Chef Prasad Chirnomula is an award-winning chef and a two time Honoree of the popular James Beard Foundation. Chef Prasad owns and operates Chef Prasad in New Canaan, CT and Gourmet United in Easton, CT.
Episode Sponsors:
The Amber Room Colonnade
https://www.theamberroom.net/
Affinity Esports
https://www.affinityesports.gg/
Negative Kitty
In this episode, we sit down with Chris Sanzeni, a former aerospace engineer turned founder and head brewer of Broken Symmetry Gastro Brewery.
Established in 2018, Broken Symmetry is a charming brewpub nestled in the heart of Bethel, CT, inside the town’s beautifully renovated historic train station.
With 9 tap lines featuring their own unique brews, this spot offers an ever-evolving selection of beer styles, blending both traditional and modern flavors. Plus, Broken Symmetry stands out as one of the few brewpubs in Connecticut with a full kitchen, serving up mouthwatering dishes crafted by Executive Chef Matt Stanczak, the culinary genius behind the opening of Good Old Days Pizza.
Episode Sponsors:
The Amber Room Colonnade
https://www.theamberroom.net/
Uncle Matt's Bakery & Cafe
https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/
Affinity Esports
https://www.affinityesports.gg/
Negative Kitty
Justin Morales is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 30 years of experience. With an impressive career in the industry, Justin has been a part of the opening teams of four restaurants in Hartford, Connecticut alone. He has worked and lived in the city for a significant part of his career, earning him a deep understanding and appreciation for its vibrant culinary scene. In 2017, Justin was honored with the Connecticut mixologist of the year award, showcasing his exceptional skills behind the bar. His expertise in crafting unique and delicious cocktails has earned him several other accolades over the years. Currently, Justin is the general manager of Fire by Forge , a Pan-American inspired, chef-driven concept located in Hartford on Broad Street that includes a café, full-service restaurant, bar, and catering operation. In 2024, Justin released his first book entitled “Serving Life: Behind Bars, Kitchens and the hospitality industry.”
Episode Sponsors:
The Amber Room Colonnade
https://www.theamberroom.net/
Uncle Matt's Bakery & Cafe
https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/
Affinity Esports
https://www.affinityesports.gg/
Negative Kitty
https://linktr.ee/negative_kitty
*Episode recorded summer 2024*
Dom Alessandro has been the founder and owner of AW Design since 2000, a company which is dedicated to helping brand owners realize the potential of their brands through meaningful strategic development, passionate design exploration and detailed execution. Prior to AW, Dom was a Design Director at Landor NY, leading a team of designers on branding programs for clients such as Nestle, Pepsi and Proctor & Gamble. Dom has been one of the keys to the history of Danbury Hockey with his contribution centering around the logo design for four of the five teams to call Danbury home. Dom designed the iconic Danbury Trashers logo, followed by the Whalers, Titans, and Hat Tricks.
Episode Sponsors:
The Amber Room Colonnade
https://www.theamberroom.net/
Uncle Matt's Bakery & Cafe
https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/
Affinity Esports
https://www.affinityesports.gg/
Negative Kitty
Kyle Marcoux, known as THE VULGAR CHEF on Instagram is a creative foodie, who for many years has either delighted or outraged the foodie community with his eye popping recipes and combinations of different foods. Kyle was also one of the original guitarists for the popular metal band Within The Ruins. You’ve probably seen his reels while scrolling on your phone, and with 320k followers and counting, Kyle has worked with industry giants such as Liquid Death & DudeWipes.
Bobby Manere Jr. is the founder and owner of DOGTOWN a hot dog and burger joint located in Milford, CT since 2017. The name Dogtown pays homage to Southern California’s 60’s and 70’s culture and music. A play on words that embodies the laid back vibe of LA’s culture with an East Coast attitude and edge. If the last name Manere sounds familiar it’s because his father owned and operated Swanky Franks a legendary hotdog stand in Norwalk. With an emphasis on hotdogs, Dogtown captures the food and lifestyle of Southern California with a classic New England twist.
