A mere forty days ago, Harrison Knowles decided to quit his corporate job and start his mobile coffee business– MANIFEST Coffee + Community. Based in Knowles’ own neighborhood of East Norwalk, MANIFEST focuses on developing relationships with customers and creating a welcoming environment where everyone can express themselves freely over the highest quality of beverages.
In addition to the focus on community, Knowles ensures his customers get the highest possible quality beverages, as he personally sourced his vendors from the New York Coffee Fest. MANIFEST uses Ilse coffee which is based in North Canaan Connecticut, as well as Ghost Town Oats oat milk, and Transcendence coffee syrups which are formulated with only three ingredients and all natural flavors.
It was technically about 17 years in the making, but Masaharu Morimoto officially has a restaurant in Connecticut. The renowned Japanese chef and restaurateur, known globally as the star of Iron Chef and Iron Chef America, officially opens Momosan at Foxwoods June 26
Momosan at Foxwoods, in the resort casino’s Great Cedar Food Court dining area, blends casual ramen and izakaya-style dining with what representatives call his “most expansive sushi program to date.” The menu features sashimi and nigiri, specialty sushi rolls, rice dishes like poke and bap, assorted ramen varieties and small plates.
Morimoto made an appearance at his latest location during a press preview Tuesday, playfully bantering with guests while he prepared signature dishes like hot oil-seared salmon carpaccio, sticky ribs tossed in hoisin chili sauce and a surf and turf sushi roll with A5 Wagyu beef, seared tableside with a torch.
Mrs. London's Cafe & Bakery has announced the sale of its Westport location to Maman, (@_mamannyc) the popular NYC based Provençal-inspired café, created by co-founders Elisa Marshall and Benjamin Sormonte. Maman will bring its fan-favorite salads, sandwiches, made-famous-by-Oprah Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookies to the Westport community.
Maman, known for its cafés, bakeries, and event spaces, features a menu that celebrates childhood favorites from the South of France and North America. This will be their second CT location, after their launch in Greenwich.
Less than a year ago, we covered Amanda Eng in our Q&A series, “It’s a Woman’s World,” with a focus on her coffee pop up, Kash & Liv Coffee Creations. Along with popping up all over the Newtown, Sandy Hook, and Danbury areas, Eng found a home as a coffee vendor inside of Uncle Matt’s Bakery and Cafe in the fall of 2023. Just over a year later, right before the holiday season, Eng teamed up with her customer-turned-friend, Meghan Jefts, to open a spot of their own. At AM Coffee & Co. in Southbury, Eng, a self-professed coffee nerd since she was 14, is continuing her coffee journey that saved her from corporate America.
Foxwoods Resort Casino has announced a partnership with Martha Stewart and Marquee Brands, to bring Martha’s acclaimed restaurant concept, The Bedford by Martha Stewart, to the property. Opening in fall 2025, this unique dining experience will bring Martha’s celebrated style and hospitality to Foxwoods, offering guests an authentic culinary experience alongside the resort's exceptional offerings.
Designed to transport guests into Martha’s renowned 1925 country farmhouse located in Bedford, New York, The Bedford brings her signature blend of elegance, warmth and charm to life. Situated within the Grand Pequot Tower, this one-of-a-kind dining destination features a thoughtfully curated menu inspired by Martha's personal favorites, including her Kurobuta Pork Chop, Niçoise Salad, and Martha’s family recipe for Pierogies, as well as some of her famous cocktails such as the Martha-tini and her frozen pomegranate Martha-rita. For the first time offering breakfast alongside brunch, lunch and dinner offerings. The restaurant will emphasize locally sourced ingredients to create unforgettable culinary dishes with new additions planned each season.
After much anticipation Lyfe Café finally opened its doors and to much fanfare. Offering both grab and go as well as sit down breakfast and lunch options, the newest café to grace Westport’s bustling restaurant scene is the latest collaboration of Gino Riccio and Dimitri Pantzos. The dynamic duo (who also happen to be uncle and nephew) have already seen smashing success with Pizza Lyfe (just up the street), a favorite among locals and non-locals alike. Riccio, a longtime veteran of the restaurant scene, is also the owner of Quattro Pazzi and Organika.
Dimitri and Gino have spent nearly a year perfecting recipes. Everything at the café is made from scratch, and when you get the opportunity to eat there yourself, you’ll notice the quality immediately. I daresay they have perfected the croissant, with its crisp and flaky exterior, and layers of soft buttery goodness beneath. You’ll have to decide if you’re a traditionalist or wanting to try one of their viral offerings like the Tiramisu or White Chocolate Pistachio which sell out quickly, and after sampling one, I can see why. The sandwich rolls are also made in-house as are the bagels, and as a born and bred New Yorker, they pass my test – and I am very particular.
