Filtering by Category: Restaurant

Filtering by Tag: Events

Joylark Kitchen to Host Vegan Dinner and Exclusive Screening of “A Culinary Uprising, The Story of Bloodroot”

Events Restaurant Joylark Kitchen Bloodroot Fairfield Bridgeport Vegan Events

CTbites Team

On March 30, Joylark Kitchen in Fairfield, CT, will present a powerful evening celebrating plant-based cuisine, feminist history, and culinary legacy. The event begins with a thoughtfully curated three-course vegan dinner, followed by an exclusive screening of “A Culinary Uprising: The Story of Bloodroot,” the acclaimed documentary by Director/Producer Annie Laurie Medonis.


Delamar Hotel Launches Afternoon Tea Service at All Locations

Restaurant Features Afternoon Tea Tea Time Dessert Events Hotel Tea

Jessica Ryan

The Delamar Hotels have added yet another offering to their ever-growing list of experiences. They recently launched their Afternoon Tea program which can be enjoyed at all of their locations.

We recently paid a visit to Artisan in Southport to get the tea on this new offering. Guests can enjoy this Afternoon Tea every Wednesday from 2:00 – 4:00 PM. For $50+ per person you will enjoy a variety of signature sandwiches, pastries and desserts as well as a selection of green, herbal or black tea served in your own individual teapot.


L’escale Celebrates its 20th Anniversary on Greenwich's Waterfront

Features Restaurant Greenwich Waterfront French Raw Bar Wine Events Yacht Experience Anniversary

Jessica Ryan

The iconic Greenwich restaurant known for its exceptional cuisine and timeless charm, is commemorating its 20th Anniversary this year, marking two decades of culinary excellence and cherished memories.

Located at the Delamar Greenwich Harbor Hotel and founded in 2003, L’escale boasts an award-winning menu and extraordinary wine program. The restaurant’s stunning setting, décor and cuisine instantly transport you to the Cote d’Azur, if only temporarily (and without the need to step on a plane!) The picturesque setting conjures images of an Auguste Renoir painting of diners lunching au dehors, en plain air, and Edith Piaf serenading in the distance. The restaurant sits above the docks on the harbor with the stunning picnic boats and yachts below. L’escale represents a quiet, understated luxury, and whether it’s caviar or a juicy burger you’re craving, you’ll find these items and many more on the menu. 


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

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.


Orienta in Greenwich Launches Luncheon Series Featuring Local Artisans

Features Restaurant Greenwich Lunch Pop-Up Events

Jessica Ryan

Orienta Restaurant recently launched a new series of luncheon events. The restaurant invites local entrepreneurs, artisans and business owners to share and inspire during the weekday lunch service. The new luncheon series began in December with artist Simone Kestelman of Scarsdale, New York. (For more information visit their website.)

Concurrently, the French and Asian-inspired menu introduced a couple of new items. New dishes include the Chin-Chin Paillard a fun play on the traditional Chicken Paillard and a knock-your-socks-off Vietnamese Savory Crepe. (More on these in a bit.)


Holiday Afternoon Tea at the Bee and Thistle Inn Through Jan. 5th

Restaurant Holiday Tea And Coffee Events

CTbites Team

Treat your loved ones or take time for yourself this holiday season by making reservations for a really special, festive event at the Bee and Thistle Inn in Old Lyme—their annual Holiday Afternoon Tea. The quaint Bee and Thistle Inn is quintessential coastal Connecticut in its interior decor and is a recommended place to visit year-round. But during the short winter days, the Bee and Thistle Inn gets extra dolled up with holiday spirit, making it a memorable place to spend time with loved ones. This special tea is served from November 29th through January 5th.


50+ Restaurants for Mother’s Day in CT: 2018 Edition

Restaurant Features Holiday Brunch Events Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Mother’s day is right around the corner!  Treat the special lady in your life with prix fixe dinners, delicious brunches, special holiday dishes, cocktail specials, and more.  These 50 Connecticut restaurants will help you show Mom just how loved she is!

