Go Local Magazine - June 2017 Issue

It's not too late to read this month's copy of Go Local Magazine. Features include the Nerac Cycling Club, hitting the road this month for the 5th Annual Seven Lakes Ride; Wilbraham's Fountain Park and the revived Peach Blossom Festival; Ellington's 16-acre Kloter Farms and Ice Cream Barn; the Agawam Bowmen's Club, the oldest archery-only organization in Western Mass.; and Second Chance Equine Rescue in East Granby, CT.

There are recipes for 3 Simple Summer Sippers from yours truly and a list of 7 "Strawberry Pick-Me-Ups" to help you celebrate the beginning of berry season. And of course, in every issue, Go Local Picks, Go Explore, In the Garage, and so much more.

Pick up a free copy at one of our Go Local businesses or read it online now.

Go Local Magazine - May 2017 Issue AND Updated Website

I'm not going to tell you what is in this month's awesome issue of Go Local Magazine. No. Instead, I'm going to tell you that the Go Local Website has been overhauled and you should...

CHECK IT OUT NOW!

Enter a contest! 

Link to individual articles straight from the home page or in the featured articles tab! 

Find out where you can pick up your free copy! 

Use ISSUU to read the current issue or past issues! 

Check out the all-new Recipe Archive! 

And more!

So, I repeat...CHECK IT OUT NOW!

(That's all. For now, anyway.)

Taste of Manchester: Silk City Coffee

As part of the Taste of Manchester 2017 Marketing Committee, Amy has volunteered to write short features on the participating restaurants and share them via our blog here.This year's Taste of Manchester will be held on Tuesday, May 9th from 5:30 to 9 p.m. See the TOM webpage, Facebook page, or Twitter @TastyTownCT (#TOMCT2017) for more information. 

Silk City Coffee

For years now, my neighbors and I have bemoaned the fact that Downtown Manchester was lacking a decent coffeehouse. Main Street is brimming with breakfast joints, but once mid-afternoon comes and they close for the day, there's nowhere to sit and work or meet a friend over a good, non-corporate cup of joe. 

The cozy space

Enter Silk City Coffee, the answer to all of Manchester's caffeine-withdrawal-induced prayers. Located right in the middle of Main Street (#763, to be exact), this cozy, small-town coffee shop opened in the fall of 2016 and has been going strong ever since. 

Caleb making an Espresso over Lemonade

High school sweethearts who are now married, Sarah and Rob May manage the shop and own it along with business partners Tammy and Glenn Gerhard, who were the couple's guidance counselors and mentors. Talking one day about their feeling of dissatisfaction with their jobs, the Gerhards asked the Mays if there was anything they could be doing, what would it be? The Mays imagined owning a small coffee shop, and the four of them decided to make it happen.

Sarah May at work

The shop offers a variety of coffee/espresso drinks and high quality teas, as well as a hot chocolate that is to die for. They come up with some creative seasonal drinkss as well, like this summer's strange-sounding yet refreshing and zippy "Espresso over Lemonade" (trust me, it incredibly good). Sarah is the shop's baker, and the place has become well-known in town for their incredible cinnamon buns. They also have a small lunch menu and plenty of other specialty treats like cookies and pastries, all made from scratch, in house. The Mays have always loved to entertain, and now, Sarah says, "It's fun for us to have the whole town over!"

Hot Mocha

Treats

Affogato - Espresso poured over vanilla gelato

The cozy space, with tables, counters, sofas and comfy chairs, is perfect for a first date, a work meeting, or just a place to read a book and have a cup. Better yet, the Mays and Gerhards share a community-driven vision. In the back of the shop is the "Needs Board" featuring dozens of notes in which people state their needs and neighbors respond. The profit from t-shirts on sale in the shop go toward meeting these communal needs as well. 

The Needs Board

Sarah says they chose Manchester because they "fell in love with the small-town feel." And there's no better way to experience that feeling than by attending the annual Taste of Manchester which is on Tuesday May 9 from 5:30-9. Silk City Coffee will be supplying participants with tastes of their batch brew, housemade chai and hot chocolate, with a mini-chocolate chip cookie on the side. Yummmmm.....!!!

