Wow! What a night!

The tent was a rockin' -- did you come knockin'?

Taste of the Valley 2009 was a fantastic success and raised over $14,000 for Tri-Town Youth Services! With over 250 people in attendance, the white tent was filled with happy attendees filling their bellies with brilliant, innovative, and creative appetizers and desserts from local restaurants and caterers. From ceviche to gourmet flatbreads to lobster bisque to to melon sorbet to finger-lickin' ribs and more, no one went hungry! The Shiny Lapel kept the crowd moving and grooving all night long - and some lucky attendees even got to sing with the band!

We extend special thanks and gratitude to the nine restaurant participants in Taste of the Valley 2009 - whose generosity and passion for food make our event possible. This year, participants and judges voted for their favorite restaurants and caterers. Although it was difficult to choose and the results were close, the winners of the 2009 Taste of the Valley awards were as follows:

Best Chocolate Dessert - The Back Porch
Best Ethnic Food - The Ivory Restaurant
Best Use of Local Ingredients - The Lace Factory
Best Soup - Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station
Best Seafood Appetizer - On the Rocks at Foxhopyard
Best Vegetarian Appetizer - Pizzeria DaVinci
Best Dessert - du'Glace Bistro & Patisserie
Best Appetizer and Best Presentation - Gabrielle's

And the coveted Taste of the Valley fork went to.................
Most Creative Dessert and Best Overall - Brushmill by the Waterfall

Congratulations to everyone - the food was amazing!

We would also like to thank all of our sponsors and contributors including: Clark Group, The Valley Courier, Whelen Engineering, Essex Savings Bank, Angus McDonald/Gary Sharpe, & Associates, Reid Brothers Tents, Tower Labs, Comprehensive Wealth Management, Shiny Lapel Trio, Ciel Printing, The Lalikos Family, Maple Self-Storit, Hale Hill Biofuels, Lamburt Corporation Insurance, Trendowski & Allen PC, Essex Lions, Scott's Farm & Greenhouse, Alexa Carlson Catering, Olsen Sanitation, Dunkin Donuts and The Deep River Historical Society.

Every year, our community raises a fork to support the youth of our community and it is a pleasure for all of us on the Taste of the Valley committee to be a part of an event that is not only becoming a showcase for our local chefs, but has a significant impact on Tri-Town Youth Services' ability to provide advocacy, programming, and support to local youth and families. Since 2007, Taste of the Valley has raised $38,000 - we can not thank you enough for supporting our efforts!

See you next year!

One last note...lost & found! A red fleece jacket was lost at the event as was a pair of black prescription sunglasses. A leather and silver bracelet was found. Call 526-3600 if you have any information about these items!

Visit our page on Facebook to see more pictures
from Taste of the Valley 2009 and become a fan!

It's raining....BUT that is not going to stop Taste of the Valley 2009!

It's dark...
It's dreary...
It's chilly...

BUT that is ALL the more reason to come to Taste of the Valley 2009! Cheer yourself up with amazing food from a set of generous, enthusiastic, and dedicated locals chefs and treat yourself at the silent auction - OVER 100 ITEMS! And what about the music? The Shiny Lapel Trio is one of the BEST local bands in our area! And the tents -- we've got more tent coverage this year than we have ever had before - so we will keep you dry!

If the weather is getting you down, cheer up - and come to the Taste of the Valley tonight! What could be more fun than eating, dancing, and shopping at the silent auction on a rainy Friday night? Tickets are still on sale at Celebrations and will be available all day! Please call Anne at 917-435-0887 if you are interested in knowing if there will be tickets available at the door!

The Ivory Restaurant will be returning to Taste of the Valley 2009!

Our 2007 Winner of Best Overall, The Ivory Restaurant, will be returning to Taste of the Valley 2009!

The team from the Ivory is putting together a fantastic selection of items for Taste of the Valley 2009. The restaurant is known for its Lobster Bisque and its Chili Relleno -- a poblano chili stuffed with smoked apple wood chicken and mozzarella and baked with salsa roja. They have also have beautiful salads and tasty ribs!


You should head over to the Ivory for their excellent selection of beer, wine and spirits and the finest steaks and burgers, wings and ribs, pizza and pasta, or chicken and seafood. It is all a treat! Or drop in for the big game, to listen to live music, or for a business luncheon, a special event or just a cozy dinner by the fireplace, you're at home at The Ivory Restaurant.

Come to Taste of the Valley 2009!
Your tastebuds are begging you!
Tickets are on sale at Celebrations or call 526-3600.

The Back Porch....will be there!

We are delighted that The Back Porch of Old Saybrook will be joining us for the first time at Taste of the Valley 2009.

