Filtering by Tag: Plant Based,Festival

Green & Tonic Announces Opening in Darien CT January 2nd

Restaurant Features Opening Darien Plant Based Health & Wellness Healthy Eats Smoothies Acai Bowl Sandwich Lunch Breakfast

CTbites Team

Green & Tonic is thrilled to announce the grand opening of their brand-new location in Darien! 

The plant-based  fast casual concept can't wait for you to step foot into their new fresh, vibrant space in the Corbin District and experience all the goodness they have to offer.

Grand opening day is on Tuesday January 2nd 2024. The excitement includes:

Free small lattes, free cold pressed juices and BOGO sales (on select juices) special giveaway entry w/ purchase to an epic prize (free year of G&T coffee!) and Free Kaia Yoga Class Passes for everyone who stops by on this special day ($20 value!)

Can't make it to opening day. No worries! Open 7 days a week: Dine in, Pick Up or Delivery is always available. Green & Tonic is a plant-based eatery serving delicious, good-for-you food and drinks! Think salads, warm bowls, seasonal soups, breakfast sandwiches, cold-pressed juices, smoothies & açaí bowls. They've recreated popular coffee chain drinks like the cookie butter latte and peppermint mocha latte to be made with no added sugar and no additives. 


40+ Spots To Celebrate Oktoberfest In Connecticut 2023

Events Features Holiday Oktoberfest Brewery CT Beer Events EVENT Festival Beer Dinner Beer Festival Homepage

April Guilbault

“Let’s get a drink”. “Come over for a drink!”. There’s nothing more convivial than sharing a drink together with a person or a whole group of favorite persons. And isn’t the ol’ saying -it’s 5 o’clock somewhere? Well, here’s a historical “reason” to raise your glasses high-Oktoberfest, the beloved, ancient event involving mouthwatering beers, so much (too much? never!) merriment and some fabulous lederhosen. Oktoberfest-ivities run pretty much the entire month of September and into October, so there are plenty of chances to raise that stein. And remember, we all put our lederhosen on one leg at a time. Prost!


Sound On Sound Music Fest Food & Beverage Lineup Released!

Features Events Live Music Festival Events

James Gribbon

Of all the lessons I’ve learned in life which turned out to be Actually True, “No one ever laid in bed, late in life, and wished they went to fewer shows” is up near the top. Did a show get away from you this year? Maybe a weeknight concert series in a local park, and you just never found the time? Did a few notes of the Weezer and Future Islands show from the amphitheater in Bridgeport breeze through your car windows as you crept along on I-95? Shaking your head Yes? Well shake it off like you’re erasing an Etch-a-Sketch, and take your last festival opportunity of 2023 in Connecticut this Sept. 30 – October 1 in Seaside Park at Sound On Sound.

The complete setlist for the shows can be found HERE, but we’re not Pitchfork, so here’s a look at the food and drink options to keep you going at this year’s banger...


Sound On Sound Music Festival Seeking A Few Chefs For VIP Areas

Features Festival

Stephanie Webster

Calling all Chefs…we hear that the Sound On Sound music festival has a limited number of slots available for local CT talent in their VIP areas (VIP, Sky Deck & Lounges).  The fest takes place September 30-October 1, in Bridgeport’s Seaside Park, and festival headliners include: Red Hot Chili Peppers and John Mayer and artists including Alanis Morissette, Ben Harper, Trey Anastasio and Nathaniel Ratliff.

VIP sections are shaping up to showcase some of the best food offerings of our area, with smash burgers, BBQ,  pizza (from folks you’ll know and love), and well known local chef's signature items-all to be announced very soon. With only a few limited slots available to round out the program…this is a unique opportunity for our local CT chefs. 

CHEFS: If you’re interested in this unique opportunity contact food curator Lauren Sheftell: Lauren@goodtalkpr.com 


Beastie Burger: CT Entrepreneur Creates Delicious Plant Based Burgers

Ingredients Features Vegan Vegetarian Plant Based Ingredients Burgers Healthy Eats Health & Wellness

April Guilbault

This is the story of a plant-based burger patty that began with a wedding invitation. 

