Terrain Garden Cafe Hosts Farmers' Table Dinner w/ The Westport Farmers' Market Restaurant Farmers Market Farm Dinner Westport Events Stephanie Webster June 30, 2017 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. Read More
The Westport Winter Farmers’ Market Opens Nov. 12th At Gilbertie’s Ingredients Restaurant Farmers Market Specialty Market Westport CTbites Team November 01, 2016 Folks in Fairfield County have no need to put away their farmers’ market bags or head to the grocery store just yet. For while the temperatures might be dipping and leaves dropping, farm-fresh food is still in abundance. The Westport Winter Farmers’ Market will return for its 6th season to Gilbertie’s greenhouses at 7 Sylvan Lane beginning Saturday, November 12th and continuing through March 11th from 10 to 2. Read More
Harvest Hootenanny @ Black Rock Farmers' Market Oct. 29th Restaurant Black Rock Farmers Market Holiday CTbites Team October 13, 2016 The growth of the Black Rock Farmers' Market this year was tremendous and the enthusiasm for more things local has been contagious. After our market season ends on Saturday, October 15th, we will gather on the field once more to celebrate our third season (crazy, I know!) The Harvest Hootenanny will be held on Saturday, October 29th from 1-5 pm. This family-friendly event will, of course, be chock-full of local chefs, breweries and music-makers. Walrus and Carpenter will be tempting our tastebuds again with a pig roast, poutine, and popcorn. For a special treat, BRFM veteran Whisk & Brush will be filling our bellies with their delicious doughnut creations. In addition, there will be 10 local breweries and oodles of great stuff like a haunted house to scare your pants off, plus our annual corn hole tournament. Hitch and The Giddy Up and Grit Rhythm will be laying down our musical soundtrack for the day. To get into the seasonal spirit of the month, Halloween attire and dancing will be most welcome (you know you want to). Read More
Downtown Milford Farmers' Market Kids Day on August 1 Restaurant Farmers Market Milford CTbites Team July 24, 2015 The Downtown Milford Farmer's Market will be hosting a Kid's Day featuring the characters Anna and Elsa from the animated movie Frozen, sponsored by Sensitive Care Pediatrics Dentistry in Milford, CT. When: Saturday, August 1st Where: Downtown Milford Farmer's Market 58 River Street, Milford, CT What: Carnival-like experience for kids of all ages - Live appearance from Disney's Anna and Elsa - Face Painting - Balloon Animals - Games and Raffles - Kid's Clothing and Accessories Market begins at 9am - 1pm Kids activities begin at 9:30 -1 Read More
Black Rock Farmers' Market Opens June 20th: Honey Tastings, Michel Nischan & Food Demos! Features Restaurant Bridgeport Farmers Market Local Farm CTbites Team June 16, 2015 The Black Rock Farmer’s Market (BRFM) is back and better than ever! Now in its second season, the market will be held every Saturday from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm on the field next to St. Ann Church on 481 Brewster Street. The mission of BRFM is to serve as a community gathering place where local and organic farmers, producers and artisans can offer fresh agricultural and related locally sourced products to the Black Rock community and surrounding area. With a strong focus on sustainability, BRFM educates people on the importance of good health and creates business opportunities for local vendors. This year will host a variety of local vendors including Sport Hill Farm of Easton, Aradia Farm of Southbury, K is for Cookies of Black Rock, Jane’s Good Food of Westport and more. There are many new and exciting experiences for market attendees, including more local farms, food demos and educational programs. The last Saturday of every month, visitors can shop for unique and creative items in the Artisan Market. New this year there will also be a lecture series beginning on June 27th featuring Michel Nischan, CEO, President and Co-Founder of Wholesome Wave in Bridgeport. Nischan was recently named Humanitarian of the Year by the James Beard Foundation. Read More