Located down on Ferry Road, The Back Porch Restaurant is perched on the edge of the Connecticut River with amazing views.
The restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily, featuring waterside dining, great food, a full bar, game room, expansive patio, cozy fire pits and incredible sunset views.

If that weren't enough...the food is fantastic - from mussels to shrimp to enormous sandwiches! Below are a few shots of what you will find at the Back Porch!


Grilled Block Island Striped Bass with Braised Fennel, Lemon Butter and Tomato Vinaigrette.

Steamed Mussels in White Wine with Cherry Tomatoes

Come see what they have cooked up for Taste of the Valley - THIS FRIDAY! Tickets are on sale at Celebrations in Deep River or call 526-3600.

Silent Auction Items Galore...oh my!

And the silent auction items for Taste of the Valley 2009 are pouring in... thank you so much to all of the individuals and businesses that have contributed! Here is a sampling...

• Killington Weekend: A three-night stay at a ski house in Killington, VT during the 2009-10 ski season; sleeps 8 adults.
• Sing with the Band!: Yes, you can sing a song with the Shiny Lapel Trio at the event! An absolutely priceless experience!
• Take a Leif Nilsson home to your house!: Use this 50% off discount to purchase any painting or print at the Spring Street gallery in Chester. Listed price: $200 to $30,000 Donated by: Leif Nilsson
• A Piece of Italy: A gorgeous serving set from Italy! Donated by: Ceramica
• Get in Shape!: Enjoy this four-month membership to Rachel Ryan's Fitness, a membership gym located at 15 North Main Street in Chester, CT
  
• Everything You Wanted to Know About Digital Photography But Were Afraid to Ask: A one hour, one-on-one session with professional photographer Caryn B. Davis
• Good times for Mommy & Little One!: Enjoy one of Tri-Town Youth Services most popular programs Outstanding Ones or Terrific Twos - perfect for your favorite Mommy and toddler!
  
• For the Sports Lover! Enjoy this 11x14 framed photograph of two of sports greats - Tiger Woods and Michael Jordanl!
• Treat Yourself To A Night Out! A informal Greek Dinner for 8 at your house or hers, includes Appetizers & Dessert Donated by: Mike & Kathy Lalikos
• Not a Chester Resident, but love Cedar Lake?: Enjoy this 2010 Season pass to Cedar Lake for you and your family! Donated by: The Town of Chester
• Take Flight!: An aerial tour for three passengers of the Lower Connecticut River Valley! Donated by Chester Charter
• Black & Gold: A smashing stylish jacket! Donated by: Hammered Edge
• A night at the theater! Two tickets to any Ivoryton Playhouse production
  
• For the Cook: A fantastic basket of kitchen gadgets! Donated by: Weekend Kitchen
• Stunning!: A pair of black pearl earrings for your favorite lady….or to treat yourself! Donated by: DePaula Jewelers

This is just a few of the wonderful experiences and items that have been donated -- there is so much more! Come to Taste of the Valley and go shopping for friends, family - or even treat yourself!

Be Sure To Check Out The Lace Factory!

If you're one of the lucky people with a ticket for Taste of the Valley, you are in for a real treat! The Lace Factory Catering will be under the tent serving up delicious delights created by Andrea Isaacs and her staff.

Andrea didn't start out as a professional cook. She studied art at the Cleveland Institute of Art and taught herself to cook. She was graduated from the University of New Haven Hotel Restaurant program and went on to manage Le Peep Restaurants, The Gathering in Milford and the Bistro in Guilford. In 1995 she started her own business, Cloud Nine Catering in Old Saybrook.

As legend has it, after catering a wedding for some cheese mongers, Andrea developed an obsession for handmade cheese. She went on to successfully complete Culinary Institute of America's Hyde Park Professional Chef level 2 program, obtaining her CCC (Chef de Cuisine certification). She also joined the American Cheese Society and attended cheese making classes and eventually the "Masters Class" at Artisanal in NYC.

In 2006, Andrea sold Cloud Nine and has recently found a new home for her culinary magic--The Lace Factory, at the Deep River Landing. The building itself dates back to the 1800's and is a quaint historical gem. Lace Factory Catering will start in October. (Andrea promises to create a "signature" hors d'oeuvre for every client!) Meanwhile it plays host to a farmer's market on Wednesdays and Saturdays,(on hold for now) and other events, as well, such as Andrea's cheesemaking classes.


To discover more of the The Lace Factory's wonders and delights, please go to the website www.thelacefactory.com.

Gabrielle's from Essex will be at Taste of the Valley 2009!

