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Business Spotlight - Ani's Table "Distinctive Food & Catering"

Restaurant Spotlight

by Linda Kavanagh

Ani's Table

Chef Ani Robaina Presents: ANI'S TABLE

An Original Culinary Concept and Catering Company Serving All of Connecticut

Classically trained at the famed French Culinary Institute and mentored by some of the culinary world’s most respected chefs, Chef Ani Robaina introduces Ani’s Table, an exciting new culinary concept wrapped in stunning and mouthwatering food experiences that make a statement. 


“It’s a new day, “says Chef Robaina of introducing her new catering venture as the world slowly returns to a new normal. “Home entertaining, public events, and milestone celebrations are making their way back on people’s calendars. It’s a hopeful and exciting time for everyone.” 


Before making a name for herself at the prestigious Pond House Café in West Hartford as the Executive Chef and as a frequent culinary talent on WFSB’s Better Connecticut, Fox 61 News, and NBC’s CT Style, Chef Robaina’s kitchen cred included internships with such food industry leaders as Chef Douglas Rodriguez and Chef David Bouley, and a Sous Chef position alongside Executive Chef Monique Barbeau at the James Beard Award-Winning Fuller’s Restaurant at the Seattle Sheraton.


Deeply rooted in Chef Robaina’s Cuban heritage and formal French culinary training, Ani’s Table takes an innovative approach to event planning and menu development with a flair for stunning food arrangements and plating. Seasonally inspired menus are complimented by Chef Robaina’s artistic style and love for vibrant tableware, linens, silk flower arrangements and unique packaging. Ani’s Table offers private in-home chef experiences, wedding celebrations, team building and cooking classes, mixology sessions, corporate and fundraising event catering, and event planning for any size.


Chef Robaina is a regular guest chef at Weekend Kitchen in Essex, CT where she conducts delicious theme dinners under the store’s festive tent and cooking classes in their kitchen showroom. Upcoming events include “French Classics” on Friday, September 19, 6-9 PM. Chef Ani will prepare her signature French 75 Cocktail (gin or cognac), a hearty Bouillabaisse with Rouilly (potato based aioli) and crostini, and a decadent

Mousse au Chocolat. On Friday, October 1, 6-9 PM, join Chef Ani for a Bourbon Fall Dinner featuring a variety of bourbon laced cocktails paired with comforting dishes that celebrate the season. Reservations: www.weekendkitchenct.com


Whether she’s sugar torching sweet custards from here Crème brûlée bike, shakin’ up cocktails in mason jars, arranging elaborate tablescapes, or

conducting cooking classes, there’s no denying the pure joy Chef Ani derives from creating unique food experiences for her clients and fellow food

enthusiasts.

ο»Ώ

203.715.5579

www.anistable.com

ChefAni@anistable.com


Fairfield Comedy Club Grand Re-opening

by Michele Blanco

We all know that laughter is the best medicine; it alleviates stress, elevates your mood, and fosters connection with the people around you. Comedy is one of the few things that are both good for you and lots of fun! 


FAD is thrilled about the Grand Re-Opening of The Fairfield Comedy Club (FCC), which kicks off Saturday, September 18th, with comedian, actor, television, radio, and podcast host Chuck Nice. 


Today I spoke with comedian and co-founder of FCC and the Connecticut Comedy Fest, Joe Gerics, about the club's history, keeping laughter alive during the pandemic, and the club's reopening at the Circle Hotel.


FCC started four years ago as a collaboration of 3 former Fairfield Prep students who each went on to have a hand in comedy. Through

their vast connections in the industry Joe Gerics, Beecher Taylor, and Emilio Savone (an owner of the well-known New York Comedy Club)

could attract top-flight comedians to Fairfield. All they needed was a venue when in stepped another Fairfield prep alumni, Ed Gormley, owner of

the Circle Hotel in Fairfield. A stage is brought into the Circle Hotel lobby on show nights to create a fun and intimate setting that seats 100 guests.


