The Cheese Shop of Centerbrook ~ Only in Connecticut

While sitting around my parents table eating homemade polenta, my mom tipped me off to a new cheese shop that opened in Centerbook, CT.  Apparently, my Uncle Peter frequents it daily, and told her about it.  Cheese shop in Centerbrook? WHAT??????????????  Why didn’t I know about this before I got to the house? I just picked up at bottle of wine at the wine shop in Centerbrook.  As everyone knows, I love cheese, especially paired with wine.

Friday morning, I decided to head to Essex to take some pictures for all of you. I was heading through Centerbrook (completely in my own little world), and caught The Cheese Shop of Centerbrook sign out of the corner of my eye.  I came a screeching halt, did a u-ey (slang for u-turn in New England) and pulled into the parking lot.  It was like walking into Cheese Heaven, if there was one.  Lot’s of yummy cheeses, everything you can imagine.  I met Paul, the owner and his lovely wife.  We started chatting and I told him I was home visiting and my mom told me about the shop and I wanted to pop in.  I asked him how he selected Centerbrook (we just don’t have things like this where I am from) and he said he lived in the area and had done this for a living and wanted to open something for the locals.  He got his start years ago, working for a cheese company in Greenwich, CT. Over they years he helped over 30 cheese stores open their business including the The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills.  Boy, did Paul know his cheeses.

Paul, the owner below.

Look at all the yummy cheeses he carries!  He has one of the largest collections of cheeses in the state of Connecticut.  No matter what you fancy…he or his team will help you select something that suites your taste  He carries cheese from France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Denmark, England, Switzerland, Sweden, Argentina, Canada, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Norway, and the United States.  He also carries prosciutto, smoke salmon, and various cured meats.  He’s so gracious that he will open any cheese for you to try.  I didn’t want him to open anything for me but he insisted started opened several that interested me, what customer service.  They also provide you with a Product List Sheet of the current cheeses and meats they carry.  They will check off the cheeses you purchase so you can keep track of what you have had.  He carries some of my favorites like the La Tur, from Italy, Epoisses from France, and the Mt. Tam from The Cowgirl Creamery. 

 

Fresh pastas, sauces, olive oils for dipping and cooking, and fine balsamic vinegars makes this a great destination spot. Paul covers all the bases.  He carries blocks of gourmet chocolate and all the fixings.  Now I just want him to add wine.  Hint Hint Paul :)

He covers all the bases.  I was going to my friend Nicole and Jeff’s on Friday evening.  I picked up a soft cheese which he recommended and Beemster Aged Gouda  that was to die for (so good I went back the next day for more), some dried apricots, a fresh baguette and some table crackers. I knew it went over well because Nicole’s husband, Jeff, ate it like it was his last supper.  Presto magic, now you see it now you don’t.  Love you Jeff!

Fresh baked bread made daily.  The perfect place to pick up a baguette, some cheese, and spreads for a picnic down at the docks in Essex.

Here’s Paul and his team (see below).  The guy on the far left made me a yummy latte but only if I smiled.  Of course, I smiled.  It makes me happy knowing they also make latte’s and cappuccino’s.  I know longer have to drive to Old Saybrook to get a good cup of Joe.  Sorry folks, I outgrew Duncan Donuts.

Make sure if your visiting the shoreline of Connecticut that you pop in and tell them that Peggy & Fritz sent you.  The staff is friendly and welcomes you like an old friend.  The perfect place to pick up goodies for a dinner party, hostess gift, or a special treat for yourself.  I was so impressed with Paul and his team, it will be my first stop (after the vino) when I come for a visit.

The Cheese Shop of Centerbrook

33 Main Street

Centerbrook, CT 

Phone:  (860) 767-8500

MON – THURS, SAT 9 AM to 6 PM

FRI – 9 AM to 7 PM

 

PHOTO CREDITS:  Unless otherwise marked with Peggy and Fritz all photos are courtesy of The Centerbrook Cheese Shop website.

Valentines Day is for Everyone

Valentines Day for me always feels forced unless you are a bit creative.  Most people race out to a get card, guys order flowers and then your off to dinner..don’t get me wrong, I love all those things including lovely gifts….I’m really a simple girl.  For me gift giving is really thinking about your gift or doing something creative.  It’s not about the amount of the gift or how luxurious it is, it’s more about the thought or intention behind it. My all time favorite Valentines Day both giving and receiving was one of creativity, thought and attention to detail on both sides.  It’s one that’s hard to top.  I encourage all of you to go out on a limb and do something creative.  Instead of having flowers delivered…leave a single rose on your loved ones car and wish them a beautiful day, write a beautiful letter to your loved one and tell them all the things you love about them, for those of you that live in LA…head to the beach at sunset with a blanket, bottle of wine, and some snacks and enjoy the lovely winter sunset, etc.

