Best Food Trucks in Fairfield County CT : 2017 Edition Restaurant Food Truck Stamford Norwalk Bridgeport Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 30, 2017 Food trucks are on a roll! As the Fairfield County culinary scene evolves, mobile eateries continue to rise in popularity with scores of trucks hitting our streets everyday. This past year saw the debut of new trucks, like The Tasty Yolk, and the expansion of favorites, like Taco Loco's third party truck. You can also find food from your favorite restaurants while out and about- Bodega, Valencia, Boothbay Lobster Company, and more all take their show on the road. Here is CTBite's annual guide to the best food trucks in Fairfield County. Read More
Riley’s Hot Dog and Burger Gourmet Restaurant Hot Dogs New Britain Kid Friendly Comfort Food Lunch Homepage Burgers Hope Simmons May 28, 2017 Tucked down a side street in downtown Hard Hittin’ (New Britain), Riley’s Hot Dog and Burger Gourmet is turning out some of the most creative dogs and burgers around. From the Nacho Poppa Dog to wild creations brimming with mac ‘n cheese, you’ll find combinations you never dreamed of. But this little “mom and pop” shop isn’t run by a husband and wife team. Rick Charamut and Deb Dalena are two friends, now business partners, who once worked together in a sign shop. “We both kind of needed a change of pace,” Rick says. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of May 31-June 4 Features Events News Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 26, 2017 Bartaco Westport is letting you help them pick their next summer drink with their “Sip + Tell” event on Wednesday March 31. Spanish winemakers from La Sueca will be there and guests will get to sample Bartaco’s new summer sangria recipes and vote for their favorite. For the fourth year in a row, CTbites has partnered with Chef Frederic Kieffer and Artisan at the Delamar Hotel Southport for an outdoor Happy Hour on their gorgeous patio and bar. On Wednesday May 31 from 5:30-7:30pm, we’ll kick off al fresco dining with assorted light bites and cocktails. Priced at $40, the Happy Hour includes a specialty cocktail and a second drink of wine or beer and assorted appetizers. New Haven’s ZINC will host Master Beekeeper Bill Hesbach, Broken Arrow Nursery, and Barr Hill Gin for a four-course dinner called “The Buzz About Bees and Flowers.” On June 1, learn about bees and pollination via a fun dinner inspired by honey and served with wine and cocktails. Tickets are $85, all inclusive. Seating is limited and reservations are recommended. Read More
Harlan Publick Still Kicking Up the Flavors in South Norwalk Restaurant Norwalk SONO Caribbean Outdoor Dining Bar Cocktails Pub jeffrey schlesinger May 25, 2017 The day started with snow flurries in Denver, pre-dawn, long week, long flight, two hours from Kennedy to CT. When my wife asked where we should eat, the temptation for a culinary transport to the Caribbean was too much to resist. After a quick drive to SONO, we were seated at one of my favorite restaurants, Harlan Publick, where Chef Kamal Rose is still creating magical combinations, balancing the spiciness of the Islands, with a delicate focus on subtleness. Read More
Mini Sesame Crab Cakes Recipe via Marcia Selden Recipe Recipe Entertaining Catering Marcia Selden Catering May 24, 2017 This recipe for Mini Crab Cakes comes just in time for Memorial Day entertaining. Thank you Marcia Selden Catering! We don't know about you, but we like a crab cakes loaded with fresh crab meat and not a lot of extra filler. This one fits the bill. Enjoy these are your next party...or just dinner for two. Read More
Elm City BYO Party Bike Coming to Milford: Pedaling + Drinking = Fun Features Entertaining Bar CTbites Team May 24, 2017 Check out what's new in Milford via CTPost. If you’ve been to New Haven lately, you might have seen a strange vehicle on her streets.It looks like a bar on wheels, complete with barstools and a countertop, and even a bartender, Another strange thing about it is that it’s a human-powered contraption, pedal-powered by the the cool people sitting at the bar.It’s called the Elm City Party Bike, and now it’s coming to Milford.Mayor Benjamin Blake on Tuesday announced a new partnership with the Elm City Party Bike, New England’s “first and foremost pedaled sightseeing bike.”The Elm City Party Bike offers groups of 8-15 the ability to visit restaurants while viewing architecture, historical sites, the coast and more. Each seat on the party bike has a set of pedals, and while a trained Elm City driver steers the bike. Read More
