Creativity Connects Danbury
What fuels a vibrant, connected and creative community? What makes people feel good about living in Danbury?
When locals share the creativity that they uncover in the nooks and crannies of their community it brings about connectivity and makes us all feel good.
Believe it or not, you discover creativity every day as you walk, shop, work, and play in Danbury.
Creativity connects us.
Meet Scott DoVale, Director of Food and Beverage at Ethan Allen Hotel and 21 Lake Restaurant and Bar.
Tell us about an organization in your town that makes you feel good
Born and raised in Danbury, I grew up playing sports. The Danbury Athletic Youth Organization (DAYO) and the volunteers that ran it, were super influential on me. They spent their personal time guiding so many of us on matters much bigger than sports. Lessons I still use today.
Where do you go for inspiration and creativity?
Everywhere! As a foodie, I love to look back on my youth and create new versions of items I ate and drank as a kid. When we are creating dishes and cocktails at 21 Lake, it's not only about the ingredients (which are super important) but we want our food and beverage to tell a story. A story that hopefully people can relate to and have an emotional connection with.
I remember walking from Rogers Park Junior High School after school to JKs ordering a Texas Hot Wiener with everything on it, plus a cheese and fry basket. It was my favorite food and just made me feel comfortable. I still get that feeling when I go there today. So, when we create food at 21 Lake, that's our goal, to provide a food and beverage experience that takes you somewhere.
What do you love about your community?
The diversity! Since I was young, Danbury was always this melting pot of good people that, regardless of race or religion, would look out for one another. In a time where there is so much tension and hatred being spewed, having grown up with people of different races and religions, people who I not only went to school with but broke bread with, I have made lifelong friends. This gives me a different perspective on people, I’m not concerned with anything but their character.
I’m teaching this to my son now, and someday, he will pass this along to his son. Now that I'm back working in Danbury, when I have opportunities to share my experiences, I always let people know how lucky we are to experience the different cultures. This is typically something only bigger cities provide. All you need to do is walk down Main Street in Danbury to get some of the best Brazilian food you've ever had! And, then go to Pho Vietnam for some of the best Vietnamese food in the state. Danbury is a special place.
Creativity Connects Danbury made possible by LIFEWTR.
The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of HamletHub or LIFEWTR.