CT Bites - CT Bites

tagged

Advertisement,

dessert

Monday

Jun282010

Cult Classic, Colony Pizza, Comes to Fairfield

Amy Kundrat |

June 28, 2010 |

Connecticut pizza fans are not much different than baseball fans. Each are rabidly and often irrationally supportive of their team or in this case, their pizzerias. And just as that imaginary line splitting Connecticut into Yankees and Red Sox territory exists, so does the invisible border separating followers of Stamford's seventy-five year-old institution, Colony Grill, from those forming lines at Pepe's and Sally's on New Haven's Wooster Street.

Depending on your team, one thing is certain. We in Connecticut take our pizza very seriously. The pizza rivalry is heating up in Connecticut with Colony Grill's expansion onto Fairfield's Post Road. Opening this past Memorial Day weekend, Colony Grill in Fairfield has already cultivated a near-instant following drawn to its thin crust hot oil pies and booming bar scene.

Die-hard fans of Stamford's Colony Grill will not be dissapointed in its Fairfield incarnation. The nearly-identical menu is matched by an identically delicious pizza, minus the decades of pizzeria patina, a combination of occasionally surly service and constant throng of people and take-out orders we've come to appreciate (read: tolerate) in Stamford.

4 Comments | |

tagged

Pizza,

kid friendly

Monday

May102010

Cindi Bigelow on "How to Decaf Your Tea Naturally"

May 10, 2010 |

Cindi Bigelow, of Fairfield based Bigelow Teas, knows a thing or two about brewing her morning cup. Get the facts on how much caffeine is in your preferred tea, and find out how to reduce the caffeine content in any brew. If you are trying to cut back on your buzz, you'll want to watch this.

1 Comment | |

tagged

Recipe,

Wednesday

Apr142010

Kids Talk: The Under 10 Set Reviews Sunny Daes

Multiple Eaters |

April 14, 2010 |

When Ben & Jerry's closed in Westport this Fall, there were murmurs of discontent amongst the younger crowd. Where does one get homemade ice cream with solid mix-ins in this town? Fortunately help was just around the corner...literally. Sunny Daes opened just months later and now Westporters young and old don't have to drive to Fairfield to get their fix.

This full service ice cream shop has 68 flavors of frosty desserts says owner, Sergio Keskin. Plus, it isn't shipped in on trucks; it's made right behind the counter. If this isn't enough to get you in the door, they also serve gelato, frozen yogurt, soft-serve ice cream, and ice cream cakes.

Sure, I could tell you how good the ice cream is, but I thought it made more sense to let the kids tell it like it is...

7 Comments | |

tagged

Monday

Mar082010

School is Back in Session @ Fairfield Cheese Company

March 8, 2010 |

Fairfield Cheese Company classes are back in session and school has never been this delicious. Whether you are a cheese novice looking for a an introduction to the basics, or a cheese-aficionado seeking to expand your knowledge on a specific variety, they've got the class for you.

I jumped at the chance to attend one of these sessions back in October and spent some time with owners Laura and Christopher who lead these entertaining and informative evenings. If you would like some background on Fairfield Cheese Company, check out our review, "Cheese 101."

With wine pairings from Harry's Wine & Liquor, this is the perfect way to break out of that dinner-and-a-movie date night rut. If you attend any of the classes below, let us know what you think!

Cheese School Class Schedule-Spring 2010

1 Comment | |

tagged

Sunday

Feb072010

Osianna Taverna: A Lunch Oasis with Great Value

Deanna Foster |

February 7, 2010 |

Going out for lunch carries specific expectations. If you’ve gone beyond the decision to just get a bite to eat, other desires come into play: In addition to good food, you want a certain atmosphere, efficient service, and ideally, a reasonable price. A recent mid-day visit to Osianna Mediterranean Taverna in Fairfield satisfied all our requirements for a delightfully laid back lunch with excellent food that nourished, but didn’t stuff us, and proved to be an exceptional value.

