One of my favorite shows growing up was The Twilight Zone. Most episodes included Rod Serling’s famous, “Imagine, if you will…” and his describing a “fifth dimension” between reality and imagination. I sometimes think of those days, a simpler time when life moved more slowly, where information was absorbed from the three-dimensional surroundings versus the two-dimensional computer screen, where families viewed eating out as a bonus, not as a plan B because everyone was too tired to cook and when every meal was not measured by its TikTok and Instagram potential. Sometimes a restaurant is a place to bring family, outside the Internet measurements, outside the stars, likes and looks, and just serve simple fare at reasonable prices.
The first time I read about Dîner en Blanc, I was floored, mystified, envious even. Wait, what is this and where has it been all my life? Everyone dresses in white, carries all their accoutrement like tables, chairs, and picnic baskets yet they don’t know where they are dining? Let me in. It took a few years of watching from the sidelines before I threw myself into the mix, which was after the pandemic; now I’m hooked.
Dîner en Blanc is coming to New Haven this Fall, on September 14th, 2024.
Le Diner en Blanc is so much more than an event! It’s a unique cultural movement that empowers friends of friends to gather and celebrate their shared passions for life, food, fashion, and community, year after year, with a pinch of mystery and large serving of spontaneity.
Last week we took a little trip to Puerto Vallarta to the restaurant’s newest and flagship location. There are presently eight restaurants in Connecticut including Avon, Danbury, Fairfield, Orange, Middletown, Newington and Southington. The Stamford location is unique in its offerings and it’s looking to change the way that Americans perceive Mexican food. We sat down with owner Esaul “Saul” Rodriguez who talk about the brand’s past and future and shared his story and vision. The Stamford restaurant is unique, and Saul described it as a “little laboratory” and explained that he wanted to change things up a little. “I want to change the way that people think about Mexican food. I think Mexican food is going through a revolution.” He added that the coastline plays a large role in the country’s cuisine and this is very evident at the Stamford location.
The year was 1888. The Civil War was twenty-three years in the past and the Model A was fifteen years in the future, the Statue of Liberty and Washington Monuments were recently dedicated, the US population stood at 50 million, the Standard Oil Company and AT&T were new companies, the Brooklyn Bridge was opened, and newly created Coca Cola was the talk of the south.
In the small town of Matteawan, NY, overlooking the Hudson River, Oven Number 312 was manufactured by the Dutchess Tool Company and sold to F Duhrkop of Meriden, CT. Until the late 1930s, the oven-baked bread at the Pratt Street location, and in 1938 the Verdolini family, forced to relocate its downtown business to Pratt Street, started baking pizza. In 1946, the business was sold to Tony Pascucci who changed the name to the Little Rendezvous. Over seventy-five years later, under the tutelage of its seventh owner, Steve Chehotsky, the Little Rendezvous is now producing one of the best, if not the best, pizza in CT, in one of the state’s longest, continuous-running coal ovens.
This daily heat and humidity can only mean one thing: it’s summertime in Connecticut. It’s also hot dog time in Connecticut! Meat-grilling season is here and Independence Day is right around the corner and with that brings the pressure of entertaining friends and family, lighting off “legal” fireworks, and curating an outdoor feast. But what if you didn’t have to worry about any of those things and instead decided to celebrate the season and holiday somewhere else, say, a local CT eatery that offers delicious hot dogs and other festive culinary options? As someone who grew up working at a hot dog stand, I know what makes a true dog standout from all the rest. Sometimes it’s about the basics, like mustard and kraut, and for others it’s about the chili, cheese, and other specialty toppings that cover the dog. No matter what you have in store for the summer and for the Fourth of July, the hot dog stands, restaurants, and drive-ins on this list will surely make you want to say “screw our plans, let’s keep it simple and leave the food to those that know it best.” And to that we say, “we’ve got you covered!” Goodbye, summer stress. Hello, mouth-watering hot dogs.
I’ve been looking for some great burger and pizza places in “the Valley,” and noticed a few references to a pizza place in Waterbury, Vincenzo's Pizzeria. Looking at their website, I thought it would be like numerous other local Italian restaurants, where I could order a pie, maybe a Parm, sit at one of their tables, and enjoy a quiet lunch.
Fast forward to my visit. Vincenzo's is located about a mile south of I-84’s Chase Parkway exit in Waterbury. As I left the Interstate, I drove through a neighborhood that reminded me of where I grew up, two-story houses, not a lot of commerce, and a sense of community. As my waze went under a quarter of a mile until I arrived at Vincenzo’s, things began to change slightly, I noticed several patio dining areas with white tablecloths jutting from white-painted two-storied restaurants named La Tavola and D’Amelios Italian Eatery, it reminded me of several great neighborhood Italian restaurants from my youth.
