Tickets on sale now!

Tickets to the Taste of the Valley 2013 are on sale!

You can buy them at:

• Celebrations in Deep River

• Tri-Town Youth Services in Deep River or call (860) 526-3600 to arrange purchase and pick-up!

• Online at the Tri-Town Youth Services website:  http://www.tritownys.org/

Don't delay! Get your tickets soon!

Taste of the Valley: Tickets on sale now!

Calling All Artists for Taste of the Valley!

Thank you for a wonderful night!

Even though Hurricane Irene attempted to derail our persistent committee, the fifth Taste of the Valley, a benefit for Tri-Town Youth Services, was held on September 9, 2011.   The event would not have been possible without the generosity and dedication of our participants who provided amazing, innovative appetizers and sweet, delicious desserts as well as fantastic coffee!  The attendees of the event awarded Best Overall and the coveted Taste of the Valley Fork to chef, Hernan Yumbla of The Ivory Restaurant in Deep River for their latin-inspired menu.

The other winners of the 2011 Taste of the Valley awards were as follows:  Best Appetizer – Gabrielle’s, Best Dessert – Apple Rehab Saybrook, Best Presentation- Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station, Best Ethnic Food – La Vita Gustosa, Most Creative – Zen Roasters,  Best Vegetarian Appetizer – El & Ela’s Fine Foods, and  Best Soup – Saybrook Soup & Sandwich Co..

The event would not be possible without our generous sponsors and contributors including: The Clark Group, The Valley Courier, Reid Brothers, Essex Savings Bank, Tower Labs, Fio Partners, Tom Alexa, Roses for Autism, Essex Lions and many other local businesses.    Our silent auction, themed “From the Hands of Our Community”, consisted of so many unique items including artwork, quilts, jewelry, and experiences.  Thank you as well to our live auction donors including the Old Saybrook Point Inn, Scandinavian Photography, The Upstairs Kitchen, and Southbound Charters.  We also thank all of the local business who donated gift certificates.  And one last thank you to the Shiny Lapel Trio for the great tunes!

Thank you as well to all those joined us at the event.  The funds raised will help our organization to continue to fulfill its mission – to promote the positive growth and development of youth and families in Chester, Deep River and Essex. 

Tickets on sale now!

Taste of the Valley 2011 is an evening of delicious food and toe-tapping music to benefit Tri-Town Youth Services.  Circle the date - Friday, September 9, 2011 at 6:00 pm  - and get your tickets TODAY!

Each year, our community gathers on a late summer evening on the beautiful grounds of the Deep River Historical Society to sample one tasty morsel after another from local restaurants and caterers.  The 2011 Restaurants and Caterers are Apple Rehab Old Saybrook, The Brushmill by the Waterfall, El & Ela’s, Gabrielle’s, The Ivory Restaurant, La Vita Gustosa, Riverhouse Catering, Saybrook Soup and Sandwich Co., Zen Roasters, and more.  As part of the event, the Taste of the Valley Committee is excited to announce a new theme for the silent auction, entitled “From The Hands of Our Community”.    Every donated item or service in the auction will handmade or completed by hand.  There will also be live auction items, including a three-day stay at a ski house in Vermont for 8, a weekend romance package including an overnight at the Old Saybrook Point Inn, and a photography sitting with Scandinavian Photography.   The music will be provided by the Shiny Lapel Trio. 

You will also cast your ballot for the restaurant that takes home the coveted Taste of the Valley FORK!   There will also be awards for Best Appetizer, Best Dessert, Best Presentation, and other categories.   

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at Celebrations and Tri-Town Youth Services in Deep River or online at http://www.tasteofthevalley.blogspot.com. Note: This is event is for adults over the age of 21. 

                               

TASTE OF THE VALLEY 2011 is generously sponsored by The Clark Group, The Valley Courier, Essex Savings Bank, Tower Labs, Fio Partners, Tom Alexa, and many other local businesses.

For more information or tickets, contact Gail Onofrio at Tri-Town Youth Services at (860) 526-3600 or view our website: http://www.tasteofthevalley.blogspot.com.   If you would like to be a sponsor or donate an item for our silent auction, send an email ttystov@gmail.com.

ABOUT - TRI-TOWN YOUTH SERVICES BUREAU, INC. is a nonprofit agency that coordinates, develops and provides services dedicated to promoting the positive growth and development of youth and families in Chester, Deep River and Essex, Connecticut.  The Deep River Historical Society is located at 245 Main Street, Deep River, CT.

