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- A Restaurant You Shouldn't Walk Into
A Restaurant You Shouldn't Walk Into
But more so because you MUST RUN TO! It's that good!
The Farmington Valley
April 22, 2025
Hey there! It seems as if we made it. The last spring snow has fallen, the birds are chirpin’, the plants poppin’, the peepers peepin’…. (Of course if it snows again, you can now blame us…)
Thankful that we’ve made it and it seems as if the entire valley is coming alive again!
We took a little break, a vacation of sorts, but we are back in full speed to make the valley magic happen. Coming soon will be a full calendar of events, more business listings, and more news that matters. Right now though, we are sharing a few things, like a restaurant we didn’t even know existed, Elise Cusimano stops in to share thoughts about spring and your soul and more. (and we are so excited to say that she will be stopping in more often to help YOU connect with your deeper self with articles to shift your soul, bring light, or guide you through difficult times and more!)
So let’s dive in! And hey! Thank you again for being here!
The Farmington Valley Team
OH! And next week, get ready for another artist highlight, and she’s another awesome one!
Table of Contents
You know those rare places that catch you totally off guard?
Where you walk in expecting meh and walk out wondering how soon you can come back?
That was us at Stadium XV.
We were not prepared to be wowed. We thought we were walking into a basic sports bar in a converted Marriott hotel (yes, you read that right—the old Marriott, now slick residential apartments). Instead, we found ourselves in one of the coolest, most unique restaurants we’ve visited in Connecticut.
Let’s start with the vibe.
Stadium XV hits the perfect balance between modern and sporty. The design is crisp and clean—no clutter, no chaos. It’s got a sports theme, but it doesn’t scream at you. No neon beer signs or wall-to-wall team jerseys. Instead, it’s thoughtful. Elevated. From the floating bats, to the score board, this is the kind of place where you can bring your friends, your kids, or your date—and everyone will feel like it was made just for them.
From the moment we walked in, the energy was different.
Warm. Inviting. And not in that forced, corporate way.
The owner’s son greeted us at the door—genuinely excited to be there, proud of what they’re building, and clearly loving every second of it. He made us feel like regulars, even though it was our first time in. That kind of hospitality? You can’t fake it.
Then we turned the corner and saw “them”:
Two high-end sports simulator bays set up like VIP boxes.
We’re talking cutting-edge tech with dozens of games—golf, soccer, baseball, even games we didn’t know existed (shoutout to zombie dodgeball). You can rent them by the hour and make a whole night of it.
🎯 Want to play a round of virtual golf with your crew while sipping cocktails and crushing apps?
✅ Done.
🎯 Need a date night but don’t want to pay for a babysitter?
✅ Set the kids up with a simulator and enjoy an actual grown-up meal.
It’s part arcade, part lounge, part restaurant—and somehow it all works.
But let’s talk about the thing that truly sealed the deal:
THE FOOD.
We don’t say this lightly: some of the best food we’ve had not just in the valley, but in all of Connecticut.
Here’s just some of what we tried (and devoured):
Tuna nachos that were so fresh and flavorful, we fought over the last bite.
Crispy brussels sprouts that could convert the most die-hard veggie haters.
Burgers that were juicy, bold, and cooked to perfection.
And it’s all made from scratch. You can taste the difference. Nothing felt mass-produced or phoned in. This is chef-driven food in a place you can wear jeans to. That’s a rare combo.
The drinks? Equally impressive.
Well-balanced, strong without being overpowering, and actually memorable (we’re still thinking about that bourbon cocktail). Whether you want a beer and a burger or a handcrafted cocktail with tuna tartare, Stadium XV delivers.
Now here’s where it gets a little wild:
For all this? It’s shockingly affordable.
We were fully expecting one of those menus where entrées start at $30 and apps come with sticker shock. But no—Stadium XV is priced right. Actually, it’s underpriced for what they’re offering.
(We just went to another spot last week where the cheapest dish was $27. Not even close in terms of food quality or experience.)
This place is a legit value—and these days, that’s saying something.
🎉 EXCLUSIVE DEAL FOR YOU:
Because you’re reading this, we’ve got a little something extra—
10% off your meal at Stadium XV.
Just show this newsletter and mention the discount when you go in.
It’s that easy.
Stadium XV isn’t just another restaurant.
It’s:
A sports bar without the clichés
A gourmet kitchen without the inflated prices
A family hangout that doubles as a date night destination
A modern space that’s still warm and welcoming
Honestly, it's one of those places you're going to want to take everyone you know—before everyone else finds out and the waitlist gets long.
📍 Check them out now: stadiumxv.com
But fair warning: once you go, you're going to want to make this your new go-to spot.
P.S.
We didn’t even get to mention their brunch—yep, they do that too. And word on the street (okay, from multiple trusted sources) is that it’s next-level delicious. We’re already planning our return trip next weekend to see what the hype’s about—brunch cocktails, scratch-made dishes, and maybe a little simulator action to work off those waffles? Count us in. Stay tuned. 🥂🍳
Lead Contamination Shuts Down Connecticut State Police Firing Range
The Connecticut State Police firing range in Simsbury was abruptly shut down in early April after potentially high levels of lead were discovered on site. The closure has prompted a deeper look into the health and safety of state troopers who train there.
Andrew Matthews, Executive Director of the Connecticut State Police Union, supported the immediate shutdown. “The health and safety of our troopers and their families is our top priority,” Matthews said. “Their work environment matters.”
Some troopers reportedly showed elevated lead levels during their annual physicals, triggering an investigation by OSHA. Additional testing is now underway, and the facility will remain closed while assessments continue and safety improvements are made.