Our heroine, Lisa, receives her son’s wedding invitation in the mail one day. Joy! But, oh, on that day, she is feeling that she doesn’t want to be in the spotlight, walking down that aisle as the Mother-of-the-Groom, with everyone staring at her. So, to help counter her depression and anxiety, she soon finds a local fitness trainer. In walks trainer Joseph and Lisa’s life begins to change. Even more changes are to come down the road, including, oddly, a little incident with a meat grinder on Rt.8 on dark and stormy night.

As Lisa Nicholas begins her transformation and changes the way she thinks about nutrition and exercise, Joseph suggests upping her daily intake of protein to build those lean muscles. Problem is, Lisa had tried the vegan lifestyle years before and was hitting a wall with food being interesting and, also, getting enough protein.


Mohegan Sun's Seltzer Social and BrewFest: What Went Down

Features Mohegan Sun Beer CT Beer Hard Seltzer Festival Recap

Carly Terzigni

Coming in right off of the heels of this summer’s Tequila Fest, Mohegan Sun doubled down by offering a weekend of back-to-back events: Seltzer Social and BrewFest. The perfect way to celebrate fall, the two days of beverage-centric festivities kicked off on Friday, October 7 with Seltzer Social, an evening devoted to all things bubbly. The party continued on Saturday, October 8 with BrewFest, a three-hour celebration of local breweries as well as nationally-recognized brands.

For those attending both the Seltzer Social and BrewFest, the first night’s events served as a fitting warm-up. But that by no means should imply that Seltzer Social was anything less than a main event in its own right. Lively music, tasty wings, and plenty of fizz was on deck for the two-hour soiree.


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events, Festivals, and Dinners for September 24-October 12

Features Events News Events Dinner Events Pop-Up Dinner Festival

Stephanie Webster

Van Leeuwen ice 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++


Greenwich Wine + Food 2022 Announces Schedule for Week Long Festivities

Events Features Greenwich Wine + Food Festival Festival Celebrity Chef Local Chef EVENT

CTbites Team

Greenwich Wine + Food today 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. Premium sponsors include Wagoneer and Greenwich Hospital.

“With the one-month countdown officially ON, I’m thrilled to share the final details for our monumental anniversary celebration,” said Suni Unger, founder and CEO of Unger Media, the parent company behind Greenwich Wine + Food and Serendipity magazine. “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.”


30+ Spots to Celebrate Oktoberfest 2022 in Connecticut

Brewery Features Events Oktoberfest Festival Beer CT Beer Beer Garden Holiday Homepage

April Guilbault

Hops is on the brain and Oktoberfest is on the calendar. It’s that delightful time of year to gather with friends, German-style! Chomp into a giant pretzel, grill a brat, raise a stein (or 20, if you are partaking in a competition), and then toast, toast, and toast some more. Across our state, Oktoberfest celebrations are happening and you’ve simply got to get in on one of them. A better time will not be had! Prost!


Connecticut Taco and Margarita Festival Comes to The Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater in October

Events Features Tacos Festival Bridgeport

James Gribbon

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.


Recap: Sun Tequila Tasting at Mohegan Sun

Features Festival Mohegan Sun Recap

Carly Terzigni

Live music, tasty food, and a healthy dose of tequila were front and center at the Sun Tequila Tasting, which returned on July 23rd in the Earth Ballroom at Mohegan Sun. The jam-packed event brought together dozens of vendors and plenty of guests ready to “Call the Shots” amongst a sea of artificial palm trees.

Not that the palm trees were all that necessary to evoke a sense of a warmer, tequila-appropriate climate: in the midst of a week-long sorcher of a heat wave where temperatures hovered in the low to mid 90’s for most of the event, Sun Tequila Tasting packed the heat in more ways than one!


Hartford Taste Festival Recap

Features Festival

Carly Terzigni

Have you ever had that experience where you wanted to order everything off the menu? Do you want to sample some of the best cuisine from the Hartford region in one convenient place? Look no further than the Hartford Taste Festival. If you missed it, mark your calendar for next year!

The first-ever Hartford Taste Festival (presented by The Hartford) was developed “to further generate and extend community pride in Hartford and Connecticut, via a collective experience that proudly recognizes, showcases, and celebrates our restaurants, musical talent, businesses, and people.”

