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Life in the Kitchen with Carlos Stetzelberg - Rush Bowls


By Natalie K. Pollock

Staff Writer


In the former J. Foster’s ice cream building at 894 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Carlos Stetzelberg began making healthy fruit bowls and smoothies, as well as a Bow Wow bowl for dogs, when he opened in June of 2021. This location is the second one for Carlos and his wife Arzu, who run a successful business on Front Street in Hartford as well.

The all-natural ingredients, topped with granola, honey or other choices, appeals to customers seeking a healthy alternative for fast casual fare. But some of his earliest visitors were disappointed to find that the owners were not selling ice cream, a tradition in town for many years.

The new Rush Bowls was closed until the end of the pandemic, and the owners choose this location because it offered the ability to sit outside. They did not close their Hartford store because it was convenient for essential workers downtown. So many other food operations were closed at that time, and it became difficult to find healthier food options.

The Stetzelberg couple has lived in the Hartford area for 20 years and have two daughters ages 17 and 14. The family currently calls Farmington their home.

They came to the area so that Arzu could pursue a master’s degree in economics. During those years Carlos was employed in the insurance industry in asset management for non-American customers. His roots are in Spain and Germany.

There were always other things he wanted to do besides working in insurance. A scuba diving accident put him in a wheelchair for a month, and he used that time to plan his next steps.


Q. How did you come to the decision to open a Rush Bowls franchise?


A. I always had a passion to have my own operation, something for me. I then began learning about food intolerances and how devastating they can be. We had some family issues with that and learned how to avoid certain foods to decrease levels of inflammation. This concept helps to turn [that learning] into a reality. I also learned about teenage preferences from my daughters.


Q. How would you describe the cuisine of your business?


A. Our products are meals. In Simsbury people love the bowls and smoothies as a delicious summer treat, but they are also realizing that they fill you up like a meal, so they have been coming back for breakfast, lunch and dinner.


Q. As a franchisee, what did you gain from buying a franchise and what do you do on your own?


A. I learned that having a budget is important. But once I understood that, I could see that it could be easily converted to something that tastes great and is also nutritious. I source all of my own local ingredients and products. And the Rush Bowls owners are keen for our input. When I suggested a warmer product for the cold months made with steel-cut oats and almond milk, they let me offer it. It has chia seeds and flax seeds and is topped with fruit, nut butters and honey. It’s my recipe. If I have an idea, it needs to go through a process to show it fits the brand. I am very happy with Rush Bowls and see them as partners. I value what they add. And I look forward to expanding and adding maybe three or more stores.


Editor’s note: Rush Bowls was founded by former Wall Street executive Andrew Pudalov in Boulder, Colorado. Franchising since 2016, the company currently has 33 restaurants operating in 19 states.


Q. What is the most popular dish at Rush Bowls?


A. The Beach Bowl is the most popular. It’s acai with mango and banana. It is popular year-round. There is a misconception about acai. It is very bitter, so you have to eat it with something, not alone. A lot of [operators] do not disclose what they put in an acai bowl. Acai has a lot of potential to grow and become a staple in our diets. I want to help people to move toward healthier choices.



Q. What is your personal favorite at your business?


A. Green Rx. It’s a smoothie made with avocado, matcha, spinach, guava, and coconut milk, but it is possible to substitute ingredients [if you want to add more sweetness for example]. There are no secrets here. We blend everything in front of the customer.


Q. What is the one food preparation technique that everyone should know?


A. Blending versus juicing. In juicing you throw all the fiber away. If there is one thing we can do as a country to improve our health, it would be to add fiber. We do not reach recommended levels. So we should make sure to eat the whole fruit. You can concentrate some ingredients such as kale with juicing and that can be of interest. Juicing is especially good for fighting some kind of sickness.


Q. If you could take any celebrity chef out to dinner, who would it be and where would you take them?


A. Chef Jose Andres (Spanish-born founder of the nonprofit World Central Kitchen). I would like to ask him about food crises here at home in many school cafeterias: how to make healthy food more accessible and affordable for every neighborhood.

I donated 150 smoothies to nurses at Hartford Hospital and then we did fundraising, one-to-one, so we could give more. And for the Hispanic Council that is teaching 35 families healthy eating, I am giving a voucher when they finish their class related to what they have learned, for a whole family of five.

I would ask Jose Andres how to organize [mass feeding] and I would bring him here to ask him what we could do better.


