Chef Carlos Perez Takes The Helm At Good News Restaurant & Bar in Woodbury Restaurant Woodbury Litchfield County Opening American Global Cuisine Homepage Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger May 23, 2026 The year was 1992. The Cold War ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union and apartheid in South Africa dissolved. At home, the Los Angeles riots erupted after four police officers were acquitted in the beating of Rodney King, Hurricane Andrew, a devastating Cat-5 storm, slammed into South Florida, Bill Clinton defeated incumbent George H.W. Bush in the presidential election, and completely below the radar, a new idea came to light when the first text message, “Merry Christmas Eve,” was sent.Coincidentally, in the small town of Woodbury, Connecticut, Carol Peck opened the Good News Cafe. Read More
Brass & Bone: Bringing Live Music + New Orleans Inspired Food to South Norwalk Features Interview Restaurant Norwalk Music Live Music Cocktails Southern Food New Orleans Cuisine Homepage Interview Andrew Dominick May 17, 2026 Third times a charm, right? That’s what the ownership quartet of Maxim Schiavone, Joseph Magrath, John McGraw, and Jonathan Ackerman is hoping for with Brass & Bone on Norwalk’s Washington Street. Replacing two short lived music venue, restaurant and bar concepts before it in Music & Industry and Washington Social, Brass & Bone’s foursome of friends believe they have the recipe to make it work, especially with their respective backgrounds. Schiavone is an entertainment guy, McGraw has a tech and marketing background, Ackerman is a veteran bartender, and Magrath is a chef. Read More
jjStacks Gets New Life in Newtown: Epic Burgers + Comfort Food Menu Features Ingredients Interview Restaurant Newtown Burgers Wings Fried Chicken Sandwich Sports Bar Family Friendly Opening Interview Homepage Andrew Dominick May 15, 2026 “It wasn’t a decision made lightly with how the last two worked out,” says Joe Attonito, who’s talking about giving restaurant ownership another go after his Ridgefield sports bar, Tiger’s Den, had to close in 2018, and when he decided to shutter jjStacks in Brookfield at the end of 2023. While Tiger’s Den never got a second run, jjStacks never went away. Attonito operated it as a food truck while simultaneously running the brick-and-mortar and when it closed, the Stacks Mobile, its signature chicken wings, burgers, and hefty hot dogs included, kept the brand alive. The “decision” Attonito speaks of is the return of jjStacks, this time in Newtown, and so far, he’s been welcomed with open arms. Read More
Roost Kitchen + Coffee Opens in Fairfield With Delicious Healthy Fast Casual Menu Restaurant Greenwich Fairfield Healthy Eats Breakfast Lunch Eggs Sandwiches Opening American Kendall Arkay May 12, 2026 What do Bluebird Taqueria and Roost Kitchen + Coffee have in common? Besides healthy, incredible food, a dream staff, and an aesthetic interior? A cool boss.I had the pleasure of sitting down with owner Mike Pietrafeso to get the inside scoop on what he’s built over the past 10 years. As an avid Roost fan, I needed no excuse to head over.Beyond an impressive chef résume, from culinary school to helping open some of Fairfield’s go-to spots and even personal chefing for Melissa & Doug, Mike has grown Roost into multiple locations and launched sister spot Bluebird Taqueria. He’s not slowing down.It all started with Ada’s, his first project, which quickly became a local staple in Riverside, his hometown in Greenwich, CT. Formerly a candy shop, Ada’s Kitchen and Coffee turned into a true community hub, not just for locals but for Mike’s wife and three kids too. While Ada’s eventually closed, the concept never left. They moved right down the road and opened Roost, but as Mike says, Ada’s was always Roost. The core of it stayed the same, and the menu is so loved they rarely change it because people have their go-to orders and stick to them. Read More