Episode Sponsors:
The Amber Room Colonnade
https://www.theamberroom.net/
Uncle Matt's Bakery & Cafe
https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/
Affinity Esports
https://www.affinityesports.gg/
Negative Kitty
Affinity Esports is Connecticut’s premier organization for healthier gaming experiences for all generations. AE is on a mission to redefine the gaming world, blending wellness, education, and inclusivity into every aspect of esports. Affinity is committed to leading a transformative movement, creating a balanced and nurturing environment where gamers of every age and background can excel, both in gaming and in life. Their vision is a future where gaming is a beacon of positive impact, fostering a community deeply rooted in healthy experiences and united by a shared passion for the game.
Sam Reyes is the owner and head bartender of Mariposa Taqueria, a Latin-American inspired restaurant located in Danbury, CT which was formerly know as Mezon. Sam is a member of the Reyes family, which owns incredible establishments around Danbury and the state such as Mines Carne, Amigos Deli, and Mecha Noodle Bar. Recently, Sam took him the award for “Bartender of the Year” at the 2023 Connecticut Restaurant Association’s CRAzies Awards show at Foxwoods, which honors the best of the best in our states incredible industry.
Episode Sponsors:
The Amber Room Colonnade
Uncle Matt's Bakery & Cafe
https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/
Holmes Fine Gardens
https://holmesfinegardens.com/
Fellow Brookfield resident Jonathan Mendonca is the author of the best selling book, “Life on Life’s Terms” which is a fascinating and inspiring true story from 10 years of opiate addiction to 4 years of sobriety, and all the lessons learned along the way. Life on Life’s Terms is a success story of self growth and realization through the eyes of an addict. In his book, Jon takes you through the trails of his youth that played a part into his eventual decade long battle with opiates and alcohol. Jon masterfully details what finally led him to throwing up the white flag in his addiction, his numerous attempts at finding sobriety and how he continues to stay sober through the hardships of life. After spending years leading a life filled with lies, anger and dependence on substances, Jon now spends his time helping addicts and non addicts alike lead a better life. As Jon says: “This book is for anyone who wants to turn it around. It’s never too late.”
Episode Sponsors:
The Amber Room Colonnade https://www.theamberroom.net/ Uncle Matts Bakery and Cafe https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/ Around Town Real Estate https://www.aroundtownrealestatect.com/ Holmes Fine Gardens https://holmesfinegardens.com/ Reverie Brewing Company https://www.reveriebrewing.com/ Perfusion Bar https://www.perfusionbar.com/
Doug Polistena is the Owner & General Manager of the Amber Room Colonnade, an award-winning premier catering venue and landmark, located in Danbury, CT since 1969. Doug has personally worked with and executed over 3,500 events, to include major galas, weddings, mitzvahs and corporate functions.
Episode Sponsors:
The Amber Room Colonnade
Uncle Matts Bakery and Cafe https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/
Around Town Real Estate https://www.aroundtownrealestatect.com/
Holmes Fine Gardens
https://holmesfinegardens.com/
Reverie Brewing Company
https://www.reveriebrewing.com/
Perfusion Bar
Kyle Sorenson and Rob Haidar, the founders of UMEBROSHI who have been in the food industry for some time and with knowledge of different cultures and palettes, created a realm to create food without the stereotypical toxicity within kitchens. As they say, they just wanted to have fun making food without all the bullshit, not looking to make their way up the social ladder or win awards. They just want to make food from scratch that people can enjoy. Consider them the the anti heroes. The super villains. Serving corndogs on fine china.
Kyle & Rob are two incredible human beings. Lots of laughs were had and I know you are really going to enjoy this one.
