The installment of letter grades on restaurant windows and doors recently has created confusion, even though the ordinance responsible for this was adopted and in effect in June 2011, with an 8-0 vote from City Council.
Restaurants, already requiring inspection, now must display the outcome of these routine checks. The grades are large, on letter-sized paper. Those who attempt to camouflage, deface, or remove the letter grade could have their license suspended or revoked.
Restaurants that receive a grade lower than a ‘B’ (80%) have nothing to display within five feet of the front door or on the drive-thru menu at establishments to which that applies. They would be reinspected after a set amount of time, and the letter grade for the subsequent visit would be assigned, if they pass. If not, they must deal with a failed health inspection as before this ordinance passed, with the only difference being that the public knows something is amiss by the lack of grade affixed to the front entrance.
Not all food vendors must display letter grades. The ordinance explains:
Besides these exemptions, there are some exceptions for the requirement that the grade be displayed within five feet of the front door. For food courts, like the one in State House Square or in El Mercado, each vendor still needs to display its grade, but it can be in any number of places: menu, counter, in the “initial patron contact area,” or in another location deemed acceptable by the Director of Health and Human Services. Continue reading 'Restaurant Ratings'»
Since September, the store’s doors have been locked from the outside, though passersby could still view cereal remaining inside of the bulk bins long after anyone could access it.
Hartford residents, in conversations during this last year, have most frequently expressed desire for either a Trader Joe’s or something similar to that: affordable with interesting and organic options.
It always seems that people overbook events at certain times of year, like December, and then go for weeks without planning any events, but this January shows little slow down of things to do in Hartford. Here are a few of the offerings:
January 1st
It’s a spendy, but delicious way to begin the new year: Firebox will be having Sunday brunches. Can anyone really complain about adding more breakfast options?
January 5-8th
“Brahms and Beatboxing” at the Bushnell. Just what it sounds like. Way old school meets new.
January 6th
Three Kings Day is celebrated locally with a parade that typically begins at 10 a.m. around 95 Park Street and makes its way down Park Street, ending in Pope Park by the recreation center. The parade is not sprawling, but it features three camels, which is the reason to come out for it.
January 6-8th
The annual Boar’s Head Festival at the Asylum Hill Congregational Church is theatrical, featuring tumblers, dancers, and lots of live animals (geese, camel, etc.). Reserving a seat in advance is advised.
Making 'Of Lamb' on display at Real Art Ways through December 11th
December tends to be a whirlwind of activity, between festive events, office parties, and the gatherings for family and friends. Here are just a few of December’s open-to-the-public highlights:
December 1, 2011
December 1st is World AIDS Day, which means it is also The Day With(out) Art. Real Art Ways will be participating by screening Untitledall day. This is free. While there, check out the “Making ‘Of Lamb’” exhibit.
Customers did not have to deal with harried crowds and screaming children; instead, the crowd was a happy one. It felt less like grocery shopping and more like a cocktail party with the option of buying kale and potatoes (minus the hooch).
Besides being able to comparison shop for fruits, vegetables, and herbs, there were vendors selling coffee, jewelry, jams, soup mixes, beans, bicycles, bread, bags, kettle corn, tacos, cider, cheese, and more. Visitors to the Knox Parks greenhouse on Laurel Street were able to sample foods while listening to live music. A table was set up for kids’ arts and crafts.
Several people were overheard saying that this kind of market should happen every week.
Here is your monthly list of hand-picked events. There may be others, but those did not make the cut:
November 1st
Hartford Candidates Forum: Candidates from all parties and running for all offices this year have been invited to participate in a forum hosted by the Greater Hartford NAACP. This will be held in the Northend Senior Center at 80 Coventry Street, from 6 to 9 in the evening. The local NAACP’s president, Muhammad Ansari, says “this forum will provide an opportunity for residents in North Hartford who may not have been able to attend events in other parts of the city.” UPDATE: forum cancelled due to Storm Alfred. It will not be rescheduled.
Get HYPEd at ON20. The casual networking event, open to members and non-members of HYPE, will feature a free raffle. The prize? A tasting dinner for two at ON20. This event runs from 5:30-8:30pm.
November 4th
Women’s Oppression and Liberation Forum: three of the six panelists will include Nellie Bailey, the host of weekly radio program “Inside Housing” on WHCR; Monami Maulik, founder and executive director of Desis Rising Up and Moving; and a representative from Hartford Vecinos Unidos. The event begins at 7:30pm and will be held at La Paloma Sabanera.
Last month, the Hartford Business Journal reported that two Brazilian restaurants would be opening in downtown — one by the owners of Churrascaria Braza and the other by the owner, Elaine Lima, of Brazil Grill & Pizza. Lima’s Rio Grill & Bar will fill the space at 54 Pratt Street. Signs of progress are being seen on this, literally. Banners are now on display inside the former Cugino’s spot.
The reopening of The Russian Lady draws near. On October 12th, from 6-8pm, Hartford residents — with proof of residence — will have the chance to preview the venue before it officially opens.
The (new) Russian Lady is located at 191 Ann Uccello Street.
Last chance to catch a performance of Hunger at Real Art Ways! The Bated Breath Theatre Company production is brilliant and uncomfortable, with wine, food, and audience participation. There is a showing this evening at 8pm and one on Sunday at 3pm. This event is not for children.
Although nothing has been announced on its website, Facebook page, or Twitter feed, the Market at Hartford 21 is reported to be closing temporarily. The statement was given to the Courant by the store owners’ lawyer; the owners themselves have not been forthcoming with any information. They are apparently working on revising their business plan. Store employees, however, have reported that a large number of jobs have been lost. Upon opening, the store was praised because over half of its employees were Hartford residents.
This closure is an inconvenience, but it does not mean starvation for Hartford residents. Read about other grocery options here, here, here, and here.
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It always seems that people overbook events at certain times of year, like December, and then go for weeks without planning any events, but this January shows little slow down of things to do in Hartford. Here are a few of the offerings:
The first annual Harvest Market was a success!
Customers did not have to deal with harried crowds and screaming children; instead, the crowd was a happy one. It felt less like grocery shopping and more like a cocktail party with the option of buying kale and potatoes (minus the hooch).
Last month, the Hartford Business Journal reported that two Brazilian restaurants would be opening in downtown — one by the owners of 
