The first time I read about Dîner en Blanc, I was floored, mystified, envious even. Wait, what is this and where has it been all my life? Everyone dresses in white, carries all their accoutrement like tables, chairs, and picnic baskets yet they don’t know where they are dining? Let me in. It took a few years of watching from the sidelines before I threw myself into the mix, which was after the pandemic; now I’m hooked.
Dîner en Blanc is coming to New Haven this Fall, on September 14th, 2024.
Le Diner en Blanc is so much more than an event! It’s a unique cultural movement that empowers friends of friends to gather and celebrate their shared passions for life, food, fashion, and community, year after year, with a pinch of mystery and large serving of spontaneity.
Last week we took a little trip to Puerto Vallarta to the restaurant’s newest and flagship location. There are presently eight restaurants in Connecticut including Avon, Danbury, Fairfield, Orange, Middletown, Newington and Southington. The Stamford location is unique in its offerings and it’s looking to change the way that Americans perceive Mexican food. We sat down with owner Esaul “Saul” Rodriguez who talk about the brand’s past and future and shared his story and vision. The Stamford restaurant is unique, and Saul described it as a “little laboratory” and explained that he wanted to change things up a little. “I want to change the way that people think about Mexican food. I think Mexican food is going through a revolution.” He added that the coastline plays a large role in the country’s cuisine and this is very evident at the Stamford location.
Moby Dick’s needs your help. The small-but-mighty bar/restaurant, which is quickly gaining fame as one of West Haven’s hottest spots, is trying to hit the one million mark by the end of 2024: that is, 1,000,000 oysters shucked and supped. So far this year Moby’s has served about 150,000, each with a squeeze of lemon, a bit of cocktail sauce, a drizzle of mignonette, and lots of fun.
Where else but Moby’s would you find food and drink specials every day of the week, including an $8 burger platter on Mondays and, on Wednesdays, a solo lobster roll with brown butter on a properly grilled hot dog bun, plus fries on the side, for $18? Tuesdays there are raw bar bargains, while a full sushi bar is featured on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. It’s no wonder that Moby Dick’s has racked up “best-of” awards, including “Best Seafood” by the Chamber of Commerce, since opening in 2022.
Mystic, CT is about to witness a revival of the cocktail party scene like never before with two exciting event series spanning from May to September.
At The Port of Call, step back in time and experience the glamor, nostalgia, and intrigue of bygone eras with Lost In Time. Throughout the year, The Port of Call will host themed evenings from the 1910s to the 2000s, each accompanied by specially crafted food and cocktail menus, ensuring a unique experience every time.
Meanwhile, aboard the Sabino at The Mystic Seaport, The Shipwright’s Daughter presents The Rumrunner Series, inspired by the legendary rumrunner Bill McCoy, known as "The Real McCoy" during the Prohibition era. Guests can sail into the sunset on these exclusive cocktail parties, enjoying gourmet fare and premium cocktails featuring The Real McCoy Rum amidst the timeless beauty of Mystic's waters.
Rowayton’s Arden’s is continuing their “After Hours” dinner series for the third summer in a row, and we were lucky enough to sit down with owner Jill Lukeman to get a first look at what’s to come.
For those who aren’t familiar, Arden’s is a neighborhood cafe located in the heart of Rowayton. Its coastal decor and delicious fare makes it the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch, or cup of joe. Since opening in 2022, the team has hosted monthly dinners to expand beyond their daytime offerings.
“We have always been passionate about entertaining our friends and hosting dinner parties at home. When we opened Arden's, we thought why not bring this same spirit to our cafe and offer something that feels like dinner at a friend's house (without the headache of planning and the clean-up!). We are also passionate about music so we incorporated a music element to make the evenings even more unique and intimate,” Lukeman shared with us.
Connecticut continues to be a dominant player in the food and beverage industries proving that we’re so much more than pizza and beer. With the rising number of award-winning and nationally acclaimed restaurants, it just makes sense that we celebrate the role that our oysters play in our culinary prowess
CTBites was invited to a special press event as Connecticut Tourism’s department, CTVisit, unveiled the launch of The Connecticut Oyster Trail celebrating all things oysters from the farmers who raise them to the restaurants and stores that sell them. Popularity in Connecticut oysters has certainly blossomed over the past few years and there’s good reason.
The Litchfield Inn, a family-owned, luxury boutique hotel in Connecticut's idyllic countryside, is partnering with two talented New England chefs for pop-up dinners in March and April.
Known for his role as Executive Chef and owner of Chef's Table at Little Dipper in Brooklyn, Connecticut, Chef Brian Paszko is excited to bring beloved his farm-to-table dining experience to The Litchfield Inn for two very special dinners on Saturday, March 16 and Saturday, March 23. Ticket holders can look forward to a multi-course tasting menu with beverage pairings with complimentary canape and prosecco upon arrival. Tickets are priced at $110 per person, excluding tax and gratuity, with 25 tickets available. Vegetarian substitutions will be available, as well as non-alcoholic beverage pairings.
On Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6, 2014 James Beard Semifinalist and 3x Chopped Champion Evan Hennessey, Executive Chef and owner of Stages at One Washington and The Living Room in Dover, New Hampshire, will be offering a dining experience similar to the one found at Stages at One Washington. Guests can expect a multi-course tasting menu consisting of dishes that showcase the bounty of ingredients native to New Hampshire that are prepared with traditional Scandinavian and Japanese techniques. Canape and prosecco will also be provided upon arrival. Tickets are priced at $110 per person, excluding taxes, gratuity, and beverage pairings, with 12 tickets available. Optional wine pairings and non-alcoholic pairings will be available for an additional fee. Please note that Gluten-free allergies can be accomodated, however, vegan, dairy-free, and shellfish allergies cannot be accommodated for Evan's events.
We recently had to the opportunity to visit the newly opened RAW* restaurant in downtown Hartford. Raw* is the newest concept by Gina Lauri, founder and CEO of The Statement Group which also owns the successful The Place 2 Be restaurants. Much like its predecessors RAW* is visual eye candy with a vibrant aquatic theme. The interior boasts an artistic and modern flare which was created by mixing assorted metals, white subway tile, neon lights, fun and whimsical artwork, graffiti, and a swimming-pool blue for an ultimate industrial-meets-under-water-vibe. But there’s no need to hold your breath here. In fact you’ll want to breathe deeply and take it all in. And there’s so much to take in!
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.
Hartford County's premier restaurant group and Farmington Valley's century-old farm and vineyard partnered for the 15th year of Max Chef to Farm. The culinary acumen is Max Level (through the roof) with the added benefit of having beverages curated MH by Sommelier and Beverage Director Brian Mitchell.
The owners of Rosedale Farms and Vineyards have been providing apples that are redder, corn that's sweeter and berries that make the juiciest cocktails to CT restaurants for decades, and Max Hospitality has always been obsessed with fresh, local and organic. To culinary Hunter Morton, these are more than buzzwords-they're a way of life. Max Chef to Farm grew out of a desire to take the "farm to table" movement one step further and bring the culinary talent right to the source of their best ingredients.
I attest that great farm produce is available all over the state- but how often with a vineyard attached? Max gives a nod to Rosedale Farms winemaker Morgan Wilson's selections and Brian Mitchell, Max's beverage director, sommelier and a decorated wine and spirits professional and President of the New England Wine Academy
Brasserie St. Germain opened quietly though to much fanfare this past week. Named after St Germain des Pres, the quaint Parisian neighborhood, in the 6th arrondissement. Owners Frank Bonnaudet and Virginie Kharouby are no strangers to the Ridgefield restaurant scene. After nearly 10 years, the owners of the former Sucre Sale decided to shut down the smaller, casual eatery to make way for this newer, slightly more formal concept with its larger menu and more expansive dining areas.
Brasserie St. Germain is an ode to Paris, from the décor – with hand-painted murals in the main dining and bar area that are bright and lively, to the more formal, high end dining area in the back. The restaurant seats between 75-80 people, and judging by what we saw, the space will fill very quickly. Former Sucre Sale diners have been eagerly anticipating this opening. The cozy ambiance suggests a relaxed dining experience, diners will not be rushed.
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 Nealon
The “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.
Chef Jonathan Rapp and the Farm Dinner team has announced the 2023 season for Dinners at the Farm! Join them and their friend Digga Schacht at his beautiful Hunts Brook Farm in Quaker Hill, CT for four magical dinners, July 27, 28, 29 & 30. Each night will feature a unique and delicious five-course menu showcasing the talents of cook and farmer paired with great wines, local beers, and homegrown music. A sensory extravaganza you won't want to miss. Oh, and, did we tell you it's four nights only? Get your tickets before they're gobbled up and get ready to celebrate the glorious summer season in all its finest.
CTbites is very proud to be a media sponsor for year one of the exciting event below, an event that celebrates the culmination of Black History Month. We share that honor with The New Canaanite, where writer, Laura Ault, originally posted this article detailing the Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R)’s Soul-Fête event, going down on March 2nd. Here’s the scoop. Grab your tickets now before they sell out!
With their customary knack for creating connection, Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R) has created an immersive cultural celebration. Soul-Fête, which will explore the culinary journey from Africa to America, will welcome you to the Carriage Barn at New Canaan’s Waveny Park on March 2nd from 7-9 P.M., wrapping up Black History Month in an unforgettable way. Music will be provided by local band The Misfits, and chef Damon Sawyer of Bridgeport’s 29 Markle Ct. will take us through the past, present, and future of Black food. What’s in store for us? Well, for one, there will be a mac ‘n’ cheese tasting.
