Kent Falls Brewery Pops Up At Mockingbird Kitchen Litchfield Features Pop-Up Beer Brewery James Gribbon September 28, 2023
Broken Symmetry Introduces New Chef, New Menu, and Teases Expansion Brewery Interview Restaurant Brewery Broken Symmetry Bethel Interview Beer chef Andrew Dominick September 13, 2023 It wasn’t all that long ago that we covered Bethel’s own Broken Symmetry Gastro Brewery and some of the changes that were happening at the time. Read More
40+ Spots To Celebrate Oktoberfest In Connecticut 2023 Events Features Holiday Oktoberfest Brewery CT Beer Events EVENT Festival Beer Dinner Beer Festival Homepage April Guilbault September 08, 2023 “Let’s get a drink”. “Come over for a drink!”. There’s nothing more convivial than sharing a drink together with a person or a whole group of favorite persons. And isn’t the ol’ saying -it’s 5 o’clock somewhere? Well, here’s a historical “reason” to raise your glasses high-Oktoberfest, the beloved, ancient event involving mouthwatering beers, so much (too much? never!) merriment and some fabulous lederhosen. Oktoberfest-ivities run pretty much the entire month of September and into October, so there are plenty of chances to raise that stein. And remember, we all put our lederhosen on one leg at a time. Prost! Read More
Guide To Connecticut's Best Happy Hour Spots (2023 Edition) Features Restaurant Happy Hour Happy Hour Deals Highlight Best of CT Bar Bartender Cocktails Cocktail Lounge Brewery Beer Homepage Carly Terzigni August 28, 2023 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. Read More
Two Roads Food Hall & Bar Opens in Stratford From Two Roads Brewery Features Restaurant Food Hall Burgers Tacos Brewery Two Roads Brewing Company Opening Comfort Food Homepage James Gribbon July 08, 2023 The Two Roads Food Hall & Bar is now open at the brewery’s expanding campus in Stratford. The food hall, in an expanded space which formerly housed garage-themed PizzaCo, now incorporates three food concepts: Skull City Taquitos, Roost House Chicken, and Industry Schnitzel and Sausage, with a full bar. All three concepts are handled through a single kitchen at the newly designed space, and ordering is done through kiosks at the food hall, or inside the tasting rooms at the Two Roads and Area 2 breweries, with delivery right to your seat. CTBites has your first look...If food hall head chef Tim Lonczak sounds familiar, it’s because you may remember the Meriden native’s name from Heirloom at The Study Hall in New Haven, and most recently at Isla & Co. in Fairfield. Already acquainted with former Isla manager - now Two Roads hospitality manager - Ben Paré, the pair joined with restaurateur Frank Klein to bring the food hall to life.“It’s really exciting to do, because I don’t know of any brewery in Connecticut doing anything like a three-brand, fast-casual concept,” said chef Lonczak. “It’s familiar dishes, but elevated, changed up a little bit.” Read More
It’s a Woman’s World: Em Sauter of Pints and Panels Interview Pints and Panels Em Sauter It's A Woman's World beer Craft Beer Women Owned Business Andrew Dominick July 02, 2023 A handful or more years ago, I attended an exclusive media event at Two Roads Brewing Co. in Stratford led by brewmaster and owner Phil Markowski. Invited on this lavish tour, tasting, and beer dinner experience were about 10 of the who’s who of beer writers. At this point in my food and drink writing career, I certainly wasn’t classified as beer media, so my invite was as a plus-one. Read More
30+ Connecticut Local Canned Cocktails, Spritzers, + Hard Seltzers (2023 Guide) Features Canned Cocktails Hard Seltzer Brewery Distillery Guide Homepage Highlight Carly Terzigni June 29, 2023 It’s summertime, which means that for many of us, it’s time to mix together a refreshing cocktail for the next barbecue, pool party, or trip out on the boat. But as we all know, as tasty as cocktails are, they can be a hassle to put together. By the time you get your base alcohol, your mixer, and any other ingredients assembled, half of the afternoon has already passed. Read More
