Mama’s Boy. Peaches. Gates. Probably a few others I’ve omitted. And currently, Tequila Mockingbird in New Canaan. Yeah. There’s a chance you’ve sat at one of Justine Bassani’s bars somewhere in Fairfield County. An acclaimed bartender that’s won competitions and has had her fair share of limelight in magazine articles, Justine is pretty open about her own struggles with alcohol—she’s been sober for a while now—and although she’s still in the bartending game, she’s been pretty busy outside of the industry.
Sushi lovers and locals know, if you want rolls and sashimi, Oishi Sushi & Izakaya is always at the top of their list of recommendations in Norwalk.
Oishi, which opened in 2014 under owner Chris Chen, is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary as a top sushi spot and as a SoNo mainstay, this coming October under the new ownership of partners Vicky Gao, Hui Lin, and Peter Hu.
Prominent CT bartenders shared with me what they love to make and do to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. The most common answer to what they enjoy making is “plans to get my shift covered”, because we tend to hide on these holidays unless we are working. We enjoy house parties with traditional Irish food and craft minded drinks that have some real Irish pedigree.
Enjoy 4 cocktails & mocktails from local bartenders:Dustin Amore, Dan Rek, Chelsea Solkowski & Victoria Tenzyk.
As a judge for each of the first two years of SoNo1420’s Blaze Whiskey Competition—that’s four rounds total, by the way—one of the best drinks I tasted came from a bartender I hadn’t heard of before, but from a place I’ve not only been to, but wrote about in the past.
Olivia Olsen is the head bartender behind the stick at ATC South Street, Carlos Perez’s hip taqueria in Litchfield.
The concept of Happy Hour was first used in the U.S. as early as 1913 by Naval units engaging in social parties with movies, dancing, and boxing, referred to as “happy hours.” After the era of prohibition ended, Happy Hour evolved more into what we know it today, as a sort of cocktail hour at bars.
These days, Happy Hour is a common practice among bars and restaurants, offering reduced prices on drinks and bar food, but also allowing eateries to create unique “happy hour” menus. Restaurants all over Connecticut have Happy Hour deals you can take advantage of throughout the week, giving you a chance to save on your next bar tab. Because the list of restaurants that offer Happy Hour is so extensive, we organized the list into counties so you can more easily search for businesses in your local area.
Khalid Williams is a Bloomfield CT native who has established himself as a leading authority on bartending and beverage education. His focus is on demystifying the adult beverage world, empowering everyone to make classic cocktails and enjoy world class wine, craft beer, and other beverages that matter made by people who care. In 2021, Khalid received the CRAZIES Award for Bartender of the Year.
This will be the first installment of an ongoing series featuring Mocktails The Matter, or zero-proof cocktails exclusively featuring locally made CT based ingredients, from Khalid Wiliams, a.k.a., The Barrel Age.
Keep scrolling for some great tips on some “cocktail” making basics including the great straining & muddling debate, and enjoy Khalid’s zero-proof recipe for the Nutmegger’s Noontime Fancy.
Mercato Italian Kitchen is a new favorite spot for inspired beverages, and they are newly open in the Farmington Valley serving drinks that are more fire than their pizza ovens (which both have names. I never knew pizza ovens had names.)
After doing a live creative session on Instagram with Bianca Giuliano, their bar manager and beverage curator, I was instantly intrigued by her ingredients and drinks that were based on classic cocktails, but with crowd pleasing twists and riffs.
The bar staff was just as enthusiastic and passionate about the menu as Bianca, so rest assured: you’ll get the full Mercato experience no matter which one you choose.
The Canton Location just opened its doors for dinner this week, and is a “must try” for anyone in the valley that loves amazing drinks (her 0%ABV menu ROCKS, by the way!) perfectly rustic wood fired pies, and great ambience. (SIDE NOTE: I had a great burger with burrata)
Would you rather have an adult beverage, or something alcohol free?
The answer is yes.
There’s a beautiful conundrum to ponder. Drinks without alcohol are being conceived, prepared and executed with the same level of care and thought as their boozy siblings, and sometimes more.
