‘Tour du Jour and More’

Monthly event features ethnic foods, cultural experiences

CROMWELL — When residents at Covenant Village of Cromwell sign up for the “Tour du Jour and More” lunch outings once a month, they have no idea what the day has in store.

That’s exactly how fellow resident Thomas Foran designed the adventures, according to a news release. He wanted a group of 12 residents to experience the many different ethnic foods in Hartford. So far, residents have tasted Peruvian, Polish, Thai, French, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese dishes.

“I thought it would be fun to have a secret location each month for a limited number of residents to go on an adventure,” Foran said. “Prior to going, I contact the restaurant and work with the chef in developing a menu with four or five entrees for all of us to choose from. I pass out the menus once everyone is onboard the Covenant Village bus and we’re on our way.”

On Aug. 30, the group dined at The Tavern at Keney Park in Windsor.

The secrecy of all of this has proven so popular among residents, there is a waiting list each month for those who want to go. In terms of where they go, Foran said it can be anything from a restaurant with white linens to a hole-in-the wall-type restaurant.

“What I’ve discovered by showcasing ethnic foods that our discussions have changed from perhaps the news of the day to more about the experience we’re all having,” he said in the release. “Many of these foods are new to some of the residents, so our discussion is the plating, the colors, tastes and spices being used.”

The “and More” part comes after lunch, with Foran leading the group on a cultural experience related to the ethnic meal that was just eaten. The group has been to art exhibits, toured the historic parts of a restaurant, had a discussion with the chef and visited an Asian supermarket.

Foran is no stranger to the Hartford food scene. He is well-followed on his blog, “Come Dine with Me,” where he regularly reviews area restaurants. From his experiences, he felt it was a perfect way to share with his fellow residents.

The Tour du Jour and More will continue through October.