Hop to it: Todd Ruggere to drink a beer in all 169 CT towns in 2014 for charity

Some people sell chocolates, some people grow mustaches, some people run marathons, and there are even some people who go from door to door to raise money for their favorite charities.  Well, “some people” have never met Todd Ruggere of Grafton, MA.  Last year he traveled to every single town in Massachusetts (351 of them) and had a beer there.  His hope was to meet some great people, have some great beer, but most importantly raise some money for children’s cancer research.  

But, how could he expect the amazing reaction that he would receive from people who were following his journey?  They’d give him suggestions of where to have a drink, would invite him over for a beer, and they’d set up amazing events upon his arrival that would help him to raise about $40,000 by the end of his trip.  But, he’s not stopping there.

Stand Up 2 Cancer Just by Dining Out!

Mastercard is standing up to cancer again this year with their Stand Up To Cancer campaign.  All you need to do is buy at least a $10 meal at any restaurant with your Mastercard.  With every purchase they will donate a penny to Stand Up To Cancer or 2 cents if you make a PayPal transaction at the restaurant, up to $4,000,000.  While a penny might not seem like a lot, that money will add up very quickly.  Already, since July 12, $1,280,280 has been raised!  The Stand Up To Cancer Mastercard campaign goes until September 28, 2013, so get out there and get eating!  Normally, we’d create a list of our favorite spots for you to check out, but you see that all the time with our posts and our annual OmNomy Awards.  So, we thought we’d ask you all, our fellow OmNomivores:

What’s your favorite spot in Fairfield County?  Let us know down below by commenting or by talking with us on Twitter or Facebook.  We’ll update the list down below.   Let’s all take a stand against cancer!  

OmNomivore Favorite Restaurants in Fairfield County

Hold Your Table and Get Some Cash Back with OpenTable

One of the first things we do when we’re looking for a restaurant to hit up is check to see if it’s on OpenTable.  In just a few clicks you can see lots of restaurants in your area that are taking reservations.  From there, you can click on a restaurant, enter in your party size and time, then you’re on your way to booking your table.  You could even play restaurant roulette and enter a party size, date, and time and see which restaurants in the area have tables nearby.

Dino Poutine is killer, unique to Dinosaur Stamford

Recently, we used OpenTable to get ourselves some nice seats at Bar Sugo in Norwalk and Dinosaur Bar-b-que in Stamford.  Plus, we can’t tell you how easy this site makes vacation planning.  And, wouldn’t you know it, Dan’s Prius has OpenTable built into it?

When you show up for the reservation, make sure you give your name and they check you in before you find your seat.  At most restaurants you’ll earn 100 points for each time you show up and dine out.  There are even some restaurants on the site that will earn you 1,000 points for honoring your reservation.  When you reach 2,000 points you’ll be sent a $20 gift certificate usable at any OpenTable restaurant.

Here are just some of the OpenTable restaurants that you could hit up in just Connecticut:

Are You and the Fam Party Masters? Wanna Show off, Be on TV, and Win Some Big $? Casting Call!

Just some of the reality show clients from Twin Talents

•••

There’s another new TV show for a major network (we can’t say which) that is casting here in the Greater Stamford/Connecticut are and it’s called “Party Masters.”  While this might not be the final name of the show, the spirit of the show fits in well with the name.  They are looking for families that love to throw parties.  The winning family will be pitted against another winning family to see who can throw the most awesome party in the world!  To beef it up and add some incentive, they are giving each family $50,000 so they can really throw a party to remember.  You might be a great family to enter if:

1) You throw parties that somehow end up on YouTube and become viral hits.

2) You throw wild surprise parties that last all night or for days.

3) You go hog wild at your backyard bbqs and they become legen…wait for it…dary.

4) Your theme nights are so intricate and involved that people forget that they aren’t in the Roaring 20’s or that they really aren’t mobsters.

Malloy Signs Liquor Bill and *POOF* Connecticut Has Sunday Liquor Sales!