Whether you are single, in a relationship, married or divorced.  I believe Valentines Day is for everyone.   Creativity can be for the singles as well…grab your girlfriends and a bottle of Champagne, chocolates and watch your favorite movie.  If your home by yourself, light a beautiful scented candle, take a bubble bath, get into a cozy robe and repeat above (champagne and chocolates).  Whatever, your plans I hope you have a fabulous Valentines Day! 

My favorite Rose Champagne.

 

These Edge Flutes from Crate and Barrel are sleek, sexy and affordable.

The best truffles EVER!  Champagne truffles from Charbonnel & Walker which can be purchased at Neiman Marcus.

I’ve never been a red rose person.  I love pink roses…why not bottle them up in a candle. 

I’m dying to hear from all of you. What was your best Valentines Day EVER?  What was the most creative thing you ever did for someone?

Celebration in Napa

This past weekend a great friend of ours, Maureen, celebrated her birthday in Napa.  Twenty of us met in Napa for the weekend celebration.  Blake and I drove up Thursday and went straight to Alpha Omega Winery where her sister and she were wine tasting.  Rick Patton, the tasting room manager, is fabulous.  He is friendly, educated, and always makes us feel at home.  We love their ‘07 Chardonnay by winemaker Jean Hoefliger, which received 94 points by Wine Spectator.   Make sure if your in Napa to stop by and say hello…tell him Peggy & Fritz or the two crazy blonds from L.A. sent you.

Below Left to Right:  Denise, My friend Maureen, Rick, Me, and my boyfriend Blake

Later that afternoon, we were invited to Richard and Becky’s house in St. Helena for wine and cheese.  They were the consummate hosts! The view from their front yard.

Friday, we met a group of people for two appointment wine tastings. I have been to many tasting rooms in Napa and the Hall Wines  private tasting room is one of the most breathtaking.  It’s located down the street from the famous Auberge Du Soleil.  The owner of Hall Winery is the former consulate of Austria and had Donald Lipski and Jonquil LeMaster design her chandelier of tree branches with hundreds of Swarovski crystals. It leaves you breathless.  The cave was hand carved by Friedrich Gruber of Gutenstein Austria and all the bricks were brought in from Austria from various sites around Vienna.

Wine tasting at Joseph Phelps.  Having a little cheese and crackers before we start outside at a picnic table.

After wine tasting all Maureen’s friends met at Farmstead hosted by her good friends Nick and Megan Arquette (beachbungalow8).  This is a great place to come for drinks with friends after a day of wine tasting.  The gardens are beautiful and the outdoor area is utter bliss.

  Saturday morning Blake and I went downtown Calistoga to get a cup of coffee and walk to the farmers market.  Some images from downtown.

Farmers Market in Calistoga.  I could not believe all the Dalia's and the flowers were so inexpensive.  A vendor at the farmers market making fresh coffee.

We went into downtown Napa to look at some houses.  I’m looking for an old cottage type house that we can use for a weekend get-a-way.  This is one of the houses we looked at.  Beyond charming!  I already have it repainted and decorated in my head. It’s on a corner lot (house is very tiny) and has tons of potential.  I can see myself having coffee here.Saturday evening, the party was located at Whitehall Lane, which has some really nice wines. As you arrived champagne was served up on the patio overlooking the vineyard.

View from the upstairs patio over the vineyard.

The dinner was served in the barrel room.  The table was set by Megan at beachbungalow8 . She worked with Studio Choo in San Francisco for the amazing flower arrangements.  You can read more about the flower selection today over at beachbungalow8.  The table was set using burlap, field flowers in mason jars, wicker chargers, with apple green napkins.  It felt just like it should…rustic elegant.  It was perfect.   Maureen provided all her female guests with apple green pashminas to keep everyone warm (barrel rooms can be cold)…which was such a nice touch. 

Each plate had a menu of the evening’s course descriptions.  Megan from beachbungalow8 did all the art work herself. 

Food was served family style and was amazing.

She wanted all her guests to help blow out the candles!

  My boyfriend Blake, Myself, and the Guest of Honor Maureen. 

It was a wonderful weekend filled with giggles, wine, and friendship.

Happy Birthday Maureen! We’re so blessed to call you our friend!

Ann & Blake

Outstanding In The Field

I’m so excited for next month! After two years of reading about Outstanding in the Field , one of my great friends Nick (who hosted A Garden Party) and her husband Sash are doing a double date for Outstanding in the Field.  I read about it two or three years ago in one of the magazines I receive, (I can’t remember if it was Food and Wine) but I ripped the picture out and saved it in my Things To Do file.   It celebrated two of my favorite things:  food and wine. The company travels around the country to various farms and cities and offers a beautiful dinner using a local chef, fruits and veggies, cheeses, and wines.   They set up a long table and guests bring their own plates, which I’m sure adds interest and fun conversation to the table.  Meals are served family style and make me hungry just viewing some of the menus and food they’ve served in the past.  The company has grown significantly over the last few years and their venues sell out immediately. 