Q. Do you have a favorite cookbook?


A. I like German baking cookbooks, like Cakes and Baking. I made a Black Forest Cake for my daughter’s birthday, gluten-free. My mom made amazing cakes. It’s all about the ingredients – pure butter, [the best] sugar, etc.


Q. What do you like to cook when having guests to your home?


A. I like making paella for guests. People have to be ready to eat when the dish is at its prime. In the U.S. people usually think the reverse. Paella is always good for a photo.


Rush Bowls is located at 894 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury. (860) 310-4983; rushbowls.com.






Valley Happenings

Hall High School’s 67th Pops 'n Jazz Extravaganza Returns to the Stage on March 21st

WEST HARTFORD, CT, February 20, 2025 – Come enjoy Hall High School's acclaimed jazz bands, singers, and dancers, as they shine in the 67th annual production of Pops 'n Jazz, a classic West Hartford institution. This year’s extravaganza gleams with a golden glow, reflecting on the past while looking toward the future. In a Sentimental Mood offers treasured melodies, shimmering brass, and sparkling polished jazz standards. Paying tribute to the golden age of jazz, the show celebrates its timeless charm through an unforgettable evening of music. This year’s show promises an unforgettable night filled with music that glows as brilliantly as ever. The performances begin on March 21, with additional evening shows on March 22, 27, 28, and 29. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. each night, and the curtain rises at 7:00 p.m. Pops 'n Jazz will also offer an abridged, family-friendly matinee on Sunday, March 23, at 1:00 p.m. This 50-minute performance will highlight select moments from the evening shows.

Tastes of the Valley

The Rotary of Avon-Canton hosts  Tastes of the Valley, a wine and food festival, on Saturday March 29  at the Farmington Gardens at 999 Farmington Avenue in Farmington. The main event starts at 6:30 p.m. with tickets costing $75 per person. Singer and DJ Michael Nigretti will headline the event for the second year. The number of food and wine/liquor vendors is growing and will likely exceed previous years. Sponsorships, starting at $500, are available with an early exclusive premier starting at 6 p.m. Sponsor registration and tickets can be purchased at: https://www.rotaryclubofavon-canton.org

 

Tunxis Ladies 9-Hole Golf League

FARMINGTON – The Tunxis Ladies 9-Hole Golf League is getting ready to start its 2025 season. The league plays 9 holes on Thursday mornings at Tunxis County Club in Farmington. The season starts in early May and runs until mid-October. For more information, visit https://www.tunxisgolf.com/ or the league’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/tunxisladies9holeleague. To join the group, contact Jaye O’Leary (860) 202-0957 jco13142@gmail.com or Laurie Sinder (860) 416-6633 or Lsinder@aol.com

 
Simsbury 250th Celebration Committee            seeks volunteer chair

SIMSBURY – The Simsbury 250th Celebration Committee is seeking a volunteer to chair Programs and Events, the most important subcommittee of its town-wide group formed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The 250th committee consists of representatives from various community groups.

     The chairperson of the Program and Events Subcommittee will work with this group and other communities, and they will coordinate with the America 250 | CT Commission, to develop a schedule of activities leading up to the closing event on July 4, 2026. Interested candidates should contact Tony Braz, president of the Simsbury Historical Society, via email at tbraz1960@gmail.com to discuss this volunteer opportunity in more detail.

 

Easy Care Roses at Home

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture by Marci Martin on “Easy Care Roses for the Home Garden” on Tuesday, March 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue.  The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members.  Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 
Sleep Tips with Dr. Wendy Hurwitz

SIMSBURY – Come learn about tips to improve sleep and restorative rest from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11 at Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. For more information or to register: call the library at: (860) 658-7663 or online at: https://simsbury.librarycalendar.com/event/sleep-w-wendy-hurwitz-48615

Georgia Hunter author event

SIMSBURY – The Friends of the Simsbury Public Library will host New York Times bestselling author Georgia Hunter on Wednesday, March 26 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Friends program room to discuss One Good Thing, her soon-to-be published historical novel which gives a fascinating glimpse into a piece of WWII history not many know about. Set in Mussolini’s, Italy the novel tells the story of two best friends who are Jewish, and the courageous journey one of them must take in order to save herself and her friend’s baby from the invading Nazis. A remarkable tale of friendship, motherhood, and survival, One Good Thing is a tender reminder that love for another person, even amidst darkness and uncertainty, can be reason to keep going.

Register by March 24 at simsburylibrary.info via the Event Calendar https://simsbury.librarycalendar.com/event/hold-fspl-author-53667. Call the library at (860) 658-7663 with questions.