This two-day festival brought together some of the top eateries from around the Greater Hartford region, in addition to live music, crafts, and vendors. With support from The Hartford, the Hartford Chamber of Commerce is providing the opportunity for area restaurants to participate in the festival at no charge. Most of the restaurants featured at the festival can be found in Hartford, with other restaurants coming from West Hartford, East Hartford, Windsor, New Britain, and Bloomfield.


Local Vegan Chef, Christian Tracey, Launches Plant-Based Video Recipe Series

Features Recipe Video Recipe Vegan Plant Based

CTbites Team

Christian (Chrissy) Tracey is a local Vegan Content Contributor, Video Host at Bon Appétit Magazine, and Head Chef at Chrissy’s. She lives in New Fairfield CT.

As a Vegan chef, Chef Christian Tracey knows a thing or two about the beauty of plants. She has recently launched a video series called “Plant Curious”, a plant-based series showcasing the food and cultures she loves. Tracey will be exploring cooking, baking, foraging, and a bit of her Jamaican culture. She strives to inspire her viewers to get excited about adding plants to their lifestyle---whether that be through diet and meal planning, or simply getting outside.

In this video, she features Ackee, the national fruit of Jamaica. The dish, Ackee & Saltfish, is an ode to her childhood and her Jamaican heritage. It's a traditional meal consumed on a regular basis in many Jamaican households, and is savory and vegetable forward.


Plantidote Foods: Wholesome & Tasty Vegan Plant-Based Patties, Made in CT

Features Ingredients Vegan Vegetarian Plant Based Healthy Eats Burgers Local Artisan

Stephanie Webster

As keepers of Connecticut culinary intel, we field a lot of reader queries. One question commonly asked is, “where can I get really good quality, great tasting vegan food” that also answers the question, “why can’t I understand half the ingredients in the so-called “healthy” convenience store foods? We recently came across Plantidote Foods vegan, ready made plant-based patties, and they check all the boxes. They taste great, have just 10 nutrient packed ingredients, all of which you can see, pronounce and understand, and they are made right here in Norwalk CT.


Green & Tonic: Chef Anthony Rinaldi Takes the Helm at this Plant Based Eatery

Restaurant Vegan Vegetarian Plant Based Chef Openings Healthy Eats

April Guilbault

I think it’s safe to say that we’ve all been here at some point: you go out to eat, thoroughly enjoy everything that passes your lips, and maybe (probably) eat a little too much because it’s so dang tasty and before you know it, you’re reaching for the Tums and the fat-pants, not necessarily in that order.

Well, I went out to eat the other night, thoroughly enjoyed everything that passed my lips, and did in fact, eat a bit too much but you know what? I left this establishment feeling….good, great, even healthy. “How can this be?” you ask. Three little words: Green and Tonic.


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For Week of October 20-27

Features Events Events News Pop-Up Dinner Wine Dinners Festival

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Get egg-cited… the Tasty Yolk storefront opens for business on Tuesday October 22!  Check them out at 2992 Fairfield Ave in Bridgeport.

From Wednesday October 23 through Friday October 25, Norwalk Now presents CRUSH: A Celebration of Beer, Wine, and Spirits.  Norwalk restaurants and businesses are opening their doors for demonstrations, tastings, seminars, and other events inspired by these tasty adult beverages. 

Wednesday October 23 marks Brasitas’s first Wine Dinner of the season.  The five course meal will compliment wines from Napa Valley.  Tickets are $75 per person and space is limited. 


Westoberfest Downtown Westport Beer Festival w/ Over 50 Craft Breweries, Food & Fun sponsored post

Events Features Festival Oktoberfest

CTbites Team

Over 30 New England craft breweries will serve up their favorite seasonal beer tastings at Westoberfest on October 19 at 2:00 p.m. in the heart of downtown Westport on Elm Street. Building on a successful inaugural event last year, and in partnership with Westport's newest wine and spirits merchant, The Grapevine, there will be even MORE breweries this year, with more than 50 unique pours of the best local and regional craft beer for three hours of unlimited tasting. Buy your tickets here!

The perfect complement to flavorful craft brews is tasty food, and Westoberfest will serve up two local favorites, Kawa Ni and Rothbard Ale + Larder, with options to satisfy any appetite. Line up early to experience traditional brats and pretzels from Rothbard’s or satisfy your culinary craving with spicy miso ramen, tofu pockets, and sesame noodles from Kawa Ni. The always crave-worthy DoughGirls truck will also be making an appearance in the kids' area (yes, there’s a KIDS AREA).

