Design Watch: CT Restaurant Designer Christian P. Arkay-Leliever Features Design Restaurant Design Interiors Q & A Homepage Jessica Ryan April 26, 2023 I first met Christian a few years ago at Rooms with a View, a premier charitable design event that takes place annually at Southport Congregational Church. He was tasked with the almost-impossible assignment of transforming a commonplace chapel space into a pop-up dining venue fit for an elegant gala. I was eager to see what this larger than life man (he’s 6”5’!) with an equally as large personality would come up with. When told me that he was going to turn the mundane space into a floral covered café under a starlit sky I thought to myself, “Ok this is really cool,” followed immediately by “How the hell is he going to do that?” Read More
No Kid Hungry "Chef Cycle:" Q&A with Chef Luke Venner of Elm Restaurant Features Chef Talk Q & A Fundraiser CTbites Team April 24, 2023 Chefs Cycle is a fundraising endurance event featuring award-winning chefs and members of the culinary community-fighting childhood hunger outside the kitchen. Since 2015, the culinary talents who take part in Chefs Cycle raise critical funds, which No Kid Hungry uses to help communities across the country feed kids. Chef Luke Venner of Elm Restaurant in New Canaan, CT, is preparing for his 2nd year in the Chefs Cycle event. We sat down with him to discuss the importance of this fundraiser and the hopefully inspire other chefs to join him in 2024! Read More
Dante's Pizza in New Canaan: Finally Entering the Inferno Features Interview Restaurant Pizza New Canaan Dante's Pizza Andrew Dominick November 24, 2022 On several occasions, chef Tim LaBant has suggested we check out Dante’s Pizza in New Canaan.“Have you been to Dante’s?”“Have you been to Dante’s yet?”“You gotta try Dante’s. I’d be curious to see what you think.”Before he mentioned it to me a year ago, I hadn’t even heard of Dante’s. I live pretty close to New Canaan, and what’s worse is I frequently visit my favorites there, namely the South Ends, Elm, Locali, and I’ve eaten an obscene amount of Joe’s Pizza. Read More
Q&A: CRAZIES Nominee "Best Chef of the Year:" Chef David DiStasi of Materia Ristorante Features Chef Talk Celebrity Chef Awards Q & A Christopher Hodson November 16, 2022 Each year, the CT Restaurant Association recognizes the exceptional ability and talent of Connecticut’s restaurant community in the prestigious CRAzies awards. We are excited to showcase the nominees for 2022’s CRAZIES AWARDS “BEST CHEF OF THE YEAR” in this 5 part series. All of the candidates worked incredibly hard to receive this nomination, and while many of you may know some of them, you probably don’t know all of them. We sat down with each of these talented chefs to learn a little bit more about what makes them do what they do. This week, we feature Chef David DiStasi of Materia Ristorante in Bantam. Read More
Q&A: CRAZIES Nominee "Best Chef of the Year" Jared Sippel of Restaurant L’Ostal Features Q & A Interview Celebrity Chef Awards Darien Christopher Hodson November 09, 2022 Each year, the CT Restaurant Association recognizes the exceptional ability and talent of Connecticut’s restaurant community in the prestigious CRAzies awards. We are excited to showcase the nominees for 2022’s CRAZIES AWARDS “BEST CHEF OF THE YEAR” in this 5 part series. All the candidates worked incredibly hard to receive this nomination, and while many of you may know some of them, you probably don’t know all of them. We sat down with each of these talented chefs to learn a little bit more about what makes them do what they do. This week, we feature Jared Sippel of Restaurant L’Ostal in Darien, CT. Read More
Q&A: CRAZIES Nominee "Best Chef of the Year" Chef David Standridge of The Shipwright’s Daughter Features Interview Interview Celebrity Chef Chef Talk Q & A Awards Mystic Christopher Hodson November 01, 2022 Each year, the CT Restaurant Association recognizes the exceptional ability and talent of Connecticut’s restaurant community in the prestigious CRAZIES awards. We are excited to showcase the nominees for 2022’s CRAZIES AWARDS “BEST CHEF OF THE YEAR” in this 5 part series. All the candidates worked incredibly hard to receive this nomination, and while many of you may know some of them, you probably don’t know all of them. We sat down with each of these talented chefs to learn a little bit more about what makes them do what they do. This week, we feature Chef David Standridge of The Shipwright’s Daughter in Mystic CT.[Voting is still open. Vote for your favorite folks in the CT culinary industry here.] Read More
