So, here we are. July 2026. The humidity is thick enough to spread on a bagel, and everybody is asking me the same question: "Raven, where do we go?" Usually, when people ask me where to go, I tell them somewhere they can't print in a family-friendly news publication. But today, I’m feeling generous. Or maybe it’s just the Pinot talking.
Welcome to a very special, very "Random" edition of the column. I’ve been crisscrossing the 860 long enough to know where the bodies are buried, and more importantly, where the best lobster rolls and craft IPAs are hidden. I decided to sit down with... well, myself... to hammer out the definitive "Best of North Central CT" list.
Wait, you’re interviewing yourself now? Is this a mid-life crisis or just peak narcissism?
Look, when you’ve got a palate as refined as mine and a resume that spans more decades than a Rolling Stones tour, you don't need a guest. You just need a mirror and a clean glass.
Fair enough. Let’s get into it. Where are we starting the tour?
If you’re in Enfield and you aren't hitting up Backyard Bar & Grille, are you even living? It’s the quintessential local hangout. You want wings? They’ve got 'em. You want to hear some live music while you wonder if you should have ordered that second basket of fries? This is the place. It’s like the "Cheers" of North Central CT, but with better lighting and significantly fewer bar fights (usually).
Is that where you go when you want to disappear?
Exactly. It’s the kind of place where the burgers are big enough to require a permit, and the vibe is always 'Friday Night' even if it’s a Tuesday afternoon. Plus, if I’m feeling a bit more 'south of the border,' Acapulcos always delivers. Their margaritas have been known to solve world peace, or at least make you forget your property tax bill for an hour.
Speaking of drinks, I see you’ve brought the good stuff today.
Naturally. You can’t talk 'Best of' without a little liquid inspiration. This photo here is from the wine auction archives, classic Sip & Savor vibes. Whether it’s a high-end auction or just a Tuesday night at home, the wine has to be right. It’s the Raven’s Rule Number One.
When I want to feel a little more sophisticated, you know, put on a shirt with actual buttons, I head over to Somers. People sleep on Sabaidee Thai & Sushi, but they shouldn't. It’s a total gem. The sushi is as fresh as a New England morning, and the Thai heat will wake you up faster than a cold shower.
And for date night? I know you’ve got a reputation to uphold.
Stop it. But yes, if I’m looking to impress, it’s Tosca Restaurant in Suffield. It’s Italian-leaning, upscale-bistro-chic, and the cocktails are basically works of art. It’s the 'Crown Jewel' of the Suffield dining scene. If you can’t get a table there, Zanto is a rock-solid backup. Reliability is underrated in this business.
I’ve noticed you spend a lot of time in Stafford Springs lately. What’s the draw? Is it the art? The revitalization?
It’s the coffee, kid. Middle Ground Cafe. It’s more than just a caffeine station; it’s the heartbeat of downtown. You walk in there, and you feel like you’re part of a community. Plus, their sandwiches are legit. If I’m looking for something a bit more... adult... the Stafford Cidery is doing some incredible things. It’s got that gritty, cool, Main Street vibe that you just can't manufacture in a mall.
It sounds like you’re becoming a bit of a hipster in your old age.
I was 'Main Street' before it was cool. Don't forget, I’ve been doing this since before you were a twinkle in a TikTok algorithm's eye.
You can't talk about North Central CT without mentioning Ellington. It’s the land of farms, dairies, and some of the best comfort food in the state. Casey’s Café is the go-to. It’s the kind of place where they know your name, they know your order, and they probably know your grandmother’s maiden name too. It’s pure, unadulterated American comfort.
And the farm stands?
Oh, don't get me started. Between the Ellington and Suffield farm stands, we’re spoiled. There’s nothing like getting fresh corn or cider straight from the source. It reminds you that despite all the noise online, we live in a place that still knows how to grow things and build things.
So, is this the definitive list? No more entries?
Please. This is just the appetizer. The 'Best of' is always evolving. But if you’re looking for a starting point this summer, these are the spots that epitomize what makes North Central CT great. They aren't just businesses; they’re the people who make our community tick.
Spoken like a true publisher. Any last words?
Yeah. Drink the wine, eat the wings, and support your neighbors. And for the love of everything holy, if you see me at the bar, don't ask me about the news. I’m off the clock.
Practical Info for the Procrastinators:
Stay tuned for the next "Flight" where we might actually talk about something serious. But probably not.
( Gary Carra)
By Gary Carra
Welcome back to Random Raven.
This installment, the Raven catches up with true multi-media maven Adam Carolla, who has a recent star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame and a career that spans radio and television to pioneering podcasting, best-selling author, noted vintage race car collector and racer, documentary producer, and stand-up comedian. Not to mention his Mangria line of alcohol. With his Aug. 1 Mohegan Sun performance in the wings, Carolla chatted with the Raven about self-insulation, practical applications for #5 rebar and how a badly designed ketchup packet can ruin a perfectly good afternoon. Here's some of what went down...
