29 Markle Ct Introduces Chef In Residency Series—First with Chef Roshara Sanders Events Interview Restaurant Damon Sawyer Bridgeport Roshara Sanders Black Owned Chefs Interview Andrew Dominick September 06, 2023 After he gave the closed-to-the-public dining room a warm welcome on a summer Saturday in August, Damon Sawyer told diners that they were about to experience something rare.“To my knowledge, this has never been done in Bridgeport before.” Read More
Westport Farmers’ Market Opens for The 2023 Season May 11th Events Features Farmers Market CTbites Team April 28, 2023 Westport Farmers’ Market (WFM) is pleased to announce it will return to its home in the parking lot at 50 Imperial Avenue on Thursday, May 11, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and continue every Thursday through early November. This year promises to be the best in the market’s 17-year history, with multiple programs operating under our “who grows your food” ethos.“Our emphasis on knowing who grows your food means we will see enhanced community-inspired programming, vendors, sponsors, and activities this year,” said Lori Cochran-Dougall, executive director of WFM. Read More
Mil Sabores: Birria Tacos, Arepas, and Mexican + Venezuelan Classics in Bridgeport Features Interview Restaurant Bridgeport Mexican Venezuelan Homepage Interview Andrew Dominick February 24, 2023 Edwin Mondragon, who co-owns the popular Mexican – Venezuelan mashup Mil Sabores in Bridgeport, credits his mother’s mole as his first taste of the food service industry. He recalls memories of packing mom’s mole in plastic pint containers, filling up his backpack, and selling it, as a family, to customers and stores who sought out the homemade Mexican sauce. Read More
Chef Damon Sawyer Opens 29 Markle Ct in Downtown Bridgeport Features Interview Restaurant Bridgeport Openings Homepage Damon Sawyer Chef Talk 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
Grumpy Dumplings: Small Batch Hand-Folded Fresh Dumplings Delivered! Features Dumplings Thai Pasta Asian Farmers Market Local Chef Vendor Highlight Homepage Stephanie Webster January 04, 2023 A few months ago, a friend whose taste I trust asked me if I had tried Grumpy Dumplings? I said I had seen the account on Instagram, and recognized them from the local farmers’ markets, but had yet to try these so called “grumpy” dumplings. I was however already somewhat obsessed with their Japanese anime style branding, so why not give it a go? A few days later, I was able to procure some of their small batch dumplings ordered through their Instagram account (they since have launched a web site with online ordering), and as a bonus…they even delivered within 20 miles of Norwalk. Dinner was saved. Read More
Park City Music Hall Launches Sunday Brunch...and It's Delicious Restaurant Brunch Bridgeport Black Rock Live Music Comfort Food Egg Sandwich Cocktails Bar Family Friendly Homepage Stephanie Webster October 02, 2022 Park City Music Hall opened in 2020 in the Black Rock neighborhood of Bridgeport, after an extensive and beautifully executed renovation of what was once The Acoustic. The new team, the Torres family, also own neighborhood favorite, HarborView Market, situated just around the corner from the venue, where guests are often treated to live music, while enjoying a great casual seasonal breakfast and lunch menu. And let’s not forget their iconic chocolate chip cookies that always make the “best of” lists. The bottom line is, after 30 years in the business, the Torres folks know a thing or two about cooking and hospitality.When they were offered the opportunity to reinvent and expand the beloved local music hangout, The Acoustic, they jumped in with what seemed like every hand in Black Rock. They created a spot that both increased the audience size and draw for the venue, but also amped up the experience with a new premium craft cocktail program and elevated bar menu, served Thursday through Sunday. Not only has Park City Music Hall become a spot to hear great local and national bands, but they are meeting the needs of hungry bar-goers, families, and food lovers, who come for dinner and their new…wait for it…BRUNCH! Read More