Pito Sofrito Food Truck: Authentic Puerto Rican Fare in Stamford Restaurant Puerto Rican Latin American Stamford Food Truck Delicious Dives Comfort Food Kid Friendly Lunch Homepage Catering Peter Dunay May 23, 2017 For me, it's hard not to be attracted to the scent of frying empanadas and Puerto Rican music which is why I found myself gravitating towards Pito Sofrito today. Pito Sofrito is a mobile food truck located in Stamford. CT and usually hangs around Atlantic and Bell street near the Veterans Park during lunch hours. They are serving up fresh, authentic Puerto Rican cuisine to the masses and we just can't get enough. The proprietors of the truck are two Puerto Rican natives who grew up cooking in the kitchen with their grandmother and mother which after all is where all great recipes, memories, and traditions are born. They came over in 2003 and made the intrepid plunge into the food truck industry just six months ago and have experienced great success. Read More
Stuffed Roasted Beets with Kale and Carrot Slaw Recipe via Terrain Cafe Recipe Recipe CTbites Team May 22, 2017 Chef Jes Bengsten of Terrain Cafe in Westport is the guest chef at the Westport Farmers' Market this week. She will be showing lucky shoppers how to make a beautiful and healthy dish, Stuffed Roasted Beets with Kale & Carrot Slaw. Don't worry...you'll also get a taste. This is the perfect farewell to the cooler months as we move forward towards summer. Read More
Guest Chef Lineup for Westport Farmers' Market's 2017 Summer Season Features Ingredients Farmers Market Westport Chef Peter Dunay May 22, 2017 Personally, I have always wanted to be a judge or even a guest at one of Top Chef’s cookout challenges; where the chefs are tasked with using locally sourced ingredients and doing them justice by creating an epic meal. Whether, your dreams are as ornate as mine or you would just like to have a chef cook you a delicious snack, the Westport Farmers Market is the place to be.Every Thursday between 10- 2, a special guest chef will be at the market and tasked with finding some key local ingredients and making a meal for everyone to taste. (View the complete guest chef schedule below.) Read More
Win Free Tickets!!! Battle of the Chefs @ Founders Hall Sunday, June 4 Features CTbites Team May 22, 2017 Battle of the Chefs returns to Founders Hall on Sunday, June 4, 4 – 7pm. In a culinary showdown, three seasoned chefs will match sharp knives and quick wits for the benefit of Founders Hall.WIN 2 FREE TICKETS TO THIS EVENT! To enter, tell us why YOU NEED these tickets below. We will select a winner on May 31st. Chefs Mike Anastacio (Purdy’s Farmer & the Fish, North Salem), Paul Desiano (formerly Cello/Plate, Ridgefield), and former Chopped contender Germano Minin (The Village Tavern, Ridgefield), will compete to create an entree from a basket of surprise ingredients, in just sixty minutes, in front of a live audience. A panel of food experts, including Ridgefielder Brendan Walsh (Dean of Culinary Arts, the Culinary Institute of America) and Ron DeSantis (Director of Culinary Excellence, Yale University) will judge the chefs on their creativity, craftsmanship and culinary results as the crowd cheers the chefs on. Read More
The Village Tavern in Ridgefield: New England Fare with an Italian Touch Restaurant American Italian Ridgefield Lunch Homepage Jessica Ryan May 21, 2017 The Village Tavern in Ridgefield is just as you expect a New England tavern to be. Exposed brick and dark wood furnishings greet you upon arrival. Handsome forest green paneling and plaid fabrics offer a feeling of comfort and familiarity. On the far wall, local Connecticut artist Sharon Leichsenring dazzles with a larger than life wall mural representing “abbondanza," paying homage to Brunetti's Market, a Ridgefield staple, and the former occupant of the space. The Village Tavern fills a void in the area’s already rich culinary landscape. Their elevated comfort food ranges from simple to sophisticated. Chef Minin will tell you that he creates “American food that has been kissed by an Italian.” Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of May 21-27 News Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 20, 2017 Monday May 22 is “mobile Monday” at Vasi’s in Waterbury. Frankie’s, Hardcore Sweet Cupcakes, La Tavola, Speakeasy Cigars, and The Mobile Pub will all bring their mobile treats on the road from 4-10pm. There will also be live music and games.Pearl at Longshore presents a rosé wine dinner on Tuesday May 23. Join them for cocktails at 6:30pm followed by a four course dinner featuring the wines of Chateau d’Esclans (Whispering Angel). It costs $95 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Learn Cheese basics with the Fairfield Greenwich Cheese Company on Tuesday May 23 from 7-9pm. Enjoy a plate of some of their signature cheeses alongside complementary wines as Laura and Chris guide you through the fundamentals. It costs $50 per person and takes place at the Greenwich location. Chef Plum will lead a Fresh Guacamole & Pico De Gallo Class on Tuesday May 23 in Danbury, CT. Read More
CTbites Happy Hour on the Patio at Artisan Southport CTbites Invites CTbites Team May 18, 2017 For the fourth year in a row, CTbites has partnered with Chef Frederic Kieffer and Artisan at the Delamar Hotel Southport for an outdoor Happy Hour on their gorgeous patio and bar. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 31st 5:30-7:30, as we kick off al fresco dining with assorted light bites and cocktails. Priced at $40, the Happy Hour includes a specialty cocktail and a second drink of wine or beer and assorted appetizers. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE! Read More
The Port Opens Today in Westport w/ Casual American "Food We All Love" Restaurant Westport American Lunch Kid Friendly Stephanie Webster May 18, 2017 The phrase, "It takes a village" comes to mind when describing the new restaurant that opens today, taking over the old Vespa space on the Saugatuck River in Westport. I've seen many restaurant openings in my day, but few have the support and focus on community in the way owner, Sal Augeri, has at The Port. This is Augeri's first restaurant, but he says "I've always wanted to open a restaurant, a neighborhood spot where locals can enjoy food that is approachable and comfortable." Indeed, Sal and his classic American menu may have hit upon something in the Westport food scene. Where does one go for a team dinner, a casual evening that won't break the bank, or a quick bite with your family after your kids’ practice? We haven't tasted the food yet, but according to Augeri and his 35 local Westport investors, you go to The Port. Read More
Kids Cooking Classes & Camps for Summer 2017 in CT Features kids activity Kids Cooking Classes kids cooking party Education Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 17, 2017 Summer is on its way!! In just a few weeks, the kids will be out of school and looking for their next adventures. Why not a culinary endeavor? These Connecticut caterers and venues are offering up kids cooking camps and classes throughout the summer months. Check their web site for complete details. AMG Catering and Events, Wilton: This summer, youngsters can sign up for the Kids CIT (Chef In Training) Camp at AMG Catering. There are four weeks to choose from, but book quickly because they are already selling out!Bishops Orchards, Guilford: New this year, Bishops Orchards in Guilford has announced Summer Camp Programs for kids! The summer is broken down into four two day long sessions where kids can explore a different farm theme.Wakeman Town Farm, Westport: In addition to learning about life on a farm, participants in the Junior Chef Summer Camp get to work alongside local chefs and counselors to pick the freshest ingredients around from the farm, see how organic fruits and veggies grow, and learn to cook and create fun fare, from pickles to smoothies to stir-fries, in our brand-new farm kitchen classroom! It's seed-to-plate culinary fun with a homegrown spin. Read More
