Celebrate National Pizza Month with New Haven Pizza (sponsored post) Features Pizza New Haven National Pizza Month Pizza Tour New Haven Pizza Sally's Apizza Pepe's CTbites Team September 29, 2023 New Haven is a foodie destination. We’ve got a scene for every foodie, but here, every “apizza” is personal. Pronounced “ah-beetz” by folks across the Greater New Haven Region, New Haven pizza always wins.In the Elm City, pizza is a way of life and a cornerstone of our foodie culture. On our plates and in the books of state lawmakers, pizza is on its way to becoming the official state food of Connecticut, thanks to the “Pizza Bill.” The bill, SB 390, was authored by New Haven’s pizza historian Colin Caplan, and passed through the state house in 2021, up for a vote in the senate again this year. Our pizzas taste good, and our pies are also truly historic, (Frank Pepe’s, Connecticut’s oldest pizzeria, turned 98 this year, and is the fourth-oldest pizzeria in the country). Read More
Zuppardi's Apizza in West Haven-A Clam Pie for the Ages Restaurant Pizza New Haven West Haven jeffrey schlesinger September 27, 2023 In the early 1920s, Dominic Zuppardi brought his master bread-making skills from southern Italy to New Haven and after several years of working for others creating artisanal breads and “abeetz,” he opened Salerno’s Bakery on Donnelly Place in New Haven in 1932. Two years later he moved to Union Street in West Haven and opened Zuppardi’s Bakery, and in the 1940s Dominick handed the reigns to his son Anthony. In the early years, Anthony produced a small variety of apizzas, primarily the traditional tomato pie, and as the menu grew (a customer favorite was Anthony’s Italian fennel sausage), he decided to focus on apizza and rebrand the family shop Zuppardi’s Apizza. After Anthony’s passing in 1988, his children and grandchildren assumed the familial leadership to ensure the continuation of Dominick and Anthony’s tradition and almost 90 years after Dominic opened on Union Street, Zuppardi’s Apizza is still considered one of the best in the New Haven area. Read More
Gioia Italian Restaurant, Market, & Gelateria Opens In New Haven October 19th Restaurant New Haven Opening Pizza Wood Fired Steak Cocktails Gelato Specialty Market Pasta Homepage James Gribbon September 26, 2023 Gioia, the new wood-fired Italian dining/cocktail/gelato/rooftop bar on Wooster Street from partners Tim Cabral (Ordinary) and Avi Szapiro (Roìa), is set to open in October, but we’ve already visited the spot to give you a first look.You’ll see the space, get a glimpse of the enticing menu, and read our exclusive interview with the partners about the concept’s creation in their own words. Read on!Avi describes how the two met one night in 2011 when he was eating at Caseus: the seed event which would lead to the creation of Gioia.“I thought nobody knew me or what I was doing, and Tim comes up to me and says ‘I heard you’re opening a restaurant, what’s the concept?’”That turned out to be Roìa, which opened within two weeks of Tim’s Ordinary (“We literally shared a back door between the restaurants, we’d steal stuff from each other all the time.”), and the two became great friends, to the point they started brainstorming ideas just so they could work together. Read More
Somos Handcrafted Arepas Opens in New Haven & Shelton Restaurant Latin American Arepa Venezuelan Opening New Haven Lunch To-Go Delivery Comfort Food Homepage Shelton James Gribbon September 22, 2023 So, maybe you’ve had an arepa. Eaten hot from the pan, or made into fat little sandwiches somewhat akin to a stuffed pita, the puffy, crispy, hunger-busting cornmeal cakes are the unofficial comfort food of Venezuela. Or maybe you haven’t. Somos Handcrafted Arepas wants to help with that.Brothers Alejandro and Andres Cordito grew up in Hamden as the sons of Venezuelan parents, and started taking notice of how the everyday food they had at home, on trips to visit family in Caracas, and during Andres’ time in college in South Florida, just wasn’t apparent in Connecticut. Now, with two locations in New Haven and Shelton, they’re increasing access to this gloriously variable sandwich. What does that mean? I’m glad you asked! First: Say “ah-RAY-pah." Read More