With everything in place, FCC took off and soon became a hot spot for comedy. When the pandemic shut down indoor shows, the team at FCC was able to amuse audiences via zoom, and the 2020 Connecticut Comedy Festival continued with creative outdoor performances. This year's

2021 Connecticut Comedy Festival returned with many incredible acts at favorite venues such as The SHU Community Theatre, Westport

Playhouse, The Wall Street Theatre, The Scandinavian Club, Indian Ledge Park, and many more throughout Connecticut.


Now, with summer coming to an end and safety protocols in place, it is time to reopen the indoor shows at The Circle Hotel. The line-up is

spectacular! For tickets and information, visit the FCC website: www.fairfieldcomedyclub.com.


This year Beer, Wine, and Snacks can be purchased at the Circle Hotel. FAD recommends you get a dose of laughter as often as possible and

make Fairfield Comedy Club part of your routine. So, Wind-down, have a blast, and feed your soul with some of the best comedy around!

Business Spotlight - Ani's Table "Distinctive Food & Catering"
Bark in the Park on Saturday, May 31 in Latham Park, Stamford
By Stamford Downtown Special District May 22, 2025
Don’t miss Bark in the Park on Saturday, May 31 in Latham Park in Stamford Downtown. Bark in the Park i s a special day for our four-legged friends. All friendly, well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome. The event, produced by Stamford Downtown , is FREE however attendees are encouraged to bring a donation that will be distributed to the participating rescue groups. Accepted items: unopened dog food and treats, toys, new or lightly used collars/leashed. Please NO opened food, medication or dog crates. Bark in the Park will be held Saturday, May 31 from 11am – 3pm in Latham Park on Bedford Street in Stamford Downtown. Bark in the Park will feature Vendors, Demos & Contests, Photo Booth, Splash Zone, Treat Bar, Adoption Area and More! Vendors: All Paws on Deck Apparel & Gifts, Biscuit and Bones, Home Buddy Company, K9Petz, Osprey Pet Care, Pet Portraits by Cindy, Room For Paws Pet Resort, Sit means Sit, Stephanielaurenllc, The Sew Queen, Vitamin Paws, Weekend Glow Candles, Woof ‘N Whisk Non-Profits: Adopt-A-Dog, Animals-R-Family, GHS Hand & Paw Club, Lucky Dog Refuge, Saving Paws Rescue, Stamford Animal Control & Care Food Vendors: Penny Cha Bubble Tea, The Taco Project Sponsors: Presented by Stamford Downtown, Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, Pets a Go Go, Spot on Veterinary Hospital and Hotel, Veterinary Emergency Group, Choice Pet, K9Resorts of Stamford, OPIN and Rippowam Animal Hospital.
Kick Off Summer 2025: Memorial Day Weekend Events in Connecticut
By Cathy Ithier May 21, 2025
Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of summer—and there’s no better place to celebrate than right here in Connecticut. From May 24–26, the state comes alive with a jam-packed lineup of festivals, carnivals, parades, and concerts offering something for everyone. We’re excited to announce that our very first sponsor for the Things to Do in and around Fairfield County series is the Westport Downtown Association (WDA) , proud presenter of the 52nd Annual Westport Fine Arts Festival happening May 24 & 25, 2025. We're honored to be named a media sponsor for this beloved event, which brings thousands of visitors to downtown Westport for a weekend filled with outstanding fine art, live music, family activities, and vibrant local culture. The WDA is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting the economic and cultural vitality of downtown Westport. Their mission is to enrich the downtown experience through engaging community events, beautification efforts, and charitable support for local nonprofits—all to ensure Westport remains