newsandviewsjb

NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

Posts from the “family business” Category

Destination : Castello of Niantic at the Connecticut Shoreline

Posted on July 25, 2017

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Set on a knoll just off West Main Street close to Rocky Neck State Park, Castello is “Niantic’s newest Italian restaurant.” It is one of those little gems waiting to be discovered as word-of-mouth spreads.   Opened a year ago, Castello is owned by an ambitious young man Stanley Martone, his father Dino Martone and his aunt Marianeve Picone. At 25, Stanley Martone, a graduate of Quinnipiac University, has his bachelors and masters degrees. Out of college, Stanley Martone landed a position with the prestigious Deloitte accounting firm. But the restaurant business is in his blood – from his days as a boy helping his godfather at his banquet hall to being part of his family’s…

Destination: Buell’s Orchard – Eastford, Connecticut

Posted on August 24, 2015

  Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Buell’s Orchard in Eastford, Connecticut is a treat!      Tucked in the countryside of the northeastern part of the state, Connecticut’s “Quiet Corner”, Buell’s can be a bit tricky to find – it’s easy to drive past the small sign indicating the turn to reach the orchard.   Upon arrival – on the day of my visit last October – it seemed like a New England fantasy oasis come to life amidst deep red, orange and yellow leaves. Alluring rich hues that enveloped the orchard turned due to the cold nights accompanied by warm days characteristic of the autumn season. In mere weeks, Buell’s is primed to look that way again as the regional late…

Destination: Cozy “Vanilla Bean Cafe” in Pomfret, Connecticut

Posted on October 28, 2014

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Perched on one of the coziest of New England four corners is the Vanilla Bean Cafe in Pomfret, Connecticut. The beauty of the drive here alone is worth the trip, along scenic country roads – some are officially designated “scenic”. Upon arrival it is clear this cafe is something special. With a clientele ranging from preppies to couples, families, and cordial bikers sporting a bevy of Harley-Davidsons, everyone can feel comfortable at the Vanilla Bean.    On a recent busy, autumn Sunday, customers waiting in line to reach the ordering counter were greeted by friendly staff inquiring whether or not it was a first time visit. They then offered a brief rundown of the day’s homemade soups.…

Destination: Sisters Making a Success of Center Perk in Manchester, CT

Posted on October 18, 2013

Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Downtown Manchester, Connecticut has gotten perkier in recent months. On June 6th, sisters Kim Barnett and Christine Bedrossian opened Center Perk,  a breakfast and lunch restaurant on 639 Main Street just across from Center Memorial Park. They are running it with help from two more sisters Donna and Kim, as well as, a cadre of other family members.   “There are eight siblings, six girls and two boys. We’re from Manchester, so when we decided to do this we decided we wanted to do it here,” said Kim during an October 13 interview.           Kim had tried a similar venture in Glastonbury but it did not pan out. Having her sister as a…