Category: Connecticut Travel

Oohs and ahs and gasps of disbelief are guaranteed when the best young ski jumpers in the Northeast compete, sailing through the air in the 91st Annual Eastern National Ski Jumping Championships Sunday, February 12.

The event takes place at Satre Hill in Salisbury, a classic New England village in Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills. The masters of this challenging sport will show the amazing coordination and grace needed to fly some 200 feet in the air with a happy landing, a feat that always brings admiring cheers from the crowd. The jumpers you watch at Satre Hill are Junior National hopefuls, and some will go on to represent the US in the Olympics!

The championships are the highlight of a gala three-day Jumpfest, which features night time target jumping, human dog sled racing, ice carving, a chili cook off, a pancake breakfast, a bourbon tasting and a Snow Ball dance in addition to ski jumping contests.

The fun begins on Friday, Feb. 10 with target jumping under the lights beginning at 7 p.m. with jumpers flying under the lights, unfettered by judges points- their only goal is to land on a bulls eye target for big prizes- and big fun! When the target jumping ends, the real zaniness ensues with the Human Dog Sled Races. These are teams of six slightly crazy folks, five pulling and one riding on a sled of the group’s own design. They careen around a .3 mile course, and, well, accidents do happen. Crazy fun to watch! Friday Night Lights admission is $15.

The fun continues on Saturday, February 11 with the Salisbury Invitational Ski Jumping Competition when jumpers compete for prestigious SWSA trophies! The fun warms up with practice from 11 a.m. to noon; withe the competition beginning at 1 p.m. Spectators on Saturday can also watch Junior 20 and 30 meter jumping at 9 a.m.

Saturday events also include an ice carving demonstration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the White Hart Green featuring two nationally recognized carvers and the Snow Ball Dace at the Lakeville Firehouse Annex from 8 p.m. to midnight. Admission for the Salisbury Invitational Ski Jumping Competition is $15 and admission to the Snow Ball Dance is $15.

The Eastern U.S. Ski Jumping Championships takes place on Sunday, February 12. This is the big one. Jumpers vie not only for trophies but also a spot on the Junior National Team! Practice and warm ups for this event is held from 11 a.m. to noon with the competition beginning at 1 p.m. Admission for this event is $15.

If you have never seen ski jumping live, you have never truly witnessed the sport. Standing amidst the ringing cowbells, with crowds cheering on their favorites, hearing skis slapping against the landing hill as these brave jumpers soar up to 200 feet through the air at speeds up to 50 miles an hour, is something you will never forget. Even if the winter looks brown outside your window, it’s white over at Satre Hill thanks to state-of-the-art snow guns.

For happy viewing, fans are advised to dress warmly in lots of layers and to bring a cowbell, the traditional way to cheer on the jumpers. Hot food and beverages are available to help watchers keep warm. Limited bleacher seating is provided or guests can bring their own lawn chairs.

Proceeds help fund the all-volunteer, non-profit Salisbury Winter Sports Association, host of the annual event. SWSA provides cross-country and jumping equipment and training for area children. For a full schedule and complete information, see www.jumpfest.org.

For more area information on what to see and do in the Litchfield Hills and to sign up for a monthly newsletter visit www.litchfieldhills.com

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.

Popular tunes from the smash Broadway hits Wicked, Beauty and the Beast, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical and Hello Dolly will highlight the Fairfield County Children’s Choir annual Broadway concert, “Wickedly Beautiful Broadway,” on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m.

A concert that draws crowds every year, the Broadway concert will feature numerous children singing solos of beloved toe-tapping songs. The evening will also include the choir’s annual Silent Auction taking place in the theater lobby before the concert at 5:30 pm and during intermission.

The Fairfield County Children’s Choir (FCCC) is a community-based choral program made up of 300 children in grades 4 through 12 from communities in and around Fairfield County. The choir has performed across the country and around the world, winning accolades wherever it performs. For information on the FCCC and to hear the choir, visit www.singfccc.org

Tickets to the concert are $15 and $20 and can be purchased through theklein.org or by calling 1-800-424-0160.
Saturday, Feb. 4, 7 p.m., auction begins at 5:30 pm; the Fairfield County Children’s Choir “Wickedly Beautiful Broadway,” concert; Klein Memorial Auditorium, 910 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport.

Ann Hampton Callaway one of the leading champions of the great American Songbook, plays an exclusive one night only date Friday February 10 at the Palace Theater’s intimate Poli Club. Part of New England Arts & Entertainment’s Winter Jazz Series, Hampton Calloway will perform two shows that evening at 7:00 and 9:00 pm.

Having made her mark as a singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, arranger, actress, educator, TV host and producer Hampton Calloway was recently voted by Broadwayworld.com as “Performer of the Year,”. Ann is a natural entertainer. Her unique singing style that blends jazz and traditional pop has made her a mainstay in concert halls and jazz clubs as well as on television and film. She is best known for her Tony-nominated performance in the hit Broadway musical Swing! and for writing/singing the theme song to the hit TV show, The Nanny.

Ann has been a special guest performer with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra; with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops at Symphony Hall; Tanglewood; and is featured at many of the Carnegie Hall tributes. She has sung with more than thirty of the world’s top orchestras and big bands, and has performed for President Clinton in Washington, D.C. and at President Gorbachev’s Youth Peace Summit in Moscow.

Callaway’s live performances showcase her warmth, spontaneous wit and passionate delivery of standards, jazz classics and originals. She is one of America’s most gifted improvisers, asking for words and phrases from the audience and creating songs on the spot.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.palacetheaterct.org, by phone at 203-346-2000, or in person at the Box Office, 100 East Main St.

To sign up for a monthly newsletter on what to see and do in Litchfield Hills and Fairfield County visit www.litchfieldhills.com

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. Tickets available online.

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.