Fast Casual Takeout Spot Hey Taco! Opens in Westport at Former Border Grill Ingredients Interview Restaurant Tacos Mexican Opening Westport Fast Casual Takeout Interview Homepage Andrew Dominick May 05, 2026 After over 20 years of slinging burritos, burgers, wraps, and Mexican fare, Border Grill, on Westport’s busy Post Road E, may have shut down, but in its place is another fast casual Mexican concept, Hey Taco! Behind Hey Taco! is Judd Malin, a commercial real estate professional, his wife, Edith Galvez, and Edith’s father, Hector. But make no mistake, Malin isn’t a restaurant newbie. In the past, he’s been a co-owner of four in the past, namely, F.I.S.H. Restaurant + Bar, Quattro Pazzi, Boca Oyster Bar, and Wish Café, all in Stamford. As for Hector, he’s the culinary talent. Read More
Guide To Kentucky Derby Events & Parties in Connecticut (2026 Edition) Events Features Kentucky Derby Carly Terzigni April 28, 2026 The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby takes place this Saturday, May 2, and the most exciting two minutes in sports will be `` on at restaurants across the state. Whether you’re looking to just watch the race with friends or you want a day-long extravaganza where you can sport your favorite fascinator, there’s a Derby event for you! Check out the restaurants and businesses around Connecticut that are hosting special events for the Derby. Keep in mind that the post time is just after 6:50 PM – don’t miss it! Read More
Bar Naan Welcomes Acclaimed Chef Valice Francis and Opens Monkey Bar Speakeasy in Brookfield Features Ingredients Interview Restaurant Brookfield Indian Speakeasy Cocktails Bar Homepage Interview Andrew Dominick April 24, 2026 Despite being open since the end of 2023 and a positive reception from the get go, Brookfield’s Bar Naan was missing something. If you ask its sibling duo owners, Regal and Renal Patel, and they’re honest about that. “We’re not restaurant people,” Regal says. “My sister, my mom, and I were doing it. When we started, it was decent. Then, my mom came to help us, and it was good. Now? It’s much, much better.” Coming from their family’s hotel business (and Regal was formerly an investor in Pieology Pizzeria), the Patels knew, even with limited restaurant experience, was that they needed a chef. Read More
How Crust Issues Evolved from a Local Takeout Spot to Destination Dining Features Interview Restaurant Crust Issues Norwalk Pizza Sandwiches Supper Club Breakfast Interview Homepage Andrew Dominick April 19, 2026 When John Nealon opened Crust Issues, three years ago, he wondered if he’d be able to pay the electric bill each month. He knew going in that giving it another go as an owner after Fortina and after Taco Daddy, The Lila Rose, and Cugine’s Italian, that the restaurant game is a gamble. And he was already up against it by taking a lease across the street from Bob’s Discount Furniture, next to a car wash, and in a spot in a strip mall next to a hair salon, a tattoo parlor, and an adult novelty store. Oh, and the parking there, it sucks. But Nealon’s early mornings slaving over his dough recipe wouldn’t be for nothing. He kept at it and kept pushing, daring to create pizza, pasta, and sandwich combinations that not many others would attempt. Read More
Botanika Cafe In Ridgefield: Plant Based & Gluten Free Dining Restaurant Healthy Eats healthy Organic Dessert Bakery Ridgefield Kendall Arkay April 16, 2026
Ore Hill in Kent: Tasting Menu Dining Celebrating Local CT Farming Features Ingredients Interview Restaurant Ore Hill Ore Hill & Swyft Kent Fine Dining Tasting Menu Farm To Table Homepage Interview Chef Andrew Dominick April 11, 2026 When Swyft opened in Kent at the very end of 2017, it was met with instant fanfare. Right out of the gate, they did things most taverns couldn’t, firing up perfect sourdough Neapolitan pizzas, creative small plates, and nearly every ingredient was homegrown by their own Rock Cobble Farm, located a few miles away in South Kent. It didn’t hurt that they also had a name chef and partner and a well-known owner in philanthropist, Anne Bass. The restaurant being inside of a historic and respectfully restored circa 1781 house didn’t hurt either. But the full name of the restaurant when it debuted was “Ore Hill & Swyft” and a promise of two concepts under one roof. Swyft would be casual and approachable. Ore Hill would be its more intimate, fine dining side. Both would be farm-focused. Read More
