Albie Yuravich 2017-08-21 13:25:46
Bringing Out the Best
What makes something the best in Connecticut?
It’s a question we ask anew each year here at Connecticut Magazine as we debate all manners of categories of food, drink, activities, entertainment, shopping and more to come up with our “Best of Connecticut” list (page 59). (It’s a list, by the way, that we’re proud to say has ballooned back up over 200 winners, a dramatic increase over years past, giving much-deserved attention to businesses and attractions across the state.)
The best can mean a restaurant uses the finest ingredients, a concert venue brings in the biggest performers, or a clothing store has the widest selection. Sometimes a place dominates with its sheer size and variety of its offerings (the Durham Fair, for instance). But more oft en than not, the best can be defined as that which is made with care. It’s attention to detail and commitment to quality that put places over the top again and again.
There is, perhaps, no better example of this devotion to product than Thorncrest Farm & Milk House Chocolates in Goshen.
Every detail is planned to maximize taste and freshness. The naturally sweet milk is produced by the farm’s own cows, which are carefully bred for milk that varies in flavor, sweetness and fat content. Even the different types of grass they eat result in milk that is uniquely suited for either milk or dark chocolate. Other ingredients are local, including mint, lavender and raspberries from the farm’s garden. (Sadly, chocolate-producing cacao trees do not fare well in Connecticut’s climate, and the beans must be sourced from far-flung locations.) In the end, you have sweet treats that are pure, immensely flavorful and from the heart.
Much like the brewers and the bakers, the craftsmen and the curators, and many more on our superlative list, others featured in this issue take great pride in quality and care.
Writer Michael Lee-Murphy heads inside the Oakville workshop of home furnishings designer Tim Byrne, a pioneer of a style he calls “vintage industrial” that’s caught the eye of Hollywood and music legends (“Industrial Revolution” page 44). The heavy-duty woods and metals that once filled America’s factories during our industrial golden age now fill Byrne’s workshop, storage space and showroom. But now they’re restored vintage pieces or unique designs, very much in vogue and very much in demand.
Ever want to take a peek inside the garages of some of Connecticut’s most elite car collectors? Contributing writer Clifford Atiyeh takes you there with “Hot Wheels” (page 48). Aston Martin, Maserati, Lamborghini, Ferrari … they’re all there. Chasing Classic Cars TV host Wayne Carini, whose 1932 Auburn Boattail Speedster graces this magazine’s cover, says it best: “Every car’s got a story.”
True. But so does every car collector. You’ll get to know six of them.
While the auto collections are private, we can guarantee that every one of our “Best of Connecticut” winners would love to see you. Check them out and let us know what you think!
Albie Yuravich
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@AlbertYuravich
Published by New Haven Register formerly 21st Century Media Newspapers . View All Articles.
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