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2024 Directory: Meet the Women of Connecticut's Culinary Industry

CTbites Team March 09, 2024

In honor of Women’s History Month and in conjunction with our “It’s A Woman’s World” column, we present to you, a Directory highlighting the many talented women in CT’s culinary industry. This Directory for CT’s Chefs, Female Owned Businesses, Restaurants, Products, Farmers, PR Agencies & Instagrammers + is a work in progress. We will continually update the directory, and we hope you will contact us if you are a female in the culinary industry who would like to be included.

How often do you stop to think or inquire about *who* owns the restaurant you frequent, or who invented a product you love or who grew the food on your own table? It’s time to take a closer look, especially when, as you can see from this fabulously inspiring and lengthy list, woman are doing amazing things in Connecticut. We are inventing, writing, catering, managing, brainstorming, reviewing…and this is all just within the food industry in this state. We are getting it done, done well, and done in our own creative and vibrant way. New paths are being discovered, new ideas are being birthed. Inquire. Look. Support. Encourage. There’s no limit to what is coming next.

RESTAURANTS

Allium Eatery-Michelle Greenfield (Westport) www.instagram.com/alliumeatery

Market, rotisserie & buvette with French influenced menu using beautiful locally sourced ingredients.

Arugula Bistro-Christiane Gehami (West Hartford) www.arugula-bistro.com

Intimate, contemporary setting for innovative twists on classic Mediterranean cooking.

Bin 100 -Elena Fusco (Milford) www.bin100.com

Fine Italian dining on the heart of Mlford.

Bin 228 - Alicia Roncari (Glastonbury) www.thebin228.com

Wine bar & Gastropub

Blue Plate Kitchen & The Main Course -Carlina Fontaine www.blueplatekitchen.com

Diner serving modern comfort food + catering. Biscuits and gravy are a standout here.

Barcelona Wine Bar-(Norwalk, West Hartford, Fairfield, New Haven) www.barcelonawinebar.com

Mediterranean and Spanish tapas

Gretchen Thomas/VP of Creative

Emily Nevin-Giannini/Beverage Director

Farah Masani/Director of Purchasing

Birdie Lounge -Jamie Ward (West Hartford) www.birdiebarnpt.com

Upscale cuisine in the heart of West Hartford

Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant and Bookstore-Selma Miriam and Noel Furie (Bridgeport) www.bloodroot.com

Ethnic vegan and vegetarian

Breakwater -Mari Kodam (Stonington) breakwaterstonington.com

Waterfront restaurant on the CT shoreline featuring seafood & more, specialty cocktails, stunning sunsets & views of Stonington

Caffe Bon - Maria Pietrobon (Stamford) caffebon.com

Retail coffee shop spot, mobile coffee bar & cooking classes

Capers Too Eatery-Debora Dividino (Danbury) www.caperstoo.com

Deli serving breakfast and lunch with beautiful seasonal ingredients.

Captain Daniel Packer Inn -Ally Nasin (Mystic) www.danielpacker.com

Landmark historic Inn & Pub featuring American fare

Catch A Healthy Habit - Lisa Storch (Fairfield)

Raw Vegan Cafe in the heart of downtown Fairfield

Cuckoo’s Nest - Heather Emanuelson (Old Saybrook) www.cuckoosnest.biz

Mexican restaurant with some fun takes on Mexican cuisine

Claire’s Corner Copia-Claire Criscuolo (New Haven) www.clairescornercopia.com

Vegetarian, organic, vegan-gluten free

Coracora - Macarena Ludena (West Hartford) www.coracoraeats.com

Authentic Peruvian Cuisine, nominated for James Beard Awards.

Conspiracy- Jennifer Sabo (Middletown) www.conspiracyct.com

Craft cocktail bar with a curated bar menu focusing on pre-prohibition classics.

The Cooking Company- Sue Bauer (Hadaam, Killingworth and Middletown) www.thecookingco.com/

Popular spots for to-go lunches, dinners, desserts and catering. The Cooking Company has been recognized and awarded as one of the best take-out food markets along the shoreline.

Crust Issues - Morgan Machette Nealon (Norwalk) instagram.com/crustissues203

Creative pan pizzas, chicken cutlets + in comfortable fun setting

Daily Fare - Robin Grubard (Bethel) www.dailyfare.net

Bakery & cafe featuring pasties, treats and a pop-up culinary “academy”

D’Eliana Public Market & Deli Lauren Miklos (East Hampton) delianact.com

True Italian food made from scratch-sandwiches sliced to order, soups, antipasto from Italian family recipes passed down for generations.

Esca - Marisa and Elisa Bramato (Middletown) www.escact.com/

Traditional Italian cuisine and contemporary fine dining.

El Charitto - Alexandra Terron (Stamford)

Real deal delicious Mexican cuisine in a casual atmosphere.

El Santo - Xiomara Zamudio instagram.com/elsantoct

Mexican culture inspires their atmosphere & menu, where they pay homage to Xiomara’s hometown.

