Steve Miller Band - The Last Wombat in Mecca

Governor Lamont, are you a fan of the Steve Miller Band's music? If you are, the already-high rating I give to you as Connecticut's Governor, and as a decent human being, has gone up a few points.

Molly Hatchet - Gator Country..Molly Hatchet will be performing at the Life On 2 Wheels Benefit Ride & Concert in East Granby, Connecticut, on July 31, 2022.

It's great to see that the legendary Southern rock band Molly Hatchet will be performing at the Life On 2 Wheels Benefit Ride & Concert  in East Granby, Connecticut, on July 31, 2022.

The Life On 2 Wheels event is presented by Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC. Molly Hatchet is widely regarded as one of the original and most influential of Southern rock acts. It's truly incredible to hear the complex-yet-seemingly-simple melodies that the members of Molly still crank out.

The guitar parts in "Gator Country" are performed exceptionally well, and the whole tune chugs like a steaming locomotive.  Believe it or not, Molly Hatchet actually formed in 1971 in Florida.

Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC is one of Connecticut's leading law firms, and is an active member of the motorcycling community. 

C'mon, Antenna TV Network, America Needs the Wacky Logic of Marlo Thomas' Ann Marie on "That Girl," More Than Ever

Dear Antenna TV Network,

Can you please consider airing "That Girl" every night?

Since you already removed it from the Saturday night schedule, how about bringing it back at least five nights per week? It's great that you air it on weekday afternoons, but the airtime can be inconvenient for many people.

That Girl is a classic, American TV comedy program that originally aired from 1966 through 1971. The show revolved around a young actress named Ann Marie, who lived in New York City. Ann Marie regularly found herself in the middle of unusual situations, which often left her boyfriend, Donald Hollinger quite baffled.

America was changing in myriad ways when That Girl was in prime time. It's fun to look at the Nehru jackets, go-go boots and sanitized hippies that can be found on this still-relevant program.

In the Hartford, Connecticut area, two episodes of That Girl air on the Antenna TV network (Channel 61.2), from 3:00-4:00 pm on weekday afternoons. The star of the show is the legendary Marlo Thomas, and Ted Bessell portrayed Mr. Hollinger. 

Ever since I was a young grasshopper, I've been a big fan of Marlo Thomas, and her Father, Danny Thomas. Even though he's known as the star of "Make Room For Daddy," and other onscreen accomplishments, Danny Thomas was also the founder of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. 

Marlo Thomas has long been associated with St. Jude, and serves as the hospital's National Outreach Director. 

The character of Ann Marie's overprotective, restaurant-owner father, Lew Marie, was played by Lew Parker. In my opinion, he's the funniest character on the show. The Lew Marie character reminds me of Arthur Spooner on the King of Queens, played by Jerry Stiller.

C'mon, Antenna TV, America needs the wacky logic of Ann Marie, the practical common sense of Donald Hollinger and the firm leadership of Lou Marie more than ever before.

Dwight Yoakam & Buck Owens ~ "Streets of Bakersfield"

Were you a fan of the "Hee Haw" TV show when it aired every week in prime or syndication? Do you still watch the show in reruns? If you were, or are, then you're probably familiar with Buck Owens. Born in 1929, Buck Owens was well-known as the leader of the country-western band Buck Owens and the Buckaroos.

Hee Haw originally aired from 1969 through 1971 on CBS, then it ran in syndication until 1993. Buck was the co-host of the show, along with fellow country star Roy Clark. With his friendly personality and sense of humor, Owens was a familiar face on U.S. television screens for decades.

Throughout his career, Buck Owens had more than 20 Number One songs on the country music charts, and his song Act Naturally was covered by the Beatles. The song "Streets of Bakersfield" was originally released by Buck Owens in 1973.

Red, White and Blue Guitars

Buck Owens was actually a top-rate guitarist who could knock-out some tasty rock-style licks at the drop of a hat. Owens was well-known for playing guitars that were painted red, white and blue.

 In addition to his iconic red, white and blue acoustic models, he played red, white and blue Fender Telecaster guitars. Eventually, all of the Buckaroos were playing red, white and blue instruments.

In a December 29,2021 article on the bakersfield.com website it's reported that one of Buck Owens' guitars was stolen from a display honoring him at the Buck Owens Post Office in Bakersfield.

For many years, Buck Owens utilized a recording studio located close to the Post Office bearing his name, and the stolen guitar was part of a display honoring his contributions to the community.

