When Don Memo posted on Instagram that they’d be serving a burger during their Hora Feliz (that’s happy hour in English), their fans were pretty stoked, present company included. Show me a good happy hour AND throw in a limited cheeseburger, something Don Memo has never offered before, and I’m there.
Shouting great news, quite literally, from Gioia’s rooftop!
Gioia Restaurant and Bar has just unveiled their new 2000 sq ft rooftop space which features two levels of tables and bar seating. The open air space gives off tree-house like vibes. The wooden structure is resplendent with lots of verdant greenery, branches dressed in string lights and fabulous views of New Haven’s historic Chapel Street below. The area was designed to be used during our stunning three seasons and can be enclosed to protect diners from inclement weather.
The magical, whimsical setting sets the tone for the rooftop inspired menu with dishes that are meant to be shared, and some that you won’t want to share. (Sorry, not sorry!) Selections include antipasti, crudo, salads, “Wooster Squares,” pasta, panini and dolce. You can expect the same level of flavor and execution you’ve experienced downstairs.
The concept of Happy Hour was first used in the U.S. as early as 1913 by Naval units engaging in social parties with movies, dancing, and boxing, referred to as “happy hours.” After the era of prohibition ended, Happy Hour evolved more into what we know it today, as a sort of cocktail hour at bars.
These days, Happy Hour is a common practice among bars and restaurants, offering reduced prices on drinks and bar food, but also allowing eateries to create unique “happy hour” menus. Restaurants all over Connecticut have Happy Hour deals you can take advantage of throughout the week, giving you a chance to save on your next bar tab. Because the list of restaurants that offer Happy Hour is so extensive, we organized the list into counties so you can more easily search for businesses in your local area.
One of the most visually eye-candy-esque restaurants in CT, Terrain Cafe, has recently added a new bar to their ever-expanding dining space. For years, guests haven’t been able to get enough of this local seasonal menu under the helm of Chef Jes Bengston, and tables can often be tricky to score. But now, you don’t need a reservation to grab a seat at Terrain. Simply sidle up to their new walk-ins only bar (always my favorite seat in the house), and enjoy their brand new dedicated bar menu, created exclusively for those 13 seats. Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to order the full Terrain Café menu from your bar stool, but wait till you see what else only you can enjoy.
Let’s start with the bar itself. Just like everything else at Terrain, it’s sexy rustic chic. The thick white marble slab counter is bright and elegant by day, and vibey by night as the lights dim and those happy hour feels set in.
Evolution is part of the progression of any restaurant, even one as damn good as Restaurant L’Ostal in Darien.
Should you need a crash course in L’Ostal’s Provençal cuisine and on chef-owner and 2022 CRAZies “Chef of the Year” nominee, Jared Sippel, we covered all of that HERE a little more than a few years ago.
Hey, readers! We’ve got a fun, tasty treat for you if you win this one!
We’ve teamed up with one of our favorites, Restaurant L’Ostal in Darien, as they’ve just launched their Tuesday through Friday L’apero menu that’s only available for an hour each of those weekdays.
Are you suffering from restaurant sticker shock? Did you, on your last outing to a decent eatery, think about having the steak, then found out it cost $74 and ordered the $46 roasted chicken instead, and washed it down with the cheapest wine on the list at $18 a glass, which is more than you usually pay for an entire bottle at the corner packy?
Happy hour is here to help. While not as grand as a multi-course dinner-dinner, happy hour is a wonderful eating-out alternative, offering yummy fun in great locations for not much loot. You just have to get used to, you know, eating (and drinking) on, um, the early side.
Alma Cocina brings soul to Norwalk’s Wall Street area.
I recently had the opportunity to visit the newly opened Alma Bistro. Just a couple of weeks old, this Latin-fusion eatery features delicious Nuevo-Latino soul food with an upscale twist and promises to be the darling of the Norwalk restaurant scene.
Alma Bistro Cocina Latina was founded by Alma Miranda, Ulises Jiminez, Don Rene and Norberto Lucero out of a deep love for food that is authentically Latino. We have some real star power here.
We here at CTbites don’t normally focus on chain restaurants, both national and micro, but if there’s one that gets a pass it’s Barcelona Wine Bar. After all, Barcelona originated in South Norwalk way back in 1996 before expanding to other cities in Connecticut, then ultimately to Virginia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Georgia, and a handful of other states.
My home base Barcelona is in Norwalk at the Waypointe. I know, I know, we all have our favorite location down in Fairfield County—or beyond if you’re in the New Haven or West Hartford area—mine happens to be Norwalk because it’s not only a newish one, but also because it’s a two mile drive away.