Friday Froth: Mexican Lager, Made In Connecticut Features Brewery CT Beer Brewery Beer Beer Garden Friday Froth James Gribbon June 22, 2023 Despite expert credibility having recently taken several cannonballs below the waterline, and 60-degree sweater weather remaining in abundance, summer - they tell us - has officially arrived. The days are near their longest, and the months start with “J”, so we must grudgingly accede they have a point. This time each year, in a migration as timeless and majestic as the great herds of the Serengeti - Nutmeggers can be seen dragging our coolers to beaches and backyards. What are we drinking? Hard seltzer! NO! I mean, yes, but also: shut up. We are drinking:Very cold.Easy drinking.Usually Mexican lager. Corona, Pacifico, Modelo, ET C.Why do we drink these? Because 1&2, but also... it’s what we’ve always done. Why are you thinking about this?BECAUSE I’ve been noticing Connecticut brewers have been trying out the style in increasing numbers, they are delicious, and more people should know, which has always been the entire point of this column. Read More
Friday Froth: Caius Farm Brewery Opens in Branford Brewery Features Beer CT Beer Brewery Branford Openings Homepage James Gribbon March 31, 2023 On March 15, 44B.C., the “Ides of March” made famous by Cato and Shakespeare, Julius Caesar was assassinated after declaring himself dictator for life – essentially a new king - by senators who wanted to preserve the Roman republic. It was during this shakily-auspicious lunar period when I found myself transfixed by a circa-2nd century A.D. Roman mosaic of the god Mercury at the brand-new Caius Farm Brewery in Branford, and sipping a beer called “Brutus.” Cosmic.“Caius” isn’t just the name of the place, it’s the name of its owner, one Caius Mergy: a Middlebury College Classics major with a Masters in Classical Archaeology from the Oxford University in England, who then decided to graduate at the top of his brewing classes at the Siebel Institute in Chicago, and the Doemens Academy in Munich. You know, for fun. Long time readers of this column will know about my history dork-dom (it’s my undergrad degree, too), and I mention with a name like that, Caius’ parents must have also been into classics. Read More
Run & Hide Brewing Co. Opens Taproom in Port Chester Brewery Features Interview Craft Beer beer Run & Hide Brewing Co. Run & Hide Brewery Brewery Port Chester Andrew Dominick January 30, 2023 Tim Shanley admittedly had butterflies right before he opened his small taproom in Port Chester.“I was talking to a childhood friend that I’ve known for 50 years and told him ‘I’m nervous,’” Shanley says. “He said to me, ‘What are you nervous for? When you were in eighth grade, you bought a blitz beer ball (a plastic jug that holds around five gallons) and you charged $2 a person for people to come into your mom’s backyard to drink.’”Ahead of Run & Hide Brewing Co.’s public opening, that recollection put Shanley’s mind at ease. He then recalled throwing keggers for upwards of a few thousand students and going through a couple hundred kegs when he attended SUNY New Paltz and bands like the Mighty Mighty Bosstones rocked the campus. Read More
Former Nosh Hound Food Truck Owner Maycie Ralbovsky Joins Broken Symmetry as Executive Chef Brewery Features Interview Restaurant Brewery Chef Talk Tasting Tasting Menu Tacos Mexican Craft Beer beer Homepage Broken Symmetry Bethel Andrew Dominick November 18, 2022 Ask any Fairfield County food truck fanatic what their favorite one was over the past handful of years and they’re likely to mention Nosh Hound if they know what they’re talking about.The stacked sandwiches, the tacos, the burgers, and the bowls, and yes, even the “F” word…FUSION. It all really worked for Nosh Hound. I, for one, sought out Sam and Maycie Ralbovsky’s truck at every Mill River Park event. My final Nosh Hound memory was at Half Full’s Oktoberfest in Downtown Stamford when I obliterated a pork schnitzel sandwich. Read More
Po-Yo Peruvian in Danbury: Empire of the Incas Owner Opens Pollo a la Brasa Focused Spinoff Features Restaurant Interview Peruvian pollo a la brasa Danbury Homepage Fast Casual beer Chicken Andrew Dominick October 21, 2022 Chicken-n-beer may be the title of a 2003 Ludacris album, but it’s also a spinoff concept brought to you by a Danbury mainstay, Empire of the Incas and owner David Aliaga.At Po-Yo, the savory focus should be easily guessed is you’re familiar with Peruvian cuisine and one of its popular dishes, pollo a la brasa. We even dig that the restaurant’s name teaches the masses how to properly pronounce “POLLO,” although, those who’ve watched enough Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul are likely well-versed in its pronunciation. Read More
