Your guide to the heart of Litchfield County:
Discover local stories, hidden gems, and must-know events.

Boondocks presents the British cult classic WITHNAIL AND I, featuring film-inspired food by our good friends at The Prairie Whale and Chef Dan Studwell — to be held at the New York Times feted @thetriplexgb on Tues. March 25th!
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This particular screening and food collab has been years in the making, as this film is a favorite of Prairie Whale owner @marknfirth (and Boondocks as well!) You won’t want to miss Richard E. Grant’s virtuoso comedic performance as Withnail on the Triplex’s big screen, preceded by an abundant menu of English countryside fare from the farm-to-table restaurant that must now be considered a GB institution!
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There’ll be something for everyone, whether you’re a vegetarian who appreciates a ‘firm young carrot’ or a punter with an insatiable appetite for a pork pie. Keep an eye on this space for updates on soundtrack-inspired pre-film live music as well as themed craft cocktails and more!

Tues. March 25, 6:30-9:30pm (film at 8)
At The Triplex Cinema, 70 Railroad St., Great Barrington, MA
Boondocks Presents: WITHNAIL AND I

Director’s Choice is a celebration of the talented artists who the gallery represents some who have been with me since the very beginning others for twenty or more years.

Thirty years ago, I never could have imagined that what began as a small idea would become a life’s work. I am proud to say that the gallery supports many artists in a multitude of ways allowing them to continue their important contributions and work. The rewards, the complexities and the sheer tenacity that being in this business for three decades requires are many; countless studio visits, writing hundreds of press releases and letters of recommendation, juggling finances in a fluctuating marketplace, managing personalities of artists, collectors and art advisors (OY!), marketing, sales, parties, dinners, long installation days, endless loading and unloading my SUV, gallons of white paint only eclipsed by the gallons of white wine and so much more. It has been a journey worth celebrating.

The Director’s Choice exhibition is installed in both beautiful buildings in Kent, CT and includes almost every artist in the program. Artists who have forthcoming exhibitions or were recently featured in exhibitions are not included in Director’s Choice but are valued members of the team and we thank them. It has been my honor to exhibit their work and support their careers.

A special thanks goes out to the many employees and interns who have contributed to the gallery. My sincere and deep gratitude goes to Associate Director Lani Holloway who celebrated her 10-year anniversary at the gallery in 2024.

Artists: Daniel Anselmi, Jackie Battenfield, Gabe Brown, Cecile Chong, David Collins, Susan English, Gregory Hennen, Mary Judge, Andrea Kantrowitz, David Konigsberg, Margaret Lanzetta, Joanne Mattera, Laura Moriarty, Margaret Neill, Melanie Parke, Donna Sharrett, Eve Stockton, Josette Urso, Eleanor White, Tricia Wright

Please contact Lani Ming Holloway, Associate Director, Lani@kbfa.com, 860 560 3085 with inquires or to arrange a preview of the exhibition.

Kenise Barnes Fine Art
7 Fulling Lane
Kent, CT 06757
https://www.kbfa.com/exhibitions/294-director-s-choice-celebrating-30-years/overview/

The Colonial Theatre presents an evening of music celebrating the rich traditions of the Celtic nations featuring the 2019 All-Ireland men’s Singing Champion Kevin Elam and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland graduate (and piper for the series finale of the television show Blue Bloods) Jesse Ofgang. Come kick off the St. Patrick’s Day season with two of the finest interpreters of Irish and Scottish music in the United States.

Colonial Theatre, 27 Railroad St., North Canaan, CT

https://canaancolonial.com/public-events

Craft Cocktails & GastroPubGrub w/ Chef Dino Kolitsas – Thursday, May 15 6:30 PM

Shake, Stir, and Feast with Chef Dino Kolitsas

If you’re looking for a night that combines liquid craftsmanship with bold, unapologetic bites, this is your shot—literally. Chef Dino Kolitsas, the mastermind behind Greca Mediterranean Kitchen, is teaming up with the spirits wizards at Litchfield Distillery to bring you an evening of culinary swagger. “Craft Cocktails & GastroPub Grub” isn’t just a class—it’s a sensory adventure.