The Shiny Lapel Trio will be back at Taste of the Valley 2011!

 We would like to announce that the Shiny Lapel Trio will be providing the entertainment for Taste of the Valley 2011! We are honored to have the Shiny Lapel Trio join us!

Come on...you don't want to miss these amazing musicians!

Taste of the Valley - Silent Auction Theme!

Taste of the Valley 2011, an evening of delicious food and toe-tapping music to benefit Tri-Town Youth Services, will be held Friday, September 9, 2011 at 6:00 pm on the grounds of the Deep River Historical Society.   As part of the event, the Taste of the Valley Committee is excited to announce a new theme for the silent auction, entitled “From The Hands of Our Community”.    Every item or service in the auction must be handmade or completed by hand by a generous member of our community.  The Board is currently soliciting donations and is looking for a wide variety of items including art, jewelry, clothing, furniture, or other items that are made by hand.    Services or cooking-related contributions are also welcome.  Community members of all ages are encouraged to make submissions.  If you are interested in making a donation or would like more information, please email ttystov@gmail.com or contact Kathy Lalikos at (860) 227-8104.

Save the Date: Taste of the Valley September 9, 2011

The committee is meeting...we are beginning to contact our restaurants and sponsors...which means Taste of the Valley 2011 is getting started!  The committee is planning some new ideas -- and we would love to get your input as well.  If you have a suggestions, pop us an email at ttystov@gmail.com.  Stay tuned!

Thank you for making Taste of the Valley 2010 a great success!

The fourth annual Taste of the Valley, the signature taste event of the River Valley benefiting Tri-Town Youth Services, was held on September 10, 2010. The event would not be possible without our generous sponsors and contributors including: The Clark Group, The Valley Courier, Whelen Engineering, Reid Brothers, Essex Savings Bank, Angus McDonald/Gary Sharpe, & Associates, FIO Partners, Tom Alexa, Tower Labs, Bogaert Construction, Roses for Autism, Essex Lions and many other local businesses. Thank you, as well, to all of the businesses and individuals that contributed items to our silent auction.

Under the white tent, you could hear: "Did you try the shrimp from the Brushmill? Or the soup from El & Ela's? Or the pork sushi from The Gris? Or the bread pudding from the Riverhouse? Or the tiramisu from La Vita Gustosa? Or the gazpacho from the Ivory? Or the lobster BLT from Cloud Nine? Or the pulled pork from Gabrielle's? Or the wraps from Squiggy's? Or the lobster pesto dish from the Corner Family Restaurant? It's all amazing!" Over 250 attendees enjoyed the innovative appetizers and desserts while listening to the groovy bluesy tunes of Ryan Hartt & the Blue Hearts.

We extend special thanks to the restaurant participants whose generosity, creativity, and passion for food make our event so exciting. The winners of the 2010 Taste of the Valley awards were as follows: Best Chocolate Dessert - Cloud Nine Catering/The Lace Factory, Most Original Menu - The Ivory Restaurant, Best Use of Local Ingredients - Squiggy's Lakeside, Best Barbecue - Gabrielle's, Most Inventive Dessert - Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station, Best Vegetarian Appetizer - El & Ela's Fine Foods, Best Dessert - La Vita Gustosa, Best Appetizer - Corner Family Restaurant, and Best Presentation - The Griswold Inn. Thank you to Fogo and Pizzeria DaVinci for their participation as well. The attendees of the event awarded Best Overall and the coveted Taste of the Valley Fork to Brushmill by the Waterfall for their "dynamite shrimp" and "wild mushroom risotto".
Our committee went above and beyond the call of duty - and we cannot thank them enough for their time and effort. Thank you to all those who bought tickets and joined us at the event. The funds raised at the event will help our organization to continue to fulfill its mission - to promote the positive growth and development of youth and families in Chester, Deep River and Essex.

Twelve restaurants will be at Taste of the Valley 2010!

In an unprecedented wave of generosity, we are so happy to announce that twelve amazing local restaurants and caterers will be at Taste of the Valley on September 10th. The full list of this year's participants is below!

