Heather Kovar's Blog

"What's Cooking" this 4th of July Holiday Weekend?

If you are planning on grilling some burgers and dogs this fourth of July holiday weekend, be sure to tune into News 12 Connecticut's "What's Cooking." You will also be introduced to a new restaurant in Westport. "What's Cooking" airs at 8:00am, 11:30am amd 2:00pm every Saturday and Sunday.

Chef George Llorens from Stew Leonard's joins us for last minute grilling ideas and safety tips. Click here for his "Ultimate Cheeseburger" recipe.

Chef Georges says after finishing the burgers, you can use the heat from the grill to cook dessert. Tune in to News 12 to see his grilled pineapple dessert.

Watch a behind the scenes preview with my coanchor Amelie Wilson and Chef Georges below, then scroll down to watch a preview of my portion of the show with Chef Pedro Garzon from the newly opened Cafe Manolo in Westport.

And watch below for a quick introduction to Chef Pedro Garzon. His food is derived from his travels across Europe with his great uncle.

Happy Fourth of July!

Oh, Deer...

So I've taken some heat from being afraid of a deer. News 12 Photographer Lori Golias and I went out to Fodor Farm Community Garden in Norwalk, but before we could chat with gardeners about how June's cool, wet weather has affected their plants, we saw a cute little deer nibbling in the compost pile. Lori grabbed her still camera. I grabbed my Flip video cam. We approached slowly as to not "scare off the little guy."

At one point, when we were ten feet away, he shook his tail and lowered his head in what we thought was trepidation.

We got closer. For some reason, when he looked up, his little face reminded me of my dog Willamena. So I said, "Willamena."

In deer language, "Willamena" must mean "come to me because I have lots of food to give you."

We escaped unhurt, and heading into the Fodor Farm Community Garden. We found out that the spring weather, and now summer, that many people have been complaining about, has delayed the growth of plants and veggies that typically do very well in southwestern Connecticut. Basil, squash and eggplant are behind, and since the plants will be smaller, according to gardeners, they might not produce as much as in previous seasons. My beloved peppers aren't doing so hot, either.

However, get ready to eat plenty of broccolli this year. It, along with plants like kale, are said to be loving the rain and growing well.

June Rain

I hope you enjoyed Wednesday's break from the rain!

According to my fabulous morning weather pal Paul Piorek, we're going to see more rain over the next couple of days.

MORE? Haven't we had enough?

After seeing an online posting that Seattle hasn't had rain in the 28 days, I asked Paul how much rain southwestern Connecticut has had lately. Paul went above and beyond to answer my question. So I thought I should share it with you.

From Paul on June 2009.

"Total - nine days with measured rain; 12 days with at least a trace of rain; 3.51" for the month, well above the 1.92" normal through the period. This month is the only month all year long with above-average rainfall."

Let's take a look day by day at June since Paul sent me these stats as well:

June rain --- June 1 - trace June 3 - 0.18" June 4 - 0.27" June 5 - 0.81" June 8 - trace June 9 - 1.10" June 10 - trace June 11 - 0.03" June 12 - 0.72" June 13 - 0.01" June 14 - 0.16" June 15 - 0.23"

Paul didn't stop there.

"Also, seven of the last eight days have been cooler-than-normal. Four of those days averaged seven degrees below normal and two more averaged six degrees below normal. The average monthly temperature thus far is 62.4 degrees, which is 3.7 degrees below normal. Overall, 10 of the first 16 days have averaged below normal temperatures, only two have been above normal, and four were "normal" for the month."

Think that's a lot of rain? Well, remember 37 years ago this week? Be sure to read Paul's blog on the three-day deluge that brought nearly 10 inches of rain to southwestern Connecticut.

Masterpieces at Bruce Museum in Greenwich

The only place in the Northeast to see some rare European paintings on tour from Museo de Arte de Ponce is the Bruce Museum in Greenwich.

The exhibit, Masterpieces of European Painting consists of French, Italian, Dutch, Flemish, Spanish, German and Austrian schools of painting from the 1300's to the 1800's. It's the main summer exhibit, and will be on display through September 6th, 2009.

Be sure to use your cell phone to hear the free audio tour. There are great stories behind these paintings. The piece above, by Francesco Furini, portrays the goddess of Dawn (Aurora) kidnapping Cephalus while he was hunting. He had just been married. Aurora and Cephalus had a son, but Cephalus was eventually able to return to his wife, but of course with a curse.

I spoke with the curator of Museo de Arte de Ponce , Richard Aste about the museum in Puerto Rico, as well as it's founder, former Governor of Puerto Rico, Louis Ferre.

Here is another story from one of the more than 35 works from Ponce. This painting by Jean Leon Gerome features the modest Queen Rodope. Here she is getting ready for bed with her husband. However, she notices a man watching (she learns her husband had said it was okay.) She gives Gyges, the onlooker, a choice. Kill himself, or kill her husband. He killed her husband and they were married. You have to see the 26x39 inch oil painting to see all the vivid details.