“Food Is Medicine” at Wild Alchemy Cafe in Wallingford Restaurant s Smoothies Juice Bar Juice Cleanse Sandwiches Lunch Organic Healthy Eats Leeanne Griffin April 09, 2026 Aaliyah Rivera isn’t characterizing her restaurant Wild Alchemy as vegan, or plant-based, or any specific labels. Rather, she’s taking a “food as medicine” approach as the new owner of the cafe in Wallingford. “I always want people to know that being healthy doesn't mean sacrifice,” she said. “I think that making healthy choices in your food doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice flavor and a good meal. Healthy is fun, it’s colorful, it’s good for you.”The young entrepreneur was a manager at the cafe before buying it from founder Colleen Morgan last fall, taking the leap into ownership at just 20 years old. Morgan praised her in a Facebook post announcing the transition in November.“Aaliyah joined us fresh out of high school, just finishing a military training program, when she decided to dive headfirst into the magical world of Wild Alchemy,” she wrote. “Her strength, dedication, and eagerness to learn quickly made her an integral part of our team, and eventually, the one I trusted most to carry our legacy forward.” Read More
Gruel Britannia Opens 2nd Spot in Westport With Events + Pop Ups Coming Soon Features Interview Restaurant British Cuisine British Westport Interview Gruel Britannia Karen Hubrich Opening Homepage Prime Rib Andrew Dominick April 08, 2026 Karen Hubrich isn’t shy about telling anyone she’s a late bloomer. After a long career cooking in country clubs and as a private chef for Michael Bolton, she emerged on the Connecticut food scene in 2019 when she opened her Fairfield flagship, Gruel Britannia. Now a young 69-years-old, she’s opted for a second helping of Gruel, not too far away from the original, in Westport’s Coleytown neighborhood that debuted last July. Read More
South End in New Canaan Returns as South End Bar Features Ingredients Interview Restaurant New Canaan South End New Canaan New American Opening Interview Andrew Dominick March 31, 2026 One of the spots that’s synonymous with New Canaan’s dining scene from 2012 well into 2023 was South End. “Was?” Hmm…How about “is?” And that’s because South End is back, in a smaller space, down the same alleyway as Uncorked, in what was the Mexican-inspired The Back End, as South End Bar. If you’re one of the many who remembers South End, and all it’s modern tavern fare fondly, you’re not alone. Chef-owner Nick Martschenko does, too. Read More
The Blind Rhino: Past, Present, and Future Features Ingredients Interview Restaurant Norwalk Black Rock Bridgeport Milford Chicken Wings Burgers Beer Food Truck Andrew Dominick March 25, 2026 In 2015, three longtime friends and lifers in the hospitality industry decided to open a sports bar in South Norwalk. Over 10 years later, The Blind Rhino, and co-owners Casey Dohme, Matt Bacco, and Jamie Pantanella have seen one location in SoNo grow into another in Black Rock, another in Milford, and two food trucks. And that’s not all. They’re present at events all over Connecticut and beyond and they do a lot for charity—including hosting their own golf tournaments to raise funds for local organizations. Still…not done. Read More
Hotaru Opens in Southport Featuring an Affordable, Intimate Omakase Experience Features Interview Ingredients Restaurant Omakase Sushi Japanese Opening Interview Southport Homepage Andrew Dominick March 24, 2026 3363 Post Road in Southport is no longer the home of the $5 footlong, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a deal to be had. In the bones of a former Subway franchise, right next to Dunkin’, is Hotaru, a predominantly Japanese restaurant where the star of their show is a very affordable omakase experience. Hotaru opened very quietly to friends, family, and random curious customer walk-ins on March 16 with an abbreviated menu that’ll soon expand. The team behind Hotaru is Yingying Yan, who owns Gingko Sichuan Cuisine in Fairfield, her chef at Ginkgo, Jerry, and Ken Piao, the owner of Yuki Kitchen in Westport. Read More
Masa Taco Bar + Chicho's Cocina in Stamford: Rooted in Family Tradition and Travels Features Ingredients Interview Restaurant Tacos Stamford Masa Taco Bar Chicho's Cocina Interview Homepage Mexican Andrew Dominick March 17, 2026 Almost 10 years to the day, CTbites found itself covering La Esquina Latin Grill in Stamford, where chef-owner Robert Monegro served up classic Latin American dishes. In the present, the Stamford-raised Monegro is still pretty busy. La Esquina is well behind him, though, and you’ll see him bouncing back and forth between his two popular taqueria’s, Chico’s Cocina, and as of 2024, Masa Taco Bar. For Monegro, his culinary journey didn’t start 10 years ago at his first restaurant. It actually began in 1995 at his father’s Dominican restaurant, Flamboyant Chico Cocina. Read More
