by JB
It is finally upon us…the much anticipated 12th Annual Mohegan Sun WineFest 2015, held in the spacious Mohegan Sun Convention Center. We are talking about one of Sun’s most sensational events of the year. Alexis Ann, Editor & Publisher, Sherri, Resident photographer, and I happily participated in the tastings.
The excited attendees were not discouraged by way of a blast from Mother Nature, as she blanketed the area. It was not enough to stop loyal folks traveling from at least four states, to sample sensational food, meet the proud preparers and pourers, experience samples from great restaurants, and of course, fruits of the vine, the kegs, and the barrels.
Could I possible interest you in what I’m calling a “ sampler’s sling”. The gadget is basically a lanyard that goes around the neck with a plastic notched holder that secures your wine glass in place, allowing for a hands-free experience. The Traveling Vineyard made these nifty gizmos and they are available to set up a wine tasting event just for you–in your home or office.
The ballroom was packed with folks eager to sample wines and spirits, including specialty cocktails, made with Grey Goose Vodka or Jim Beam Bourbon, and food from restaurants around the region.
I had a chance to stop and talk to Bill Buscetto, owner of Filomena’s Restaurant, Waterford, featuring two dishes I would call, “Italian staples”–sausage and peppers, and meatballs. Alexis, and yours truly, began our tasting journey at Feng Asian Bistro, Hartford. They offered a selection of sushi that was tremendous. Mohegan’s newest restaurant, Arooga’s, scheduled to open in a couple months, was serving up their specialty wings. Sticks & Stones, a dipping grille, which allows you to interact with friends and dine fondue style. If you rather not, they have executive chefs who will prepare the freshest dishes just for you. They boast of their molecular bar, and broadcast studio featuring Sandy Squillante, filming Romancing the Pan.
Upstairs from the ballroom, was the magnificent beer garden featuring a wide range of microbrews, craft beers, popular brews, like Goose Island IPA, and to my surprise and great pleasure, Fishers Island Lemonade. This isn’t a beer, it is not carbonated, it does come in a can though, and is sold in four-packs. The mixture of vodka, whiskey, natural juices and flavors, originates from the Pequot Inn, on Fishers Island. The owner’s daughter, Bronya Shillo, was pouring samples of the awesome adult beverage, at the FIL booth. I drank this great stuff last summer, and I knew it was a winner. So much so I encouraged my favorite package store to stock it, and they did, with tremendous success! Fishers Island Lemonade is 100% spiked, and 1000% well – liked.
We chatted with many awesome folks. Erin Mercolino, originally from Rhode Island, and her boyfriend, Kevin Nigro, were enjoying delicious samples from Filomena’s. Kevin told us he manages Smashburgers Restaurants in Massachusetts…ironically, Smashburgers, at 903 Hartford Turnpike (Rte 85), Waterford, was recently opened by the Mohegan Tribe, and is the first Smashburger in CT.
Before exiting, after a fantastic afternoon, Sherri and Alexis Ann stopped and chatted with celebrity chef Brian Duffy. A Philadelphia native, Brian is most recognizable from his many appearances on the very popular Spike TV series, Bar Rescue. Duffy even has his own specialty spice, called “Duffified Spice.”
This was the first time I attended Mohegan Sun’s annual WineFest, but I can tell you, as sure as I tracked fugitives across the globe, I will return to WineFest 2016, ready to wine it up!