Filtering by Tag: Pop-Up Bar,Danbury

Mariposa Taqueria in Danbury Debuts Latin Dinner Series

Ingredients Interview Restaurant Mariposa Taqueria Latin American Danbury Tasting Menu Tasting

Andrew Dominick February 10, 2025

When brothers Sam and Javier Reyes took over the reigns of Mezon Tapas Bar from their older brothers Richard and Juan, and flipped the concept over to Mariposa Taqueria in 2020, focusing on tacos and Latin American street food, they had big plans on the horizon. Sam, who’s coming off a 2023 Bartender of the Year win at the Connecticut Restaurant Association’s CRAZIES Awards, took that award and the recognition it brought to launch a series of cocktail competitions to highlight area bartenders so they can show off their full display of skills to local cocktail lovers.

"Miracle" Christmas Themed Pop-up Cocktail Bar Launching at 3 CT Locations

Events Features Cocktails Bar Pop-Up Bar Holiday Holiday Events Homepage

Stephanie Webster November 16, 2023

The long running Miracle Christmas pop-up cocktail bar holiday pop-up is now open at three Connecticut bars you know and love. For those unfamiliar with Miracle Bar, this beloved Christmas themed holiday pop-up cocktail bar launched in 2014 in New York City, will continue spreading holiday cheer this year with over 100 locations around the world.

Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting. With kitschy holiday décor, professionally-developed cocktails and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to, Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit.

Where can you find Miracle in CT?

Grab your ugly Christmas sweater and head to Riley's by the Seawall in Stratford, who has hosted Miracle in past years and returns in 2023 for some more fun. You can also track down some Miracle joy at first-time hosts, Perfusion in Newtown and The Hop Knot in Portland.

Riley's will be ready for the holiday festivities on Nov. 17. Perfusion, launches their pop-up on Nov. 21, and Hop Knot's debut on Nov. 29.

All three locations are ready for all the boozy holiday cheer you can muster.

Ordinary Bar in New Haven Unveils its “Clue”-Themed Pop-Up

Features Restaurant Events Bar Cocktails classic cocktails Pop-Up Pop-Up Bar New Haven

Todd Lyon July 14, 2023

What are those funsters over at Ordinary up to now? I’ll give you a clue: It is a new fan-boy treatment, and it involves candlesticks, 1940s-style cocktails, Mrs. Peacock, ropes, a mysterious library, lead pipes, and a real-time crime-cracking challenge.

Ordinary, a modern cocktail bar and restaurant housed in antique oak-paneled splendor, has become known for periodically revamping its decor and its menu, based on a favorite theme. Over the years the place has been temporarily staged as a vintage circus, an homage to Twin Peaks, and, most recently, the films of Wes Anderson, complete with “Moonrise Kingdom”-tented tables and a “Life Aquatic”-decorated men’s room. The pop-ups stay put for months – sometimes a few, sometimes several.

À Table with Sarah + Bernard Opening in Ridgefield from Bernard's Owners, Sarah and Bernard Bouïssou

Features Restaurant News Danbury

CTbites Team March 17, 2023

Seasoned and beloved restaurateurs ,Sarah and Bernard Bouïssou, have some exciting news. The following announcement can be found on the website for their NEW restaurant.

After selling their beloved restaurant of 23 years, Bernard’s and Sarah’s Wine Bar, Sarah and Bernard Bouïssou are pleased to announce their next chapter: a gourmet prepared food storefront. Look forward to your favorite dishes from Bernard’s & Sarah’s Wine Bar artfully prepared to heat up in the comfort of your home. The storefront will also include new menu items, a rotisserie, pâtisserie, and much more.

À Table (pronounced “Ah TAH-bluh”) is a French phrase that translates to "at the table" in English. In French culture, gathering around the table to share a meal with family and friends is a cherished tradition. It represents more than just satisfying hunger; it's a time for bonding, socializing, and celebrating life's simple pleasures. The phrase À Table encapsulates the idea that food brings people together, fosters connections, and creates lasting memories. It emphasizes the importance of taking time to enjoy a meal and the company of loved ones. At its core, À Table represents the joy and warmth of sharing good food and good company.

Follow the new endeavor here or on Instagram @atableus.

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.