Flander Fish Market & Restaurant- Liv Formica (East Lyme) flandersfish.com

The go-to fish market, seafood restaurant, beach shack

Fresca Tequila Bar & Grill - Jennifer Marozzi (Colchester) frescabarandgrill.com

Mexican fusion restaurant with over 10 varieties of street tacos, big burritos, fajitas & quesadillas

FRIDA - Sandy Sanchez (West Hartford) www.fridarestaurantwh.com

Mexican spot inspired by the renowned gastronomy of Mexico City + Vegetarian options

Fair Haven Oyster Co - Emily Mingrone (New Haven) www.instagram.com/fairhavenoysterco

Oyster bar and seafood forward waterfront dining featuring locally sourced ingredients.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar - Liz Kiyak (Multiple locations) www.flemingssteakhouse.com

American steakhouse

Flour Girl Bakery & Cafe -Michelle Nicholson (Hebron) www.theflourgirlct.com

Some of the best bread and cinnamon rolls in CT, alongside a beautiful cafe, and community center in Hebron.

Fork & Fire -Allison Bogati (Farmington) www.forkandfire.net

American menu with a committment to uniting fresh, locally grown ingredients

Ginger’s Seoul-June Seo (Stamford) www.gingersseoul.com

Traditional and beautiful Korean fare, combined with Korean pizza and modern takes on the cuisine.

Grano Arso -Lani Gargano (Chester) www.granoct.com

Italian restaurant drawing inspiration from the changing seasons and local produce

Good News Restaurant & Bar-Carole Peck (Woodbury) www.goodnewsrestaurantandbar.com

Good News & Carole are CT icons. Carole has created a beautiful menu with the finest, locally grown, and produced ingredients presented in an innovative style. She is also a cookbook author and leads bi-annual culinary tours in France.

Grassroots Ice Cream- Eliza Florian (Granby) www.grassrootsicecream.com

Quaint ice cream shop featuring a changing lineup of inventive flavors such as jasmine & tiramisu

Good News Restaurant and Bar-Carole Peck (Woodbury) www.goodnewsrestaurantandbar.com

Farm-to table-dining featuring New American cuisine

The Granola Bar-Julie Mountain and Dana Noorily (multiple locations) www.thegranolabarct.com

A “modern diner” with fast, healthier food

Greiser’s Coffee and Market-Adrienne Burke (Easton) www.greisers.com

Coffee, foods, and local goods

Gruel Britannia - Chef Karen Hubrich (Fairfield) www.gruelbritannia.com

British inspired cuisine

Heirloom Market at Comstock Ferre - Julia Koulouris (Wethersfield) www.heirloommkt.com

A Natural foods grocery store and café will take the “farm to table” concept a step further and deeper into “seed to plate.”

Heirloom Food Co - Wendy Garosshen (Danielson) www.eatheirloomfood.com

100% Organic, locally sourced, (with many Gluten-free options).

Hopknot-Jennifer Sabo (Portland) www.thehopknot.com

CT’s ﬁrst premier craft beer and gourmet pretzel bar. Featuring a variety of craft cocktails, board games, and pretzel sandwiches. a great selection of tap beers and 16oz cans, always craft!

Hops 44-Nancy McKenney (Storrs) www.hops44.com

Locally sourced pub style menu with craft beer & cocktails.

Judy’s Bar & Grill / Tabouli Grill - Judy Roll (Stamford) www.judysbarandkitchen.com www.tabouligrill.com

Judy’s features all the hits in the area of BBQ and comfort food. Tabouli Grill has a full Mediterranean menu with a healthy spin.

La Marea -Juliana Pisanzio (Old Saybrook) www.lamareact.com/restaurant

Authentic Italian including Wood Fired Neapolitan Style Pizzas

La Zingara -Lisa Tassone (Bethel) www.lazingara.com

Beautiful Italian fare alongside sister restaurant, Vesta with a rooftop kitchen

Layla’s Falafel-Layla Sakini (Fairfield, Stamford) www.laylasfalafel.com

Layla and her family have been bringing authentic Middle Eastern flavors to Fairfield County since 2000-Voted best Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Restaurant in Fairfield County.

Lisa’s Crown and Hammer-Lisa Maurer (Collinsville) www.crownandhammer.com

Restaurant and Pub located in the old Collinsville train depot

Likkle Patty Shop-Chantal Amazing Ackee (Windsor) www.likklepattyshop.com

Plant-based Caribbean grab and go counter serving up the same delicious patties & coco bread supporters of Amazing Ackee have come to know and love

Little Goose - Karen Conroy (Fairfield) www.littlegoosect.com

Gastro-pub serving American fare and comfort food classics with cozy neighborhood feel

L’Orcio- Alison DiRenzi (New Haven) www.lorcio.com

Upscale Italian featuring seasonal ingredients

Mil Sabores -Yohana Mondragon (Bridgeport) www.instagram.com/milsaboresct

Mexican and Venezuelan street food and more.

Millwright’s-Chef Ashley Flagg (Simsbury)

Exec Chef Ashley Flagg is at the helm of Tyler Anderson’s kitchen at this landmark contemporary American dining spot, cooking some seriously excellent eats.

Molten Java - Wendy Cahill (Bethel) www.moltenjava.wordpress.com

Community centered coffee house, cafe, art gallery and music venue who roasts their own coffee.

Momma’s Tacos-Alejandra Aguilar Gonzaga (New Milford) www.mommas-tacos.com

Mexico City style cooking in CT

Mothership On Main - Anna Llanos (Danbury) www.mothershipbakeryandcafe.com

Breakfast, lunch, and delish bakery featuring ALL made-in-house fresh-baked breads, sandwiches & salads

Mulberry Street Pizza -Danita Sulick (Manchester) www.themulb.com

Cozy neighborhood spot for award-winning pizza and Italian comfort food.

