Q&A with Mighty Quinn's & Rise Doughnuts' Hugh Mangum On His NEW BBQ Cookbook Features Chef Talk Q & A Cookbooks BBQ CT Authors Homepage Stephanie Webster September 03, 2025 CT Chef and resident, Hugh Mangum, co-founder of the much-loved Mighty Quinn’s BBQ as well as Rise Doughnuts, recently released a BBQ bible, a cookbook that explores BBQ across the globe. The new cookbook is titled, BARBECUE: Smoked & Grilled Recipes from Across the Globe, and is the ultimate guide to cooking with fire and smoke, featuring 280 beloved barbecue and grilling recipes from cultures worldwide. We sat down with Mangum to speak with him about the new cookbook. Read More
Community table in Washington: Meet Chef Bolivar Hilario Restaurant Washington Litchfield County Homepage Chef Talk Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger August 05, 2025 Community table is housed in a nondescript, quaint structure on Route 202 in New Preston, and presents a dining experience that blends effortlessly into its rural setting. The only recognizable landmark to announce your arrival is a simplistic roadside sign with a singular orange “Ct” logo on a white background, reflecting the restaurant's core value: a strong focus on community with an upper case "C" and a less formal, more shared dining experience at the table with a lower case "t". A farmer's porch extends across the front of the building, and a large parking lot is located to one side. The entrance is immediately to the left of a striking, vertically soaring, organic, red metal sculpture, leading guests directly into the bar area. Read More
Casa Me, Westport Update: Meet Chef Diego Negri Restaurant Features Westport Chef Talk Italian Lunch Jessica Ryan July 17, 2025 When it first opened in late 2022, Casa Me quickly became the darling of the restaurant scene with its stunning décor, lively atmosphere and delicious fare. (I wrote about it here.) There’s an welcoming energy that embraces you as soon as you walk through the front door. Whether you’re seated at the stunning bar or at a table, the ambiance immediately gives coastal Italian vacation vibes. Ever since my first visit nearly three years ago, Casa Me remains one of my favorites. A recent change in the kitchen can often mean a certain uncertainty, however we’re thrilled to share the news that Chef Diego Negri has taken over, bringing with him his expertise that helped him garner Michelin Star Ratings for not one but four restaurants including New York City’s Marea, and Eleven Eleven which received three Michelin Stars. Also in the City, he was the Executive Chef for Vinateria, which received a Michelin Plate. Other New York Restaurants include St. Theo’s and Lupa. Read More
Chef Bill Taibe and Massimo Tullio Announce Next Chapter in Their Culinary Journeys Features Chef Talk News CTbites Team January 28, 2025 This just in from Chef Bill Taibe and Massimo Tullio, the team behind Kawa Ni, The Whelk & Don Memo.After 12 incredible years of partnership, Bill Taibe and Massimo Tullio are announcing a new chapter in their professional lives as they transition to pursue independent goals. The duo, known for their exceptional contributions to the culinary landscape, will part ways amicably and continue their legacies with individual ventures.Effective immediately, Bill Taibe will take over the ownership and operations of Kawa Ni Westport and Kawa Ni Denver. At the same time, Massimo Tullio will assume ownership of The Whelk and Don Memo, both located in Westport, CT. Read More
CRAzies Awards Winners 2024: Celebrating Excellence in CT's Culinary Community Features CRAZIES Awards Chef Talk Homepage Stephanie Webster December 10, 2024 The Connecticut culinary community came together last night to celebrate hard work, passion and excellence in the field. Winners from each of the eight counties around the state and the eight winners were – Materia Ristorante in Bantam (Litchfield County); Bar Rosina’s in Greenwich (Fairfield County); Restaurant Bricco in West Hartford (Hartford County); Hachiroku Shokudo & Sake Bar in New Haven (New Haven County); Monet’s Table in Tolland (Tolland County); The Essex in Old Saybrook (Middlesex County); Trigo Wood Fired Pizza in Willimantic (Windham County); and The Port of Call in Mystic (New London County). The overall winner who was named 2024 Connecticut Restaurant of the Year went to Bar Rosina’s, who earned the award over the other seven county winners and twenty-four total nominees. Read More