Chef Bill Taibe’s popular Mexican spot, Don Memo, is now serving BRUNCH!! Brunch is served Friday, Saturday beginning at noon & Sunday 11:30am-3pm.—Nit Noi has launched a Cooking Class series where you can learn how to make their fantastic dumplings, organic bone broths ++ More info here.— Join SWYFT in Kent on Sunday, January 15th for Tiki Night! 🏝️ Beach-worthy dinner specials, cocktails, and tropical mocktails (hello #dryjanuary ) from 5 to 8 🥥 We're serving up great food, atmosphere, and community all winter long at Swyft.—Lani’s next Vietnamese Pop Up at Grano Arso is celebrating the Lunar New Year. She’ll be featuring special dishes eaten only on Lunar New Year.. happening on 1/16.. doors open at 5pm. Bar seats available just give us a call! Come celebrate with us! Book on Open Table.—On February 1st, 6 PM – 9 PM don’t miss the Igor's Dream Preview & Dessert Pairing Night at Area 2 Experimental Brewing.
Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cook with CHEF ROYALTY with our friends at Wholesome Wave!
Jacques Pépin is the author of more than 30 cookbooks, host of 13 PBS television series, winner of numerous James Beard Awards, painter, and culinary educator. On March 23rd, 2023, he will also be a Sous Chef, with YOU.
Here at CTBites we LOVE eating good food - and we are here to tell you about an incredible opportunity to COOK great food with Celebrity Chefs. Our friends at Wholesome Wave have cooked up a very cool event to support their mission - they’ve lined up Celebrity Chefs Rocco Dispirito, Elizabeth Falkner, Michel Nischan, Sean Sherman, JJ Johnson, and Sherry Yard to prepare a 6-course meal and are offering our readers a chance to cook alongside them as Sous Chefs! Sound too good to be true? Nope!
All you have to do is donate $100 to Wholesome Wave and you’ll be entered to win the opportunity to be a Sous Chef to the stars!
Greenwich Wine + Foodtoday announced its final schedule of weeklong festivities and participants that will comprise its 10-year anniversary celebration this October, with tickets on sale for all events. Beneficiaries include two national non-profit organizations with roots in Connecticut - The Jacques Pépin Foundation and Wholesome Wave. Suni Unger, founder and CEO of Unger Media, the parent company behind Greenwich Wine + Food and Serendipity magazine. states, “We are especially thrilled to be co-hosting more than ten events throughout the week, on-location at our favorite restaurants and bars in our local communities. These carefully curated, intimate celebrations are truly allowing us to applaud local talent in the area, and paired with our Gala on October 7, I am so proud of the programming we’re offering this Fall and our partner beneficiaries.”
Van Leeuwenice cream is opening in Greenwich Oct. 1st—Greenwich Wine + Food launches their schedule of weeklong festivities and participants that will comprise its 10-year anniversary celebration October 3-14th—On Sunday, 10/2, 4 - 7pm Barcelona Wine Bar Fairfield is throwing a 13th Annual Asado on the Patio party to pair autumn barbecue flavors and dishes with wines in a communal social-hour soiree—Wakeman Town Center is celebrating fall with an intimate chef's dinner on the Farm c/o Marcia Selden Catering on 10.6.22—bartaco has brought back its iconic #bartacosecret brisket taco to kick off the fall season++
As summer rolls around, Connecticut’s food lovers look to take advantage of the seasonal ambience and garden produce in order to experience unforgettable meals. And nothing epitomizes the combination of beautiful sights and fresh food more than field-to-table dinners. This summer, a handful of Connecticut’s most beloved farms are offering outstanding on-site prix fixe meals made with locally-sourced ingredients. So that you don’t miss out on these special experiences, we’ve rounded up the best that Connecticut has to offer.
La Plage is officially open in Westport. The Inn at Longshore and adjoining restaurant were recently acquired by the Greenwich Hospitality Group, the parent company of the Delamar hotels and restaurants. La Plage is their gift to Westport.
Pronounced plah-je, plage is the French word for beach, and a fitting name when you have a French chef at the helm in the kitchen. Until recently the restaurant was home to Pearl at Longshore which shuttered its doors in January. The interior has undergone a bit of a facelift to embrace its new coastal, casual vibe. Gone is the darker, refined and urban inspired décor which has been replaced with brighter white-washed walls, wicker lampshades and a livelier, beachier ambiance. Queue in the steel brass drums perhaps, but this isn’t your piña colada/Cheeseburger in Paradise type joint. This upscale yet casual eatery is best perhaps described as a beachy chic shack of sorts.