Brushmill by the Waterfall, Chester, CT
Cloud Nine Catering/The Lace Factory, Deep River, CT
Corner Family Restaurant, East Haddam, CT
El & Ela's Fine Foods, Deep River, CT
Fogo, Old Saybrook, CT
Gabrielle's, Essex, CT
The Griswold Inn, Essex, CT
The Ivory, Deep River, CT
La Vita Gustosa, East Haddam, CT
Pizzeria DaVinci, Deep River, CT
Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station, Haddam, CT
Squiggy's Lakeside, Chester, CT

Have you bought your tickets yet? They are going fast!! Call 860-526-3600 to buy your tickets now!

Who will be helping us rock the Valley? Ryan Hartt & the Blue Hearts!!!

We are excited to announce that Taste of the Valley 2010 will be rockin' out to the tunes of Ryan Hartt & the Blue Hearts this year!


Blues Review Magazine describes Ryan Hartt & the Blue Hearts as “young East Coast masters of the jumpin’ West Coast sound.” Formed in 2000, the quartet has released two critically- acclaimed albums on their own Far-Tone Records label and has been voted "Best Blues Band in CT" by the readers of the Hartford Advocate in 2005, 2007 and 2008. In January of this year, the Blue Hearts represented the CT Blues Society for the third time at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. Get your dancing shoes on...because these guys come out swingin'!


Learn more about the band at ryanhartt.com or check them out on YouTube using the links below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-dI8NwNZpM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGq8AnYB4xY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEFwc537h9Y


Come join us under the tent on September 10th - it will be a great time!!!

Support Taste of the Valley 2010

LEND A HAND - BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Are you interested in helping make Taste of the Valley 2010 a great success? Then, come join us at our next volunteer meeting on Tuesday, July 13tht at 7PM at the Tri-Town Youth Services Offices located at 56 High Street in Deep River. There are many ways to help with this great event! RSVP to ttystov@gmail.com if you will be attending. There will be meetings throughout the summer - so if you can not join us, let us know and we can send you the full schedule!

RESTAURANTS AND CATERERS WANTED!

Do you have a favorite restaurant or caterer in the River Valley? Encourage them to participate in Taste of the Valley 2010! Share our restaurant invitation with them - and share with them your experience with our event! The more, the merrier!

SPONSOR OUR EVENT

Taste of the Valley is a community-event that is generously supported by our event sponsors! If you are interested in sponsoring our event, please view our sponsorship options - and share with other local business who may be interested.

Save-the-Date: Taste of the Valley 2010

Save The Date
Taste of the Valley
September 10, 2010

We are so pleased to announce that the fourth annual Taste of the Valley will be held on Friday, September 10, 2010. We wold love to for you to join us - or if you would like, come join the fun and join the Taste of the Valley Committee! The first meeting with volunteers will be held on Monday, June 21st at 7PM at Tri-Town Youth Services offices, which are located at 56 High Street in Deep River.

If you would be interested in sponsoring our event or making a donation for our silent auction, drop us a note at ttystov@gmail.com or call 860-526-3600.

Tickets will be on sale soon!!

Amazing local food, fantastic music, dancing under the stars -

what more could you ask for?

Wow! What a night!

The tent was a rockin' -- did you come knockin'?

Taste of the Valley 2009 was a fantastic success and raised over $14,000 for Tri-Town Youth Services! With over 250 people in attendance, the white tent was filled with happy attendees filling their bellies with brilliant, innovative, and creative appetizers and desserts from local restaurants and caterers. From ceviche to gourmet flatbreads to lobster bisque to to melon sorbet to finger-lickin' ribs and more, no one went hungry! The Shiny Lapel kept the crowd moving and grooving all night long - and some lucky attendees even got to sing with the band!

We extend special thanks and gratitude to the nine restaurant participants in Taste of the Valley 2009 - whose generosity and passion for food make our event possible. This year, participants and judges voted for their favorite restaurants and caterers. Although it was difficult to choose and the results were close, the winners of the 2009 Taste of the Valley awards were as follows:

Best Chocolate Dessert - The Back Porch
Best Ethnic Food - The Ivory Restaurant
Best Use of Local Ingredients - The Lace Factory
Best Soup - Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station
Best Seafood Appetizer - On the Rocks at Foxhopyard
Best Vegetarian Appetizer - Pizzeria DaVinci
Best Dessert - du'Glace Bistro & Patisserie
Best Appetizer and Best Presentation - Gabrielle's

And the coveted Taste of the Valley fork went to.................
Most Creative Dessert and Best Overall - Brushmill by the Waterfall

Congratulations to everyone - the food was amazing!

