to visit!
If you haven’t listened in to our popular podcast “On The Scene,” don’t delay! “On the Scene” is available anywhere you listen to podcasts (see Page 30). Special thanks to our sponsor, NBT BANK as our podcast spotlights local businesses and events happening in Greater West Hartford.
Looking forward to celebrating with you!
Tom & Hillary President & Publisher
President Tom Hickey
Publisher Digital Media Manager Hillary Sarrasin
Contributing Writers & Columnists: Matt Banever, Chris Conway, Karla Dalley, Robert Laraia, Lisa Martin, Judie Jacobson, Ronni Newton
Bookkeeper Lisa Gangone
Photography Todd Fairchild/Shutterbug CT
Thomas Giroir/Ballet Theatre Company Kai Whalen/Ballet Theatre Company
Videographer Nild Sansone
Websites: We-Ha.com, WestHartfordMagazine.com, Wehawheels.com, JewishLedger.com, 20Media20.com, wehacal.com
Mike Roy/Roy Web Design
Principals
Thomas P. Hickey II James H. Gould III
Follow us on Social Media: Facebook West Hartford Magazine We-Ha.com
Twitter @westhartfordmag @wehartford _2020_Media
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Painting by Jack Crowley
By Filemon Zeferino & Kalita Pillonetto
As the warm breeze starts to replace the chilly air, it's time to gear up for the summer season. From barbecues to pool parties, summer brings a whole new set of activities and adventures. However, before you dive headfirst into the fun, it's essential to ensure your home is ready to handle the summer hustle and bustle.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the first week of preparing your home for summer activities, ensuring that your space is clean, organized, and ready for all the enjoyment the season has to offer.
1. Clear Out Winter Clutter: Start your summer preparations by decluttering your indoor spaces. Put away winter clothing, sports equipment, and other items that won't be needed during the summer months.
2. Organize Storage Areas: Take this opportunity to organize closets, cabinets, and storage areas. Proper organization will not only create more space but also make it easier to find items when you need them.
3. Deep Clean Surfaces: Dust and dirt tend to accumulate during the colder months. Give your indoor surfaces a thorough cleaning to freshen up your home for the summer.
1. Clean Outdoor Furniture: Wipe down outdoor furniture to remove dirt, pollen, and other debris that may have accumulated. Consider giving them a quick hose down for a more thorough cleaning.
2. Prep Your Grill: Get your grill ready for summer barbecues by giving it a deep clean. Scrub the grates, clean the exterior,
and check for any maintenance issues that need addressing.
3. Spruce Up the Patio or Deck: Sweep away debris, pressure wash surfaces, and add some fresh potted plants or outdoor decor to liven up your outdoor entertaining area.
Prepare for Summer Adventures PREPARE FOR SUMMER ADVENTURES
1. Stock Up on Essentials: Make sure you have all the summer essentials on hand, such as sunscreen, bug spray, and outdoor games or sports equipment.
2. Plan Outdoor Activities: Research local events, hiking trails, or water activities to enjoy during the summer months. Having a plan in place will help you make the most of the season.
3. Create a Cleaning Schedule: Stay on top of summer cleaning by creating a weekly or bi-weekly schedule. This will help you maintain a clean and organized home throughout the season.
YOUR
DO YOU NEED HELP?
By following this one-week guide to preparing your home for summer
activities, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a season filled with fun and relaxation. From decluttering and organizing indoor spaces to freshening up outdoor areas, taking the time to prepare your home now will ensure you can make the most of the sunny days ahead.
Ready to tackle your summer cleaning checklist but need some extra help?
Contact West Hartford Cleaning Services today to learn more about our professional cleaning services. Let us handle the dirty work so you can focus on making memories with friends and family this summer.
Robert Laraia, RFC, Founding Partner Northstar Wealth Partners www.nstarwp.com
If you or your family would like to call your favorite travel destination “home,” you may be considering purchasing a vacation property. This can be an exciting milestone but there are a few things to consider first. Your financial professional might be able to provide you with some resources to help answer some of these critical questions.
Think about how often the home will be used – and by who. Will you be renting it out? Can family come and stay when you’re not there? Or will it only be occupied a few weeks a year?
