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Entries in Lunch (48)

Sunday

Aug152010

The Gray Goose: Classy Comfort in Southport

August 15, 2010 |

I've always enjoyed getting GOOSED. Now, I can get goosed whenever I want to and it won't even make my husband jealous. In fact, I'm sure he'll enjoy getting GOOSED too at THE GRAY GOOSE, a tasty new lunch and dinner spot in Southport. The menu is classy, interesting and full of simple creative dishes, prepared with skill by executive chef Tom Carney (previously of Spazzi in Fairfield.) The restaurant, which formerly housed The Wine Knot, is situated in a charming, 100 year old building, creating an idyllic spot for restaurant developer Kevin McHugh (of Little Pub in Ridgefield, the original Match, and the Loft Martini Bar in Sono) and his business partner, Tommy Febbraio. With fresh and inviting decor, McHugh and Febbraio have utilized reclaimed materials to create old wood floors, exposed beams and stone fire places (inside and out) and added modern lighting to juxtapose and to induce a crisp new feel.

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American,

Lunch,

Southport,

comfort food

Sunday

Aug012010

Omanel: Authentic Home-Style Portuguese

Leticia Schwartz |

August 1, 2010 |

Leticia Schwartz is the author of The Brazilian Kitchen. She knows a thing or two about Portuguese cooking. This is her first review for CTbites.

If I could transport a restaurant to different country, I would. Growing up in Rio de Janeiro, a city that lives and breaths Portuguese culture, I savored the Iberian fare. There, I could literally dine on a different salt cod dish every day of the year. These days, however, for reasons that bear no explanation, Portuguese food in Brazil has become synonymous with "expensive food." Fortunately, I have found a way to satisfy my Iberian cravings locally. Located in Bridgeport CT, just off route 8, Omanel offers all the dishes I grew up with – traditional Portuguese cooking -- with zero fuss. The menu here is identical to the "expensive" menus in Rio, but the prices couldn't be more different. Rio deserves a restaurant such as this. In fact, the venerable Mark Bittman once said "The food can blow you away."

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Bridgeport,

Lunch,

Portuguese

Sunday

Jul252010

Get Your FEZ On: Moroccan & Music in Stamford!

Sarah Green |

July 25, 2010 |

To paraphrase Bogey, I’ll just say that - Of all the joints in all the towns in Fairfield county, we walked into “The Fez.” It was a rainy evening and I could have sworn I saw Rick and Ilsa running for cover from the deluge. They should have come in! This new Moroccan-style restaurant at 227 Summer Street in Stamford, co-owned by Bharat Patel and Eric Monte, is an alluring respite from whatever storm you are escaping. It’s cozy and warm. And it’s very cool. “Cool? In Fairfield County?” you ask. Indeed - Here’s looking at The Fez, kids.

The physical space is deliciously inviting with sexy red walls and dim lighting.

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Lunch,

Middle Eastern,

Moroccan,

Stamford

Sunday

Jul182010

Better "Breakfasting" at Valencia Luncheria

Margie Treisman |

July 18, 2010 |

For starters, let’s call it Valencia Breakfast-eria. With food this good, breakfast deserves star billing. And it’s served at Valencia Luncheria seven days a week.

Personally, breakfast is my favorite restaurant meal. For me, the pleasure of a breakfast out -- aside from not having to cook it -- is the feeling of being on vacation. Stepping out into a new, exotic locale, sampling local favorites, getting the feel of a place and its people. So it was this morning at Valencia, stepping out of the blazing Venezuelan-like sun, through the blue and while striped tent flaps, into the tiny mango-hued storefront.

We know from CTBites’ earlier review of Valencia Luncheria much about this tiny 16-seat restaurant and it’s excellent arepas, plantains, and lunch and dinner specialties. Breakfast is similar in quality, quantity, value (and frequent long waits for a table), but with its long and interesting menu of breakfast/brunch specials, the AM meal deserves its own review.

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Lunch,

Thursday

Jun172010

Beach Street Sandwiches: Celebrity Chef on Wheels

Stephanie Webster |

June 17, 2010 |

On June 19th, BEACH STREET SANDWICHES, the Shoreline’s first gourmet sandwiches truck, operated by Chef Gregory McCarty, ex- Nobu and Jean Georges Chef, opens for business during Madison CT's Flea Market on the Green.

Beach Street Sandwiches is Chef Gregory McCarty’s latest project, a shop on wheels serving sandwiches, because everything is better on bread." The chef is best known for his menu development and execution at Nobu 57 and Jean Georges Vongerichten’s Bahamian outpost, Dune.

For the next month, Beach Street Sandwiches will be running truck-less, setting up a table at various shoreline events, the first of which is June 19 ’s Madison Lions Club Flea Market, taking place from 9am-3pm on the Madison Green.

