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Jun 17, 2023

West Hartford Business Buzz: February 27, 2023

A round-up of openings, closings, and other news about West Hartford

A round-up of openings, closings, and other news about West Hartford businesses.

By Ronni Newton

It's the last week of February, but as I said I feared last week – winter isn't about to give up completely.

Saturday was downright wintery and cold, and I managed to stay inside most of the day with another basketball marathon to watch, and happily it was another day for wins by both UConn men and women, and my Duke Blue Devil men. The Duke game didn't start until 8 p.m., and Ted and I did go out for a delicious dinner at Zaytoon's. The lamb shank was a perfect meal for a cold winter night – and I also got some updates on the opening of their new location in Elmwood but you’ll have to wait for next week's column to read about that so I can get a few more details.

We had quite a few sports stories last week with the basketball seasons heading into tournament play, and look for some more coverage this coming week as hockey also enters the post season and indoor track and field athletes compete at the New England regionals.

I don't often go out to dinner during the week unless it's work-related, but we finally found a good date (that worked for all) for a long-planned dinner with John and Jessica Lyons and Rocky and Sandy Holland, and had a fabulous (and fun) dinner at Treva on Thursday night. A sampling of what we ate can be seen below. I had the scallops for dinner (and lunch the next day, and I can't wait to order them again), and although I wasn't able to get photos or names for everything we had, will say that John was pretty excited about his Affogato for dessert.

Before food photos, one housekeeping note of the week: Please send press releases by email to [email protected]. It's the best way to reach me if you have a story idea or are submitting something for publication, and I’m best able to keep track of information when it's sent by email. I get messages on my personal Facebook page, the We-Ha.com Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram, and sometimes even my personal email – and through the "contact" portal at the bottom of the site – and while I don't ignore any of those sources, there's no way of setting reminders to ensure that I respond.

The Hollands are known for being wine experts, and the Pinot Noir we enjoyed at Treva was excellent. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Crispy Brussels sprouts with pancetta at Treva. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Scallops with wild mushrooms, crispy shallots, and polenta at Treva. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Chicken, tomato, arugula, pesto orecchiette at Treva. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Herbed chicken at Treva. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Swordfish with mussels (this was a special, and there were other things included) at Treva. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Affogato at Treva. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Mushrooms Mufrakeh at Zaytoon's Bistro. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Lamb gyro at Zaytoon's Bistro. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Lamb shank at Zaytoon's Bistro. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

There were just 17 positive reported cases of COVID-19 in West Hartford over the past seven days (as of Saturday) – about half of what there were a week ago and a positivity rate of 7.9% – also dramatically lower than last week. While the data doesn't take into account the home tests that don't get reported to the state, it's good to see those numbers dropping. Fairfield and New London counties remain "low" risk according to the CDC, and while Hartford and the other counties remain classified as "medium" risk (with mask-wearing recommended for those at high risk of getting very sick or those with household members or people they are regularly in contact with who are vulnerable). While some people I know have recently suffered with a stomach bug, other respiratory viruses seem to be waning as well. I still hope to be able to delete this paragraph that time has not yet come. In the meantime, please continue to have patience since not everyone has the same level of comfort, continue to look out for each other, support our local businesses – and stay safe and healthy.

If you’re looking for news about West Hartford in print please note that many stories from We-Ha.com, as well as other local news, is published in the twice-monthly issues of the West Hartford Press.

If you have information to share about local businesses, please provide details in the comments or email Ronni Newton at [email protected].

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Here's this week's Buzz:

The Milk Chocolate Chip is a mainstay of Crumbl Cookies, served in the iconic pink box. Courtesy of Crumbl Cookies

Crumbl Cookies will be opening in March in the Corbin Collection. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Variety of Crumbl Cookies. Courtesy of Crumbl Cookies

GastroPark will be partnering with Alvarium for a coffee operation. Courtesy photo

GastroPark will be partnering with Alvarium for a coffee operation. Courtesy photo

GastroPark will be partnering with Alvarium for a coffee operation. Courtesy photo

GastroPark will be partnering with Alvarium for a coffee operation, and will also feature more of their beers on tap. Courtesy photo

Jessica Fett is the owner of Ignite Med Spa and Wellness at 945 Farmington Ave. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Ignite will officially take over the space at 945 Farmington Ave. on March 1. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Salt cave at Ignite Med Spa and Wellness, 945 Farmington Ave. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The body treatment room at Ignite Med Spa and Wellness can accommodate two people, and has a Vichy shower and jacuzzi

Waiting area at Ignite, which will officially take over the space at 945 Farmington Ave. on March 1. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Treatment room at Ignite, 945 Farmington Ave. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Waiting area and lounge at Ignite, 945 Farmington Ave. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Treatment room at Ignite, 945 Farmington Ave. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Infrared sauna at Ignite, 945 Farmington Ave. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Ignite will officially take over the space at 945 Farmington Ave. on March 1. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

A new sign is up for Ignite Med Spa and Wellness at 945 Farmington Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

Rita's (1134 New Britain Ave.) reopened for the season on Feb. 24. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Studio 310 will be opening in April at 310R Newington Road, and according to a news release, will offer" personalized and intimate training programs as well as a collection of unique group classes. Located in West Hartford, we provide an alternative to commercial gyms and their ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to fitness." A variety of fitness specialists will share the space as independent contractors, and guests will be able to book appointments with their favorite coaches to suit their training styles and needs – either on a one-on-one basis or in groups of up to four people. Training programs will include: Powerlifting, strength and endurance, general conditioning, mobility, dance cardio, yoga, and equipment is available for cardio, weight training, TRX, battle ropes, and more. "Our Group Class zone offers space for 12 guests to comfortably train, which makes it easy for our visitors to cancel out the noise and focus on their wellness. We’ve also partnered with local instructors to offer 4–6-week workshop series that invite attendees to deeply explore fitness concepts, gain hands-on training, and practical application," the news release states. Service packs are now available for purchase in advance of the opening, and details can be found on studio310ct.com. You can also follow Studio 310 on Facebook and Instagram @Studio310CT. I went by to take a photo on Sunday afternoon, and I may or may not have driven down someone's private driveway – or else the fence was up because it was Sunday and the facility is not yet open. When it gets closer to opening, I’ll provide better details about proper access!

Studio 310 will be opening this spring at 310 Newington Road. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Interior of Able Made. Courtesy photo

BTC dancers in Up Close Spring 2022 performing Kate St. Amand's "Dixit Dominus." Photo Credit: Kai Whalen (we-ha.com file photo)

Construction is progressing on The Byline at 920-924 Farmington Ave. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Construction is progressing on The Byline at 920-924 Farmington Ave. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Remember, if you have any business news to share, add it in the comments section below or email Ronni Newton at [email protected].

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