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varano

After enjoying living in the historic LindenBuilding downtown for 15 years, I recently moved my family right over the boarder to West Hartford. It is funny but I now actually live and work on the same street- Asylum. I am definitely what one would call a “Hartford guy.”  Even with the new address, I still spend most of my time downtown.

One of the things I like most about Hartford is that it is a small compact walkable city. I love BushnellPark and my kids dig the carousel. There is a lot of great architecture and history in this city. I enjoy the city’s arts & cultural institutions like TheaterWorks and Hartford stage- in fact, I was married in the Wadsworth Athenaeum. Between charity events, The CT Forum at the Bushnell and UCONN basketball at the XL center, there is something for me to do every night. Too bad I work nights! Things that I am most excited about: Great new apartments being developed and the recently redeveloped waterfront. I can’t wait to get my kids down to the Science Center.

Now on to what I really care about- food & drink!
Mexican- Monte Alban
Breakfast- Cafe Allegro (get sausage w/ your breakfast) Franklin AveCoffee- Mozzicatto’s is where my heart is but Starbucks on Trumbull is closer!
Lunch/sandwich- Corner Grinder Franklin AveCaribbean/Jerk Take out- Island Cuisine Farmington Ave
Glass of wine- Bin 228Beer/drinks –Pig’s Eye Pub (full disclosure- I am part owner)

My favorite event downtown is the Black-eyed & Bluesfest. After celebrating our 10th year this festival is a downtown staple. What’s not to love? Great music, food & beer by Black-eyed Sally’s and thousands of people all having a good time under the stars. Did I mention that it’s a free event!  Second favorite event is St. Patty’s Day Parade. I’m not Irish but I love the parade-and Sally’s is the best spot to watch all the action.

Other misc facts-
I owned a French restaurant for 8 years called Pastis.I once had 3 liquor licenses in Hartford at the same time. (crazy-huh?)
My parents were business owners in Downtown for 35 years. (Arthur Murray Dance Studio)
I still get The Hartford Courant delivered to my house daily.