Bank & Bridge Brew Pub in Mystic: You Can Bank on Quenching Thirst and Hunger Brewery Restaurant Brewery Openings CT Beer Beer Mystic bar food Comfort Food Homepage Kristin L. Wolfe September 29, 2022 Labor Day might be over, but grilling is still very much in the daily DNA over at Bank & Bridge. Their signature “Get’Cha Face Dirty” burgers created by Chef Josh Ulmer who has trained in places like Madison Square Garden and Nolo in New Haven, are worth the mess they make. Seriously, you need a napkin for every bite, but it’s a noble mess if ever there was one! These beefy mounds are no joke.Bank & Bridge celebrated one year on the map in June and (in my book) have added to the magical scene that has recently made Mystic a culinary darling. Maybe it is something in the water, but this small but mighty seaport just knows food. And, although many may land in the pub for their tremendous line up of brews, nurtured by Head Brewer Jason Riggs, there is hardly a better match (even coming from a self-professed “beer sipper”) than a good juicy burger and brew. Read More
Here’s What Happens at Two Roads Brewing’s Content Creator Day Features Brewery Craft Beer beer Brewery Two Roads Brewing Company Stratford Homepage Andrew Dominick August 09, 2022 Two Roads Brewing Company barely needs an introduction. Chances are, if you live in Connecticut you’ve been at least once, or if you’re an out-of-stater hitting up a bunch of breweries, Two Roads is likely on your list of places to pound a pint.Since 2012, though, Two Roads has really come a long way from being known as one of Connecticut’s O.G. craft breweries. Not only is it the largest in terms of square footage and production, Two Roads has a bunch of accolades to boot, including local accolades in Connecticut Magazine for 2020’s Best Brewery and Best Beer that same year with its unfiltered, tropical bomb of a double IPA that you know as Two Juicy. Read More
20+ Connecticut Local Canned Cocktails, Spritzers, + Hard Seltzers (2022 Guide) Features Canned Cocktails Hard Seltzer Brewery Distillery Guide Homepage Highlight April Guilbault July 07, 2022 At the beach, at a picnic, on a boat, maybe a pool floaty shaped like a flamingo, in your backyard, or hell, even just sprawling on your favorite chaise. What do all these places have in common? They are spots where it would be a great opportunity to crack open a can of something refreshing and well, lightly, fabulously spiked or mixed. Yep, cocktails or spiked seltzers in a convenient can! Ready that index finger and pop into fizzy, fabulous libations made with fresh juices and your favorite alcoholic beverages. Take the party outside this season, pop those tops and keep it easy and fun. Read More
Bar 140: Belgian Frites, Burgers, Bibimbap Wings + Booze in Shelton Features Restaurant Bar beer Craft Beer Cocktails Chicken Wings French Fries Shelton Belgian Frites Best Wings Burgers Homepage Andrew Dominick May 08, 2022 It wasn’t that long ago that I found myself in Shelton covering all things pierogi at The Rogi Shoppe when I randomly received a few DMs on two different Instagram accounts saying I should stop by Bar 140.The finder’s fee goes to Gina, who sang the praises of Bar 140’s bar food, particularly their Belgian style frites. That got my attention fast! But then that continued with a few other messages trickled in that it’d be my type of bar; casual, kinda hipster, solid cocktails, and a fine beer list.I asked around and got much of the same. Even Mateus from The Rogi Shoppe said their fries were stellar.After I set up an interview with Joe Ballaro, who owns Bar 140 with his wife, Tiffany, I told a few friends I was going up there. It got pumped up even more by my friend Katy, who said, “This is my spot! I used to be a regular when I worked a few block away. It’s a good little spot. Good beer list and food. The owners are really cool.”Sold! Plus, I’ll never pass up the chance at eating carefully made, hand cut fries by the bucket full, with different dipping sauces to plunge them into. Read More
Streusel Doughnut Cream Ale Release from Outer Light Brewing Company & Young Buns Doughnuts Features beer CT Beer donuts Beer Release Brewery Mystic CTbites Team March 05, 2022 Outer Light Brewing Company (OLBC) and Young Buns Doughnuts of Mystic, Connecticut have teamed up to release Young Buns Streusel Doughnut Cream Ale, a one-off release inspired by the gourmet doughnuts produced at the Mystic bakery. The beer, which will be available on draft and in 16oz 4-packs will be released at the brewery on March 10th, with limited distribution across Southeastern Connecticut to follow. Read More