a thriving and welcoming destination. Beyond Westport, towns across Connecticut are kicking off summer in style. From the medieval magic of Robin Hood’s Faire to the mouthwatering flavors of your favorite food trucks at local carnivals and festivals, there's no shortage of fun. Fairfield County communities are joining the celebration with patriotic parades and family-friendly fairs, while summer concert series bring music to every corner—like Stamford’s high-energy shows at Mill River Park , Fairfield’s classic performances at Sherman Green Gazebo , Norwalk’s laid-back Calf Pasture Beach concerts, and Ridgefield’s treasured CHIRP series at Ballard Park . Whether you’re dancing under the stars, riding the Ferris wheel, or savoring local eats, Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to connect with your community, enjoy great music, and embrace the great outdoors in the Nutmeg State. Please note: Event details are subject to change due to weather. Admission is free unless otherwise noted. Check out our Daily Roundup of fun things to do in and around Fairfield County. Wednesday, May 21 Newtown: Aquila’s Nest Vineyards – Funk, R&B, Rock, ‘60s - ‘80s (6:30pm-9:30pm) Stamford: Comedian Mike Cannon at New York Comedy Club Stamford (7pm) Westbrook: Spring Carnival at Westbrook Outlets (1-6pm) Piermont, NY: Latin Wednesday with Charanga Duo at OTTOS (6-9pm) Thursday, May 22 Danbury: City Center Chow-Down (11:30am – 1:30pm) Fairfield: Fairfield Parks & Rec – The Paula G Band at the Sherman Green Gazebo (6:30-8pm) Fairfield: Comedian Sean Patton on StageOne at FTC (8pm) Greenwich: Greenwich Historical Society – Jazz Music with Richie G (6:30pm-8pm) Newtown: Aquila’s Nest Vineyards – Kara Colvin LIVE (5:30-8:30pm) Piermont, NY: Jazz Thursday with Scott Robinson & Kevin Lovejoy at OTTOS (6-9pm) Stamford: Comedian Marcella Arguello at New York Comedy Club Stamford (7pm) Friday, May 23 Fairfield: Brian Dolzani Band W/ North County Trio LIVE at StageOne in FTC (8pm) Milford: Fridays After Five at Fowler Field – Kathy Thompson Band (6pm) Norwalk: SONO 1420 – Acoustic SONO Music Series with Bittersweet Descent (6-9pm) Newtown: Aquila’s Nest Vineyards – Don Lowe LIVE (5:30-8:30pm) Stamford: Comedian Angelo Colina at New York Comedy Club Stamford (8pm) Westbrook: Spring Carnival at Westbrook Outlets (1-6pm) Saturday, May 24 – ( Westport Fine Arts Festival (10am-5pm) Bridgeport: Chris Rowlands Live at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo (10am) Fairfield: Fairfield Park & Rec – Out on Bail at Sherman Green Gazebo (6:30-8:30pm) Greenwich: Greenwich Town Party with Alanis Morissette (10am-10pm) Hawthorne: Robin Hood's Medieval Faire (10:30am-6pm) Newtown: Aquila’s Nest Vineyards – The Barn Rats (2:30pm-5:30pm) Newtown: Aquila’s Nest Vineyards – Comedy Night w/ Regina DeCicco (7-9pm) Redding: Redding Memorial Day Parade (12pm) Redding: Redding Memorial Day Picnic (1-5pm) Sherman: Memorial Day Weekend Barn Sale at Sherman Historical Society (9am-4pm) Westbrook: Spring Carnival at Westbrook Outlets (1-6pm) Westport: Westport's Kickoff to Summer at Compo Beach (11am-3pm) Westport: Westport Fine Arts Festival (10am – 5pm) Sunday, May 25 - Westport Fine Arts Festival (10am-5pm) Bridgeport: Chris Rowlands Live at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo (10am) BrookField: Memorial Day Parade (2pm) Fairfield: Dom & Nick Trio at Sherman Green Gazebo (6:30-8pm) Hawthorne: Robin Hood's Medieval Faire (10:30am-6pm) Newtown: Aquila’s Nest Vineyards – On the Road Again (2pm-5pm) Newtown: Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards (6-8pm) Piermont, NY: Savor Sunday Brunch & Live Piano w/ Kevin Lovejoy at OTTOS (12PN-3PM) Sherman: Memorial Day Weekend Barn Sale at Sherman Historical Society (9am-4pm) Stamford: Comedy Jackpot Mic at