Don't Miss "Taste Of Wishes" Celebrity Chef Event Oct. 3rd & Make A Kid's Wish Come True Features Events EVENT Stephanie Webster September 20, 2023 Don’t miss Taste of Wishes 2023!! This is our favorite culinary event of the year!Taste of Wishes is a celebration of celebrity chefs, delicious food and granting wishes for children with critical illnesses. Join us on Tuesday, October 3th at Aitoro Appliance (401 Westport Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851) for an unforgettable evening of culinary delights. GRAB YOUR TICKETS HERE before they sell out!.They've gathered some of the best chefs in the area to create a menu that will tantalize your taste buds. From savory appetizers to sweet desserts, there's something for everyone. And while you're enjoying the evening, you'll be helping to make wishes come true for children who need them most. Plus, you'll get to meet some of the children and families who have been impacted by the work we do. Read More
40+ Spots To Celebrate Oktoberfest In Connecticut 2023 Events Features Holiday Oktoberfest Brewery CT Beer Events EVENT Festival Beer Dinner Beer Festival Homepage April Guilbault September 08, 2023 “Let’s get a drink”. “Come over for a drink!”. There’s nothing more convivial than sharing a drink together with a person or a whole group of favorite persons. And isn’t the ol’ saying -it’s 5 o’clock somewhere? Well, here’s a historical “reason” to raise your glasses high-Oktoberfest, the beloved, ancient event involving mouthwatering beers, so much (too much? never!) merriment and some fabulous lederhosen. Oktoberfest-ivities run pretty much the entire month of September and into October, so there are plenty of chances to raise that stein. And remember, we all put our lederhosen on one leg at a time. Prost! Read More
Sound On Sound Music Fest Food & Beverage Lineup Released! Features Events Live Music Festival Events James Gribbon September 01, 2023 Of all the lessons I’ve learned in life which turned out to be Actually True, “No one ever laid in bed, late in life, and wished they went to fewer shows” is up near the top. Did a show get away from you this year? Maybe a weeknight concert series in a local park, and you just never found the time? Did a few notes of the Weezer and Future Islands show from the amphitheater in Bridgeport breeze through your car windows as you crept along on I-95? Shaking your head Yes? Well shake it off like you’re erasing an Etch-a-Sketch, and take your last festival opportunity of 2023 in Connecticut this Sept. 30 – October 1 in Seaside Park at Sound On Sound.The complete setlist for the shows can be found HERE, but we’re not Pitchfork, so here’s a look at the food and drink options to keep you going at this year’s banger... Read More
Chef Emily Mingrone Launches The Pearl At Fair Haven Oyster Co. Food Truck September 1st Restaurant Food Truck Hot Dogs Lobster Roll Comfort Food To-Go Ice Cream Canned Cocktails CT Beer New Haven Fair Haven Opening Stephanie Webster August 29, 2023 This just in. Chef Emily Mingrone of Tavern On State, Provisions on State, and her most recent addition, Fair Haven Oyster Co, is off on another exciting culinary adventure. After winning “CT’s Restaurant Of The Year” in 2022, Mingrone is expanding her New Haven footprint and launching a NEW FOOD TRUCK, this weekend, Friday, September 1st. The truck’s name is “The Pearl At Fair Haven Oyster Co.” and you can find it just next to her restaurant, Fair Haven Oyster Co., in the marina picnic area. The Pearl will be open Fridays-Sundays, noon to 7pm in the season, and depending on demand, Mingrone may keep the party going all year long. Read More
L’escale Celebrates its 20th Anniversary on Greenwich's Waterfront Features Restaurant Greenwich Waterfront French Raw Bar Wine Events Yacht Experience Anniversary Jessica Ryan July 19, 2023 The iconic Greenwich restaurant known for its exceptional cuisine and timeless charm, is commemorating its 20th Anniversary this year, marking two decades of culinary excellence and cherished memories.Located at the Delamar Greenwich Harbor Hotel and founded in 2003, L’escale boasts an award-winning menu and extraordinary wine program. The restaurant’s stunning setting, décor and cuisine instantly transport you to the Cote d’Azur, if only temporarily (and without the need to step on a plane!) The picturesque setting conjures images of an Auguste Renoir painting of diners lunching au dehors, en plain air, and Edith Piaf serenading in the distance. The restaurant sits above the docks on the harbor with the stunning picnic boats and yachts below. L’escale represents a quiet, understated luxury, and whether it’s caviar or a juicy burger you’re craving, you’ll find these items and many more on the menu. Read More