Episode Sponsors:
The Amber Room Colonnade
https://www.theamberroom.net/
Uncle Matts Bakery and Cafe - https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/
Around Town Real Estate - https://www.aroundtownrealestatect.com/
Holmes Fine Gardens
https://holmesfinegardens.com/
Reverie Brewing Company
https://www.reveriebrewing.com/
Perfusion Bar
https://www.perfusionbar.com/
Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Cesar Collado is a professional boxer currently residing in Danbury, Connecticut representing Champs Boxing Club, also located in Danbury and owned by the legendary, AJ Galante of Danbury Trashers Fame. Cesar is also a master barber and has been servicing clients in the Danbury area for 15 years. His fun nature conversation and precision haircuts will always leave you feeling satisfied with not only your appearance but your experience. Currently Cesar works out of Legends Barber Co. located near the Danbury Mall, and it’s where Cesar and I first met.
I had such an awesome conversation with Cesar, learning all about his rise in boxing after having started at a young age, his career as a barber, becoming a professional boxer, preparing for his first pro fight in Colombia, what training camp is like, what it’s been like representing Champs Boxing Club and so much more!
Episode Sponsors: Uncle Matts Bakery and Cafe - https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/ BD Provisions - https://www.bdprovisions.com/ Around Town Real Estate - https://www.aroundtownrealestatect.com/
Casey Dohme is the founder and owner of The Blind Rhino The Blind Rhino is a popular, award-winning Sports Bar with two brick & mortar locations in Fairfield County, CT! Their flagship location opened October 2015 in historic downtown South Norwalk, CT, and their newest store launched 2019 in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport, CT! Blind Rhino also has a Food Truck that they launched in 2022, as well as TWO food trailers that are posted up full time at Half Full Third Place in Stamford, CT & Tribus Beer Co. in Milford, CT
Blind Rhino have won over 25 awards for their wings! Receiving awards in Connecticut, Maine, New York (Buffalo, Westchester, Hudson Valley), Rhode Island & New Jersey! The Blind Rhino has also been awarded the Best Sports Bar in Fairfield County 6 times at Best of the Gold Coast as well has having been recognized every year by Connecticut Magazine in the Best Restaurants issue, for everything from Best Beer Bar, Best Pub, Best Chicken Wings & even Best Nachos!
I had such an awesome conversation with Casey, getting to learn about his journey through the food and hospitality industry, how the Blind Rhino came to be, the many wing competitions the Rhino has won, the building and development of the bar, what makes them stand out from other sports bars in the area, the charity tournaments they host, what the Rhino is up to today and so much more!
Episode Sponsors: Uncle Matts Bakery and Cafe - https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/ BD Provisions - https://www.bdprovisions.com/ Around Town Real Estate - https://www.aroundtownrealestatect.com/
DJ Darth Fader, known as Brandon Blain, is an individual who brings the party, the entertainment, and is one of the better known DJ’s in the area, always posting up at the hottest places to be around the state of Connecticut. If you’ve ever experienced Connecticut nightlife or just have been strolling around the center of any Connecticut town at night you’ll hear music pumping at every corner. It’s very likely, one of those DJ’s is the one and only, DJ Darth Fader.
I had an awesome, and extremely interesting conversation with Brandon, getting to know more about the life of a DJ, celebrities he’s shared the stage with, how he became a DJ, where you can find him doing his thing, stories of his early days, how the art has evolved and so much more!
Episode Sponsors:
Uncle Matts Bakery and Cafe - https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/
BD Provisions - https://www.bdprovisions.com/
Around Town Real Estate - https://www.aroundtownrealestatect.com/
Amanda Tambascio is the founder of Kash & Liv Coffee Creations by My Place Restaurant in Newtown, CT. Launched on Labor Day of 2022, Kash & Liv Coffee Creations has been taking the local area and Fairfield County by storm at either their home base at My Place Restaurant, pop up events, NewSylum Brewing Company starting this May, deliveries of Coffee to local sporting events, fields and so much more. Kash & Liv Coffee Creations serves delicious coffee made with whole ingredients and no additives. They make house-made syrups on a weekly basis and partner with local farms and suppliers.
