Fayyaz Bhinde and his wife, Rida Niazi, used to travel from their home in Meriden to New York City whenever they wanted a halal smash burger. When they first got married, they’d head to the city two hours each way, for dinner and dessert. After they became parents, they realized traveling with a toddler would be much more difficult.
When their daughter was a year old, they tried to make the trip to New York for dinner and got stuck in a snowstorm on the way back, enduring bumper-to-bumper traffic from Greenwich to New Haven while their child was “crying her lungs out,” Bhinde said. At that point, they decided “never again” to the lengthy travel, and began thinking about opening their own restaurant closer to home.
Connecticut is gearing up for the holidays with both the long running Miracle Christmas pop-up cocktail bar opening at three Connecticut bars, as well “Joy-ah for the Holidays! A Winter Wonderland” and “Ordinary’s Spirits of Christmas Past”, in New Haven. Make sure you hit up all of these as each has uniquely kitschy holiday décor, signature holiday themed cocktails, nibbles, and all the cheer and vibes you could possibly want or need.
Miracle Bar Pop-Up CT Locations
For those unfamiliar with Miracle Bar, this beloved Christmas themed holiday pop-up cocktail bar launched in 2014 in New York City, will continue spreading holiday cheer this year with over 100 locations around the world. Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit. Grab your ugly Christmas sweater and head to their following 3 CT locations featuring over the top holiday decor, holiday cocktails and oh so much more:
Planning a celebration of life or an after-funeral service dinner can be an emotional and daunting task. It’s a time to gather loved ones, share memories, and celebrate the life of the departed in a way that truly honors their legacy. If you find yourself needing to arrange such an event in Connecticut, there are numerous beautiful and accommodating venues to consider. However, in the midst of grief, the logistics can feel overwhelming. That’s where RestauRent comes in—a platform similar to Airbnb but for event venues with private dining rooms. Founded by Connecticut native Nick Cianfaglione, who personally faced these challenges while planning his grandparents' celebration of life events, RestauRent offers a quick and efficient solution to finding the perfect venue.
The long running Miracle Christmas pop-up cocktail bar holiday pop-up is now open at three Connecticut bars you know and love. For those unfamiliar with Miracle Bar, this beloved Christmas themed holiday pop-up cocktail bar launched in 2014 in New York City, will continue spreading holiday cheer this year with over 100 locations around the world.
Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting. With kitschy holiday décor, professionally-developed cocktails and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to, Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit.
Where can you find Miracle in CT?
Grab your ugly Christmas sweater and head to Riley's by the Seawall in Stratford, who has hosted Miracle in past years and returns in 2023 for some more fun. You can also track down some Miracle joy at first-time hosts, Perfusion in Newtown and The Hop Knot in Portland.
Riley's will be ready for the holiday festivities on Nov. 17. Perfusion, launches their pop-up on Nov. 21, and Hop Knot's debut on Nov. 29.
All three locations are ready for all the boozy holiday cheer you can muster.
One of the greatest advantages of living in New England is our access to autumn. Our home in Connecticut means even if we live in urban convenience, the rural hills and river valleys of our state are a nearby drive away. This proximity gives us one of our best traditions: the fall weekend road trip. We can get out, see what nature has in store for us, and find ourselves in places which fall outside the rhythm and routine of our daily lives. Up towards the center of the state, past the historic colonial homes on Worthington Ridge in Berlin and into New Britain - a city many on the coast may not consider a destination - is 5 Churches Brewing, a place you should.
Tucked down a side street in downtown Hard Hittin’ (New Britain), Riley’s Hot Dog and Burger Gourmet is turning out some of the most creative dogs and burgers around. From the Nacho Poppa Dog to wild creations brimming with mac ‘n cheese, you’ll find combinations you never dreamed of. But this little “mom and pop” shop isn’t run by a husband and wife team. Rick Charamut and Deb Dalena are two friends, now business partners, who once worked together in a sign shop. “We both kind of needed a change of pace,” Rick says.