Get ready to roll up your sleeves, grab a shaker, and learn how to turn ordinary liquor into works of art. You’ll master the essentials of mixology, crafting cocktails that are more than just drinks—they’re conversation starters with a kick. But here’s where it gets even better. Each cocktail is perfectly paired with elevated pub fare that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about bar food.

Think juicy, indulgent bites and unexpected culinary twists meant to complement every sip. Chef Dino doesn’t do bland, and neither should you. This class is all about the good stuff—big flavors, big ideas, and a little buzz to keep things interesting.

Grab your spot, because this is where foodies and cocktail lovers collide. Come for the drinks, stay for the food, and leave with a few new tricks (and recipes) to impress anyone lucky enough to cross your kitchen’s threshold. Cheers to that!

The Silo Cooking School
44 Upland Road
New Milford CT 06776

Craft Cocktails & GastroPubGrub w/ Chef Dino Kolitsas – Thursday, May 15 6:30 PM

Smoke ‘n’ the Hills – A Meat Smoking Experience for Meat Lovers w/ Alessandro Piovezahn Sat. May. 17 @ 11am

This isn’t just another BBQ class. This is smoke, fire, meat, and soul—all coming together in one unforgettable, unapologetic feast at Hunt Hill Farm. Smoke ‘n’ the Hills isn’t about precision or pretense. It’s about grit, passion, and flavor, led by Alessandro Piovezahn, a guy from Rio de Janeiro—a place so alive, so electric, they call it a Cidade Maravilhosa—the Marvelous City.

Alessandro is a smoked meat aficionado and when he’s got mesquite wood chips, smoldering charcoal, and seven years of perfecting the low-and-slow grind that turns raw, primal cuts into mouthwatering, smoky treasures. He’s got the Carioca spirit—laid-back but fired up when it matters—and he’s stepping up to follow in the legendary footsteps of Skitch Henderson, who once brought this farm to life with outdoor BBQs that could nourish your soul. Like Skitch, Alessandro just plain loves food, and that’s enough.

For three hours, you’ll get your hands dirty. You’ll sweat. You’ll laugh. And you’ll learn that meat—and I mean real meat—isn’t just something to cook; it’s something to respect. You’ll discover the art of smoking ribeye, skirt steak, pork loin, chicken that’ll make you rethink poultry, and sausages that might just ruin all others for you. Brazilians do it differently—rock salt, nothing more. Every bite is the meat, pure and uncut. Because once you drown it in heavy rubs and marinades, you lose the truth of it. And Alessandro? He’s about keeping things truthful. About the smoke that hits you in the face, the char that ignites your senses, and the flame that makes it unforgettable.

But the meat’s just the beginning. There’s his famed garlic bread, unapologetically garlicky, slathered and grilled until it’s crisp and perfect. Bright red peppers, golden zucchini, smoky eggplant, sweet potatoes roasted until their insides are like candy. And a salad so good it’ll catch you off guard—crisp walnuts, sweet mango, and citrus so fresh it’s summer in every bite.

Oh, and did I mention the caipirinhas? Sweet, sharp, boozy Brazilian perfection. Add in Litchfield Distillery, slinging killer cocktails and dropping mixology magic. And the entire time? Bossa Nova is in the air. You’re leaning on a warm grill, drink in hand, that slow, smoky rhythm keeping you loose and alive. Because this isn’t “dinner.” It’s an experience. A vibe. A day you won’t rush through. You’ll stop, you’ll savor, and you’ll share stories while tasting the smoke on your skin.

Bring your favorite cuts—up to 5 lbs. Feel the pride of prepping them, seasoning them, and hauling them home to your family, proud of what you’ve just mastered. Whether you’re here as an old-school carnivore or a rookie looking to beef up (pun intended), Smoke ‘n’ the Hills is your chance to slow the hell down and reconnect—with food, with fire, with tradition.

This is Brazil in the hills of Connecticut. Raw. Real. Bold. You in?

