CT Bites

The Best Store Bought Ice Creams: A Summer Roundup

2013-06-18T13:07:00Z

THE BEST STORE BOUGHT ICE CREAMS NOT “HAAGAN-DASZ” OR “BEN AND JERRY’S”

Here’s the scoop on ice cream. It's not sold by weight, but by size. A pint of cheap ice cream is fluffed up 50 percent with air and tastes less deep, creamy, and rich as an equal volume of a better brand, which is pumped with only enough air to make it smooth.

"That's why the first thing I do when picking an ice cream," explains Guy Chandonnet, the Frozen Foods buyer for Fairway Markets, "Is simply lift the container. If it's got heft, that's a good sign I'm going to like what's inside."

Supermarkets carry up to 4 different grades of ice cream: Super-premium, Premium, Standard, and Economy. Aeration increases as you move down the ladder, butterfat concentration intensifies as you climb up, as do weight, price, calories, and sheer flavor.

Until the Sixties, no groceries carried super-premium. It was only sold in specialty shops, home made and hand packed. But then an enterprising ice cream maven in the Bronx commercialized his family's recipe, labeled it Haagan-Dasz, a meaningless but marketable name, and created a heavy, high end ice cream for the mass market. It took off, inviting competitors, like two guys from Vermont who added mix-ins and called the confections "Ben and Jerry's." Even today these two brands still dominate the SP category.

But in recent years, smaller, more artisanal companies have won space on supermarket freezer shelves, by crafting ice creams made with the freshest of sustainable ingredients, sourced locally, designed to deliver inventive flavor fusions, and marketed as tasting as good as what's offered at a gourmet ice cream shop.

CTBites recently sampled some of the new super premiums available locally. We were both surprised and impressed with what we tasted.

A New Chef @ Terrain's Garden Cafe in Westport

2013-06-16T12:30:00Z

A recent event at Terrain brought together farmers, foodies and local food purveyors to kick off the spring season and to introduce the Garden Café’s new Executive Chef, Jared Frazer, to the Westport dining scene.

The introduction of the new chef is good news to fans of Terrain who previously gave mixed reviews to Garden Café’s food. After a few lunches and the recent spring dinner party, it’s clear that Chef Frazer has a firm grip on the farm-to-table concept, recently completing a stint as Sous Chef at Terrain’s Glen Mills flagship café. He brings over 13 years of culinary experience including Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine at Supper in Philadelphia and Perry’s in Washington, DC. He also worked with world renowned Chefs Jose Andres and Michel Richard in several top restaurants throughout Washington, DC, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Food 411: Name the Restaurant That Served This...

2013-06-14T11:40:00Z

Where did the CTbites staff put down this Porter House?

(The first person to guess the restaurant wins CTbites swag)

1st Annual Pork In The Park BBQ Festival in Stamford

2013-06-14T11:09:00Z

Who doesn't want Pork In The Park? The Stamford Mill River Collaborative, the Stamford Mayor’s Youth Employment Program and Bar Q BBQ Saloon invite you to the 1st Annual Pork in the Park BBQ Festival. The festival will take place in the Mill River Park and Greenway in Stamford on July 13 and 14.

There will be tasty food, cooking demos, swinging music, a kids' play zone and the crowning of the official Connecticut BBQ Champion, per the rule and regulations of the Kansas City BBQ Society. BBQ contestants wil be judged in four classic categories: Chicken, Ribs, Pork butt, & Brisket.

The winner of each category will receive cash and a trophy. The competition is open to any and all BBQ lovers. To learn more about how you can participate, click here

All proceeds from the festival will support summer interns of the Mayor’s Youth Employment Program, including those placed at the Mill River Park and Greenway.

