Whether you are rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles, the Kansas City Chiefs, or Rihanna, nothing can bring the whole family around the television like the Super Bowl. And whether you are into wings, nachos, pizza, or all of the above (like us), there is no shortage of great food options to munch on while watching the game (or the commercials).
Pastry Chef Kim Wood of French Bakery, Le Banh Patisserie in Simsbury is competing on the upcoming season of Spring Baking Championship, premiering Monday February 28th at 8PM on Food Network and streaming on Discovery+.
Molly Yeh is bringing the farm straight to Spring Baking Championship putting her own colorful spin on every challenge this season, inspiring the bakers to create eye-popping, delicious, and Spring-forward treats to impress judges Duff Goldman, Kardea Brown and Nancy Fuller. Only one lucky baker will be crowned this year's Spring Baking Champion and walk away with $25,000!
Twelve bakers enter the Spring Baking barn and are challenged to create delicious desserts featuring the freshest fruit and flowers the farm has to offer. You know who we’re rooting for!
Chef Emily Mingrone of Tavern on State in New Haven will get involved in some competitive “Pork-y fun” on Food Network’s CHOPPED, May 26th, 9PM. The battle: High On The Hog.
Tune in to watch the competition. Chefs are elated to get a “nose to tail” pork theme for their battle, and the gorgeous cuts of premium meat in the first basket don't disappoint. A Bloody Mary with a special surprise adds to the porky fun in the second round. Then something fizzy and something "offal-ly" difficult to incorporate in a dessert are part of the final challenge.
Chef Eric Felitto of Tasty Yolk has some big news to share. May 5th is his 35th birthday, (also Cinco de Mayo), Tasty Yolk’s 4 year anniversary, AND….wait for it…he will be competing for the world to see on Food Network’s Chopped Champion. Big day eh?
His episode of Chopped Champion will air at 9pm on May 5th. When asked about the experience Felitto said “it was definitely intense. The whole episode was based off of the showmanship a fight night, so there was a lot of filming and trash talking before we even cooked anything.” “They didn’t come to the restaurant to shoot like they did when I competed in 2018. Instead they had us shoot selfies on our phones…and then filmed it as if we were literally showing up to a fight.” “It was a great experience, and I was pumped when they called me back for the Champion round.”
Felitto couldn’t share any details, for obvious reasons, but he did share one of the “secret” ingredients…ESCARGOT!! Oh boy…Have fun with that.
Chef Felitto says he will probably run a special at the store front location on May 5th to coordinate with the airing. Stay tuned for more details and tune in on The Food Network.
Chef Matt Storch of Match and Match Burger Lobster & his older sister Lisa Storch, of Catch a Healthy Habit, Café battle it out on BEAT BOBBY FLAY, Sunday, April 26, 10pm on the Food Network.
On Sunday February 2nd, the Chiefs and the 49-ers will be facing off in Super Bowl 54! The game time action is great, but so are the foods that accompany it! Wings, pizza, ribs, subs… which is your MVP?? These Connecticut restaurants and bars have eat-in and take-out specials to keep you satisfied as you cheer on your team.
Ready, set, hike! Football season is here! Whether you follow a favorite team or are just in it for the tasty snacks, Connecticut restaurants, bars, and caterers are providing delicious experiences during NFL games. Here is your ultimate guide to all the wings, HDTVs, sliders, beer, burgers, and other gametime specials that you can find across the state.
When the Blind Rhino opened in South Norwalk in 2015 it made waves both as the first dedicated sports bar in a nightlife-intensive district which was somehow devoid of one, and for making quality food and drink the focus, rather than an afterthought to bats and balls. Do they have beer and wings? Yep, but their beers are two dozen taps' worth of Connecticut focused craft, and their wings come with flavors like Togarashi dry rub and won multiple medals at the last year's National Buffalo Wing Festival in Buffalo, NY. Is there such a thing as a gastro sports bar? Yes, actually, there are two - and you can now find the second one just over the Fairfield town line in the Black Rock neighborhood of Bridgeport.
Cheer on CT’s own Chef Brian Lewis, of The Cottage and OKO, as he competes on Beat Bobby Flay, airing Thursday, May 30th @10PM.
“We taped this episode months ago and I’m excited for everyone to see this episode of ‘Beat Bobby Flay.’ Just as I cook my heart out in the kitchens at OKO and The Cottage, I gave it my all for the competition. Tune in to see if I had the chance to go head to head with Bobby!” says Chef Lewis.
The episode is intriguingly titled “Bye Bye Birdie,” and features Food Network's Michael Symon and Jet Tila working hard to outsmart their good friend Bobby Flay. They bring in one of his proteges, Chef Rebecca Weitzman, and fine dining's finest, Chef Brian Lewis, to muscle Bobby out of his kitchen.
Beb! It’s the CTbites’ Hot Dish Podcast Episode you’ve all been waiting for. This week we sit down with Next Food Network Star, Chef Christian Petroni…oh yeah…he also owns Fortina Pizza (all 5 locations). Petroni gabs about his summers in Italy, growing up in the Bronx, how he “learned” to cook, and the epic importance of cheesy garlic bread. Join us chez Webster, and have a listen here.
