Just Across the Border: A Taste of Southington

Mark the calendars so you can sample a variety of delicious fare offered by Southington’s restaurants, as well as free musical entertainment on the veranda of the Barnes Museum next week.

The 13th Annual ‘Taste of Southington’ will be held on the grounds of the Barnes Museum, 85 North Main St. beginning at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6 . The event is sponsored by TD Bank.

The 12 restaurants scheduled to participate include C. C. Carvers, Christina’s Gourmet Cookies, Cork & Brew, Machiavelli’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Napoli Café Deli, Namaste India, Paul Gregory’s Bistro, Saint’s Restaurant & Catering, Salsa’s Southwest Grill, Sixpence Pie Company, and Smokin’ with Chris,

Providing entertainment from the verandah will be Connecticut native singer/songwriter Miss Malorie LeoGrande. A soulful singer, who has been performing professionally since she was 8, won the statewide Connecticut Idol Competition. She will sing musical selections from classic, soul, R&B and Jazz. LeoGrande currently fronts two NYC bands and owns her own voice studio.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the museum grounds but there’ll be plenty of tables and chairs under giant tents as well. The museum will be open for free tours all evening with free face painting, balloon animals and glitter tattoos provided by Talulabelle & Company of Puttin’ on the Ritz for the children. “It’s a delightful evening for the entire family and there’s no admission charge to attend. Participating restaurants will charge a minimal fee to sample their offerings” museum curator Marie Secondo said in a statement.

The Taste of Southington is held in conjunction with the Town of Southington’s Summer Concert Series 21th anniversary of Music on the Green. The musical entertainment starts at 7 pm that evening and will be The Eddie Forman Orchestra sponsored by The Southington Polish Falcons Nest 307. They will also be featuring their weekly classic automobile show.

The Barnes Museum is the former home of Amon Bradley and was built in 1836. It has been operated by the Town of Southington since 1973, when Amon’s grandson, Bradley Barnes passed away, leaving his home for future generations to visit and use as a research library.

The scheduled rain date is Thursday, Aug. 7.

For more information visit www.southingtonlibrary.org or call the Barnes Museum at 860-628-5426.

Photo: from Salsa’s Southwest Grill.