DTHartford Staff
Connecticut
is known as the insurance capitol of the world, but did you know it is also
known for its food. Next to big cities
like New York and Las Vegas , Connecticut competes with them for the best food. Food festivals are not only
a great activity but a great cause, as proceeds from food festivals are
donated to local charities
There is always something cooking in Connecticut all year round. Connecticut holds multiple food events and festivals so the general public will never go hungry. April is known as food month in Connecticut. Two big foods events that take place in April
is Hartford’s Taste of the Nation and
Flavors in Connecticut. Each food event usually has a theme -- the Flavor of Connecticut theme was to showcase a variety of different
foods not local to the area, giving eaters a new culinary experience, while
Taste of the Nation focused on local foods in Connecticut.
Food events and festivals are not the only way to experience
different foods for a great price, local business in CT usually hold special food events for promotion. Don’t wait for a
food festival to dine out in Connecticut -- something is always cooking.
Food festivals are fun, but behind the scenes it
takes a lot of work and planning. You
need a location, promote, and most
importantly the food. Food festivals are usually a community event, many of the people in the kitchen who
bring it all together are neighbors
in your own backyard.
Ackley Beaumont, an employee at Director of Facilities- Trades is not only a University of Hartford employee but also a Foodie. Of Caribbean decent, Ackley is a volunteer in the Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival, he explains how hard it can be to deal with celebrities guests:
“I dealt with this celebrity -- I don’t want to mention his name -- and he was a great guy but his agent was so pushy, demanding the check when they arrived late. I don’t do it for the perks but I do it for the food.”
An Aramark worker found her way in to "restauranting" through working behind the scenes in food festivals. “I noticed my passion for food and volunteering at food festivals gave me the skills and a push to open my own Jamaican restaurant."
Ackley Beaumont, an employee at Director of Facilities- Trades is not only a University of Hartford employee but also a Foodie. Of Caribbean decent, Ackley is a volunteer in the Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival, he explains how hard it can be to deal with celebrities guests:
“I dealt with this celebrity -- I don’t want to mention his name -- and he was a great guy but his agent was so pushy, demanding the check when they arrived late. I don’t do it for the perks but I do it for the food.”
An Aramark worker found her way in to "restauranting" through working behind the scenes in food festivals. “I noticed my passion for food and volunteering at food festivals gave me the skills and a push to open my own Jamaican restaurant."
Everyone has
a reason for participating in a food festival. Aspiring chef and foodie, Diamond Bell, speaks about her experience during Hartford’s restaurant week. “I’m from New
York so I’m big on restaurant week and I love the great food and the affordable prices."
But price is not all that makes Diamond’s mouth water but, as she says, “I get to be a food ambassadors, and try lots of different foods.”
But price is not all that makes Diamond’s mouth water but, as she says, “I get to be a food ambassadors, and try lots of different foods.”
Restaurants love the business, but their passion
for cooking is what drives the need to participate. A local chef and business owner shares his reasons for participating in food events. “Food
festivals, tasting and events bring in
a lot of customers and that’s great, but
I will continue to cook minus the
business because I love to cook. Also it is a great feeling doing my two favorite things -- volunteering and
cooking.”
If after
reading this you are hungry, there is a
list of local food events in the area at http://www.foodreference.com. There is a food event at least once a month.