Seasonal Strawberry Recipes from Festivities Catering

2013-06-13T12:25:00Z

Throwback Thursday: Seasonal Strawberry recipes originally posted June 2012

Wondering what to do with the 10 pounds of strawberries your family picked over the weekend? Festivities has some great ideas for you. Whether you like your berries boozy, savory or sweet, here are three seasonal strawberry recipes to suit every palate: Strawberry Sangria, Balsamic Macerated Strawberries with Sweetened Ricotta, and Strawberry, Basil and Goat Cheese Bites. Enjoy the complete recipes below:

10 Questions for Chef Geoff Lazlo of The Whelk in Westport

2013-06-12T12:13:00Z

On any given day, Chef Geoff Lazlo can be found in his vegetable garden, with his young family, or in the kitchen at The Whelk in Westport. After years of working at renown restaurants such as Blue Hill Stone Barns, Chez Panisse, and most recently Gramercy Tavern, Geoff came back to CT where he was born, to join team Bill Taibe. “I made an effort to work at the very best restaurants while I was in New York City,” says Lazlo, “but I was never really an urban person. When I was 5 years old I turned my sandbox into a garden.” As passionate locavores who care deeply about the integrity of each and every ingredient, Taibe and Lazlo would agree that this has been a perfect match.

After a few months at Le Farm which Geoff says “was a great opportunity to be in a small chef driven kitchen after Gramercy Tavern," Geoff took over the helm at The Whelk (recently voted Best Seafood Restaurant in Fairfield County). When asked about The Whelk, Geoff said, “I’m a really academic guy and I like the challenge of approaching seafood with multiple cooking methods.” “Bill and I have a similar spirit, but we come at food from two different angles. I cook clean and light, and Bill encourages me to add that last ingredient that pushes it further.”

Iskream: Walnut Beach Creamery Owner Creates New Brand Without "Real" Sugar

2013-06-11T11:39:00Z

There is nothing I love more than a good "grass roots" story - and this particular story involves a love affair with a sweet confectionary that has stood the ultimate test of time. It is the result of one local Milford woman's passion for creating great ice cream and an idea to lower ice cream's sugar content. I'm sure this ice cream innovator's tale, will soon become a part of "sweet" history, right there alongside the revered Mrs. Fields.

I think it is safe to say that most Americans could conjure up iconic visions of having ice cream on a hot summer's day at the beach.. at the ballpark.. at family picnics and at birthday celebrations. Ice cream is inherently part of the American Way of life - be it chocolate, vanilla, mint-chocolate chip or strawberry, be it from a store, an ice-cream cart or the beloved Good Humor man and his captivating bells. Iskream, the brainchild and collaboration of Susan Patrick and Biagio Barrone, was born out of Susan's very own creamery in Milford. She owns the storefront Walnut Beach Creamery which has been churning out amazing, inventive flavors to locals since 2007.

Bourbon Tasting at Field House Farm in Madison

2013-06-11T10:48:00Z

Field House Farm is hosting a Bourbon Tasting on Saturday, June 22 with Bourbon Specialist and President of the Louisville Kentucky Bourbon Society, Paul Meyer for an exclusive and rare tasting ofKentucky Bourbons.

A selection of five to six bourbons will be presented and discussed. Chef David Borselle and Chef Eric Hole (of Bar Bouchee, Madison) will be providing appetizers for this outdoor event. Hen and Heifer Bakery will be presenting a special blend of sweets, specialty caramels, and chocolates.

Bartaco Opens Today in Westport: Video Walk Through

2013-06-10T16:26:00Z

The highly anticipated taco hot spot, Bartaco, will officially open their doors in Westport at 4PM tonight for dinner service. CTbites got inside early to check out the new styling dining room on Westport's Saugatuck River at 20 Wilton Road. This location will feature an outdoor patio, alongside their signature design elements and the now familiar just walked off the beach casual vibe. However, this new location is truly unique. Over the past year Bartaco has been researching Westport's archives, and guests will be delighted to find historic images seen throughout the restaurant, harkening back to Co-Owner Sasa's childhood in yes...Westport.

In conjunction with this launch, diners will find some exciting new taco options on the menu. Taco additions include: Falafel, Fried Oyster, Curry Shrimp, Wild Boar and Sesame Ribeye. Check out the video for more information and a full tour of Bartaco Westport.