Silk City Coffee's summer hours are Monday-Wednesday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursday-Saturday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. They occasionally host live music nights as well. They can be found on Facebook and @silkcitycoffee on Instagram.

Go Local Magazine - April 2017 Issue

Spring is here and it shows in this month's issue of Go Local Magazine. April's features include articles on local arborist Laura Mele, Chef Franny Krushinsky of Longmeadow, Stafford's newest business the Stafford Cidery, the "lamb ladies" of Pine Knob Farm in Somers, and a sneak peek inside Route 83's architectural wonder Aborn Castle. 

You can also read about disc golf at Crane Hill in Wilbraham and the good work being done by the Jeff Braun Memorial Foundation. Find out about local products, CSAs, how to make A Couple in the Kitchen's award-winning Quiche Caprese, and the great eats at Stir the Pot in East Windsor. 

There are suggestions for springtime hobbies good for the whole family, places to find local herbs and mulch, and a list of community theatre groups.

Find all this and more online here or by picking up your April issue at your favorite local business - it's free!!! 

Taste of Manchester 2017: Pagano's Italian Market

As part of the Taste of Manchester 2017 Marketing Committee, Amy has volunteered to write short features on the participating restaurants and share them via our blog here.This year's Taste of Manchester will be held on Tuesday, May 9th from 5:30 to 9 p.m. See the TOM webpage, Facebook page, or Twitter @TastyTownCT (#TOMCT2017) for more information. 

Pagano's Italian Market

This year's Taste of Manchester is less than a month away, and our first featured participant is new to town, having celebrated their Grand Opening on April 7 of this year. That new business is Pagano's Italian Market, now open in the front of the Strano's Bakery building on Broad Street.

The espresso bar

Pastries, cookies, cannoli and more

Strano's Bakery is no stranger to Manchester. A commercial wholesale bakery famous for their grinder rolls, Strano's has been in business over 35 years. Bill Pagano has been friends with the owners of Strano's longer than that, so when the opportunity to take over the retail space at the front of the bakery building came about, Pagano jumped at the chance. His grandparents and parents were in the restaurant business in Italy, and he and his wife always hoped to have a small Italian place of their own. 

Specialty Italian food products for sale

Pagano's Italian Market is more than the name implies. Yes, they offer Italian specialty products for sale, including olive oils, pastas, and sauces, to name a few. But they also consider themselves an Italian deli, bakery and cafe, and they sell entrees, grinders, soups, salads and desserts. Everything is made fresh in-house including their famous meatballs and a variety of Italian cutlets (beef, chicken, eggplant). Their thick sheet pizzas, giant grinders and stuffed breads are perfect for parties. They also accept orders for catering. 

The menu and daily specials board

The space is open and well-lit with plenty of tables to enjoy their delicious offerings on site. In one corner is an Italian espresso bar, in the other, a case filled with Italian meats and cheeses. In the middle there is a bakery case filled with a variety of Italian cookies and pastries. Crisp cannoli shells are filled to order with a light, fluffy cannoli cream, perfect to enjoy with your cappuccino or espresso.

Pastries and cannoli to eat-in or take home

Manchester's newest business offers something for everyone. From antipasto to zuppa, eat-in or take-out, Pagano's Italian Market has it all. They are located at 255 Broad Street, and are open Monday-Friday 10-7, Saturday 10-4, and closed on Sundays. Their menu and more information can be found on their Facebook page, and of course, they will be serving up goodies at this year's Taste of Manchester. Tickets are on sale now!