Q&A with Chef Luke Venner of Elm Restaurant, Celebrating 10 Years Features Interview Q & A New Canaan Chef Talk Stephanie Webster April 13, 2022 As Elm Restaurant successfully slides into their 10th year in New Canaan, we sat down with Chef Luke Venner to discuss this impressive milestone in a challenging industry. Elm is known for its friendly, local atmosphere, globally-inspired menu, and focus on fresh ingredients. Venner always has something new up his sleeve to keep diners engaged. Aside from seasonal menu updates, he introduced afternoon tea service in 2021, and navigated the pandemic with innovative to-go boxes. Side note: If you haven’t had his “Animal Style Burger,” you’re really missing out. Here are a few things you may not know about one of CT’s top chefs.What made you want to be a chef?It was somewhat accidental. I started working in a Steakhouse kitchen my freshman year in high school to earn extra cash for gas, the cool shoes, music, etc.. I began washing dishes and before long decided to quit sports to work full time after class. I quickly became one of the top cooks and by my senior year in high school I graduated as the sous chef at only 18 years old.Prior to that, I had always thought I wanted to do something in the biology field and drew most of my inspiration from the outdoors. Back then, food still didn't have much presence on television and I had never picked up a cookbook, but I was drawn to the restaurant energy and I was sure much better ones than I had experienced existed. Ultimately, competitive drive got the best of me and I decided I would push myself as far as I could go in the business I was already in. I applied to a small European style apprenticeship program in Colorado 600 miles from my hometown and, much to my surprise, was accepted. I immediately began training for the next four years under an old world French chef and my life would change forever. Read More
It’s A Woman's World: Business Superstar, Gina Luari of Place 2 Be Interview Features It's A Woman's World Q & A Kristin L. Wolfe March 22, 2022 Gina Luari is a force to be reckoned with. Young, driven, and armed with a clear vision and talented staff, at just 30 years old, she has created an experience in Place 2 Be that should be on everyone’s To Do list. It is loud, vibrant, and flashy, and the food gives bigger is better a run for its money. Cue Chef Xavier Santiago, also a force in CT’s restaurant scene; he has recently taken over as Executive Chef of the wildly popular, rapidly growing phenomenon.With wall to wall bottles of Veuve Clicquot and plates of sweet and savory treats like mini-mountains, Place 2 Be oozes pleasure party. When Boss Lady (Stephanie Webster) and I completed our experience, we were most certainly in a delicious daze from the massive treats, drinks, and sensory overload. Read More
Q&A: CRAZIES Nominee "Best Chef of the Year" Emily Mingrone of Tavern on State Features Interview Q & A Interview Awards chef Christopher Hodson November 19, 2021 Each year, the CT Restaurant Association recognizes the exceptional ability and talent of Connecticut’s restaurant community in the prestigious CRAzies awards. We are excited to showcase the nominees for BEST CHEF OF THE YEAR in our new series. All the candidates worked incredibly hard to receive this nomination, and while many of you may know some of them, you probably don’t know all of them. We sat down with each of these talented chefs to learn a little bit more about what makes them do what they do. This week, we feature Emily Mingrone of Tavern on State in New Haven. Read More
Q&A: CRAZIES Nominee "Best Chef of the Year" Joel Gargano of Grano Arso, Chester Features Interview Q & A Chef Talk Interview Awards Christopher Hodson November 17, 2021 Each year, the CT Restaurant Association recognizes the exceptional ability and talent of Connecticut’s restaurant community in the prestigious CRAzies awards. Restaurant owners, operators, chefs, and vendors come together to celebrate the success of the industry at Foxwoods Resort Casino on Monday, December 6. While a panel of more than 25 food writers, critics, bloggers, and social media influencers created a list of nominees, YOU VOTE for the winners.We are excited to showcase the nominees for BEST CHEF OF THE YEAR in our new series. All the candidates worked incredibly hard to receive this nomination, and while many of you may know some of them, you probably don’t know all of them. We sat down with each of these talented chefs to learn a little bit more about what makes them do what they do. This week, we feature Joel Gargano of Grano Arso in Chester CT. Read More