 

Tunxis Senior Citizens Association

FARMINGTON – The Tunxis Senior Citizens Association is pleased to announce the first monthly meeting of 2025. It will be held on Monday, March 10, beginning at 1:30 p.m., with a short business meeting followed by a music program at 1:45pm and ending with refreshments. The entertainment will be Ashley Cruz. Her performances include a blend of Broadway, French, Spanish, Italian and a touch of Jazz in Cabaret style.

The club will also honor our Life Members and would like to thank the Farmington Community Chest for their many years of support. For more information, call 860-675-2490.

 

At the Farmington Libraries

FARMINGTON – The following programs are offered by The Farmington Libraries. Except where noted, programs take place at the Farmington Library, 6 Monteith Drive. Register for programs at www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

• New England UFOs. Wednesday, March 5 at 6 p.m. Join Ronny LeBlanc star of Expedition Bigfoot and Paranormal Caught on Camera at the for New England UFOs. Register to attend

• Learn to Play Lorcana. Thursday, March 6 at 6 p.m.  Register to let us know you’re attending.

• Pots With Pizzazz. March 10, 12:30 p.m.

Learn how to brighten shady spots of your garden with pops of color, create focal points for vistas and welcoming entries.

• Puppies and Pie Day. Thursday, March 13 at 5:30 p.m. Registration required.

• Maker Fair. Sunday, March 23 1– 4 p.m. No registration required.

 

Used book sale

AVON – A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

Ballet Hartford local events

FARMINGTON – Ballet Hartford invites audiences to experience a captivating Spring season, including the following shows at the Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington:

• Saturday, March 15, 2-3 p.m. Family Day. An interactive Sleeping Beauty ballet program for children ages 5-12 years with professional dancers. $15 per child; Accompanying adults are free.

• Sunday, March 30, 3 to 4 p.m. Behind the Ballet. A behind-the-scenes experience featuring the making of Mozart Sonata for Two Pianos.

Tickets: $30 Adult; $20 Student (with Valid ID); $20 Child 12+under. For tickets and more information on these and other shows, visit ballethartford.com.

 

Canton Health Fund Grants

CANTON – Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season on March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets, detailing qualifications, requirements, deadlines, etc. for grants and both scholarships, are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Word Art at Gallery on the Green

CANTON – Gallery on the Green presents “Word Art” plus Solo Shows by Renée and Patrick Hughes and Peggy Stosz Friday, March 21 through Saturday, April 19.

“Word Art” is a biennial Gallery tradition since 2003.  Writers and artists collaborate to explore the synergy between the visual and written arts.. On Saturday, March 22 there will be a reception with refreshments from 6-8pm. On Saturday, April 5 from 7 to 10 pm authors will read aloud their writing as viewers contemplate art that it reflected or inspired.

In the Upstairs Gallery are two shows. In “Artifact of Process” Renée and Patrick Hughes offer a duet of abstraction. The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; 860-693-4102

 
Community Fund Grants in Canton

HARTFORD/CANTON – Whether serving children or adults, athletes or artists, nature lovers or history buffs, nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for grants ranging from $250 to $10,000, seeking full funding for a need or partial funding. The Canton Community Fund will offer grants to Canton-based nonprofit groups or individuals who are working under the umbrella of an existing nonprofit as their fiscal agent. The application period will remain open until March 15, 2025 at 5 p.m. Grant awards will be announced in early June. To learn more, go to: www.hfpg.org/cantoncf. Email questions to CommunityFundCantonCT@gmail.com.

‘Bring Back the Pollinators’

AVON – The Garden Club of Avon is pleased to announce an engaging presentation by Lisa Newell, titled “Bring Back the Pollinators”, to be held on Monday, March 10 at the Church of St. Ann, Father Bennett Hall, located at 289 Arch Road. The day’s events will begin with the Member Meeting at 11:30 a.m., followed by a light lunch at noon, the presentation will start promptly at 1:00 PM. This event is open to all, and guests are welcome to attend. Reservations are required. The guest fee is $15, payable at the door by cash or check. To reserve your spot or for more information, contact Linda Mierzejewski at Lmierz@comcast.net.

 

Corned Beef Dinner

CANTON – North Canton Community Methodist Church, 3 Case St., North Canton,  will hold its annual St. Patrick’s Dinner March 14. The popular dinner, prepared by chef Ken Triou, will feature corned beef with mustard sauce, potatoes, cabbage and carrots, and homemade soda bread. Heavenly homemade desserts. Dinner cost is $17 for adults, $15 for seniors.

