Fun With Carbs

I broke this champagne glass at 12:10. Hope that's not bad karma for the year.

Happy New Year, everybody. Hope your 2010 is off to a good start.

We’re looking at an exciting year for Fun With Carbs. To begin, I’ll be a guest judge at University of Connecticut’s 10th annual Culinary Olympics, held on campus Jan. 14.  I’ll be on the judging panel of the ‘Boiling Point’ competition, modeled after the popular ‘Iron Chef’ program. I’m beyond thrilled to be part of this!

I’m also slated to do some writing for The Courant’s Flavor section and Bargain Bites dining in the Cal section – links will be posted here as they go online…

Now for some quick dining roundups…

For the Nutmeggers (and north)

Side Bar opens in West Hartford center: Elbow Room owner Benny Delbon opens a sleek, New York-chic nightspot next door to his popular restaurant.

Taste of Hartford returns: The summer event was so successful that the Greater Hartford Arts Council is hosting a winter version. For one week (Jan. 18-24,) diners can enjoy prix-fixe multi-course dinners at several participating Hartford restaurants for just $20.10. For a list of restaurants and their special menus, click here. (This is an excellent way to try out a new spot, or enjoy a discounted meal at a restaurant that might normally be cost-prohibitive.)

Vito’s Tavern and Pizzeria to open in New Britain: Rob Maffucci of the Vito’s chain (with eateries in Hartford, Windsor, Newington and Wethersfield) will open his fifth restaurant in New Britain, in the spot previously occupied by the Hardware City Tavern. ‘Hard Hittin’ New Britain’ will soon know the obscene deliciousness of Vito’s meat-stuffed Chicago deep dish pizza.

Mavi closed after fire: Mavi, a popular Mediterranean restaurant in Bloomfield, suffered extensive damage after a fire early Sunday morning. The cause of the fire is still unknown, but investigators have not ruled out arson.

If you haven’t had enough bubbly: Agave Grill in Hartford offers a champagne sangria drink special this week: bubbles, fresh fruit, apricot brandy, Citronage orange liquor and pineapple juice. Sounds like summer…

Comfort brunch: Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou adds items to their Williamsburg Sunday brunch: Cajun Benedict, blackened salmon and cream cheese omelet, and the classic Southern staple, chicken and waffles.

Rein’s Deli closes in West Springfield: The owners of the New York-style deli at the Rt. 20 rotary, which opened in 2006, said the restaurant fell victim to the poor economy. The Rein’s Vernon location will remain open.

For the Worcesterites…

Apsara is now open on Park Avenue, serving authentic Vietnamese and Cambodian dishes. I interviewed owner Vinh Ly back in November while the restaurant was still under construction, and I’m excited to hear how he does – Worcester needs more young, vibrant, passionate entrepreneurs like him.

Apsara is one of the latest eateries joining the up-and-coming Central Massachusetts restaurant scene, and it’ll be fascinating to see what else pops up in ’10. Also on the to-watch list: Wormtown Brewery, slated to open in January.

As always, if you hear of any restaurant information: openings, closings, menu changes, email me at leeanne@funwithcarbs.com.