Big News @ Stamford's Harbor Point: Chopped Co-Star, Aaron Sanchez Opening & Beer Garden Closing!

The food scene continues to soar (along with rising skyscrapers) at Harbor Point, Stamford’s new 3.5 billion dollar “city within a city.”  

CTBites has just learned that celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez, restaurateur and co-star of Chopped and Heat Seekers, is bringing his Mexican magic to a new home in Waterfront Square. ALEGRE, a sexy, high end restaurant, cocktail and wine lounge, will occupy the 6,000 square foot glass building that has housed the Beer Garden, which is closing.  

Alegre’s is sponsored by the owners of Frankie and Johnnie’s Steakhouses and famed mixologist and competitive sommelier, Olie Berlic, who is to wine and spirits what Sanchez is to Latin food. According to Jon Sabrowski, leasing director at Harbor Point, Aaron’s Stamford outpost should open sometime next Spring or Summer.

Alegre’s  concept will be similar to that of the Mexican Melting Pot menu at Mestizo, Aaron’s acclaimed Kansas City restaurant.  (In addition to Sanchez’s cookbooks and television appearances in both North and South America,  he also sets the culinary vision for Crossroads at the House of Blues nationwide and Tacombi Tacqueria in New York City.)

As for the crowds who flocked to the old Beer Garden this past summer, they need not weep in their brews.  Next spring, a new 4200 square foot World of Beer will open just steps away on Waterfront Square.  Pouring selected and seasonal craft brews from around the globe, this national franchise will offer one of the widest selections of suds and spirits in Connecticut, along with tavern food fare.

Sabrowski confirmed that Bareburger,  New York City’s award winning organic beef and meat restaurant has now chosen Harbor Point as its Stamford home.  Opening next year, they will be also be located on Waterfront square.  

We have also learned that Harbor Point is close to sealing deals that could bring two more exciting dining additions to the South End.  Stay with CTBites for updates.

These new establishments will join a dozen other dining and drinking options at Harbor Point.  Anchored by Fairway Market, the development has become destination dining and drinking for thousands every week, whether it be for a taste of Tribeca at Harlan Social, some Good Old Boy fixin’s at Dinosaur BBQ, or a Night in Old Havana at Dulce Cubana. 

 On seasonal Sundays, Harbor Square also hosts a small Farmer’s Market.

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