In the Summer 2024 Issue

Executive Chef Matt Burrill contemplates the fresh raw bar offerings at Max's Oyster Bar. Photo by Lisa Nichols

Well, summer is certainly shaping up to be a hot one! It’s still fresh, vibrant, and green at our home but all the heat advisories have us a little nervous as we run on well water and don’t have any sprinklers. As we know, nothing is permanent so we’ll take the sunshine as a harbinger of more growth and enjoy as much as we possibly can – at home, the beach, fishing tailwater rivers (they stay cold which trout prefer), hiking, golfing on occasion, and everything else under the sun.

We have a lot of seafood and pastured raised meat in this issue – perfect raw bar ingredients and perfect grilling fare. We start with Alison Cole and her co-owner Andrew Maderia at J&R Seafood Market in Mystic where they turn the fish market into a joy. Then we do a first for the magazine with a focus on the New London scene. The area is growing like crazy and deserves a day or two to enjoy. With a nod to Austin Powers, we think the scene in New London is really groovy, baby.

Then up to West Hartford to check in at Max’s Oyster Bar, a new school, old school, joint serving at least eight different kinds of oysters daily (you can forget that old saw about not eating oysters in months without R’s), as well as favorites like Oyster Rockefeller and Clams Casino. With a gin martini of course!

Last, Rosemary Ostfeld, PhD, dives into several CT farms that have gone whole hog (get it?) on raising their meat and poultry in open pastures and forests, as they were meant to live. Better for them, better for us.

We also welcome several new advertisers including Farmland.org, Garde Arts Center, Willimantic Brewing Company (back with us after a hiatus), and Woodstock Inn & Resort. And from our New London exploration, Neff Productions introduces you to The Diamond, www.ExploreNewLondon.org, The Golden Owl, New London Cultural District, Northern Light Gems, T>A>Z Telegraph Autonomous Zone, Thames River Heritage Park, Woodfellas, and the can’t-miss Sailfest.org celebration.

As you know, you’re reading (at least I hope you read this love letter) a magazine that is made possible by our advertisers. Let them know you saw them here, in edible CT EAST! Happy hot summer to you – get outdoors often but please stay cool. The heat can be a challenge but we’re from the Northeast and we love a challenge. Embrace it.

All the best,
R. Shane Kennedy
Publisher/Editor