Food (and hopefully some sun, eventually) take center stage this summer weekend.
It begins Thursday when Food Network’s celebrity chef Robert Irvine shows off his best business side in Windsor at one of his ”Restaurant Impossible” makeovers.
The big reality show unveil at Windsor 75 is taped Thursday evening. It includes a restaurant full of fans lucky enough to nab a reservation for the big night that will feature the done-over restaurant’s new look, new menu and new attitude.
For those who are not familiar, Irvine’s show involves choosing a restaurant in need and with $10,000 and lot of staff and volunteers, does a makeover aimed at putting the place back on the right business track. No date yet on when the episode will air.
On Friday, Gifts of Love will hold its annual “Ready, Set, Cook” fundraiser featuring celebrity chefs who take mystery ingredients and do their best to turn them into contest-winning entrees.
Celebrity chefs include Matt Cormier from The Meat House in Avon, Michael Lee from Max’s Oyster Bar in West Hartford, Jordan Stein from the Pond House and Luis Vasquez from Cugino’s of Farmington.
The event will be held at the Community Farm of Simsbury.
Information: giftsoflovect.org
There will also be some good food and some really good jazz at the Goshen Fairgrounds beginning Friday as part of the annual Litchfield Jazz Festival. The event opens with a reception and gala on Friday night, followed by the first night of performances including headliner, two-time Tony winner Christine Ebersole. Tickets for the festival start at $30 .
Information: litchefieldjazzfest.com
On Saturday, it’s parade time in downtown Hartford beginning at 11 a.m. as the city celebrates West Indian Independence Day. Following the parade, head to Bushnell Park for live entertainment and West Indian food.
It’s summer so let’s extend the weekend out a bit. and for a good reason.
Remember the movie “Memphis Belle?” Well, that famed restored WWII B-17 “flying fortress” bomber will take to the skies over Hartford on Aug. 12.
The visit, sponsored by The Liberty Foundation as part of its 2013 “Salute to Veterans” tour, will be over Brainard Airport Monday but the public can get an up close and personal ground tour of the aircraft or take a flight on Aug. 17 and Aug. 18.
The public exhibit will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Memphis Belle’s historic last mission and its first visit to Hartford.
Information: libertyfoundation.org