THE BELLAGIO ART GALLERY IN LAS VEGAS COMES TO NEW ENGLAND

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Catherine M. Elliott
4 Brook Dr.
Simsbury, CT. 06070
Phone: (860) 651-8836

If you have a hunger for superb fine art and can't afford a Van Gogh, ''The Front Porch Cafe and Gallery'' will satiate your passion. Since this new restaurant has opened its doors in Oct. 2002, in Avon, CT. the owners, Catherine and Stephen Elliott are seeing their vision unfold. Like the collection at The Bellagio Hotel, the paintings here are true masterpieces. By combining the experience and talent of one experienced artist, and offering healthy delicious fare, one can see why this place has patrons trailing out the door. Everyone wants to see for themselves what all the buzz is about. They are in for a tasteful and visual feast.

The artist and part owner is Catherine M. Elliott who has loved to paint since she was about twelve. While growing up in the same town she now lives in Connecticut giving her a sense of grounding. She frequently travels throughout New England, reflecting her admiration of this part of country through her impressionistic oil paintings. Ms. Elliott's art works currently hang on walls from coast to coast, but now will have one permanent gathering place. The restaurant will feature a perpetually changing exhibit of new works fresh off the easel. Ms. Elliott has worked on projects with Meryl Streep, Senator Joseph Leibermen and Alice Waters and has published in Opulence Magazine, American Artist and Art World News, and as an instructor taught her color theory to thousands. ''Artist Catherine M. Elliott is one of the world's current leading practitioners of Contemporary Impressionism, a style that applies techniques of masters such as Claude Monet to the American landscape,'' says writer Allison Hersh of Opulence Magazine, Holiday Edition, 2001. The wonder of these works are in its fresh liberation on color and light. They seem to capture a moment in time and place invoking feelings of peace and tranquility, a natural mood lifter. Her believe is conceptualized in the simple principle that originality inspires and refreshes the eye. ''My paintings leave a lasting impression, they add ambiance and enlightenment to their surroundings, be it a business setting, hotel lobby or private home," says the artist.

Now for a critique of the food at The Front Porch: It is fast food, but its healthy and modern. If you don't have an hour or so for lunch like most, you will be quickly satisfied here. Stephen Elliott manages the cafe and an inspiring job he does. For a first visit, you'll need to take a moment to ponder the overhead menu. Deciding between the ''Humdinger Hot Panini'' or the "Tuscan Chicken Signature Sandwich" is a choice only you can make, but regulars have their tried and true favorites. This place has something for everyone, where vegan and meat lover can share a table. After placing your order at the counter you find a place to sit, either outside on the front porch with a beautiful view of Avon Mountain and the Heublein Tower, or inside where one can enjoy and gaze at the paintings. Your meal will be brought to you in about four minutes, give or take a two. The atmosphere is light and upbeat. While dining you might find your eye wandering to a painting you like best, then imagining it in your living room, in your barren office lobby or a special gift for your spouse. Next thing you know you're leaving with an original oil painting under your arm after a satisfying meal thinking now I know what all that buzz was about.

So if art is your thing, and you can't get to The Bellagio this gallery is a wise investment in enjoyment.
For an online gallery tour please visit:

WWW.CATHERINEMELLIOTT.COM
For a restaurant tour visit:
WWW.FRONTPORCHCAFE.COM
Located in Riverdale Farms
136 Simsbury Rd., Bldg. 11
Avon, CT. 06001
Phone: (860)651-8836