Dining Out: Camacho Garage

After the lock-down in March, every blogger event I'd had on my calendar was cancelled, and truthfully, I didn't think there would even be new restaurants and businesses opening this year. But no matter what we face, we forge on; while many businesses in my area were shuttered, new ones still opened. 

When I received the email inviting me to attend a real, in-person, opening of a new restaurant last month, I didn't hesitate to send my R.S.V.P., especially considering the executive chef Arturo Franco-Camacho is behind many of my favorite restaurants (past and present), I knew an evening at Camacho Garage was not to be missed.

 

The space in the Westville neighborhood of New Haven has the industrial feel of a vintage garage, with several all glass garage doors that open to the outdoor seating area, allowing for lots of air flow and indoor seating that is effectively outdoor seating for as long as the weather will hold out. In addition to the huge horseshoe bar inside (patrons are currently separated by plexiglass partitions) there is an additional bar outside. The bar menu features the Geronimo Margarita and the Roomba Mojito, nods to Chef's past restaurants, both of which are delicious. While I never visited Roomba before they closed in 2007, I can say I truly miss Tacuba Taco Bar (which was inspired by Roomba) and Camacho Garage seems to embody the feeling and Mexican street food of Tacuba.

While I only sampled a small portion of the menu, everything was delicious - guacamole and tacos of course, but I truly enjoyed the dishes I'd never experienced before; a ceviche comprised of mushrooms, cactus, and onion; a Molcajete bubbling with molten queso, mushrooms and poblanos; and the most delightfully flavorful dessert of a Maria cookie topped with a caramelized sweet plantain and cajeta.

Even while I was still missing the social aspect of past events, it was still a lovely evening to be out seeing some familiar faces from a six foot distance and sampling amazing food.

 

Take any opportunity to enjoy dinner at the open and airy Camacho Garage while the weather is still favorable, and maybe try to get a patio table close to a heater if you love impractical footwear as much as I do.

                     
The Rundown
Rust Knit Dress H&M similar
Floral Kimono Lucky Brand
Sandals Urban Outfitters similar
Basket Bag TJMaxx similar
Jade Hoop Earrings Vintage similar
Coin Necklace TJMaxx

Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry

Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry

Gold Croissant Ring Etsy

Twist Ring Vintage via Etsy
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Saffr-on the Move" Essie

Dinner at Vyne in Middlebury, CT

Last Tuesday I was invited for dinner at Vyne Restaurant in Middlebury, CT. I had never been before, as living on the shoreline means I don't often venture towards the center of the state - I know it's silly and clearly I'm missing out on a lot after being completely impressed by Vyne.

I didn't know much about the restaurant aside from my quick perusal of the menu before sending my response to the invitation, but I planned on leaving early and hoping I could find a cute spot for outfit photos before dinner. Little did I know the grounds outside of the restaurant were stunning; stone steps, archways, gardens, and a waterfall spanning the length of the entire outdoor seating area. The heat from earlier in the day had tapered off and no one would dare to eat dinner outside, so I had the whole space to myself while I snapped away with my tripod.

When it was time to head in, I was lead through the main dining room to the lounge area with the bar, which apparently a lot of people miss and don't even realize there is a bar! I started out with a cucumber gin martini which was as strong as it sounds and very tasty. Sadly I knew at some point I'd have to drive myself home, so I didn't give any other cocktails a try.

As for the food, an impressive tasting menu with two to three dishes from each course was served. The dishes were unique and delicious. Creamy burrata mingled with grilled peaches and balsamic vinegar, lamp lolly pops were served with pesto sauce (I had to use a piece of bread to mop of every last bit of the pesto), the wedge salad was based on a recipe from the owners grandfather, and I just about devoured the seared tenderloin and wild mushroom risotto.

After a delightful meal, we toured the building, which houses an enormous gift shop on the first floor and a banquet hall for weddings and parties up to 200 guests on the third.

If you are in Connecticut, Vyne is not to be missed!

        

The Rundown
Floral Dress J.Crew x Abigail Borg similar
Asymmetrical Strap Mules Zara
Bucket Bag "Johnny" Danse Lente
Versailles Earrings  Julie Vos similar
Gold Rectangle Chain Necklace Etsy
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Nail Color "Canyon" Ten Over Ten

Hamilton Park at The Blake

Last week I ventured into New Haven to celebrate the grand re-opening of Hamilton Park, the restaurant at The Blake Hotel. This being my first time there, I was immediately impressed with the grand space, high ceilings, hugs windows flooding the space with natural light, and plenty of comfortable seating. Additionally there was a large outdoor patio which offered feelings of seclusion few outdoor dining areas in New Haven do. There is also a rooftop bar, the High George (a fun play on the intersection of which the hotel is located) that I didn't get to check out, but I can't wait to!

