Erik Ofgang 2016-09-15 17:19:27
SMOKE IN THE VALLEY, Oct. 1 One of Connecticut’s largest craft beer festivals returns to Seymour in October with 100-plus breweries and music on two stages. Noon to 6 p.m. $25-$60. Seymour Community Center, 20 Pine St. smokeinthevalley.com
SUN BREWFEST, Oct. 1 This large beer festival allows guests to choose from more than 200 samples. There will also be live music and a cornhole tournament. Noon to 10 p.m. $25-$100. One Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Uncasville. mohegansun.com
HOPS FOR HOPE, Oct. 1 Sample beer and wine from a variety of breweries and wineries and enjoy several food trucks at this annual charity event that raises funds for Kym’s Kause, a nonprofit spreading awareness about organ donation. 1 to 6 p.m. $15-$50. Four Town Fairground, 56 Egypt Road, Somers. kymsbenefit.com
HARVEST FESTIVAL, Oct. 1 Jonathan Edwards Winery celebrates its harvest season with a two-day gathering featuring multiple bands, food trucks, an artisan vendor tent and, of course, wine. A five-sample wine tasting is included with each guest’s ticket. Noon to 6 p.m. $25. 74 Chester Maine Road, North Stonington. 860-535-0202, jedwardswinery.com
HARBOR BREW FEST, Oct. 8 The fifth annual Harbor Brew Fest will feature craft beer, music from local bands and food trucks. Those who purchase the brewer’s special tickets will get early access to the festival and gain entry to the Brewer’s Beer Garden, where limited-release beers will be served. 1 to 5 p.m. $40-$60. Ballpark at Harbor Yard, 500 Main St., Bridgeport. harborbrewfest.com
HOPTOBERFEST BEER & WING FESTIVAL, Oct. 8 Attendees can pair wings from more than 10 restaurants, including Derby’s Dew Drop Inn, with choices of 80 craft beers. Plus, there will be live music. 1 to 5 p.m. $25-$40. Rotary Pavilion, Shelton Riverwalk, 100 Canal St., Shelton. beerfests.com
POWDER RIDGE OKTOBERFEST, Oct. 8 This festival will feature more than 20 breweries, plus a homebrew competition judged by festival attendees. There is also food, live music and rides on the ski lift. 3 to 8 p.m. $24. 99 Powder Hill Road, Middlefield. powderridgepark.com
BREW-SKI FEST, Oct. 9 Chili, beer and live music will be featured at the seventh annual Brew-Ski Fest at the Salisbury Fall Festival sponsored by Stateline Wine and Spirits and hosted by the Salisbury Winter Sports Association. 1 to 4 p.m. $35. Satre (Ski Jump) Hill, 80 Indian Cave Road, Salisbury. brewskifest.com
HARVEST BOUNTY BREW FEST, Oct. 15 This harvest brewfest is in its ninth year and regularly attracts more than 300 people who get to sample beers from 15 to 20 breweries. There is also live music and local food. 2 to 6 p.m. $25. Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Road, Litchfield. thecommunitycenter.org
Erik Ofgang is the author of Buzzed: Beers, Booze, & Coffee Brews — Where to Enjoy the Best Craft Beverages in New England. Have a craft beverage event coming up next month? Email him at eofgang@connecticutmag.com.
Gobdol Bibimbap
EDO II, DANBURY
Bibimbap is a traditional Korean bowl of mixed rice and various sauteed and seasoned vegetables, sliced meat and a fried egg. In the gobdol bibimbap variation offered at Edo II in Danbury, the dish comes in a steaming-hot stone bowl that continues to cook the ingredients once it arrives on the table.
I chose the chicken version of the dish over the beef or pork options, and was not disappointed. The flavors reminded me of those found in many pho noodle bowls, only with the warm rice taking the place of both the pho noodles and the broth. The stone bowl is coated with sesame oil; as a result, the rice touching the stone is sizzled to a brown sticky crisp, making for a delicious crunch. The rice has to be scraped off the bowl and mixed in with the other ingredients. The egg, chicken, vegetables and rice — especially the bowl-crisped rice — created a delightful symphony of flavors.
Edo II is located within a nondescript and small standalone building. But inside it is bigger than it appears from the outside and there is more room for seating than many guests expect. Beyond this dish, the restaurant offers a wide range of Korean cuisine, and also boasts a sushi bar.
32 Padanaram Road, Danbury. 203-743-8799
Washington Trail White
PARADISE HILLS VINEYARD AND WINERY, WALLINGFORD
Sipping various wines at Paradise Hills Vineyard and Winery on a recent evening, I felt miles away from the workday and the hustle and bustle of the daily commute. The idyllic vineyard inspired by Tuscany has a distinctly European charm. It is nestled within a residential neighborhood with ample indoor and outdoor seating, just yards from the vineyard itself. The Italian-style wines featured are less sweet than wines from many Connecticut vineyards, offering a wide range of character.
The wine that brought me to the vineyard is the Washington Trail White. Dry and refreshing, with hints of apple and citrus flavors, this wine is the perfect choice for the end of a long day. Though the wine itself is inspired by Italian winemaking traditions, its name is inspired by American and Connecticut history. In 1775, General George Washington passed through Wallingford across the land the vineyard now occupies. By most accounts, Washington was more of a beer and cider drinker, but this white wine does his legacy proud. It is one of three the vineyard produces inspired by the Founding Father. The Washington Trail Red and the Washington Trail Rosé are the others, and are both worth trying, as well.
203-284-0123, paradisehillsvineyard.com
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