Gold's Delicatessen In Westport: Real New York Style Deli Since 1958

2013-06-09T18:43:00Z

Jarret Liotta is a veteran freelance writer whose articles and essays have appeared in over 75 different publications, including The New York Times & National Geographic. He is a native of Westport, Connecticut.

I was browsing CTbites recently and was surprised and thrilled to find no contributor had yet posted a review of Gold’s Delicatessen in Westport, because now I get to do it.

In a nutshell, if you taste a hot corned beef sandwich from Gold’s, you will be in Hebraic heaven. This is a real New York style Jewish deli, and as fine a one as I’ve ever found in New York or Miami.

In one of the rarer gifts by today’s deli experience, Gold’s makes its own corned beef—as they make their own brisket. Both are excellent and, if you’re lucky—stay with me here—you’ll get a slightly fattier serving that is just astounding for its flavor and the kind of grand indulgent satisfaction you won’t find with the store-bought stuff served in most places.

CTbites Voted "Best Local Blogger" in Fairfield Country Readers' Poll

2013-06-09T12:55:00Z

We almost forgot to share our good news. CTbites would like to extend a huge thank you to all of our readers and friends who voted for us to win "Best Local Blogger" & 2nd Place for "Best Local Twitterer" in the 2013 Fairfield County Readers' Poll.

We are only as strong as our community of passionate foodies and eaters, and we look towards you for guidance. If you have tips, comments, or would like to let us know about a dining experience you've had in CT, please Contact Us.

Friday Froth: A Tour Through The Exotic Beer @ Nepenthia, Part 2

2013-06-07T12:08:00Z

Streamlined now, I returned to action. My kit included nothing but a camera, a notepad, a pen, the tasting glass they loaned me, and the clothes I hoped to still be wearing by the time I reemerged. I made my way confidently back into Nepenthia.

Exotic, hand selected beers waited to be found all throughout the facilities at B. United International in Oxford, Conn. - spread across tables staffed by the men and women who made them. If Steve Inskeep's voice woke me from this dream I was going on a three state rampage.

I crossed the threshold into BU's loading bay and saw lines of colorful bottles adorned with the owl of Hitachino. Toshiyuki Kiuchi, owner and brewmaster of Kiuchi Brewery (makers of Hitachno beers) was gesticulating madly with a broad smile on his face, making himself clear, or at least somewhat understood, to a group of bottle shop reps.

3rd Annual International Food Festival at Olde Mistick Village

2013-06-07T11:43:23Z

Olde Mistick Village Merchants will host the 3rd Annual International Food Festival this weekend on June 8 and 9, 2013, from 11 am to 8 pm on Saturday, and 11 am to 6 pm on Sunday, rain or shine. This event is free and open to the public.

The festival will present the best of international cuisines from numerous local restaurants and award winning executive chefs. Participating food purveyors will include: Beachside Catering, Harp & Dragon, Hub's Clam Shack, Johny's Peking Tokyo, Mango's Italian Ice, Mystic Diner & Restaurant, Portuguese Fisherman, Pizza Grille, Semolina Pasta Shop, Taste of India, The Pita Spot, Toasted, Zest Fresh Pastry and more.

Home Brew Competition @ The Ginger Man

2013-06-06T17:27:30Z

The Beer Garden at Harbor Point Hosts Community Plates Night

2013-06-06T10:34:00Z

The Beer Garden at Harbor Point is hosting Community Plates Night at Harbor Point on Wednesday, June 19 from 4-9pm.

The event is free, and open to the public. A percentage of all drink sales at the Beer Garden and food sales from Lobster Craft, Hot Off the Grille, VanChetta, the Rolling Rotisserie food truck & Mr. Frosty Mobile Ice Cream Truck are going to Community Plates to help connect food available for rescue with people who need it.

All of the festivities are in the name of helping to end hunger in Fairfield County. For questions about the event, please contact communityplatesevents@gmail.com or we'll see you there.