It is unclear at this time if the stolen guitar has been recovered yet. Fortunately, the Buck Owens' Crystal Palace restaurant and live entertainment facility sells similar guitars, if they need a temporary replacement.

Honoring a Mentor and Legend

On Dwight Yoakam's 1988 album Buenas Noches from a Lonely Room, he had the opportunity to do a duet of Streets of Bakersfield with Mr. Owens. The song hit Number One on the Country charts, and was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1989.

In 2007, Dwight Yoakam paid tribute to Buck Owens by releasing an album titled "Dwight Sings Buck." On that album, he performed his own renditions of more than a dozen songs written and/or performed by Mr. Owens.

Progresso Chicken Corn Chowder Product Review

For many years, Progresso has been producing a wide range of delicious soups, and other products. Being a corn chowder fan, I've become quite fond of the chicken corn chowder that Progresso is now offering. In fact, I enjoy this soup variety so much, I'd like to let other consumers know just how good it really is.

Presented here is an honest and objective consumer review of Progresso Chicken Corn Chowder flavored with bacon.

Size/Packaging

The can of Progresso Chicken Corn Chowder being reviewed here weighs-in at 18.5 ounces. The can label says that it contains about two servings, but I find one can and a side dish of rice to be just right for a satisfying meal 

A special thumbs-up goes out to Progresso for featuring an easy-open lid.

Nutritional Facts

Progresso Chicken Corn Chowder contains 190 calories per one cup serving.  This soup also contains  grams total fat,  mg of cholesterol,  mg of sodium,  grams of dietary fiber and  grams of protein, per one-cup serving.

Price

The regular retail price charged for one 18.5 ounce can of Progresso Chicken Corn Chowder at Hartford, Connecticut-area supermarkets is approximately $3.69. 

Flavor

When it comes to flavor, Progresso Chicken Corn Chowder hits a home run. The pleasing flavors of the  chicken, corn, potatoes, celery and onions are accented by pieces of tasty bacon. The thick, creamy broth that holds everything together has a mild, yet rich flavor that really satisfies.

Texture/Consistency

A banner on the Progresso Chicken Corn Chowder can describes the soup as "rich and hearty," and the description is accurate. There are good-sized pieces of real chicken and ample chunks of potatoes co-mingling with plenty of firm corn kernels. In addition to adding a slight smoky flavor to the soup, the small pieces of bacon contribute a little depth to its texture.

Overall Rating

Whether it be for lunch, dinner or an afternoon snack, Progresso Chicken Corn Chowder is always a good choice. The addition of chicken to an already-excellent corn chowder makes this product more of a meal option.

On a scale of one through ten, I would assign Progresso Chicken Corn Chowder a rating of 9.5.

Donut Crazy in West Hartford Center Features a Delicious, Black Raspberry Jelly Donut (Plus Many Other Varieties)

 

Even when the weather outside is wet and dreary, eating a jelly donut can instantly improve one's mood and outlook. After completing a couple of errands in West Hartford, Connecticut, today, I made a beeline to the Donut Crazy store at 993 Farmington Avenue in West Hartford Center.

So far, I've been to the West Hartford Donut Crazy location three or four times, and each time I've been there, the selection of creatively inspired donuts has been quite impressive.

The interior of Donut Crazy looks great, with a primarily pink color scheme. The staff members are friendly and enthusiastic, and there's usually a good assortment of donut varieties on hand.

The two jelly donuts that I got from Donut Crazy today were traditional raised yeast donuts that were covered with powdered sugar. The black raspberry jelly that filled the centers of the treats had a great flavor that actually tasted like black raspberries!

More than once recently, I've encountered supermarket and gas station jelly donuts that are filled with reddish-purple jellies that offer a generic, mystery-fruit flavor. Not so with the jelly in these donuts. The vibrant black raspberry flavor pleasingly complemented the powdered sugar shells, producing an admirable jelly donut.

On prior occasions, I've eaten chocolate frosted sprinkle, blueberry glazed and Boston cream donuts from the West Hartford Center Donut Crazy store. Each variety was very flavorful, and the donuts were good-sized.

When I visited Donut Crazy today, there were lots of delectable donut options being offered. Even though their donuts are high quality items, they're still reasonably priced.

People of all ages love eating donuts, and the ones served at Donut Crazy in West Hartford, Connecticut, are definitely top-rate. 

Here are 13 of the Best Restaurants in Halifax, NS, Canada

Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a thriving waterfront city that is home to many very good restaurants. Most of these restaurants utilize locally sourced ingredients, and a wide variety of fresh seafood items are regularly available.