Go Local Magazine - March 2017 Issue

As winter melts into spring, Go Local Magazine's March issue urges its readers to come out of their self-imposed hibernation and discover some of the amazing people that make the CT/MA line a great place to live. This month’s magazine includes features on Go Local’s own fabulous photog Jackie Sidor, Murphy’s Pub in Agawam (perfect for a St. Patty’s Day outing), local dairy Hastings Family Farm in Suffield (written by Amy), Enfield Auto Restoration and more. Some great new products like juices and smoothies made by My Main Squeeze in East Longmeadow; Job's Hill Provision’s sauces, salsas, pickles and more from Ellington; and seven maple syrup sugarmakers boiling local sap this spring are highlighted throughout the issue. The featured recipe on the “Go Eat” page is A Couple in the Kitchen’s Maple Cheddar Dutch Baby, one of our newest recipes that would pair perfectly with some of that local maple syrup. You can read your copy online here or visit one of our local businesses to pick up your March issue - it's free!!! 

Go Local Magazine - February 2017 Issue

The latest issue of Go Local Magazine is in circulation around its free distribution spots and this month's theme is a celebration of love, just in time for Valentine's Day.  

There's quite a few foodie stories this month. The cover story celebrates the love and work of George and Fred Koulisis, the couple behind Stafford House of Pizza and Basil's Restaurant who have been married for 45 years and are still going strong. And speaking of restaurants, this month marks the debut of "Local Dish," a monthly feature on our favorite local eateries, such as this month's Crazy Jake's in Wilbraham. Amy wrote the article on the Ellington Winter Farmers Market, and A Couple in the Kitchen's recipe for Flourless Chocolate Walnut Torte (page 25) is the perfect dessert for your romantic V-Day dinner. But if you don't feel like baking, there's a list of "7 Heavenly Sweet Shops" that will do it for you.

Sharing the love this issue is a group trying to preserve the Farm at Hilltop in Suffield, developed by Indian Motorcycle co-founder George Hendee. "Local Tails" focuses on the K9 unit in Wilbraham, and who doesn't love those hard-working dogs and the officers who work with them? 

Of course, those are just a few of things you can read about in the February issue. There's a whole lot more, so go ahead and read it here now or get your copy at any one of these Go Local businesses and advertisers!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Go Local Magazine - December 2016 Issue

It's the holidays, and Go Local Magazine's December issue has plenty of features to inspire you to make this year's season your best yet. 

Several of this month's articles focus on unique holiday traditions, including: 

• A woman in Stafford Springs who practices and teaches the art of Japanese Temari 
• The residents of Greenleaf Drive in Hampden, who have made their street a celebration of Christmas since the 1970s 
• Balboni's Bakery, where baking has been a tradition in Agawam for 100 years and counting 
• Silver Bell Farm in Monson, where Holiday cheer abounds with sleigh rides, treats, and visits from Santa.

Amy had a chance to sit and speak to Rabbi James Greene of the Springfield Jewish Community Center about how family, tradition and community intermingle especially well this time of year, and that conversation is the topic of the article "Hannukah in New England."

In addition to all of those great articles, there is a list of "7 Ways to Spread Holiday Cheer," directions on how to make a DIY Snowy Candle-lit Jar, a list of local gift ideas and a holiday recipe round-up that includes A Couple in the Kitchen's "Rum Balls" and "Grapefruit Sparklers."

All of this and so much more can be found in the December 2016 issue of your favorite FREE local magazine, Go Local. Read it online here or pick up your copy at a distributor in your local town.

Go Local Magazine - November 2016 Issue

It's November. The month of Thanksgiving and thanks-giving. This month's issue of Go Local Magazine is out and it's filled with ideas on how to celebrate your friends and neighbors who make the CT/MA line a great place to live. 

This month's features include instructions on how to make your own fall leaf bowl, an article about the festive desserts offered at Armata's Market in Longmeadow, and a story on a local band called Farmhouse. There's a Go Local gift guide, suggestions on where to get the best comfort food in the area, and an article on Cold Creek Brewery in Ellington.

Amy wrote a feature on Chic and Antique, a Suffield shop known for their beautiful farm tables, on which you can serve your harvest meal on stunning Polish pottery from Janelle Imports in Enfield, also included in this month's issue.

And what's a good Thanksgiving dinner without gravy? Our award-winning recipe for Cider-Sage Gravy is this month's Go Eat feature.