Grace Farms New Canaan Launches 100% Fair Trade Organic Tea, Coffee & Cookie Line Features Tea And Coffee New Canaan Lunch Gift Guide Jessica Ryan November 03, 2021 When was the last time you visited Grace Farms? The stunning 80-acre space in New Canaan, Connecticut that supports initiatives in the areas of nature, arts, justice, community, and faith, and encourages participation locally and globally is a treasure to visit. Pritzker Prize-winning River building, is the focal point, having become an integral part of the landscape. Designed to resemble a rambling river, five transparent glass-enclosed buildings that each live beneath one flowing roof. Here you will find The Sanctuary, a 700-seat amphitheater; the library, a staffed library with resources related Grace Farms Foundation's initiatives; the Commons, a community gathering space with 18-foot-long tables; the Pavilion; a welcome reception and conversation space with tea service; and the Court, an incredible underground recreational space used by local children and schools. Wander around the 80 acres of open meadows, woods, wetlands, and ponds and soak up all the breathtaking scenery.In 2021 Grace Farms Foods was launched by Grace Farm’s Founder Sharon Prince along with Adam Thatcher to share with the world and invite everyone to be part of their mission by offering our signature cookies, coffee, and tea. Read More
Q&A: CRAZIES Nominee "Best Chef of the Year" Michone Danae Arrington - The Art of Yum Features Interview Chef Talk Chef Q & A Interview Awards Christopher Hodson October 29, 2021 Each year, the CT Restaurant Association recognizes the exceptional ability and talent of Connecticut’s restaurant community in the prestigious CRAzies awards. We are excited to showcase the nominees for BEST CHEF OF THE YEAR in our new series. All the candidates worked incredibly hard to receive this nomination, and while many of you may know some of them, you probably don’t know all of them. We sat down with each of these talented chefs to learn a little bit more about what makes them do what they do. This week, we feature Michone Danae Arrington of The Art of Yum in Waterbury & Southington, CT. Read More
It’s A Woman's World: Chef Beca Tuinei of Nala’s Kitchen Features It's A Woman's World Interview Chef Talk Q & A Kristin L. Wolfe August 26, 2021 I got to meet Chef Beca Tuinei last year after trying her wonderful creations for Nala’s Kitchen. Being apprehensive to try dishes from organizations promoted as “healthy food services,” fearing a massive pile of black containers filled with dry, bland chicken and broccoli, I was truly surprised and impressed. For those diving into more measured, health conscious, and ingredient-focussed food service, Nala’s Kitchen will blow you away with flavor. Believe me, I’m still a fan of meals like chicken and broccoli, but you can have these high-protein, low calorie, diet-forward products AND STILL HAVE FLAVOR! Chef Beca will amp it up with a creative use of spices and sauces without piling on the extra calories. It is a fine line to walk but she does it so well. Not only does she do it well, but her talent has landed her a position with the WNBA, now responsible for feeding the hungry athletes of the Connecticut Sun! Read More
Afternoon Tea Service Arrives at Elm in New Canaan Features Restaurant Afternoon Tea New Canaan Pastries Tea Homepage Andrew Dominick May 02, 2021 If we lived in 1840’s England, most of us in middle class and below wouldn’t be allowed to have afternoon tea. Now that we’re past the 19th Century—and living in America in the joyous years of 2020 and 2021—tea, tiny sandwiches, and snackable sweets before dinner is for all to enjoy, regardless of status.Afternoon tea in present day Connecticut can be found, though places that offer it are few and far between, but there’s a new one going down on Fridays by Luke Venner at Elm in New Canaan.Venner told us that the idea for tea and bites came about when he was reminiscing with colleagues about their days in Manhattan and wanting to offer a New York City experience for locals. “It’s good for a neighborhood place like Elm because people aren’t going into the city as much as they used to,” he says. “But city people are coming here, so why not try to recreate that?”What Elm is doing is all kinda classic of a tea service but with Elm’s twist on it.Expect to see mini cucumber sandwiches…but with caviar. A ham and cheese sammy follows the fancy trend as it’s topped with a sliver of black truffle. And there’s a foie gras macaron. You get the idea.Venner mentioned that he drew inspiration from Gabriel Kreuther’s tea program at the Baccarat Hotel.“He was the former chef at The Modern and that (afternoon tea at the Baccarat) was one of the best I’ve had,” he says. “Offering this has become such a fun, creative outlet for me.” Read More
Greenology Kitchen, Plant Based Eatery, Opens in New Canaan Restaurant New Canaan Healthy Eats Juice Bar Juice Cleanse Smoothies Vegan Specialty Products Special Dietary Needs Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Breakfast Lunch Stephanie Webster March 23, 2021
