The Roost Festival
Over the last few days, I’ve had the opportunity to experience Fall in New England. I started out boating for oysters and ended up attending a festival where I took in the cool air while I watched The Gentlemen Smoker cook steak and clams over an open fire. All while getting to meet some of New England’s finest chefs.
This was a love letter to the Fall, my most favorite season, and I can’t think of a better way to show that love than a food festival that includes all the best parts. The event absolutely packed out the Stone Acres Farm in Stonington, Connecticut, a venue that includes a quaint 18th-century house where the VIPs went to have a few drinks and “meat” the chefs and sommeliers of the evening.
Brad Leone, Rasheed Philips, Chrissy Tracey, and Jeremy Charles were some of the big names headlining the event. The chef’s tent also included sommeliers Andre Mack and Elias Cairo. Under the tent, patrons were treated to some of New England’s freshest food. Locally sourced oysters, clams and fish were all on the menu as well as handmade pizzas courtesy of Chef Luis Perez using a row of Gozney Dome cookers. Throw in some Maison Noir wine from Andre, a delicious charcuterie board from Elias, and butternut squash with apple fritters from Chrissy, and there is a little something for everyone.
And never one to let a good opportunity to play with fire go to waste, Rasheed Phillips (aka The Gentleman Smoker), rolled smoke on the Fire Beast, serving the massive line of patrons a bite of jerked clams and New York strip.
Let’s give ‘em a show, yeah?
“Let’s give ‘em a show, yeah?”, he asked while I filmed the process. While it took him an early start and a few hours to get the grilling area heated up, the crowd that gathered to watch the show suggests it was well worth the wait.
Chef Rasheed Philips wow’ing the crowd on the Stone Acres Farm Fire Beast.
As the food began to run out, festival-goers made their way to the stage area to rock out with the spectacular TALK and his spectacular band. They serenaded the crowd into the night before making their way to the house where he served drinks at the bar.
The VIP event resembled something close to a house party as the VIPs and chefs gathered in the individual rooms of the house. Be it by the fire overlooked by an 18th-century portrait I’m sure wasn’t haunted, in the backyard, where Luis and Gozney were slinging pizzas, or in the sunroom where each chef took turns serving drinks, it was a party, to say the least.
The night ended with New England’s own Brad Leone chatting up people from the crowd, checking in on some who had a few too many, and being a generous host. His New England charm was on full display making it easy to see why the Bon Appétit star is such a draw.
It’s easy to see why A love letter to Fall was the theme chosen for The Roost Festival. This event bought together so many of the things I love about Fall. Whether it be cool weather, warm bonfires, tasty bites, amazing drinks, or lovely people singing the night away, Fall is truly a language of love.
Thank you to the Roost for putting on such a great event. Can’t wait until the next one.