Connecticut Taco and Margarita Festival Comes to The Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater in October Events Features Tacos Festival Bridgeport James Gribbon August 19, 2022 The people demand tacos, and on October 15th at the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater in Bridgeport, they shall receive tacos. And also margaritas. Naturally.The 2022 Connecticut Taco and Margarita Festival at The Amp is available to anyone with $15 and dream to eat tacos, drink margs, see live wrestling from Adrenaline, maybe get their face painted, have access to shop vendors, test their courage at the hot sauce expo, and possibly gain a championship of their own at the taco eating contest. Read More
Roadrunner Kitchen + Bar: Santa Fe Inspired Street Food in Black Rock Features Interview Restaurant Black Rock Bridgeport Tacos Cocktails Family Friendly Homepage Andrew Dominick April 19, 2022 There’s only one way to begin an article about a restaurant that bears the name RoadRunner, and that’s with very Looney Tunes-like MEEP, MEEP!Now that we’ve gotten the silliness out of the way—for now—it’s time to dish on this Bridgeport newcomer.RoadRunner Kitchen + Bar comes to the Black Rock neighborhood from the New Canaan Restaurant Group whose restaurants include Gates in New Canaan and Bruxelles Brasserie in South Norwalk.RoadRunner, though, is the polar opposite of its sister restaurants in terms of its high energy, casual vibe that suits families as well as adults who simply want to kick it at the bar and crush a few tacos.But make no mistake, just because you read “tacos” doesn’t mean this is a Mexican joint. It’s New Mexican inspired. No, not like New American, but with Mexican food. We’re talking Santa Fe street eats and easy drinking cocktails with some fun shots thrown into the mix. Read More
Friday Froth: Berlinetta Brewing Opens in Bridgeport with A Focus On Classic European Beer Features Restaurant Openings Brewery Beer Bridgeport Homepage James Gribbon August 27, 2021 The bright white space drips with psychedelic funk as I step into Berlinetta Brewing this summer. A few decades of listening to Georges Collinet's "Afropop Worldwide," I recognize Hugh Masekela and am beaming, not just at that, but at the racks of books (actual paper books!) in reach of tables lit by huge windows. This is a very, very promising start for the downtown Bridgeport brewery.Step up through the back doorway the tasting room shares with lofts in the newly refurbished building and you'll enter a mini in-brewery record store. Racks of LPs beside a twin turntable setup are for sale or maybe trade if you're feeling barter-y. Co-owner (co-brother), and head brewer Rich Ruggiero has also crafted a tube amp powered reel-to-reel Hi-Fi stereo which can drive the sound system at the click of a toggle switch. Walk in the front door, and you'll see it (and likely him) behind the taproom bar. Read More
Black Rock Social House Opens in Bridgeport with Globally Inspired 100% Gluten-Free Menu Restaurant Black Rock Bridgeport Gluten-Free Allergy Friendly Celiac Friendly Global Cuisine Italian Mediterranean homepage Homepage Jessica Ryan May 28, 2021
The Westport Farmers' Market Is Back for the 2021 Summer Season with 50+ Vendors Features Ingredients Farmers Market Westport Healthy Eats Farm To Table Farm Fresh Ingredients Farm Stand Local Artisan Bread Bakery Food Truck CTbites Team May 25, 2021 The need to eat strikes in many different forms. Craving something healthy? At The Westport Farmers’ Market, you can grab some freshly grown produce to satisfy that yearning. Want something refreshing? Stop by the handmade popsicle stand to cool down. How about something sweet? Head to the various artisan bakers selling freshly baked pastries and bread.After a brief intermission from the end of their winter season back in March, the Westport Farmers Market has reopened to serve the community fresh produce, baked goods and everything in between. Open Thursdays from 10-2 on Imperial Avenue in Westport, the market is something you will not want to miss.With over 50 vendors determined to provide market-goers with healthy and fresh products, Westport residents can look forward to grabbing organic, local ingredients to prepare a healthy meal, or even a pre-made breakfast or lunch… after visiting all the other vendors…of course.Visit the Westport Farmers Market to enjoy goods from any of their over 50 vendors or check out a few of our favorites below! Read More