  1. Rosie, New Canaan: Rosie in New Canaan invites you to Mothers Day Brunch from 9am-4pm. Treat her to favorites like Huevos Rancheros, the gigantic Lobster Club, and Brioche French Toast.

  2. Roia, New Haven: At Roia in New Haven, Chef/owner Avi Szaprio has created a two-course prix fixe menu. A kids a la carte menu will also be available.

  3. Essex Steam Train, Essex: All aboard! The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat has a range of Mother's Day packages available. Take a scenic ride or enjoy dinner on the train.

  4. Griswold Inn, Essex: The Griswold Inn in Essex will treat Mom with a "dinner" buffet and featured "pink drinks." The Mothers Day meal will be served from 11am-7:30pm and costs $45 for adults and $19.95 for children under 12.

  5. Washington Prime, Norwalk: Washington Prime's Mother's Day Brunch Buffet will feature a carving station, raw bar, sushi, ham, and so much more. $49.95 for adults includes a drink while children are $24.95. Choose from 3 seatings: 11am, 12:30pm, and 2pm

  6. Bar Sugo, Norwalk: Bar Sugo's Mother's Day brunch will include ½ price wines, $17 unlimited bloody marys and mimosas, and the regular brunch menu


25+ Restaurants & Bars for Cinco de Mayo in CT: 2018 Edition

Restaurant Holiday Events Cinco de Mayo Bar

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Geronimo Tequila Bar & Southwest Grill, Fairfield and New Haven: Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill will be offering “Five Days of Cinco” at its New Haven and Fairfield locations.

  1. Mezon, Danbury: Mezon in Danbury will host its annual Cinco de Mayo block party with $7 plates and drinks, a live DJ, a cocktail competition and more. Doors open at 7pm.

  2. Dos Amigos, Torrington: Karaoke meets Cinco de Mayo at Dos Amigos in Torrington.

  3. CINCO Norwalk Block Party, Norwalk: CTBites, Ken Tuccio, and Don Carmelo's Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar in Norwalk are teaming up for CINCO, a massive Cinco De Mayo Block Party event. The event kicks off at 12pm and it is an all day party four live bands, two culinary competitions and the debut of Evenflow Mexican Lager from No Worries. 

  4. Bartaco, Stamford, Westport, West Hartford: Bartaco Westport is kicking off the summer with their Cinco de Mayo fiesta! Visit them for live music, a summer bucket list contest, and surprise giveaways.

  5. Cinco Five Festival, Stamford: The first annual CINCO FIVE FESTIVAL will take place in Stamford on Saturday, May 5 from 3-9pm at Stamford's Mill River Park! There will be food trucks, DJs, and plenty of beer and sangria. 21+.


85 + Restaurants for Valentine’s Day in CT: 2018

Restaurant Holiday Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner!  If you’re looking to treat your loved one to a romantic dinner for two, Connecticut restaurants are serving up decadent prix fixe meals, love-inspired a la carte menus, and other sexy specials.  If you and your significant other prefer an alternative to wining and dining, there are also couples cooking classes and catering options if you want to enjoy the evening at home. Here are 85+ Valentine's Day Dining spots for that special day. 