One day when I had a serious craving for chicken pimientos, I clicked on Barcelona’s menu and noticed a “Happy Hour” tab. Hey, listen, I love a good happy hour, so you’ve got my attention.
Attention Connecticut foodies and “home cooks” with a secret summer recipe to share: Your time has come, and the local, food-focused radio program you have been hungering for has arrived!
Seasoned—a brand-new radio show and podcast just premiered on Connecticut Public Radio, featuring two of our favorite people as hosts, Marysol Castro and Chef Plum. The new show will explore Connecticut’s local farmers, passionate chefs, food makers and innovators from every corner of the state.
Seasoned will feature guests who will discuss everything from how food is grown, harvested and prepared across Connecticut, to how we use food to celebrate and connect in our communities.
The Spread you know and love from Main Street in South Norwalk has some new digs and a whole new summer look. Spread owners Andrey Cortes, Chris Hickey, Chris Rasile, Shawn Longyear and Chef Carlos Baez have taken their much heralded menu and rustic industrial vibe, and moved down the street, next door to their sister spot, El Segundo. The new spot resides in the old Harlan Public location within the IronWorks complex, and it comes with one of the most beautiful outdoor dining spaces in Fairfield County. Loyal diners and regulars….don’t worry. The menu will feature all of the usual favorites such as their Brick Chicken and Ricotta Gnocchi but Chef Baez has a few surprises up his chef’s coat.
Since we all have a little more “down time”, we thought it might be nice to have a listen to a short conversation recapping the “It’s A Woman’s World” event that feels like it occurred a life time ago. This “Morning After” podcast features Chef Jes Bengston (Culinary Director for Amis & Terrain), myself, Stephanie Webster (Editor for CTbites) and our host with the most, Marysol Castro. If you couldn’t score tickets to the March 2nd event, have a Listen here. If you were in the room, maybe we have things to say about you. Enjoy!
Kombucha is delicious and nutritious! Cross Culture Kombucha Taproom & Brewery will teach you how to make your own at home in their Kombucha Homebrewing Workshop on November 21.
On Tuesday November 19, Fairfield Cheese Company hosts an evening all about Cheese and Wine of The French Alps. Join them from 7-9pm for $50 per person.
The Taps & Trees Craft Beer Festival returns to the Danbury Sports Dome on Saturday November 23.
This week on The CTbites Hot Dish Podcast , we chat with Chef Plum, host of the successful podcast “Live With Chef Plum,” as well as “Edible On The Road” (streaming on Amazon), and finally…the TV series, “Random Acts of Cooking.” What’s on the podcast menu? We discuss the role of food as a connector, the importance of philanthropy, and…well…we laugh a lot. Join the conversation. Listen here.
This week on The CTbites Hot Dish Podcast , we chat with Chef Billy Grant, whom we lovingly refer to as one of “The Founding Fathers” of CT’s Fine Dining Scene. Chef Grant is the owner of Restaurant Bricco, celebrating over 20 years in business, and Bricco Trattoria. What’s on the podcast menu? We discuss the METS, cooking for family, the importance of giving back to his community, and what it takes to do what this guy does. Listen here.
Who doesn’t love meatballs??! This week on The CTbites Hot Dish Podcast , we chat with The guys from The Meatball Shop, CEO, Adam Rosenbam, and Executive Chef, Daniel Sharp. The Meatball Shop opened its doors in Westport just weeks ago, their 7th location, and it’s been ball frenzy ever since. What’s on the podcast menu? We discuss what makes a good meatball, the importance of sustainability, and the exciting new menu additions that are only available for all of you lucky CT residents. Listen here.
This week on The CTbites Hot Dish Podcast , we chat with Top Chef’s Chris Scott, who recently opened Birdman Juke Joint in the Black Rock, Bridgeport. Scott talks about his long road to TV's Top Chef, the importance of family and community, and the "Birdman," the inspiration for his new authentic Southern restaurant. You won’t wanna miss this episode. Listen here.
CTbites Hot Dish is a bi-weekly podcast. To listen, use PODCAST App (or any podcast player).
Search for CTbites Hot Dish or click here.
This week on The CTbites Hot Dish Podcast , we chat with Peaches Southern Pub & Juke Joint’s owner Greer "Peaches" Fredericks, and man does she have some stories! Greer talks about making the perfect fried chicken, life lessons and touring with the ...um...Rolling Stones. You won’t wanna miss this episode. Listen here.
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.
Two of CT's leading chefs, and long time colleagues, Bill Taibe & Dan Kardos, discuss what it takes to stay at the top of their game. Host Marysol Castro explores what it takes to maintain their sanity, life in the kitchen, how social media has changed the restaurant business, and what they want their guests to know when they dine at their restaurants. Listen here!