An energetic buzz greeted us when we entered the restaurant

5 Comments | |

tagged

Lunch,

Seafood

Friday

Jan152010

Health in a Hurry: Fast Food That's Good for You

Liz Rueven |

January 15, 2010 |

Entering Health in Hurry in Fairfield is like entering a close friend's kitchen after she has prepared fragrant dishes for you all day. Owner, Sue Cadwell, greets customers while literally standing in the kitchen of her 275 Sq. foot storefront tucked away off the Post Road. There is nothing but a short counter to separate you from the simmering pots and a couple of dedicated cooks chopping and packing healthful, mightily flavored dishes to go. Sue's philosophy is simple. She provides a welcome alternative to fast-food for busy people using organic, whole foods, seasonal produce and ethnic flavors from around the world.

What she does in this tiny kitchen is remarkable, and even while working she is always ready to pause and greet her customers with a welcoming smile and a hug. She will ask if it is your first time there and gladly explain as much or as little as you would like to hear about each dish and its ingredients. Food allergies? Food sensitivities? No problem. Sue caters to all dietary needs and to her loyal following. This may be a small, intimate operation, but Heath in a Hurry has a big heart and big intentions.

Post a Comment | |

tagged

Organic,

Special Dietary Needs,

Vegetarian,

farm fresh,

healthy

Wednesday

Jan132010

CTbites Lunch @ Wild Rice Recap

Christy Colasurdo |

January 13, 2010 |

Yesterday's CTbites reader-appreciation lunch event, in conjunction with SuzySaid, saw a terrific turnout. More than 60 readers reserved spots at Wild Rice in Fairfield, lured by the promise of good food and good company. As advertised, the bargain Bento boxes and sushi specials were tasty steals, most under $10. The wine at $2 a glass was a good deal, too. Colorful plates of fresh sushi, sashimi and spicy Asian specialties flew by, groups of girlfriends re-connected after the holidays and a fine time was had by all.

Rumor has it our editor is working on a lunch date in March at the Dressing Room in Westport. This will be modeled after our first reader-appreciation lunch in December at Café Lola, where the chef wowed guests with a custom-designed three-course French meal. Everyone felt like they were part of something unique to CTbites fans, and we're going to make sure to bring this feeling back in our next event.

We'll keep you posted on our upcoming lunches, and we look forward to meeting you in person to learn about your favorite local haunts and places you’d like us to cover in the New Year. See you soon!

2 Comments | |

tagged

Asian,

CTbites Lunch Events,

Japanese

Monday

Jan112010

Fairfield Cheese Company: Cheese 101

January 11, 2010 |

Have you ever walked into a cheese shop, and been utterly confused by the array of choices in front of you? For those of you who just nodded your heads, let me introduce you to Fairfield Cheese Company. Their bright beautiful retail space, right next door to Harry's Wine and Liquors, serves as a canvas for carefully chosen specialty foods and an impeccable selection of artisinal and locally produced farmstead cheeses. When Laura Downey and Christopher Palumbo opened their doors in May of 2009, they did so with a purposeful dedication to demystifying the daunting process of buying cheese and introducing their customers to the range and craftsmanship of artisan cheeses. "Cheese stores can be intimidating. We wanted to take away the mystique….It's not rocket science" says Laura.

3 Comments | |

tagged

Monday

Jan042010

Exclusive CTbites Lunch Event @ Wild Rice

January 4, 2010 |

CTbites & SuzySaid are teaming up for our 2nd reader appreciation lunch event.

On Tuesday, January 12th we will be heading over to Wild Rice for some good sushi and good company. Meet and greet your CTbites community over a bargain $9.50 Bento Box.

Here's What You Need to Know

Where: Wild Rice (Fairfield)

When: Tuesday, January 12th. Dine anytime between 11:30 AM and 3 PM.

How: Call 203-255-1688 to make your reservation.

Plus: Goody bag with local coupons is included

What we're eating:

Classic Maki Lunch $8
Sushi Entrees $8.50-13.50
Bento Boxes $9.50

Plus...Wine is only $2/glass.

Sponsored by SuzySaid.com and CTBites.com

Wild Rice 1612 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-255-1688

Post a Comment | |

tagged

CTbites Lunch Events,

Japanese,

Lunch

Thursday

Dec172009

Shopping Guide: Green Foodie Finds for the Holidays

Analiese Paik |

December 17, 2009 |

Analiese Paik, Founder of the Fairfield Green Food Guide is constantly scouring the farm stands and markets of Fairfield County for great green foodie finds. She has come up with a list of wonderful local products just right for the holidays. Happy shopping!