Mystic, CT is about to witness a revival of the cocktail party scene like never before with two exciting event series spanning from May to September.
At The Port of Call, step back in time and experience the glamor, nostalgia, and intrigue of bygone eras with Lost In Time. Throughout the year, The Port of Call will host themed evenings from the 1910s to the 2000s, each accompanied by specially crafted food and cocktail menus, ensuring a unique experience every time.
Meanwhile, aboard the Sabino at The Mystic Seaport, The Shipwright’s Daughter presents The Rumrunner Series, inspired by the legendary rumrunner Bill McCoy, known as "The Real McCoy" during the Prohibition era. Guests can sail into the sunset on these exclusive cocktail parties, enjoying gourmet fare and premium cocktails featuring The Real McCoy Rum amidst the timeless beauty of Mystic's waters.
Rowayton’s Arden’s is continuing their “After Hours” dinner series for the third summer in a row, and we were lucky enough to sit down with owner Jill Lukeman to get a first look at what’s to come.
For those who aren’t familiar, Arden’s is a neighborhood cafe located in the heart of Rowayton. Its coastal decor and delicious fare makes it the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch, or cup of joe. Since opening in 2022, the team has hosted monthly dinners to expand beyond their daytime offerings.
“We have always been passionate about entertaining our friends and hosting dinner parties at home. When we opened Arden's, we thought why not bring this same spirit to our cafe and offer something that feels like dinner at a friend's house (without the headache of planning and the clean-up!). We are also passionate about music so we incorporated a music element to make the evenings even more unique and intimate,” Lukeman shared with us.
In the old days, you would have packed lunch, dinner, and possibly an overnight bag. Now, you make an appointment online, show up, check-in, bam, boom, out in under 30 minutes, total. So when I recently scheduled my visit, I chose a lunchtime appointment so I could combine it with seeking out a hidden gem in Waterbury. And this time I finally found one…Domenick & Pia Downtown Pizzeria.
Domenick and Pia is located at 3 Brook St. around the corner from the Palace Theatre and the University of Connecticut (Waterbury) and has served pizza to the local community for over 50 years. Any place that successfully thrived and survived through those economic swings of Waterbury has something to offer. To say Domenick and Pia is a hole in the wall would be an understatement. While the exterior reflects the recent gentrification of this small part of Waterbury, walk through the doors and whoosh, back to the 1970s. The general ambiance of the interior is probably reflecting its grand opening with Formica-topped and wood-trimmed tables, push-on prices reminiscent of the side-of-the-road hamburger stands, red plastic trays to carry your pick-up order to the table, the whole nine yards. My guess is the original pie-price was under $2, with a 25-cent slice-price. There is no glamour, no TVs, no beer, just good old-fashioned pizza, a couple of hot oven grinders, a ton of drink options, and one of the most pleasant staff imaginable. To succeed with this formula, the pizza better be really good. Mission accomplished.
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.
Hartford County's premier restaurant group and Farmington Valley's century-old farm and vineyard partnered for the 15th year of Max Chef to Farm. The culinary acumen is Max Level (through the roof) with the added benefit of having beverages curated MH by Sommelier and Beverage Director Brian Mitchell.
The owners of Rosedale Farms and Vineyards have been providing apples that are redder, corn that's sweeter and berries that make the juiciest cocktails to CT restaurants for decades, and Max Hospitality has always been obsessed with fresh, local and organic. To culinary Hunter Morton, these are more than buzzwords-they're a way of life. Max Chef to Farm grew out of a desire to take the "farm to table" movement one step further and bring the culinary talent right to the source of their best ingredients.
I attest that great farm produce is available all over the state- but how often with a vineyard attached? Max gives a nod to Rosedale Farms winemaker Morgan Wilson's selections and Brian Mitchell, Max's beverage director, sommelier and a decorated wine and spirits professional and President of the New England Wine Academy
Hot dogs have been around in various shapes and sizes for centuries, some say dating back to 700 BC; today they are a staple at Fourth of July and church BBQs and grabbing a red hot at Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium was always my go-to food. Natural casing, foot-long, knockwurst, beef, pork, chicken, veggie, tofu, cheese conies, they have been a part of the American culinary scene since forever. There is something special about the salty-spicy combo, the ease of eating, the number of toppings that make them even better…sometimes they are the canvas, sometimes they are the art.
Finding a great and fun hot dog in CT has been an adventure, so when I read that Gooseboro Drive-In in Bantam was awarded the best hot dog at the Litchfield Fair, it definitely hit my radar.