• Did you know 600,000 Americans use online marketplaces to rent out their property to vacationers.
2:
When are you making the decision to buy a second home? Is it right after a relaxing vacation at a new location? Or have you been considering this for a while? A second home is a large expense, you’ll want to avoid being impulsive when making your decision.
• Tip: Travel to your desired location during each season to get a better feel for what it’s like all year round.
Aside from the cost of the house, you’ll need to prepare to pay the ongoing costs of owning a second home. These include:
• Insurance
• Property Tax
• Maintenance
• Property Manager (if renting)
• HOA or Amenity Fees (if any)
If you plan on renting out your vacation home, check local laws and guidelines. Some places cap the number of days a place can be rented out or provide further restrictions of renting to vacationers.
In some instances, an emergency might be a broken water heater or an electrical problem. In other instances, it may be severe. What’s your plan? Would your home be within driving distance, or will you hire someone to check on it periodically throughout the year?
• Did you know, on average, the US is hit by 6 to 7 hurricanes a year.
Sources:
Robert Laraia may be reached at 888-886-7737 or rlaraia@nstarwp.com www.nstarwp.com
- iPropertyManagement.com, July 14, 2022 - Ill.org, 2023
Securites and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC.
Their wedding took place on the Connecticut shore in Stonington—but for Catherine Marie Higgins and Brendan Michael Fox III, the romance started long before that.
In truth, Cathy and Brendan’s story began in the hallways of St. Timothy Middle School in West Hartford. The couple were only in 6th grade then, but their relationship continued to grow through their years as they continued their education at West Hartford’s Northwest Catholic High School. By senior year, they were dating.
“The saying ‘distance makes the heart grow fonder. is certainly true in our experience, having attended college in opposite parts of New England,” say the couple. “But that only made the enjoyment of connecting back in Boston much greater! We’re thrilled to see what our future brings.”
So far Cathy and Brendan’s life together has brought the couple many special moments — not the least of which happened on September 30 2022 — a date that turned out to be filled with surprises and that, they say, “will always hold a special place in our hearts!”
The evening began with what appeared to be an after-work stroll and picnic on Boston's Esplanade alongside the Charles River. No surprisingly, that led to their engagement (with Cathy’s brother, Patrick, hiding in the bushes to memorialize the moment!). Among the special surprises, the couple’s families were on hand to offer a celebratory toast, followed by dinner and a full-blown engagement party attended by their families and friends at Clery’s Irish Pub — one of their favorite spots.
right wedding venue began.
With Cathy having attended college just a short distance away in New London, she had the opportunity to explore the food and scenery in the Mystic/Stonington area. As for Brendan, he grew to love the area having spent summers with his family in Black Point on the Connecticut shore.
And so, on August 12, 2023, the couple said their wedding vows at Stonington’s St. Marys Church, with Father Christopher Ford, Pastor at St.
Peter Claver in West Hartford assisting during the ceremony. A beautiful reception at Stone Acres Farm in Stonington followed.
The Bride, Catherine Marie Higgins, is the daughter of Ray and Mary Higgins who live in West Hartford and work for major insurers UnitedHealthcare and Travelers Insurance in Hartford. They spend much of their leisure time visiting their children in Boston and spending time at their summer home on Cape Cod in Cotuit, Massachussetts.
The Groom is the son of Brendan and Ellen Fox, also of West Hartford, who spend much of their summer vacationing at Black Point in Niantic.
The Bride was attended by her sister Annie Higgins, who served as Maid of Honor; and her attendants, MaryKate Laffin, Phoebe Grenham, Meghan Healey, Bryn Lynch, Lacey Hale, and Ellie Rudd.
The Groom’s Best Men were his two brothers, John Fox and Luke Fox. He was attended by the Bride’s brother, Patrick Higgins; and by Michael Laffin, Matt Laffin, Stephen Laffin, and Thomas LoMedico. :
The Bride is a graduate of Connecticut College and works in sales operations in the software development industry, LeanIX, and SAP Company.
The Groom is a graduate of Bates College. He works in the financial services industry for Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
For their honeymoon, the couple chose to soak up the sun at Sugar Beach Viceroy, a boutique tropical island hotel in St. Lucia — “a stunning resort between the two Piton Mountains, allowing for mountainous terrain and crystal clear water,” say the couple.