UCONN Fairfield County Day and Induction Ceremony

Save a trip to Storrs. Sports fans are celebrating UConn in Fairfield County. On Wednesday, June 10th, the first "Fairfield County Day Celebration" is taking place at the Stamford UConn campus, and you are invited. Husky head football coach Randy Edsall is the special guest. (Seen above.) The Fairfield County Sports Commission hopes to raise the profile of UConn in southwestern Connecticut, as well as raise scholarship funds for the Stamford campus and Fairfield County Alumni chapter.

UConn Fairfield County Day
Wednesday, June 10
UConn Stamford Campus, 6-8:30 pm
Reception cost-$25 for general public, $20 for UConn alumni
Free parking at UConn campus garage

The highlight of the evening is The Fairfield County Sports Commission's third annual UConn Hall of Fame inductions. Wednesday night you will get a chance to hear from the newest Hall of Famers and participate in a question and answer session. Inductees include: Tom Penders (Stratford, men's basketball/baseball), Rashamel Jones (Stamford, men's basketball), Rita Williams (Norwalk, women's basketball) and Joe Markus (Trumbull, football). There will also be a raffle. Auction items include a lot of signed UConn memorabilia.

Stamford Staycation

Sometimes you just have to get away. Escape the piling laundry, to do lists, paperwork and bills. However relaxing, far away vacations can be costly, and so in this economy, the buzzword is "Staycation."

Whether your get-away is for the day, one night or the weekend, you don't have to travel far in southwestern Connecticut to escape. You don't even have to leave southwestern Connecticut. Why not just take I-95 or the Merritt to Stamford?

You'll find art, antique shopping on canal street, ballet , art cinema, comedy, shopping, great restuarants, special outdoor events, skateboarding and the beach.

Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy told me via Facebook "There is no place better than Stamford to enjoy a Staycation. Some of my favorites are: Cove Island Park, Stamford Museum and Nature Center, the Bartlett Arboretum and the Loft Artist Association Gallery."

Check more recommendations from people who live in Stamford below.

I started thinking about Stamford as a staycation after getting an email from the Stamford Marriott touting it's new "Great American Summer Package." Starting at 129.00 dollars a night, a family of four gets breakfast, an in-room movie and a cooler. There are also other package deals, starting at $109.00. Affordable, right? The added bonus is that the Marriott is pet friendly and walking distance to downtown restaurants and events.

My dog Willamena and I stayed on a one-day-vaca.

We drove to Bartlett Arboretum where dogs can walk the trails on leash, (it's free on Wednesdays) and then we split a steak from Morton's. (You can even eat at Morton's on a budget during POWER HOUR. From 5pm to 6:30pm and 9pm to close, enjoy four-dollar drinks and Bar Bites for six dollars a plate.)

There are plenty of great hotels in Stamford if you choose to stay over. One Stamford resident recommends "the new luxury hotel at Shippan Point" (The Hotel Chesterfield) Here is a listing from listing from Travelocity of some Stamford area hotels.

Several women told me their favorite spot is the Agora Spa. Again, it is at the Stamford Marriott. You can get couple massages; or she can go to the spa and he can take lessons from But golf pro Jon P. Coto.

You would have to plan several trips to Stamford to take it all in. Here are suggestions from other Stamford residents.

From @BryxMoon1988 via twitter: "Favortie spots in Stamford: Stamford Town Center, Scalzi Park, Buffalo Wild Wings, Cove Island Park, Planet Pizza. Just to name a few."

From @TMcFeeley "Bartlett Arboretum, obviously The Cove"

From Liz: "The cafe at Juliska! The redone Mall, the beach, and antiques row."

From Niki: "Agora Spa, Gloss, I am with Liz. "

From Tommy: "Alive @ 5"

From Scott: "SKALZI SKATEPARK X1000 The best in the northeast! And top it off with a trip to Colony Pizza."

From Pat: "Start off with a nice walk around Cove Beach, then to Stamford Pizza or Remo's for the best pizza in town for lunch. Afterwards stop by Capriccio's on Bedford Street for a little people watching and have a refreshing sgroppini and to end the night go to Napa & Co. or Ferrante's for a great dinner. If you want to do a little partying afterwards go to Brickhouse, Tigin or Grand."

Bartlett Arboretum

Fleet Week 09

The birds were zipping from tree to tree and chirping especially loud Thursday. Fleet Week 09 was getting started, and the air show really had the birds in Riverside Park stirred up.

The parade of ships was also going on, so I had to take an afternoon jog along the river.

Picture courtesy of Archie Schiano. See all his Fleet Week kick-off pics and write up here.

