A Lively Mix of Food and Drink at the Popular Monger Mingle in Cos Cob

Greenwich Residents came out in masses on Thursday night to the foodie “hub” for tasty nibbles from the town’s finest food merchants. This was the second annual event as Fjord Fish Market, Fleishers Craft Butchery and Greenwich Cheese Company were ready with tastings of their finest offerings.

Enjoying New England Clam Chowder at Fjords. Credit: Karen Sheer

Enjoying New England Clam Chowder at Fjord Fish Market. Credit: Karen Sheer

The buzz was: “what are we serving for the holidays?” These shops certainly had the answers as beautifully decorated platters were a feast for the eyes – one could just imagine serving a curated cheese platter, a local broad-breast turkey with innovative side dishes, or miniature lobster rolls in the upcoming hectic months.

Manager Greg and butcher Matt entertain the crowds and display their skills. Credit: Karen Sheer

Fleishers Manager Greg Bartels and butcher, Matt entertain the crowds and display their skills. Credit: Karen Sheer

Sampling a beautiful array of cheeses from the Greenwich Cheese Company with accompaniments. Credit: karen Sheer

Sampling a beautiful array of cheeses from the Greenwich Cheese Company with accompaniments. Credit: Karen Sheer

Tasters wondered through the three shops, right next to each other, with glasses of beer and wine, and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere while the owners and staff chatted with customers, new and old. Wine was provided by Cos Cob Liquors.

Fjord's famous smoked marlin spread. Credit: Karen Sheer

Fjord’s famous smoked marlin spread. Credit: Karen Sheer

The ultimate chilled seafood platter from Fjord Fish Market. Credit: Karen Sheer

The ultimate chilled seafood platter from Fjord Fish Market. Credit: Karen Sheer

Poached Salmon in a Phyllo Cup with Dill Cream - yum! Credit: Karen Sheer

Poached Salmon in a Phyllo Cup with Dill Cream from Fjord. Credit: Karen Sheer

A platter of Mini Lobster Rolls (you can pick up one anytime at the shop) from Fjord. Credit: Karen Sheer

A platter of Mini Lobster Rolls at  Fjord. Credit: Karen Sheer

Fjord Fish Market is offering a multitude of premium, responsibly- sourced seafood platters for the holiday – and you can see and taste the quality. Choose from one of their tempting dips and spreads to get the party rolling, then indulge in a whole poached salmon with cucumbers scales, wild chilled seafood platter, mini lobster rolls or their new crab cake platter.

“Perfect for any holiday party, order 24 hours in advance and we’ll do all the work,” said marketing director, Andrea Mallozzi.

Fjord offers a comprehensive catering menu for the seafood lover. If you’re looking for a raw bar or sushi, there is something delicious to suit every palate.

Andrea Mallozzi, Fjord's energetic Marketing director. Credit: Karen Sheer

Andrea Mallozzi, Fjord’s energetic Marketing Director. Credit: Karen Sheer

Sophie Grant, director of Marketing at Fleishers with the butchers. Credit: Karen Sheer

Sophie Grant, Director of Marketing at Fleishers. Credit: Karen Sheer

Fleishers CEO Ryan Fibiger beside his rotisserie during the Monger Mingle. Credit: Karen Sheer

Fleishers CEO Ryan Fibiger beside his rotisserie during the Monger Mingle, Nov. 3, 2016. Credit: Karen Sheer

Enjoying a craft beer at Fleishers Craft Butchery. Credit: Karen Sheer

Sheena Vagliano pouring a craft beer at Fleishers Craft Butchery, Nov. 3, 2016. Credit: Karen Sheer

Serving Pork Porchetta (pork loin and belly just off the rotisserie) at Fleishers. Credit: Karen Sheer

Serving Pork Porchetta (pork loin and belly just off the rotisserie) at Fleishers. Credit: Karen Sheer

Chatting with Melissa (center) the Thanksgiving hotline specialist at Fleichers. Credit: Karen Sheer

Chatting with Melissa (center) the Thanksgiving hotline specialist at Fleishers. Credit: Karen Sheer

11-3-16-2016-monger-mingle-44

Smiling in between tastings at Fleishers. Credit: Karen Sheer

Donny Raus, owner of Raus Coffee served cold roman expresso with Kahlua at Fleishers. Credit: Karen Sheer

Donny Raus, owner of Raus Coffee served cold roman expresso with Kahlua at Fleishers. Credit: Karen Sheer

It’s evident at Fleishers Craft Butchery, they take meat very seriously. Pioneering craft butchery, they are updating old-world methods with modern-day ideals. The vibe in their shop was electric, butchers transformed large cuts of meats into portions while crowds curiously looked on. Working with family-owned farm partners, they bring the finest cuts of meats to you right here in Greenwich.

“Order your Thanksgiving Turkey, and choose from a Heritage Bird or Broad Breast variety,” said Sophie Grant, director of Marketing. “Melissa will take your calls, as she is the official Thanksgiving hotline specialist,” she added. As your turkey roasts, Fleishers will supply all your delicious side-dishes. They have an large array on their holiday menu to pick up and reheat.

Owners of Greenwich Cheese Company Chris Palumbo and Laura Downey. Credit: Karen Sheer

Owners of Greenwich Cheese Company Chris Palumbo and Laura Downey. Credit: Karen Sheer

The finest cheeses artfully displayed at the Greenwich Cheese Company. Credit: Karen Sheer

The finest cheeses artfully displayed at the Greenwich Cheese Company. Credit: Karen Sheer

11-3-16-2016-monger-mingle-12

Tasting cheese from the case. Credit: Karen Sheer

Slices and wheels of cheese at the Greenwich Cheese Company. Credit: Karen Sheer

Slices and wheels of cheese at the Greenwich Cheese Company. Credit: Karen Sheer

Samples of cheese were devoured at the Greenwich Cheese Company. Credit: Karen Sheer

Samples of cheese were devoured at the Greenwich Cheese Company. Credit: Karen Sheer

Samples were flowing at the Greenwich Cheese Company. Credit: Karen Sheer

Samples were flowing at the Greenwich Cheese Company. Credit: Karen Sheer

There are three sizes of cheese platters available at the Greenwich Cheese Company for the holiday season. Owners Chris Palumbo and Laura Downey craft each platter with an interesting assortment of the world’s finest cheeses (the shop boasts an assortment of nearly 80 cheeses.) “Let the cheesemongers choose what works best, no two patters are alike,” said Laura.

Laura is recently loving Alpine cheeses, especially Alpage Gruyere – a variety made over a fire in copper cauldrons as they traditionally did hundreds of years ago. Order your holiday platters by November 18.

The shop offers an amazing variety of accompaniments, from crackers to fruits & nuts. You might consider ordering a wooden cheese platter from them, or bring in your own for them to arrange – and they will have it ready for pick up.


Fleishers in located at 160 East Putnam Ave. Tel. (203) 900-1800.

Fjord Fish Market is located at 158 E Putnam Ave in Cos Cob. Tel. (203) 661-5006

Greenwich Cheese Co is located at 154 East Putnam Ave. Tel. (203) 340-9227

Cos Cob Liquors. is located at 130 East Putnam Ave. Tel. (203) 661-3353