“It truly felt like paradise.”
Photographs by Kait Pena (website: https://www.kaitpena.com/, email:hello@kaitpena.com
Call Robin today... experience counts. I have exceptional in-depth market knowledge and understanding of the buying and selling process. I go above and beyond for every client to get you a great end result. Who you choose matters.
“I’m thrilled to be at William Raveis, whose focus is Marketing and Technology with a connection to a great International Network.”
Robin and Raveis ... what a great combination!
Summer is the perfect time to take a relaxing break from the great big (sometimes burdensome) world and lose yourself in a good book. What to read? Who would have a better idea of what’s hot on today’s bookshelf than the library — and, more specifically, the library’s well-read staff.. And so, we checked out the West Hartford Public Library and came away with a slew of intriguing books published in 2023 & 2024 that the staff suggested we crack open this summer.
So, pull up a beach chair, pop open the beach umbrella…and start reading.
As they travel through Europe on their way to the wedding, Patrick tries his best to help them understand love, much as he once helped them comprehend grief. Gracing the page with his signature blend of humor and heart, Steven Rowley writes about the complicated bonds of family, love, and what it takes to rediscover yourself.
Patrick O'Hara is back. It's been five years since his summer as his niece Maisie and nephew Grant's caretaker after their mother's passing. The kids are back in Connecticut with their dad, and Patrick has relocated to New York to remain close by, and relaunch his dormant acting career. After the run of his second successful sit-com comes to a close, Patrick feels on top of the world. Looking down both barrels at 50, Patrick is single again after breaking things off with Emory. But at least he has a family to lean on. Until that family needs to again lean on him. When his brother Greg announces he's getting remarried in Italy, Maisie and Grant are not thrilled. Patrick feels drawn to take Maisie and Grant back under his wing.
When a persistent mutual friend and some very unpredictable weather conspire to toss Michael and Marnie together on the most epic of 10-day hikes, neither of them can think of anything worse, until, of course, they discover exactly what they've been looking for
On September 11, 1999, humanity made a monumental discovery in the vastness of space. Scientists uncovered an asteroid of immense
scientific importance--a colossal celestial entity. As massive as an aircraft carrier and towering as high as the iconic Empire State Building, this cosmic titan was later named Bennu. Remarkable for much more than its size, Bennu belonged to a rare breed of asteroids capable of revealing the essence of life itself. But just as Bennu became a beacon of promise, researchers identified a grave danger. Hurtling through space, it threatens to collide with our planet on September 24, 2182. Leading the expedition was Dr. Dante Lauretta, the Principal Investigator of NASA's audacious OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return Mission. Tasked with unraveling Bennu's mysteries, his team embarked on a daring quest to retrieve a precious sample from the asteroid's surface - one that held the potential to not only unlock the secrets of life's origins but also to avert an unprecedented catastrophe.”
Lucy is the tourist vacationing at a beach house on Prince Edward Island. Felix is the local who shows her a very good time. The only problem: Lucy doesn't know he's her best friend's younger brother. Lucy and Felix's chemistry is unreal, but the list of reasons why they need to stay away from each other is long, and they vow to never repeat that electric night again. It's easier said than done. Each year,
Lucy escapes to PEI for a big breath of coastal air. Every visit begins with a long walk on the beach, beneath soaring red cliffs and a golden sun. And every visit, Lucy promises herself she won't wind up in Felix's bed. Again. If Lucy can't help being drawn to Felix, at least she's always kept her heart out of it. When Bridget suddenly flees Toronto a week before her wedding, Lucy drops everything to help Bridget through her crisis and resist the one man she's never been able to. But Felix's sparkling eyes and flirty quips have been replaced with something new, and Lucy's beginning to wonder just how safe her heart truly is.
By Kevin Kwan (2024)
A forbidden affair erupts volcanically amid a decadent tropical wedding in this outrageous comedy of manners from the iconic author of Crazy Rich Asians.