Presented here are brief profiles of the 17 best restaurants located in Halifax, NS, Canada.

The Press Gang Restaurant and Oyster Bar

$$$

5218 Prince St, Halifax, NS B3J 3X4, Canada

+1 902-423-8816

Housed in a restored 18th-century building, the Press Gang Restaurant and Oyster Bar is a favorite dining spot for both local residents and visitors to the area. 

The raw bar at this Halifax establishment normally features a huge selection of fresh oyster varieties. Meal starters here include seafood chowder, warm spinach salad, torched oysters, and beef tenderloin chunks with bacon and blue cheese.

Among the dinner choices are chicken and gnocchi, seared Atlantic halibut and seafood risotto.

Open Wednesday through Saturday, the Press Gang provides full bar service, and live music on the weekends. 

McKelvie's Restaurant

$$$

1680 Lower Water St, Halifax, NS B3J 2Y3, Canada

+1 902-421-6161

For more than 30 years, this waterfront restaurant has been serving impeccably fresh seafood, and mouth-watering steaks. Housed in a century-old former fire department building, McKelvie's serves lunch Monday through Friday, and dinner service is offered on weekends.

The lunch menu here features a range of seafood appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, tacos, lobster rolls and grilled seafood.

On McKelvie's dinner menu, the selection of dishes includes shellfish fettucine, Nova Scotia lobster, Black Angus NY strip steak, breaded scallops and braised lamb shank.

Full bar service is available at this Halifax restaurant, and an attractive, outdoor beer garden is on the premises.

Salty's

$$

1877 Upper Water St, Halifax, NS B3J 1S7, Canada

+1 902-423-6818

This downtown Halifax restaurant consistently offers excellent food and drink options, along with spectacular views of Halifax Harbour. Hungry diners come from near and far to partake of the steamed mussels and oysters on the half shell that Salty's is famous for.

Some of the outstanding dishes served at Salty's include seafood casserole, fried shrimp, crab cakes, pan-fried haddock, whole lobsters, lobster risotto and bouillabaisse.

Full bar service and free Wifi are offered at this Halifax eatery, which is open seven days a week. Indoor and outdoor seating is available at Salty's.

Ristorante a Mano

$$

1477 Lower Water St, Halifax, NS B3J 3Z4, Canada

+1 902-423-6266

At this large trattoria on Halifax's waterfront, patrons regularly enjoy large portions of delicious Italian-style food. 

An ample selection of soups, salads and appetizers are on the menu at Ristorante a Mano, and a dozen pasta dishes are available. There are nine varieties of pizza, and numerous types of entrees rounding out the menu.

Prosciutto-wrapped pork tenderloin, chicken parmigiana, pistachio-crusted tuna, rack of lamb and beef short ribs are just some of the great dinner entrees served at this restaurant. Lunch and dinner are served Monday through Saturday, and full bar service is provided. 

Sea Smoke Restaurant & Bar

$$

1477 Lower Water St, Halifax, NS B3J 3Z2, Canada

+1 902-406-1051

This upscale, Asian fusion restaurant is located at Halifax's Bishop's Landing complex. The large interior dining area here features a modern look, and the outdoor dining section is right on the waterfront.

Lunch highlights at Sea Smoke include raw bar oysters, Korean fried chicken sandwich, seafood and corn chowder, smoked pork ribs and chili scallops.

Among the outstanding dinner choices are sticky lemon chicken, lobster stuffed mushrooms, beef tenderloin and their seafood tower.

An array of sushi and sashimi items are served at Sea Smoke, and the bar there produces a wide variety of cocktails. Open daily. 

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar

$$$

1712 Market St, Halifax, NS B3J 2E3, Canada

+1 902-425-8355

Customers at the Keg Steakhouse will discover a wide variety of delicious steaks as well as several chicken, ribs and seafood options. Steak-lovers here will appreciate being able to choose from New York strip, sirloin, filet mignon, top sirloin, rib steak and prime rib varieties.

The menu at the Keg Steakhouse also features a pleasing assortment of salads, appetizers, burgers and vegetarian items.

A casual atmosphere is in place at this Halifax steakhouse, and full bar service is provided. Open seven days a week.

Henry House

$$

1222 Barrington St, Halifax, NS B3J 1Y6, Canada

+1 902-423-5660

The Henry House is a warm and comfortable, British-style pub that serves a broad spectrum of food items. 

