Bringing ‘A Taste Of The Litchfield Hills’ Home To ‘The Mountain’

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Bringing ‘A Taste Of The Litchfield Hills’ Home To ‘The Mountain’

Posted on 09 September 2011.

[ Editor at work; 12:00 noon ]

The 27th Annual ‘A Taste of the Litchfield Hills’ was held at Ski Sundown this past weekend and the event had all the feel of a homecoming. The ‘Taste,’ which bills itself as the oldest food and wine festival in Connecticut, was located for its first 25 years at Haight Vineyards in Litchfield, until that business was sold. Last year, the ‘Taste’ moved to Lime Rock Park in Lakeville and this year, it came to New Hartford’s Ski Sundown. And already plans are being made to host the event at Ski Sundown again next year!

The Organizer And The Host

Clinton Billups, the organizer of the ‘Taste’, didn’t hesitate in answering our reporter’s question: “Will you be back next year?” “Yes, we will! We couldn’t have had better cooperation from the town and Bob Switzgable.” Clint said. “Dan Jerram worked very hard to get us here and to make sure we had everything we needed to make this a success, and Bob Switzgable has just been amazing to work with!” He explained.

Now living and working out of his home in Nevada, Clint is a former Barkhamsted resident who is remembered fondly by his ex-colleagues on the New Hartford Volunteer Ambulance. No wonder that he, too, seemed very much at home as he circulated among the booths and chatted with all.

Bob Switzgable, Ski Sundown’s owner, could not have been more enthusiastic about hosting the event. “It’s a natural fit for us.” Bob told our reporter. “I thought it would be a great idea for the mountain and the town and it’s been phenomenal.” Asked about the turnout, Bob said he was very pleased with the numbers of visitors. “And next year it’ll be even better!” He added, in his enthusiastic way.

The Setting

The location itself couldn’t have been more appealing. Surrounded by green hills and the ski lift rising romantically in the background, the colorful booths were arranged before the ski lodge, making an attractive vignette. On Monday, whenthe NewHartfordPlus crew visited ‘The Taste of The Litchfield Hills,’ the music of Flipper Dave filled the air with a festive mood. It was a picture-perfect setting for the ‘Taste of The Litchfield Hills.’

And, Of Course, The Food…

As fitting for a food and wine festival, it was the smells and sights of the different foods that captured our reporter’s attention. Among the variety of foods she tasted, the very best were the grilled quail in a Bourbon sauce from MarWin Farm, the smoked chicken wrap from the Foothills Delery and the fresh corn on the cob from Barden Farm.

And for dessert, who could ask for anything better than the homemade cider donuts from Faddy’s Donuts out of Bloomfield? Everyone our reporter spoke to seems to have tasted at least one of those delicious donuts.

…And The Wine

There were also wines on offer from several Litchfield wineries: Hopkins Vineyard, Jerram Winery, Miranda Vineyard, Sunset Meadow Vineyards and White Silo Winery. Being quite familiar with our local Jerram Winery offerings – our reporter has the good fortune to live a mile or so down the hill from that favorite estabishment – she concentrated on wines from other wineries. After sampling several of the white wines, she settled on a Seyval Blanc from Miranda Vineyard. Described as “a light and fruity crisp white white” on the winery’s website, it was the perfect accompaniment to the ‘Taste’ fare.

Au Revoir To The ‘Taste’

The Taste of The Litchfield Hills was held this past Labor Day weekend, from September 1-September 3, at Ski Sundown. Its websiteis already announcing the return of ‘The Taste’ to Ski Sundown next Labor Day weekend. Mark your calendar and, if you can, allow more than one day to enjoy its offerings to the fullest.

A Big Welcome Home to ‘The Mountain’ To:

Clinton Billups and his Taste of The Litchfield Hills. Looking forward to many more wonderful Taste of The Litchfield Hills right here in New Hartford.

Many Thanks To:

Northwest Community Bank, the 2011 Menu Sponsor of ‘The Taste.’ Northwest Community Bank also generously sponsored the New Hartford Business Council at the ‘Taste.’

Torrington Savings Bank, which sponsored the New Hartford Farmers Market at the ‘Taste.’

First Selectman Dan Jerram for his great efforts to bring ‘The Taste of the Litchfield Hills’ to New Hartford.

And of course, Bob Switzgable, for hosting ‘The Taste Of The Litchfield Hills’ at Ski Sundown. Some things were just meant to be.

Amy Hinman from the Foothills Delery in Pine Meadow chats with Judy and Glen Nelson. Glen plays keyboards for Flipper Dave. Photo: Maria Moore

Kenny Dahill serving one of his delicious grilled quail with Bourbon sauce, with Joanne at his side and Eddie enjoying his shaved ice. Photo: Maria Moore