Rufus Leung Gresham, future
Duke of
Greshambury and son of a former Hong Kong supermodel has a problem: the legendary Gresham Trust has been depleted by decades of profligate spending, and behind all the magazine covers and Instagram stories manors and yachts lies nothing more than a gargantuan mountain of debt. The only solution, put forth by Rufus's scheming mother, is for Rufus to attend his sister's wedding at a luxury eco-resort, a veritable who's-who of sultans, barons, and oligarchs, and seduce a woman with money. Should he marry Sölne de Courcy, a French hotel heiress with honey blond tresses and a royal bloodline? Should he pursue Martha Dung, the tattooed venture capital genius who passes out billions like lollipops? Or should he follow his heart, betray his family, squander his legacy, and
finally confess his love to the literal girl next door?
From the porch of his home, Charles Lamosway has watched the life he might have had unfold across the river on Maine's Penobscot Reservation. On the far bank, he caught brief moments of his neighbor Elizabeth's life - from the day she came home from the hospital to her early twenties. But there's always been something deeper and more dangerous than the river that divides him from her and the rest of the tribal community. It's the secret that Elizabeth is his daughter, a secret Charles is no longer willing to keep. Now, it's been weeks since he's seen Elizabeth, and Charles is worried. As he attempts to hold on to and care for what he can - his home and property; his alcoholic, quick-tempered, and bighearted friend Bobby; and his mother, Louise, who is slipping ever deeper into dementia - he becomes increasingly haunted by his past.
morning of June 6, 1944, is understood to be the moment that turned the tide for the Allied forces and ultimately led to the defeat of the Axis powers in World War II. Now, a new book from bestselling author and historian Garrett M. Graff explores the full impact of this worldchanging event—from the secret creation of landing plans by top government and military officials and organization of troops, to the moment the boat doors opened to reveal the beach where men fought for their lives and the future of the free world.
D-Day is one of history’s greatest and most unbelievable military and human triumphs. Though the full campaign lasted just over a month, the surprise landing of over 150,000 Allied troops on the
One night Mary Pat's teenage daughter Jules stays out late and doesn't come home. That same evening, a young Black man is found dead, struck by a subway train under mysterious circumstances. The two events seem unconnected. But Mary Pat, propelled by a desperate search for her missing daughter, begins turning over stones best left untouched--asking questions that bother Marty Butler, chieftain of the Irish mob, and the men who work for him, men who don't take kindly to any threat to their business"-Provided by publisher.
In 1972, when workers in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, were digging the foundations for a new development, the last thing they expected to find was a skeleton at the bottom of a well. Who the skeleton was and how it got there were two of the long-held secrets kept by the residents of Chicken Hill, the dilapidated neighborhood where immigrant Jews
and African Americans lived side by side and shared ambitions and sorrows.
Chicken Hill was where Moshe and Chona Ludlow lived when Moshe integrated his theater and where Chona ran the Heaven & Earth Grocery Store. When the state came looking for a deaf boy to institutionalize him, it was Chona and Nate Timblin, the Black janitor at Moshe's theater and the unofficial leader of the Black community on Chicken Hill, who worked together to keep the boy safe. As these characters' stories overlap and deepen, it becomes clear how much the people who live on the margins of white, Christian America struggle and what they must do to survive.
Here are some of the West Hartford Public Library’s recommendation for young readers.
Two years after a tragedy saddles him with viral fame, twelve-year-old Simon O'Keeffe and his family move to Grin And Bear It, Nebraska, where the internet and cell phones are banned so astrophysicists can scan the sky for signs of alien life, and where, with the help of two new friends, a puppy, and a giant radio telescope, Simon plans to restart the narrative of his life.
Shocking news reaches them--an old friend has been killed, and a dangerous package he was protecting has gone missing. The gang's search leads them into the antiques business, where the tricks of the trade are as old as the objects themselves. As they encounter drug dealers, art forgers, and online fraudsters--as well as heartache close to home--Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim have no idea whom to trust. With the body count rising, the clock ticking down, and trouble firmly on their tail, has their luck finally run out?
Heumann was only five years old when she was first denied her right to attend school. Paralyzed from polio and raised by her Holocaust-surviving parents in New York City, she had a drive for equality that was instilled early in life. In this young readers' edition of her memoir, she tells her personal story of fighting to belong in a world that wasn't built for all of us. Heumann recounts her lifelong battle to achieve respect, acceptance , and inclusion in society.
