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.
Waterfront. Dockside. Don’t those words just bring a smile to your face? Whether you are traveling by boat to go for a summer Sunday lunch or just wanting to enjoy your dinner with a beautiful view of the water, these restaurants will fit the bill for your summer enjoyment. And how is it exactly that everything tastes better when you are near the water?
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.
Sitting on a bench, licking a drippy ice cream cone on a warm summer day or a balmy evening can be, well…sublime. The skies are clear, the sun or moon is hanging in the sky-all is right with the world and these are a few moments to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. And creamy rich ice cream or scoop of blissful gelato is one of those pleasures, indeed. Honestly, unless you have dropped that cone (bloop, splat! *tears*), when have you ever gone for ice cream and left unhappy? Cream, fruits, swirls of caramel, bits of chocolate chips, a nut here and there-nothing can beat it. Take a few moments this summer to enjoy those simple things, like a cone with a friend or even by yourself. Here’s a list to point the way…
Enjoy these 75+ Spots for Ice Cream, Gelato and Frozen Desserts in CT.
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.
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.
Summer lasts for about six weeks, and I want to soak up every glorious morsel of sunshine that I can while it is here! I also want to partake in the delicious food the season has to offer. Connecticut restaurants are making sure that we don’t have to choose between those two options. Places across the state are opening up their patios, decks, and rooftop bars. Here is a lift of over 130 restaurants where you can fine al fresco this summer.
Tavern on State, New Haven: Tavern on State, owned by Chef Emily Mingrone, is one of the latest to join the dozens of exceptional restaurants in the New Haven area. There are 45 seats outdoors.
Birdman Juke Joint, Bridgeport: The much-anticipated restaurant from Chef Chris Scott will have some outdoor seating in Bridgeport’s Black Rock neighborhood.
High George, New Haven: High George, located at The Blake Hotel in New Haven, is a new three-season rooftop restaurant that features a full food and beverage menu inspired by Summers in New England. James Beard-nominated Chef Tyler Anderson, along with partners A.J. Aurrichio and Tim Cabral, is overseeing its operations.
Geronimo Tequila Bar & Southwest Grill, Fairfield & New Haven: The Fairfield location of Geronimo Tequila Bar & Southwest Grill has a large patio for al fresco dining with firepits for cold evenings. In New Haven, enjoy their heated patio that is enclosed for year-round dining.
Shell and Bones Oyster Bar, New Haven: Shell & Bones Oyster Bar in New Haven has a fabulous view of the water with floor to ceiling doors that are open in summer and a deck directly on the water complete with fire pits and patio heaters for chilly nights. Dive into their Harbor Sampler or the Tower of Shells, with lobsters, clams, oysters, and shrimp.
Summer is here and nothing embodies summer in New England like the lobster roll! Whether you prefer yours hot or cold, with or without butter, classic or with a twist, Connecticut restaurants and seafood shacks are featuring them on their menus. Here is a list of 34+ places where you can get some lobstahhhh!!
Lobstercraft, Fairfield: LobsterCraft opened its retail doors a few months ago in Fairfield. Parked next to the shop is their truck, and a tented, casual seating area, reminiscent of those great roadside eateries along the coast of Maine.
Lenny and Joe’s Fish Tale, Westbrook: Lenny and Joe's serves buttered lobster in a grilled split top hotdog bun and with one side of your choosing, like onion rings.
Knot Norms, Norwalk: n addition to the classic lobster roll, Knot Norms in Norwalk has rolls of all varieties! Join them for a Fried Chicken Roll, Roasted Oysters and a Crab Salad Roll, and more.
Liv’s Shack, Old Saybrook: Liv’s Shack, located directly on the waterfront at the mouth of the Connecticut River, celebrates Summer in New England with hot buttered lobster rolls, fish tacos, hand-ground hamburgers and more.
Happy hours are one of life’s greatest pleasures. Bad day? Have a reduced-price wine, beer, or cocktail to take the edge off. Even worse day? Have more than one. Hungry? Happy hours usually offer a handful of delectable bites to be had on the cheap as an accompaniment to your glass of booze. I’m obviously a fan of the whole idea of happy hours—and I’m betting you are too—so I’m always on the lookout for new ones in the area. That’s when I came across Tarry Lodge Westport’s brand new Aperetivo Hour.
Introduced in May, Aperitivo Hour goes down Monday – Friday from 4 – 6 p.m. It features wine and cocktails for $10 each, and five snackable small plates for $5 per.
Elm City Social has entered New Haven’s burgeoning craft cocktail scene with an exhaustive and inventive array of cocktails and a variety dining options from mid-day to late night. Venturing into the Elm City Social bar during Happy Hour, I had but a simple mission – to quickly refuel with a cocktail and a few snacks before an evening event. I knew I had come to the right place when I noticed the cocktail menu was equal to, if not greater than, the dining options.
So first, those cocktails. The Rubber Ducky is a shaken cocktail made from a combination of a citra hop-infused New Amsterdam Gin, basil, grapefruit, lemon, with sparkling water. First sip, my eyes quickly narrowing, I found myself put off (turned on?) by the hoppy notes. Second sip, a bit of offense but also wonderment, “how did an IPA get in my cocktail?” From that point until my last sip, I was impressed by the equal parts confusion and compulsion on my palate. Well done. Also, there is an actual rubber ducky floating in your drink. Bonus points for cheekiness.
Kawa Ni, Westport's izakaya by the river, has been both a haven of Japanese-inspired food and a boisterous drinking scene since its opening just over a year ago. The party is about to start earlier, as Bill Taibe and co. have announced the debut of their new happy hour menu of food and drink at the Bridge Square, starting now.
Izakayas are small taverns which cater to the occasionally raucous after work set in Japan, so the new menu, with its focus on a limited number of small bar bites backed up by almost twice as many drinks, is right on theme. The prices of food and drink alike are sharply reduced for the happy hour, which runs Tuesday -Friday 4-6PM.
Vespa Restaurant recently introduced its new culinary team, Executive Chef David White and Pastry Chef Susanne Berne to create a vibrant menu to complement the relaxing décor and wonderful water view. The duo will collaborate in creating a menu for the full dining experience, from the first bite of Antipasti to the last bite of Dolci. In addition, the restaurant recently unveiled its lunch service, a new dessert menu and the commencement of “Apertivo Hour” from 4-6PM, offering half price beer, wine, $8 select cocktails and a small plates menu.
Chef David joins Vespa from The Inn at Pound Ridge, where he was the Chef de Cuisine. Prior to working with Chef Jean-Georges, he sharpened his skills in Europe before returning to the US to further refine his talents with award-winning Andrew Masciangelo at Savona. Chef Berne’s passion for the culinary arts was sparked by a pastry course in college before receiving her Grande Diploma in Pastry Arts in 1999. She subsequently won back-to-back ACF Florida Pastry Challenges in 2003 & 2005.
CTbites recently visited Vespa to sample a variety of the new culinary team’s Italian-inspired creations.
Three cheers for watermelon! This sweet, crunchy fruit reaches its peak in the summer—making it perfect for a picnic or BBQ—it’s colorful, refreshing & packed with vitamin C! It can be used in a variety of dishes (or simply sliced on a platter)! The gang at Marcia Selden Catering shares three watermelon recipes that will dazzle and can easily be made ahead. Pro tip: Tap on the shell of a seedless watermelon when shopping-if you hear a hollow sound it’s ripe and ready to eat! Enjoy these delicious recipes for: Watermelon Panzanella Salad, Tomato, Grilled Corn, Avocado & Watermelon Salad & Thai Watermelon Ceviche.