There's even more to the November Go Local, so read it here now or get your copy at any one of these Go Local businesses and advertisers!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hot Dog! Family and Friends Roadside Cart Debuts Wednesday November 9!

Perhaps you read my article in the July 2016 Go Local Magazine on Ellington native Nick Glomb and his dream to own a hot dog cart. Well, thanks to many generous donors to his GoFundMe page, and with help from the folks at New England Business Associates, his dream is coming true next week when the Family and Friend Roadside Cart makes its debut at the "Hartford Entrepreneur Hangout" Wednesday November 9 from 5-7 p.m. at the Hog River Brewing Company at 1429 Park Street in Hartford. All are welcome to attend. At this event, he will serve his first hot dog. Nick will be serving foods from local sources, including hot dogs from Bogner's Quality Meats in Manchester, Hosmer Mountain Soda, and chips from Severance Foods in Hartford. His cart was produced by Cart Concepts International in Manchester.

Congratulations, Nick!!! Way to go, and best of luck to you!

Go Local Magazine - October 2016 Issue

The October issue of Go Local Magazine is out! Go Local is a local lifestyle magazine promoting life around the Massachusetts/Connecticut line. The magazine features nearby businesses where you can play, shop and eat, and showcases the citizens who make the region a great place to live. The newest issue is filled with all the things that make this the best time of year, Autumn traditions such as corn mazes, marching bands, fall excursions, and more.  

Of particular interest to our foodie followers might be A Couple in the Kitchen's own recipe for Onyx Moonshine Apple Cake (page 39) and the feature on Foster Hill Farm in Stafford Springs. ACK fans may be interested to know that Amy wrote the article on Sue Muldoon, who is reviving the art of seatweaving in Enfield, CT with her business Redux for You (page 41), and also wrote the article on Ellington High School's Marching Band (page 11), who recently performed at The Big E.

In the October issue are also articles on a special Special Olympics coach in East Longmeadow, stone carving experts from Longmeadow, and a Monson family who is doing cool things with twisted wood. Included in every issue are the Go Local Picks, Local Snapshots, the Local Einstein quiz, and the Final Countdown (this issue's is 7 Places to Watch Football), and as always, so much more.

You can read the current issue online here, or pick up your FREE copy today and Go Local!

Go Local Magazine - September 2016 Issue

The September issue of Go Local Magazine is out! Go Local is a local lifestyle magazine promoting life around the Massachusetts/Connecticut line. The magazine features nearby businesses where you can play, shop and eat, and showcases the citizens who make the region a great place to live. The newest issue is filled with people and places that are invigorating the Go Local area. It's a wonderful celebration of the fall season. And, for the first time ever, Go Local is "perfect bound" which means it has a flat spine like so many of the magazines you are used to! 

Of particular interest to our foodie followers might be A Couple in the Kitchen's own recipe for Late Summer Harvest Pasta 'Primavera' on page 57, or the article in which some local nutritionists advise people on how to makeover their lunchboxes, or the feature on Johnny Appleseed's Orchards of Ellington, CT. Amy wrote the article called "Happy Herd at Windy Crow Farm" about an alpaca farm in Stafford Springs. For those whose mind has gone "Back to School," there's an article featuring a teacher at Heritage Academy in Longmeadow. For the crafters, there's a new feature called "Go Create," with a inspiring DIY project. There's also a list of autumn fairs and festivals, a feature on Suffield's Woods Hollow Leather Co., and much, much more, all in the September issue.

You can read the current issue online here, or pick up your FREE copy today and Go Local!

Go Local Magazine - July 2016 Issue

Go Local Magazine is a local lifestyle magazine promoting life around the Massachusetts/Connecticut line. The magazine features nearby businesses where you can play, shop and eat, and showcases the citizens who make the region a great place to live. The July issue is filled with people and places that are invigorating the Go Local area. Consider it required summer reading!

On page 30 you can find our recipe for Dry-Rubbed Ribs, perfect for when the forecast includes a sure chance of barbecue. Amy wrote the article on area resident Nick Glomb and his dream to open "The Family and Friends Roadside Cart" (page 27). There's a list of community concerts and another with seven great ice cream spots. So read the current issue online here, or pick up your FREE copy today and Go Local!