My girlfriend and I were hanging out Friday night and she mentioned they had added another event in Los Angeles at Wattle Farms.  We were looking it up when I got a comment from Michael from Inspired By Charm  on my blog, I was so excited about getting a comment from an East Coaster that we clicked over to his blog.  We were reading some of his posts when we stumbled upon one for Outstanding in the Field.  We were like this is a sign!  After reading his post, we filled out the ticket request and hit send (it didn’t help we had a little wine too).   His blog post sealed the deal for us.  You have to read his recap.  He shares with his readers a detailed overview of his experience with some wit and humor mixed it.    Make sure you check out Michael’s  blog post at Inspired By Charm, if it doesn’t go right to the Outstanding in the Field post you can search by date, it is listed under September 1, 2010.  We’re are so excited about attending the event in October and I look forward to sharing with you all the yummy foods and wonderful people we hope to meet.

The Famous Bus that travels to all the events.

Pictures of the table they use at all the events, the concept is the same at each location but the back drop and landscaping are all different.  I love it.  I can’t wait to see what ours looks like.

 

 

Each menu (see above) is customized for each venue.  Yummy food below based on local ingredients. No event is alike.

 

 

 

I can’t wait to meet new people, especially that have a passion for food and wine.  My boyfriend will be in panic mode as he is so shy.

I’m curious, if any of you have attended an event?  If so, I would love for you to comment (click below)

Peggy & Fritz

and let me know about your experience.  Did you like it? What was your favorite part?

 

 

 

Photo Credits:  Outstanding in the Field via Facebook, Flicker,  and  Northern Virginia Magazine

A Garden Party

Yesterday, my girlfriend Nick (Nicole to some, Nick to me) was hosting a ladies Garden Party Luncheon at her home.  She’s an amazing entertainer, the consummate host, and superb cook.  She invited a number of her girlfriends including me and ten other girls.  Initially, we were all to wear dresses at her request but due to the weather forecast she advised us we could wear pants if we wanted too.  It turned out to be a beautiful day. We both love to entertain and are always trying to come up with fun and creative ways to bring our friends together.  With anything that she plans, you can be assured it will be a fun filled day.  She even had ten trivia questions that everyone had to answer and whoever, got the most right won a $10.00 gift certificate to Whole Foods.  Congratulations Tuti! 

Nick always makes entertaining look for effortless (even when she spent all weekend preparing).  I equate entertaining to interior design,  it’s a skill, an art, and it all has to come together.  Anyone can throw a fabulous party when you have money or decorate a house but I love seeing what everyday people do on real budgets.  I had such a great time, I had to share the pictures with you.  I hope it inspires you to have your own garden party!

Her back yard space behind her apartment.  She planted all these flowers herself.

Friends Below:  Cathy, Roxie, and Trish

Cosmos and Loves Lies Bleeding Flowers

Friends Below:  Sanam and Denise

 

The Beautiful Table Setting

 

Flower arrangements up close, made by Nick in pretty red vases.

 

Friends Below:  Ann (me), Tuti, Sanam, Nick (the hostess)

Instead of wine charms, she used stickers and put each persons initials.  Clever idea.

Everyone picked a number and you sat according to your number. I was number 12.

 

MENU

REFRESHMENTS

Fresh Lemonade

Maddelana Chardonnay

APPETIZER

Mixed nuts with Spices

FIRST COURSE

Fresh Zucchini Soup with Goat Cheese Rounds topped with Fresh Chives

  

MAIN COURSE

Homemade Grilled Pizzas topped with Pesto, Cheese, Mushrooms, Artichokes, Tomatoes, & Basil

Mixed Green Salad with Chick Peas, Cheese, Salami & Your Choice of Dressing

DESSERT

Homemade Banana Ice Cream & Caramel Sauce topped with Fresh Baked Madeline's.

Nick and I use to work with Tuti.  We just reconnected and it was the first time I saw her and her daughter Sanam in ten years.  How fun!  What a great picture.

Garden Pictures

We start out lady like but this is how the party ends!

Cheers to You!  I hope you have a FABULOUS week!

 

 

ITEMS USED FOR PARTY:

• Tables & Chairs were Rented at her local Rental Shop.
• She used Red & White Fabric to enhance the table.
• All Vases are from Home Goods / She used four.
• Flowers were from a local flower shop / discount store.  She bought various greens and flowers and made her our arrangements.
• Dishes are actually plastic from Target.
• Wine Glasses are plastic as well from Target.
• Stickers were used for the initials on the wine glasses.
• She made her own napkin rings tying paper ribbon with a number.
• Soup bowls are from Crate and Barrel.