1. Katz’S Deli
City: Woodbridge, CT
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (203) 389-5301
Address: 1658 Litchfield Tpke.
Description: Off exit 59 of the Wilbur Cross Parkway, just shy of the West Rock Tunnel, Katz’s Deli serves some of the most authentic Jewish deli food in the state. “Have a nosh,” their menu says, and this family-run joint serves free pickles and coleslaw to all comers, even before you’ve chosen something from the extensive menu. Blintzes, chicken-in-a-pot, and potato pancakes are served alongside more “mainstream” sandwiches and wraps. Other delicacies, like chopped liver or pickled herring, are well worth the adventurous eater’s time. Of course, today’s adventurous eater was yesterday’s traditionalist, and something like the corned beef and tongue “sky-high” sandwich will please both grandparents and their foodie grandkids. Although primarily a sit-down, diner-style establishment, Katz’s has takeout as well, so you can carry some of this authentic deli food home with you.
2. Thomas Darling House Museum
City: Woodbridge, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (203) 387-2823
Address: 1907 Litchfield Tpke.
Description: This historic home just outside New Haven was built in 1772 by merchant Thomas Darling, a friend of both Roger Sherman and Benjamin Franklin. The house is open for tours from June to Oct from 2 to 4 p.m., and you can see the vintage quilts, farm implements, and period furnishings. They also run events like “tavern night” throughout the year. For those of you with wandering feet, there are trails behind the museum that will take you right up to West Rock Ridge, or in a huge loop around the entire town of Woodbridge past dams and house foundations, and along ancient stone-walled roads. Print out the maps from the town website (www.woodbridgect.org) and explore.
3. New England Brewing Company
City: Woodbridge, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (203) 387-2222
Address: 7 Selden St.
Description: The craft-brewing industry has changed drinking in America in the past 20 years, and Rob Leonard of New England Brewing has been part of the action since 1992. You can stop by for a tour of this unpretentious brewery just outside New Haven in Woodbridge, where Rob cooks up Sea Hag Ale, Atlantic Amber, Gold Stock Ale, Elm City Lager, and a number of seasonal beers and ales such as Gandhi-Bot and Alpha Weizen. These brews are available at bars and package stores throughout New Haven County, so keep your eyes open. Rob promises never to produce a beer with a dog as part of the name or label, which is something of a relief. Those are getting confusing.
4. Savino Vineyards
City: Woodbridge, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (203) 387-1573
Address: 128 Ford Rd.
Description: Framed by stone walls and located in a quiet neighborhood in Woodbridge, Savino Vineyards might go unnoticed, except for the 8 acres of vines that sprawl beside the driveway. The family-owned-and-operated winery was opened in 2009 by Jerry Savino, a native of Salerno, Italy, and his wife. He’s planted Seyval Blanc, Vidal Vlanc, Merlot, St. Croix, Frontenac, and Cabernet Franc. The small red tasting room is quaint, with a bar, vintage cash register, and a few tables. Sample the Seyval Blanc, which is aromatic with citrus as well as mineral notes. The Merlot is dark plum with note of cherry and vanilla. A plate of crackers, pepperoni, and Parmesan slices accompanies the tasting. Look forward to future vintages of Cabernet Franc and Frontenac. They are open Sat and Sun from noon to 6 p.m.