The SAMBA Montclair Cookbook by Chef Ilson Gonçalves is a glorious celebration of authentic Brazilian homestyle cooking. Originally from the state of Santa Catarina in the south of Brazil, Chef Ilson Gonçalves makes his home in Montclair, New Jersey where his creative cuisine has dazzled patrons with restaurant, SAMBA Montclair, since it opened in December 2010. His cookbook takes the reader on a visual and taste bud tour of Brazil with his delectable recipes ranging from appetizers to desserts. It …
Edward F. Nesta
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Chef Ilson Gonçalves, owner of the Brazilian gluten-free restaurant, SAMBA Montclair located in Montclair, New Jersey captures the spirit, the culture, and the best of Brazilian food. Passionate about food and creating memorable dining experiences for his patrons, he graciously shares his recipe for one of our favorite Brazilian dishes, Camarão na moranga (Creamy shrimp filled winter squash), to tempt your palates into experiencing his restaurant.
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We had an amazing dinner at SAMBA Montclair owned by Chef Ilson Gonçalves and located in Montclair, New Jersey where he took our palates on a fabulous "journey to Brazil" without the need for a passport! Chef Ilson Gonçalves deftly captures the flavors of his native Brazil at his gorgeous gluten-free restaurant, SAMBA Montclair, so If a trip to Brazil is not on the immediate horizon, you can still take your palate there by having lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch …
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Summer is on its way and our thoughts turn to farmers markets and organic food and wine. Vento Di Mare Pinot Grigio made with organic grapes in Sicily and produced and bottled by Cantine Ermes is perfect to drink on its own, pair with food, or use in cocktail and culinary recipes. The wine has a crisp minerality with pear and citrus notes on the palate, and is only 12.5% alcohol, making it a perfect lighter wine choice for summer. …
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Fifth State Gin is an American premium gin "made with pride in the great state of Connecticut." Owned by Master Distiller Robert Schultenand his wifeBridget Schulten, Fifth State Distillery has been handcrafting their line of award-winning spirits since 2016. Gin is a very diverse and unique spirit as the taste is based on the blend of botanicals and spices used. While juniper is always an ingredient, some gins have a stronger juniper flavor profile, while others are softer on the …
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Incorporated in 1719, Litchfield, Connecticut offers much for visitors to explore and discover with its historic and picturesque setting in the Litchfield Hills, hand-crafted artisanal spirits, upscale dining, and outdoor activities. Located 16 miles northwest of Waterbury, 34 miles west of Hartford, 40 miles from New Haven, 52 miles from Springfield, Massachusetts, 78 miles from Greenwich, and 96 miles from Manhattan, make it a desirable day-trip location. We had a wonderful day exploring its many offerings.
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West Street Grill has been "Setting the Standard for Modern American Cuisine" in the charming and scenic town of Litchfield, Connecticut since 1990. Owned by James O’Shea, the restaurant is a gorgeous and welcoming beacon of hospitality with outstanding cuisine by Chef Stephen Murphy, the talent in the kitchen. Located in the historic section of Litchfield, the attractive restaurant first delights the eye with its charming décor, then delivers on the palate with its well-crafted cocktails, lovely selection of wines, …
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Chef Stephen Murphy is the creative culinary talent at the attractive and charming West Street Grill in historic Litchfield, Connecticut. Owned by James O’Shea since 1990, the restaurant continues its fine tradition of "Setting the Standard for Modern American Cuisine" with Chef Stephen’s culinary flair in creating lunch and dinner menus that will appeal to diverse palates and includes a nice variety of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free items on the menu as well.
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Westford Gin is a delectable London-Dry Gin created by Master Distiller Louis Chatey at Westford Hill Distillers, his distillery in Ashford, Connecticut. Licensed to distill in 1998, Louis and his wife Margaret, are known for their award-winning spirits including eau-de-vies and apple brandy and have broadened their spirit line with an organic vodka, gin, and other tasty spirits at Westford Hill Distillers.
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Singer-songwriter guitarist Randy Lee Riviere has a new 13-track release entitled Wyoming that is Country accented Blues. Together with Kenneth Blevins, David Santos, Kevin McKendree, James Pennebaker, and Yates McKendree, Randy Lee Riviere: Wyoming is a release that will have you sitting up, taking notice, and giving it many a listen to Randy’s engaging, storytelling lyrics complemented by some exceptionally fine instrumental work. The album hit the street on February 26, 2021 on the Wilderness Records label.