Spacecat Brewing Company: Now Pouring in Norwalk Features Interview Craft Beer beer South Norwalk Norwalk Homepage Openings Andrew Dominick February 23, 2022 With Spacecat Brewing Company opening its taproom, South Norwalk finally has a brewery…Again.Not counting the two short-lived macrobreweries Guvnor’s and Iron which were located in the same space on Washington Street, the city hasn’t had a larger, buzzed about brewery since New England Brewing debuted on Commerce Street 1989 with then head brewer Phil Markowski, and they eventually moved to Marshall Street with another head brewer, Rob Leonard at the helm.NEBCO left SoNo in 2001 for Woodbridge and Norwalk has been without a watering hole like it ever since.A little less than 20 years later, James Bloom—no relation to the famous Bloom Family oyster operation—had an idea to open a brewery along with his friend and co-worker Jeff Dunn. Read More
Friday Froth: Beer Dinners at Little Pub- Featuring New England Brewing Features Friday Froth Beer CT Beer Beer Dinner Craft Beer Brewery James Gribbon February 18, 2022 Anyone who's ever hit happy hour and subsequently remembered they hadn't eaten dinner while staring into a beer at another location sometime around midnight can probably feel the pain of the next morning right now, as you're reading this. Remember that? Well, let's not let that happen again, or allow ourselves to slap late night drive-thru - the FlexTape of Shame - over the leaky bucket of our decisions.What we need is food with our beers, whether we're adding plates to pitchers and pints at the taproom, or exploring flavor combinations at home. Inspiration struck while I was at my first beer pairing dinner in over two years at The Little Pub in Fairfield, hosted by Greg Radawich, director of brewing operations at New England Brewing Company in Woodbridge. I'll get into what you can have from the brewery and pub, plus a few more ideas to serve as springboards for your own dives into brews and foods.And if you missed this beer dinner, Little Pub will be hosting another beer pairing dinner with Fat Orange Cat brewery at Little Pub, Fairfield on Tuesday, March 1. Read More
It’s a Woman’s World: Stephanie Geiling of Relic Brewing Interview Features It's A Woman's World Brewery beer Homepage Andrew Dominick November 18, 2021 One of the promises I made to myself when I started dabbling in this particular column was that I’d do the opposite of only covering female chefs. I wanted to dive deeper into the hospitality industry to highlight those doing meal prep, perhaps a barista at a popular coffee shop, bakers, and in this case, a woman who works in brewing.When I began my introductory search via Instagram stories, Stephanie Geiling came up as a suggestion more than a few times. Steph, as it turns out, is the operations manager at Relic Brewing Co. in Plainville.The former psychological researcher at UCONN sort of stumbled into the beer world after she chose to leave the research field. She ended up at Relic after stopping into the tasting room one day and Mark Sigman, Relic’s owner, offered her a job.“It was my first time ever going to a brewery and I said to myself, I have no idea what I’m doing, this is going to be a joke, but I’m going to do it anyway,” she says. “I helped in the tasting room, and I was still working in research and at a liquor store. I left research for personal reasons, and I started to enjoy the liquor industry. I also felt like this was a more supportive and inclusive environment.”In addition to her career at Relic, Steph plays guitar and belts it out in a doom metal band based in Plainville called Lightkeeper, and she just started training in martial arts.There’s more in the Q&A about what she does as Relic’s operations manager and we got into the widely publicized topic of sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexism, and the like as it pertains to breweries.For context, brewer Brienne Allan (@ratmagnet on IG) helped expose the black eye by sharing thousands of anonymous responses she received on Instagram’s “Questions” feature.Read on and be sure to give Steph a follow @relic_brewing_steph.What do you do at Relic Brewing?When I first started, I worked the tasting room. Then I started helping Mark dry hop beer and clean kegs, and I still do that. It’s super fun here and I like the creative aspect. When I made the pineapple gose, that was fun to put together. I came up with the recipe for that one, usually we come up with them together but this particular one is all mine because he doesn’t like those type of beers A lot of times, I drive the truck or load the truck, unload pallets of beer, I run the tasting room, on Saturdays I run the kitchen, cooking, I order from distributors, contact customers. I’m a Jack of all trades. Read More
