Flamenco dancing at Tablao

An evening dining at Tablao is not just great dining it is a unique experience that will make you feel that you are in Spain.  Tablao is located on Washington Street in  South Norwalk  Ct. and is part of the exciting SONO dining and entertainment scene.   This urban chic restaurant evokes an intimate feel with its exposed brick walls, dark floors,  and the hostess stand crafted from wine barrels.  The decor creates a touch of Spain with modern  urban touches to create a comfortable dining venue.

The menu is a combination of Spanish Mediterranean influences of both land and sea offerings.  There are a nice assortment of tapas (small plates), entrees of fresh seafood and beef, as well as traditional family style paellas.   There is also a wine bar with an extensive selection of wines from around the globe with emphasis on wines from Spain and South America.  Cool cocktails and craft beers are also available.  Sangria both white and red is a favorite and can be ordered by the pitcher for your table.

I dined at Tablao on a Thursday evening and chose from a menu two starters, paella to share and a pitcher of white sangria.   I chose the white sangria which was refreshing and had delightful citrus notes.

My first starter was the Gambas ala Plancha , grilled shrimp with chickpea puree and vegetables in a subtle vinaigrette .  A mouth-watering dish that  and a pleasant presentation as well.

The next appetizer I would recommend was the Hanger Steak in a green chimichurri sauce.  A nice flavorful dish as the sauce perfectly complimented the beef.   There are so many great choices on the menu it was hard to pick just two.

The main entrée I selected was the Paella Mediterranean de Mariscos.  A large beautifully displayed dish of lobster, clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp, and fish of the day with rice.  This paella stays true to its Spanish roots and was a perfectly crafted dish with generous amounts of seafood.

Seafood Paella

For a real treat, Thursday evenings include Spanish style entertainment with an authentic Flamenco dancer and Spanish guitarist.  This performance was a wonderful addition to our evening and really infuses Tablao with a true feel of passion.  For a moment I was not in South Norwalk, but was transported to a city in Spain or in South America.  For a magical of evening of great food and entertainment, please visit Tablao.

Tablao   Wine Bar and Restaurant

86 Washington Street South Norwalk Ct

tel. 203.939.9602            website:    http://www.tablaosono.com

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The 2017 Greenwich Concours D’Elegance  held on June 3rd and 4th was a wonderful event for the automotive fan.  Since its founding in 1996 by Bruce and Genia Wennerstrom the Greenwich Concours is one of the most important automotive collector events in the country.   The 2017 edition of the Concours was a wonderful weekend filled with great cars in the perfect setting.

1959 Ford Skyliner with retractable hardtop

Saturday June 3rd featured cars from American manufactures as well as a special display of custom built cars which were very popular with the guests.  Also on the show field were classic motorcycles,  cars used in the actual Cannonball Run race back in the 1970s, and fantastic display of children’s cars.  There was something for everyone.  The setting for the Concours is right on Greenwich Harbor in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park and is the perfect backdrop for the display of fine automobiles.

A fantastic display of vintage children’s cars including this 1958 Edsel

Custom built cars were recognized this year for the contribution to the hobby.  There were numerous entrants including the show stopping T-Bird custom which attracted a large crowd.  Also present was a hot rod built by Steve Moal and owned by Wayne Carrini of Chasing Classic Cars and was the subject of one of the shows episodes.

Tango T-Bird by Rick Dore one of the many Custom creations at the concours

Bonhams auction house also runs a wonderful  automobile auction on Sunday in the auction tent, and viewing of the cars is open to the public on Saturday.   On Sunday there were an amazing assortment of vehicles at the auction from a 1973 Volkswagen Thing, to  a Ferrari Dino to a beautiful  1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal.  There were cars in all price ranges and something for everyone in the collecting hobby, not just high end cars.

On Sunday June 4th, the cars on display are from  international manufacturers and it was indeed a fantastic display of British, Italian, French and German cars.  There was also an impressive line up of vintage Bugatti’s on display along the waterfront.  Despite the threat of rain on Sunday, the show field was filled with impressive cars and guests.   The Auction kicked off under the tent at noon and there was a full house of bidders.

1937 Delahaye roadster

1964 Ferrari 275 GTB one of the most beautiful sports cars ever made

The Greenwich Concours is not just a car show.  It is an event that celebrates the finest in automobiles.  There are cars on the show field that you have probably never seen outside a magazine or book.  A truly impressive gathering that should not be missed.  Americares is the charity that benefits from the proceeds of the Concours.

The Concours is a yearly event and  one you should put on your calendar for next June.

Greenwich Concours D’Elegance

web:  http://www.greenwichconcours.com

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Sun Raven in Bedford NY is a healing and wellness center that is situated in a lovely setting that truly soothes the soul and mind.  This is a very special space for those seeking to experience, study and live a whole being vision of health and wellness.  Sun Raven is home to Slow Medicine, a holistic approach to living created and founded by Dr. Michael Finkelstein and Therapist Robin Queen Finkelstein.

The philosophy of Slow Medicine is to look at life through a whole systems approach.  Understanding that everything is interconnected in life including food, the physical body, mental, community, life purpose, work, and our relationships with others, the natural world and the divine.

Slow Medicine teaches one to relax and slow down by returning the body and mind to balance by learning about essential nutrients,connectivity to friends and spending thoughtful time in a tranquil pastoral setting that is Sun Raven.  The lovely grounds, gardens and animals such as horses, a llama and a peacock create this relaxes atmosphere.   There are interesting workshops available from farm-to-table meals featuring food grown at Sun Raven, special events, and a unique CSA (community supported agriculture)  vegetable program where you actively help maintain the vegetable crops.   Here the whole family can participate in coming together and grow their own organic food.  This is a fun an unique way to strengthen family ties and is part of the balance to the Slow Medicine approach, including food, community and connecting with others and the natural world.

Dr. Finkelstein and his wife Robin are present onsite to offer an array of services, programs, therapy and counseling.   The grounds are maintained by master gardener Xenia D’Ambrosi who educates and assists the garden and CSA members.  This special CSA is a hands-on farming experience and creates a wonderful sense of community while helping one in connecting back to the natural world.

Visit the Sun Raven website for additional information.

Sun Raven

Bedford NY      tel. 914-218-3113

web  http://slowmedicine.org

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