West Hartford Business Buzz: March 22, 2021 – We-Ha

A round-up of openings, closings, and other news about West Hartford businesses.

By Ronni Newton

Happy spring to all! I won’t deny that I like to rush into this season, but now it’s not just meteorological spring since astronomical spring began Saturday, March 20, at 5:37 a.m.

And, this weekend has actually felt like spring! Flowers are starting to bloom (thanks to my neighbors for allowing me to photograph their crocuses for the We-Ha.com Facebook page cover photo), I can see the bright green tufts starting to pop out of the grass, and most of our outdoor furniture is back out on the patio (thanks, Ted!).

I know it’s a myth that you can stand an egg on its end only on the vernal equinox – but it’s the day I always think about it, so when I was making breakfast Saturday morning I did it anyway!

I was a huge college basketball fan even before starting college, and March Madness is one of my favorite times of the year. After the cancellation last year due to COVID-19, I was so glad when the plans came together for the tournament to take place this year. Although, sadly, my Dukies didn’t make the tournament for the only time I can remember (I know they missed it in 1995 but my daughter was born in the middle of March that year and everything was such a blur), and the UConn men made a disappointingly quick exit, I’ll enjoy rooting for the UConn women and watching the rest of the tournament without any vested interest.

I did really enjoy interviewing University of Hartford basketball coach John Gallagher last week, and following the Hawks’ journey to The Big Dance. I look forward to We-Ha.com becoming a more integral part and supporter of the #Neighborhood when next year’s sure-to-be-successful season arrives.

On Friday evening, Ted Glanzer and I teamed up to report on a protest in West Hartford Center, a rally against racism and in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in the wake of a tragic shooting incident earlier in the week in Georgia. Like many other violent incidents that have taken place over the past year, the shooting served as a flashpoint that ignited frustrations which have been brewing for decades.

In my opinion it’s not enough just to say you personally are not a racist, to say that everyone is equal. That’s important of course, but it’s only part of the answer. In order to make progress, it’s so important to really strive to understand and become educated about what life is really like for those who are “different” in any way, to really comprehend what is at the root of why entire populations have been marginalized.

I am so impressed by the young people in our community in particular – those who participated in this rally, and in recent Black Lives Matter and other rallies in town. They are our future, and they seem to have an empathy I haven’t seen in past generations. They are really striving to understand, they want to be educated, and they give me hope.

On Saturday night, instead of our usual dinner out or takeout, Ted and I enjoyed the Noah Webster House’s Taste of Ireland event – a delicious eat-at-home dinner (there was a great program that went along with it) that included this Irish Stout Steak Pie, Irish Soda Bread, and much more.

Irish Stout Steak Pie. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Another reason we didn’t go out to eat on Saturday was because I had already had a dinner to highlight at one of our West Hartford restaurants earlier in the week. On Thursday night I had dinner with the team from Eat In Connecticut at Artisan at the Delamar Hotel. I had the scallops with parsnip risotto and carrots. It was so good, and I am still thinking about it! That dish, along with the rest of our meal, is pictured below.

Oysters on the half shell at Artisan. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Farmstead cheese board at Artisan. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Scallops with parsnip risotto and carrots from Artisan. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Prime Angus hangar steak from Artisan. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

We hope you’ve been following our Keeping it in the Community feature, which is a collaboration with the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce and the town’s Economic Development Department.

Read the most recent “Keeping it in the Community” that focuses on Fit University Star.

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Keeping it in the Community Tip: Local businesses are your source for home repair and home design

Spring has sprung! Now that the days are longer, the snow has melted, and temperatures are rising is there a home project you have been itching to do?

Our community full of businesses where you can find the right tools and materials for your DIY project. Whether it is for something inside or outside the home, you need only look in your own backyard – figuratively of course – for assistance. Items such as paint, wallpaper, flooring, and fixtures can be found in both specialty stores and some of our larger retailers. The same can be said for garden, masonry, or home exterior projects. Don’t forget the decorations! We have some the best places to view and purchase furniture and home décor in the state.

Do you have a more ambitious project in mind? No problem! West Harford is full a skilled professionals in home contracting, landscaping, interior design, and more.

By keeping your business local, you are not only improving your home, but also enhancing our community.

Larsen Ace Hardware is located at 982 Farmington Ave. in West Hartford Center. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Keeping it in the Community Spotlight: Larsen Ace Hardware

Right in the middle of West Hartford Center is Larsen Ace Hardware. A fixture on Farmington Avenue, the store formerly known as Pfau’s was purchased by the Larsen family – also owner of a Larsen Ace Hardware in on Route 44 in Canton – in 2015.

Since people have been home more over the past year, retailers that specialize in products for the home, as well as for outdoor living, have been doing a booming business. Last spring and summer there was an increased focus on gardening and grilling, and items for the patio were flying off the shelves until the first flakes flew.

Kathie Ledoux, manager of Larsen Ace Hardware in West Hartford Center, said the store has had continued success “fulfilling customer needs in a safe and contactless environment.”

Changes to their business model since COVID hit have led to offering online and phone ordering as well as providing – and encouraging – curbside pick-up and delivery.

“Offering helpful recommendations on products and services” is something else that sets Larsens apart, Ledoux said. When you’re interacting with them you’re dealing with someone who is local, not just a voice on the phone or an anonymous chat, and they take the time to really understand what your needs are. [My husband just bought an electric lawnmower from Larsen Ace Hardware, and they spent plenty of time determining exactly what his goals were before the purchase was finalized.]

For those who do shop in the store, Ledoux said all associates and customers are required to wear masks at all times. Surfaces are sanitized on a regular basis, and social distancing is required.

Larsen Ace Hardware is located at 982 Farmington Ave. (860-523-4201, website larsenacehardware.com).

Larsens offers much more than just hardware, and stocks products for lawn and garden, and extensive assortment of grills and tailgating items, paint, outdoor furnishings, and accessories. The photos below are a sampling of what they currently have on display.