Oyster Club, Port Of Call (Mystic) -Jade Ayala, Bar Director www.oysterclubct.com

Jade is the creative vision behind these two award winning destinations for cocktails in the Mystic area.

Place 2 Be-Gina Luari, Owner (West Hartford) www.place2bect.com

Outrageously fun and instagrammable breakfast & lunch spot

Pop Over Eatery -Pam Paydos & Sara Allan (Mystic, Simsbury) www.popovereatery.com

Breakfast haven that caters to your morning cravings

Three Girls Vegan Creamery-Tracy Alexander, Brittany Guerra, Taylor Costin (Guilford) www.threegirlsvegan.com

Artisan nut milk cheese, soy and gluten free cheeses

Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar-Samantha Tilley (Bantam) www.mockingbirdkitchenandbar.com

Global culinary journey with dishes showcasing the bounty of our their property, Tenth Acre Farm, and Northwestern Connecticut.

On the Go Smoothie Cafe -Karen Rokosa (Unionville) www//get.daily-harvest.com

Rathskellar Lounge - Kate McMahon (southbury) www.rathskellerct.com

American classic dishes are served in a cozy space with a sizable bar

RED36- Angela and Carol Kanabis (Mystic) www.red36ct.com

Stunning outdoor dining featuring: seafood, raw bar, burgers, flat bread pizzas, and gluten free menu

River- Martha Henney (Wethersfield) www.riverontheriver.com

Waterfront Restaurant & Bar with spectacular views of the river, featuring the highest quality steaks, seafood, and Italian/Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Sandra’s Next Generation- Sandra Pittman (New Haven) www.sandrasnextgeneration.com

Soul food made with love, including fried chicken, smothered pork chops, mac n’ cheese +

Southwest Cafe - Barbara Nevins (Ridgefield) www.southwestcafe.com

Barbara brings a little New Mexico and her love of the Santa Fe cuisine to CT

The Store Bar & Grill- Dena Franks (Torrington) www.thestorebarandgrill.com

Dena started as a bartender and opened this American spot- don’t miss the cocktals!

Taproot-Steph Sweeney (Owner) (Bethel) www.taprootct.com

Owners, Chef Jeff Taibe & wife, Steph Sweeney kill it at this SE Asian Mecca. Sweeney handles operations, and creates the always excellent cocktail menu.

Tavern on State-Emily Mingrone (New Haven) Facebook

Classic tavern food utilizing local ingredients.

Turnpike Pizza - Sabina yildiz (Newington) www.turnpikepizzact.com

New York meets New Haven at this delicious pizza spot

The Craft-Naima Craft (East Granby) www.thecraftexperience.store

Artisan sandwiches, handmade breads and pastries.

Take Tea, a British Style Tea Room - Nann Thomson (Avon) www.taketeainct.com

Serving a fixe prix, table d'hotel British style tea menu Thursdays through Sundays.

Tea with Tracy-Tracy Tenpenny (Seymour, Oxford) www.twtsteak.com

Enjoy a proper cozy afternoon tea in Seymour, or head over to Oxford to experience breakfast, lunch, or dinner (TWT Steak)

The Whelk, Don Memo, Kawa Ni-Rachel Golan (Financial Controller) & Andrea Dinan (Manager of Operations) (Westport) www.thewhelkwestport.com www.kawaniwestport.com www.donmemowestport.com

The Whelk: Creative seafood Kawa Ni: Inventive Japanese & Pan-Asian plates Don Memo: Authentic Mexican

Townhouse - Dana Cifone, Director of Operations (Greenwich) townhousegreenwich.com

Seasonal Coastal American Restaurant and event venue.

Union League Café-Christina FitzGerald, Co-Owner (New Haven) www.unionleaguecafe.com

Union League Cafe captures the old-world charm of a Parisian brasserie with impeccable attention to memorable food, wine, and service.

Water Street Cafe-Stephanie Hayes Houlihan (Stonington) www.waterstcafe.com

French and Asian inspired signature dishes featuring Stonington fresh-caught seafood and produce sourced from local organic farmers.

Whitecrest Eatery-Abbey Hemmann (Stonington) www.whitecresteatery.com

American Bistro styled food focused on quality, flavor, and fresh ingredients.

Zesto Market & Juicery - Tammy Metz & Chef Amanda Hernandez (Newtown) zestomarket.com

Organic, elevated plant based food and drinks with entirely gluten and dairy free menu.

FOOD TRUCKS

Wandering Agave-Lauren Hassan, Owner (Cheshire) www.sbcateringandcocktails.com

Scratch made Mexican cuisine featuring local produce and traditional Mexican techniques.

Jayy’s Little Red Trailer -Jayy Riera & Tamara Riera www.ctbites.com/jayys-little-red

Elevated mobile comfort food for catering and events

Proof Pizza Truck - Jennifer DeGirolomo (Fairfield) www.proofpizzatruck.com

Wood-fire pizza and specialties curbside for private parties, corporate events and more.

CHEFS & PASTRY CHEFS

The 196 Club - Chef Kacee Potter O'Brien (Hartford) https://www.the196club.com/

speakeasy with thoughtful craft cocktails and a menu of playful small plates centered on local ingredients.