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Jfood & Roadfood on 25 Yrs of Westfair Fish & Chips

Multiple Eaters |

May 31, 2010 |

Photo Credit: Michael Stern, Roadfood.com

Is there anything better than fried seafood by the beach on a warm Summer day? I think not. Neither do jfood of Chowhound.com and Michael Stern of Roadfood.com. These are two serious foodies who are more than happy to drive that extra mile to satisfy their fried seafood craving at Westfair Fish & Chips. I'll let them tell you why....

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Lunch,

Wednesday

May192010

Taqueria La Michoacana: Bridgeport's Top Taco?

Marcy Shinbaum |

May 19, 2010 |

Cinco de Mayo found my girls and I hankering for some Mexicano authenico. While we couldn’t afford a flight south for the day, Taqueria La Michoacana was absolutamente the next best thing to being there.

Tucked away between a package store and a used car lot on Main Street in Bridgeport, Taqueria La Michoacana touts itself as “The Only 100% Mexican Taqueria.” We walk into the spotless, 30-seat storefront and are immediately greeted by the sweet smell of garlic and the owner, Sergio. While he refers to his wife, Rosa, in the kitchen, we don’t get to meet her until we insist on complimenting the chef on our way out. Roles are clearly defined here, Sergio is front of the house, Rosa is the chef.

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The Boathouse: Sustainably Sublime

Deanna Foster |

May 16, 2010 |

I have never been comfortable playing the “best you ever (fill in the blank)” game. I don’t like having to limit to just one the wonderful movies I’ve seen, books I’ve read or meals I’ve eaten. Haven’t we all enjoyed memorable meals – whether for the food, the company or the setting? Last week, I had lunch at The Boathouse in Westport and found myself making room on my short list for another “best meal ever” because of the food, the company and the setting.

John Holzwarth, formerly the Executive Chef of the Dressing Room, has opened The Boathouse Restaurant in The Saugatuck Rowing Club and on a recent, sunny afternoon he prepared lunch

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Lunch,

Westport,

farm fresh

Sunday

May092010

The Olive Market: Georgetown's Eclectic Treasure

Karen Demeter |

May 9, 2010 |

Upon entering The Olive Market in Redding, you can’t help but be surprised by the unique setting. Envision Pottery Barn mixed in with a little Williams Sonoma, add a dash of Murray’s Cheese Shop…well, you get the picture. The Olive Market's menu, under Chef Fernando, displays a similarly intriguing fusion of foods with influences from Uruguay, Portugal, Italy, and Spain. Here you will find everything from empanadas, tapas and fondue, to paninis and pizzas. They also sell cheeses and olives by the pound and have a very browse-worthy home goods store attached to the café. The store stays open until the restaurant closes so there’s plenty of time to check out the goods while waiting for your food to arrive.

Dining tables are nestled amongst shelves lined with a beautiful array of gourmet food items like olive oils, flavored salts, fondue pots, and cooking tools. I even found O & Co. White Truffle Oil which I thought I could only purchase in Grand Central. Terrazzo tiles, dark blue ceilings and vibrantly colored paintings add to the eclectic, warm atmosphere.

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Italian,

Latin American,

Lunch,

Pizza,

Friday

Apr232010

CTbites Lunch Event @ Nicholas Roberts

Stephanie Webster |

April 23, 2010 |

As promised, our next CTbites / Suzysaid lunch event has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 4th @ Nicholas Roberts Gourmet Bistro. Many of us in the CTbites community have been long time fans of Rob Troilo's sublime cuisine, and now he will serve up a meal especially for our readers. You know it's going to be good.

For anyone who has dined with Rob before, you know the space is small, so call now to make your reservations at (203) 229-0035. Check out the delicious $15 prix fixe menu below...

Choice of entree:

Seared Tuna Nicoise Style - with black olive tapenade, green beans, anchovies and a dijon vinaigrette

Caesar Salad with Organic Chicken - brioche croutons and parmesan crisp

Spring Vegetable Risotto with fresh favas, english peas, asparagus and mascarpone

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CTbites Lunch Events,

Lunch

Sunday

Apr182010

Beyond Breakfast @ Rosie in New Canaan

Stephanie Webster |

April 18, 2010 |

By Saturday morning I can't bear the thought of cooking another breakfast for my children. These are the mornings I lean heavily on the culinary skills of my husband, or abandon the house to allow a paid cook handle the whims and desires of my family of five. Sure, there are many local diners around town, but I'm always on the lookout for something more…well, more unique. Rosie in New Canaan is just this type of place.

Caterers Rosie and George Nammack are the brains and cooks behind "Rosie," offering eat-in, take-out, and catering services. Walking into their almost unmarked glass-store front on Elm Street, I am reminded of some of my favorite coffee houses in Seattle serving that perfect combination of well prepared comforting fare and plush pillows.