J.B., Ramón, and Trey, students of the Urban Promise Prep School, must follow the school's strict rules, but when their principal is murdered, the three boys must band together to track down the real killer before they are arrested.
By Lisa Martin
Before our Emerald River Cruise on the Rhone, land days were included, in Nice and in Monaco.
We arrived from the airport and were driven to our hotel, close to the tram line, on the way passing among the seaside palms lining the road.
After a cocktail and a quick walk around town down towards the water (with the guide recommending places to eat), we headed back to our hotel to decide where we wanted to walk and have dinner. We focused on strolling along the beach boardwalk on the French Riviera. In the evening it was beautiful, with the sound of the waves and the weather cool with a breeze off the ocean.
A delicious seafood dinner in a cozy restaurant made for a wonderful spot to watch other visitors to the area. The small room had a few families who were enjoying themselves, especially two young sisters who were so excited when their desserts arrived at their table, eyes wide!
We walked past The Seven Statues of Messana Square, directly in the geographic center of Nice. The statues each represent one of the seven continents. At night you can see them glow, changing colors. This is supposed to represent a dialogue among them – the name of these characters is “conversation à
Nice.” They appear to be in different yoga positions. It certainly is a different type of art. In contrast, next to the Seven Statues is a traditional sculpture of Apollo.
The next day we took a 45-minute scenic route to Monaco, for a highlight tour. We saw the starting line and the famous hairpin turn of the Monaco Grand Prix race. Along the way we toured Les Jardins Saint Martin et Saint Barbe overlooking the water. We stopped and admired all sizes of yachts. During a flash thunderstorm, we went past Le Bar Américain and the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo, where a special event was going on and so we were not able to go into the atrium. We continued on, hugging the store fronts of the luxury shops to stay dry.
Our walk ended on a dry and sunny note as we passed the magnificent façade of the Musée océanographique de Monaco - it was a quick visit to these towns before we started our river cruise the next day in Arles, France!
Lisa Martin is a travel advisor, luxury cruise specialist, ACC, Cruise Planners; Land and Cruise. She maybe contacted at (860) 929-0708; Lisa.martin@cruiseplanners.com; TotalTravelToday.com.
By Karla A Dalley
"In early June the world of leaf and blade and flowers explodes, and every sunset is different." – John Steinbeck, The Winter of Our Discontent
Late spring at the garden center can be overwhelming in its beauty. From the moment you leave your car, you are greeted with waves of color, blossoming trees and shrubs, edible plants bursting with fruit and already planted containers just shouting “Take me home!” It’s a challenge not to go home with far more than you planned to—and sometimes that’s fun and that’s fine.
But if you have a specific purpose for your trip: if, for example, you need to replace a shrub that you lost; or perhaps you want a few container tomatoes; or maybe you need to fill containers on a deck or patio, then you need to approach the trip to the garden center a little bit differently. Here’s what I mean.
Garden centers are bursting at the seams with color this time of year, and all of those displays right at the entrance are usually seasonal (i.e. annual) color. That’s not to say that there won’t be some grasses, perennials or native plants displayed with the annual plants, but let’s face it—annuals are the showiest plants so that’s what will be displayed right up front.
This “head’s up” display will change with the seasons which is why I have called it a “seasonal” display and not an annual display. If you think about it, the very first displays in the garden center in the spring are the pansies and the early spring bulbs.
Next will be a rotating display of early to mid-spring bloomers like nemesias, alyssum, lobelia, dianthus
Click here to listen to Karla on our On The Scene Podcast
and snapdragons. By now, petunias in all their forms (meaning, petunias and calibrachoas, or “million bells,”), and various types of warm weather plants like geraniums, (technically pelargoniums), and showier plants like coleus and SunPatiens™ are out in all their glory!
But none of that is of any interest to you if you’re looking for those tomato plants, right? Or, what if you wanted to replace— or plant—a rhododendron, hydrangea or rose? If you get side-tracked by the beautiful blooms and color at the entrance to the garden center, you may completely lose focus—and the energy you need-particularly if you have come to select 10 or 15 plants for a vegetable garden!