Chef Ashley Flagg Set To Open The Laurel in West Hartford Features open West Hartford Chef Talk Stephanie Webster August 21, 2024 If you live in CT, you likely have heard the name, Chef Ashley Flagg. She has been the executive Chef at the iconic Millwright's in Simsbury for five years, and has worked in the industry for over fourteen. Flagg is now getting ready to head out on her own, and has signed a lease for a new spot at 1046 New Britain Ave in West Hartford. The restaurant will be called The Laurel and it is slated to open its doors in early 2025. Are we excited? Heck yeah we are. The name, The Laurel, is an ode to Flagg’s grandmother who inspired her love of cooking. It is also s a nod to the Connecticut state flower, an appropriate choice, as Flagg is a strong supporter of sourcing close to home. The concept is centered around globally inspired shareable plates utilizing the best local purveyors, farmers, and artisans. Read More
It’s A Woman’s World: Chef & CIA Instructor Roshara Sanders Features Interview It's A Woman's World chef Chef Talk Andrew Dominick January 09, 2024 One of the definitions of the word “force” is as follows: a person or thing regarded as exerting power or influence.It’s fitting to say that Roshara Sanders is just that, a force. And at just 34 years old, the Bridgeport native has quite resume. Read More
Chef Forrest Pasternack Returns to Bailey’s Backyard in Ridgefield CT Features Ingredients Interview Restaurant Bailey's Backyard Farm To Table Interview Chef Talk Ridgefield Andrew Dominick August 27, 2023 Ask Forrest Pasternack about being back in Ridgefield and he’ll tell you that “there’s nothing quite like home.”Already well traveled in this area and in New York as a renowned chef at several acclaimed restaurant, Pasternack may be best known to locals from his five-years when he headed up the kitchen at the O.G. farm-to-table restaurant Bailey’s Backyard from 2013 – 2018.After a handful of years away, Pasternack is back!But where’s he been all this time?Well, a bunch of places and one big one at the same time. Read More
No Kid Hungry "Chef Cycle:" Q&A with Chef Luke Venner of Elm Restaurant Features Chef Talk Q & A Fundraiser CTbites Team April 24, 2023 Chefs Cycle is a fundraising endurance event featuring award-winning chefs and members of the culinary community-fighting childhood hunger outside the kitchen. Since 2015, the culinary talents who take part in Chefs Cycle raise critical funds, which No Kid Hungry uses to help communities across the country feed kids. Chef Luke Venner of Elm Restaurant in New Canaan, CT, is preparing for his 2nd year in the Chefs Cycle event. We sat down with him to discuss the importance of this fundraiser and the hopefully inspire other chefs to join him in 2024! Read More
The Taco Project Introduces Former Alinea Chef as Culinary Director—Stamford Location Launches Brunch Interview Restaurant The Taco Project Stamford Westchester Brunch Interview Chef Talk tacos Mexican Fast Casual Homepage Andrew Dominick March 02, 2023 Less than a year ago, we introduced readers to Stamford branch of The Taco Project, a fast casual Mexican restaurant whose roots began in Tarrytown in 2014.Since April of 2022, The Taco Project and its brand grew even more outside of its existing Westchester locations (Tarrytown, Yonkers, Pleasantville, Bronxville) and its High Ridge Road spot in Stamford, as they’ve set their sights on the Florida market and opened up shop in Coral Springs.But with growth comes some additions. Read More
Umebroshi Pop-Up Brings Hawaiian Cuisine to Bar 140 in Shelton Features Restaurant Hawaiian Shelton Pop-Up Chef Talk Interview Homepage Andrew Dominick February 19, 2023 Greeting someone in Connecticut with an enthusiastic “Aloha!” or flashing them with a very chill hang loose hand gesture isn’t really our deal in the Nutmeg State. But on Tuesday afternoons at Bar 140, it’s totally rad to let out your inner Hawaiian during Umebroshi Food’s weekly pop-up. Read More
Soul-Fete: Celebrating the Culinary Journey from Africa to America Events Features Events EVENT Pop-Up Dinner Chef Talk Laura Ault / The New Canaanite February 15, 2023 CTbites is very proud to be a media sponsor for year one of the exciting event below, an event that celebrates the culmination of Black History Month. We share that honor with The New Canaanite, where writer, Laura Ault, originally posted this article detailing the Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R)’s Soul-Fête event, going down on March 2nd. Here’s the scoop. Grab your tickets now before they sell out!With their customary knack for creating connection, Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R) has created an immersive cultural celebration. Soul-Fête, which will explore the culinary journey from Africa to America, will welcome you to the Carriage Barn at New Canaan’s Waveny Park on March 2nd from 7-9 P.M., wrapping up Black History Month in an unforgettable way. Music will be provided by local band The Misfits, and chef Damon Sawyer of Bridgeport’s 29 Markle Ct. will take us through the past, present, and future of Black food. What’s in store for us? Well, for one, there will be a mac ‘n’ cheese tasting. Read More
