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
Gooseboro Drive-In; 60 Years of Hot Dogs, Burgers and Ice Cream in Bantam Restaurant Hot Dogs Delicious Dives Comfort Food Bantam Litchfield Kid Friendly Homepage jeffrey schlesinger May 29, 2023 Hot dogs have been around in various shapes and sizes for centuries, some say dating back to 700 BC; today they are a staple at Fourth of July and church BBQs and grabbing a red hot at Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium was always my go-to food. Natural casing, foot-long, knockwurst, beef, pork, chicken, veggie, tofu, cheese conies, they have been a part of the American culinary scene since forever. There is something special about the salty-spicy combo, the ease of eating, the number of toppings that make them even better…sometimes they are the canvas, sometimes they are the art.Finding a great and fun hot dog in CT has been an adventure, so when I read that Gooseboro Drive-In in Bantam was awarded the best hot dog at the Litchfield Fair, it definitely hit my radar. Read More
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
Hidden Gem: Mi Tierra in Norwalk Restaurant Latin American Norwalk Takeout Spanish Puerto Rican Delicious Dives Take Out Andrew Dominick September 04, 2022 Occasionally, food writing doesn’t go as planned. And with lots of restaurants taking summer breaks, it’s easy for us to screw up a random visit, like a recent one at Dante’s Pizza in New Canaan.Steph and I both pulled into their parking lot, then we grabbed a seat at a picnic table on their patio only to notice a note on the door saying, “We’re on vacation until September 13.”Summer bummer.This sucked for two reasons: we desperately wanted pizza and from a writing standpoint we needed content! 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
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
¡Ay Güey! Cocina Mexicana Opens In Stratford Restaurant Stratford Mexican Delicious Dives Tacos Lunch Openings James Gribbon June 08, 2021 There's a spot in Stratford most people can't see. An eighth of an acre, give or take, on Rt. 110 between I-95 and the River Road, where nothing seems to exist unless you're looking right at it. Focus your eyes on the spot, and your mind might register the word "Deli" on the storefront, which itself might be different each time you did, because they've been opening and closing in the location for years, flashing in and out of existence with the frequency of the scroll on an electronic billboard. There was nothing wrong with any of them, they just didn't send a signal from enough people's eyes to their brake pedals. A new spot has them taking notice.¡Ay Güey! Cafe & Cocina Mexicana is a wholly different concept, and has transformed the space as much as the food served within. Everything from every deli before it went out the window. The interior is bright white, with inset drink coolers and a few tables for inside dining, while the sidewalk patio has been joined by a fenced and landscaped outdoor dining area to the side. Snag a Mexican Coca Cola, Mundet, Jarritos, etc. and whatever from the case and take a good luck the menu. Horchata, Topo Chico, and cafe de Olla (coffee dosed up with cinnamon and Piloncillo raw sugar) are also available for the soda-averse. 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
The Reef Shack in Fairfield: Cheesesteaks, BEC's and Homemade Ices, Oh My…. Restaurant Fairfield Delicious Dives Comfort Food Sandwich Italian Ices Openings Steven Laitmon April 20, 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
Antojos Colombian Restaurant: Updated Menu Drops at This Hidden Gem Restaurant Columbian Norwalk New Menu Comfort Food Delicious Dives Take Out To-Go Lunch Stephanie Webster February 23, 2021 Nestled in a strip mall in the Broad River section of Norwalk, you could easily miss Antojos Columbian restaurant. You’ve probably driven by, and barely noticed it, or you may remember our write up on this hidden gem back in 2017. Whether you’re new to Antojos, or a loyal customer, you’ll want to pay attention. They are serving up some seriously tasty authentic Columbian fare, and some exciting new menu items have recently dropped. We felt they were ready for their close-up. Enjoy the photo journey, complete with menu names for easy ordering. Get that drool cup ready… 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
Frankies Hot Dogs: Best Hot Dog in Connecticut? Restaurant Hot Dogs Delicious Dives Comfort Food jeffrey schlesinger October 13, 2020 Is there anyone who doesn’t like a good hot dog?Steaming hot, wrapped in a bun, the hot dog, frankfurter, red hot, tube steak, wiener, frank, weenie, dirty water dog, dachshund, all relate to spiced pork or beef stuffed inside a casing, then fried, grilled, smoked, boiled, steamed, and placed in a long roll, topped with numerous toppings and devoured. They are so popular that Spotify offers over 300 songs about hot dogs, from Elvis to Zeppelin, Joey Chestnut is a household name for eating 75 hot dogs in 10 minutes, and outrageous antics of flamboyant athletes are called “hot-dogging.” Read More
Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices & Ice Cream Opens in Stamford Restaurant Openings Stamford ice cream Dessert Kid Friendly Ices Delicious Dives Take Out To-Go Stephanie Webster May 14, 2020 For many people, Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices & Ice Cream, represents a little piece of their childhood. I will confess to a few nostalgic moments around this shaved ice mecca. And now a bit of good news in the tidal wave of horror, Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices is opening a location in Connecticut…Stamford to be exact, at 900 High Ridge Road. 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
Chicken Piri Piri Authentic Portuguese BBQ Opens in Stratford Restaurant Stratford BBQ Portuguese Delicious Dives To-Go Take Out Lunch Homepage James Gribbon December 08, 2019 "Piri piri" just means "pepper" in the related languages of sub-Saharan Africa, and you may have had piri piri sauce from a bottle, or used the specific variety under its English name, Bird's Eye Peppers, but the Portuguese found it in Mozambique. The flavor-cultural export found its way into the culinary world of Portugal and took hold the way curries have permeated the U.K. The Vilarinho family of restaurateurs from Porto Cancais outside Lisbon saw an opportunity here, and opened their first Chicken Piri Piri in America about ten years ago. Their newest location is a little storefront by Paradise Green in Stratford. CTBites recently stopped by for lunch, and here's what we found at Chicken Piri Piri Portuguese BBQ. 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