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Lunch,

Saturday

Apr102010

Learn While You Lunch @ Sport Hill Farm: Season 2

Stephanie Webster |

April 10, 2010 |

Whether you were lucky enough to have experienced last year's Meet Me At The Farm lunch event at Patti Popp's Sport Hill Farm, or if you got shut out of this series, now is your chance to sign up! Educator and cooking coach, Amie Guyette Hall, (as well as certified holistic health counselor), has returned to walk small groups of guests though a lively lunch discussion centered around incorporating beneficial ingredients into your mealtime repertoire. But this is no lecture. This is learning through eating, and Annie demonstrates these valuable cooking technique while preparing a fresh seasonal lunch based on recipes you can take home with you. Of course, your kitchen may not be as idyllic as Sport Hill Farm's rustic outdoor open dining space, but the recipes were just as creative and flavorful at home.

Sitting beside the rows of Sport Hill Farm's latest crops, Amie also gave us guidance on how to cook the locally harvested produce you run into at your Farmers Market or receive in your CSA (Community Supported Agriculture, or farm shares). This is a unique Fairfield County happening you won't want to miss. Read our review from last season to get the full scoop on this lunch series. RSVP is required. Email Patti @ farmgal596@yahoo.com

"Meet Me At The Farm" Dates

Tues May 18th, Tues June 15th, Tues Sept 21, Tues Oct 19th

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Events,

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Organic,

Recipe,

farm fresh

Saturday

Mar202010

The Filling Station: Grass-Fed Fast Food Burgers For All

Stephanie Webster |

March 20, 2010 |

Walking up to The new Filling Station Co. in New Canaan last weekend, you would have thought they were giving away free food. Lines of families snaked through the tight burger joint, all eager to sample the long awaited kid and price-friendly fare. But the huddled masses were not just here for a bargain priced burger. The Filling Station, with it's retro-modern street appeal, has a value proposition that is hard to beat for consumers who care about the food they eat. Everything served at The Filling Station is organic, grass-fed, antibiotic and hormone free. Let me tell you, devouring hamburgers, dogs, and shakes has never felt so right. For some parents (myself included), this is the holy-grail and reason enough to travel for a fun for the whole family meal, but I needed to sample the goods before I was sold. With the prospect of comparing these grass-fed burgers to those of the competition, we entered en masse with a party of 6.

The menu at The Filling Station is simple: burgers, veggie burgers (actually falafel..and they're good), sloppy joes, and hot dogs in three varieties (beef, chicken or veggie). To compliment your "entree" there are free and premium toppings along with crinkle fries, thick creamy shakes, wine and beer. As I said...fun for the WHOLE family.

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Lunch,

Thursday

Mar182010

Bon Appetit Cafe: Wilton’s Petit Star

Christy Colasurdo |

March 18, 2010 |

For as long as I can remember, Roget Martin presided over Voila! in Fairfield, a jam-packed French bistro housed in a homey, red shingled building across from the Town Green. Then, one day, Voila! had disappeared and, in it’s place stood the very fine Osianna, an upscale Mediterranean newcomer and a worthy replacement.

Still, I wondered what had happened to the affable and ruddy-cheeked Roget, who, as maître d’, had lovingly presided over Voila!, sharing jokes and stories and dispensing large pours of Beaujolais to throngs of happy repeat diners.

Imagine my surprise when a friend introduced me to Bon Appétit Café, a charming yet unassuming French café, tucked into the Stop and Shop plaza in the heart of Wilton. Though Roget was nowhere in sight when I entered, his fingerprints were all over the place. Though the décor and vibe were night and day from Voila! to Bon Appetit, the food and service were a dead giveaway.

Whereas Voila! was known for its rollicking Saturday night scene and standing-only room crowds, Bon Appetit is first and foremost a casual neighborhood lunch and dinner spot, popular for both dining in and takeout.

Ladies who lunch have put it on the map

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Lunch,

Wilton

Wednesday

Mar102010

Flavorful Lunch Bargain @ Thai Pearl in Ridgefield

Amy Kundrat |

March 10, 2010 |

If you're looking to give your brown bag a break or if you just can't face another sandwich, you'd be hard pressed to find a better and more affordable lunch alternative than Thai Pearl in Ridgefield. With a prix fixe lunch menu featuring ten traditional Thai dishes and three courses starting at just $8.95, I'd say it's easily one of the most affordable and most satisfying lunches in town.

On a recent snowy afternoon, I began with the shumai as a warm and savory amuse bouche to start the meal. A combination of shrimp, tofu and vegetables fill three wonton wrappers. I presume these are steamed and then pan fried given their chewy exterior and crisp edges, and then finished with a chili and soy sauce. The other lunch appetizer options include soup, salad or spring roll. One course down, two more to go.

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Asian,

Lunch,

Ridgefield,

Thai