  1. Homestead Inn, Greenwich:Thomas Henkelmann's famous French cuisine will be featured on the Valentine's Day menu at the Homestead Inn. The prix fixe menu costs $85, plus beverages, tax, and gratuity.
  2. elm, New Canaan: At elm in New Canaan, enjoy 5 courses for $55 on February 14.
  3. Red Bee Apiary, Weston: On Sunday February 11, visit Red Bee Apiary in Weston for a honey tasting paired with cheese and chocolate. Plus, sip champagne and honey wine.
  4. Millwrights, Simsbury: Millwright's Restaurant & Tavern is celebrating Valentine's Day with prix-fixe menus all week! Join them on Tuesday February 13 and Sunday February 18 for a 4 course meal for $69 per person. On Wednesday February 14-Saturday February 17, it will be $79 per person
  5. Anthony’s Ocean View, New Haven: Anthony's Ocean View invites you to start the Valentine's festivities early, on Saturday February 10, with an evening with an open bar, passed bites, dinner, and a DJ for $79.95 per person, plux tax and gratuity.
  6. Sunset Meadow Vineyards, Goshen: Sunset Meadow Vineyards will offer TWO Types of Wine and Chocolate pairings at Sunset Meadow Vineyards from 11m-4pm on Valentine's Day, February 14.
  7. Terrain Garden Cafe, Westport: One day before Valentine's Day, on Tuesday February 13, join Terrain Chef Jessica Bengtson and Carissa Dellicicchi from The Stand Juice Company for a three-course Valentine’s Day dinner in the Garden Cafe in Westport, CT. You’ll enjoy a full menu of vegan dishes, from hors d’oeuvres to dessert, plus a signature cocktail and wine pairings.

50 CT Restaurants and Venues for Holiday Parties 2017

Features Restaurant Best of CT Holiday Catering Events Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

At exactly 12pm on Thursday November 23, Santa Claus concluded the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and officially ushered in the holiday season!  For those looking to throw the ultimate holiday bash, popular Connecticut restaurants and venues can provide fantastic backdrops for the festivities.  These places have party spaces and packages that are perfect for your soirees!

  1. Schoolhouse at Cannondale, Wilton: The Schoolhouse in Wilton can help you throw a holiday cocktail party starting at $45 per person. Offerings include Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, Mini Baked Brie, Beef Tenderloin Canape, and more.
  2. Brasitas, Norwalk: Brasitas in Norwalk and Stamford both have private rooms.
  3. Two Roads, Stratford: Two Roads Brewery in Stratford has a private events room that holds 75 seated or 160 standing. You can also schedule private tours for groups larger than 10 and smaller than 20.
  4. Heirloom, New Haven: At Heirloom in New Haven, use their private dining room or The Study at Yale, their penthouse space.
  5. Roger Sherman Inn, New Canaan: The Roger Sherman in has a number of rooms of all different sizes for your private holiday party: The Blue Room (14), the Terrace Room (80), the Hunt Room (30), the Ivy Room (30), the Garden Room (70), the WineRoom (36), and the Porch (70). Reception style can accommodate between 20-200 guests.less

Terrain Garden Cafe Hosts Farmers' Table Dinner w/ The Westport Farmers' Market

Restaurant Farmers Market Farm Dinner Westport Events

Stephanie Webster

Terrain Garden Cafe in Westport hosted a vegetarian dinner this week to celebrate the summer bounty of the Westport Farmers' Market. Terrain's Chef Jes Bengsten, alongside Chef Jeff Michaud from The Vetri Group, created a stunning 10 course dinner to honor the Westport Farmers' Market, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients from local growers. Cocktails and wine pairings complemented the menu that featured the diversity of plant-based cuisine. Terrain Garden Cafe in Westport hosted a vegetarian dinner this week to celebrate the summer bounty of the Westport Farmers' Market. Terrain's Chef Jes Bengsten, alongside Chef Jeff Michaud from The Vetri Group, created a stunning 10 course dinner highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients from local growers. Cocktails and wine pairings complemented the menu that featured the diversity of plant-based cuisine. 


Guide To Great Mother's Day Restaurants In CT

Restaurant Best of CT Brunch Holiday Events Breakfast

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Sunday May 14 is all about Mom!  Connecticut restaurants are helping us celebrate the mothers in our lives with prix fixe menus, special a la carte items, buffets, and more.  Here are over 25 great restaurants serving Mother’s Day meals. 

