Most of the adult celebrating this year will be taking place on Oct. 30. We have of course received invitations to the best private parties, but for those of you who haven't...
We noted last year that Collinsville is just so "charming and inclusive," so we're sure there are plenty of Cat-o-Lanterns there to make DH feel right at home. This little-town-that-can takes Halloween seriously, and we know many of our peeps will be participating in their annual Halloween parade and festivities Saturday evening. On a recent expedition to Collinsville, the Scenics enjoyed tacos and exotic coconut lemonade at new restaurant Husk and browsing for antiques at the massive, multi-dealer Antiques on the Farmington. You could make a whole day of it. And a whole night. We've gotten wind of a costume party with live music at beloved Collinsville dive, The Fireplace.
Over in our other favorite small town, Torrington, our favorite bar/the only Torrington bar we know, Snapper Magee's will be having a Halloween party including open bar and costume contest for $25 (must be purchased in advance). We quite enjoyed the vibe there on a night out over the summer.
I've blogged up Brazen Betties before - the wonderful downtown Torrington shop that features exclusively CT designers and artists with sexy, retro and pin-up inclinations. Well, proprietress Julia has been FB-ing about great seasonal sales and new merch and Cynthia and I were in the neighborhood and looking for a good time after the usual bad time at school, so we decided to drop by.
Everybody loves the "steampunk" ring by White Flag Designs I bought there on my first visit. Well, there's plenty more where that came from, so go get one for yourself.
WFD is the work of a gal out in Canton, who is also responsible for One Hand Washes the Other, delicious smelling natural soaps and creams and lip balms and things (Cynthia went for a lip balm). Cynthia also went for this ridiculous[ly awesome] hair ornament by Loveycraft (a crafty bitch from small town charm epicenter Collinsville).
Julia kept encouraging us to try gorgeous and fabulous things so we could see how amazing everything looks on, so of course I was hooked in as well. And loath as I am to spoil the live effect of a new outfit, it is my duty to share with you readers. I got this (price reduced!) chic De Melis... is it a coat? Whatever it is, I love it:
I had to have a Loveycraft too. She makes all these flamboyant headbands with big silky bows and colorful feathers. Check out my 'cock, you know you want it.
I know, I know, the Connecticut wine trail, right? It totally exists! There's also this cute CT wine passport. Well, I had to make yet another trip out New Hartford way to see a guy about a dog (more or less) and the prospect of yet another lonely trip out Route 44 was grim, so I roped in my trusty staycation buddy (I am of course referring to SuperLula, who needs to update this blog I keep linking you to!) to come along for the ride, and she suggested we make a romantic afternoon of it with a visit to Jerram Winery.
Well, I've actually never been to a winery, but I've seen Sideways, and I've had a few glasses in my day. SuperLula mentioned that she had enjoyed the Nor'easter by Jerram and that Jackie Scenic recommends their White Frost chardonnay. So I said "Swell, let's do it."
As you can see the grounds are lovely and expansive, with various places where you can sit down and enjoy a glass. We paid $6 for a tasting which included six wines. If we are going to be quite honest, I'll admit to not knowing jack about wine, and mostly enjoying it for the slightly different colored buzz it seems to impart. And though I did enjoy some quality, manly beers and secret microbrew vodka this summer, I must also admit that as often a not (or more!) I like my drinks to taste good and be "easy to drink." As opposed to, say, "hard to swallow." (Bloggy Aside: while I cannot endorse his particular tastes, I love what The Assimilated Negro had to say on the subject of "girly-drinking.") SuperLula is in the same boat. And so it was that we most enjoyed the two "semi-sweet" wines on the menu (the Aurora white table wine and the Nor'easter red), but we're pretty sure that these are not wine-drinkers wines and fall under the umbrella of kid-friendly booze. But we also managed to like the Marechal Foch, which was quite dry but nevertheless very smooth, and probably the more sophisticated pick.
