In the Autumn Harvest 2022 Issue

Chelsea Solkowski prepares a Beast of Bourbon cocktail at The Charles, photo by Lisa Nichols

It’s still August as I write this piece and I understand from the National Weather Service that here in CT we’re in a “flash drought”. Inside Climate News notes that “experts say the recent spate of summer dry spells has been unusual because of its frequency, speed, and severity – a likely sign that climate change is exacerbating the situation.” Where we live it’s quite confusing when I look outside. It already looks like late autumn with all the dry, perhaps dying, trees dropping leaves at a terrible rate. The lack of rainfall will unfortunately cause less stunning autumn colors here in the Northeast but will surely be beautiful none the less!

I always say this but somehow our stories each issue illuminate a theme all on their own! That is, we typically see a connective thread running through the stories we thought we selected randomly! Herein are several stories which speak to tradition, the upholding of tradition, and the blending of traditional with modern. “Drama at The Vineyards” is a mix of all those themes. It’s about how Michael & Merrily Connery have brought a modern look to an old airplane hangar and are now creating a contemporary barn for their newest vineyard in North Stonington. We talk to Bailey Pryor of The Real McCoy Spirits and their ongoing experiment called The Lab. Therein they are taking their time, using traditional methods to create new, outstanding spirits. And we visit The Charles restaurant where Bryce Hardy and his wife Kerri have transformed a centuries old landmark into one of CT’s most recognized new restaurants.

We welcome our new advertisers this month including Never Enough Bakery/Bleu Squid Café, Ella’s Food & Drink in Westerly, The Ditty Bag, and our longtime friends at Cold Spring Farm. Please show these and all our advertisers how supportive and friendly edible CT EAST readers really are.

And last, be kind. I’ve read several stories this month about how a smile can actually change both how you’re perceived by others and your own body chemistry as well. How wonderful is that?

Best, 
R. Shane Kennedy 
Publisher/Editor