Here’s where having a strategy from the moment you exit the car is your best friend. By knowing that you will encounter the seasonal displays, you can prepare to notice them, appreciate them briefly, and then say to yourself, “okay, that’s nice.
But let’s see—where is the vegetable section I am looking for (or tree and shrub yard, or whichever part of the garden center you need).”
Once you get the “lay of the land” you can more easily move around and get the plants you need and not be distracted— unless you are just on an exploration trip, in which case, take time, enjoy, wander and make notes or take photos with your phone. That way you can decide if the plant that looked so great in the tree and shrub yard will really look so great in your
own yard as well. Remember—trees and shrubs are an investment. Choose wisely, and take the time to make that selection.
Most garden centers have extremely knowledgeable people on staff who are more than happy to share their knowledge with you as well. The best way to ensure that they have time to help you is to go not at their busiest times (which of course are weekend days) but to try to go some other time. By now, the spring planting frenzy is over so staff will have more time to help you—but if you don’t have to shop on the weekend, it’s best not to.
By all means, bring a photo or two of your garden on your phone, but don’t expect to receive the equivalent of a landscape design on the spot. If you need a full landscape design, call the landscape design department of the garden center and arrange for someone to come to your home. Photos cannot do justice to soil type, topography and the many other unique features of your property. They are two-dimensional and your landscape is three-dimensional. This is something you will only do once. It pays to do it right. Finally, enjoy the process and the shopping. Whatever your reason for being at the garden center, enjoy it! Happy shopping and happy gardening!
Karla Dalley, Garden Specialist
ONLINE STYLE BETTER THAN BEING THERE
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Contact Barbara & Karen, BK&Co. 983 Farmington Avenue West Hartford, Ct 06107 860-232-6225 bkcostyle.com style@bkcostyle.com facebook messenger: bkcostyle
presents... Introducing Greater West Hartford’s first BUSINESS TO BUSINESS PODCAST, “On the Scene” made possible by NBT Bank!
“On the Scene” Podcast!
There is no shortage of new restaurants opening in our town in recent days. Many of them are drawing attention and enticing palettes. But, there are also some tried and true places that still attract eager and faithful diners. Butterfly, at 831 Farmington Avenue, is one of those.
Some of us remember this space as Howard Johnsons n— which years ago was a popular go to eatery for family meals. For the past 30 years, however, Butterfly and its owner have more than filled the bill for that now defunct chain.
If you haven’t been to Butterfly lately, you may be surprised to find that it not only includes a white table clothed dining room, but an active lounge that draws a friendly Happy Hour crowd from 4-7 Monday through Friday. Apps include crisp lettuce wraps and tasty fried dumplings; you can even venture out to a flavor filled fish taco. Manhattans, margaritas and martinis abound along with a full array of beers and wines. Later in the evening, this late afternoon hangout morphs into a very lively karaoke bar.
Long a mainstay of take out before take out was even popular, Butterfly serves its whole menu “to go.” I noticed patrons carrying bags of steaming feasts out the door while the kitchen still accommodated a distraught husband who arrived needing a large container of savory won ton soup for his sick wife.
I do miss Butterfly’s piano player tickling the ivories at the baby grand and was homage to the past, but the vibe is lively and upbeat with their current playlist.
At any given time at Butterfly, you are likely to see a big round table filled with
several generations enjoying luscious foods spun around on a lazy susan or a cozy twosome sharing their crispy and delicious Peking duck and sipping on Sake in a comfy booth. Adults and children alike marvel at the colorful fish tanks that serve as dividers between the rooms.
Once, I noticed someone who had literally set up his office in a corner slurping tender noodles, while Gen Zs enjoyed a lively party in a “right size” private dining room on the side. Meanwhile, two little girls with sparkling crowns were the featured guests at a nearby gathering and a mini neighborhood reunion was enjoying sharing a meal. All the while, the Butterfly staff catered to all their guests’ dietary preferences with ease.
Butterfly serves both “American style” Chinese food and more traditional, authentic Chinese dishes. Our meal started with a nicely presented Pu Pu
Plater. The boneless spare ribs were very tender and flavorful. Their traditional egg rolls also did not disappoint. The crab Rangoon was luscious and the chicken fingers were light and airy.
