Food + Beverage

Dinner, Lunch or Brunch, With a View!

River: A Waterfront Restaurant & Bar and Tequila Rio Serve Up Fresh and Diverse Food With Stunning Water Views Article by Eileen M. McNamara | Photography by John Helmke It’s hard to say which of the several dining spaces at River: A Waterfront Restaurant & Bar, is more captivating.  For sure the main seating area, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive views of the Connecticut River (which encompasses the Boathouse down river in Glastonbury) is a show-stopper. Though it can seat...

Food + Beverage

A New Wine Bar and Ice Cream Shop

Sicily Coal Fired Pizza Expands It Dining Options Article by Lucinda Jamison | Photography by Michele Tereso Middletown already offers a vibrant dining scene, but Tony Prifitera, owner of Sicily Coal Fired Pizza, is taking things to the next level with the recent addition of the Nitro Cream 'n Crumbz ice cream shop and an upscale lounge, The Wine Bar. The new ventures aren't just about food and drink; they're about offering experiences that leave a lasting impression. Nitro Cream 'n Crumbz is...

Food + Beverage

Your Neighborhood Bakery

How Small State Provisions is Crafting Community, One Loaf at a Time Article by Brian Boyer | Photography by Julie Bidwell In an industry dominated by mass-produced goods, Small State Provisions – with locations in West Hartford and Avon - stands as a testament to the power of passion, quality, and community.  Founded by Kevin Masse in 2019, the bakery began as a humble cottage operation out of his home, with a mission to bring the art of sourdough bread to the heart of Connecticut.  Today...

Food + Beverage

Esca Restaurant & Wine Bar

Bringing Italian Flare and Culture to a Robust Dining Scene Article by Alexis Demircan | Photography by Michele Tereso Established in 2009, Esca Restaurant & Wine Bar has become a well-known and popular dining spot in Middletown’s robust dining scene.  Located on the corner of Main and Washington streets, Esca features contemporary Italian fare with a two-story dining room that includes a balcony dining room. The restaurant can seat 250, and has an extensive menu and a “wine cave.”.  Esca...

Finance + Legal Services

Sage Insurance Solutions

A Personal Touch in the Overwhelming Field of Medicare Article by Brian Boyer In the world of insurance, where complex terms and bureaucratic processes often leave people feeling overwhelmed, Springli Sage, owner of Sage Insurance Solutions stands out with her personalized approach and dedication to client education.  Springli prefers meeting clients face-to-face and travels throughout the state to meet with them. Her unique methods have made her a trusted advisor, particularly in the realm...

Style + Beauty

September Style

Local Retailers Show Off Their Fall Fashions in Our Annual Style Issue Article by Eileen M. McNamara | Photography by Azur Mele and Peter Mellekas September is our Style Issue here at West Hartford Lifestyle Magazine and this year we decided to hold a fashion shoot to show off some of the fall styles offered at some of our amazing boutiques here in the region.  Helping us pull it all together was Tina Kiniry and the team at Tina Kiniry Modeling & Acting Agency of West Hartford, who produced...

Finance + Legal Services

Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence

KKC Law Firm Article by Lucinda Jamison | Photography by Tyler Violissi This year marks a significant milestone for KKC Law Firm, previously known as Kahan, Kerensky, and Capossela, as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. Founded in 1964, the firm has grown from its humble beginnings in Vernon into a pillar of the community, providing comprehensive legal services across twelve practice areas. As KKC Law steps into a new chapter, it continues to uphold its legacy of excellence, community...

Home + Design

Revive General Contracting

A home builder and remodeler that prides itself on transparency Article by Eileen M. McNamara | Photography by  Tyler Rivera With more than 20 years in the home building industry, Mike Kruse decided to start his own business and in 2021 he launched Revive General Contracting here in Glastonbury. After years of working as a Project Manager and a Vice President of Operations for large corporate home building firms, Mike says he wanted to get back to what he loved most in his career: Working...

Sports + Recreation

Mr. Little League

For Nearly 60 Years Don Longton Has Inspired and Molded Glastonbury's Youth into Successful Young Men and Women Article by Eileen M McNamara | Photography by Tyler Violissi It started out as a favor to a friend and turned into a lifelong commitment.   In 1967, Don Longtin helped out one day with the Glastonbury Little League “and I never left. It was fun, enjoyable and productive and I got to meet a lot of people and work with kids. And of course, I love baseball.”  Glastonbury Little League...

Health + Wellness

Childhood Apraxia of Speech

A Glastonbury Mom is Raising Awareness of the Neurological Disorder. Article by Eileen M McNamara | Photography by Sarah Fryefield When her son Maverick was still an infant Alyssa Ryan began to suspect he had a problem with his speech.  “I worked as a nanny in college and I was always around infants who were learning to talk, so I realized something was wrong. He wanted to talk, but he couldn’t. When he would attempt it, he would make quiet child noises instead. He would point and make noises...