José Andrés, Bobby Flay, and More Are Coming to Stamford as part of Revolutionary New Food Hall
Next-level dining experience where you can enjoy signature dishes from legendary chefs and celebrated eateries
Stamford foodies, get ready: some of the biggest names in the culinary world are about to make their mark on your city — but not in the way you might think.
José Andrés, Marcus Samuelsson, Michael Symon, Bobby Flay, Marc Murphy, and a host of award-winning restaurants, like Tejas Barbeque and Di Fara Pizza, are joining forces as part of WONDER, a groundbreaking food hall concept opening in Stamford.
Opening this week, WONDER isn’t your typical food court. It’s a next-level dining experience where you can enjoy signature dishes from these legendary chefs and other celebrated eateries — all in one place. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or casual comfort food, WONDER has something to satisfy every craving.
Chances are you’ve seen Japanese souffle pancakes on Instagram or TikTok – tall, thick and fluffy confections that jiggle at the slightest movement, topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar and berries. These have been hard to find in Connecticut, but they’re on the menu at a Simsbury Asian-fusion cafe that opened earlier this year.
Blossom Cafe owners Amanda Liu and Albert Zhang traveled through Asia last summer and fell in love with the cafe cultures in the countries they visited, coming back home to Connecticut inspired by what they’d seen.
Inside the newly renovated historic building The Main Bar is the restaurant’s focal point where a horseshoe-shaped bar takes center stage with its saffron-colored backdrop juxtaposed by dark navy walls which boast subtle architectural details that pay homage to the nearby Saugatuck Bridge. During the daytime the tall widows and high ceilings allow the light to flood in. The same room at night embraces a much moodier scene. The space gives off both coastal and industrial vibes which is also carried through the upstairs to the dining room which offers fine dining without formality. The restaurant sets the stage; at its center is the food created and executed by Chef Stephen Lewandowski whose culinary style is best described as modern, elevated American. His layers of flavor and use of sometimes esoteric and unusual ingredients are the result of his over two decades of experience.
Foxwoods Resort Casino today announced the opening of Momosan by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, set to debut in spring 2025. The new addition brings the globally renowned chef’s celebrated Japanese cuisine to Foxwoods, marking the seventh location of his acclaimed ramen restaurant. The partnership between Foxwoods and Chef Morimoto continues the resort casino’s commitment to delivering world-class, diverse culinary experiences in a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape.
Chef Tyler Anderson & Millwright’s have just announced a special series of 4 collaboration dinners with Chef Tyler and his friends. Guest Chefs are Chef Prasad (Indian Kitchen), Chef Billy Grant (Bricco), Chef Renee Touponce (Oyster Club/Port of Call), and Chef David Standridge (Shipwright’s Daughter). All dinners are 5 courses with wine pairings for $150 per person (not including tax and gratuity). These dinners will begin promptly at 6pm.
Anderson says, “Chefs work a lot. Sometimes the only way we get to hang out is doing a dinner together. It's a great way for us to reconnect and to learn from each other. I'm excited to be cooking alongside some of the best in the state and we will have more to come!”
Beyond the basic and hydrating beverage of water, tea and coffee seem to be duking it out for the number two spot as the most consumed drink on the planet. About 80% of them regularly partake in a cuppa at home, with drip coffee coming in first, and cappuccinos and ice coffees picking up the rear. Overall, Americans drink 400 million cups of coffee a day, roughly 1,095 per person, per year and overall- hold onto your stirrers-as a nation, we swill 146 billion cups a year. Our beans overfloweth. Knowing that you will be soon looking for your next cup, read on…
That’s exactly what Amanda Eng did. And now she’s making waves with her craft coffee concoctions that have included creative, original flavored lattes, cold brews with fruity sweet cream cold foams, and decadent cups of hot cocoa.
Amanda, and her coffee biz that’s named after her twins, Kash and Liv, is seemingly everywhere in the Newtown with pop ups at PTA meetings, to Newsylum Brewery, and others. Now with a home base inside of Uncle Matt’s Bakery and Café in nearby Sandy Hook, you’ll at least always know where to find her for your caffeine fix.
I recently caught up with Amanda to get Kash & Liv Coffee Creations’ origin story, to talk coffee and coffee inspiration, and what’s in her very near future.
Grab a cup (of her coffee if you have access) and check out our Q&A!
In addition to the Food Festival, the event will feature a Charity Golf Tournament and exclusive Mother’s Day Brunch both featuring culinary offerings curated by the celebrity chefs. Catskill Cuisine will bring visitors, entertainment, and cuisine together while allowing Sullivan Catskills culinary experts to shine and promote the region’s agritourism and local farms, craft food, and beverage makers.