Gabrielle’s commitment to fresh, simple and dynamic food is reflected in the partnership that grew between two Essex residents who shared a passion for fine dining and for locally grown and produced ingredients. Owners Mauricio Salgar and Joseph Shea worked together to restore the Victorian building that is now Gabrielle’s, fusing a piece of Connecticut history with a contemporary bistro atmosphere, ultimately providing the best setting to enjoy a meal with international influences and local ingredients.


Chef Jason Groten (Bricco’s, Sigs, Grants and Max on Main) completes the partnership behind Gabrielle’s but retains his own signature as the creator of dishes that result in a sophisticated, light and clean menu. Chef Groten says, “I enjoy creating simple and approachable food,” a statement which articulates his philosophy for a modern dining experience. Gabrielle’s is the emergent taste of the Connecticut River Valley; extraordinarily fresh and flavorful ingredients, a skillfully creative celebration of the local partnerships, and of course, a celebration of food.

Taste of the Valley is just 11 days from today --
have you picked up your tickets yet?

Pizzeria Da Vinci will be joining us!

You don't even have to taste it.... All you need to do is drive or walk through the center of Deep River and smell the mouthwatering AROMA of Da Vinci's pizza to KNOW that something extraordinarily delicious is being created in that restaurant! From pizzas to sandwiches to creative salads, it's all there!

Da Vinci's secret? Fresh ingredients... the most flavorful cheeses... the finest pizza dough... and... stone. Every one of DaVinci's irresistible pizzas is baked in a special oven with a cooking surface made of STONE! Baking pizza on stone gives it a chewy outer crust and moist, flavorful inner crumb. Yum!

Check out these amazing combinations!

Focaccia Flatbread with rosemary, garlic, asiago cheese, basil, and balsamic glaze.

Pesto Focaccia with spinach, plum tomato, red onion, portabello mushrooms, roasted red pepper, pesto, and provolone. Chicken





Gorgonzola Focaccia with spinach, grilled chicken, onion, gorgonzola cheese, romano cheese, rosemary, basil, and garlic.





And Da Vinci's Tom White is planning some special treats for Taste of the Valley! Don't miss out! And if you are hungry right now, check out their menu, call 526-0884 and put your order in!

Have you picked up your tickets yet? We will only be selling 250 tickets...Call Tri-Town Youth Services at 526-3600 or drop in to Celebrations in Deep River - don't miss this wonderful community event!

The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station will be at TOV 2009!

The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station will return to Taste of the Valley this year to share the magic of an incomparable culinary experience. Riverhouse catering brings the same level of high-quality food and service to outside events that the Riverhouse offers at its state-of-the-art facility in Haddam.

Set on a ridge along the Connecticut River, and overlooking the Goodspeed Opera House, the Riverhouse provides the environment, the menu, the up-scale services, and the grand experience. Here's an insider's look at Riverhouse…three things you may not know…

1. Executive Chef, John Thompson, whose work has been recognized by the American Culinary Federation, Les Amis d'Escoffier Society and the James Beard Foundation, has worked more than 1000 weddings.


2. The Riverhouse doesn't just cater elegant weddings; they also offer catering at backyard BBQs, corporate lobster bakes and summer festivals. Whether the event is elaborate or simple, with the Riverhouse it is always memorable.

3. Riverhouse offers many different settings for events: the Goodspeed Ballroom, the Swingbridge Room for smaller parties, the lobby atrium, the patio, the terrace, in addition to picturesque outdoor space.

Sample some of the Riverhouse's infamous dishes at the Taste of the Valley, or, better yet, set up an appointment today to let the Riverhouse plan your next event and have your own private tasting.

du' Glace Bistro & Patisserie will be at Taste of the Valley 2009!

SEVEN Things You (Probably) Don't Know About du' Glace Bistro and Patisserie!

The wife-husband team of Jackie and Bill von Anon have made some pretty impressive stops on their way to Main Street in Deep River.



Did you know that...

1. Bill and Jackie met at the Culinary Institute of America, and worked in New York, Florida, and Hawaii before...

2. Landing on Nantucket Island, in the kitchen of the world-renowned restaurant Chanticleer. They practiced their culinary magic in that famous kitchen for 18 years before coming to Connecticut and the Copper Beech Inn.

3. du' Glace Bistro and Patisserie fulfills their dream to create and serve generous portions of delicious French comfort food in a relaxed, unpretentious setting--with a bakery out front so you can pick up some mouthwatering treats to bring home!

4. du' Glace serves Sunday Brunch every Sunday from 10 - 2.

