BONDA's Fire Roasted Brussels Sprouts

There is something about Brussels Sprouts that just screams Thanksgiving. This hearty and sometimes controversial vegetable is packed with nutrients, and although I have eaten brussels sides at Bonda numerous times, I have yet to try this version. If you decide to make Jamie's recipe at home, please report back and let us know what you thought. 

Fire Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Hazelnuts, Dried Cranberries, Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano & Sherry-Walnut Vinaigrette

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Red Lulu: Embracing SoNo’s New Mexican Bar

After several visits to Red Lulu and dozens of fervid reader comments later, it has become quite clear we are dealing with a different sort of dining beast in Fairfield County. The contemporary interpretations of Mexican fare combined with a trademark cultivated cool make Red Lulu in South Norwalk an interesting yet polarizing new space.

I like to think of it as a younger bare-midriff version of sister restaurant Lolita Cocina in Byram. With that review already in the bag, Red Lulu demands a different sort of attention, more of a wink and a nod to it’s quirky roots. For these reasons it reminds me of one of my all-time favorite movies, Dr. Strangelove: Or How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love the Bomb, a satirical comedy that doesn't it take itself too seriously.

Here are some other reasons why we should stop worrying and just enjoy Red Lulu.

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CTbites Cocktail Event @ Red Lulu

If you haven't been able to attend our CTbites lunches, how about joining us for $5 margaritas & FREE tastings @ South Norwalk's new and much talked about Red Lulu?

Tell me more: CTbites & Red Lulu are hosting a special Cocktail Event on Tuesday, November 30th, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Red Lulu. We’ll be shaking up special $5 margaritas and enjoying free samples from Red Lulu’s Mexican-inspired menu as we get to meet and mingle with CTbites readers, contributors and foodies.

Signature Cocktail: A gathering of epicurean proportions, our cocktail event wouldn’t be complete without a signature cocktail. Red Lulu will be mixing the CTbites special $5 margaritas with PaQui tequila, a bold and balanced spirit that should go down easy (especially @ $5). 

+ Food: Bring your appetite as we'll get to sample Red Lulu's Mexican-inspired menu, a modern take on traditional Mexican dishes.

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Ad: Bring Your Appetite to New Canaan’s Holiday Stroll

Remember the picturesque town in the Christmas classic It's A Wonderful Life? Well, the town of New Canaan’s annual Holiday Stroll, coming up this year on Friday, December 3rd from 6 - 9 PM and Saturday December 4th from 10 - 5PM, recreates the quaint perfection of that fictional village, without the creepy old angel-man! Christmas carols, performances by the Norwalk Symphony Ensemble Orchestra, Santa (the REAL one this time!), and a town-wide Gingerbread House Tour are just some of the fabulous treats that await. And to top it off, there is some serious holiday eating to be done! Bring the whole family and let the festivities begin!!!

Here are the foodie highlights:

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And The Winner Is....

The Dressing Room thought long and hard, but have finally declared a winner for the Cocktail Naming Contest.

Congratulations to Elizabeth Clark for her winning name...drumroll please...Wintered Bliss. She will receive a FREE lunch for 2 @ The Dressing Room. But fear not valiant namers, The Dressing Room had so much fun with this contest, they may do another! We'll keep you posted.

Thank you to everyone who authored creative, funny, sexy and just darn good names for this chocolatey orange alcoholic beverage. Over 200 names were submitted...only 1 could be chosen.

Happy Cocktailing from CTbites. 

MATCH'S Luscious Whipped Potatoes

I know everyone has their favorite mashed potato method. Some like it lumpy, some like it smooth, some like it baked in the oven so the top gets nice and crispy. This is a method of making super rich and creamy mashed potatoes using a ricer or food mill (cheap device you can find in any food store). I like the food mill better.  

Note: Potatoes have a ton of starch, so if you do not want ‘gummy’ mashed potatoes, do not over cook them, and do not use a mixer or any other electric device to mix the potatoes. The idea is not to over work the potatoes.

MATCH's Luscious Whipped Potatoes

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Reheated: Stew Leonards, Bourdain, Batali [oh my]

Reheated is a twice-weekly round-up of bite-sized food news in Connecticut and beyond. 

In Connecticut...

Anthony Bourdain is coming to Stamford on February 12 at the Palace Theater. Via LunchBreakChronicles & Info PalaceTheater.org.

Help protect family farmers, farmers markets and the local food movement with the Food Safety Modernization Bill and Small-Scale and Organic Farmers. Info FairfieldGreenFoodGuide.org.

'Tis the season for 2 for 1 Holiday drinks at Starbucks. Info DiningALaCarte.com.

Batali and Bastianish continue their Port Chester tear, with Tarry Wine opening adjacent to the newly opened Tarry Market and the popular Tarry Lodge. Info theFeast.com.

...and beyond.

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leFarm's Cider Braised Turkey Legs

Recipe: leFarm's Cider Braised Turkey Legs

For many people, the best part of the Thanksgiving turkey are the legs. The dark meat is more richly flavorful and for those who are in this camp...why bother with the breast? Bill Taibe has come up with a solution for turkey leg lovers everywhere...Cider Braised Turkey Legs. Braising vs baking makes the meat literally fall off the bone. Enjoy.

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The Boathouse's Autumn Harvest Apple Contorno

John's Holzwarth's take on a contorno, a simple vegetable dish that traditionally accompanies a second course in Italian dining, is a deceptively easy preparation of fall flavors. This also coincides with an unwritten rule of side dishes that the addition of cheese makes everything better.

This Autumn Apple Contorno, courtesy of The Boathouse, is filled with apples, carrots, radish, greens and Gouda.

2 Local Apples, Sliced

4 ozs. Shaved Aged Gouda (or sharp cheddar)

4 ozs. Shaved (on the mandoline) Baby Carrots and Radish

1/4 lb. Baby Braising Greens

 

Lemon Juice

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper… to taste

Toss all ingredients gently in a large bowl.

Divide evenly onto 4 plates.

Wholesome Simplicity at Michele's Pies in Norwalk

When Michele Albano first got into pie-making, she burned out three ovens in her ski condo in Vermont supplying local farmers’ markets with pies made with “love and fresh fruit. ”Those days are long gone. She now operates Michele’s Pies out of a commercial kitchen and bake shop on Route 7 in Norwalk, delighting customers with award-winning crusted concoctions such as Chocolate Pecan Bourbon, Candyland and Ultimate Banana Split as well as old-fashioned favorites inspired by the pies she remembers her grandmother baking.

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