Bailey’s Backyard, Bailey Avenue.
Among the featured food providers at Taste of Ridgefield on Sunday, Jan. 31, at the Lounsbury House is Bailey’s Backyard.
Proprietor Sal Bagliavio was at the very first Taste of Ridgefield in 2000. He was primary chef at Bailey’s Backyard from the day he opened the restaurant in October 1999 until February 2013 when he hired a new executive chef, Forrest Pasternack.
His initial focus was on casual, new American cuisine. For a long time he wanted to convert Bailey’s into a true farm-to-table restaurant saying: “In Forrest, I have found someone I can stand with and carry out my goal.”
Bagliavio says that Taste attendees’ pallets have changed over the years.
“They tend to be more adventurous now, willing to try new ingredients. We try to keep them engaged with our offerings.”
Bailey’s menus are based on local and seasonal ingredients. At Taste, they typically offer samples of items from their menu.
“It gives the guest a reason to visit, if they like it that is…”
Bagliavio won’t say what he is bringing this year, “you’ll have to come and find out.”
He says Taste is a great way to connect with past and future guests on a personal level, for a good cause. (all proceeds go to local charities).
“I can not believe it’s been 17 years.”
The sponsor of the Rotary event is Fairfield County Bank. There are two sessions: 12:30 to 2:30 and 4 to 6. Ticket cost at the door is $50 for adults, $ 25 under age 12 and no charge for toddlers. Reduced price tickets of $45 are available from any Rotarian, at Squash’s and Deborah Ann’s. Tickets are also available online, ridgefieldrotary.org
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