Friday, April 24, 2009

It's busy out there...

Wow. I couldn't believe how many people I saw dining out at lunch time today. It was such a nice day, and it being Friday, a perfect chance to go out for lunch. I needed to do some business on Bank Street, so I stopped at Duo for lunch afterwards. Duo is hip, chic and modern. And, the new menu is great, with so many innovative choices. Boring as it may seem, I had a plain sushi platter, but the way it was plated made it special nonetheless. The miso soup came in a funky shaped bowl, and the sushi sat hugged inside a long rectangular dish. It was served with unusual metal chopsticks; it was tough for me to get used to. (I could tell that my lunch date had trouble with them too.) The sushi was super fresh, and a great lunch. The resto had been empty when I arrived, so at first I didn't think anyone else was dining out today, but as we sat there, the tables seemed to fill all around me. I was surprised how busy it was out there. Walking back to the office, I toured lower Summer to check on everybody and here's what I found:
I peeked into Buffalo Wild Wings-super crowded
Said hello to Lenny at Ferrante-beautiful flowers, and moderately crowded
SBC-seemingly half full, but not many on the outside
Now on to Bedford Street...
Capriccios- SUPER crowded,
Tigin- some outside diners,
Lucky's -nice new tables, and crowded.
Yes, dining inside is nice, but outdoor dining is back and back strong. Go out and eat!

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Thursday, April 23, 2009

Audition Notice -- Stamford Downtown Street Beat

Audition Notice- Stamford Downtown Street Beat

Stamford Downtown Special Services District announces auditions for
Stamford Downtown Street Beat.

Stamford Downtown is seeking Pop, Classical, or Jazz; Acoustic, Non Amplified, Self Contained Acts (no electricity/generators) to perform in Stamford Downtown on Wednesday, July 29 and Wednesday, August 5, 2009 from 6:30pm-9:00pm.
PLEASE audition only if you are available to perform on both of these dates.

Performers are not paid, but are allowed to accept donations from the public.

Auditions will be held Monday, May 11, 2009. Sign in from 4:00pm-6:00pm.
Ferguson Library, Corner of Broad & Bedford Streets, Stamford, CT,
3rd Floor Auditorium.

Please bring your acoustic equipment and prepare one song to perform and provide a song list for our review.


Stamford Downtown Special Services District
5 Landmark Square, Suite 110
Stamford, CT 06901
Phone (203) 348-5285 Fax (203) 348-6857
events@stamford-downtown.com
www.stamford-downtown.com

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Monday, April 13, 2009

Behind the Scenes with...Il Falco



Il Falco, 59 Broad Street, 327-0002.



When I sat down for lunch the other day, I met the owner, Vincenzo. We got to talking about his menu, and just kept going along about this and that.
All the while I was admiring the decor of hand painted murals and paintings of Italy. I was told that Diane and the late Zora, had painted the murals and the Italian countryside --if you look closely you can spy a falcon in one. (Hence Il Falco----get it?)
I won't tell you where, you'll have to discover it for yourself.

He's quite passionate about his restaurant. Most recently the DSSD's Restaurant of the Month and highlighted at the Stamford Transportation Center, Il Falco has proven to be a comforting sight in the downtown. It's menu is a mix of Italian specialties. As you might not have known,Vincenzo comes from Sicily, an Italian city called Burgio (Agrigento). He came to this county in 1966. And although he had other restaurant experiences in NYC and NJ, in 1986 he came to Stamford, CT and has called it home ever since. Il Falco has been open on 59 Broad for 23 years, and is still going strong. It 's in his blood. Most of his family are in the restaurant business; 2 brothers and 3 sisters. His sister Maria, is the pastry chef and makes all the desserts on the premises. Most of the pasta is made on premises as well. There are many specials offered. A Wine Dinner April 17 for $95 pp. And all through the month of April, Mon - Thurs, 1/2 price on a selection of 2,000 different wines. Also, a special $30 Prix Fix dinner offer. (Call to reserve)

A few years ago, Vice President Quayle dined at Il Falco. But Vinny hopes that one day Jerry Springer will visit.

When I asked Vinny what he liked about Stamford he replied with a infectious smile, " I like Stamford because there are a lot of activities here and it is a booming town". Good food and a good man. Stop by Il Falco one day soon.

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Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Anyone interested in sponsorship opportunities at Alive @ Five, should email events@stamford-downtown.com. Thank you for your interest in Alive @ Five!

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Friday, April 3, 2009

Behind the Scenes with... Rack ‘N’ Roll Café




What makes Rack ‘N’ Roll Café special to Stamford Downtown? Promotional manager, Brian, gives us an intimate view...


Early last year, The Rack ‘N’ Roll Café (sometimes called “The Rack”) decided to reinvent itself. Leaving the realm of the standard pool hall The Rack has invented itself as the “entertainment club”. Many of the pool tables are still there. What was added was more games, a stage and sound system, a larger dance floor, lighting, more TV’s and a new mission. That mission is to create a music scene for local, independent, and rising talent in Stamford similar to what is found in New York City and New Haven. At the same time, providing a unique club for friends to hang out with friends. It’s easy to see this mission is coming to fruition. Local radio stations and promoters call The Rack ‘N’ Roll Café their home for many events. 2009 saw the beginning of 107.1 The Peak’s radio program known as NEXT new music concert series. NEXT is all about new music and so is their concert series where they bring independent acts from across the country to perform before the Fairfield and Westchester based audience. The series holds a show on the first Friday of every month. NEXT was followed by promotion company Red Lotus Productions who brings acts from the East Coast every third Friday. Every second weekend of the month is dance time with some of Stamford’s best known DJs. DJ Drew, well known as the house DJ of the old Temple Bar, is in charge of all The Rack’s dance events. The Rack’s own production staff fills the rest of their schedule with local original artists and some big name acts. Although small, these performances are done with quality production to provide a big theater experience.
The Rack ‘N’ Roll Café uses many of the events to support the local community. In August of 2008 The Rack held a large concert to raise money for the Connecticut Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Breast Cancer. The NEXT and Red Lotus Production series raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters. In May this year, The Rack will produce a concert to raise money for the Stamford Police Association’s Killed in The Line of Duty Fund.
All of this is performed in a fun environment. When entering The Rack one will find multiple dart boards in three areas, popular adult video games, air hockey, and of course pool. Like an adult arcade, there are plenty of things to do at The Rack to entertain where friends can challenge each other and have fun. Every game is centered on friends and fun. This is provided with a full bar and a kitchen for quick food and great burgers. The Rack ‘N’ Roll Café holds many catered events for friends and families as well as corporate team building and appreciation.


Like most bars, The Rack has its own Happy Hours as well. But on Thursdays and Fridays we add music with talented musicians on Thursday and our DJ crew on Fridays. The Rack ‘n’ Roll Café is well on its way of completing the mission of world class entertainment in one venue in Stamford. Recently receiving awards for live entertainment has given the staff a feeling of accomplishment and motivates them to do more.
Visit us at: Rack N Roll 268 Atlantic St Stamford, CT 06901 (203) 327-9911

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