November 21st was The Big Connect, an annual networking event held at the Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford,
one of Connecticut’s best entertainment venues.
There were all sorts of seminars and vendors to draw a great cross-section of the business community. Multiple senior care living facilities were represented, including Mary Ann Tursi for The Village at Mariner’s Point in East Haven
and Gretchen Joslyn of Whitney Center in Hamden.
But of interest to us at RestaurantsCT.com was the eateries represented at the event, whose products one could enjoy for a modest $15 on top of the original free admission. The restaurants were arranged around the perimeter of a large room. If any restaurant ran out of food before I took its photograph, like Bistro Mediterranean & Tapas Bar in East Haven, then naturally it wasn’t included.
As soon as one entered, one felt like Home, that is, Home Restaurant in Branford.
Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale was the next restaurant represented.
Geronimo Southwest Grill & Tequila Bar in New Haven brought a batch of its wonderful guacamole.
It was nice to see the good folk from GP’s Gathering Place in East Haven.
Also from East Haven, Polo Palo Gelato was a popular stop for its addictive fruit bars.
The individual representing this Meriden olive oil store, however, could have used a basic course in public relations. When I asked him where the Italian olive oils came from, he answered “Italy.”
Delightful Briq in New Haven offered some pretty food.
The Wharf at Madison Beach Hotel also put out an attractive spread.
Soul de Cuba in New Haven offered plantain chips with three of its sauces.
Polly Coassin and Thomas Schultz made sure Park Central Tavern in Hamden was well represented.
Inspired Turkey from New Haven had the perfect booth to put people in a Thanksgiving mood.
Disarming Spice Catering Group out of Durham was also present.
And finally, Elm City Market from downtown New Haven offered some treats.