BLDG at Hotel Marcel - Megan Gill (New Haven) www.bldg-newhaven.com

Locally sourced seasonal American fare in the historic landmark Hotel Marcel

Hop & Vine Taproom - Ashley Lurie, Executive Chef (Stamford) www.hopandvinect.com

First Self-Pour Taproom in Stamford highlighting CT breweries, kombuchas and worldly wine

Judy’s Bar & Kitchen-Judy Roll (Stamford) www.judysbarandkitchen.com

A fun, relaxed restaurant in the heart of Stamford CT serving homemade American comfort food; food your mother would make if she had time!

Kiki’s Kitchen-Katholiki Georgaras Morin (Southington) www.kikiskitchenct.com

Ghost kitchen featuring Mediterranean food with an emphasis on Greek cooking including Vegan Greek.

Le Banh Patisserie-Kim Hoang Wood (Simsbury) www.lebanh.com

French Bakery serving stunning cakes, patisserie and afternoon tea

Norwalk Art Space -Caitlin McGowan (Norwalk) www.thenorwalkartspace.org

L’escale-Wendy Laurent, Pastry Chef (Greenwich) www.lescale.com

Serving the flavors of the Mediterranean and the Cote d’Azur

Max’s Oyster Bar-Alexi Cordi, Sous Chef (West Hartford) www.maxrestaurantgroup.com/oyster/

Featuring modern renditions of classic American seafood.

Max Burger-Frangelisse Rodriguez-Garcia, Sous Chef (West Hartford) www.maxburgerbar.com

A chef-driven hamburger restaurant, Max Burger offers a thoughtful farm-to-table menu in an upscale gastro-pub environment.

Millwright’s-Kristin Eddy, Pastry Chef & Ashley Flagg, Executive Chef (Simsbury) www.millwrightsrestaurant.com

Restaurant and tavern specializing in New England inspired cuisine

Oyster Club & Port Of Call- Renee Touponce, Executive Chef (Mystic) www.oysterclubct.com

James Beard nominated chef specializing in artfully crafted cuisine that highlights and supports the local food community.

The Po Cafe- Maggie Colangelo (Washington) www/meetyouatthepo/home

Present Company - Sadie Tomasiewicz, Pastry Chef (Tarrifville) presentcompanyct.com

Open kitchen setting on the Farmington River, with upscale seasonal, creative menu.

Susanne Berne-Bianco Rosso Restaurant and Bar (Wilton) www.biancorossorestaurantandbar.com

Award-winning desserts, starting with her Peanut Butter Crunch Cake

Baldanza at The Schoolhouse -Angela Baldanza (Cannondale) www.schoolhouseatcannondale.com

Modern American cuisine utilizing seasonal, pure ingredients of the best quality

Spicy Green Bean-Kasha Denisiewicz (Glastonbury) www.thespicygreenbean.com

Family cafe serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as offering catering

Strawberry & Sage-Silvia Baldini (New Canaan) www.silviabaldini.com

Branding expert, food and beverage consultant and Italian-born chef

Taino Smokehouse Prime -April Melisa (Meriden) www.tainosmokehouse.com

Barbecue, dry aged steak, bakery & bar with a huge outdoor patio

Terra Cafe-Debora Cabral (Monroe) www.terracafect.com

Coffee, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free offerings

The Charles-Catherine Laughlin, Pastry Chef (Old Wethersfield) www.thecharlesct.com

Modern American with a rotating menu of creative outrageous desserts.

Terrain -Jes Bengston (Westport) www.shopterrain.com/pages/westport

Healthy, local, innovative cafe nestled inside Terrain’s Garden and home store

Tosca-Rebecca Bates, Sous Chef (Suffield) www.toscasuffield.com

Locally grown ingredients, served in an upscale setting, with a fine dining vibe.

BAKERIES & DESSERT

Atelier BE Chocolat – Sylvie Fortin (Fairfield) www.bechocolat.com

Belgian chocolate artisan, hand-crafting small batch, unique, and delectable chocolates made from the finest Belgian chocolate and premium, locally sourced ingredients.

Brown Butter Creations - Marika Esteves Smith (Glastonbury) www.brownbuttercreations.com

Custom cakes, homemade desserts, and breakfast pastries

Butter + Sugar Bakery- Maya Noren www.buttersugar.net

Handmade baked goods including breads, desserts, and more that knock your socks off and just happen to be gluten-free. Celiac safe commercial kitchen. They sell to spots like Lorca and Winfield Street Coffee, or you can buy direct online.

Cake Gypsy-Deanna Damen (Granby/Avon) www.cakegypsy.com

Cakes, cupcakes, macarons, cannolis

Cheesecake Collection-Anthoula Pantzos (Westport) www.thecheesecakecollection.com

CT Cookie CO-Andrea Greene (Fairfield) www.ctcoco.com

Baked goods, all made with Grandma’s Hometown Vanilla Extract

Dee’s One Smart Cookie Bakery- Diane “Dee” Kittle (Glastonbury) -www.deesonesmartcookie.com

Gluten, Dairy, Allergen Free Bakery.

