🍷 Wine Awards, Ramen, & New CT Laws

Happy Tuesday, Connecticut crew! 👋 Hope your week is off to a smooth start. We’ve got the scoop on some of the most talked-about things happening around the state—from award-winning wine lists to important new laws taking effect TODAY. Here’s what’s inside today’s newsletter:

🍷 More than 30 CT restaurants named to Wine Spectator’s 2025 list
🏛️ Major laws going into effect across Connecticut today
📆 Events, experiences, and local happenings to keep on your radar
📗 This Month in CT History: A New Era for State Prisons
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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🍷 WINE, DINE & SHINE: 32 CT RESTAURANTS EARN WINE SPECTATOR HONORS

These spots are making headlines—and wine lists—across the state.

Wine Spectator just dropped its 2025 list of the “Best Restaurants for Wine,” and Connecticut showed up in style with 32 venues making the cut. From New Haven to Westport, these award-winning restaurants were recognized for their expertly curated wine programs and serious dedication to vino.

The honors fall under three tiers, and a select few CT spots landed the coveted Best of Award of Excellence, putting them on the radar of wine lovers nationwide. As editor Marvin R. Shanken put it, “A wine list is a restaurant’s identity in print”—and clearly, Connecticut’s got some personality.

🥂 Cheers to these local gems.

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🍜 IRON CHEF MORIMOTO BRINGS FLAVOR & FANFARE TO FOXWOODS

Sumo wrestlers, sake barrels, and next-level ramen mark the grand opening of Momosan Foxwoods.

The culinary world met casino buzz at Foxwoods last week as Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto officially opened the doors to Momosan, his newest restaurant concept serving up casual ramen, sushi, and izakaya fare. The grand opening was anything but subtle—complete with sumo wrestlers, taiko drummers, and a sake barrel-breaking ceremony that drew hundreds of curious guests to the Great Cedar Concourse.

Momosan marks Morimoto’s seventh location and first within a casino in the Northeast. The vibe? Manga murals, open kitchens, and a vibrant menu packed with porky tonkotsu ramen, spicy tan-tan bowls, sticky ribs, duck tacos, and a standout sushi selection (his most expansive yet). Oh—and yes, cocktails are on deck too, featuring Japanese whiskeys and premium sake.

“This is more than just a business—it’s an experience,” said Morimoto, who was literally carried onstage by a sumo wrestler at the event. Foxwoods leadership called the new eatery a game-changer for their dining lineup, noting it fills a major gap in offerings with quality that’s anything but casual.

🎴 Whether you're team ramen, sushi, or just here for the Iron Chef nostalgia, this spot is already generating buzz.

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🏛️ NEW LAWS, BIG IMPACT: WHAT’S CHANGING IN CONNECTICUT ON JULY 1

From child care to climate action, here’s what you need to know.

A wave of new Connecticut laws is set to take effect starting July 1, touching nearly every aspect of life in the state. Expect major changes in areas like early childhood education, public health, reproductive rights, and election security. Among the highlights: $60 million in special ed funding, new mandates for hospitals, and camera requirements at ballot drop boxes.

Also rolling out are investments in climate resilience and electric vehicle infrastructure, along with a law aimed at protecting access to e-books for public libraries—pending adoption by other states.

It’s a big shift with long-term ripple effects.

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TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

• Summer Glow Makes You Feel Fine (Mystic) - Experience nighttime aerial challenges and music while glowing in the park.

• Yoga on the Terrace (Waterbury) - A morning yoga session open to all levels on the rooftop terrace.

• Wee Faerie Camp 2025: Session #3 (Old Lyme) - A mini-camp for little faerie lovers, including crafts and activities.

• Storytime Tuesdays (East Haven) - Magical storytelling sessions with a trolley ride for little adventurers.

• Art in Context | “Motherland”: Tracey Emin and Margate (New Haven) - An insightful talk exploring Tracey Emin's connection to her hometown.

• Sensory Friendly Tuesday Afternoons (East Haven) - A peaceful trolley ride experience for families with sensory sensitivities.

• Get A Clue! with Sea Tea Improv (Hartford) - A writing workshop to enhance your skills through in-class exercises.

• Bluegrass Jam at the Museum (East Haven) - Join in for a night of bluegrass music at the Shore Line Trolley Museum.

• Los Lonely Boys (Ridgefield) - The acclaimed Texican rock trio returns with their captivating sound.

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HAVE YOU BEEN HERE YET?

WANT TO CATCH SOME LIVE MUSIC THIS WEEK?👇

There’s no shortage of live music happening all around the state. Check out the upcoming show calendar below:

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

The Birth of Connecticut’s Department of Corrections

In July 1968, Connecticut redefined how it managed incarceration by officially creating the State Department of Corrections. This landmark move brought all of the state’s prisons under one centralized system — a major shift from the previous structure, where each facility operated independently with its own staff and rules.

The change was driven by more than just cost-saving goals. A decade of rising unrest, including a massive riot in 1960 involving 400 inmates at Wethersfield State Prison, exposed the weaknesses of a fragmented system. Lawmakers realized that a unified agency could better respond to emergencies and implement consistent standards for security, rehabilitation, and inmate care.

The newly formed department also marked a shift in philosophy — focusing not just on punishment, but on education, substance abuse treatment, and preparing prisoners for reintegration into society. Connecticut’s bold move made it the first state in the U.S. to place every aspect of its prison system — from intake to parole — under one umbrella.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

📍 State Rep’s Son Charged in Missing Teen Case
The son of Connecticut Rep. Chris Aniskovich was arrested in connection with a missing 15-year-old girl. Christopher Aniskovich faces charges including custodial interference and interfering with an officer.

🚓 Fallen Hero Fund Now Covers All First Responders
A new law expands Connecticut’s Fallen Officer Fund to include firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders. Families of those lost in the line of duty will now receive financial assistance and extended health coverage.

🎓 CT Colleges Getting More Competitive
Acceptance rates are dropping at many of Connecticut’s top universities. New data shows schools like Wesleyan, Yale, and Fairfield University are becoming harder to get into than ever before.

❄️ First Snow Could Hit CT in October
According to the Farmers' Almanac, early snow might arrive in higher parts of the state by mid-to-late October. Expect a chilly, stormy fall with a mix of sunny days, wet holidays, and "flirty flurries."

🏈 Connecticut Ambush Headed to the Championship
The state’s only women’s tackle football team just won their semifinal game 7-6. The Ambush is now Virginia-bound for the conference championship—one step closer to the national title game in Ohio!

Thanks!

Thanks for checking out today’s newsletter — we’re glad you’re here! 💌 If you enjoyed it, forward it to a friend or two and help us spread the good vibes across Connecticut.

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