Howling Hot Chicken Brings Nashville Hot Chicken To Bridgeport Restaurant Openings Bridgeport Hot Chicken Chicken Sandwich Comfort Food Take Out Delivery James Gribbon March 26, 2021 They call it a "slider," but it is not a slider. They call it "Hot Chicken," and it is definitely, exactly, most assuredly, guaranteed and board certified to be both of those things. Good lord. I have never been to Nashville, because I have never been a member of a southern lady's bachelorette party, but I have both been to Bridgeport, and Enjoyed-to-Tolerated many a chicken sandwich. If this is what they're like in central Tennessee, I may take the trip.Howling Hot Chicken is just past the Bridgeport/Trumbull line down from the mall, and will shortly share a wall with a Milkcraft creamery, whose owners identified a bit of vacuum in the Connecticut landscape which needed filling with Extremely Hot Chicken (or mild, or simply fried with no spice, your call) and created a new franchise. Recognizing a similar void in my lunchtime, I recently swung by. Read More
The Cannoli Pie Company & Luigi's Bakery in Bridgeport Go National Features Dessert Bakery Cannoli Italian Bridgeport Stephanie Webster November 24, 2020 John Dimarco and his renown Luigi's Bakery, served up Italian sweets on Main street in Bridgeport for 50 years. Two years ago, Dimarco closed the bakery and joined in a partnership with three longtime friends to expand the wholesale side of his business. Luigi’s was famous for its Original Cannoli Pie and their killer tasty cannoli cream. Hence, for the new spot, they chose the name “The Cannoli Pie Company” and relaunched and refocused their wholesale distribution business around being "Cannoli Specialists" and "Masters of All Things Cannoli."This little bakery that could has some big news for the holidays. In between making wedding cakes for most of Connecticut and running a full Italian Bakery, John managed to get his amazing cannoli pies into 85 local Stop & Shops along with scattered Price Rite, Shop Rites and specialty stores. And now, two years later, their cannoli pie is in EVERY SINGLE STOP & SHOP – over 400 stores in 5 states! Read More
Westport Winter Farmers’ Market Opens November 12th Features Farmers Market Westport Stephanie Webster October 28, 2020 Westport Winter Farmers’ Market (WFM) is ready to open their doors for the Winter season– this year, with a few safe and fun twists only a pandemic could provide.The winter market opens Thursday, November 12, and will run every Thursday through March 11, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Gilbertie's Herb Gardens at 7 Sylvan Lane, Westport. Holding the market on Thursday instead of Saturday will ensure continuity among the community of shoppers and vendors who have supported and grown with the market over this challenging year.Over 35 vendors will provide high-quality locally grown or raised fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, milk, baked and prepared foods, as well as some handmade items consumers have come to expect from WFM. For our higher at-risk shoppers, we invite you to shop from 1:00 – 2:00 where we will lessen the numbers of people in each greenhouse and provide an even safer market environment. Additionally, pre-ordering is available with a large number of our vendors – see website for details. With pre-orders, you are able to shop before you arrive and swiftly grab your items throughout the market hours. Read More
Westport Farmers’ Market Opening July 9th For Day-Of Shopping Features Farmers Market Westport Local Farm Shop Local Shopping Specialty Market Stephanie Webster July 06, 2020 After careful consideration and due diligence through state and local officials, the Westport Farmers’ Market will open this Thursday, July 9 for day-of shopping. During the hours of 10:00 – 2:00 in the 50 Imperial Avenue location, you can find your beloved farmers, bakers, cheese mongers and more.WFM will take the following actions to ensure safe shopping for all: require masks to be worn at all times, single direction traffic while shopping (one way in and one way out), hand sanitizer stations, social distancing and lots of fresh air. Read More
