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!

Oh What a Night!

Taste of the Valley 2008 was an amazing success!

Over 250 people joined us for a festive evening of great food, music -- and an exciting silent auction! We were overwhelmed by the generosity of the participating restaurants, our sponsors, those you donated items for the auction and the event, and all of the individuals who came out and supported us by buying tickets and purchasing auction items. THANK YOU!

It is also our pleasure to announce to 2008 winners....

• Best Presentation - Sage American Grill
• Best Appetizer - The Whistle Stop
• Best Dessert - du' Glace Bistro & Patisserie
• And taking home the Taste of the Valley commemorative fork for Best Overall....

Sage American Grill

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR WINNERS
AND THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS AND CATERERS, including

Dagmar's Desserts
du' Glace Bistro & Patisserie
Gabrielle's
The Ivory
The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station
Sage American Grill
The Whistle Stop Cafe

THANK YOU AGAIN for all our support --
especially our sponsors and contributors

The Clark Group
Whelen Engineering
Shore Publishing
Angus McDonald/Gary Sharpe & Associates
Bogeart Construction
New Alliance Bank
Wachovia Securities
Hi-Rel
Maple Self-Storage
CIEL Printing
Eastern Rentals
The Shiny Lapel Trio
Dunkin' Donuts in Deep River

Enjoy the pictures and if you took pictures and are interested in sharing them with us, send them to ttysb@aol.com. If you purchased a silent auction item and were not able to pick it up on Friday night, call the office at (860)526-3600 and arrange a time to pick up your item. If you have suggestions for how to improve our event or are interested in joining our committee for 2009, please post a comment here or call (860)526-4445.

We look forward to having you join us next year - for Taste of the Valley 2009.

AMAZING Silent Auction!

We are SO happy to report that we have over 85 (!!!!!!!!!!) auction items that will be available for bidding on Friday night. Given that we have so many great items, we will be trying something new Friday night -- each silent auction table will close at a different posted time -- to be sure that EVERYONE takes something home!

The full list will be an insert in your program -- but here some highlights from each category!

For Family & Friends: Killington Weekend, Feast Dinner Club, Peek-a-Booquets, A Private Tour of the Chester Firehouse, Dinner at du Village in Chester, $100 gift certificate at Camp Hazen, 3 $15 off gift certificate for school pictures from Joseph's, Microsoft Student Office & Encarta, A greek dinner for 6, a party for 6 at the Clayhouse

For the Home: A 50% off discount at Leif Nilsson's gallery, a pastel piece by Jil Nelson, a discount off a wall mural in your home by Rick Silderberg, a discount off a painting by David Brown, a gorgeous bird house, a plate from Ceramica, a basket from the Gilded Pear, lanscaping services, and two antique boudoir lamps

Jewelry: Pieces from Tracye Mueller, watches from Celebrations, handmade earrings and pin by Lori Lenz, pearl earrings from DePaula Jewelers, and more!

Pamper Yourself (or someone you love!) & Health & Wellness: A one hour in-home massage, a Mary Kay basket, a leather pocketbook from Scotland, a canvas bag from Scencibles, life coaching sessions, gym memberships, a spray-tanning session, and haircuts galore!

Experience the River Valley: Dinner at the River Tavern, a 1/2 hour flight for 3 people from Chester Airport, Essex Steam Train for a family of 4, Bunch for 2 at Water's Edge, Goodspeed Opera Tickets, and restaurant gift certificates from up and down the Valley and Shoreline!

For the Enthusiast: A crystal murano necklace from Angies,
binoculars, lunch & kayaking from the Villager, a sunset cruise of Selden's Creek for 4, a life jacket, cookbooks from Homeworks, a beer basket, a coffee & tea basket, a seafood cooking basket, a basket for your favorite dog -- and more!

AGAIN, we cannot thank our local businesses, artisans, and individuals enough for the overwhelming generousity to Tri-Town Youth Services - and for supporting our event. Please come -- and bid -- and have a great time! See you on Friday!

Two more great donations!

Feast Gourmet Market is introducing a new Dinner Club for families -- and has generously donated a prepared dinner for a family of four, once a week for eight weeks -- valued at $320!


Angus McDonald, Jr. has donated a two-hour evening tour of Selden's Creek by boat for a group of four -- with wine and cheese. Will be amazing to see the fall foliage!

More to come!

Silent Auction donations are rolling in!

From Clinton to Chester, local businesses and individuals are generously donating interesting items to our silent auction. From a three-day weekend to a ski-house that sleeps 8 in Vermont to an antique quilt from Riverwind Antiques to a discount on a wall mural in your home to a homemade Greek dinner for 6 to a gourmet lunch and kayaking for 2 donated by The Villager in Chester -- we are excited! And hope you are too! We will posting a full list of auction items shortly!

Another restaurant signs on to TOV 2008!

Sage American Grill - Chester will be joining us for Taste of the Valley 2008 - we are so excited to welcome them to our event! Come join us for what will be a fantastic evening!

Another major sponsor signs on to Taste of the Valley!

The Taste of the Valley Committee is pleased to announce that Shore Publishing Newspapers has generously signed on as a major event sponsor of Taste of the Valley 2008! We appreciate their support -- and are excited to have them join us at the event! Look for our ads in the August 14th - September 4th editions of The Valley Courier and The Harbor News! THANK YOU!

Another great addition to Taste of the Valley!

The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station, Inc. and Riverhouse Catering, a Banquet Facility and Off-site Catering company located in Haddam, CT, will be joining us for Taste of the Valley 2008! We are so excited to welcome this new addition to our fantastic event!

Another restaurant signs on for Taste of the Valley!

The Whistle Stop Cafe of Deep River, CT will be joining us again this year -- treating us to a delectable appetizer and dessert...that is a secret for the moment! Come find out what amazing creation Hedy will treat you to! Tickets on sale now! Get them before we sell out!

Tickets on Sale NOW!

Tickets to Taste of the Valley 2008 are - ON SALE NOW! You can purchase tickets at the Tri-Town Youth Services Office, Celebrations in Deep River, or the Essex Savings Bank. You can also purchase them for any of the Tri-Town Youth Services Board Members. Tickets are $30 each, or 2 for $50.

Call Tri-Town Youth Services at 526-3600, if you have any questions! SEE YOU THERE! And stay tuned for amazing silent auction items....

Thank you to our major sponsors!

We would like to thank The Clark Group and Whelen Engineering
for their generous sponsorship of Taste of the Valley 2008!