RANDOM RAVEN: Great to talk to you. I'm a big fan. I think I'm probably part of your core demographic as a guy who watched Loveline on MTV as a teenager, then graduated right into The Man Show, who now listens to your podcast every day and all of your books in the car.
I was reflecting on all this in preparation for today and started wondering, how much of your career success do you attribute to your sheer drive and work ethic? It's not like you had the big national TV show or starred in the $500 million movie franchise. But you seem to have at least seven things going on when most can barely handle one, and you keep in the public eye, and generate revenue, with so many different projects.
ADAM CAROLLA: "Well, you know, I like to say that the more stuff you do, the easier doing more stuff gets. I get up every day like it's my first day in the business.
For much of my adult life, I worked in the blue-collar world. I know what real work is. I did it for a long time. So sitting in a green room waiting to go on a talk show or doing an hour of stand-up with a beer in my hand, this stuff isn't work to me.
But also, as one gets to a certain age, you start to look in the rearview and think about how nice it would be to have some of those things in your credits. Like a best-selling book. Then you think, well, if I'd like to see that, I better start making it happen."
RR: You certainly do. And between your podcasts, stand-up, books, and more, you have generated so much material. Which reminded me, years ago I tried to send you a photo of a newly designed ketchup packet I came across. You had a bit in one of your books that was like, "Who designed this and said, 'Perfect, we nailed it. Never change the design again.' You have to rip it open with your teeth, it goes all over the place..."
Then I thought, you know, someone could literally read an interview I did with, say, the bass player for the Spin Doctors in 1994, and I won't remember it all. Would Carolla even get the reference if I sent this?
AC: "The ketchup packet thing sounds about right. It's not that I can or can't remember all of these rants. But I know I never change my opinion, and this definitely tracks. I was re-bothered just listening to it.
What has really become weaponized since then is soy sauce. This should never be served in packets. You know those small bottles they put hot sauce in? They should make a law that that's the only way to distribute small amounts of soy sauce.
Ketchup is viscous, too, whereas soy sauce is a straight liquid guaranteed to stain anything it touches. It's like opening a little sack of squid ink."
RR: Interesting you mentioned that you never change your opinions. Because you really don't. Nor do you apologize. You are very opinionated, and you, rightly so, in my opinion, believe everyone is entitled to a point of view. And you always seem able to support your opinions with pragmatic reasoning.
But it seems like in the last several years, many others have been cancelled for saying less offensive things. As evidenced by the recent Roast of Kevin Hart on Netflix, it now appears almost anything goes in terms of topics. But somehow, through these proverbial choppy seas of comedy, the S.S. Carolla seems to keep chugging right through, unscathed?
AC: "Well, I don't know about that. I have detractors. But I have also kind of insulated myself because I own my businesses. What are they going to do, get me fired from my own podcast? But, you know, if I wanted to get a gig like hosting a game show or something, I'd definitely be more vulnerable to that kind of stuff."
RR: True, never thought of it that way. But even though it felt like you were "untouchable" from others, I also feel like you are your own harshest critic at times. Particularly in your books, you, or at least perhaps the early ones, sort of downplay your intelligence in terms of reading abilities, education, not really caring about school. And I'm thinking, this is a guy who, on a dime, talks about the difference between karma and Schadenfreude and references pangolins?
AC: "When I say I didn't have much formal education; I'm just being accurate. And I am not a strong reader or fast typer. But I have been educating myself as an adult because I realized if I am going to be on talk radio and do stand-up, verbiage and word selection are important. I also like to observe, study the origins of things and how they work, and stay on top of current news while also boning up on history. It amazes me, actually that many young comedians have no interest in history or anything that occurred before their time, for that matter.
But more than that, I'm inquisitive. Just five minutes before this call I was walked to a rare construction site in the Palisades. I find the jefe and say, 'Whatchya doin' here?'
Then they recognize I know the language, and they're happy to tell me the process they have to follow to do whatever they are doing, code and such. By the way, even though I said jefe, I don't mean Spanish when I say 'language.' I mean I know what things like caissons and #5 rebar are."
RR: Thanks for clarifying. You've made it this far. Would hate to see you get cancelled now.
AC: (Laughs).
RR: And an even bigger thanks for the California segue. Seems that between the Palisades, Gavin Newsom, Spencer Pratt, homelessness, taxes, the Golden State is mentioned in the national news more than the Strait of Hormuz. And you're a lifelong Angeleno who worked construction there, built (and gone through the permitting process for) several businesses. I mean, really, you practically have a doctorate in L.A. But whenever a media outlet comes to you for a comment, it's always through the lens of, like, "Here's funnyman Adam Carolla's take." Which is true, but they'd also be hard-pressed to get a more educated, credible take than you, too.
AC: "Yeah, I lived it, seen it, known it, did construction all around Hollywood. Seen it from all sides, and been boots on the ground. But for me, when I reference California on stage, my goal is just to make whatever absurdity I am talking about as funny as possible. When I'm on the podcast, I try to not only bring what I think is important news to the fore, I do work in a little humor, and I also try and do it in layman's terms. I want everyone to be able to understand it...find metaphors and common examples of it."