  1. Bernard’s, Ridgefield will offer Mother's Day brunch and dinner.  Brunch runs from 11:00am-12:30pm and costs $55 for adults and $35 for kids.  Dinner runs from 1:30-6:30pm and costs $85 for adults and $45 for kids.Harbor Lights, Norwalk
  2. The Cottage, Westport: Chef Brian Lewis's The Cottage, located at 256 Post Road East in Westport, will be offering a prix-fixe menu from 11am-7pm. $45 per guest; children’s menu available, 11:00am - 7:00pm.
  3. L'Escale, Greenwich will be serving a brunch buffet from 11-4 pm on May 14th. $80 for adults and $25 fFor children under 12. They will also feature outdoor lounges for lingering with family before or after dining.

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of February 19-26

Features Restaurant Events Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

On Tuesday February 21, CT baristas and coffee enthusiasts will gather at Newtown’s Café Xpresso for a Latte Art and Espresso Drink Throwdown.  Representatives from NEAT, The Granola Bar, Source Coffee, New Morning Market, Dolce Café, N2 Coffee, and more will present their creations to local coffee roasters, the media, and food industry professionals.  The general public is invited to witness the competition… and enjoy samples from Café Xpresso’s from-scratch menu. 

Celebrate Johnny Cash’s birthday at Walrus + Carpenter in Bridgeport.  On Thursday February 23, they invite you to their fourth annual bash starting at 7:30pm.

Fairfield Greenwich Cheese Company hosts Fondue Pop Up Dinners this week.  Visit the Fairfield location on February 22 from 7-9:30pm and the Greenwich location on February 23 from 7-9:30pm. 


Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of February 12-19

Restaurant News Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

It’s a Ballast Point & Artisan Cheese Throwdown in New Haven!  On Monday February 13, Wine101 will host Jeff Nelson and pair craft brews with artisan cheeses.  It runs from 6-8pm and costs $10 per person.

Ambler Farm has announced a summer program called “Adventures at the Farm.”  Students will learn all about working on a farm, from looking after the animals to tending the gardens to cooking to hayrides.  Registration is open.  

Take a Pre Mardi Gras Class with AMG catering on Wednesday February 28 from 7-9pm.  Learn how to make Gumbo, Jambalaya, and Bourbon bread pudding.  It costs $78 per person. 


21 CT Restaurants Open for Christmas Eve & Christmas 2016

Restaurant Events Holiday

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Over the river and through the woods… to delicious restaurants we go!  From New Canaan to Essex to Mohegan Sun, some of Connecticut’s best restaurants are hosting holiday festivities on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day itself.  Be sure to make your reservations early… seats fill up quickly!

  1. Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point, Saybrook: On Saturday December 24, guests can enjoy holiday inspired dishes like Mascarpone-Butternut Ravioli, Ricotta Meatballs, and Srirachi-style Calamari at Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point. On Christmas Day, they will have an extensive buffet from 12-6pm.
  2. Pearl at Longshore, Westport: Pearl in Westport will celebrate Christmas Eve with a Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner.
  3. The Whelk, Westport: Open for Christmas Eve dinner with their regular menu and a few specials TBA.
  4. Basso Cafe, Norwalk: On Christmas Eve, Basso Cafe in Norwalk will serve dishes off of its regular menu as well as some newly created dishes prepared specifically for the evening. They will be closed on Christmas Day.
  5. Roger Sherman Inn, New Canaan: Open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, they have a special menu in honor of the holiday, which features dishes like a Roasted Filet Mignon and Lobster Thermidore

Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings for Week of Oct. 30 - Nov. 6

Restaurant Recipe Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

EMBODY Fitness Gourmet is now open at the new Heritage Square complex on Forest Street in New Canaan!  Embody offers a fitness inspired menu, a 14-foot community table, and easy plug-in and charging stations for guests.  This is Embody's third location in Fairfield County, CT.  You can also visit them in Darien and Westport.

New Haven Restaurant Week lasts until November 4.  Popular restaurants like 116 Crown, Miya’s Sushi, Shell & Bones and Olea are participating. 

