Weekly Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings For July 3 - 10

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Barcelona’s Stamford and Fairfield locations are open for 4th of July brunch.  Join them in Stamford from 11:30am-4pm and Fairfield from 11am-4pm.

Celebrate July 4 at Sunset Meadow Vineyards.  The grounds will be open all weekend long and also on Monday.  Pair your favorite picnic dishes with their tasty wines.  http://www.sunsetmeadowvineyards.com/

Ordinary New Haven thinks having a case of the Mondays should be a good thing!  On Mondays, happy hour doesn’t end; it lasts all day long!  Join them for $8 glasses of select wine, $4 Black Hog beers, $8 craft cocktails

The Norwich Farmers Market kicks off its summer season on Wednesday July 6.  Visit them at Howard T. Brown Park, located at 100 Chelsea Harbor Drive, from 10am-2pm.

Hunt Hill Farm presents summer cooking classes!  On Saturday July 9, Chef Dawn Leahy will create dishes from local Litchfield County Farms to complement bourbon from Litchfield Distiller.  The menu includes bourbon jerk chicken wings with orange aioli, panzanella salad with grilled tomatoes, bourbon barbequed pork tenderloin, grilled seasonal vegetables, and corn cakes with peaches.  It costs $85 per person and runs from 5-8pm.  Register here: http://thesiloct.org/product/bourbon-and-barbecue-in-the-barnyard-featuring-the-american-muscle-grill-a-gift-from-stone-farm-in-newtown-ct-saturday-july-9th-500-800pm/

The Keep It Local Regional Farmers Market launches Thursday July 7 at 24 Water Street in Torrington, CT.  Join them for organic produce, ice cream, and crafts from local farms and vendors.  The event, brought to us by the KidsPlay Children's Museum in downtown Torrington and Act Natural Health & Wellness LLC, runs from 4-7pm on Thursdays through October.  https://www.facebook.com/KeepitLocalRegionalFarmersMarket/

Westport’s Wakeman Town Farm will hold its annual Family Fun Day on Saturday July 9 from 12-4pm.  Stop by the farm for food, games, contests, and more.  http://www.wakemantownfarm.org/

The Milford Clam Jam arrives at the Milford Clam Jam Grounds, 990 Naugatuck Avenue in Milford, on Saturday July 9.  It is a day full of music by live bands, hot clams, and cold beer.  You can also sign up to participate in a beer pong tournament and Texas hold ‘em showdown.  Tickets start at $28.  http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2532042

CT NOFA’s Annual Meeting & Potluck will take place in Woodbridge, CT on Sunday July 10.  Members and friends can gather at Massaro Community Farm.  The event is free, but RSVP is needed.  Please BYOB and bring a potluck dish.  http://ctnofa.org/Local_Event_Listings.html

Max Restaurant Group has a few exciting events this week.  Their Chef to Farm Dinner continues on July 8 at Graywall Farms in Lebanon, CT.  The night, celebrating “BBQ, Blues, and Bluegrass,” will feature local craft beer and classic BBQ dishes.  The evening includes a reception, a tour of the farm, and an al fresco dinner under a tent.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/maxs-chef-to-farm-dinner-bbq-brews-bluegrass-tickets-25488174817?aff=ebapi

Then, Max’s Farm Festival at Rosedale Farms & Vineyards will take place on Sunday July 10.  The theme is "US Summer Tour: Great Cities, Great Beer, Great Food." Chef Steve Michalewicz of Max Catering & Events and MRG Beverage Director Brian Mitchell will give guests a culinary take on the All American Summer Road Trip.  A $56 ticket includes beer sampling, bites, live music, and a commemorative glass.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/maxs-farm-festival-us-summer-tour-great-cities-great-beer-great-food-tickets-25482640263?aff=ebapi

Nothing embodies summertime in New England like the lobster!  David Burke Prime Steakhouse, located in the Foxwoods Resort & Casino, has a tank full of live lobsters… some weighing up to 8.5 pounds!  Chef Pedro Avila is using them to create special summertime lobster dishes including a Lobster Taco Trio with lobster salad, fennel slaw, and avocado mousse, Lobster Dumplings served with a lime lobster aioli, Lobster Kung Pao Style with cilantro, lime, peanuts, drawn butter and fluffy steamed rice, and Lobster Angry Style with basil and a kick of spicy lemon chili sauce.  Plus, Mondays are “lobster night” where guests can enjoy a three course prix fixe menu for $39.