Black Rock Farmers Market Throws a HARVEST HOOTENANNY Oct. 25th Ingredients Restaurant Bridgeport Farmers Market Stephanie Webster October 16, 2014 The Black Rock Farmers' Market is throwing a party to celebrate the closing of the market for the 2014 season. Go shop the market on October 25th from 9-1pm, and then stay for an afternoon of celebration at their Harvest Hootenanny featuring local food, local breweries, and live music, from 1-5pm. Musical guest will be Black Rock's own Oh, Cassius! Hootenanny Event Schedule Pig Roast (sponsored by Walrus + Carpenter) Beer Tasting for Charity (Two Roads Brewery and other local breweries) Lounge Area (sponsored by B:Hive) Bonfire Bouncy Obstacle Course Dunk Tank (sponsored by Stoked Progressive Smoke Shop) Haunted House (sponsored by St. Ann Academy) "Corn Hole" Bag Toss Game (sponsored by B:Hive) Live Music from Bedlam Brothers Square Dancing led by Bill Fischer, the Dance Caller Read More
The New Downtown Milford Farmers' Market Seasonal Restaurant Farmers Market Milford Amy Kundrat June 17, 2014 The new Downtown Milford Farmers' Market, led by Market Master and Scratch Baking Manager Alex Malaspinas, will be open every Saturday, now through October 11, 2014 from 9 am to 1 pm. The market is located at 58 River Street in Milford, CT and is easily accessible by train as the lot sits adjacent to the Milford train station. Featured vendors include Scratch Baking, Vaiuso Farms, Rose's Berry Farm, Lisa's Soaps, Dash N' Drizzle, Calandrelli Kettle Corn, Tasty Good Eats, Chiropractic & Wellness Center of Milford, Autumn Rose Flower & Gift Shop, Maple View Farm, and more as the season gets underway. If you can't make it into Scratch Baking in Milford, Alex also shared the bakery's special events schedule this summer: Read More
2014 Westport Farmers' Market Opening Day is Thursday May 22nd Restaurant CT Farms Chef Farmers Market CTbites Team May 21, 2014 The Westport Farmers’ Market kicks off its ninth summer season on Thursday, May 22 and continues Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m through November 6 at 50 Imperial Avenue. They will kick-off the season with a green juice toast, by The Stand @12:00. Come early and enjoy the tasty treats Chef Cecily Ganz and the Staples High School Culinary team will be demonstrating from 10:15 - 11:00. WFM will offer locally produced products from over 40 vendors including meats, dairy, breads, seafood and produce each week, as well as host cooking and educational demonstrations from chefs and artisans. Read More
Recap: Final Fork It Over "Brunch" Fundraiser With Chef Jeff Taibe Restaurant Events Farmers Market CTbites Team October 25, 2013 CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE TO LAUNCH PHOTO GALLERY On Sunday, the final Fork It Over event to raise money for The Westport Farmers' Market, was held at the Norfield Grange in Weston. Jeff Taibe from Oak & Almond charmed us with an afternoon of Southern fare that left everyone licking their fingers and wanting to know what else this talented chef has up his sleeve. To top it off, John Barricelli from Sono Baking Company did not leave a sweet tooth in the house untouched. Please see below for the full menu and recipe. These events were a group effort with the talents of Saugatuck Grain & Grape, Lauren Kreter and Something Borrowed and an amazing staff. VIEW PHOTO GALLERY HERE c/o Liz Dorney. Read More
Fork It Over Recap: Westport Farmers' Market Throws A Locally Inspired Clam Bake Restaurant Events Farm to Table Farmers Market Stephanie Webster September 23, 2013 CLICK ON IMAGE TO LAUNCH PHOTO GALLERY Sunday night harkened the first of four highly anticipated “Fork it Over” fundraising dinners to benefit the Westport Farmers’ Market. Market Director, Lori Cochran, added a dash of mystery this year as guests submitted their RSVP’s (quickly I may add as the events sell out in a matter of minutes), without any knowledge of the location or the chefs participating in any of the four culinary evenings. Alas, diners waited for weeks, running through possible guest chef scenarios in their heads, and waiting for the morning of the event when news would arrive. The inaugural event was held at The Grange in Fairfield, and the first Chef in the Fork it Over lineup was none other than Matt Storch of Match Restaurant assisted by Jeff Spence of The Chelsea. On the lawn guests were greeted with the smell of grilled sausages in 3 varieties from Saugatuck Craft Butchery, a peek into Chef Storch’s La Caja China smoke box filled with Norm Bloom’s oysters, clams, and lobsters, and a bar with expertly crafted Cocktails and wine pairings from Saugatuck Grain and Grape. What we had here was an old fashioned end of the summer Clam Bake. The evening was looking good. If you missed it, no worries, we've got lots of photos. VIEW PHOTO GALLERY Read More
