Esh Modern Mediterranean Restaurant Opens in Fairfield from NYC's Taboon Team Restaurant Opening Fairfield Middle Eastern Mediterranean Moroccan Israeli Stephanie Webster June 20, 2023
The Blondinit: Israeli Restaurant Coming To Westport Features Openings Westport Mediterranean Israeli Middle Eastern Dan Woog May 09, 2023 If you want authentic Israeli food, go to Israel.Or Brooklyn.Soon though, dishes like shakshuka (poached eggs in a simmering tomato sauce with vegetables and spices) and deep-fried matzo stuffed with cheese will be available in Westport.On, ironically, Church Lane, in Westport.The Blondinit will fill the space vacated this winter by Manna Toast. It’s the first restaurant venture for Solomon and Inda Sade, who own several other businesses already. Her background is in retail and fashion.But this is their passion project. They love food and entertaining. And they’re putting their money where their, um, mouths are: They’re funding it themselves.While not Israeli, the Sades have strong ties there. Solomon’s parents were born in Israel. His father had 10 siblings, his mother, 8.Growing up on Long Island, his family visited there every summer. More recently, he and his wife honeymooned in Israel.When COVID struck, they and their 1-year-old left New York for their second home in the Poconos. But after 6 months of boredom — “the event of the day was standing outside Walmart with rubber gloves,” Solomon recalls — they moved to suburban New Jersey.The Blondinit’s meats, pitas, pickled goods and beers will all be “authentic” from Brooklyn.It will be delivered fresh daily. The Sades will not use freezers or microwaves. All leftover food will be donated to pantries and food rescue organizations.Read the complete article on Dan Woog’s 06880. 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
Urban Greek Kitchen: Delicious Fast Casual Greek With A Twist Restaurant Shelton Greek Mediterranean Grocery Store Special Dietary Needs Gluten-Free Lunch Take Out To-Go Openings Healthy Eats Homepage Jessica Ryan May 14, 2022 In a bleak midwinter, in the midst of a great Pandemic, Sophia Diakoloukas left a successful marketing career to open her restaurant, Urban Greek Kitchen. This fast-casual eatery serves up modern Greek food with a flair. “It’s Greek with a twist” she describes. “I use traditional family recipes and adapt them to satisfy the way we eat today.” Inspired by the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean, Urban Greek focuses on healthy, fresh vibrant ingredients that are satisfying and delicious. Having grown up in the restaurant business, here in Connecticut, Sophia is no stranger to the inner workings of this complicated, fast-paced industry. It’s immediately apparent that she runs a pristinely organized and tight ship. Most of her staff has been with her since the doors opened…and so have her loyal customers. 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
Wildacre Rotisserie to Debut in Greenwich (via Hey Stamford!) Restaurant Openings Chicken To-Go Take Out Lunch Cos Cob Greenwich Mediterranean Gluten-Free Hey Stamford! April 15, 2022 Wildacre Rotisserie, a new fast casual rotisserie restaurant, will make its debut in Greenwich, CT in Spring 2022. Led by former Starbucks and sweetgreen culinary leader and Fairfield County resident Ben Pote, the restaurant will bring a fresh take on traditional rotisserie to Cos Cob. The concept of the eatery, both in cuisine and design, is inspired by California with a thoughtfully curated menu that offers something for everyone.Rotisserie chicken and slow-roasted cauliflower are at the heart of the menu, complemented by entree-style salads, plant-forward sides, and sauces that are made in-house daily, with thoughtful pops of flavor throughout. The chicken, for example, is rubbed with bay leaf, oregano, and fennel pollen, giving it an herbaceous, savory flavor, while the whole-roasted cauliflower is sprinkled with za’atar, a Middle-Eastern herb blend. Wildacre’s salads are hearty enough for lunch and dinner, or to eat alongside a whole roasted chicken or cauliflower. Guests can order a la carte or select a bundled meal, which offers the choice of either a rotisserie chicken or slow-roasted cauliflower main plus two sides and two sauces. Side dishes range from french fries to roasted brussels sprouts, and the majority of the menu is gluten-free. The California influence shows up throughout the menu, which features ingredients like fennel pollen, meyer lemon, and avocado, and flavors inspired by Mediterranean, Central American, and Asian cuisines.Read the complete article on Hey Stamford! Read More
RAWA: Middle Eastern Fusion in New Haven Restaurant New Haven Middle Eastern Mediterranean Kid Friendly James Gribbon March 11, 2022 Several years ago, hungry and lost on a ski trip in the hinterlands of northern Vermont, I convinced the crew to stop at the first sign that said "brew" on it, which is how we all discovered (and loved) Trout River Brewing, then up in Lyndonville. Another time, half the Earth's orbit away on a sweltering evening before a show at the Bowery Ballroom, a little A-shaped chalkboard got us to check our stride with the words "Cheap Drinks," and an arrow pointing down stairs revealed by open steel doors in the sidewalk. The cellar bar was a riot of antique lamps, taxidermy, and, well, us after several of the promised drinks - some of which they even asked us to pay for.The point is: places found when I've been lost or without particular plans have been some of the bookmarked highlights of my adult life, and RAWA in New Haven is one. Read More