What’s on the Menu? Check it out…


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For September 15-22

Features Events News Oktoberfest Festival

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

The 7th Annual Two Roads Ok2berfest takes place September 21 starting at 12pm.  In addition to the brewery’s own tasty drafts, there will be Authentic German music, German-style beers, food, games and more. 

Artisan West Hartford celebrates its 2nd Anniversary with a Havana Nights themed party on Wednesday September 18.  Executive Chef Frederic Kieffer will be showcasing Cuban-themed cuisine including: Cubanos with pulled pork and pickles, Ropa Vieja , and other appetizers.  In addition, unlimited Beer, Wine, Soda and Signature cocktails will be served.  Dressing up for the event is encouraged! 

Max Chef to Farm presents an Oktoberfest Dinner at Hanging Hills Brewery on Thursday September 19.  This collaboration will bring Chef Hunter Morton together with selections from one of Connecticut's most popular craft brewers, Hanging Hills Brewing Company.  Tickets are $79 inclusive and the event is limited to 70 seats. 

Match Restaurant in Norwalk is turning TWENTYCelebrate with them on Thursday September 19.  Party with complimentary bites and bubbles along with a cash bar for other specialty drinks. 

Greenwich Wine + Food Festival, located at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich, CT, is a multi-day event celebrating this area’s rich culinary landscape and showcasing innovation in the food and beverage industries.  This year’s festival includes special guests like Martha Stewart, Margaret and Geoffrey Zakarian, and Valerie Bertinelli.  Little Big Town headlines the musical entertainment.  This year’s proceeds will go toward Food Rescue US and Greenwich Parks & Recreation. 


Famed Plant Based Chef Matthew Kenney and Marcia Selden Partner Launch "Naked Fig Catering"

Features Entertaining Vegan Plant Based Catering Caterer

CTbites Team

Huge news for CT catering! The famed LA plant based Chef, Matthew Kenney Cuisine, is partnering with CT Catering Company, Marcia Selden to create Naked Fig Catering, a new plant-based catering company, launching this month.

Naked Fig Catering will embody the proficiency and finesse offered by Marcia Selden Catering to serve the elevated, refined plant-based cuisine that MKC is known for. The collaboration provides an opportunity to expand culinary presence into the catering and events industry, where Naked Fig will curate unforgettable culinary experiences that redefine the current standards in this category market.


20+ Places for Oktoberfest in CT: 2019 Edition

Features Oktoberfest Holiday Festival CT Beer Beer Garden Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

It may be called OKTOBERfest, but 2019’s Oktoberfest festivities are kicking off as early as September!  Breweries are creating their own German inspired beers while popular restaurants are providing their own renditions of bratwurst and more.  Get your lederhosen ready… Oktoberfest 2019 is here!

The Hops Company, Derby

The Hops Company will be hosting its 4th annual Oktoberfest on Sunday, October 13, 2019 beginning at 12:00pm.  Featuring Von Trapp Brewery, the day will include live bands, giveaways, and specialty casks.  A highlight of The Hops Company’s Oktoberfest is the Stein Hoisting Contest.  Each winner will receive an overnight stay for two at the Von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT.

Half Full Brewery, Stamford

Oktoberfest in the Park, presented by Half Full Brewery, returns to Stamford on September 27 & 28.  Festivities include food trucks, a Pop-Up Beer Garden, and Live Music from a variety of local and regional acts. The festival is held in support of the Mill River Park Collaborative and takes place on The North Lawn & Grand Steps in Mill River Park in downtown Stamford. 

Troupe429, Norwalk

Saturday October 5 is PRIDEtoberfest at Troupe429 in Norwalk.  The free event features plenty of drinks, food, and live performances. 

Sandy Hook Craft Beer Festival, Newtown

Just in time for your Octoberfest parties comes the Sandy Hook Craft Beer Festival.  There are currently over 45 breweries signed up and 6 food trucks.  Additional vendors will provide food, candy, spirits and other shopping fun.  Join them Saturday October 15 from 1-5pm.