Westport Farmers' Market Fundraisers Feature Mystery Location & Chef Lineup Restaurant Farmers Market Underground Dinner CTbites Team August 24, 2013 This year, the Westport Farmers’ Market will turn its annual Fork It Over fundraiser into four dinners on four different nights, featuring some of the area’s most celebrated chefs. The chef list reads like a Who’s Who of the Fairfield County culinary scene: Matt Storch (Chelsea and Match), Bill Taibe (LeFarm and The Whelk), Michel Nischan (Dressing Room, featuring Johnny Vaast), Tim Lablant (Schoolhouse Restaurant) and Jeff Taibe (Oak & Almond) to name just a few, are planning meals and menus unlike anything you’ve come to expect from them, and featuring ingredients from Norm Bloom, Sport Hill Farm, Fort Hill Farm, Oxhollow Farm, Craft Butchery, and others. The catch? WFM will tell you when, but not where (at least, not until the day before). And they’re not telling who, either. Read More
2013 Guest Chef Lineup @ The Westport Farmers' Market Ingredients Restaurant Farm to Table Farmers Market CTbites Team July 04, 2013 Tired of always being in the "front of the house" when you really want to be back in the kitchen watching your favorite chef work? Well here is your chance to see some talented local chefs in action, and you even get fed at the end of the show. The Westport Farmers' Market has a great lineup of Guest Chefs this Summer and all you need to do is drive up with an empty stomach (and a shopping bag if you want to go home with some gorgeous local ingredients). Chef Arik Bensimon of Lefarm is up next on July 11th, but see the complete list below: Read More
Raus Coffee to Debut New Drink at Westport Farmers Market Ingredients Features Restaurant Coffee Farmers Market Amy Kundrat May 21, 2013 Raus Coffee will debut its newest iced espresso drink, the Roman Navel, at the opening of the Westport Farmers’ Market on May 23. The new drink was inspired by a trip to Seattle’s Café Vita, where Raus Coffee founder Donny Raus became smitten with the Medici, an espresso-based chocolate and orange drink. The success of the flavor combination compelled him to recreate it using his own approach. The Roman Navel is the third product in Raus’s award-winning espresso product line. Donny and I met recently at the soon-to-open Steam Coffee Bar in Westport, so he could give me a sample of this newest obsession. So I had a baseline, I also grabbed his other two iced espresso-based drinks, the Roman Kiss and (my old personal stand-by) the Cold Roman. Read More
PastaPresta Opens at the SoNo Marketplace Restaurant Farmers Market Italian Norwalk Pasta Comfort Food Amy Kundrat May 20, 2013 The SoNo Marketplace—with its hive of local food purveyors, artisans, weekly farmers’ market, and plans for a summer beer garden—may be best argument to never set foot inside a supermarket again. I was recently lured back to the Marketplace by the opening of PastaPresta, a new fresh pasta vendor anchoring the entrance of the market’s vast 50,000 square-feet. One evening of fresh pasta and market nibbles, and a closer look at the people behind the market later, I was reminded why this culinary hub deserves a regular visit and why, despite its recent vilification, gluten is good (maybe great). Read More
The Westport Farmers' Market Opens May 23 Ingredients Restaurant Farmers Market Local Farm Westport Farm Fresh CTbites Team May 15, 2013 The Westport Farmers' Market will be opening for the season in just one week, beginning on Thursday, May 23rd. This weekly summer market runs every Thursday, from 10 am to 2 pm at Imperial Avenue Commuter Lot in Westport. If you haven't yet made it to this Market, you'll want to mark your calendar. This all-organic market will be announcing the final vendors next week and will be selecting a rotating group of featured artists, vendors, guest chefs and non-profits to join the Market each week. So who's at The Westport Farmers' Market this year??... (this is the fun part) See below for a complete list of vendors: Read More