Farmboys Smokin' BBQ Opens Brick-and-Mortar in Danbury

Features Interview Restaurant BBQ Danbury Openings Catering Homepage

Andrew Dominick July 24, 2022

Right on South Street on Connecticut Route 53 is one of Danbury’s newest restaurant openings, Farmboys Smokin’ BBQ. But Farmboys is only new in the sense that it’s finally a brick-and-mortar sit-down spot where guests can salivate over platters of smoked meat and carby sides right before you begin to tear into the BBQ that’s in front of you.

The fact is, Farmboys has been a barbecue brand since 2011. Its founder and pitmaster, Matt Lombardo, started his BBQ journey after having less than stellar experiences at a restaurant he was once fond of.

“There used to be a place in Brewster that I won’t name because I won’t be that asshole,” Lombardo recalls. “I loved their brisket. One day I watched them pull it out of the fridge, throw it in the microwave, and feed it to me. I didn’t ask the first time if it was fresh, but the second time I went, they told me it was fresh, yet they did the same thing! That led to 15-16 years of BBQ for me. I started in my backyard, then started doing pop-ups to get a real public opinion instead of just serving to friends and family.”

Grounds Donut House in Danbury with Premium Drinks + Ice Cream Injected Donuts!

Restaurant Features Danbury Doughnuts donuts Dessert Breakfast

CTbites Team July 30, 2021

Danbury Connecticut has been on a donut driven sugar rush ever since Grounds Donut House has arrived. With completely unique flavors like Arnold Palmer Iced Tea, Orange Milano & Chips Ahoy, there is no doubt that you will leave the donut haven with smile on your face and a yearning for more. We are also excited about their new…wait for it… Ice Cream Injected Donuts available for in store purchase only.

Located off of the Lake Avenue Exit, Grounds Donut House serves donut lovers creative donuts, premium coffee, over-the-top coffee drinks, and for the 21+ crowd, alcoholic beverages featuring local brewers with donut-y friendly flavor profiles. Grounds keeps their menu pretty consistent, as they have their everyday classics, but they also rotate new donuts in to allow their customers to try new flavors each time they come into the donut house.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for August 29th- September 8

Features Events News Events Pop-Up Bar

Stephanie Webster August 27, 2020

Check out The NEW Fuego Picante food Truck proudly serving tacos al pastor al trompo & so much more goodness. Find them Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 3 pm to 9 pm at 79 William Shortly Campbell Street in Hartford.

Sift Bake Shop opens Mix Rooftop & Bar, a rooftop cocktail bar located on the top of Sift Bake Shop in Downtown Mystic, CT. Come enjoy unique, handcrafted cocktails, and a creative, fresh bar menu. Offering panoramic views of the Mystic River, Mix Rooftop & Bar, is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in beautiful Mystic, CT. Open daily from 3:00 - 10:00 PM. Reservations: 860-415-8365

Oar & Oak opening BIRD HOUSE in Stratford. We hear Bill Taibe is designing a Chicken Sandwich!!

Chef Jamie Bordonaro, Sous Chef at Millwrights restaurant in Simsbury recently finished the publication of his very own cookbook! It is titled “Pursuit of Passion” and he has been working on it for the past six years. The book is available for purchase on his website, www.www.pursuitofpassion.net/shop for $40 dollars, with $5 dollars from each copy sold going to benefit the World Central Kitchen organization. Check it out!

The insanely delicious Southern Chinese spot, Junzi Kitchen in New Haven, is now offering Picnic Baskets for 4 people. Each basket is $65 and includes chilled noodles, Asian salads, Asian inspired sodas, and Chinese chips.

Fan favorite, BONDA in Fairfield, launches BONDA EXPRESS, gourmet prepared foods to-go, open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 7pm. LOCATED AT THE BACK OF BONDA RESTAURANT (AMPLE PARKING IN THE BACK!) at 75 Hillside Road, Fairfield.

MIKU SUSHI Launches a Pop-Up Sushi Bar at Tony’s At The J House in Greenwich

Restaurant Sushi Pop-Up Bar Pop-Up Dinner Greenwich Openings

CTbites Team August 13, 2020

The owners of MIKU SUSHI on Greenwich Avenue, K Dong, and Chef Steve Chen, have partnered with Tony Capasso, managing partner at Tony’s at the J House, to launch an all-new “elevated” sushi bar at the trendy boutique hotel, J House, in Greenwich, Connecticut.