Holy smoke!: The Willie Bird whole smoked turkey, formerly available exclusively through Williams-Sonoma’s catalog, is now available at Palmer’s Market in Darien. You can thank Richard the butcher for bringing in this famous all-natural, vegetarian fed bird from Sonoma, CA to grace your holiday table. Save yourself the shipping and head to Palmer’s Market at 264 Heights Road in Darien, just off exit 10 on I95 across from the Noroton Heights train station. They also have fresh Long Island duck!

Post a Comment | |

tagged

Wednesday

Dec092009

The CT Bites Suzysaid Lunch Recap

December 9, 2009 |

Yesterday a group of CT Bites and Suzysaid readers enjoyed their first in a series of lunch events, this one at Cafe Lola in Fairfield. The dining room was abuzz with satisfied diners who, for a mere $15, savored a wonderful 3 course meal in the warmth and elegance of owners Ivanina & Henri's Donneaux French bistro.

We arrived early to check out the scene. In the kitchen, Chef Henri had things under control and was beginning to prep his first plate of Ratatouille. Ivanina (who manages the restaurant and creates their excellent wine list) was greeting guests and making sure things were running smoothly. And they were! I sat down with two of our CT Bites contributors, Sarah Green and Jenny Vynerib and began strategizing the meal.

Here is what we ate:

1 Comment | |

tagged

CTbites Lunch Events,

French,

Lunch

Tuesday

Dec082009

Raw Vegan Food Done Right: Catch a Healthy Habit Cafe

Liz Rueven |

December 8, 2009 |

Here in Fairfield County, there are a number of interesting vegetarian cafes, restaurants and markets that focus on mostly organic, mostly vegetarian ingredients and healthy eating. The most recent addition is Catch a Healthy Habit Cafe, just past the Community movie theatre in Fairfield. In the ever burgeoning foodie scene that is sprouting in Fairfield, this one is unique and specific in its orientation and intention. Be assured that everyone who ventures (and I mean adventures) into this cool spot is in for an unusual experience.

CATCH A HEALTHY HABIT is a raw, vegan cafe. HUH? No need to be stumped.

5 Comments | |

2 References | tagged

Lunch,

Special Dietary Needs,

Vegetarian,

healthy

Wednesday

Dec022009

Winter Essentials: Chocolat Chaud from "The Pantry"

December 2, 2009 |

I happened upon this cold weather remedy whole browsing the aisles of Fairfield's The Pantry (yes, I do this for fun). Always eager to find a more perfect solution to the post snowball fight chill, (and also bit of chocolate addict), I have sampled a lot of hot cocoa in my day. I quickly realized that "The Pantry's" Chocolat Chaud is not to be wasted on the little ones. At the very least, have a sip before you pass the warm steaming cup over, or heck, just make yourself a mug. This decadent rich treat is made with Valrhona Cocoa from France, and sugar…that's all. It is perfect in its simplicity, and lacking all those strange ingredients you can't pronounce. This little brown bag is exactly what you want in your pantry for the holidays.

The instructions on the bag tell you to mix 8 ox of milk along with 1/4 cup of hot chocolate mix, and then simmer to about 170 degrees. If you have an expresso machine, we preferred the results from the steaming wand. Either way, the cocoa integrates better into the liquid after the milk has been heated up a little. This will prevent those nasty clumps.

Drink it neat or topped with a little whipped cream. Enjoy!

The Pantry 1580 Post Rd, Fairfield. 203.259.0400

1 Comment | |

tagged

Thursday

Nov262009

Meet the Yeastie Boys @ Billy's Bakery in Fairfield

Marcy Shinbaum |

November 26, 2009 |

Those of us that live in the town of Fairfield have followed Billy’s Bakery from its tiny rustic beginnings to its current bright retail space like a pig snorting out truffles. We stop in and wander around wondering what doughy treats we will pick up, but really, we know exactly what we want before even stepping out of the car. The reason we wander is because it gives us an excuse to meander over to the sample basket and spread soft churned butter on slices of fresh baked bread. I’m not embarrassed to admit that on more than one occasion that sampling has been my lunch.

I recently decided to stop into the bakery with a fresh eye, contemplating whether or not this local shrine was good enough to warrant a road trip from the far corners of Fairfield County.

Post a Comment | |

tagged

Bakery,