Feelings of Hollywood induced wine tasting anxiety aside, our trip to Jerram was a most enjoyable foray into rural CT, and I'd like to wholeheartedly recommend this as a charming date idea and a means of enjoying our fair state's oft-underrated bounty, which is what I frequently tell new people this blog is all about - that is, when it isn't about going ATM with your friends or hating on bands famous enough to not get all butt-hurt about it, because they don't even know we exist.
We don't know about the rest of you, but Katie and Jackie Scenic are summering"in Windsor, CT and we're just kvelling over the town's bounty of charm. We've really only scratched the surface, but we're excited about spending some time exploring CT's "oldest town" (apparently there's a bit of a feud with Wethersfield on this point). And by exploring, we basically mean "eating our way around."
Since we had donuts on the brain already this week (and by "on the brain" we mean "in the stomach"), we kicked things off with a visit to Windsor Donut & Deli on Broad Street in Windsor Center. This shop is supposedly the sister shop to the Sugar Shack, which we've already blogged up most enthusiastically, so we had a good idea of what we were getting into. So we were most disappointed that the shop was sold out of the apple & spice donuts we loved so much - guess this means we aren't the only ones! We did try an apple stick, and elongated version of the same formula, but it wasn't quite the same, since the stick format doesn't allow for an obscene helping of pie-like filling the way a donut does. We also tried a chocolate honey dipped and a sour cream.
The D & D has cute donut and Windsor historic themed murals on the windows ,and inside has an old-time diner feel with a counter and a few booths. We had a little trouble with the napkin dispenser at the table.
Jackie enjoyed the local news (haven't you heard - we're bringing back print):
The Windsor shop has the same great prices as the Sugar Shack. There were big bags of what we assume were assorted day-olds available for $2 apiece. We were so thrilled with the "dollars-to-donuts" conversion rate, not to mention duty-bound to our readers to experience as many donuts as possible, that we took a few more for the road - raspberry and lemon jellies. After an exhausting afternoon of lounging in the swimming pool, we were hungry enough to sample them. They were awesome and generously jellied, as expected. We'll be back soon, looking for those elusive apple & spices. And we're already planning our next Windsor mission, to Nat Hayden's Real Pit Barbecue, which taunted us on the street with an aromatic assault. Truly, we suffer for our blog.
Add this to our neverending list of things we'd like to check out: The Garlic Farm of West Granby, CT. The Garlic Farm's seasonally open farmstand is in business, selling homegrown, organic, pesticide-free garlic, tomatoes, a variety of peppers, onions, shallots, pumpkins, squash, herbs and flowers. One of their selling points is "garlic scapes." We had to look that one up - it's basically a young garlic shoot that resembles a scallion - here's some garlic scape information and ideas from WaPo food blogger Kim O'Donnel.
Here at CT Scenic we all pretty much love garlic. We savor the flavor, enjoy taunting you with our horrid breath, and buy into the notion of garlic as a panacea - part of our attempts to naturally cure and deter colds or the flu. It's also supposed to be a natural bug repellent - we've known some horsey people who supplement their horses' diets with garlic for this purpose. Don't try this with your dogs and cats though - garlic and onions can be toxic to them. Quit burdening your pets with all your dietary hangups already.
We find ourselves with a bit of a conflict of interest, the Scenics love of garlic must be balanced with our passion for vampires. Thus it is necessary to plan our schedule of fangbanging and garlic binges accordingly.
For great garlic in CT, we enjoy Max a Mia, where dinner is preceded by their flatbread served with exquisite roasted garlic in it's husk that spreads right on soft. Their tasty Tuscan salad also features a generous portion of hunks of garlic For craploads of garlic on pizza, we've enjoyed Litchfield's outstanding Bohemian Pizza (as previously noted on the blog) and J&G's in East Granby, where we're told the broccoli and garlic pasta does garlic to the extreme too.