Chef Michael Batt @ Westport Farmers' Market Restaurant Farmers Market Westport CTbites Team July 10, 2012 Chef Michael Batt has been on the Food Network, trained under master chefs Geoffrey Zakarian (Town, LeCirque), Gray Kunz (L’Espinasse) & Terrence Brennan (Picholine, Artisinal), and is coming to this Thursday as the guest chef at the Westport Farmers’ Market on July 12. Eight years ago Michael Batt was the talk of New York, well on his way to becoming the next big thing in the City. Working at restuarants including City Hall, Thom, and Terrence Brennan’s Seafood & Chop House, Chef Batt was rapidly working his way to the top. Then fate stepped in and he met his wife, Gallia. Shortly after, the two moved to Connecticut and took over Food Design, then run by another husband and wife team. Today, Michael and Gallia run their business like a family, with many of the staff with them since 2004. Read More
Flour City Pasta: Organic Artisinal Pasta at Your Local Farmers' Market Restaurant Farmers Market Organic Pasta CTbites Team July 05, 2012 Farfalle, Fettuccine, Orecchiette, Penne, Fusilli, Orzo…..the list goes on, and my heart beats a little faster each time I hear one of these magical words. That’s what pasta is really, a little bit of magic. It has the power to transport you to your first bite of mac and cheese in your Grandma’s kitchen, to Sunday night baked spaghetti, to home. Although I am not Italian, pasta has always been a part of my life and my weakness. This long-lasting relationship began when I was in a high chair, with bowties and butter and has since spiraled to squid ink fettuccine topped with sautéed scallops served in a warm Gorgonzola cream sauce as a college student today. In between, there has been shrimp alfredo, orecchiette with broccoli rabe and sweet sausage, vegetable lasagna, and the classic Bolognese. As I grow, so does this list. Read More
Bonda Chef Jamie Cooper @ Westport Farmers' Market Restaurant Farmers Market CTbites Team June 27, 2012 Jamie Cooper, Head Chef and Owner of Bonda in Fairfield, will be offering a Summer Farm Salad at the Westport Farmers’ Market on Thursday, June 28th between 10 am and 2 pm.Chef Cooper’s inspiration for his appearance at the Market came from Riverbank Farm in Roxbury, CT. He will be assembling a simple summer salad with all ingredients sourced locally from Riverbank Farm. His demonstration will not only show how light and delicious dinner can be, but just how easy it is to shop locally. Cooper will compile a mix of crisp sugar snap peas, scallions, ripe gold tomatoes, and fresh fennel topped it off with a refreshing lime basil vinaigrette. As the heat continues to beat down, there is something so satisfying about a summer salad and a meal that leaves the market 90% complete. Read More
Festivities: Guest Chef @ Westport Farmers' Mkt June 21 Restaurant Chef Talk Farm to Table Farmers Market CTbites Team June 19, 2012 Let the festivities begin! This Thursday, June 21st at The Westport Farmers’ Market, Bill Kaliff Executive chef and Co-owner of Festivities will be providing hungry shoppers with a taste of one of Fairfield County’s premier catering companies. Chef Kalif will begin the first of his two demos at 11 am, with a Faro Ancient Grain Pilaf served with fresh sautéed vegetables and arugula sourced from Ambler Farm. His second dish of the morning, Tabouli with Hearts of Romaine, will be served with his infamous Legacy Olive Oil (which tastes just a little bit like heaven). At 1 pm Chef Kaliff will again show how fun and simple entertaining can be in his second demonstration of the day. Kaliff will be offering a pulled chicken sandwich, served in baby pitas mixed with yogurt, cucumber sauce, and his signature “Magic Sauce” which is known to draw a sizable crowd on its own and is now a staple in my kitchen. Read More
Dressing Room Guest Chefs @ The Westport Farmers' Mkt Restaurant Chef Talk Farmers Market Local Farm CTbites Team June 02, 2012 Please welcome Conor Johnson, one of CTbites' summer interns, who will be covering the local Farmers' Markets throughout the 2012 season. This past Thursday at the Westport Farmers’ Market, the grilling, searing, and sautéing began as they kicked off the season with their first of the many scheduled guest chefs. The first chef featured was Jon Vasst, Executive Chef of The Dressing Room, who awed a sizeable audience as he worked his culinary magic before their hungry eyes. His first of two demos began at 11 am, the second at 1 pm, with upcoming market guest chefs Bill Taibe, of LeFarm and Arik Bensimon, of Napa & Co. in the audince to show their support. Read More
