Happy Spring!

Spring has sprung! What is your favorite thing about Spring?

Brioche French Toast Is Stuffed With Pastry Cream and Berries at SoNo Baking Company

John Barricelli, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, worked all over the region, including a stint with Martha Stewart, before opening SoNo Baking Company in 2005. Occupying a renovated former warehouse in South Norwalk, the 3,600-square-foot space gives Barricelli and his crew ample space to create the amazing bread that is SoNo Baking Company’s stock in trade. In fact, the bread baked here is served in many of the area’s finest restaurants!

Served 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. within SoNo Baking Company's on-site cafe, Sunday brunch offers a brioche French toast that comes stuffed with vanilla pastry cream and mixed berries. Those craving something savory can opt for a farm-fresh brown egg omelet served with hashbrowns and toast, while an ever-changing selection of quiches keeps diners guessing. The lunch menu boasts an excellent Cubano sandwich and some very good salads, all at a fair price.

SoNo Baking Company
101 S. Water Street
Norwalk, CT 06856
(203) 847-7666
www.sonobaking.com
www.yelp.com/biz/sono-baking-company-and-cafe-norwalk

Eat Fried Chicken Done Right at Chicken Joes

You never know when your hunger is going to demand fried chicken, but with Chicken Joe’s in New Canaan, you can quickly satisfy the craving. This quaint fried chicken and deli eatery is a favorite among locals who know the importance of well prepared, tender chicken. Depending on the size of your group and your appetite, Chicken Joe’s has specials to meet everyone’s needs. Select the famous High School Special and get a half-pound of hand-cut nuggets with your choice of sides, like zucchini, onion rings, or fries. Go big with the Godfather special and get a full pound of nuggets and extra helpings of side dishes. Check out the superb chicken platters piled high with thighs, wings , breast, and legs or go a little lighter with a wrap or healthy salad. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this casual restaurant is always a great choice fantastic chicken and much more.

Chicken Joe's
151 Elm Street
New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 972-2100
http://www.originalchickenjoes.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chicken-joes-new-canaan

How to Lose Weight — Without Going Hungry!

Sure, a diet involves cutting back on fat and calories, but that doesn’t mean that you should ever feel hungry. Here are some tips for losing weight without going hungry.

  1. Don't fast. Trendy cleanse diets involve drinking only water, juice, or not eating anything at all in order to shed pounds. While you might lose a bit of weight at first, fasting actually slows your metabolism down and causes you to gain more weight once you start eating again.
  2. Always eat breakfast. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day because it fuels you for the rest of the day. Try something with whole grains, protein, and fresh fruits and veggies to stay full without adding unnecessary calories.
  3. Stay away from starches. While foods like potatoes and breads will make you feel full very quickly, these food are filled with little more than carbs. Opt for whole grains or sweet potatoes instead.
  4. Plan your meals. If you plan your meals ahead of time, you won’t have to choose what to eat once your hunger starts to set in (which can lead to overeating).

Diet Myth or Truth: Fasting Is Effective for Weight Loss [WebMD]
10 Easy Ways to Lose Weight Without Starving [Men’s Health]
Losing Weight [CDC]

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

May your day be touched with a little bit of the luck of the Irish!

Expect Only the Freshest Organic Flavors From The Farmer’s Table

Farm to table dining is a concept that has acquired a large following and encourages patrons to appreciate where their food comes from. Expanding on this idea and bringing a bit of modern style to the experience, The Farmer's Table offers the finest in fresh produce, meat, and bakery items fresh from the farm and oven. Never worry about unnecessary additives or unknown ingredients; The Farmer's Table uses only the best local, organic meats and produce.

The menu is a reflection of the tastes of the season, regularly rotating — sometimes daily — to provide patrons with flavors that are a perfect complement to the day. Enjoy the pate or the wild mushroom ravioli with a cup of the daily soup for a meal that's as wholesome as it is delicious. The hip, exposed brick and wood interior is a comfortable, causal setting that makes eating and conversations easy. Stop by for a homemade, satisfying meal.

The Farmer's Table
21 Forest Street
New Canaan, CT 06840
https://www.facebook.com/FarmersTable
http://www.yelp.com/biz/farmers-table-new-canaan

Seize Delicious Italian Fare at Carpe Diem

Make the most of your night out with an outstanding meal from Carpe Diem in New Canaan. This charming Italian restaurant is the place to go when you want to enjoy an intimate dinner between friends and family over penne and bolognese. Begin your meal with a bowl of ribollita, a vegetable soup made with pesto, and then look forward to an incredible entree, like penne buttera, a dish of hot and sweet Italian sausage.

Get your weekend off to the right start with the brunch specials that include a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary alongside an omelet stuffed with mozzarella, basil, and tomato. You’ll love the warm and relaxing environment of Carpe Diem, a place where every day is celebrated.

Carpe Diem
26 Locust Avenue
New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 594-9599
http://carpediemnewcanaan.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/carpe-diem-new-canaan

Gates Restaurant and Bar: Open The Gates

Gates has been one of New Canaan’s must-visit restaurants for over 30 years, and they’re going strong. Named after the gorgeous 19th century wrought iron gates at the entrance, Gates has a warm, airy ambience with plenty of seating. Service is fast and professional, making it a great place for just about any occasion. One of the strongest suits of this restaurant is consistency – you always know what you’re going to get from a meal here. Dinner is probably when they’re busiest, with popular dishes including the tasty seafood brochette with herb butter over couscous and the fine pasta dishes. Lunch is primarily burgers and sandwiches, all well-conceived and executed. Try the Bellagio sandwich – chicken breast, avocado, bacon, lettuce and tomato with basil mayonnaise. The Sunday brunch is very popular – their croissants with strawberry butter win raves from everybody who tries them. Prices are reasonable.

Gates Restaurant and Bar
10 Forest St
New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 966-8666
www.yelp.com/biz/gates-restaurant-and-bar-new-canaan

Calling All Teachers: These Pinterest Boards Are Head of the Class!

Being teacher is an incredibly fulfilling job, and Pinterest is one of the most beneficial tools on the Internet to help make the most out of your classroom. From funny quotes to creative lesson ideas, the Pinterest teaching community offers something for all types of educators. Here are three of the best teaching boards on Pinterest.

Classroom Management
Teaching a class isn’t all fun and games, and this helpful board offers a number of tips and tricks for organizing your classroom and keeping everything running smoothly. Here, you’ll find creative ways to motivate your students, plus fun decorations that double as educational resources and printable worksheets to bolster your lesson plans.

Classroom Organization
Any teacher will tell you that staying organized is the key to a happy classroom, and this board is filled with ideas to help you do just that. Creative sign-out sheets will help you to keep track of all of your students, while bins and cubbies make great spaces for organizing all of your classroom supplies. There are even printable labels, worksheets, and calendars that all teachers will love.

Teacher Quotes
At the end of the day, teaching is all about maintaining a sense of humor. These inspiring and often hilarious quotes are filled with inside jokes that only fellow teachers will understand.

Happy Presidents’ Day

On this day we honor all of the Presidents of our great country. If it weren’t for them, our country would not be what it is today!

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