The MIKU x Tony’s pop-up is led by Executive Chef Joe Liu, former head sushi chef at Tao and Masa in Manhattan. Chef Liu trained uber master sushi Chef Daisuke Nakazawa, featured in the documentary film, Jiro Dreams of Sushi alongside world-renown master sushi chef, Jiro Ono.

The menu soft-launched this week and features almost a dozen of the MIKU signature rolls including two new exclusives, Tony Roll made with bluefin toro, avocado, scallion and spicy lobster salad, and J House Roll made with king salmon, avocado, wasabi sesame and spicy yellowtail.

Mariposa Taqueria Opens in Danbury from The Folks That Brought you Mezon

Restaurant open Danbury Tacos Latin American Mexican

Maddie Phelps July 24, 2020

For the four Reyes brothers, the butterfly is a symbol that pays homage to their mother, representing her strength and signifying a rebirth. In the midst of the restaurant industry’s toughest times, Javier Reyes says such a symbol is what we need most. That’s why he and his family have closed the doors of their popular Mezon Tapas Bar & Restaurant, and have opened a new Latin restaurant in Danbury. Fittingly, they’ve named it the Spanish word for butterfly, “mariposa”, that embodies the boldness of their mother.

It's Official: Shake Shack To Open in Danbury CT

Features Openings Danbury Burgers

Stephanie Webster February 15, 2020

According to ctinsider.com, Danbury Fair executives have confirmed that they are looking to have the popular burger chain set up shop at the Danbury Fair Mall. In fact, Shake Shack will be housed in a brand new building at Danbury Fair.

If you’ve been under a rock and are not familiar with the Shake Shack brand, they currently have CT locations in Westport, New Haven, Darien & West Hartford. One of NYC’s most beloved gathering places, Shake Shack is a modern day "roadside" burger stand known for its delicious burgers, hot dogs, frozen custard, beer, wine and more.

Danbury…Get pumped!

10 Things—or Tapas—We Loved About Mezón Restaurant in Danbury

Restaurant Latin American Peruvian Mexican Danbury Tapas Homepage

Stephanie Webster & Andrew Dominick February 02, 2020

For nearly a decade, Mezón Restaurant has been thought of as one of Connecticut’s premiere Latin eateries by word of mouth and its seen its fair share of media recognition—they are fresh off Connecticut Magazine Reader’s Poll wins for Best Latin in Fairfield County and the runner-up for Best Latin in the state. And that’s saying something considering they didn’t even know they were nominated and because of that, they didn’t publicize it.

Four years ago, our own Lou Gorfain sang Mezón’s praises after a small tasting of ceviche, pan seared pulpo, Dominican fried chicken, and churros. But everything food deserves an update, especially considering there’s a new chef at the helm, an obviously newer menu, and a haven for craft cocktails.

Oh, and I’m pretty sure Lou and Kristin are the only ones at CTbites who have been to Mezón. For Stephanie and me, we uttered the same thing, “I’m embarrassed I hadn’t been here before.”

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Debuts NEW Meatball and Ricotta Pizza!

Restaurant Pizza New Haven Danbury Fairfield

CTbites Team January 29, 2020

Breaking Pizza News! It’s not often that the legendary Connecticut-based Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana debuts a new pizza, so when this classic New Haven-style, coal-fired pizzeria does, it’s a really big deal. Pepe’s has recently started serving its latest master piece, the Meatball and Ricotta pizza crafted with 100% all natural meatballs, ricotta cheese, crushed Italian tomatoes, mozzarella, grated pecorino Romano and drizzled with olive oil.

"Miracle" Christmas Themed Pop-up Cocktail Bar Open at Ordinary Bar New Haven

Features Pop-Up Bar Cocktails Homepage

Stephanie Webster December 03, 2019

Teroforma’s 1pt Cocktail Blends Teams with Crew Restaurant to Host Cocktail Lab Dinner

Ingredients Features Pop-Up Bar Pop-Up Dinner Cocktails Local Artisan

Andrew Dominick December 03, 2019

Wine or beer dinners in Fairfield County are common, but cocktail dinners? You don’t see very many (if any) offered on a regular basis. About a year ago, Chris Geideman, the owner of Crew Restaurant in Greenwich, along with Andrew Hellman, CEO of the Norwalk-based barware company Teroforma, started to discuss a cocktail dinner event of their very own.

The idea would feature Teroforma’s 1pt Blends, a line of flavor kits that enable anyone from experienced bartenders to at-home amateurs to infuse spirits minus all the guesswork. Teroforma is a local CT company that creates all-natural, gourmet infusions for cocktails. After a bunch of casual conversations, they figured out a way not only to make it happen, but to make it something more than simply drinking and eating.