We would also like to thank all of our sponsors and contributors including: Clark Group, The Valley Courier, Whelen Engineering, Essex Savings Bank, Angus McDonald/Gary Sharpe, & Associates, Reid Brothers Tents, Tower Labs, Comprehensive Wealth Management, Shiny Lapel Trio, Ciel Printing, The Lalikos Family, Maple Self-Storit, Hale Hill Biofuels, Lamburt Corporation Insurance, Trendowski & Allen PC, Essex Lions, Scott's Farm & Greenhouse, Alexa Carlson Catering, Olsen Sanitation, Dunkin Donuts and The Deep River Historical Society.

Every year, our community raises a fork to support the youth of our community and it is a pleasure for all of us on the Taste of the Valley committee to be a part of an event that is not only becoming a showcase for our local chefs, but has a significant impact on Tri-Town Youth Services' ability to provide advocacy, programming, and support to local youth and families. Since 2007, Taste of the Valley has raised $38,000 - we can not thank you enough for supporting our efforts!

See you next year!

One last note...lost & found! A red fleece jacket was lost at the event as was a pair of black prescription sunglasses. A leather and silver bracelet was found. Call 526-3600 if you have any information about these items!

Visit our page on Facebook to see more pictures
from Taste of the Valley 2009 and become a fan!

It's raining....BUT that is not going to stop Taste of the Valley 2009!

It's dark...
It's dreary...
It's chilly...

BUT that is ALL the more reason to come to Taste of the Valley 2009! Cheer yourself up with amazing food from a set of generous, enthusiastic, and dedicated locals chefs and treat yourself at the silent auction - OVER 100 ITEMS! And what about the music? The Shiny Lapel Trio is one of the BEST local bands in our area! And the tents -- we've got more tent coverage this year than we have ever had before - so we will keep you dry!

If the weather is getting you down, cheer up - and come to the Taste of the Valley tonight! What could be more fun than eating, dancing, and shopping at the silent auction on a rainy Friday night? Tickets are still on sale at Celebrations and will be available all day! Please call Anne at 917-435-0887 if you are interested in knowing if there will be tickets available at the door!

The Ivory Restaurant will be returning to Taste of the Valley 2009!

Our 2007 Winner of Best Overall, The Ivory Restaurant, will be returning to Taste of the Valley 2009!

The team from the Ivory is putting together a fantastic selection of items for Taste of the Valley 2009. The restaurant is known for its Lobster Bisque and its Chili Relleno -- a poblano chili stuffed with smoked apple wood chicken and mozzarella and baked with salsa roja. They have also have beautiful salads and tasty ribs!


You should head over to the Ivory for their excellent selection of beer, wine and spirits and the finest steaks and burgers, wings and ribs, pizza and pasta, or chicken and seafood. It is all a treat! Or drop in for the big game, to listen to live music, or for a business luncheon, a special event or just a cozy dinner by the fireplace, you're at home at The Ivory Restaurant.

Come to Taste of the Valley 2009!
Your tastebuds are begging you!
Tickets are on sale at Celebrations or call 526-3600.

The Back Porch....will be there!

We are delighted that The Back Porch of Old Saybrook will be joining us for the first time at Taste of the Valley 2009.

Located down on Ferry Road, The Back Porch Restaurant is perched on the edge of the Connecticut River with amazing views.
The restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily, featuring waterside dining, great food, a full bar, game room, expansive patio, cozy fire pits and incredible sunset views.

If that weren't enough...the food is fantastic - from mussels to shrimp to enormous sandwiches! Below are a few shots of what you will find at the Back Porch!


Grilled Block Island Striped Bass with Braised Fennel, Lemon Butter and Tomato Vinaigrette.

Steamed Mussels in White Wine with Cherry Tomatoes

Come see what they have cooked up for Taste of the Valley - THIS FRIDAY! Tickets are on sale at Celebrations in Deep River or call 526-3600.

Silent Auction Items Galore...oh my!

And the silent auction items for Taste of the Valley 2009 are pouring in... thank you so much to all of the individuals and businesses that have contributed! Here is a sampling...