This class is divided in two groups:

1. Hands-On participants – Only 7 spots available.

2. Observers – Only 13 spots available.

Both groups are able to bring 1 piece of meat (up to 5lbs) that will be smoked during the class and participants will take it home. (we do not recommend brisket due to the time needed to cook it to perfection)

The Silo Cooking School
44 Upland Road
New Milford CT 06776

Smoke 'n' the Hills – A Meat Smoking Experience for Meat Lovers w/ Alessandro Piovezahn Sat. May. 17 @ 11am

The Art of the Burger w/ Chef Carlos Perez Thurs. May 1 @ 6:30 PM

Burger Alchemy with Chef Carlos Perez

Step into the kitchen with Chef Carlos Perez, a master of culinary reinvention, and prepare to tackle the ultimate summer cookout challenge—the perfect burger. This isn’t flipping prepackaged patties on your backyard grill. No, this is burger artistry, where every grind, every topping, and every side is deliberate, inventive, and downright delicious.

Chef Carlos, one of Connecticut’s most fiercely creative minds, is about to change the way you think about burgers. You’ll start by mastering the grind—blending cuts of beef to create a patty so juicy, so flavorful, it’ll ruin you for anything frozen forever. But then he’s throwing a curveball with something wild—elk. Yes, elk. Lean, incredible, and a total game-changer for your grilling menu.

And because no burger lives alone, you’ll go deep into the world of toppings and condiments, crafting homemade additions that turn your burgers into edible masterpieces. Add to that creative sides that push beyond the tired potato salad trope, and suddenly your summer barbecues aren’t just gatherings—they’re legendary.

Chef Carlos isn’t just teaching you how to make burgers; he’s teaching you how to own them. Bring your appetite. Bring your curiosity. Leave with game-changing skills that’ll make your grilling the talk of the neighborhood. Summer’s calling—it’s time to answer with a grill hotter than July.

The Silo Cooking School
44 Upland Road
New Milford, CT 06776

The Art of the Burger w/ Chef Carlos Perez Thurs. May 1 @ 6:30 PM

A Vegan Tour of Greek Cuisine lll w/ Chef Dino Kolitsas – Sat. April. 12 @ 3pm

Back by popular demand!

Alright, food adventurers, dig in—Chef Dino is back, and this time he’s taking us deeper into the vibrant, earthy world of vegan Greek cuisine. No compromises, no shortcuts—just bold flavors, rich traditions, and the kind of dishes that make you think there’s nothing plants can’t do. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, a die-hard carnivore, or just someone with a passion for damn good food, Dino’s classes have a way of speaking to everyone.

This isn’t your average cooking class. It’s a celebration of Greek heritage—vegan style. You’ll be crafting Cauliflower Capama, lovingly braised with onions in an aromatic tomato sauce that tastes like sunshine in a bowl. Revithada, a hearty chickpea soup, will show you just how comforting simplicity can be. Then there’s the Lalagia, crispy fried doughnuts from the Peloponnese that are nothing less than addictive.

But wait, we’re not done. You’ll master Spanakorizo, a soulful spinach rice dish that’s been a staple for generations, alongside perfectly tender and zesty Lemon Potatoes. And don’t forget the Walnut Skordalia—a savory, garlicky dip that will probably ruin you for lesser spreads forever.

Chef Dino doesn’t just teach you to cook; he invites you into the story of the dish—where it comes from, why it matters, and how to make it something you’ll never forget. It’s Greek cuisine as it was meant to be—vibrant, nourishing, and unapologetically good.

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and cook like you mean it. Seats always go fast, so claim yours and bring an appetite for adventure. This is more than a class. It’s a ticket to the Mediterranean, one dish at a time.

The Silo Cooking School
44 Upland Road
New Milford CT 06776

A Vegan Tour of Greek Cuisine lll w/ Chef Dino Kolitsas – Sat. April. 12 @ 3pm

An Easter Table Feast w/ Chef Carlos Perez – Thursday April 10 @ 6:30 PM

Elevate Easter with Chef Carlos Perez

Alright, food lovers, listen up—this isn’t just any cooking class. This is your golden ticket to culinary greatness, brought to you by Chef Carlos Perez from At The Corner. We’re talking a feast so extraordinary, it’ll make your family think you’ve inherited some secret Mediterranean kitchen magic. But here’s the catch—it’s only for 16 lucky souls.

Chef Carlos is cracking open the vault and letting you in on the secrets behind his famous Easter Feast. You’ll kick things off with traditional Easter Bread, laced with honey and cardamom—a loaf so fragrant and tender, it’ll make you believe in miracles.