Disheveled Diva®-Bria Day (West Hartford) www.disheveleddiva.com

Disheveled Diva designs, bakes, and curates bespoke treats and culinary provisions that celebrate the inner diva in each of us. @DisheveledDiva

Dough & Co-Christina Mattison (Redding) www.doughandcompany.com

Fresh baked cookies, pies, baked goods, lunch, brunch, and custom cakes

The Drunk Alpaca - Jessica Oen & Stephanie Halverson (Shelton) www.thedrunkalpaca.com/

Dessert specialties baked with beer

Izzy B’s Bakery-Pam Nicholas (Norwalk) www.ibcakes.com

Allergen-free bakery, wholesale and custom orders

K is for Cookies-Kelly Clement (Westport) www.kisforcookies.com

Cookies, macaroons, shortbread

Kouign Bakery- Chelsea Tripp (Wallingford) www.kouignbakery.com

She does NOT make cupcakes! Stunning pastry cookies, cakes +

Luzara Sweets-Sarah Laffitte-Depalmer (Shelton) www.instagram.com/luzarasweets

Bake shop with custom cakes, and sweet treats.

Good Morning Cupcake-Adrianna Linkstrom (Milford) www.goodmorningcupcake.net

A bitty bakery specializing in mini desserts from cupcakes to cookies, doughnuts to whoopie pies. They offer gluten free and vegan options.

Katalina's bakery - Katalina Riegelmann (New haven) katalinasbakery.com

Cupcakes, cookies, cakes, brownies and bars, scones, whoopie pies, tarts, & savory snacks + Vegan goods

La Comida Social-Jenny Lambrech (Redding) www.lacomidasocial.com

Dessert company making cakes, cupcakes, tarts, brownies

Le Rouge Chocolates by Aarti-Aarti Khosla (Westport) www.lerougebyaarti.com

Artisan, hand-painted, fair trade chocolates with global flavors

Leventhal Bakery-Jess Leventhal (Westport) www.instagram.com

Custom chewy XL cookies and cookie cakes as well as private baking classes.

Little Owls Bakery -Stephanie Barnes (West Hartford) www.littleowlsbakery.com

Beautifully decorated sugar cookies, cookie classes & subscription boxes

Little Rabbit Baking Co.-Gabriel Morris (Hamden) www.littlerabbitbaking.com

Cookies, muffins, cakes, breads, biscuits

Macaron Maman-Charlotte Boutarel (Fairfield County) www.macaronmaman.com/shop

Malby’s Pastries - Malby Rojas (New Haven) instagram.com/malbys_pastries

Micro bakery in the heart of Westville

MotherShip Bakery-Anna Llanos (Danbury) www.mothershipbakeryandcafe.com

Bakery, cafe and catering

The Painted Cookie-Susan Schmitt (Wilton) www.paintedcookie.com

Allergy friendly, sesame and nut-free decorated cookies

Pour Some Sugar On It-Elizabeth Veltrie (Trumbull)

Bakers of custom sugar cookies for any occasion. www.poursomesugaronitcookies.com

Pure Love Gluten Free Bakery-Karen Gauvain & Lynn Seery (Avon) www.purelovegranola.com/

These two sisters started with granola in 2016 and now have a full line of Gluten Free baked goods and breads.

A Piece of Cake -Michelle DiPalma (Norwalk) www.apoc1bymichelle.com

Specialty event cakes, cookies, cupcakes, pies

Pursuit of Pastry- Jill Peterson (Old Saybrook) https://www.pursuitofpastry.com/

Breads, desserts, custom cakes and more with a French flair

Quiet Corner Cookie-Kristine Nuhfer (Columbia) Follow on FB

Home Bakery and Edible Art studio, decorated sugar cookies

Rebel Daughter Cookies-Anne Grossman (Norwalk) www.rebeldaughtercookies.com

“Redefined” chocolate chip cookies and lactation cookies

Sweet Lisa’s Exquisite Cakes -Lisa Maronian (Cos Cob) www.sweetlisas.com

Handcrafted cakes, cookies, and cupcakes-all female team

Sweet Nelsons - Ashley Nelson (Bethlehem) www.sweetnelsons.com

Decorated gourmet cookie & sweets shop + cookie decorating classes

The Savor Café - Kim Thomas (Centerbrook/Essex) http://thesavourcafe.com/

Savour brings the Charm of a French Bakery and Cafe to the heart of the CT River Valley

Sweet Brioche Artisan Pastries-Susanne Berne (Trumbull) www.sweet-brioche-artisan-pastries.square.site/

Outrageously delicious baked goods ranging from sweet Buns to pies, cookies, and many other desserts dreamed up by Chef Susanne Berne. All products are made to order, free from preservatives, dyes, artificial ingredients & Tree Nut/Peanut Free.

Scratch Baking -Lesli Flick (Milford) https://scratchbakingct.com/

Breads, desserts, cakes, cookies, and a wonderful breakfast and lunch menu with sandwiches, salads, and breakfast pizza! Everything is hand crafted and baked in house.

Zest Bakery -Gabriella Winthrop (Stonington) www.zestfreshpastry.com

Artisan bakery in the old American Velvet Mill

CATERERS/EVENT PLANNING/MEAL DELIVERY

Alchemy Celebrations -Rosinne Chlala (Norwalk) www.festivitiesevents.com

Ani’s Table & Market -Ani Robaina (Rocky Hill) www.anistable.com

Caterer and marketplace filled with scratch-prepared foods including a variety of fresh-prepared meals, seasonal soups and dips, locally sourced produce

Aux Delices Foods- Debra Ponzek (Stamford) www.auxdelicesfoods.com

Catering, prepared foods, cooking classes, and corporate events host.