I've explored some of the daytime delights of "charming little Torrington" (as we've referred to it in my family for years) and blogged 'em up before, but last night I took on Torrington after dark on the suggestion of friend-of-the-blog Julia Sloan (Ms. Brazen Betties) and took in a night of live music at Snapper Magee's, which will be my local pub after I move to Torrington, or should I call it "the next Collinsville." Jackie Scenic couldn't be with me last night (which sucks, cuz she would have loved this joint) but my Substitute Scenic and I determined that Torrington is ripe for - if not already on its way to - an artsy fartsy hipster revival. The evening was basically a tube of wonderful - the club, the bands, the peeps were all just great -,so snark and hilarity in this post will be minimal (sorry!).
Snapper Magee's is plenty adorable on the inside, with walls and ceiling plastered with classic concert posters, pinup inspired art, naked ladies and demon women, and in spite of cheap booze prices and a somewhat "divey" vibe, they have a good selection of drink for snobs like me to choose from (I chose Magner's). Julia is like the mayor of Torrington, so she introduced me to the owner, relevant local cultural leaders and pointed out the coolest shit on the walls (and ceiling).
The first band was AmRev II, a ska-inflected punk outfit. I was impressed with their look and their sound. They were playing as a two-piece, which I assumed was on purpose, but apparently there was an absent bass player.
My favorite band of the night was definitely Big Sister, straight outta Westchester. This female fronted punk act was reminiscent of early No Doubt, or current The Action Design, a cool-ass band I've mentioned before. They had super-high energy, catchy songs, and the contrast between frontlady Lauren's balls-out singing and self-deprecating between-song affect was extra endearing. Unfortunately they're not gonna be Big Sister anymore - a name change is imminent due to a conflict of band names with some other Big Sister, so stay tuned on that front.
I only caught the beginning of the set by Jukebox Romantics, but they were putting on an explosive show from what I saw. This band is having a hot-shit moment, about to embark on the Warped Tour (which comes to Hartford July 11), so now I can say I saw them when...
It was a bit of a slow night at Snapper's by everyone's account. But slow or no, the people who did come out were enthusiastic, well dressed, and nice (to me). The "small state" phenom struck again, as I reconnected with peeps I had classes with and someone I photographed at another event. I'll be looking out for more shows by Big Sister under their forthcoming new name, and would definitely hit up this downtown Torrington spot again.
May Daze Night Gallery and Shop Stroll Friday - May 7, 2010 5:00 - 8:00 pm Main Street, Chester Center, Chester, CT Free parking is available at the Water Street and the Maple Street parking lots, both a short walk to the center. A town that Google Maps barely recognizes but our mothers' talk about frequently, Chester, CT, is having a quaint summer stroll through it's artsy town center this evening. Chester is home to many art galleries and boutique-y shoppes and looks just charming. If you won't be enjoying hookers in bloomfield tonight, why not get your culture on?
Participating merchants include: Lori Warner Studio/Gallery Leif Nillson Spring Street Studio and Gallery Rarities Chester Gallery eo art lab The Local Beet Restauarant L&E
Don't those places sound just lovely? And who even knew that shit was there?
This afternoon was all about the Betties - Brazen Betties and Betty Boop here, if that wasn' obvious to ya. I needed a snack in Torrington. There were side by side coffee shops on Main Street, but I chose Michele's Gourmet on Main. Probably because of Betty - that's cute! Michele's is in the location that used to be Chiane's. Inside is long and nondescript, but the quality treats make up for the bare-bones decor.
Mary-Kate, the very nice (and cute!) barista, understood my need for a "real Chai" and prepared me a lovely, giant chai latte with soy milk, a little spicy, and not to0 sweet with a bit of honey. I also got a peanut butter and chocolate bar, supersized as well, that MK made herself - "two hours of love" went into those bars, said she. That sounds hot!
Both items were delicious, though half the bar is in my fridge, which is A-OK. Breakfast! I didn't explore the "real food," but Michele's also serves breakfast all day, plus salads, paninis, wraps, sandwiches and burgers, and has some gluten free and vegetarian options.