New York Comedy Club Stamford (4pm) Westbrook: Spring Carnival at Westbrook Outlets (1-6pm) Westport: Westport Fine Arts Festival (10am – 5pm) Monday, May 26 Bridgeport: Chris Rowlands Live at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo (10am) Darien: Darien Memorial Day Parade (10am) Fairfield: Fairfield Memorial Day Parade (10am) Greenwich: Jim Fixx Memorial Day Race (10am) New Canaan: New Canaan Memorial Day Parade (9:30am) Newtown: Aquila’s Nest Vineyards – George John (1pm-4pm) Norwalk: Norwalk Memorial Day Parade (10am) Old Greenwich: Old Greenwich Memorial Day Parade (10am) Ridgefield: Ridgefield Memorial Day Parade (11:30am) Trumbull: Trumbull Memorial Day Parade (10am) Westbrook: Spring Carnival at Westbrook Outlets (1-6pm) Westport: Westport Memorial Day Parade (9am)
Get Ready to Laugh: Jason Salon and Joe Gerics Hit the ETH Stage June 7!
By Cathy Ithier May 18, 2025
Comedy lovers, mark your calendars! On Friday, June 7 at 7:30 PM , Edmond Town Hall in Newtown, CT welcomes a night of side-splitting laughter featuring two outstanding comedians— Jason Salon and Joe Gerics . 🀹‍♂️ Jason Salon: Absurd, Insightful, and Absolutely Hilarious Born during a freak hailstorm in Texas, Jason Salon was practically destined for the unexpected. His mom always knew something was off—and lucky for us, that "something" turned out to be comedy gold. With a style described as “like getting the best advice ever from the dumbest guy you know,” Jason blends absurdist observation with a folksy, philosophical twist that keeps audiences howling from coast to coast. Jason’s resume is packed with laugh-worthy credits: Appearances on Orange is the New Black and 30 Rock Commercials for GEICO , Toyota 4Runner , and more A roster of indie film appearances and viral internet sketches Whether he’s riffing on modern life or waxing poetic about the ridiculousness of everyday situations, Jason Salon is a comedic force you won’t want to miss. 🎟 Featuring Joe Gerics: Connecticut’s Own Comedy Powerhouse Opening the night is Joe Gerics , a Connecticut-based comic known for his razor-sharp wit and everyman charm. Joe is a staple on the New England comedy circuit, where his quick delivery and relatable material make him an audience favorite. From parenting pitfalls to pop culture, Joe’s humor is fast, fresh, and always on point. πŸ“ Event Details: 🎭 Edmond Town Hall – Newtown, CT πŸ“… Saturday, June 7, 2025 ⏰ 7:30 PM 🎟 Tickets available now at edmondtownhall.org Don't Miss This Unforgettable Night of Stand-Up Comedy! Grab your friends, grab your tickets, and prepare to laugh until it hurts. Edmond Town Hall is your go-to destination for top-tier entertainment—and June 7 is all about Jason Salon and Joe Gerics . Be there!
Summer Tribute Show Series Heats Up at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards
By Cathy Ithier May 18, 2025
Aquila’s Nest Vineyards is keeping the summer vibes alive with their wildly popular Tribute Show Series—an unforgettable lineup of iconic music, vineyard views, and epic nights under the stars. These shows sell out fast, and FairfieldAfterDark has the inside scoop (and the links!) so you can grab your tickets before they're gone. Here’s what’s coming up: 🎢 Fleetwood Mac Tribute Sunday, May 25 at 6 PM Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with the timeless sounds of Fleetwood Mac. Get ready for hits like Dreams, Go Your Own Way, and Rhiannon under the twilight sky. πŸ‘‰ Get Tickets 🌌 Pink Floyd Tribute Saturday, May 31 at 6 PM Immerse yourself in the legendary sounds of Pink Floyd. Expect lasers, atmosphere, and all the vibes of Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall. πŸ‘‰ Get Tickets πŸ”₯ Bon Jovi Tribute Friday, June 20 at 6 PM Get ready to live on a prayer! This high-energy show brings Bon Jovi’s biggest