Arugula Bistro in West Hartford Celebrates 25 Years with A New Look Restaurant Hartford County West Hartford Mediterranean Middle Eastern Homepage Kristin L. Wolfe August 15, 2021 Have you strolled down Farmington Avenue lately? West Hartford is BAAAACK! And, Arugula Bistro is now all dressed up and ready to party. The colorful block mural and beautiful lavender plants along the front of the restaurant are just two visual signs that Arugula is awaiting your arrival. Back open this summer after some much needed reno, your spirit and belly will be delighted by the changes. Like many restaurants, some time closed during the pandemic was spent fixing to-do list projects. What went from much needed new flooring to some equipment and furniture overhauls, became the redo Chef Christiane Gehami and Chef Michael Kask had always wanted it to be. The pair have run Arugula together for twenty-five years and they’ve worked hard to evolve; behind them, in long-time starring roles on the team are also Steve Reynolds and Shari Warbelow. 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
Capuli Opens in Westport with Casual California-Mediterranean Cuisine Restaurant Westport Openings Mediterranean Healthy Eats Family Friendly take Seafood Kid Friendly Lunch Outdoor Dining Jessica Ryan April 14, 2021 Nestled in among the shops on the Post Road, at the former Westport Pizza location, you’ll find a gem of a family eatery called Capuli, which made a quiet entrance into Westport at the end of January.After relocating their young family from California to Westport, Owners Andrea and Chef Armando Brito were searching for just the right location to open a restaurant and were thrilled with the newly available space in their new hometown. Chef Armando brings over 20 years of experience from Bay area restaurants such as Corso, Rivoli, Bistro Liaison and Rick & Ann’s. He was also a private chef for Kappa Beta Theta in Berkley and was awarded a scholarship to cook and learn about the various cuisines in Italy.We sat down with Andrea who told us that Capuli was created to serve the community. “We want to offer home style meals for our guests who want them but don’t want to have to do the dishes.” Capuli, named for the fruit bearing tree found in Chef’s native country of Ecuador, draws inspiration from coastal California and the Mediterranean. A simple concept, Capuli, doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is, offering a variety of fresh, seasonal ingredients, whole grains and lean protein. Nothing is complicated here. Read More
Mediterranean Favorite, Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar, Opens In Westport TODAY Restaurant Openings Westport Mediterranean Italian Pizza Spanish Venezuelan Comfort Food Stephanie Webster December 29, 2020 Chef Renato Donzelli, owner of Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar, has moved his longtime favorite Norwalk spot to Westport, CT. Basso opens his doors today in the beautiful two story building that once housed Matsu Sushi on Jesup Road. A loyal following, very favorable word of mouth, and a consistently excellent Mediterranean menu made Basso a huge success, and a neighborhood hangout for 13 years, so why Westport? Donzelli has had his eye on this restaurant friendly town for some time, but most importantly, he wanted to expand his dining capacity, and add al fresco dining to the menu. The new location boasts all of the above in addition to a wood fired pizza oven where Donzelli can now incorporate his family’s Neapolitan pizza recipes to his cooking repertoire. After tasting The Stallion Pizza last night at the soft opening, featuring Spanish chorizo, spicy sofrito, mozzarella, and fresh basil, I can say with great certainty, that I too am happy Donzelli found a new home where his dreams can be realized. Read More
Tyler Anderson Opens Terreno at The Goodwin Hotel in Hartford Restaurant Openings Mediterranean Italian hartfo Hartford Celebrity Chef Homepage Catherine Ribeiro February 23, 2020 In full disclosure, I have worked with Chef Tyler Anderson. If you have worked in the restaurant industry in Connecticut you probably have too, in one way or another. If you have eaten in Connecticut, the same can still be said: you have worked to get a reservation at his Millwright’s, worked to pick out the perfect slice at his Square Peg and you have worked to get the best seat in the house at Anderson’s High George. But now, Tyler is bringing us all back to his most familiar ground, aptly titled Terreno - his latest venture, boasting Cal-Italian fare, in the space that formerly housed Restaurant Porrón. Read More