Shitake Parmesan Sliders Recipe from Westport Farmers' Market Features Recipe Recipe Farmers Market Vegetarian CTbites Team May 21, 2020 Even the most devoted meat eaters cannot deny the deliciousness of this “Meatless Monday” recipe. Shiitake mushrooms are the best fungi choice to make a crumb-coated base for tomato sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan because they are firm and hold their shape. The following recipe outlines versions both to shallow fry and bake the shiitakes. You can choose even the breading: fresh breadcrumbs are exceptionally good, but panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) adds a super crunchy textural element, for the taste buds and the eyes. Read More
Westport Farmers’ Market Launches Pilot Farmers' Market Program Ingredients Features Farm Fresh Farmers Market Specialty Market Stephanie Webster March 27, 2020 The Westport Farmers’ Market understands the value of the local food community, and the importance of access to healthy fresh food…food that has traveled a lesser distance and handled only by the purveyor and buyer. We know this local food community is important to our economy as it keeps the money spent by you and then the vendor here supporting our neighbors.Market Director Lori Cochran says “We, also, know we will find our way back to our gathering place on Imperial Ave and eventually back to Gilbertie's next winter BUT for now, it is in our blood to get you local food. To do so, we are launching a pilot farmers' market program under the strictest guidelines for shopping and collection of your purchases. The well being of you, ourselves and our vendors is the utmost priority.” Read More
EGG-citing News: The Tasty Yolk Storefront Opens in Black Rock + Now Serving Lunch! Restaurant Openings Black Rock Bridgeport Breakfast Lunch Homepage Comfort Food Brunch Catering Food Truck Stephanie Webster October 21, 2019 I pose this question to you…Is there anything better than a well executed egg sandwich in the wee hours of the morning (or really any time of day)? A nice runny yolk…smoky bacon…buttery Parker House roll….drooling yet? Well, for lovers of all things egg sandwich, we’ve got some egg-citing news. The crave-worthy egg sandwich food truck, The Tasty Yolk, has officially opened the doors to their NEW storefront location at 2992 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport TODAY! No longer will hungry diners exclusively have to seek out one of their three Fairfield County mobile breakfast sandwich delivery vehicles. Chef Eric Felitto’s (Food Network Chopped Champion) award winning menu will be available 6 days a week, Tuesday through Sunday. P.S. MSN awarded The Tasty Yolk one of "America's 100 Best Food Trucks." Oh, and did I mention they have added a FULL LUNCH MENU to the lineup?? Yup…We’re pumped. Read More
Hidden Mexican Gem: Azteca Restaurant in Bridgeport Restaurant Bridgeport Mexican Tacos Lunch Brunch Kid Friendly Openings homepage Homepage Andrew Dominick September 22, 2019 Hidden gems are the heart and soul of this site. I think the other CTbites writers would wholeheartedly agree that those “off the beaten path” restaurants or those that haven’t quite reached a mainstream audience yet, those are the ones that we get excited about the most. Azteca Restaurant in Bridgeport is exactly the kind of place that gets my blood flowing. Its family owned, and still new as it opened during the summer. It also might’ve never come to my attention if chef Bill Taibe didn’t sing its praises to us after a random night out in Bridgeport and a cell phone search for “Mexican food near me.” If not for a chef’s need for late night munchies, Azteca would not have been on our radar. With this information, Stephanie Webster and I rolled out to Azteca for an unforgettable midday Monday feast. Read More
Guide To Our Favorite CT Summer Farm Stands Ingredients Features Best of CT Farmers Market Farm Stand CT Farms Local Farm Farm to Table Maddie Phelps July 26, 2019 With the glorious warmth that summer brings to Connecticut comes a plethora of delicious fruits, vegetables, and other produce that are sure to highlight any and every meal of the season. If you’re looking to get a taste of the incredible produce CT offers when the temperature is at its hottest, you’ll surely want to make a trip to some local farm stands. As late July is upon us, however, the number of summer days left are ticking away at a startling speed. But fear not; your life just got a little bit easier. Some of the best summer farm stands in the state are listed below, ranging from the eastern most points of Connecticut to down in Fairfield County. All you have to do is find one that catches your eye and take the drive. Read More