Regrettably, Team Scenic was unable to attend the Brazen Betties recent first birthday/anniversary street fair, but I made it up to them (and myself) by paying a visit to the Main Street shop in Torrington this afteroon. Of course I anticipated loving this shop, which specializes in Connecticut designers only of retro/steampunk/pin-up clothing and craft, so I wasn't surprised to find that everything there was wonderful and trying to come home with me. Owner and designer Julia Sloan was there, and we're totally Facebook friends already, so we were like "OMG HI" and she tried to apologize for the mess, but I was all "What mess? You should see my room." Or my car. Actually you shouldn't. But there was no mess.
I was really into fashion by De Milis (designer Melissa Scianna), which has a elegant, vintage look. Also impressive were Give Them The World's creative "recycled" garments - women's and children's clothing made from men's shirts and ties.
Best of all was the jewelry and sparkly shit, especially steampunk inspired pieces by White Flag Designs (I had to have one).
There was much, much more CT talent on display in this little shop. Who knew!?
This afternoon I stopped by Double Take consignment shop of Canton, which is housed in this adorable pink house, or Pink House. I've driven passed it a zillion times, it looks so cute I kept meaning to stop...
On the inside, Double Take is very much what you'd expect and want in a second-hand store - all the usable space is full of clothing, which has been thoughtfully organized, including a petites section (for Team Scenic!), and clearance racks, for just in case really cheap isn't cheap enough for you. The room with the petites also serves a communal fitting room, which I think is just charming. Communal fitting rooms foster such a feeling of fun and camaraderie with your fellow shoppers, while discouraging vanity and self-consciousness. I remember fondly trying on clothing with the nicest ladies once at the Japanalia warehouse sale... Everybody was so encouraging! "You need that - it looks great on you!"
At Double Take, I was very tempted by this exquisite pink coat. But since it was not quite in the dirt cheap range (it was $40) and I have loads of awesome coats, I had to pass.
I also passed on this extraordinary item, which would have been quite reasonable at $15, but I have loads of clown suits at home too, so...
However I would have been remiss going home empty handed. I bought this fine dress for $3. Three dollars! Oh, fine, I guess you really need to see it on to appreciate it...
I've mentioned before what a lovely venue Infinity Hall is. Unfortunately, it's a bit pricey and out of the way, so I only get to go when peeps take me out on fancy dates or when we're totally friends with Living Colour. Hopefully this "blog" thing will catch on the perks will start rolling in.
Anyhoo, we got to Norfolk around 7:30 for the 8 o'clock show. When Infinity says 8, they mean 8, which is pretty great, and the action doesn't go past 11 p.m. This is because the venue is geared toward old people with money, unlike more traditional rock clubs which swindle the young folks into standing around for like fifty gillion crappy local openers they probably swindled into paying to play. Ugh. Such a nice civilized contrast.
This is scenic Infinity Hall:
I liked the contrast of "Figgs" and "Bacon" on the sign; it made me think of a fancy salad or something. Who knew the Average White Band was half black? Probably Average White Band fans, whoever they are...
Inside we hit up the spacious, well-stocked bathrooms first thing, where I was charmed by the pseudo-environmentalist toilets and their complicated flush instructions. LOL @ #1 and #2 descriptions - thanks for the clarification!
