Within the heart of quintessential downtown Chester resides Honeycone Craft Ice Cream. Ran by mother and daughter duo, Tula McDougal and Christina Barabe who are taking fresh and local very seriously when it comes to their ice cream.
Honeycone opened in October of 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic, giving the Chester community
“A safe place where you could pop in and pop out, get something that would kind of make your day brighter” says Barabe
By being present in these tough times Honeycone was able to entrench themselves in the local community.
Not only is Honeycone known for their delicious classic flavours such as pistachio, but they create innovative seasonal flavours such as this month’s rosemary with apricot and honey and their bestseller in July, sweet basil with blackberry swirl.
Honeycone sources their ingredients for fruit and vegetable based flavors from local farms such as Deep Hollow Farm, Scott’s Farms, and Whitegate Farm. These collaborations allow them to help support other local businesses while guaranteeing the freshness and quality of their products. Don’t worry if dairy isn’t your thing, Honeycone also offers vegan sorbet options that rotate seasonally such as their tomato sorbet in midsummer.
Sick of the monotony of cooking and eating red meat and chicken, day in and day out? Hoping to step outside of your culinary comfort zone and venture into the world of seafood and all the delicious possibilities that await you? Well, we’ve got you covered! No matter what part of Connecticut you call home, or “summer home,” there is sure to be a fishmonger in your area, just waiting to help you pick out the fish that most suits your needs. Many of these locations source local and sustainably-caught fish, whether you want a flaky, white fish or a more oily fish, shellfish, or even mollusks, these fishmongers have it all! Many also offer a wide variety of pre-made meals and seafood platters that are perfect for a seafood party extravaganza. When you shop at neighborhood fish markets, you’re doing yourself, your family, small businesses, and the environment an incredible favor. Who could ask for more? Shop local fishmongers today…like right now
Launched in the spring of 2013, Ideal Fish, located in Waterbury CT, is a state-of-the-art recirculating aquaculture systems company dedicated to bringing fresh fish to local markets. As the only commercial-scale facility of its kind in the Northeast, their responsibly and sustainably raised fish gets from their waters to your kitchen within 24 hours of harvest.
While Ideal Fish has been raising branzino in its sustainable CT facility, and serving the area’s finest restaurants and grocers for several years. Now, for the first time, the company is adding salmon to its offering and providing a direct-to-consumer option for home cooks across the Northeast through www.idealfish.com. Both salmon and branzino are high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids and other important nutrients.
Step inside the former Chester Savings Bank and you’ll find a wealth of treasures. Not from the vault—they’ve got designs on that for a private dining area, actually. The richness of what’s fresh, local and unique is coming straight from the heart and kitchen of Chef Joel Gargano. With his wife and partner, Lani, together, they’ve brought his vision to life in twelve short weeks. “It’s all been up here—in my head—for years,” Joel said.
In his younger 20s, when Joel Gargano dreamed of owning a restaurant someday, he kept telling himself, “I’m never gonna open an Italian restaurant. The last thing Connecticut needs is another Italian restaurant.” But luckily, as he learned more about food, he changed his mind. Because Grano Arso is Italian food as it’s meant to be-- true to the chef’s philosophy—and that of Italian food, in general: fresh ingredients, a menu to change with the seasons, not making it fussy. And you can take that to the bank.
He’s been “handling dough” since he was thirteen, when he joined his dad at Castellon Brothers Bakery in Branford. “I would work the night shift with my dad on Saturday nights and wash dishes after school. I learned a lot with my dad.