By Lance Reynolds, Republican-American
NAUGATUCK — Allison Carasone and her parents, Christopher Carasone and Tricia Carlson, decided to take a ride around their Raynor Avenue neighborhood on March 28.
The ride lasted just a few minutes, but it’s one they won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
They rode on a peanut.
The Planters Nutmobile — a peanut-shaped truck — visited the family’s home to recognize Allison Carasone’s Food of CT, a blog spotlighting local restaurants. Carasone, a graduate of Holy Cross High School in Waterbury, launched Food of CT in July 2017.
“It was interesting,” Carasone said after riding on the Nutmobile. “We didn’t go too fast — saw a couple cars on the way and stuck our hand out and waved. Their jaws dropped to the floor, and I’m sure mine would be the same way if I saw it driving by. It was cool to be a part of that.”
The Nutmobile, one of just three nationwide, spent time in Connecticut in late March, mostly in the eastern part of the state. Brand ambassadors, or “Peanutters,” for Planters drive the Nutmobile to events focused on promoting local charities and healthy lifestyles across the country.
“We’re trying to just spread smiles and joy in the community. We’ve found that it’s so needed in (the COVID-19 pandemic.) That’s what we’re all about,” said Grace Noice, a Groton native who has been a “Peanutter” since last July.
Noice said she discovered Carasone’s Food of CT Instagram while researching social media influencers in the state that she felt could help spread the Nutmobile’s message of hope and joy.
“At first, I was like, ‘They’re going to come where?’ I still can’t believe it was here,” Carlson said of the Nutmobile. “This was the most exciting to happen here on Raynor Avenue in a long time.”
Carasone said a milkshake at the now defunct Cream and Sugar in Bethel inspired her to launch Food of CT on Instagram, which now has more than 11,600 followers. Her Facebook page has more than a 1,000 followers.
Carasone graduated from Fairfield University last spring and has continued her efforts of promoting local restaurants through the COVID-19 pandemic. Her go-to dining spots in Greater Waterbury are Jesse Camille’s and Tomo 68 in Naugatuck and Antonio’s in Beacon Falls, she said.
“I’m grateful for all of my followers who have supported me throughout my journey and that they’re still being supported during COVID,” Carasone said. “We all have got to work together to support local restaurants.”