Ten years ago the cocktail's second golden age was in full swing, yet you still would have been hard pressed to find menus at upmarket bars focused on making cocktails without alcohol. The bartender could make you something sans booze, and it would be excellent. It wouldn't however have commanded the same research, preparation and attention as the items taking up real estate on the menu.
No-booze drinks were at best a kind afterthought, a little bit of bartender charity for those not able to imbibe. At worst, and far too often, they were the subject of downright shade and ridicule-when an order for a "fruity virgin drink " came in, you could hear the pretentious eye roll. There was mocking going on, but it had nothing to do with a drink. Mocktails were considered either a momentary novelty or a straight up waste of time.
On September 19th Bartenders from across the state of Connecticut are invited to show off their creativity, craft and passion by participating in SoNo 1420’s BLAZE BARTENDER COMPETITION.
“We are looking for our next Great BLAZE WHISKY cocktail and would love to see you showcase your skills with our Cinnamon Flavored Whisky that has won Double Gold and Best in Class Finalist 2022 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.”
BARTENDERS: Register here at BLAZEWHISKY.COM/COMPETITON by 9/12 to receive a complimentary 200 ml flask of Blaze along with other BLAZE Swag.
GUESTS: Swing by any of the locations below and cheer your favorite bartender on, and sample some great new cocktails.
The competition will take place on September 19th from 6-9 pm at the following locations:
You won't believe what's in our PANTRY! Located at 1580 Post Road in Fairfield, Ct, The Pantry is much more than a food shop - it is Mecca for foodies as well as a one-stop-shop for busy consumers. Established in 2003 through the collaborative effort of chefs & food lovers, The Pantry has blossomed into a bustling marketplace stocked with an array of products and services for today's savvy clientele. What have they got? Top quality butchered meats & seafood (delivered daily from various New York markets), award winning desserts and pastries (the bakery has received "Best Desserts in Fairfield County" from Fairfield Weekly for 9 consecutive years), restaurant quality prepared foods & catering services, a full deli and salad bar, groceries, produce and floral & customized gift baskets. Whether you are looking for a freshly tossed salad, pan seared salmon with citrus, basil & olive oil or a chocolate chip cookie - The Pantry is the place to shop. This Pantry is stocked!!
With summer in full swing there are even more reasons to shop Walter Stewart's Market, a fixture in downtown New Canaan since 1907. This family run grocer features not only outstanding customer service and a great selection of everyday needs for your family, but also local producers and hard to find specialty goods in every aisle.
Can't get to the farmers' market? Browse through Walter Stewart's produce section where local CT farmers from Wagner Farm in East Windsor, Millstone Farm in Wilton, and Dzen Farm in South Windsor, are delivering the very best of the CT harvest. What's in season right now? Here is the lineup: corn, yellow and green squash, green beans, blueberries, apricots, sugar plums, and green cabbage. Beautiful beefsteak tomatoes will be coming soon.
Tasti D-Liteopened in NYC 20 years ago as a low-calorie alternative to ice cream and quickly snowballed into a frozen dessert mecca with a cult-like following. At their Fairfield location, Tasti D-Lite is bringing their 100+ flavors and all natural ingredients to our community offering health-conscious individuals a dessert that is indescribably delicious. Made with the finest ingredients including real dairy and no artificial sweeteners, Tasti D-Lite is lower in calories, sodium, carbs and sugar than ice cream and leading frozen yogurt brands.
What makes Tast D-Lite such a guilt-free indulgence? Here's the scoop:
Local Strawberry Season is here! One of our favorite signs of summer is the arrival of fresh-picked local strawberries from Pell Farms in Somers, CT.Some featured new products: Laura Chenel's Chevre, Whole G Artisan Breads (New Haven), Dave's Gourmet All Natural and Organic Pasta Sauces, Fresh Pastabilities Local Artisan Pastas and Sauces, Cornelia's Confections Nut Brittles (made locally), and we have some wonderful recent arrival Rosés, craft brews and hard ciders in Stewart's Spirits.