For those who can’t choose between wonton or egg drop soups, they are combined them both in one yummy bowl. No request is too much trouble for the kitchen.
Service is efficient. The Eight Treasures Melon Soup is definitely worth a try.
Our waiter suggested Orange Beef to my dinner companion. A world traveler with particular tastes, he was impressed with the depth of flavor in this dish.
The restaurant’s fish with pine nuts melts in your mouth, steamed veggies are super fresh. Familiar offerings like moist General Tso chicken is on the same menu as fiery Gung Bo Shrimp. The array of fried rice, with whatever suits your fancy — meat, seafood or vegetable or a combination thereof — is a meal in itself.
Moo shoo pork is a favorite, served with a spicy/sweet sauce and amazingly flavorful and tender pancakes. Plump shrimp wrapped in bacon with pan fried mixed vegetables in a brown sauce is a delicious mixture of cultures.
For those who has special dietary preferences or requirements, vegan, gluten free and vegetarian choices abound . Tofu is available in any manner of preparations.
Finally, creamy green tea or coconut ice cream and decadent fried bananas top the list of desserts.
In this crazy, wonder-filled world of unknowns, Butterfly offers a delicious culture of comfort with an occasional mouthwatering surprise.
By our Anonymous Foodie Critics
By Matthew Banever
Buckle up, because we're about to dive deeper than a moth in a white cashmere sweater. White clothing? Oh honey, it's had a whole dramatic opera of a history.
First, there's the whole "class signifier" thing. Back in the day, only the wealthy folks could afford pristine white garments. Why? Because manual labor wasn't exactly kind to your linen suit. So, rocking white became a way to say,"Hey, peasants! Look at me, lounging around in clothes that would be ruined by a day's work!" Talk about a fashion flex.
Then came Memorial Day. Now, this holiday has nothing to do with white clothing per se. It's about honoring fallen soldiers. But somewhere along the line, a curious tradition emerged: wearing white for the summer season, which conveniently kicked off around Memorial Day. Some say it was about lighter, cooler fabrics for to keep you comfortable when the heat sets in. Others whisper it was a way for the fancy folks to show off their
summer wardrobes – a sartorial migration north after winter.
Now, the whole "no white after Labor Day" rule? That's a fashion faux pas relic. It probably stemmed from the upper crust wanting to distinguish themselves again. "Summer's over, darlings! Back to the drab for us commoners!" Thankfully, that notion is as outdated as a rotary phone. Fashion is all about rocking what makes you feel fabulous, white linen pants and all, no matter the date.
So, the next time you see someone in a crisp white outfit, don't judge them for historical reenactment. Just appreciate the timeless chic of white and maybe raise a glass (of chilled rosé, naturally) to the fallen heroes Memorial Day honors.
Matt Banever is founder and CEO of Bard Clothing in West Hartford.
By Signe Rogalski
The summer season is here… which means, for the 20th year in a row, it’s time to raise the curtain on “Shakespeare Under the Stars.” As it has for the past 20 years, the Shakespeare Greater Hartford Festival will thrill audiences on the campus of the University of Saint Joseph from July 10 to August 4. And why not? The plays written by the inimitable Bard 500 years ago remain timeless and entertaining to today’s audiences.
And that’s not all! In addition to the theatrical performances, ticket holders can enjoy a fun-filled evening of festival activities. Picnic with your family and friends (food and beverages may be purchased). Delight in an entertaining pre-show of music and dance. Free parking will be provided to all.
“This is our season to grow. We want twice the Shakespeare this summer,” says Laura Sheehan of the Capital Classic Theatre Company, which she founded in 1991 with Laura and her husband Geoffrey Sheehan. And so, she says, “This is the first year we will perform two shows: one tragedy, ‘Hamlet’ and one comedy, ‘The Taming of the Shrew.’ We are excited to bring these two productions to the stage. It is the first time in our company’s history,” says Laura, who not only harbors a love for Shakespeare but also strongly believes in the importance of art to the community.