The cocktail list was full of some old favorites, such as the Bee's Knees (gin, lemon, and honey), but also offered some unique drinks such as Smoke on the Water, a rye drink with a fun presentation in a glass box filled with applewood smoke, and my personal favorite, the 1724 Tonic, similar to a gin and tonic, but with the additions of vermouth, sage, and a cucumber lavender syrup.

I also sampled a number of appetizers, most of which were very unique, such as a tapioca clam chowder, smoked bluefish dip with trout roe, and a tomato tart with melted onions. Every bite I had was delicious, and I may have eaten more than a couple of the tomato tarts, along with quite a few oysters, when we were reaching the end of the event and was told to take as many as I'd like!

If I were planning a stay in New Haven, Connecticut, The Blake Hotel would be at the top of my list, and I will definitely be dining at Hamilton Park again soon!

Thanks to Splash PR and Hamilton Park for inviting me!

            

The Rundown
White Ribbed Midi Dress Mango
Pearl Sandals Ann Taylor
Black Straw Bag Zara similar
Pearl Earrings "Sailor" Maris Pearl Co.
Layered Charm Necklace c/o Grand Avenue Jewelry
Gold Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses "Emma" Ray-Ban similar

Oyster Shucking at Brizo

Earlier this month I was invited to attend an oyster shucking event at Brizo, a new seafood restaurant which opened in Rocky Hill Connecticut last year. The space is bright and airy, with subtle nods to the ocean throughout, but you wont see a single anchor, and that was intentional.

While oysters are the only bivalve I will eagerly devour, I'd never tried my hand at shucking one before. Thankfully Chef Aaron gave detailed instructions along with up close demonstrations, and I had one of each oyster varieties open in no time. We sampled four east coast oysters, Martha's Vineyard, Malpeque, Duxbury, and Barnstable. At the table were three different Mignonette sauces, including a cucumber and a spicy melon, but my favorite was the classic red wine.

After they oysters I was still feeling a pick peckish, so I ordered the fish and chips entree, which was huge and delicious.

If you are in the area, Brizo is located at 945 Cromwell Ave. Rocky Hill, Connecticut and is open for both lunch and dinner with happy hour specials from 4 to 6 p.m. They also serve brunch on Sunday, and will be hosting many more events like this one, so be sure to follow them to find out when the next one is happening!

Thanks to A Little Bird Told Me for inviting me to this event!

         The Rundown
Black Off The Shoulder Dress Loft (back in stock this year!)
Wedge Lace-up Espadrille Soldous
Black Straw Bag Zara similar
Baroque Pearl Earrings TJMaxx similar

Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
 Nail Color "Find Me an Oasis" Essie

Connecticut Blogger Brunch

In a few weeks I will hit the nine year mark for this blog. In 2011 I met other Connecticut bloggers for the first time, which is when I met Meg in person! Since then the CT blogger community hasn't been particularly strong, so I was very excited when Nonee created the Connecticut Blogger Collective and put together an amazing brunch to bring 25 local bloggers together!

The brunch was held at Heirloom Market in Weathersfield, a charming location I'd never before visited, but I loved their private event setup and the food was all so delicious! Nonee did an amazing job with the tablescape with floral arrangements from Eddy Farm.

It was so nice to talk with other bloggers about the way blogging has been evolving over the years and how best to make an impact. We talked a lot about Instagram and even spent some time looking at each others feeds and giving constructive criticism.

It makes me so happy to see a Connecticut blogger community growing after all these years and I hope to have many more future opportunities to socialize, collaborate, and learn from these amazing women.

                  

The Rundown

Florence Broadhurst Japanese Floral Dress Kate Spade ebay

Heels "Reverse" Charles by Charles David similar

Snakeskin Box Purse c/o Vintanthromodern similar

Necklace The Cavernous Jewelry Box

Sunglasses "Cinque Terre" Kam Dhillon c/o Coastal

Nail Color "Zip Me Up" Essie

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Spring

and

Oh To Be A Muse's Lookbook Linkup
and
By Lauren M's Mix it Monday

First four photos are by Jessica Meade