Roadtrip: Augustine’s Salumeria Dazzles with Seasonal, Modern Italian in Mamaroneck Features Road Trip Restaurant Homepage Mamaroneck Westchester New York Hudson Valley Italian Chef Chef Talk Andrew Dominick January 12, 2023 If you listen to Marc Taxiera talk about his style at his newly opened Mamaroneck restaurant, Augustine’s Salumeria, he speaks about it passionately.“It’s born in Italian cooking, but I’m using ingredients from the market, things that turn us on,” he says. “My food was always about taking ingredients that we can get and showcasing them in the best way. Most Italian tends to be heavy on the sauce, fried calamari, chicken parm, but we’re taking the seasons and playing with it, doing it a little differently.” Read More
Chef Damon Sawyer Opens 29 Markle Ct in Downtown Bridgeport Features Interview Restaurant Bridgeport Homepage Damon Sawyer Chef Talk Opening Andrew Dominick January 08, 2023 “Mixing records is very similar to balancing tastes if you can imagine that. The lows of a record are like beets to me. That funk, the color of it. It’s a deep sound. You add shallots, it’s like a string session. That was a major component into my transition to being a chef. I knew what balancing sound was. Same thing as ingredients.”A quote like that one could only come from a former musician, turned chef. Read More
My Favorite Dish: Rosina’s Raviolo al’ Uovo Features Interview Restaurant Pasta egg yolk ravioli Greenwich Byram Rosina's Greenwich Rosina's fresh pasta Homepage Chef Chefs Chef Talk Andrew Dominick December 29, 2022 I’ll be the first to admit that since Rosina’s opened, it has become my toxic trait. And I mean that in the best way possible. I’ve eaten there for dinner, I’ve attended several happy hours and one industry night, and I’ve celebrated a birthday there.Full transparency, Jared Falco, Rosina’s co-owner and executive chef, is a good friend of mine. I’d like to say I go so often to visit him, and that is partially true, but Jared, I’m sorry, it’s for the pasta. Still love you, bro! Read More
Bottega and Craft Kitchen Owners Open Quattro Osteria in Newtown Features Interview Restaurant Italian Chef Chef Talk Newtown Homepage Opening Andrew Dominick December 03, 2022 Bottega Italian Kitchen + Bar, Craft Kitchen + Bar, and now, with the very quiet opening of Quattro Osteria in Newtown, we officially have a trio.The “we” is the partnership between Michael Hayek (Square One Bar & Grill in Danbury) and Jasson Arias, who was the brains behind the popular food truck, Rice & Beans. 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 Homepage Bethel Beer 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
Q&A: CRAZIES Nominee "Best Chef of the Year:" Chef David DiStasi of Materia Ristorante Features Chef Talk Celebrity Chef Awards Q & A Christopher Hodson November 16, 2022 Each year, the CT Restaurant Association recognizes the exceptional ability and talent of Connecticut’s restaurant community in the prestigious CRAzies awards. We are excited to showcase the nominees for 2022’s CRAZIES AWARDS “BEST CHEF OF THE YEAR” in this 5 part series. All of the candidates worked incredibly hard to receive this nomination, and while many of you may know some of them, you probably don’t know all of them. We sat down with each of these talented chefs to learn a little bit more about what makes them do what they do. This week, we feature Chef David DiStasi of Materia Ristorante in Bantam. Read More
Cluck Cluck: 7 Questions with Ben Pote of Wildacre Rotisserie in Greenwich Interview Restaurant Chefs Chef Talk Local Chef CT Chef Fast Casual Chicken Vegetarian Greenwich Family Friendly Andrew Dominick November 10, 2022 In June 2022, Wilton resident Ben Pote opened Wildacre Rotisserie, a new fast casual concept whose signature is an expertly roasted heirloom chicken and an overall menu that’s all about freshness and quality.This “Cali-style” chicken joint isn’t only bird-focused, though, as it’s got plenty in terms of vegetarian options—including a whole roasted za’atar seasoned cauliflower. Read More
Q&A: CRAZIES Nominee "Best Chef of the Year" Chef David Standridge of The Shipwright’s Daughter Features Interview Interview Celebrity Chef Chef Talk Q & A Awards Mystic Christopher Hodson November 01, 2022 Each year, the CT Restaurant Association recognizes the exceptional ability and talent of Connecticut’s restaurant community in the prestigious CRAZIES awards. We are excited to showcase the nominees for 2022’s CRAZIES AWARDS “BEST CHEF OF THE YEAR” in this 5 part series. All the candidates worked incredibly hard to receive this nomination, and while many of you may know some of them, you probably don’t know all of them. We sat down with each of these talented chefs to learn a little bit more about what makes them do what they do. This week, we feature Chef David Standridge of The Shipwright’s Daughter in Mystic CT.[Voting is still open. Vote for your favorite folks in the CT culinary industry here.] Read More