Nick Martschenko Opens Mexican-Inspired SE The Back End in New Canaan Features Restaurant Interview New Canaan Mexican Lunch Cocktails Homepage Openings Andrew Dominick March 20, 2021 Nick Martschenko is every so closer to his monopoly on New Canaan’s restaurant scene. Even if that’s not the goal, he’s inching towards it with what’s now a downtown dining trifecta.His latest venture, The Back End, is different. You can’t compare it to his flagship fine dining South End. And it’s not reminiscent of the laid-back but chatty speakeasy-meets-pub atmosphere of SE Uncorked, that stars “snacks + taps” (and cocktails and one damn fine burger).“I wanted it (The Back End) to have Miami vibes, at least I want it to have that feel,” Martschenko says. “I envision it with the bar windows wide open, a super casual setting with lots of colors, lots of pink. Ruth (Stiefel) helped a lot with the design.”The Back End is Mexican. Well, sort of. A more accurate description is Mexican inspired with a fine dining twist, and a little fast casual tossed into the mix.“It’s elevated Mexican food,” Martschenko says. “I’m not gonna say we’re traditional, but we bear the traditional values of what we do. It’s different. I don’t know how to do it any other way.” Read More
Plum Plums Cheese Opening in New Canaan Features Restaurant Openings New Canaan Cheese Cheese Shop Specialty Market CTbites Team March 16, 2021 Attn: Cheese lovers. This just in from New Canaan Advertiser…Elixirs for mocktails, a choice of 65 cheeses and coffee sourced from women farmers in Kenya will all be coming to New Canaan next month.Plum Plums Cheese is moving with its gourmet goodies from its Pound Ridge, N.Y., location to 149 Cherry St. in New Canaan on April 1.The 7-year-old enterprise, owned by spouses Gayle Martin and Michael Riahi, will be expanding its offerings with butchered meats in addition to the charcuterie, soups and sandwich options. The new location is 1,100 square feet, compared to the 700-square-foot space in New York.“We know the back story of every item we sell. If cheese, meat, bar of chocolate or jar of jam,” Martin said. “Our primary focus of cheese.”Read the full article on New Canaan Advertiser. Read More
Rosie New Canaan: 16 Years of Uber Delicious Global Comfort Food Restaurant New Canaan Global Cuisine American Baked Goods Comfort Food Mexican Dessert Breakfast Brunch Lunch homepage Homepage Stephanie Webster November 01, 2020 Walking in to meet the legendary “Rosie” of Rosie New Canaan, I had full clarity within 30 seconds as to what has made this uber delicious global comfort food spot so beloved for 16 years. Sure, it’s the 2 pound blueberry muffins that could make a grown man weep, and the love that goes into the 6 hour stewed black beans in Rosie’s hueveos rancheros, but truly it is Rosie Bonura herself that makes this place feel like home (but with far better fare than you’d find in your own kitchen). She herself is the perfect recipe of creative energy, passion, and love for her community. This New Canaan fixture, whom I came to realize, after sitting streetside with her, knows everyone in the town by name, came racing out of the kitchen to greet me (we’d never met in person), virtually hugged me, (cuz’ Covid), and said “I need to get a batch of cookies out of the oven, I’ll be right back.” Read More
Elm Restaurant in New Canaan: Exploring Chef Luke Venner's Excellent Seasonal American Menu Restaurant American Lobster Burgers Seasonal New Canaan Lunch Breakfast Homepage Andrew Dominick July 19, 2020 Before Luke Venner debuted as Elm’s executive chef and partner, the New Canaan restaurant already had a following amongst townies, and there’s more than a good chance you heard Elm get name dropped as one of Fairfield County’s overall best. Five years later, it’s safe to say that Venner isn’t only hitting his stride, but he’s also having fun developing Elm’s dishes from what they once were. Once thought of as being, dare I say, “fancy,” Elm, under Venner, is approachable.The “seasonal New American” theme still exists, and it’s still a tough table to snag on a peak dine out day. The differences at Elm are now presented in the form of comfort. Sure, there are menu holdovers like tuna (or steak) tartare but if you’ve taken a half decade break from eating here, you won’t recognize it for what it once was. Read More
Takeout Chronicles: Joe’s Pizza, bartaco, Cafe Silvium, & Twelve Percent Beer Project Restaurant Take Out To-Go New Canaan Mexican Tacos bartaco beer ct beer homepage Pizza Andrew Dominick May 31, 2020 As some Connecticut restaurants begin the slow process of reopening with outdoor dining, you’ll either rush right out, ease back into it, or wait a bit longer when it comes to reintroducing yourself to your favorite eateries based on your level of comfort. Regardless of where you stand, it’s a safe bet that your dining repertoire will still include takeout.With that said, and on the heels of James Gribbon’s takeout picks, I’ve got a bunch worth checking out.At the very beginning of quarantine, one of my first orders came from an oldie. Joe’s Pizza has been open since 1967, almost two decades before I was born. I’ve actually had my entire life to try it, but here I am in 2020, a Joe’s newbie. Read More
