Traveling to Poland Via New Britain, Connecticut

Many people assume that my husband is pure Italian American since he owns Skappo and Merkato , two New Haven Connecticut food establishments.

In his veins and my kids, there is also Polish blood. Michael’s father’s Dad is pure Polish. Grandpa’s grandfather was rumored to be a wealthy landed nobleman who hunted with the Hapsburg royalty of Austria. He would visit the USA often when he sold parts of his land.

Family folklore says that during one of his planned US visits, his 2nd wife decided that she and the 6 children would not be left alone in Poland. She and the family reached Connecticut in the early 1900s.

What they thought would be a short leisurely vacation spot became their permanent home because Grandpa’s Grandfather left them in Connecticut while he returned to Poland. The newly Americanized Sincavage family never saw him again.

What they were left with in the end was a Polish land deed showing foreign land that they may be able to claim if any Sincavages found their way back home to Poland.

Fast forward to the present. Since Michael has Polish roots we love discovering Polish eateries. Recently we visited New Britain, Connecticut because there is a section of the town that transports you to Poland.

When you are in the Polish section you will find Polish stores, restaurants, churches, coffee shops, to name a few.

Advertisements on walls are written in Polish, and when you hear the voices around often English is not being spoken.

Today we visited Staropolska Restaurant, located at 252 Broad St, New Britain, CT.

If you are in the mood for authentic Polish food, you do not have to fly to Poland. Less than an hour drive from New Haven, you will find all things Polish. They have typical signature Polish dishes like stuffed cabbage, potato pancakes, goulash, and pierogis. Below are some pictures of our delicious food. (Please excuse my bad food pictures. We started eating the delectable dishes before I got to snap some shots!)

Of course, a Polish meal is not complete without Polish beer. I suggest ordering Tyskie beer as it is a refreshing lager that pairs well with the food.

A few doors from Staropolska you will see Polmart market. Not only is it extremely clean but you will find every Polish thing you can imagine from candies to meats. We bought kielbasa sausages that are smoked to perfection.

After our Polish escapade we proceeded to the amazing New Britain art gallery. That is a story for another day!

Have a wonderful international day!

Yale University and Roy Lichtenstein's "Modern Head"

I love New Haven, CT. It has the quaintness of a small city, but in it’s own way it is cosmopolitan.

New Haven is the home of the Ivy league institution Yale University. Yale’s campus is beautiful and often you will find yourself in the presence of breathtaking art.

My kids and I love visiting Roy Lichtenstein’s “Modern Head”.

It is so humbling to be in the same company as a grand artist’s work of art.

Massimo and Rocco love to touch and play with the sculpture.

The “Giant Head” was given to Yale Universty by 2 former students.

If you want to visit the “Modern Head” look for it behind the Peabody Museum and at the end of Hill House road (bottom of Science Hill).

After you are enriched from the art come and visit the family at Skappo Italian Wine Bar, another New Haven must see!

Tourist in Our Own Backyard – The Yale Art Gallery

It’s been a couple of months since I visited The Yale Universty Art Gallery. They have been doing massive renovations in a new building and restructuring of their exhibits.

Through the grapevine I heard that the new and improved gallery would exhibit 80% of their collection versus the 10% they originally exhibited.

The relaunching of the entire museum is due to happen in December 2012.

In the mean time they are welcoming visitors to preview some of the new and expanded sections like the modern art section, Italian and old master section, ancient art section to name a few.

Today I previewed some of the newer exhibits. My almost 3-year-old Rocco loves modern aren’t so he was in awe at the additional space, paintings and sculptures.

I was amazed at the newly renovated building and exhibits. I kept on telling myself how lucky we are in New Haven that we have something so rich in culture that is free.

Places like the Yale Universty Art gallery reaffirms why I love living in New Haven County!

If you are ever in the area I would suggest a visit.

Tourist in Our Own Backyard–The Yale University Art Gallery

Art is important in our household.  I really believe that creating  and exposing kids to art makes them see the world differently and more creatively.

Seeing and experiencing art in person, rather than just looking at pictures in a book, is an added bonus.

Art is food for the soul. Whether you are old or young you can truly enjoy mankind’s creation.

I feel so fortunate because in New Haven, Connecticut we have the Yale University Art Gallery. The cost is free and it is open to the public.

They have such a rich collection of modern to traditional art. You can find works of masters like Rembrandt, Matisse, Picasso, Van Gough to name a few.

I have been bringing both of my boys since they were able to walk. Like most museums, we are not allowed to take pictures of the main exhibit sculptures or paintings, but their website has a gallery that shows the spectacular art work.

Massimo is 5 years old and he always looks forward to our visits. He not only enjoys their elevator that can fit a huge truck, but he proudly says that he loves Jackson Pollock! As a parent I am always surprised that he gravitates towards the same painting, Arabesque #13A.

This museum is both kid and adult friendly.  They have wheel chair access so parents can bring strollers.

Yale University has a rich art collection and many of their most valuable pieces are in storage.  Currently, expansion renovations are being made at the Yale University Art Gallery.  In the next couple of months visitors will be able to see and experience more of the beautiful pieces that have been stored for many years.

When the doors officially open to the new section of the Yale Art Gallery we will be eagerly waiting in line.

As usual we found ourselves “playing tourist in our own backyard”. We are firm believers that if you can’t love and enjoy where you are living right now, how can you truly appreciate life and visiting other places and countries?

We love New Haven Connecticut!

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Vintage Estate Sale Find of the Week– Original Framed Unknown Filipino Artist Print

I love vintage, estate and thrift shopping. On a weekly basis I would like to feature my favorite “find” of the week.

In a previous blog I mentioned my life as a treasure hunter. I crave for my vintage fixes.

This week I am presenting an original numbered mezzotint Filipino print .   I do not know who the artist is, but I am hoping that someone who reads this blog post will recognize the signature.

The piece is called “Conception” and it measures 14 x 8.5 inches.  It is number 8 out of 10. It is very detailed and has gradient color changes that makes it appear almost like a wood carving.

I was so excited about this print because I bought it with an original print by Fil Dela Cruz , a known Filipino artist.

The Philippines is very dear to my heart because I grew up there.  Filipino art was always my first love because my father and mother were both avid collectors.  They often became friends of the artists they patronized like Tam Austria, HR Ocampo, to name a few.

This was another piece that I purchased to sell online, but once again I fell in love with the artwork and I have decided to keep it.  Pretty soon all my walls will be covered with my “treasures” and I will have no choice, but to move to a new house or sell my vintage finds!

I am really hoping that I will one day find out who the artist is. Right now I am just enjoying the work of art.

I really believe that if you know what you are looking for you can make someone’s trash into treasure! I feel like that about life too…you can make a challenge into a blessing…it’s all perspective.

I hope you have a wonderful day filled with joy and happiness!