5. Kids are always welcome.

6. Customers' favorite dishes: Coq au Vin, Chicken and Red Wine with Garlic Mashed
Steak du Glace (their signature dish), Marinated Bistro Filet, grilled and served with a huge portion of Pomme Frites, Lobster with Madiera and Risotto. And the ONE dish everyone must try because it's unbelievably delicious: Calves Liver with Bacon Cream Sauce.


7. du' Glace is the PERFECT place for a romantic dinner for two--but they can also seat weddings, rehearsal dinners, showers, and other large parties! PLUS--the Patisserie can make the wedding or specialty cake of your dreams!

There's NO need to wait for Taste of the Valley
to enjoy the French comfort food experience at du' Glace!
They're open every night of the week except Monday!

By the way, have you bought your tickets yet? Just a few more days to purchase your tickets at the 2008 prices - you must purchase them by August 15th - call 860-536-3600 or drop-in to Celebrations in Deep River!

Thank you to our sponsors!

We would like to thank The Clark Group, Whelen Engineering, Shoreline Publishing, Essex Savings Bank, Angus McDonald, Gary Sharpe, & Associates, Bogaert Construction, Tower Labs, and many other local businesses for their generous sponsorship of Taste of the Valley 2009!

There is still time to become a sponsor of Taste of the Valley! Send an email to ttystov@gmail.com to receive this year's sponsor options!

The Shiny Lapel will be there - but will you?

We would like to announce that the Shiny Lapel Trio will be providing the entertainment for Taste of the Valley 2009! For the third year in a row, we are honored to have the Shiny Lapel Trio join us!

But will you be there...??? Tickets are on sale now - be sure to get them before August 15th - and take advantage of the Recession Special!

Come on...you don't want to miss these amazing musicians!

Brushmill by the Waterfall at TOV 2009!

We are very happy to share that Brushmill by the Waterfall (formerly Sage American Grill) will be returning to Taste of the Valley 2009 to defend their Best Overall title and they are looking to take home the fork for another year!

For each establishment that will be participating, we will be giving you an insider's look into the history of the restaurant, background of the chef, and, of course, the food! Enjoy!


3 Things You (Probably) Don't Know About The Newest Restaurant in Chester!

In the Tri-Town area there is NO setting more romantic than Chester's newest restaurant, Brushmill By The Waterfall. The romance begins even before you enter the restaurant, as the charming covered wooden bridge carries you right past the roaring water!

Here are three things we bet you didn't about the restaurant:

1. The waterfall wasn't originally the site of a brush mill. The first mill on the property was a saw mill built in the early 1800s. In 1834 wooden skate blades were made there. It wasn't until 1859 that the mill started turning out wood-handled spiral-bound horsehair brushes, as well as brushes for shoes, suede, bottles, and gun barrels.

2. If it weren't for the invention of the nylon brush, we probably would not have such an elegant and romantic restaurant in our area! In the 1950s, nylon bristle brushes replaced most horsehair bristles and caused the demise of the brush factory. In the 60s, the building was lovingly restored and converted into a restaurant!

3. Pastry chef Jillene Johnson taught herself to create the mouthwatering desserts you can taste any time you want at Brushmill By The Waterfall. Jillene's delicious creations have graced the menu at the Inn at Chester and Saybrook Point Inn.

There's no need to wait until Taste of the Valley to sample Brushmill By The Waterfall's award-winning Prime Rib, or chef Aiden Lizotte's signature dish, savory Mustard Glazed Pork Tenderloin! All the charm and romance of old New England is there for you-now!

Check the TOV blog again soon for kitchen tips from the best chefs in the Tri-Town area! More news coming soon!

Tickets ON SALE NOW!

Tickets for Taste of the Valley 2009 are ON SALE NOW!

Have you heard? We are offering a RECESSION SPECIAL!

Buy tickets before AUGUST 15th
to lock in the 2008 price!
1 for $30 or 2 for $50
LAST YEAR WE SOLD OUT -
SO GET THEM WHILE THEY LAST!

Tickets are on sale at Tri-Town Youth Services, Celebrations,
or contact Kathy Lalikos at 526-2463.
After August 15th, the ticket prices will increase to
1 for $35 OR 2 for $60 - do not wait!

Amazing local food, fantastic music, dancing under the stars -
what more could you ask for?

Save the Date -- and give us your 2 cents!

Great food and great music - all for a great cause!

We are happy to announce that the date for Taste of the Valley 2009 has been selected - put it on your calendar now! Friday, September 11, 2009!

This year, to kick off our planning effort, the Taste of the Valley Committee has developed a survey for you - the previous attendees of Taste of the Valley - to provide your feedback.

Please take 5 minutes and click here to give us your thoughts on how we can continue to improve this great event -- stay tuned here for more information and ways to get involved!