I began my jog at 72nd. I stopped and walked so I could get a good look near 48th. This is where tourists and sailors were greeted by pretty women in tiny nautical outfits passing out information about "clubs."

So I continued my jog to 18th street where I made a pit stop at the Chelsea Piers Brewing Company for a "water." That is where I met a group of guys who had arrived that morning on the USS Iwo Jima, the largest ship at this year's Fleet Week. Amazingly, one of the guys is from South Norwalk.

I'm pictured with him here. Luke Paterna graduated from Brien McMahon High School in 1998. All of these guys are stationed in Yorktown, Virginia at the Naval Weapons Station and are part of Rivron Three. Paterna returned from Iraq in November after a seven-month stay. He says that they are on standard rotation and train to be ready to go anytime. When they are in Iraq, they patrol the rivers in boats Paterna describes as similar to large jet-skis.

During Fleet Week, you can tour the visiting ships for free. Here is a link to Fleet Week activities.

Oh, and yes, I finished my jog. I ran to Canal street and back.

Blame it on Mexico

We're not talking swine-flu here. However, I can't think of a better time to visit an art exhibit called "Blame It On Mexico."

Photographer Lori Golias and I visited the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield on Cinco de Mayo for a look at two exhibits concerning the stereotypes of Mexico.

New Mexico-based artist David Taylor’s exhibition "Frontier/Frontera" is a look at life on the United States/Mexico Border. Artist David Taylor shot his video and pictures while out with Border Patrol agents during field operations. It runs through May 31st.

"Blame it On Mexico" by Alejandro Diaz uses humor to illustrate Mexican stereotypes. It runs through June 7th.

I had spoken with Alejandro Diaz on the phone prior to seeing "Blame it On Mexico." He said he was "combining pop forms of entertainment and spectacle -- with high art."

Diaz is Mexican and grew up between Mexico and Texas. He says his humor addresses Mexican clichés, as well as current debates of immigration, labor and the economic crisis. (Nothing on swine flu. Yet.)

"My work deals with humor to address issues. If a person doesn't want to deal with politics, that's fine. They can look at the humor."

He has a painting which is a blank canvas, except for the upper left hand corner. It's called "I'm exhausted." Lori joked if that were here painting it would be called "I have A.D.D.!"

Diaz also uses cardboard as art. He has photographed himself in the streets of NYC holding various cardboard signs. When Lori and I saw his signs, and his pic with them, we laughed at a crazy thing we did. Lori said, " We are visionaries!"

I pointed out that Diaz did the cardboard thing years before she and I did a photoshoot in New York City with a cardboard sign. See those pics here.

But still.... I had won a guitar, and thought it would be funny to have a sign that read "Need Lessons. Tips Accepted." Not money... though Lori did get some shots of people trying to put money in my case. We gave it back. But I did get some tips. It was Lori's idea to put the saying on a cardboard sign, I think she even found the old box to use.

I'll let you know when Lori and I get our exhibit at the Aldrich.

Diaz also has "The World's Largest Cardboard Sign" at the Aldrich. The pokes fun of the spectacles in Texas. You will often see road signs saying com see the "World's Largest Strawberry" or come buy some of the World's Largest Pecans."

If you eat out in Manhattan, you might notice that chain restaurants have calories, and sometimes carbs, posted on the wall or on the menu. It's a requirement in the New York City Health Code.

And you might start seeing calories posted across Connecticut's chains. If a proposal in Connecticut becomes law, chain restaurants would be required to post calories by July 1, 2010.

What? I can eat eight lobsters at Red Lobster for the carbs of ONE cheese biscuit? Yes.

Plus, while ordering your peanuts and Cracker Jacks at the ole ball game, while adding how much it's gonna cost you in cash, you can add up your caloric intake.

These pictures are from Citi Field.

I think it's funny, however, that peanuts have 900 calories and popcorn has 900 calories. However, peanuts and popcorn together, coated with sugar, have only 350 calories. Click on the picture to enlarge and check it out.

May is a terrible time for the country to be dealing with swine flu, or H1N1. Not that anytime would be good, but not during the time that America celebrates Cinco de Mayo.

In this tough economy, restaurants depend on hyped days to bring in business. Last year on May 5th, I spoke with several owners of Mexican restaurants in southwestern Connecticut about Cinco de Mayo. The owners all told me the influx they get on May 5th helps balance weak winter profits.

While people are being urged to take precautions like hand-washing and not holding hands in church, people shouldn't be scared to eat carnitas.

To extend the worth of Cinco de Mayo, Los Cabos on Westport Avenue in Norwalk started "Cinco de MONTH." They offer specials on the 5th of every month.

When you celebrate, don't say Happy Independence Day. NO! Cinco de Mayo is in honor of a battle victory in 1862 of a small Mexican army over a large invading French troop during the Battle of Puebla.

You can read more about the holiday, as well as learn about some good places to celebrate in my blog posting from last year. Click here.