I had a wonderful conversation with Amanda getting to know her story, where she is from, how she became a part of the infamous Tambascio family, how she juggles a full time job, being a mother of 2 little ones while also taking Kash & Liv to amazing heights. I had a lot of fun with this one, Amanda is an extremely inspiring individual and someone who motivates me all the time.
Episode Sponsors:
Uncle Matts Bakery and Cafe - https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/
BD Provisions - https://www.bdprovisions.com/
Around Town Real Estate - https://www.aroundtownrealestatect.com/
*Originally scheduled to drop 3/17/2023*: Chris Papallo is the founder and owner of Eredita Beer, and a former employee of one of the best breweries in the world, Hill Farmstead of Vermont. Having brewed beer for years under the eyes of some of the best in the world, Chris moved back to Connecticut and began his beer brand in November of 2022, which is already pumping out some of the tastiest beers in the state. Currently Chris brews his beer out of 12 Percent Beer Project located in North Haven, CT, with his sights set on opening a brewery in his home base of Litchfield County. Here on Sweet’ N Up Podcast we were extremely honored to have the opportunity to dive into his exclusive story about how he got to where he is today. Believe me when I tell you, this gentleman is going to take the beer world by storm.
This episode of the podcast is brought to you by:
BD Provisions - https://www.bdprovisions.com/
Around Town Real Estate - https://www.aroundtownrealestatect.com/
Andy Singer is a comedian and retired detective hailing from the great state of New Jersey. He currently works behind the scenes with comedian Donnell Rawlings, most notably from The Chappelle Show making people laugh all over the internet, but he was also in the Jay & Silent Bob Reboot and has his own podcast called The Bearded Bable, talking to comedians, entrepreneurs, chefs and so much more! Andy has taken the stage at the legendary Carolines comedy club, and is the man behind @BearedHumor, @MrBeanMobile and @FoolNetwork on Instagram always making people laugh with his wit and next level photo shop skills!
I had such a fun chat with Andy via ZOOM getting to know his background, his journey to this point in his life, the journey he has been on with his special needs son Jayden, how he met Donnell Rawlings, how he ended up in the Jay & Silent Bob Reboot, the ups and downs of life and so much more!
"Named one of the “12 Most Influential People” by Hartford Magazine, and recently “Best Anchor” by Connecticut Magazine, native New England and Emmy award winning Dennis House is one of the most experienced and highly regarded broadcast journalists in Connecticut. Dennis can be seen co-anchoring the 6 and 11 o’clock newscasts with Ann Nyberg weeknights, on WTNH-TV, Connecticut’s ABC station.
While at WTNH, Dennis has broken many stories including a secret plan to downgrade the University of Hartford’s athletic program to exclusive interviews with Vice-President Kamala Harris and reputed mobster Robert Gentile, whom the FBI suspected was involved in the biggest art heist in world history.
From 1992 to 2020 Dennis was at WFSB-TV, (CBS) where he anchored the morning news for two years before moving to the evening news where was a mainstay for more than 25 years. He also hosted the critically acclaimed “Face the State” for more than a dozen years. Dennis’ work over the years led to many changes in state government and campaigns and his interviews were often picked up by local and national media organizations including the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the Politico, MSNBC and others." - https://dennishouse.tv/
Will Arndt is a professional athlete, quarterback, and quarterbacks coach from Newtown, Connecticut who was most recently signed with the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League. A graduate of Western Connecticut State University, a mere stones throw from where the podcast is located, Will defied the odds and is now living his dream. Will has also appeared in a few movies, such as the HBO movie Paterno where he portrayed Penn State play caller Matt McGloin.
I was so excited to chat with Will right here in Brookfield while he was home for Thanksgiving. We covered how we both graduated from Newtown High a year apart and haven’t seen each other in 10 years, his High School playing days, his days at Westconn, workouts with current NFL superstars, when he was signed by the CFL, the other movies that he has appeared in, what it has taken to get where he is today and so much more!