Thousands of Food Festival attendees will be able to explore Bethel Woods Center for the Arts’ iconic grounds, and take part in tastings, demos, meet and greets, book signings, and a local producer marketplace– all representing the Sullivan Catskills' diverse and delicious bounty. Confirmed celebrity chefs include Andrew Zimmern, Michael Symon, Scott Conant, Marcus Samuelsson, Anne Burrell, Melba Wilson and Geoffrey Zakarian, amongst others.
Have you always wanted to meet the culinary legend, Lidia Bastianich? Well now is your chance.
The Westport Young Woman’s League is pleased to announce that it will be hosting their Grants Awards Luncheon featuring celebrity chef and guest speaker, Lidia Bastianich. The fundraiser luncheon will be held on April 29, 2024, from 11:30 am – 2:30pm at the beautiful Branson Hall at Christ & Holy Trinity Church, 75 Church Lane in Westport, CT. Get your ticket here.
Lidia Bastianich is an Emmy award-winning public television host, best-selling cookbook author, successful restaurateur and the owner of a flourishing food and entertainment business. She has published numerous cookbooks in addition to hosting her Emmy-winning television series Lidia’s Kitchen, Lidia’s Italy in America, and Lidia’s Italy. Among the numerous awards and accolades, Lidia has earned seven James Beard Awards and two Emmy Awards. In 2022, Lidia received the Silver Award from APT for 25 years on Public Television.
Driving along Center Street in Wallingford, you can find the Bees Knees Bistro across the street from the post office between North Main Street and Wallace Avenue. With a classic red brick exterior, glowy lanterns, and a string of bistro lights, the Bees Knees Bistro charms you before you even set foot inside. Run by Wallingford-nativeJena Schlosser and her two aunts, Patti Schlosser and Catherine (Cathie) Muzio, the neighborhood bistro opened in December of last year. The trio is there every day of the week, working hard and wearing many hats. The 45-seat family-run bistro serves breakfast and lunch, with a comprehensive coffee and beverage list. With such a large variety of offerings, the bistro is family-friendly (there’s a ‘Honey Bees Menu’ for kiddos under 12 years of age), but also great for casual dining for couples and get-togethers among friends. The Bees Knees team also crafted the menu with dietary restrictions in mind with ample offerings for those following a gluten-free or vegan diet.
The Litchfield Inn, a family-owned, luxury boutique hotel in Connecticut's idyllic countryside, is partnering with two talented New England chefs for pop-up dinners in March and April.
Known for his role as Executive Chef and owner of Chef's Table at Little Dipper in Brooklyn, Connecticut, Chef Brian Paszko is excited to bring beloved his farm-to-table dining experience to The Litchfield Inn for two very special dinners on Saturday, March 16 and Saturday, March 23. Ticket holders can look forward to a multi-course tasting menu with beverage pairings with complimentary canape and prosecco upon arrival. Tickets are priced at $110 per person, excluding tax and gratuity, with 25 tickets available. Vegetarian substitutions will be available, as well as non-alcoholic beverage pairings.
On Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6, 2014 James Beard Semifinalist and 3x Chopped Champion Evan Hennessey, Executive Chef and owner of Stages at One Washington and The Living Room in Dover, New Hampshire, will be offering a dining experience similar to the one found at Stages at One Washington. Guests can expect a multi-course tasting menu consisting of dishes that showcase the bounty of ingredients native to New Hampshire that are prepared with traditional Scandinavian and Japanese techniques. Canape and prosecco will also be provided upon arrival. Tickets are priced at $110 per person, excluding taxes, gratuity, and beverage pairings, with 12 tickets available. Optional wine pairings and non-alcoholic pairings will be available for an additional fee. Please note that Gluten-free allergies can be accomodated, however, vegan, dairy-free, and shellfish allergies cannot be accommodated for Evan's events.
“I could go for a coffee right now.” “Where’s the nearest coffee place?” If we had a nickel for every time we heard or uttered those words, right? Happily, there’s a coffee house or roastery just about around every corner these days, but some of them rise above with their drinks, their blends, their hospitality. Hence, we have filled our cups to the brim with delicious offerings for you and this list is broken down by County so that you can get to that cup quicker! Sip alone, brew, sip with a friend-life is good.
May and June in New York City are a special time. The long winter and the soggy April showers give way to sunny days and warmer temps. New York City is a walking city, and on a perfect Spring day, I donned my pearls and a “little black dress” and headed into the city for a visit to the newly reopened Tiffany & Co on Fifth Ave. to check out the Blue Box Café by Daniel Boulud for my version of Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