Along Came Carol & The Nook-Carol Lentini (Bridgeport) www.alongcamecarol.com

30+ years as a local off site catering company, as well as providing on site events in their private party and event space ,The Nook.

AMG Catering-Alison Milwe Grace (Wilton) www.amgcatering.com

Weddings, events as well as private or group cooking classes

Borrowed Vintage Style-Lauren Kreter (Redding) www.borrowedvintagestyle.com

Rental company of antique and vintage china and flatware

Café Louise- Louise Albin (West Hartford) www.cafelouise.com

Award-winning caterer in West Hartford for over 28 years. And now offering take-out meals and other goodies too.

Connecticut Wedding Group - Michelle Moody - GM www.ctweddinggroup.com

Catering & event business creating inspired memorable weddings

A Culinary Experience- Sherry Swanson (serves Fairfield County & New Haven) www.aculinaryexperience.biz/

Personal Chef, Cooking classes and catering.

Emily’s Catering Group- Diana Busque, Executive Chef (Bristol) www.emilyscater.com

Award winning catering for over 20 years: Weddings, Corporate, Social, & Nonprofit Organizational Events.

The First Bite Catering -Anne McClelland (Brookfield) www.thefirstbite.us

Artfully pairing food and wine together, utilizing local ingredients

Four Forks-Megan Ruppenstein (Darien) www.fourforks.net

Specializing in prepared meals and dinner parties of all sizes, with home cooked, healthy meals

Healthy Is The Way - Jill Spunberg (Westport) www.healthyistheway.com

Meal delivery service for organic, gluten-free, and other dietary needs

Herbaceous Catering-Genee Habansky (Bridgeport) www.herbaceouscatering.com

Using seasonal, local produce to create personalized party menus and catering

Fortuna’s Catering - Kristin Ferrarese & Nancy Trifone Ferrarese (Stratford) www.fortunascatering.com

Full Service Caterer, Wedding Caterer, Event Caterer, Fun Food Enthusiasts

Gourmet Galley Catering & Market- Anna Lathrop (North Stonington and Niantic) www.gourmet-galley.com

Packaged meals to go as well as elegant catering for events of any size.

Greens N Things - Sara Roberts (Torrington) srllc860.com

Local chef-crafted meals delivered to your front door.

Marcia Selden Catering-Robin Selden & Marcia Selden (Stamford) www.marciaselden.com

Family business creating memorable events for over 30 years

My Local Chefs-Vanessa Sena (Hartford) www.mylocalchefs.com

Delivering Healthy Meals throughout Connecticut, while supporting local Chef's, Makers and Farmers.

Nikki Glekas Events-Nikki Glekas (Stamford) www.nikkiglekasevents.com

Family-run catering and event company

The Other Woman-Lauren Polastri (Branford) www.theotherwomancaterer.com

Private chef catering/planning any size event

Sheila Barton Events-Sheila Barton (Westport) www.sheilabartonevents.com

Casual yet elegant, creative and highly personalized

Simply Delicious Catering-Lauren and Tracy Peden (Norwalk) www.simplydeliciousct.com

Mom and daughter team, highlight is their football and winter catering menus

Soulber Kitchen-Sara Oberhammer (Fairfield County) www.livesoulber.com

A holistic approach to health and wellness from the standpoint of nutrition.

Susan Kane Catering- Susan Kane (Stamford) www.susankanecatering.com/

For over 20 years as a private caterer, Susan continues to please palettes with her contemporary American dishes.

The Home Cook-Stephanie Berghoff (Fairfield County) www.thehomecookct.com

Healthy & delicious local meal ‘heat & eat’ delivery service.

A Thyme to Cook - Linda Sample (North Stonington) www.athymetocook.com

Award winning caterer with a 3-star Certified Green Catering distinction

Red Apple Catering-Rachel DeSocio (Wolcott) www.redapplecatering.com

Opened in 2014, Red Apple Catering is an off premise catering company servicing Central Connecticut. It is a scratch kitchen and uses local produce and meats for each dish created.

VINEYARDS & BREWERIES

Neviana Zhgaba, Owner, Aquila’s Nest Vineyard

Alisa Bowens-Mercado, Owner, Rhythm Brewing Co

COOKBOOK AUTHORS/FOOD WRITERS/CONTENT CREATORS

Elissa Altman (Newtown) -Food writer www.elissaaltman.com

Susan Dunne (Hartford) The Courant www.courant.com

Ronnie Fein (Stamford)-Kosher cooking www.ronniefein.com

Leeanne Griffin (Hartford) Hearst CT Media www.hearst.com

Anna Francese Gass (New Canaan)-Heirloom recipes http://annafgass.com/

Dorie Greenspan (Westbrook)- Cookbook author www.doriegreenspan.com

Judith E. Sulik (Bridgeport) - Cookbook and restaurant guide author

Ainslie Turner (Stonington)- Cookbook author

Lee White (Old Lyme)- Reviewer, columnist

Ramin Ganeshram (Westport) - Cookbook author

Leticia Schwartz (Westport) - Cookbook author www.chefleticia.com

Christian Tracey (Cheshire) - Vegan content creator/video host @eatwithchrissy

Terry Walters (Avon) - Cookbook author www.terrywalters.net

Victoria Ward (Hartford) - Cookbook author, TV personality, Content creator @chefvictoriaward