Little Box Pizza: New Pizza Truck in Stamford w/ a Mission Restaurant Food Truck Stamford Pizza Lunch Home Delivery To-Go Take Out Stephanie Webster May 16, 2017 Just when it seemed consumers had seen it all in our local food scene, an innovative, socially conscious, quality driven pizza truck drove into town in the form of Little Box Pizza. In addition to authentic pizza made with honest ingredients and crafted-to-order, each mobile pizza kitchen is operated by a deserving, hard working individual who is being given a chance to make their future brighter.Founders / Restaurateurs Brad Nagy and Angelo Viscoso created Little Box Pizza based on their passion for great pizza and a big heart for people. As social entrepreneurs, the team has created a model for using the power of small business to solve social challenges and do good things for other people. Read More
CT Guide to Outdoor Dining (2017): 80+ Restaurants for Summer Restaurant Outdoor Dining Best of CT Westport Norwalk Stamford New Canaan Darien Fairfield New Haven Milford Ridgefield Homepage April Guilbault May 16, 2017 “What’s the secret ingredient?”, you ask. Well, it’s…Air. The winter-that-wasn’t (save for one last see-I-told-you-so storm) is now officially behind us and folks everywhere are throwing open the windows and enjoying the sight of lush green grass and a continual parade of Spring flowers. Out come the patio chairs! Behold the grill! Phew, we have missed you. Let’s all enjoy this week of Connecticut Spring before it leaps to 90 degrees, shall we?In the event that you have neither of these aforementioned outdoor items, you can hightail it to any one of these delightful establishments to dine alfresco. Doesn’t a little fresh air always put a pep in your step? And, in this case, a little sunshine on your biscuits. Head outdoors to dine and enjoy!If we missed an outdoor venue that you frequent, please share your find below. Read More
House of Naan Opens In New Haven: Indian Fare with a Twist Restaurant Indian New Haven Homepage Lunch Cocktails Bar Ramin Ganeshram May 14, 2017 Featuringclassic Indian favorites and South Asian twists on international flavor explorations, House of Naan in New Haven can best be described as hipster Indian fare (in a good way) in a fresh, modern setting replete with vibey alternative and chill tunes, some with an eastern fusion.The eatery opened eight months ago and is the first restaurant for chef Harinder Singh, who learned his craft at Sitar, a beloved traditional Indian restaurant owned by his family in New Haven for the last twelve years. Read More
Shearwater Organic Coffee Roasters Opening in Fairfield's Brick Walk Restaurant Coffee Tea And Coffee Fairfield Lunch Breakfast CTbites Team May 12, 2017 Ed Freedman, Fairfield County’s passionate organic coffee roaster based in Trumbull, CT, adds “café owner” to his impressive portfolio of work, further establishing himself, and the Shearwater brand as a premium organic coffee roaster. Opening in Fairfield, CT, Shearwater Coffee Bar takes up residence in a 1200 square foot corner location within the Brick Walk business and retail section of downtown. Named One of the 15 Best New Coffee Roasters in America by the popular digital lifestyle magazine Thrillist.com, and bestowed a 92 rating from CoffeeReview.com for their Organic Homacho Waeno Ethiopian roast, Shearwater introduced its small batch coffee roasts to Fairfield County in September of 2013 and was soon touted by java junkies, major gourmet food markets, and reputable area chefs as one of the leading coffee brands in the state. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events For Week Of May 13-21 Features Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 11, 2017 The Cottage has debuted “The Cottage Omakase Menu” to highlight Chef Brian’s appreciation for Japanese cuisine. Offered on Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s and Thursday’s, the $45 multi-course menu will feature ingredients from both The Hickories (Ridgefield) & Millstone (Wilton) Farms. The menu will change daily.Kawa Ni in Westport is hosting a Sake Dinner on May 16th, 6:30 pm featuring 5 courses and dessert with 6 paired sakes. Friday May 19 is the “Swirl, Sniff, Sip, Savor” Wine Tasting Fundraiser to benefit the Sunshine Kids. From 6-9pm, guests can taste wine, beer, and bourbon and snack on small bites at Ridgefield Parks & Recreation. Tickets are $40 per person. Read More