Ordinary Bar in New Haven Unveils its “Clue”-Themed Pop-Up Features Restaurant Events Bar Cocktails classic cocktails Pop-Up Pop-Up Bar New Haven Todd Lyon July 14, 2023 What are those funsters over at Ordinary up to now? I’ll give you a clue: It is a new fan-boy treatment, and it involves candlesticks, 1940s-style cocktails, Mrs. Peacock, ropes, a mysterious library, lead pipes, and a real-time crime-cracking challenge. Ordinary, a modern cocktail bar and restaurant housed in antique oak-paneled splendor, has become known for periodically revamping its decor and its menu, based on a favorite theme. Over the years the place has been temporarily staged as a vintage circus, an homage to Twin Peaks, and, most recently, the films of Wes Anderson, complete with “Moonrise Kingdom”-tented tables and a “Life Aquatic”-decorated men’s room. The pop-ups stay put for months – sometimes a few, sometimes several. Read More
Celebrate Father's Day in CT: Local Foodie Gifts, Spirits, & Dining Guide Features Father's Day Events Holiday Homepage Carly Terzigni June 12, 2023 Summer is upon us, the grills are firing up, and temperatures are climbing. That can only mean one thing – it’s almost time for Father’s Day! With the holiday right around the corner, you might be in the midst of finalizing your weekend plans. If those plans include treating Dad to a nice day out, why not take him to some of the best restaurants Connecticut has to offer? From steakhouses to vineyards, there is a foodie spot in the state for every Dad to enjoy this weekend. Staying in and having Dad come over for some barbecue? A few businesses listed in this guide also offer take-home options that make great gift ideas. Make sure to book those reservations if you have not done so already. Happy Father’s Day to all you Dads out there! Read More
Hot Murga Indian Hot Chicken Opens in New Haven Restaurant Fried Chicken Sandwich Fried Chicken Hot Chicken Comfort Food New Haven Opening Fast Casual To-Go Indian James Gribbon June 08, 2023 "Suffer for your art” is the operative phrase when reviewing a hot chicken joint. From the roar of takeoff, to the turbulence, and spine-compressing jolt of landing, you know what’s coming because you’ve bought the ticket and taken this ride before. You can predict the future: it’s the opposite of gambling. In a new study researchers found gorillas will spin themselves until they fall over because getting dizzy is kind of like getting high to them, and that’s fun. Same goes for humans scorching our faces off via chicken breast. Occasionally on the rides we buy, something unexpected happens. It may be a “Yes, thank you for waiting: we currently have no idea where we sent your bags,” or it may be “So sorry, there’s a mechanical issue on your cross-Atlantic flight, and you’ll have to stay in a free room in Reykjavik for 24 hours and watch the Aurora Borealis.” Could go either way. Which is why it’s pretty cool to find an Indian/Nashville hot chicken smashup on Howe Street in New Haven. Read More
Celebrate Pride Month in Connecticut: Events, Bars, Restaurants & Specials Events Features Pride Month Pride Day Events Homepage Carly Terzigni May 31, 2023 June is here, and as we kick off the summer season, many take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate Pride Month. Pride Month is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and its many contributions to our society and culture throughout history. It is typically observed in June, commemorating the Stonewall riots that took place in 1969. Since then, Pride has spread across the United States and even around the globe with parades and other special events all month long. Though you may see some cities celebrate Pride at other times of the year, June is when you will notice the highest volume of events.Here in Connecticut, several cities and towns will recognize Pride Month throughout June with limited-time menu items and special events, including drag brunches and dance parties. If you are looking for ways to commemorate Pride Month and raise a rainbow-colored glass to the LGBTQ+ community, keep reading to see what local events are happening around you throughout June. Read More
7 Spots for Happy Hour in New Haven: The "NEW" Happy Hour...Now With More Happy Features Restaurant New Haven Happy Hour Cocktails Bar Menu Happy Hour Deals Todd Lyon May 23, 2023 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. Read More