Walter Stewart's Market has been a fixture in downtown New Canaan since 1907. With its reputation for impeccable customer service, a personal greeting is not uncommon as your walk through their front doors, but this family run grocer is much more than just your friendly neighborhood market. With a devotion to stocking local as well as unusual or hard to find produce, a beer selection that would impress any serious aficionado, and some very special artisan products, it's time to take a second look at Walter Stewart's Market. Join us as we walk down the aisles. Whether you're looking for fresh figs, Whole G bread (New Haven), Jeni's Splendid small batch ice cream, orMillstone Farm's fresh eggs, Walter Stewart's Market is full of culinary surprises…and it's right around the corner.
Danbury Fair has made shopping more appetizing this winter with the addition of popular restaurants, The Cheesecake Factory® and BRIO Tuscan Grille. These great new dining options bring affordable upscale dining to Danbury Fair and will provide the perfect rest stop during the upcoming holiday shopping frenzy. The Cheesecake Factory®'s award winning family friendly menu with over 40 decadent desserts promises something tasty for everyone while BRIO brings authentic, Northern Italian cuisine to Danbury CT.
Play with your food is back for a little Valentines Day romance, and there are a few spots left. If you have never seen & eaten @ Play With Your Food, the concept is simple. During their 12noon -1:30 p.m. program, audiences are first treated to a pre-performance buffet lunch (catered by venues such as Spin & Span Market,Nicholas Roberts, DaPietro's, and The Pantry), before enjoying 3 one-act plays and a follow-up discussion with the actors. It is a combined social and theatrical experience, diverse and compelling entertainment to be savored mid-day during the work week. It is also the perfect break from suburban life.
The Greenwich and Westport 2011 season are sold out but there are still spots available in Fairfield for the February 15th show.
Play with your food? Say no more. I'm in. Actually I am in and have been an active subscribers with Play With Your Food for years. For all you newbies in the midst, the concept is simple. During their 12noon -1:30 p.m. program, audiences are first treated to a pre-performance buffet lunch (catered by venues such asNicholas Roberts, DaPietro's, and The Pantry), before enjoying 3 one-act plays and a follow-up discussion with the actors. It is a combined social and theatrical experience, diverse and compelling entertainment to be savored mid-day during the work week. It is also the perfect break from suburban life.
CTbites readers, take note…The Greenwich and Westport 2011 season are sold out but there are still spots available in Fairfield.
'Tis the season for eating entertaining with family and friends, but as any host knows all too well, 'tis also the season for endless planning, cooking, and the inevitable mile-high pile of dishes at the end of the evening. What's a holiday host to do?
Fairfield Cheese Company, Fairfield’s source for artisanal and farmstead cheese and fine foods has a savory solution to the dinner party doldrums. A Fondue Party. This simple solution to entertaining allows the host to stay out of the kitchen and in the action where the act of eating becomes the evening’s entertainment.
Whether you go with the traditional Gruyere & Emmentaler or mix it up with a Beer & Chedder Fondue recipe below, Fairfield Cheese Company has everything you need to jumpstart your fun and festive culinary adventure. (Fondue fixins also make for a great holiday gift!) So grab your fondue pot…here’s how to get started … remember, the better quality the cheese, the better the fondue.
In the month of January, Filling Station Company is presenting diners with a healthy start to 2011. Sticking to those New Years resolutions = one great tasting burger. This month, The Filling Station Co. is featuring "The Resolution Burger," a chickpea burger with Greek salad trimmings and tahini dressing. Pair this with their January milkshake in smooth bold flavors of Chocolate Mint, and suddenly 2011 is looking mighty fine.
I don't know about you but when I need that bulk bin candy fix, there is only one place to go…Sweet Rexie’s. Voted Best Candy Store in Fairfield County for 2010, this kid-friendly haven will satisfy any sweet tooth, but did you know that Sweet Rexie's is actually much more than just a candy store?
Sweet Rexie's serves up great events, including kids birthdays, cooking classes and Hershey's Premium ice cream, just right for an after school treat. With 16 great flavors the likes of "Cookies vs. Peanut Butter," "Playdough," and "Cotton Candy," every child (or adult) will walk away a happy camper.
Need a gift? Sweet Rexie's has a unique selection of toys, apparel, and baby gifts. Plus, if you don't have time to get to the store, Sweet Rexie's offers local delivery & nationwide shipping.
Special Offer for CT Bites Readers - $50 off a birthday party if booked by Sept 30, 2010.