The Figgs, who are probably best known for the backing band services with Tommy Stinson and Graham Parker opened the show with a set of their original music, which was nice, agreeable rock. They were very gracious and enamored with the venue too. Here's a video of them performing from just a few days prior:
One of my friends was saying how Graham Parker doesn't have very good audience interaction, but I don't really know where the hell he got his information, because hewas really chatty and self-deprecatingly witty (and available to meet and greet and personally sell his books and music) when we saw him a few years ago at a solo gig, and this time he was really energetic and sharper and more hilarious than ever in his onstage banter with those nice Figgs. Honestly, I would probably go see a show of just the onstage banter. The songs are fine and all, but I can listen to CDs in my car, you know? But witty banter is priceless entertainment. Here, check him out being weird and funny and debuting new music on Youtube again (if you didn't the last time I linked it, like 2 posts ago). We picked up his new CD, Imaginary Television, which has a complicated back story - READ IT, it's great - and the extensive liner notes about imaginary television show treatments and imaginary reviewer pull quotes in place of lyrics are fully worth the price of the record itself. Here is Graham tuning his kazoo:
A few months ago I took my maiden voyage to Chatterly's in New Hartford to have a drink while waiting for some peeps. I sat at the bar and talked to some locals and was very charmed by the smalltown-ness of it all. From what I could see, the food looked pretty good, although the service was incredibly sssllloooowwww. I guess when you're the only bar for miles you can do whatever the hell you want.
I went back last night only to be disappointed once again by both the service and the food. Among the table we ordered nachos, wings, a crepe and a tuna app. (insert iphone joke here). The food sucked (I've heard some of their swankier dishes are better, but I'd rather invest in tacos, see below), the drinks were aight and everything was way 'spensive. The last part we at least expected, but we found the contrast between loud bar and too-fancy-for-its-own-good dining to be a little odd. We had a great time anyway, spilled some martinis and reminisced of other wild nights in other crappy CT bars. Then some cover band started playing a song about "morning wood" and we got the hell out of there.
On a brighter note, we were alerted to "$2 Taco Tuesdays" somewhere in Litchfield. Upbeat post on that shit coming soon.
PS. If anyone has a "positive" Chatterly's experience to share, please comment. I want to like this place, I really do.
I'm pretty fired up about returning to my favorite high-brow music venue to see Graham Parker. I saw the "pub rock" (whatever that is!) legend play a few years ago at one of those outdoor summer concert thingies and he was charming and witty and self-deprecating and just great. This time he'll be playing with a full band (The Figgs), which is even more exciting. Actually, I totally know what pub rock is, because I saw Nick Lowe play at Infinity, back in October according to my blog, CT Scenic. He was adorable and charming and witty also. Or maybe it's just those British accents and I'm totally shallow. They could just be saying anything.
No, that's not it. I mean, I am... but Graham Parker really is hilarious. Check out his recent Youtube entry:
I'm just soooo busy I hardly have the time to explore and report about truly scenic CT. Which is a shame, because while the blåg serves many purposes - outlet for hostility, humor, self-aggrandizement, it is also our mission to promote those things that are truly wonderful in our little state. So it was a real delight yesterday to spend a snow day reprieve from an afternoon of classes in "downtown" New Hartford with my school n' carpool mate Cynthia.
We stopped in at Passiflora "Tea Room & Herbal Shoppe" on Route 44, and now our newest favorite place. When you first walk in you see are greeted by a roomful of herbal remedies, teas, natural body products, homeopathy and assorted New Age-y gifts and crafts. Adjacent is the cafe, which has assorted comfy seating and casual charm. The shop was otherwise empty, so we browsed and chatted with the friendly staff and browsed the tea and food menus. Passiflora offers eclectic organic food with an extensive tea menu, interesting homemade desserts and smoothies and other specialty drinks. I was very tempted by the smoothie menu, but the shop was rather tragically out of bananas, a key ingredient for the best sounding drinks. So that will have to wait for next time.
I sampled a ginger tofu soup which was great and probably very healthy, and ended up ordering a chai latte made with almond milk and loose leaf actually spicy, wonderful tea and a vegan black bean brownie, which probably sounds slightly less awesome than it tasted. Cynthia had a fragrant, flowery green tea blend with lemongrass, rose, jasmine and lemon mytle in the mix, and a rather decadent magic bar. Everything was perfect, and we are so happy to find someplace that takes tea seriously and executes it so well. I will definitely be back to check out that smoothie!
Check out their website for details on natural health, special events and speakers, and consider stopping by on Thursday evenings for their weekly community night of games and conversation.
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