Baker of Black Rock: Outrageous Custom Cookies and Confections Features Bakery Dessert Cookies Cakes Custom Cakes Black Rock Homepage Stephanie Webster February 06, 2020 Julia Preis is the Baker of Black Rock. Sure, there may be other bakers in the Black Rock neighborhood of Bridgeport, but none like Julia. I knew this to be true long before I invited her to my home to demo the technique behind her stunning cookies and cakes. Full disclosure…I had quietly stalked her Instagram account for roughly six months, and you can do the same at @bakerofblackrock. The cookies were tiny edible works of art, seemingly too beautiful to eat, and each displayed a unique personality through accomplished craftsmanship. Her wall of cakes, fruit pies and cupcakes created eye candy that could only make you want to pull up a chair and dig in. But what did they taste like? I had to find out. 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
Yalla Organic Hummus and Grill: Middle Eastern, The Way YOU Want It in Fairfield Restaurant Fairfield healthy Organic Mediterranean Fast Casual Lunch CTbites Team July 10, 2019 Yalla Organic Hummus and Grill has taken Fairfield County by storm. Yalla Organic is a consumer-oriented experience where you get to choose exactly how your lunch and dinner is prepared down to the last detail. This family-run business has quickly become a town staple of Fairfield… and their hummus is making me question all previous hummus choices I have made. Read More
Strega: Fine Italian & Neapolitan-Style Pizza in Branford Restaurant Branford Italian Lunch Mediterranean Kristin L. Wolfe June 28, 2019 Get your passport, pronto!The eight of you who read my work know about my passion for all things Italian: the espresso, the wine, the men (hmm, sore subject), the music (1990s Zucchero anyone?), but, when you have good, really good Italian food, it can truly be a spiritual experience.And that just happened. At Strega in Branford. Owner and pizzaiolo Danilo Mongillo alongside his Chef Marco Giugliano have broken ground, dug their hands in, and come out with gold. Mongillo, from Puglianello in the Benevento region of Italy, has been in Connecticut since 2014 and says he’s been so thankful for the Branford community for how welcoming they’ve been since the restaurant opened in 2016. Read More
Birdman Juke joint Opens in Black Rock From Top Chef Chris Scott Restaurant Openings Bridgeport Black Rock Southern Food Celebrity Chef Comfort Food Kid Friendly Homepage Kristin L. Wolfe June 14, 2019 Connecticut are you ready? I mean really ready. You may have fallen under the spell of what others have told you is Soul Food, but Chef Chris Scott, of TV’s Top Chef Season 15 and beloved Brooklyn restaurants Butterfunk and Sumner’s Luncheonette, is not playing around. He is giving you the real deal, with seasoning to the nth power, and a history lesson to boot. In just 48 hours of opening, the reception has been tremendous. So much so, Chef says, “I might just have to sleep down stairs for awhile.” The lines have been long and the orders have been flying out the window. Birdman Juke Joint is on everyone’s list to try. But that is the thing. You can’t, or won’t just try it. You will be swept away. Or, as the fellers I sat with at the bar did, ….you might just use every curse word imaginable to convey your newfound love. Read More
The Blind Rhino Sports Bar Opens In Black Rock Restaurant Openings Sports Bar Bar lunch Bridgeport Black Rock Comfort Food James Gribbon June 12, 2019 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. Read More
Boca Oyster Bar Opens On Bridgeport's Steelpointe Harbor Restaurant Bridgeport Black Rock Seafood Oysters Oyster Bar Openings Homepage James Gribbon June 02, 2019 Drivers casting their eyes randomly about, desperate for a diversionary glance at anything besides traffic and out of state plates between the concrete shoulders of I-95 may settle their gaze on a new brick building on the waterfront of Bridgeport harbor. Slightly reminiscent of a lighthouse, it sits at the other side of the new development in Steelpointe Harbor from Bass Pro Shops, and - as of this week - houses the new Boca Oyster Bar. CTBites hit the bar during their soft open at the end of May to give you this first look. Read More
Zaragoza Tapas Bar: Excellent Tapas & Award Winning Cocktails in New Milford Restaurant Milford Tapas Lunch Spanish Mediterranean Homepage Kristin L. Wolfe December 09, 2018 Zaragoza’s tapas bar opened in New Milford in April 2016. The CTBites crew covered them a few months before their official opening and shared owner Artie Praino’s anticipation of a long-time dream come true after years in the deli business. Now, two and a half years later, they are a much beloved, popular spot for delicious, creative plates and cocktails.Fully informed by several Zaragoza regulars that I was sure to be delighted, my belly gurgled for a new tapas experience. I’ve had the pleasure of going to Spain a few times, so, admittedly, morsels from those adventures like ceviche, calamari, and chorizo propelled me to the restaurant with little hesitation. I was eager to taste what their twist on the classics would be. Read More