Don’t miss the unique opportunity to experience an authentic Argentine Asado Dinner at Wakeman Town Farm June 2nd @6:00 p.m., a wood-fired outdoor dining experience with Chef Pablo Nealon
The “Argentine Asado” goes back to the mid-nineteenth century when the Gauchos roamed the Pampas. Today, it still holds many of those traditions every time a group gathers around the grill. Served outdoors and family style, it is the perfect social culinary experience. We guarantee it is unlike anything you have ever experienced at Wakeman Town Farm! This event is limited to first-come, first serve, and tickets will go quickly! If so, we may wind up adding an additional date.
Chef Jonathan Rapp and the Farm Dinner team has announced the 2023 season for Dinners at the Farm! Join them and their friend Digga Schacht at his beautiful Hunts Brook Farm in Quaker Hill, CT for four magical dinners, July 27, 28, 29 & 30. Each night will feature a unique and delicious five-course menu showcasing the talents of cook and farmer paired with great wines, local beers, and homegrown music. A sensory extravaganza you won't want to miss. Oh, and, did we tell you it's four nights only? Get your tickets before they're gobbled up and get ready to celebrate the glorious summer season in all its finest.
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.
Chef Bill Taibe’s popular Mexican spot, Don Memo, is now serving BRUNCH!! Brunch is served Friday, Saturday beginning at noon & Sunday 11:30am-3pm.—Nit Noi has launched a Cooking Class series where you can learn how to make their fantastic dumplings, organic bone broths ++ More info here.— Join SWYFT in Kent on Sunday, January 15th for Tiki Night! 🏝️ Beach-worthy dinner specials, cocktails, and tropical mocktails (hello #dryjanuary ) from 5 to 8 🥥 We're serving up great food, atmosphere, and community all winter long at Swyft.—Lani’s next Vietnamese Pop Up at Grano Arso is celebrating the Lunar New Year. She’ll be featuring special dishes eaten only on Lunar New Year.. happening on 1/16.. doors open at 5pm. Bar seats available just give us a call! Come celebrate with us! Book on Open Table.—On February 1st, 6 PM – 9 PM don’t miss the Igor's Dream Preview & Dessert Pairing Night at Area 2 Experimental Brewing.
Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cook with CHEF ROYALTY with our friends at Wholesome Wave!
Jacques Pépin is the author of more than 30 cookbooks, host of 13 PBS television series, winner of numerous James Beard Awards, painter, and culinary educator. On March 23rd, 2023, he will also be a Sous Chef, with YOU.
Here at CTBites we LOVE eating good food - and we are here to tell you about an incredible opportunity to COOK great food with Celebrity Chefs. Our friends at Wholesome Wave have cooked up a very cool event to support their mission - they’ve lined up Celebrity Chefs Rocco Dispirito, Elizabeth Falkner, Michel Nischan, Sean Sherman, JJ Johnson, and Sherry Yard to prepare a 6-course meal and are offering our readers a chance to cook alongside them as Sous Chefs! Sound too good to be true? Nope!
All you have to do is donate $100 to Wholesome Wave and you’ll be entered to win the opportunity to be a Sous Chef to the stars!
Greenwich Wine + Foodtoday announced its final schedule of weeklong festivities and participants that will comprise its 10-year anniversary celebration this October, with tickets on sale for all events. Beneficiaries include two national non-profit organizations with roots in Connecticut - The Jacques Pépin Foundation and Wholesome Wave. Suni Unger, founder and CEO of Unger Media, the parent company behind Greenwich Wine + Food and Serendipity magazine. states, “We are especially thrilled to be co-hosting more than ten events throughout the week, on-location at our favorite restaurants and bars in our local communities. These carefully curated, intimate celebrations are truly allowing us to applaud local talent in the area, and paired with our Gala on October 7, I am so proud of the programming we’re offering this Fall and our partner beneficiaries.”
Van Leeuwenice cream is opening in Greenwich Oct. 1st—Greenwich Wine + Food launches their schedule of weeklong festivities and participants that will comprise its 10-year anniversary celebration October 3-14th—On Sunday, 10/2, 4 - 7pm Barcelona Wine Bar Fairfield is throwing a 13th Annual Asado on the Patio party to pair autumn barbecue flavors and dishes with wines in a communal social-hour soiree—Wakeman Town Center is celebrating fall with an intimate chef's dinner on the Farm c/o Marcia Selden Catering on 10.6.22—bartaco has brought back its iconic #bartacosecret brisket taco to kick off the fall season++
Occasionally, food writing doesn’t go as planned. And with lots of restaurants taking summer breaks, it’s easy for us to screw up a random visit, like a recent one at Dante’s Pizza in New Canaan.
Steph and I both pulled into their parking lot, then we grabbed a seat at a picnic table on their patio only to notice a note on the door saying, “We’re on vacation until September 13.”
Summer bummer.
This sucked for two reasons: we desperately wanted pizza and from a writing standpoint we needed content!