VICTORY…FOR YOUR TASTE (and Sunday liquor sales)

Pardon the very hairy hand, I’m Italian after all.  We know it was coming, but most didn’t expect it to happen this quickly.  Yes, Dannel Malloy, Governor of Connecticut, signed Sunday liquor sales into existence today.  Starting this Sunday, 5/20/12, you’ll be able to buy liquor, beer, and wine at your favorite shops and you’ll also be able to buy beer at supermarkets.  Sales on Sunday will be from 10 am to 5 pm.  Also, according to The Republic, you’ll also be able to stock up for parties on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day…plus the Mondays following any July 4th, Christmas, or New Year’s that happen to be on a Sunday.  Another great tidbit to look out for according to NBC Connecticut:  package stores can now sell fresh fruit for drinks, olives, cheese, and crackers.  No whine with that cheese anymore! ;)

So, drink up, here’s to you Connecticut.  We’ve earned it.  I celebrated by popping open a Victory Golden Monkey, which also coincides with American Craft Beer Week.  Coincidence?  I think not!

How are you planning to celebrate this victory that so many have been dying for?

¡Ay, Caramba! Where to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Fairfield County, CT

Some of your taco options at Bodega Taco Bar in Fairfield

UPDATED for Cinco de Mayo 2014.  

Cinco De Mayo is almost at hand, so let’s celebrate by checking out some of our old favorites or by finding new favorites.  We’ve tried to put together the best list possible, but certainly let us know if you have a favorite that should be included on here.  A few prerequisites for this list:  great tacos, burritos, and guac.  Bonus points for margaritas, tequila, and outdoor dining. ;)  Tell us…is your favorite on here?  If not, what’s your fave Mexican spot here in CT?

Bridgeport

Taco Loco:  You’d be loco not to hit this spot up if you’re in the area.  An old favorite when we lived nearby.  Good Mexican all around, plenty of room, and they usually have fun gifts on Cinco de Mayo.

Danbury

Pancho’s Tacos:  Great Mexican food all around here and great prices.  Also, monster margaritas here to quench your thirst.  If you’re insane, try the dish that I did. ;)

Darien + Fairfield

Cotton Candy Goatee at Red Lulu

Bodega Taco Bar:  Michael Young from Valencia opened up this spot in 2011.  Great and fun twists on Mexican food and great tacos.  Amazing tequila list.

New Canaan

Tequila Mockingbird:  Instant cred for the Harper Lee reference.  The food is good here, though it’s more expensive than other options nearby.

 Norwalk

Los Molcajetes:  Killer tacos, especially the alambre:  beef and bacon, married in beautiful harmony.  Salsa and margaritas are just basic, though.  Stop in for the tacos and the authentic food.

Tacos Mexico:  Eat and drink cheap here.  Food is average here, but you’ll leave satisfied and your wallet won’t be much lighter.

Riverside

If you have the option, always get fresh squeezed lime in your margarita with Añejo!

El Charrito:   You can pick up food at their to-go spot at 7 Apache Place in Riverside, CT.  Same food from the El Charrito taco truck.

Stamford

Casa Villa:  Amazing tacos, great dishes, fun atmosphere, outdoor dining.  Make sure to ask for your margaritas with fresh squeezed lime.

El Charrito:  People have said they will kill for the food off of this taco truck.  Find them on Richmond Hill Ave.

Lola’s Mexican Kitchen:  In the thriving “heart” of downtown Stamford, Lola’s is putting out some good food.  Although we have heard complaints about service, we did have a good experience.  The churros are excellent here.

Riviera Maya:  Our first review ever.  We have sentimental attachments to the good food here.  There are LOTS of fun margarita options here and there is some outdoor seating.

Westport

Viva Zapata:  Long live the shoe?  More like supporting the revolutionary general, Zapata.  Omnomivores have made their feelings clear, so we needed to add this bad boy.  Plenty of outdoor seating, killer margaritas, and good Mexican food here.  Viva la Revolución!