Kristin L. Wolfe -Food writer @kristinlwolfe kristinlwolfe.com

FARM/FARMERS

Dirt Road Farm-Phoebe Cole-Smith (Weston) www.dirtroadfarm.com

Dovehill Farm - Jenny Wielk (Moosup) www.dovehillfarmct.com

Beaver Brook Farm- Victoria Filimon (Lyme) www.beaverbrookfarm.com

Earth Palate’s Farm - Renee Giroux (Warren) www.earthspalatefarm.com

Fort Hill Farm-Rebecca Batchie (New Milford) www.forthillfarm.com

Fort Hill Farms-Kristen Orr (Thompson) www.forthillfarms.com

The Hickories-Dina Brewster (Ridgefield) www.thehickories.org

The Hickories-Laura Mulligan (Ridgefield) www.thehickories.com

Lavender Pond Farm-Denise Salafia (Killingworth) www.lavenderpondfarm.com

Lost Ruby Farm-Adair Mali (Litchfield) www.lostrubyfarm.com

Riverbank Farm-Laura Blyn (Roxbury) www.riverbankfarm.com

Rose’s Berry Farm-Sandra Rose (Glastonbury) www.rosesberryfarm.com

Sport Hill Farm-Patti Popp (Easton) www.sporthillfarm.com

Sub Edge Farm-Isabelle Phillips (Avon and Farmington) www.subedgefarm.com

Full Heart Farm - Allyson Angelini (Ledyard) www.fullheartfarm.com

Terra Firma Farms - Farmer Bree (North Stonington) www.terrafirmafarm.org

Wells Hills Farm -Michelle Fracasso www.wellshillfarm.org

Sweet Pea Farm -Stacy Murphy (Redding) www.sweetpeafarm.net

Ox Hollow Farm -Stephanie Maynard (Woodbury) www.oxhollowfarmct.com

White Gate Farm - Pauline Lord (Niantic) https://whitegatefarm.net/

SOMMELIERS

Kathleen Standridge- Shipwright’s Daughter (Mystic) www.shipwrightsdaughter.com

INSTAGRAM, BLOGS & CONTENT CREATORS

Diane Morissey @dianemorrisey

Denise de Castro @deecuisine

Tiffany Tu @FoodiewithaBooty

Isabelle Albin @isabellesplate

Kat Ashmore @katcancook

Anne Ciccio @therunningfoodie

Amanda Call @allofthethingsct

Allison Carasone @food_of_ct

Meghna Hegde @yummydomain

Kathleen Roche @connecticut_bucketlist

Tiffany Guckin @FoodwithFinn

Monica Rodriguez @WanderforDelicious

Raenah Farina @StamfordFoodie

Chrissy Tracey @eatwithchrissy

Julie Denby @julesdenby

Jen O’Sullivan @the.brunching.blonde

Jeannette Punsoni Dardenne & Kristin Fritz @eatinconnecticut

Liz Rueven- Kosher Like Me www.kosherlikeme.com @kosherlikeme

STORES, SPECIALTY PRODUCTS & CULINARY BUSINESSES

Arogya Tea-Wei Bertram (Westport) www.arogya.net

Organic teas and holistic healing services

109 Cheese & Wine - Monica Brown www.109cheeseandwine.com/

Specialty cheese, gourmet foods and wine shop

Bare Life-Ali Lazowski (West Hartford) www.eatbarelife.com

Allergen-Friendly Coconut Hot Cocoa

Beastie Burger - Lisa Nicholas (Shelton) beastieburgerusa.com

Nutritious and delicious plant based burger

Cortney's Modern Dipper- Cortney Troup (Berlin) moderndipper.com

Small batch cottage cheese dips

Fairfield Cheese Company-Laura Downey (various locations) www.fairfieldcheese.com

Artisan cheese and specialty food shop

Ivy’s Gourmet Granola-Sarah Tamm (Greens Farms) www.ivysgourmet.com

Small batch granola

J’s Homemade Elderberry Syrups-Julie Messina (Bethel) www.jshomemade.com

Organic, small-batch elderberry syrup

Jane’s Good Food-Jane Costello (various CT farmers’ markets) www.janesgoodfood.com

Pickled foods, nuts, dressings, relishes

Calcutta Kitchens Indian Simmer Sauces- Aditi Goswami www.calcuttakitchens.com

Premium Indian Simmer Sauces, selling at NY and CT area farmers markets, specialty gourmet stores, and online.

Carrot Top Kitchens & CTK Farm - Victoria Eastus www.facebook.com/carrottopkitchens

Specialty Food Company that produces hand crafted, all natural foods with ingredients sourced locally and seasonally: PICKLES, Jams, Jellies, Chutney, Hummus, Soups +

C and K Community Kitchen-Sarah Kerstin Gross (Westport) www.candkcommunitykitchen.com

A certified fully equipped organic, non GMO, gluten free kitchen in Westport, CT, available to rent 24/7

Chocolate Geeks-Sherri and Lauren Athay (Essex) www.truffleshots.com

Small-batch chocolate truffles in a very unique presentation

Herbal Deva - Tynne Love www.herbaldeva.com

2nd generation clinical herbalist who makes Elderberry Syrup & loose leaf teas.