The Simsbury range has long been a point of concern. The current setup includes aging mobile trailers used as classrooms, limited access to running water, and just one working toilet—forcing the use of portable restrooms when troopers are on-site.
Calls for a new facility have echoed for years, and state officials have finally responded. The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, along with the Department of Administrative Services, plan to build a new firing range at the same location. Construction is set to begin in spring 2026, with a budget of $14 million.
Officials say the upcoming rebuild is not directly tied to the lead concerns—the current facility was long overdue for an upgrade.
Daniel Maxwell, a professor of criminal justice at the University of New Haven and former officer, emphasized the importance of proper training environments. “It’s not just about pulling the trigger,” said Maxwell. “It’s about mental preparation, handling the weapon confidently, and being ready for the unexpected.”
As of now, there is no official timeline for when the existing range may reopen.
If there’s one thing WE CAN ALL be sure of, when they do re-open, there will be MANY MANY MANY Facebook posts about “does anyone hear that bang bang bang?” "- “what’s all that noise?” and more.
It’s A Season Of Change and Growth And You Deserve To Shine!
Some things come with the territory of the season: bonfires and cold beverages in hand in summer, boots and warm clothes to traverse the winter terrain for the moments of our coldest season that aren’t as restful. Then, spring rolls around with a sudden effort to shed the harvest of fall and winter and all the fruits of rest.
Right on time, I see the spirit of change manifest as an influx of interest in lifestyle coaching just as the first buds on the red maples burst forth. And, with it, a vow to ward off the ways and foods of winter celebrations, that is, until the end of the year. How very human of us to cycle through our rhythms in this way.
As a coach, I’m privy to the innermost thoughts of people, their bodies, and what they think other people think about their bodies. The latter of which seems to stress the most, when it really matters least. I observe patterns of thought that are triggered both by the natural season and the season of life. Some of these thoughts became beliefs, helped for a period of time but many of them hanging out in the corners of the mind long past their expiration date. It’s akin to using dial-up when 5G is available.
We’ve all been baked in the beliefs of a particular time in our life. Perhaps the stickiest ones of all sowed before we really got to look through the lens of our adult mind and were quickly watered by the patterns of thought in our ecosystem. Who’s to blame? Our information tends to come to us from mediums and tactics rooted in motivation to keep you coming back for more of what they have to offer. It’s like putting off a software update, something bound to stop working by the time you need it to work most. Why wouldn’t you update your system?
If you enter the weightloss spin cycle every spring that calls for ingredients like self-sabotage, restriction, moving more but without the fuel to feed your new routine… know that we can do this path to personal health differently. Where we name more effective motivators than fitting into bathing suits and set goals that align how you want to live and feel. It’s focused discipline over futile grinding. It’s grounding in a new relationship with food and movement. It’s looking at all this societal messaging we’ve mistaken for truth. Somewhere along the way we equated progress with perfection and made hurt on the path to health socially acceptable.
If this is one less rhythm you can do without, reach out.
3 ways to connect:
1. In-person sessions at 2 Tunxis Rd. Suite 116 in Tariffville, CT (The Mill @ Tariffville)
2. Opt outside -- let's walk and talk!
3. Virtual conversations, anytime and anywhere
👋 Got Something to Share? We’ve Got the Platform.
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THE FARMINGTON VALLEY WEBSITE
Welcome to The Farmington Valley: Your One-Stop Community Platform
We are thrilled to introduce you to The Farmington Valley, a dynamic platform designed to connect homeowners and business owners within our vibrant region. Our mission is to foster a thriving community by providing a centralized hub where you can easily discover local businesses, access essential resources, and share your stories.
Dear Community Members,
We are thrilled to introduce you to The Farmington Valley, a dynamic platform designed to connect homeowners and business owners within our vibrant region. Our mission is to foster a thriving community by providing a centralized hub where you can easily discover local businesses, access essential resources, and share your stories.
Discover Local Businesses
Finding trustworthy local services and products has never been easier. Our comprehensive directory allows you to search for businesses across various categories, ensuring you find exactly what you need right here in the Farmington Valley. Whether you're seeking home improvement professionals, health and wellness services, or unique local shops, our platform connects you with businesses that make our community special.
Access Essential Resources
Beyond business listings, we offer a wealth of resources to support both residents and entrepreneurs. From community events and educational workshops to health services and artistic endeavors, The Farmington Valley is your go-to source for information and opportunities that enrich our collective well-being.
Build Connections
At the heart of our platform is the desire to build meaningful connections. We encourage you to share your experiences, participate in discussions, and engage with fellow community members. By working together, we can create a supportive environment where everyone thrives.
Join Us Today
Explore The Farmington Valley and become an active participant in our growing community. Together, we can share local stories, connect with trustworthy businesses, and build the community where it's needed most.
Warm regards,
The Farmington Valley Team
Discover Local Businesses
Finding trustworthy local services and products has never been easier. Our comprehensive directory allows you to search for businesses across various categories, ensuring you find exactly what you need right here in the Farmington Valley. Whether you're seeking home improvement professionals, health and wellness services, or unique local shops, our platform connects you with businesses that make our community special.
Access Essential Resources
Beyond business listings, we offer a wealth of resources to support both residents and entrepreneurs. From community events and educational workshops to health services and artistic endeavors, The Farmington Valley is your go-to source for information and opportunities that enrich our collective well-being.
Build Connections
At the heart of our platform is the desire to build meaningful connections. We encourage you to share your experiences, participate in discussions, and engage with fellow community members. By working together, we can create a supportive environment where everyone thrives.
Join Us Today
Explore The Farmington Valley and become an active participant in our growing community. Together, we can share local stories, connect with trustworthy businesses, and build the community where it's needed most.
Warm regards,
The Farmington Valley Team