Sheehan and “The Taming of the Shrew,” a raucous comedy, will be directed by Jan Mason, Laura points out that the timeless themes of love, greed, jealousy, parental and personal conflicts bring to the stage an amazing evening of entertainment.
“After 30 years our organization still had an enormous amount of passion in theater. Theater is joy,”says Laura, who notes that Capital Classic Theatre’s main mission is simple: Produce quality
with talent is everywhere and with actors and technicians Connecticut natives.
Helping to make the productions a success is the company’s tireless Board.
“This is a working board. Everyone works,” says Herb. “The group’s board members may have started off as fans but soon became volunteers. We work together because we believe in providing the audience with true entertainment.”
Shakespeare Greater Hartford
classical theater that is affordable, accessible, and engaging to a diverse audience.
They certainly are achieving their goal says Herb Emanuelson, the company’s Board President, and Marketing Director.
“There is a myriad of representation in our audiences,” says Herb. “Friends, families, and children enjoy all the festivities.”
Festival performances will be held Wednesday through Friday at 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 5:30 pm.
For more information on Capital Classic Theatre Company, including where and how to purchase tickets, visit the company’s website at www.capitalclassics. org. In case of rain, performances will be held indoors at the university’s spectacular Bruyette Athenaeum.
Noting that “Hamlet, a well-known tragedy will be directed by Geoffrey
Finally, says Laura, it is important to note that the company focuses on excellence and giving to the company,
20/20 Media presents...
Presentedby...
20/20 Media has brought these acclaimed and enjoyed art exhibits to the streets of Greater West Hartford, and now it’s time for benches! Like the Cow Parade, Bear Fair, and Dog Walk, the WeHa Bench Project promises to brighten any day with a fabulous display of hand painted benches. Each one the creative work of a local talented artist, sponsored by a local business, and will benefitt the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce.
Sponsorship opporunities will go quickly as there will be a finite number of benches displayed throughout our town!
Curated by artist Jaune Quick-to-See Smith (Citizen of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Nation), The Land Carries Our Ancestors: Contemporary Art by Native Americans highlights artworks by nearly 50 living Native artists that powerfully visualize Indigenous culture and knowledge of the land.
of the Heard Museum,
by
Orchestrating a Blooming Desert, 2003, oil on canvas, Collection of Christy Vezolles. © 2003 Steven
The Land Carries Our Ancestors: Contemporary Art by Native Americans is organized by the National Gallery of Art, Washington. In New Britain, this exhibition is presented by Stanley Black & Decker and The Edward C. & Ann T. Roberts Foundation. Generous funding has been provided by Arbella Insurance Foundation; The Aeroflex Foundation; Logan Milliken, Peter Rogers, and the Bristle Cone Pine Foundation; The Gong-Graham Family; and The O’Neil Family – Baltimore, MD. Additional support provided by Irene and Charles J. Hamm, Claudia I. Thesing, Dr. Timothy P. McLaughlin & Dr. Marian Kellner, the Bailey Family Fund for Special Exhibitions. Programming is supported by Evan R. Cowles & Brie P. Quinby, and Mary Jane Dunn.
Be on the lookout for our new column...
Our first featured destination in New England Weekends (NEW!) will be The Innstead Mountain Getaway in Pike, New Hampshire. The Innstead Mountain Getaway sits atop 2,000 pristine acres at the western boundary of the White Mountain National Forest. The Innstead provides an authentic experience for guests who seek the comforts of an inn with a genuine connection to this rustic natural landscape. You will fall in love with the luxurious, modern all-season cabins and the extensive trail network. The Innstead hosts Bill and Siobhan are passionate adventurers, travelers, foodies, and all-around life enthusiasts who delight in showing people a good time.
To mark this special occasion we have partnered with
to present local VIP Celebrities to compete for the Best Dancer. Just like... Dancing with the Stars!
Local VIP dancers include:
Mayor Shari Cantor, Dennis House, Eric Feeney, Ronni Newton, and more to come!
Dancer business sponsors include: Robin Gebrian, Jeff Hodges Landscaping, Bob Laraia North Star Wealth Partners, West Hartford Cleaning, and more to come!
Stay tuned for more event details... Contact Tom with event and sponsorship questions! tom@20media20.com