The Bedford by Martha Stewart Opens at Foxwoods Casino March 14 Restaurant Features Celebrity Chef Martha Stewart Foxwoods Opening CTbites Team March 11, 2026 The Bedford by Martha Stewart at Foxwoods Casino will officially open to the public on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The Bedford is Martha Stewart’s second restaurant and her first restaurant on the East Coast, bringing her celebrated style and hospitality to Foxwoods. Located within the Grand Pequot Tower, The Bedford is inspired by Martha’s historic 1925 farmhouse in Bedford, New York, offering a warm, residential-inspired setting that reflects her personal style and passion for entertaining, paired with a menu of her most beloved dishes and seasonal favorites. Guests can expect signature menu items from the flagship Bedford at Paris Las Vegas, including the famed bread basket, Big Martha’s Pierogies, and Honey Mustard Salmon, alongside new dishes created exclusively for the Foxwoods location such as Martha’s Giant Turkey Meatball, Pasta Limone, and Crispy Chicken Milanese. The restaurant will also feature a robust breakfast offering, including highlights like Breakfast Biscuits, Eggs Benedict, Grand Marnier French Toast, Buttermilk Blueberry Pancakes, Donn’s Waffles with Pequot Maple Syrup, and Martha’s Fresh Pressed Green Juice. Signature cocktails—including the Martha-tini and frozen pomegranate Martha-rita—are crafted with freshly squeezed juices and premium spirits, reflecting Martha’s commitment to quality ingredients. The culinary program will emphasize locally sourced ingredients, celebrating Martha Stewart’s dedication to quality and sustainability while delivering a memorable dining experience for guests. Read More
60+ CT Spots to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day 2026 Features Restaurant Events St. Patrick's Day Guide Homepage Events Carly Terzigni March 06, 2026 Could this long, cold, and snowy winter finally be coming to a close? It looks like things are heating up fast! Not only do I detect warmer days on the horizon, but St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. I, for one, am ready to swap the cold gray for some bright green! Restaurants across the state are feeling the same and are ready to celebrate. With towns hosting parades over the next couple of weeks, there are multiple opportunities to gather with friends and family and spread some Irish cheer. This guide is organized by county to help you easily find a restaurant near you celebrating. Simply scroll to your local county and see where you can enjoy some corned beef and a Guinness this March! Read More
Via Emilia: An Italian Love Letter Written in Mystic Features Ingredients Interview Restaurant Italian Interview Espresso Martini Fresh Pasta Mystic Homepage Andrew Dominick March 03, 2026 Love letters aren’t always inked on parchment, sometimes they’re cooked in a kitchen and served to hungry customers. That’s the case at Mystic’s Via Emilia where co-owners Shaun Golan and Jakub Andros are dishing out Italian comfort food that’s uncomplicated and pays respect to Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region since it opened in 2020. On the brink of celebrating six years at the very end of Coastal Connecticut, how Via Emilia came to be, what they’re cooking and why they’re cooking it, and the tale behind their popular espresso martini is a story that should be told. Read More
Joylark Kitchen to Host Vegan Dinner and Exclusive Screening of “A Culinary Uprising, The Story of Bloodroot” Events Restaurant Joylark Kitchen Bloodroot Fairfield Bridgeport Vegan Events CTbites Team February 28, 2026 On March 30, Joylark Kitchen in Fairfield, CT, will present a powerful evening celebrating plant-based cuisine, feminist history, and culinary legacy. The event begins with a thoughtfully curated three-course vegan dinner, followed by an exclusive screening of “A Culinary Uprising: The Story of Bloodroot,” the acclaimed documentary by Director/Producer Annie Laurie Medonis. Read More