Then, we’re stepping into the savory kingdom with Roast Lamb. Picture this—juicy, perfectly roasted meat atop a vibrant spring pea purée, paired with glazed baby carrots, earthy new potatoes, and finished with an audacious jalapeño mint gastrique. It’s bold, it’s refined, and it’s guaranteed to make your guests swoon.

And don’t even get me started on dessert. Crostata di Ricotta—a Sicilian Ricotta Pie kissed with orange blossom. This isn’t just a pie; it’s a love letter to tradition with a twist of indulgence.

You’ll gain more than recipes here. Chef Carlos is handing you the keys to the kind of cooking that keeps memories alive forever. It’s soulful, it’s vibrant, and it’ll leave you with dishes that taste as unforgettable as they look. The seats are few, the flavors are big, and the moment is now. Secure your spot and get ready to own Easter like never before.

The Silo Cooking School
44 Upland Road
New Milford CT 06776

An Easter Table Feast w/ Chef Carlos Perez – Thursday April 10 @ 6:30 PM

Bean to Cup; Grind to Dine w/ Chef Billy Ross & Chef Will Needham – Thursday, April 3 – 6:30 PM

This is not just a cooking class—it’s a deep-dive into the unapologetic, intoxicating world of coffee and cuisine. You’ll be rolling up your sleeves alongside two culinary daredevils, Chief Billy Ross from Greca and Chef Will Needham from Pawling Coffee Roasters, for a hands-on experience that’s as bold as the coffee itself.

First, it’s back to the basics—but not the boring kind. You’ll learn how to roast your own coffee, taking raw beans all the way to that rich, aromatic final product. Using conventional tools and methods, you’ll harness the alchemy of heat, timing, and precision, turning green beans into liquid gold. But this isn’t a one-trick pony. Oh no. We’re just getting started.

Coffee isn’t just for your cup, and Ross and Needham are here to hammer that point home with a menu that turns the ordinary into extraordinary. You’ll tackle the Lollipop Lamb Chop, crusted with a Colombian coffee and Aleppo rub, paired with spiced honey-roasted carrot and finished with an espresso cherry demiglace. Forget predictable—it’s primal, earthy, and downright delicious.

Next up, Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Roulade, a masterpiece of smoky, melty mozzarella tucked inside tender chicken, served atop creamy parmesan-herb polenta, all drenched in a redeye sauce featuring Pawling Roaster’s cold brewed coffee. This is coffee as an accomplice—a dark, complex partner in flavor crime.

And for dessert, hold onto your forks—Cappuccino Crème Brûlée. Imagine espresso-infused custard just teetering on perfection, topped with a crackling turbinado sugar brûlée and crowned with cappuccino foam. It’s sweet, it’s strong, and it proves that coffee doesn’t just belong at breakfast.

This class isn’t about the timid or the routine. It’s for flavor hunters who want to push boundaries and reimagine what coffee can be. You’ll leave with more than recipes; you’ll take home the skills, the stories, and the swagger to turn your kitchen into a playground for the extraordinary. Space is limited. Come hungry, leave caffeinated.

The Silo Cooking School
44 Upland Road
New Milford CT 06776

Bean to Cup; Grind to Dine w/ Chef Billy Ross & Chef Will Needham – Thursday, April 3 – 6:30 PM

Damn Delicious Dumplings Sunday, March 30 at 4:00 PM w/ Chef Paige DeFeo

Chef Paige isn’t here to serve you some sad, store-bought dumplings—they’re the real deal, crafted by your own hands, and packed with flavors that hit you like a firework show. From delicate Shu Mai Shrimp to hearty Pork and Chive Dumplings, and umami-packed Mushroom and Tofu gems, you’ll get down and dirty in the world of dumpling mastery. And because Paige doesn’t play it safe, you’ll also roll up Vietnamese Spring Rolls so fresh they practically glow. Finish it off with a Ginger Crème Brûlée that’s as bold as it is sweet. This is more than a cooking class—it’s a crash course in culinary badassery. You ready? Aprons on.

The Silo Cooking School
44 Upland Road
New Milford CT 06776

Damn Delicious Dumplings Sunday, March 30 at 4:00 PM w/ Chef Paige DeFeo