What is the best that Connecticut has to offer? Crab cakes and clam chowder, smoothies, apple pie, artisan bread and great wines are among the entrees at Best of Connecticut parties to benefit the March of Dimes at the Connecticut Convention Center.

What is the best that Connecticut has to offer? Crab cakes and clam chowder, smoothies, apple pie and great wines are among the entrees at Best of Connecticut parties to benefit the March of Dimes. The parties will take place from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. today at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford and on Oct. 6 at Clarke Kitchen Showroom in South Norwalk. Guests will sample foods and beverages from the honorees, including Alchemy Juice Bar Cafe and City Steam Brewery Cafe, both in Hartford; the Corner Pug and Edible Arrangements, both in West Hartford; Chabaso Bakery in New Haven; Chamard Vineyards in Clinton; and Lyman Orchards in Middlefield.