The time has come, where college hoops dominate schedules, dinner plans & most of all – your / your significant others / your friends’ social life. If you’re looking for that special place that everyone can enjoy ... look no further than Bobby V’s Restaurant & Sports Bar. They’re literally the ultimate sports destination, and as they call themselves … “the newest concept in sports entertainment.” With two unique destinations in Connecticut - Stamford & Windsor Locks, you’re going to want to check them out! The Stamford location features over 200 TV’s, along with a MASSIVE 2 story media wall, while the Windsor Locks location is equally impressive with over 80 TV’s & a HUGE 17’ LED screen … there’s not a bad seat at either location!
On Sunday February 3, the Patriots and Rams and facing off in Super Bowl 53! The game time action is great, but so are the foods that accompany it! Wings, pizza, ribs, subs… which is your MVP?? These Connecticut restaurants and bars have eat-in and take-out specials to keep you satisfied as you cheer on your team.
The Blind Rhino, Norwalk: For the 4th year in a row, The Blind Rhino hosts "the biggest super bowl pregame party in CT." This year, The Spread & El Segundo are joining the party and doing a mini pop up inside the Rhino. There will also be live music and entertainment provided by Best Trivia Ever.
Bobby V’s, Stamford: Catch the big game at Bobby V's in Stamford. A $45 ticket includes seating with a view of the game from every seat, a buffet, giveaways, and beer specials. VIP Packages available.
Bear’s Smokehouse @ The Stack, New Haven: The Stack, featuring Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ in New Haven, will be offering three “Big Game Packages."
Ryan Durant, owner and executive chef of Assaggio in Branford, has been picked to compete for the title of "Sexiest Chef Alive" on the People Magazine/Food Network joint venture show by the same name, airing November 1st. CTBites spoke with chef Durant about the experience.
How did you get involved with the show?
People magazine randomly called me, one of the servers picked up the phone and they said it was something with the magazine's sexiest man issue. It had to do with a cooking segment I did on "Better Connecticut" with Scot Haney three years ago.
Ready, set, hike! Get out your jerseys… football season is here and it’s time for you to root for your favorite team. These Connecticut restaurants, bars, and caterers are serving up specials and take-out options or you to enjoy during the season. These dishes will leave foodies yelling “touchdown!” Don’t see your favorite sports bar or restaurant here? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list.
The Blind Rhino, Norwalk & Black Rock: The Blind Rhino is the hotspot for watching sports events. TVs surround the bar and restaurant. They are known for their wings and craft brews, but they have other tasty eats on the menu as well.
Fortina, Stamford: Fortina in Stamford will offer discounted food and drinks during football season on Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday. Plus, wear your jersey and get a complimentary famous rays or margherita pizza.
The Irons, Mystic: Head to the Irons in Mystic for football on Sundays. Starting at 1pm, they'll have $5 Burgers, 20 Wings for $20 , $3 Sam Adams Drafts, and other game time specials.
Sunday February 4 is the Super Bowl and Connecticut restaurants, bars, and caterers are serving up BIG specials for the BIG game. Halftime buffets, open bars, big screen TVs, giveaways, take-out packages… these deals will have you doing your best touchdown dance!
The Blind Rhino, Norwalk: 2018 will mark the third year of The Blind Rhino's Sono Bowl! The NO COVER pre-game bash starts at 4pm and lasts until kick-off. It will feature live music from The Extras, giveaways, and other specials.
Geronimo, Fairfield: Geronimo's Tequila Bar & Southwest Grill, with locations in New Haven and Fairfield, will offer a take-out package consisting of chips, salsa, guacamole, build-your-own Beef Chile Nachos, Hatch Green Chile Stew, Southwestern Empanadas, and Signature Margarita Mix. Choose from a package for 15 or 8 guests.
Bull & Swine, New Haven: Bull & Swine in New Haven will show the Super Bowl on their 80 inch projector screen with surround sound. For $28 per person, you can also enjoy their buffet and open bar. They'll have trivia and prizes, too.
Walrus + Carpenter, Bridgeport: Assorted wings, ribs, sliders, and sides are available for pick-up from Walrus + Carpenter. Order by Tuesday January 30 and pick-up after 12pm on Sunday February 4. Send an email to catering@walruscarpenterct.com or call them at (203) 333-2733 to purchase. less
When I hear “sports bar,” I think lots of big screen TVs, beers, burgers, wings, nachos, anything to go with my Jets or Giants jersey. The Blind Rhino, recently opened in South Norwalk on Main Street just north of Washington, is undoubtedly a sports bar, with 27 big screen TVs, shuffleboard, darts, and jerseys adorning the walls. At the same time, it has elevated the cuisine with impressive menu items, an array of craft beers and a variety of whiskeys. Many sports bar staples are still on the menu, but with a twist!
Owner /Chef Jamie Pantanella oversees the cuisine. He has worked in restaurants and catering all over New England for the past 22 years. His most recent restaurant experience includes The Brewhouse and Gingerman SoNo. At The Blind Rhino, Pantanella hones his years of experience to offer his “highlight reel.”
The menu is not large, but each item is thoughtful and flavorful. “While having sections like wings, appetizers, soups, and sandwiches seem to be par for the course, having items like Togareshi Dry Rub Wings, Cider Braised Pork Belly Sliders, and a Sliced Ribeye Cheese Steak is exactly how we want to take the dining experience to the next level,” says manager Casey Dohme.