• Killington Weekend: A three-night stay at a ski house in Killington, VT during the 2009-10 ski season; sleeps 8 adults.
• Sing with the Band!: Yes, you can sing a song with the Shiny Lapel Trio at the event! An absolutely priceless experience!
• Take a Leif Nilsson home to your house!: Use this 50% off discount to purchase any painting or print at the Spring Street gallery in Chester. Listed price: $200 to $30,000 Donated by: Leif Nilsson
• A Piece of Italy: A gorgeous serving set from Italy! Donated by: Ceramica
• Get in Shape!: Enjoy this four-month membership to Rachel Ryan's Fitness, a membership gym located at 15 North Main Street in Chester, CT
  
• Everything You Wanted to Know About Digital Photography But Were Afraid to Ask: A one hour, one-on-one session with professional photographer Caryn B. Davis
• Good times for Mommy & Little One!: Enjoy one of Tri-Town Youth Services most popular programs Outstanding Ones or Terrific Twos - perfect for your favorite Mommy and toddler!
  
• For the Sports Lover! Enjoy this 11x14 framed photograph of two of sports greats - Tiger Woods and Michael Jordanl!
• Treat Yourself To A Night Out! A informal Greek Dinner for 8 at your house or hers, includes Appetizers & Dessert Donated by: Mike & Kathy Lalikos
• Not a Chester Resident, but love Cedar Lake?: Enjoy this 2010 Season pass to Cedar Lake for you and your family! Donated by: The Town of Chester
• Take Flight!: An aerial tour for three passengers of the Lower Connecticut River Valley! Donated by Chester Charter
• Black & Gold: A smashing stylish jacket! Donated by: Hammered Edge
• A night at the theater! Two tickets to any Ivoryton Playhouse production
  
• For the Cook: A fantastic basket of kitchen gadgets! Donated by: Weekend Kitchen
• Stunning!: A pair of black pearl earrings for your favorite lady….or to treat yourself! Donated by: DePaula Jewelers

This is just a few of the wonderful experiences and items that have been donated -- there is so much more! Come to Taste of the Valley and go shopping for friends, family - or even treat yourself!

Be Sure To Check Out The Lace Factory!

If you're one of the lucky people with a ticket for Taste of the Valley, you are in for a real treat! The Lace Factory Catering will be under the tent serving up delicious delights created by Andrea Isaacs and her staff.

Andrea didn't start out as a professional cook. She studied art at the Cleveland Institute of Art and taught herself to cook. She was graduated from the University of New Haven Hotel Restaurant program and went on to manage Le Peep Restaurants, The Gathering in Milford and the Bistro in Guilford. In 1995 she started her own business, Cloud Nine Catering in Old Saybrook.

As legend has it, after catering a wedding for some cheese mongers, Andrea developed an obsession for handmade cheese. She went on to successfully complete Culinary Institute of America's Hyde Park Professional Chef level 2 program, obtaining her CCC (Chef de Cuisine certification). She also joined the American Cheese Society and attended cheese making classes and eventually the "Masters Class" at Artisanal in NYC.

In 2006, Andrea sold Cloud Nine and has recently found a new home for her culinary magic--The Lace Factory, at the Deep River Landing. The building itself dates back to the 1800's and is a quaint historical gem. Lace Factory Catering will start in October. (Andrea promises to create a "signature" hors d'oeuvre for every client!) Meanwhile it plays host to a farmer's market on Wednesdays and Saturdays,(on hold for now) and other events, as well, such as Andrea's cheesemaking classes.


To discover more of the The Lace Factory's wonders and delights, please go to the website www.thelacefactory.com.

Gabrielle's from Essex will be at Taste of the Valley 2009!

Gabrielle’s commitment to fresh, simple and dynamic food is reflected in the partnership that grew between two Essex residents who shared a passion for fine dining and for locally grown and produced ingredients. Owners Mauricio Salgar and Joseph Shea worked together to restore the Victorian building that is now Gabrielle’s, fusing a piece of Connecticut history with a contemporary bistro atmosphere, ultimately providing the best setting to enjoy a meal with international influences and local ingredients.


Chef Jason Groten (Bricco’s, Sigs, Grants and Max on Main) completes the partnership behind Gabrielle’s but retains his own signature as the creator of dishes that result in a sophisticated, light and clean menu. Chef Groten says, “I enjoy creating simple and approachable food,” a statement which articulates his philosophy for a modern dining experience. Gabrielle’s is the emergent taste of the Connecticut River Valley; extraordinarily fresh and flavorful ingredients, a skillfully creative celebration of the local partnerships, and of course, a celebration of food.

Taste of the Valley is just 11 days from today --
have you picked up your tickets yet?