hits to the vineyard stage. πŸ‘‰ Get Tickets πŸ’‹ Rolling Stones Tribute Sunday, June 22 at 6 PM You can always get what you want—especially when it’s a Rolling Stones tribute show on a summer evening. πŸ‘‰ Get Tickets πŸŒ€ Psychedelic Relics Friday, June 27 at 6 PM Take a trip through the sights and sounds of the psychedelic era with Psychedelic Relics. Groovy visuals and retro classics await. πŸ‘‰ Get Tickets β˜€οΈ Panacea Summer Party Sunday, June 29 at 6 PM Close out June with an epic summer celebration featuring Panacea and their vibrant tribute vibes. It’s more than a show—it’s a party. πŸ‘‰ Get Tickets 🎟 Pro tip: These shows sell out fast, so secure your tickets now and toast the summer season in style at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards.
Kick Off Memorial Day Weekend with Bittersweet Descent at SoNo 1420
By Cathy Ithier May 18, 2025
Acoustic SONO Music Series Heats Up with Bittersweet Descent at SONO 1420. Kick off Memorial Day Weekend in South Norwalk with a free, electrifying performance! If you’re staying local this holiday weekend, Fairfield After Dark has you covered with the perfect Friday night plan: the Acoustic SONO Music Series at SONO 1420 American Craft Distiller s . On Friday, May 23, from 6–9 PM , the series welcomes its latest featured artist — Bittersweet Descent . This genre-defying four-piece band fuses folk, punk, country, and rock into high-octane, original performances that are guaranteed to keep you moving and mesmerized. 🎢 Music, Mixology & More Now in full swing, the Acoustic SONO Music Series has brought an impressive lineup of local talent to SONO 1420 over the past few months. With its intimate vibe and top-shelf cocktails, the venue is quickly becoming a go-to Friday night destination. SONO 1420 is more than just a distillery — it’s an experience. Come early, stay late, and soak up the energy of live music, craft spirits, and community connection. Just bring your good vibes, grab a seat, and enjoy an evening of live music and elevated cocktails. πŸ₯ƒ Host Your Next Party or Private Event at SONO 1420 Planning a celebration, team outing, or special gathering? SONO 1420 offers a one-of-a-kind venue in the heart of South Norwalk with everything you need to impress your guests: Capacity: Up to 45 for meetings, 100 for casual events Drinks: House-made spirits, Spacecat Brewery beer, and BYO wine Food: Charcuterie options available or bring your own caterer Add-ons: Custom whiskey bottles, distillery tours, and tastings Let the SONO 1420 team help you create an experience your guests won’t forget.
By Cathy Ithier May 18, 2025
Kick off Memorial Day weekend with The Moonrise Cartel as they return to Park City Music Hall in Black Rock this Thursday, May 22 . With their newest single Set To Stun surpassing 100,000 streams on Spotify, this indie powerhouse is quickly rising through the ranks—and tickets for their shows sell fast. Led by the luminous vocals of Stephanie Harrison—often compared to Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris—the band delivers a mix of emotionally raw songwriting and sonic brilliance. Co-founder Al Pascarelli brings depth with his gravel-toned voice and heartfelt lyrics, while Sean O’Reilly’s piano adds both tenderness and thunder, channeling the spirit of Tori Amos and Bruce Hornsby. Benj LeFevre on bass and Steve Tobey on drums lock in a rhythm section that is as fluid as it is powerful, completing the group’s unmistakable sound. Known for drawing fellow musicians to their shows, The Moonrise Cartel's live performances are electric, authentic, and not to be missed. Having opened for legends like Buddy Guy and Sophie B. Hawkins, they're clearly headed for bigger stages. 🎟️ Don’t wait—this show will sell out.
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