Stamford Movie Madness

Walking down Bedford tonight - just in front of the Avon - there were two giant tractor trailers and another around the bend in front of the CVS. It's a movie crew doing not much more than waiting around when we were there, but still cool to see! I Googled around a bit but I'm still not sure what the movie is. Anyone else know? 

In other amusing movie news, my Googling revealed a piece from Stamford Patch saying that Brad Pitt was interviewed about the Avon Theatre's "no refund" sign when showing his film, Tree of Life. You probably heard about the notice posted by the Avon that went viral, and if you didn't, you can read the posting here and see some of the coverage of it here. Apparently Mr. Pitt himself was asked about it on Entertainment Weekly and said "They said that? I didn’t know that. That’s great." I like a guy who can laugh at his own vaguely ridiculous movie. I liked the movie, but dinosaurs...really??

Anyhoo...I'm going to see if I can figure out what exactly they are filming - but you might want to take a walk down to the Avon and check it out for yourself. 

Art Opening!

Had a great time at tonight's opening for Franklin Street Works. The space is lovely with a welcoming cafe bar, modern seating and an inviting outdoor patio. The stairs between the bottom floor art space and the dining/art area are clear plastic and lit from within - very modern, very cool. Besides, you gotta love a party with passed cupcakes.  I haven't spent much time on Franklin Street (just across from UConn Stamford), but I really liked what I saw.  I'll definitely be back.

Buying A Home?

Photo from normanack, flickr.com 

With any luck, you were smarter than me and did not buy your first home before 2008. Let's say, for example, that you're MUCH smarter than me and ABOUT to buy a home - you might be interested in a workshop on Tuesday night (Sept 20) hosted by First County Bank (Norwalk City Hall, 125 East Ave, Norwalk, Community Room). It's free and you can learn about mortgages, prequalification and negotiation.

If you bring all your financing goodies (past two years of completed tax returns, one month of pay stubs, two months of bank/brokerage statements, profit/loss info if you own a business), you might get prequalified for a mortgage onsite. Event is underway at 7pm and runs to 9pm. 

You can find out more and reserve a spot for yourself by calling 203-969-1830 x 10 or emailing events@hdf-ct.org.

(Apologies for initially referring to the bank as First "Community" rather than First "County.")

What Are You Doing This Weekend??

(photo from kpwerker, flickr.com)

No need to go far, there are some fun options here in Stamford.

First, Arts & Crafts on Bedford is back and filling up the street this weekend. There will be 75 vendors selling all kinds of awesomeness from glass to wood and everything in between. I always manage to find some fun Christmas gifts at this event. Hours for Saturday are 10am-6pm and Sunday from 10am-5pm. There's no cost to attend, excellent people watching and activities for little ones (sponsored by the Nature Center and the Bartlett Arboretum). 

Second, Fairway (699 Canal Street; just inside the cafe) is helping you put healthy food on your kids' plate with their Back to School Smart Start Event. On Saturday from 10am-noon, the store welcomes Dr. Carlton Colker, a nutritional consultant, with tips for planning, shopping and eating better. Dr. Colker is a local physician plus an author, TV personality, wellness coach and Fairway's health and nutrition consultant. There will be info on fitness and a Q&A with the doctor as well. And don't let all that education turn your kids off - there will also be some crafts for kids and an opportunity to try some of the healthy food options. 

Bar Taco is Open!

I realize I've been living under a rock not to know it, but I just didn't - and when I joined a few friends out at Barcelona tonight I was so excited to see it bustling!  Has anyone been?  What do you think????

Goodbye and Hello!

Goodbye

I was so sad to hear that Telluride has closed its doors. If you click on their website, it says "account suspended." Say it ain't so! 

I'd bestowed the title of Best Whiskey Sour on them a while back. Now where will we go for the perfect balance of booze and fruit garnish served in just the right glass? 

It was also a perfect spot to grab a bite before an Avon movie, bring your in-laws for a fancy/rustic dinner and enjoy a lovely lobster salad business lunch. They gave me quite a few food-n-drink inspired smiles, and I will miss them acres and tons.  

Hello!

As we say goodbye to Telluride in the food world, we have a new neighbor to welcome in the art world. Franklin Street Works (41 Franklin Street) is a shiny new not-for-profit art space here in our corner of the world. I can't wait to see what they offer!!

They are rolling out the red carpet for the rest of us on September 22nd with a reception from 5-8pm to jump start their very first exhibit called "Fernando." Running until November 13, 2011, the exhibit includes artwork by Trisha Baga, Lukas Geronimas, and Mads Lynnerup.

The group's Creative Director, Terri C Smith, tells me the exhibit is "informed, in part, by the organization's location in the city of Stamford and its unique position as a new alternative art space." Locally inspired vision - how exciting!