 
Bach Birthday Bash

AVON – Music at Greenwood will commence its 2025 concert season with an all-Bach program, in celebration of the great composer’s 340th birthday. Various instruments and ensembles, both traditional and unconventional, will play a selection of J.S. Bach’s music. Join us on Saturday, March 22, at 4 p.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 224 Lovely Street, Avon. Suggested donation: $10. A reception of cake and appetizers will follow the concert. For more information about upcoming events, visit us online at https://www.stmatthewavon.org/music-at-greenwood.

 

Farmington Library Book Donations

FARMINGTON – The Friends of the Farmington Libraries are in need of donations of gently used books to support an upcoming sale in June, as well as ongoing sales in the library’s Book Nook. Adult and children’s books, hardcover and paperback, fiction and non-fiction, in excellent condition are appreciated. Games, puzzles and unique vintage books that are clean and intact are also needed.  Donations can be brought to the circulation desk at the main Farmington Library at 6 Monteith Drive. Please note that the Friends cannot accept books or other items in poor condition. VHS tapes, encyclopedias, magazines, Reader’s Digest condensed books, travel guides, books on finance or health dated prior to 2019 also cannot be accepted.

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.  Tickets, are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Purchase in advance at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

Avon Free Public Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact  avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203. Registration required where noted.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

• Meditation for Stress Relief (Virtual Event). Thursday, March 6 at 7 p.m.

• History of Beauty & Cosmetics (Virtuak Event) Tuesday, March 11 at 2 p.m.

• Morning Book ClubWednesday, March 5 at 10:30 a.m. Friends and Strangers by J. Courtney Sullivan. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Landscapes for the Common Good: The Olmsted Heritage in Connecticut. Monday, March 17, 6:30 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/ct-architecture/

• Spring Into Health! March 27, 2 p.m. Registration required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/spring-health/

• Silent Book Club. Monday, March 31, 6 p.m. For adults, teens in Grades 11 and up. Registration  required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/silent-book-club/’

 
Artist demonstration, workshop

AVON – Avon Arts Association will host guest artist Diana Lyn Coté on Tuesday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Avon Town Hall, 60 Main St., Avon.  The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, March 22, 10-2 with set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers. For more info, www.AvonArts.org

 

Echoes of America

SIMSBURY – The Simsbury Community Band presents “Echoes of America” – a concert celebrating the rich musical legacy of American composers! Featuring Americana-inspired pieces including songs by John Williams and Alfred Reed, this performance will take you on a journey through the sounds that define our nation.

Join us March 30 at 3:00pm at the Covenant Presbyterian Church (124 Old Farms Rd) in Simsbury. Free admission!

 

Rotary scholarship

ROTARY DISTRICT 7890 (Northern CT and Western MA) is inviting applications from qualified candidates for a $30,000 scholarship to study at the master’s level outside USA in a Rotary country in one of Rotary’s Areas of Focus. Candidates must have permanent residency in one of the towns covered by the Rotary District 7890. Eligibility criteria and the Application are available at RotaryDistrict7890.Org under DUNN Endowed Scholarship. Deadline for application: May . Questions may be directed to heathergoetz@me.com or menon7890@gmail.com

 

Simsbury Lions Club seeks volunteers

SIMSBURY – The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better the town. If interested,  contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Avon Community Fund Issues Another Open Call for Grant Proposals

AVON –  The Avon Greater Together Community Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is pleased to announce its fourth open call for grant applications proposing projects to benefit the residents of Avon, with the overall goal to encourage broad and inclusive civic engagement. Each applying organization may only submit one proposal requesting a minimum of $1,000. Project applications will be accepted until Monday, March 17, 2025.

Any nonprofit registered as a 501(c)(3) organization that serves the residents of Avon is eligible to apply. Groups of town residents, that do not have 501c3 status, may prepare an application in partnership with a registered nonprofit that has agreed to serve as a fiscal agent for the proposed project. Nonprofits do not need to be based in Avon, however, must submit a proposal that benefits persons working or residing in Avon.

For more details and how to apply, visit: www.hfpg.org/avoncf. For questions, email the Avon Greater Together Community Fund Committee at avonac@hfpgcommunityfunds.org.

 
Miss Porter’s School Launches Daisy Days

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, families interested in learning more, signing up for an Information Session, or getting access to early bird registration for their campers can visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

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