Honey Joe's Family Coffeehouse- Susan Krissel (Stamford) Www.honeyjoescoffee.com

Located in downtown Stamford, CT, we are a specialty café catering to all ages, serving premium La Colombe coffee, pastries, sandwiches and more.

Mama Hu’s Sushi Bakes - Catherine Hu (Norwalk) mamahus.com

The World’s First Sushi Bakes in retail

Maikana Foods-Jamieson van Loan (Norwalk) www.maikanafoods.com

Healthy food, delivered to your door

New Curds on the Block - Kate Truini (Oakville) www.newcurdsontheblock.com

Monger-led cheese shop celebrating New England’s agricultural history by sourcing handmade cheeses

Nutty Bunny-Pamela Aflalo (Norwalk) www.nuttybunny.com

Hand-crafted non-dairy frozen dessert

Open Door Tea -Kasia Lindeberg (Stratford) www.opendoortea.com

A healthy tea room & European café.

Plantidote Foods -Danielle Lutsky (Norwalk) plantidotefoods.com

Vegan, plant-based patties in 4 tasty flavors

Red Bee Apiary-Carla Marina Marchese (Weston) www.redbee.com

Rare and unique honey from across the U.S.

Soulstice Kombucha - Maryann Houde (Wallingfiord) www.soulsticekombucha.com

Small batch Kombucha flavored with only fruit juices, herbs and spices + minimal processing.

Vita Pasta Lab - Vita Palmeri www.vitapastalab.com

Fresh pasta to order, pasta workshops & cooking classes

COOKING CLASSES, SCHOOLS

A Pinch Of Salt - Raquel Rivera (Fairfield County) apinchofsalt.com

Hands on cooking classes for any age as well as catering servicing Fairfield county and New York.

The Green Palette Kitchen - Heather Carey (Southport) www.heathercarey.com

Culinary nutritionist & cooking school in Southport for people who want to cook well, eat well and be well

The Fig Cooking School - Heide Lang (Milford) www.figcookingschool.com

Gorgeous dedicated kitchen suite for hands on cooking classes and events

It’s Lauren of Course - Lauren Braun Costello (Westport) www.itslaurenofcourse.com

Lauren is a delight to watch as she teaches anything and everything from beginners to pros. Her video recipe tutorials on Instagram are worth follow.

Vita Pasta Lab - Vita Palmeri www.vitapastalab.com

Fresh pasta to order, pasta workshops & cooking classes

ACADEMIC COMMUNITY LEADERS

Bullard Havens Technical High Culinary Arts Department - Kristen Braccia Hufnagel (Bridgeport)

PUBLIC RELATIONS

INGroup Creative-Jeannette Punsoni Dardenne (West Hartford) www.ingroupcreative.com

A Little Bird Told Me-Katharine Kluger (West Hartford) www.birdsocialmedia.com

Good PR - Stacey Sherman www.hellogoodpr.com

Hybrid Media Communications-Sarah Bamford (Greenwich) www.hybridmediaonline.com

MAXEX Public Relations-Linda Kavanaugh, Founder (Stamford) www.maxexposure.net

MAXEX - Julie Webel www.maxexposure.net

M Co - Michelle Calarco www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-calarco

Splash PR-Shelley Kapitulik-Jaye- www.splashpr.us/

SocialAbility - Lisa Lewin - @socialabilityllc

Gimlet Marketing - Jessica Ryan @gimletmarketing www.gimletmarketing.com

Watermark - Molly Shanahan www.watermark.life

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bread & Beast Photography-Lisa Nichols (Manchester) @bread_and_beast

Connecticut Food & Farm-Winter Caplanson (Franklin) @connfoodandfarm

I Have The Craving-Lauren Kinkade (Western CT) www.ihavethecraving.com and @i.have.the.craving

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Connecticut Food & Farm-Winter Caplanson (Franklin) www.ctfoodandfarm.com

Magazine and professional photographers services for agricultural and food service industries

Connecticut Restaurant Association- Yvette M Tavares, Membership Director (Hartford) www.ctrestaurant.org

The CRA is a full service, nonprofit trade association dedicated to support every type and size of restaurant. They are fierce advocates for the industry.

Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation - Jennifer Conkling-Schmitz, ProStart Coordinator (Hartford) www.ctrestaurant.org

The ProStart program is a two year high school culinary program. Through the foundation she also raises funds to be able to give culinary scholarships to high school students to develop the next generation of culinary talent in CT.

Action Container Services - Nicola Lariccia (Westport) www.actioncontainerservice.com

Reliable, sustainable waste, recycling and composting solutions

CT Northeast Organic Farming Association-Ashley Kenney, Winter Conference Coordinator (Derby) www.ctnofa.org

Non-profit organization focused on organic agriculture, food and landcare in Connecticut

Food Rescue US-Carol Shattuck, CEO www.foodrescue.us

Rescuing surplus food from area grocers, restaurants and delivering to local agencies (food pantries, community kitchens etc.)

Filling In The Blanks-Shawnee Knight & Tina Kramer (CEOs) www.fillingintheblanks.org

Fighting childhood hunger on a local level.

Gluten-Free New England-Abby Kelly, Founder (West Simsbury) www.wickedglutenfree.com

Guide to information, events, restaurants, bakeries, businesses that cater

Bread & Butter Marketing-Ria Rueda (Westport)

Instagram @breadandbuttermktg