 There will also be a street food extravaganza on Saturday, October 22nd from noon to 6pm.

Learn more about Franklin Street Works on their Facebook page.

(photo from where are the joneses, flickr.com)

9-11

I doubt there's much I can say that hasn't been said about the horror of ten years ago, but I wanted to add my name to the list of thousands thinking about the victims of 9-11 and praying that we never experience such a tragedy again. I've spent a good chunk of the morning watching tributes and crying like a baby. The time it took just to read out the last names beginning with "P" took ages!  It reminds me of the enormity of our loss.  Good wishes and blessings to everyone who lost someone close and prayers the future of our country.

Weekend Plans? How About Something Seaworthy

(photo from Robin Iversen Rönnlund, flickr.com)

Hurricanes, earthquakes with a chaser of a week of rain - maybe you need something fun to do this weekend? Here are a few watery options:

1. Norwalk Oyster Festival 

From September 9-11th come out for the Oyster Festival (Veteran’s Park, Fort Point Street and Seaview Avenue in East Norwalk, CT). It features an Arts and Crafts Show, performances by Fuel and Soul Asylum, tasty food options, BMX and MotoCROSS stunts and apparently - although I swear we had trouble finding them a few years back - oysters!

Sunday is Family Day where kids 5-12 are free with paid adult admission and there is a flat $15 fee for festival rides from 11am-2pm. There are also specials for kids and a free live show. There isn't parking on site, but parking info is available online.

Get your tickets here. Prices are:
- $12 for general admission
- $10 for seniors
- $10 special Friday admission
- $3 for children 5-12 (free for younger children)
- Free for US military on active duty and their families (needs ID!)

2. Marine Life Study Cruises 

On Saturdays in September and October at 1pm, the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium offers Marine Life Study Cruises for the very reasonable price of $20.50 (two dollar discount for aquarium members). You'll learn about the critters that live in the Sound and why it's one of our best natural resources. Cruises last two and a half hours and allows participants to collect marine animals from the surface to the murky depths. There's a very cool video microscope on the ship so you can get a better look and a "mud grab" to bring it back.

To take part in the cruise, you must be 42 inches tall and kids under 16 must bring along an adult. You can even get financial assistance by filling out this form and returning it to reservations@maritimeaquarium.org. Click here for tickets. If there is space available, you can get tickets on the day of. The ship sails just outside the aquarium's IMAX theater.

3. Greenwich Harbor Yacht Showcase 

In the mood for something a little fancier and schmancier? Put on your boating best and check out the Greenwich Harbor Yacht Showcase at the Delmar hotel and restaurant (500 Steamboat Road in Greenwich). You'll see power boats, sailboats, private planes, luxury cars and - you got it - yachts. Admission is free (although I'm pretty sure everything else is far from it). You can check out the exhibitors and enjoy a beer garden and some excellent food. I've attended a few events at the Delmar, and the food is amazing! The event benefits the 12 Metre Yacht Development Foundation.

If you're really interested in boating it up, join them on Friday the 9th for a Preview Party 6-8pm. It comes complete with hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and entertainment but will set you back $75. That event benefits the Audubon Society. Ticket info is available here.

Stay dry everybody - or if you can't - at least have some fun! 

Throw Your Shovels in the Air, Waive 'Em Around Like You Just Don't Care

Ok, that may not be the catch phrase artist John J. Bedoya is going for, but (no matter what it says about me) that's what came to mind when I saw the advertisement for his upcoming exhibit at the Fernando Alvarez Gallery. The exhibit, entitled "Beyond Technique" will have an opening reception on September 9th from 6-9 and will be on view until October 16th. Mr. Bedoya is a young guy with heaps of praise under his belt already. You can read a lovely write-up of the show on the CT Post website.

Kick off Next Weekend with Karaoke

Kiss all your lazy summer days with their hurricane prep and surprise earthquakes goodbye! They packed up the summer series sculptures, Labor Day showed up and it's time to admit that autumn snuck up on you. Thankfully, G/R/A/N/D has just the thing to make you feel better. How about live karaoke??!!?? Honestly, that's pretty sweet.

This Thursday from 9pm to 1am, G/R/A/N/D (15 Bank Street) gets the cover band Bliss on stage, and welcomes you to make a complete ass out of yourself rock the stage. You can come and sing OR you can come with your musical weapon of choice: guitar, drums or base (pretty sure they provide the drums unless you plan to bongo it out). Dry your death-of-summer tears with a little rock and roll plus $4 drinks from 9-11pm. Not a bad way to start your fall. (photo from hugochisholm, flickr.com)