Stamford's Winter Wonderland Market & Beer Garden Opens Dec. 6th

Features Beer Beer Dinner CT Beer Pop-Up Bar Stamford

CTbites Team November 30, 2019

Half Full Brewery and Mill River Park Collaborative announced today the return of Winter Wonderland Market & Beer Garden to Stamford, Conn.’s Mill River Park. The Winter Wonderland is intended to celebrate and unite local residents and professionals through a diverse and expanded slate of programming, which will run from Friday, Dec. 6 through Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2020.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events, Game Dinners, And Festivals for November 17-24

Events Features EVENT News Pop-Up Dinner Pop-Up Bar Happy Hour

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 14, 2019

Kombucha is delicious and nutritious! Cross Culture Kombucha Taproom & Brewery will teach you how to make your own at home in their Kombucha Homebrewing Workshop on November 21.

On Tuesday November 19, Fairfield Cheese Company hosts an evening all about Cheese and Wine of The French Alps. Join them from 7-9pm for $50 per person.

The Taps & Trees Craft Beer Festival returns to the Danbury Sports Dome on Saturday November 23.

Half Full Winter Beer Garden Returns for 2019 (via Hey Stamford!)

Events Pop-Up Bar Stamford Holiday kids activity

Hey Stamford! November 08, 2019

This just in from Hey Stamford!

One of our favorite winter experiences of 2018 was Half Full Brewery’s Winter Beer Garden. Well, I’m thrilled to say that the Stamford-based brewery announced yesterday that this pop-up experience will return, this time for the entire month of December!

The Half Full Winter Beer Garden will once again be located in Mill River Park just opposite the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Skating Center and will feature an enclosed bar serving (of course) Half Full beer, cider and wine.

The Half Full Winter Beer Garden is part of Mill River Park’s Winter Wonderland programming line-up, built around the Skating Center (opening for the season on November 18). From Thanksgiving until New Year’s, the park will offer plenty of winter fun, including crafts, DJ Nights, and more!

Gaudi Tapas & Wine: The Girls of Gaudi Bring The Spirit of Spain To CT

Restaurant Danbury New Fairfield Spanish Tapas Brunch Cocktails Homepage

Kristin L. Wolfe October 06, 2019

As soon as you cross the threshold of Gaudi Tapas & Wine, past the sandy white stone facade, Meditteranean blue trim, and mosaic details on the walls, your passport has been stamped; you have officially been transported to Spain.

The Ruiz sisters hit gold when they recruited another set of siblings to underscore and deliver on their much-awaited dream restaurant. (Saray practically stared at the location for four years, before it was available and ready for them and their dream). Enter: Jose Flores, who has worked under the esteemed Arturo Franco-Camacho at Shell & Bones; and his brother, Oscar who has worked under Michelin star chef Luis Bollo of Salinas. Needless to say, you take the passion of two sisters--twins no less--and the powerhouse skills of talented chefs, and what do you get? Well, eh hem, as of October 2, you get a statewide nomination for Best Restaurant Newcomer of the Year.

Pop-Up Space Junction at North Seven Opens in Norwalk Featuring Food Trucks and More

Restaurant Food Truck Pop-Up Bar Norwalk Entertaining Catering Live Music

Andrew Dominick June 26, 2019

Unless you live in one of the apartment complexes or take the train to and from Metro-North’s Merritt 7 Station you’ve likely never had a reason to go down Glover Avenue. That’s likely going to change with the opening of Junction at North Seven, a brand-new pop-up venue with a focus on food and drink.

Behind the idea of Junction on North Seven is Building and Land Technology (BLT), a development group that’s in charge of evolving of that part of Norwalk, and they’re doing it with a “live, work, play” approach.

A major part of that “live, work, play” philosophy, and what Junction will feature, are local food trucks. Melt Mobile, Meˈstēzō Grill, Caffè Bon, Greek Style Grill, Cowabunga, Carmela’s Italian Kitchen, and DCW, an ice cream sundae truck that incorporates donuts, churros, and waffles into their creamy creations, have all made multiple appearances.

Others that will soon sling food outside of Junction’s garage bays are Hapa, Angie’s Cocinita, Crazy Taco Mex, Planet Pizza, and The Chamo.