Pear & goat cheese salad, Reuben sandwich, smoked salmon club sandwich and salt cod fish cakes are just some of the menu highlights at this Halifax restaurant.

The selection of burgers at this Halifax restaurant includes beef, beef and brisket, black bean and lamb varieties.

Pub-style dinners at the Henry House include steak & kidney pie, chicken curry, Shepherd's pie, fish & chips and British bangers and mash. Open Wednesday through Sunday, the Henry House also offers a huge assortment of beers and cocktails.

Stories Fine Dining

$$$

5184 Morris St, Halifax, NS B3J 1B3, Canada

+1 902-444-4400

Stories is an upscale restaurant located in the elegant Halliburton Hotel in downtown Halifax. Known for its elegant atmosphere and excellent service, Stories is open Wednesday through Saturday.

For meal starters, this Halifax restaurant has crab cakes, sea scallops, a house-cured charcuterie and a goat cheese plate.

The main dish selection at Stories includes grilled Ahi tuna, Faroe Islands salmon, a vegetable gratin plate and braised short rib cap.

An extensive selection of beers, wines and cocktails are available here, as are several elegant desserts. Private dining rooms are also available for special occasions at Stories.

Le Bistro By Liz

$$

1333 South Park St, Halifax, NS B3J 2K9, Canada

+1 902-423-8428

This attractive and comfortable bistro has been serving tasty, French-inspired cuisine since 2011. Serving lunch and dinner every day, Le Bistro By Liz features an on-site atrium, open kitchen and live entertainment four nights per week.

The lunch and dinner menu here features soups, salads, crepes, large plates, desserts and more. Standout menu items include mussels with wine sauce, chicken curry pasta, braised lamb shank, seafood risotto and  beef tenderloin with red wine sauce.

A large assortment of desserts is available at Le Bistro, and full bar service is offered. On weekends, an a la carte brunch is featured here.   

Edna

$$$

2053 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS B3K 3B2, Canada

+1 902-429-2550

Edna is a small restaurant that serves supper Wednesday through Sunday, and brunch on the weekends. The brunches here are very popular with local residents and tourists alike. 

Some of the appetizer highlights here include beef tartare, tuna poke and corn & scallion fritters. Seared scallops, gnocchi and squash and rib eye steak are just some of the entree choices at Edna.

For dessert, diners here can choose from espresso pannacotta, cheesecake square, sticky toffee cake and hot chocolate pot de creme. An extensive, rotating selection of wines is available at Edna, along with full bar service.

The Stubborn Goat Gastropub

$$

1579 Grafton St, Halifax, NS B3J 2C3, Canada

+1 902-405-4554

Located in downtown Halifax, the Stubborn Goat is a popular establishment that offers a pleasing menu of upscale comfort foods.

Among the small plate options here are harvest vegetable succotash, tenderloin beef tartare and cinnamon-lime chicken wings. The large plate options include burgers, a lobster club sandwich, portobello Wellington and half-a-dozen varieties of macaroni and cheese.

Another highlight here is the delightful, a la carte brunch served on Saturday and Sunday mornings.  

Open Wednesday through Sunday, the Stubborn Goat features full bar service, and an extensive wine list. During the warm weather months, the restaurant also operates an outdoor beer garden.

Da Maurizio

$$$$

1496 Lower Water St, Halifax, NS B3J 1R9, Canada

+1 902-423-0859

Located in Halifax's Brewery Farmer Market, Da Maurizio has been serving high quality Italian cuisine since 1988. Serving dinner only, this upscale restaurant is open Monday through Saturday.

Some of the appetizer options here are foie gras, bruschetta and cinnamon-rubbed lamb chops. Entree choices include grilled veal chop, Angus beef tenderloin, herb-crusted salmon and many pasta dishes.

For dessert, Da Maurizio features chocolate hazelnut mousse, cannolis, tiramisu, ice cream and gelato. 

A large wine selection and full bar service are provided at Da Maurizio.

The Mercantile Social

$$$

1579 Hollis St, Halifax, NS B3J 1V3, Canada

+1 902-425-8682

Offering indoor and outdoor seating, the Mercantile Social is an upscale eatery that serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

The lunch menu at this upscale eatery features items such as tuna tartare, an onion ring tower, pork tacos and chicken and waffles. Dinner choices here include poached halibut, roasted pork tenderloin, braised beef short ribs and beef tenderloin.

A large bar area is in place at the Mercantile Social, and their wine list is very comprehensive. The Mercantile Social is also a favorite spot for holding private events, with three private rooms available.