Shrimp, Roasted Garlic and Caper Ravioli with Lemon Caper Beurre Blanc (or, DiFiore Ravioli meets Omaha Steaks Seafood Sauce)

You know that not everything we cook is from scratch. Amy has a not-so-secret love for Kraft Macaroni-n-Cheese. Now and then, Chris enjoys a mug of store-bought udon noodles, seasoning packet and all. But that's not how we like to eat. Sometimes, though, we simply don't feel like cooking from scratch. So on a typical evening, you can find us putting our own spin on a store-bought product. Our very own "semi-homemade." 

Recently we were craving ravioli. We have made our own ravioli in the past, but it is certainly not easy. So instead we took advantage of the fact that DiFiore Ravioli Shop practically hand-delivered their ravioli to us. This small, family-owned business has been in Hartford for over 30 years and recently opened a second location in Rocky Hill. But now they've made it even easier for us to buy their products by having a booth at our favorite farmers' market. Now we don't have to make a special stop!

This past weekend, we bought DiFiore's "Shrimp, Roasted Garlic and Caper Ravioli" at the debut of FARE, the new Willimantic Market. Amy asked the person working the booth if he thought that would be good with a plain butter sauce. He nodded, but then, as if he were delivering a state secret, added, "I'd try it with a lemon beurre blanc, maybe adding a few capers." Sounded right up our alley.

Since frozen ravioli are supposed to be an easy weeknight dinner, we didn't bother to come up with our own sauce recipe. We found Omaha Steaks' recipe (here) for "Lemon Caper Beurre Blanc Seafood Sauce" and made a few substitutions - a small spring onion from our garden instead of shallots, 1/2 and 1/2 instead of heavy cream, and 1 1/2 rather than 2 sticks of butter. It was delicious.

We drizzled the rich, lemony sauce over that gorgeous ravioli and our craving was satisfied. Sometimes semi-homemade is even better than from scratch.

Go Local Magazine - June 2016 Issue

Go Local Magazine is a local lifestyle magazine promoting life around the Massachusetts/Connecticut line. The magazine features local businesses where you can play, shop and eat, and showcases the citizens who make the region great. This June's issue is chock full of things to eat, see, buy and do around the Go Local area. Consider it your summer reading assignment!

On page 34 of the June issue, you can find our recipe for Grilled Pound Cake with Balsamic Berries, along with a list of nearby spots where you can pick your own berries or purchase them by the pint. Amy also wrote the article (page 49) on Stafford Springs wildlife artist Pat Morris. There's a farmers' market guide, an interview with Ellington's own Chef Chris Avtges (who competed on Chopped), a feature on Forest Park Farmers' Market favorite Moe's Donuts, and so much more. So read the current issue online here, or pick up your FREE copy today and Go Local!

Coventry Farmers' Market Opening Day 2016

The folks who ran our favorite farmers' market (Coventry Regional Farmers' Market) for 12 years have moved on to other endeavors. We thank them for bringing this great market to the region. We have spent countless Sundays roaming the stalls, sampling food truck fare, buying local ingredients, and meeting many "Friends of the Market." 

Thankfully, the town of Coventry realized such a great opportunity should not be allowed to slip away. They had all the appropriate meetings and did all the necessary organizing, hired a new Market Master and reaffirmed the commitment to keep the market going at the Nathan Hale Homestead (#haleyeah!). 

Opening day was today and while it looked dreary outside, spirits were high and spring produce (leafy greens, spring onions, radishes, asparagus and cut flowers) was plentiful. Food truck alley was hoppin', and we saw most of our favorite vendors (butchers, bakers, cheesemongers and more) return. 

After the market, we headed over to the Bidwell for some wings and brews. Later that night, we enjoyed a salad made with Meadowstone Farm burrata, sungold cherry tomatoes, shredded basil and balsamic glaze with a touch of salt. Delicious! Oh, we do enjoy our summer Sundays in Coventry!