On Thursday November 3, Fjord Fish Market, Greenwich Cheese, and Fleishers, will host the 2nd annual "Monger Mingle.” This year, guests can get in the holiday spirit by sampling holiday-inspired food from all three.  It will take place THE HUB (160 E Putnam Avenue) from 7-9.

On Sunday, November 6 from 11am-1pm, blogger, photographer, chef, and author Gina Homolka will sign her newest cookbook and #1 New York Times Bestseller, Skinnytaste Fast and Slow: Knockout Quick-Fix and Slow-Cooker Recipes, at Stew Leonard’s in Norwalk


Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings for Week of October 23rd -30th

Restaurant Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Woodbridge Restaurant Week runs from Monday October 24 through Friday October 28.  Participating restaurants and menus. 

Room 112 is now open at 112 Washington Street in SoNo!  It is open 4 nights a week, Wednesday through Saturday.   

On Monday October 24, Craft260 in Fairfield will host a Kent Falls Beer Dinner.  Try 5 beers paired with 4 courses.  The menu includes dishes like Smoked & Roasted Marrow Bones w/ Stinky Smoked Bleu Cheese and Charred & Sticky Pineapple Thai Chili St. Louis Pork Ribs. 

Trick or Treat at Stew Leonard’s in Norwalk on Tuesday October 25.  From 5-6pm, children 12 and under are invited to come in costume for trick or treating.  Tickets are free, but need to be obtained in advance.  There is a limit of 5 tickets per family.  

Green Village Initiative, a nonprofit in Bridgeport that empowers the community to grow fresh food and eat healthy, is hosting its second annual Harvest Bites & Booze fundraiser on October 25th at Trattoria 'A Vucchella. 


Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings for Week of Oct 16-23

Restaurant Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Nom-eez is on the road, delivering anywhere within a 5 mile radius.  That includes all of Fairfield, Bridgeport, and a bit of Westport!  Call them 7 nights a week as well as Monday- Friday from 11- 2:30. Menu online www.nom-eez.com. Call 203-923-8686 with your order.  A catering menu is available for groups of 6 or more as well.

On Tuesday October 18, Fleisher’s Craft Butchery in Westport will teach you all about “Goat & Lamb 101.”  Learn about the anatomy, techniques for preparing the meat, where it comes from, and more.  It lasts from 7-9pm and costs $100 per person.  Buy tickets in advance online.

Thread City Hopfest: Oktoberfest unfolds at Willimantic Brewing Company on October 20 from 6-9pm.  A Cupcake for Later, Cafemantic, and Willimantic Brewing Company will prepare Oktoberfest inspired dishes will the brewery pours seasonal brews.  Tickets are $30 in advance of $40 at the gate. Admission includes a commemorative Oktoberfest stein, and 4 half pours.  Additional beer can be purchased.  

The Stamford Ferguson Library’s Friends Literary Pub Crawl takes place on October 18.


Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings for Week of Oct 9th - 16th

Restaurant Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Napa & Company has announced the schedule for its popular Fall Wine Class Series.  It kicks off on Monday October 10 with a “Fall Wine & Food Pairing Guide.”  It costs $45 per person, plus tax and tip.  Classes start at 6:30pm and typically include 6 wines paired with 3 small plates. 

On Wednesday October 12, Chef Prasad and INDIA New Canaan will host Black Hog Brewing Company for a 5 course beer dinner.  Tom Sobocinsk, the brewery owner, will guide you through the beers and how they complement the dishes.  7-9pm and costs $60 per person, plus tax and tip.  

Ghost Tour meets pub crawl on Wednesday October 12.  “Pints 2 Poltergeists” includes a ghost tour of Mystic, CT, 3 stops for a beer along the way, and take home treats from Two Roads Brewery.  It costs $35 per person.  

The New London Food Stroll takes place on Wednesday October 12 from 5:30-8:30pm.  A $30 ticket gives you the opportunity to stroll through downtown sampling bite size samples and drinks from popular restaurants in the area.  There will be live entertainment as well.