RR: So I know that you started your career on L.A.'s influential KROQ-FM and were the West Coast successor to Howard Stern in terms of terrestrial radio. So with the prior question, I was wondering if, like Stern, who has abandoned some of his shock-jock schtick for lengthy, thoughtful celebrity interviews, you ever considered shifting into more of a reporter/journalist proper with respect to your California credentials. You both covered that and opened a new question. The mission to unearth the news you feel folks need to know and deliver it in plain language everyone can understand, with a twist of humor, sounds very Rush Limbaugh-esque. Were you a Dittohead?
AC: "I was aware of Rush, he was certainly in the zeitgeist. But back then the media sort of cast him as an extreme conservative, right-wing fanatic. Since then I have caught on to the grift that mainstream media paints anyone who does not agree with them as some sort of zealot. So I would have given him a listen, but he's gone, and no, I did not listen to him then."
RR: Zeitgeist and zealot. Two more great words I should have used in the earlier question. But alas, time for my parting shot. For decades, you have railed against the L.A. traffic, airport, crime, taxes...in one book you said something like, "And the only place you can't find graffiti are the potholes."
So now that your children are grown, any plans to follow the suit of so many celebs who relocate from California?
AC: "I'm planning my escape. I have a few places in mind, but right now, Nevada is looking like the front-runner."
Tickets for Adam's Mohegan Sun show in the intimate Cabaret Theatre can be found at Mohegan Sun.
Fly Back into the Raven's Nest: VIEW ARCHIVES
Publisher, editor, and North Central’s resident scene stalwart, Gary Carra has a resume that reads like a rock ’n’ roll diary. With decades spent navigating the pulse of the local community, Gary brings a unique blend of journalistic grit and genuine passion to every story he tells. Whether he’s interviewing rock legends, reviewing high-end wines in Manhattan, or championing the latest small business in East Windsor, his voice is unmistakable—witty, informed, and deeply connected to the people and places that make this region special.
Publisher, editor, and North Central’s resident scene stalwart, Gary Carra has a resume that reads like a rock ’n’ roll diary. With decades spent navigating the pulse of the local community, Gary brings a unique blend of journalistic grit and genuine passion to every story he tells. Whether he’s interviewing rock legends, reviewing high-end wines in Manhattan, or championing the latest small business in East Windsor, his voice is unmistakable—witty, informed, and deeply connected to the people and places that make this region special.
Publisher, editor, and North Central’s resident scene stalwart, Gary Carra has a resume that reads like a rock ’n’ roll diary. With decades spent navigating the pulse of the local community, Gary brings a unique blend of journalistic grit and genuine passion to every story he tells. Whether he’s interviewing rock legends, reviewing high-end wines in Manhattan, or championing the latest small business in East Windsor, his voice is unmistakable—witty, informed, and deeply connected to the people and places that make this region special.
Publisher, editor, and North Central’s resident scene stalwart, Gary Carra has a resume that reads like a rock ’n’ roll diary. With decades spent navigating the pulse of the local community, Gary brings a unique blend of journalistic grit and genuine passion to every story he tells. Whether he’s interviewing rock legends, reviewing high-end wines in Manhattan, or championing the latest small business in East Windsor, his voice is unmistakable—witty, informed, and deeply connected to the people and places that make this region special.
Publisher, editor, and North Central’s resident scene stalwart, Gary Carra has a resume that reads like a rock ’n’ roll diary. With decades spent navigating the pulse of the local community, Gary brings a unique blend of journalistic grit and genuine passion to every story he tells. Whether he’s interviewing rock legends, reviewing high-end wines in Manhattan, or championing the latest small business in East Windsor, his voice is unmistakable—witty, informed, and deeply connected to the people and places that make this region special.
Publisher, editor, and North Central’s resident scene stalwart, Gary Carra has a resume that reads like a rock ’n’ roll diary. With decades spent navigating the pulse of the local community, Gary brings a unique blend of journalistic grit and genuine passion to every story he tells. Whether he’s interviewing rock legends, reviewing high-end wines in Manhattan, or championing the latest small business in East Windsor, his voice is unmistakable—witty, informed, and deeply connected to the people and places that make this region special.
JULY 4, 2026
Random Raven Archives
Publisher, editor, and North Central’s resident scene stalwart, Gary Carra has a resume that reads like a rock ’n’ roll diary. With decades spent navigating the pulse of the local community, Gary brings a unique blend of journalistic grit and genuine passion to every story he tells. Whether he’s interviewing rock legends, reviewing high-end wines in Manhattan, or championing the latest small business in East Windsor, his voice is unmistakable—witty, informed, and deeply connected to the people and places that make this region special.
Publisher, editor, and North Central’s resident scene stalwart, Gary Carra has a resume that reads like a rock ’n’ roll diary. With decades spent navigating the pulse of the local community, Gary brings a unique blend of journalistic grit and genuine passion to every story he tells. Whether he’s interviewing rock legends, reviewing high-end wines in Manhattan, or championing the latest small business in East Windsor, his voice is unmistakable—witty, informed, and deeply connected to the people and places that make this region special.
