A Taste of Hartford

by Reyna Boucaud
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."

     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.”

      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.