SAVE THE DATE for The Glass House Summer Party June 10th with Elm Restaurant Events Features Events Fundraiser CTbites Team May 17, 2023 The Glass House presents its annual Summer Party on June 10th from 12-4pm.The Glass House by Philip Johnson located in New Canaan, CT, is a world-renowned architecturally significant property and historic home. This fundraising event features art, dance, design, fashion, food, music, activations, and silent auction by ARTSY. The event celebrates 16 years as a historic site and museum and will benefit the preservation of the campus and collections. Read More
Encore By GoodFellas: The Curtain Rises on Goodfellas’ Third Act in New Haven Restaurant Features Openings New Haven Todd Lyon May 03, 2023 The new Goodfellas is a knockout. At a soft opening for family and friends on April 19, Chef Gerry Iannaccone and partner Andrea Coppola showed off the dramatically reimagined and rebranded restaurant, now known as Encore by Goodfellas. New Haveners have been watching as the building at State and Trumbull slowly shifted shape; what was once an open-air patio on the roof became capped and clad, creating a sudden second floor. New signage went up, casting a golden neon glow. But none of us could have fathomed what was going on inside the building. Read More
Argentine Asado Wood-Fired Outdoor Dining Event at Wakeman Town Farm June 2nd Events Features Events Pop-Up Dinner CTbites Team May 02, 2023 Don’t miss the unique opportunity to experience an authentic Argentine Asado Dinner at Wakeman Town Farm June 2nd @6:00 p.m., a wood-fired outdoor dining experience with Chef Pablo NealonThe “Argentine Asado” goes back to the mid-nineteenth century when the Gauchos roamed the Pampas. Today, it still holds many of those traditions every time a group gathers around the grill. Served outdoors and family style, it is the perfect social culinary experience. We guarantee it is unlike anything you have ever experienced at Wakeman Town Farm! This event is limited to first-come, first serve, and tickets will go quickly! If so, we may wind up adding an additional date. Read More
CT Guide To Cinco De Mayo 2023 Events, Bars, Specials, & Catering Features Events Cinco de Mayo Mexican Cocktails April Guilbault April 28, 2023 What better way to kick off May than with a Cinco de Mayo FIESTA! Fruity, frosty or frozen Margaritas in a rainbow of flavors, tacos of every shape and size, gobs of perfectly creamy guacamole and…tequila. May 5th just happens to be a Friday this year, so let ‘er rip and party until the piñata hits the ground! Read More
Guide To Kentucky Derby Events & Parties in Connecticut (2023 Edition) Features Kentucky Derby Events Holiday Cocktails Carly Terzigni April 27, 2023 What is considered by many to be the most exciting two minutes in sports is right around the corner. The 149th running of the Kentucky Derby will once again take place at Churchill Downs, and fans across the country will don sportscoats and larger-than-life hats while sipping on mint juleps with the hopes of winning big. But even for the casual observer, the first Saturday in May is a great opportunity to gather with friends and family to enjoy a bite to eat and a sip of something refreshing.Restaurants across Connecticut are preparing for Derby Day, May 6th, with exciting lineups featuring menu specials, limited-time cocktails, live entertainment, and more. And yes, many will host contests to see who the best-dressed attendee will be. If you want to watch the big race on the biggest screen you can find, consider one of the restaurants listed below. They are sure to be filled with fellow spectators eager to watch the Run for the Roses. Read More
Hachiroku Owners Open Hachiroku Handroll Bar & Tapas in East Rock, New Haven Restaurant Openings New Haven Sushi Japanese Homepage Stephanie Webster April 23, 2023 Fans of Hachiroku Shokudo & Sake bar, which quietly opened in New Haven 2022, will be excited to hear that this team has expanded their portfolio of outstanding Japanese eateries with a NEW restaurant in the East Rock neighborhood of New Haven. The new spot is called Hachiroku Handroll Bar & Tapas, and much like the original, you will not find a sign outside….ya just have to know. Hachiroku Handroll Bar features a few highlights from Hachiroku Shokudo & Sake bar, but while the OG delivers a traditional izakaya menu with a few uber-fresh cuts of sushi, the new spot leans in on expertly executed, positively mouthwatering handrolls. And make no mistake, while the flavor profiles you will find here are not strictly “traditional,” the dining room looks and feels like a traditional sushi bar. With roughly 16 seats highlighting the artists/ sushi chefs in the center, dining here exudes the austere reverence that these handrolls deserve. Read More
