Filtering by Tag: Pick Your Own,Restaurant Week

Guide to Connecticut's "Pick Your Own" Fruit Farms

Features Pick Your Own Farms Farm Fresh kids activity Local Farm Homepage

Carly Terzigni

It’s summer, which means it’s time to head to your local farm for some fruit picking! It doesn’t get fresher than picking your own fruit straight from the source, especially when they’re in season! Organized by county, the following farms have at least one type of seasonal fruit available during the year as a pick-your-own experience.

Note that the following fruit harvest seasons are approximate as it varies from year to year depending on a number of factors, including weather. With the warm temperatures we’re seeing this June, some picking seasons may move along faster than usual. This means strawberry season could wrap up early, but blueberries and raspberries could start early, too. Check with the farm you wish to visit to confirm current fruit availability.

Here is an approximation for some of the more popular fruits you may want to pick this year.


$200 GIVEAWAY!!! New Haven Restaurant Week Returns Nov 5-10

Giveaway Restaurant Week New Haven

Stephanie Webster

‼️ $200 DATE NIGHT GIVEAWAY ‼️ New Haven Restaurant Week (Nov 5-10) is celebrating 15 Years!

WINNER receives $100 gift card to @villaluluct + $100 gift card to the @shubertnewhaven (winner can pick whatever show they want to see and dates)  

TO ENTER GIVEAWAY

👉FOLLOW @infonewhaven & @ctbites on Instagram

👉LIKE this giveaway on Instagram and TAG at least one friend in the comments. The more people you tag, the more likely you are to WIN. BONUS LOVE FOR SHARING THIS POST!

👉Winner announced November 7th

New Haven’s longest-running foodie event, New Haven Restaurant Week, returns November 5-10 marking the 15th anniversary.

The fall edition of New Haven Restaurant Week features 25 of the City’s most popular restaurants- 14 will offer $25 lunch specials, with all participating locations offering pre fixe dinner experiences for $45 or $55 per person.

Off the plate, New Haven Restaurant Week gives back. Since 2009, more than $55,000 has been raised for the Connecticut Foodshare, an organization that works year-round to combat hunger and food insecurity across the state. This year participating restaurants have donated $5,000.


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for October 2022

Features Events News Events Wine Dinners Restaurant Week

Stephanie Webster

On Saturday, October 22, 2022, Chef Michel Nischan will "reawaken" his restaurant The Dressing Room and partner with Madison Beach Hotel's culinary team to present dinner and stories with an exclusive five course event featuring dinner, wine pairings, and storytelling.—National Taco Day was October 4th, and bartaco has decided to bring back its popular, limited edition #bartacosecret roasted brussels sprouts taco in celebration of everyone’s favorite holiday.—Buy one ticket and eat in 30 different restaurants on Wednesday, October 12th 5:30 - 8:30 for a Signature New London Event- Food Stroll!—New Haven Restaurant Week presented by Citizens returns October 16 – October 29, 2022, with dining experiences and all-new exclusive offerings at 23 restaurants throughout the Elm City.—Harry's Wine School presents: Wines of Italy with Michelle DeWyngaert Wednesday, October 26th, 2022
7:00 - 9:00 pm.+


2022 Guide to Pick-Your-Own Connecticut Apples

Ingredients Recipe CT Farms Local Farm Pick Your Own Homepage

Anna Bendiksen

At this time of year, when Connecticut’s leaves start to change colors, eventually rivaling those of a Turkish carpet, there are few pleasures keener than to drive along the back roads of our state to an apple orchard. To choose local fruit, often varieties that are otherwise hard to find, for oneself is a seasonal occasion worth seeking out, worth savoring, worth creating a special picnic for (think rustic breads, local cheeses, and local hard cider if the orchard allows it). If you’re lucky, all of this is set off by sweetly chilly temperatures and a sky of platinum blue---in which case, congratulations. You have officially reached peak autumn.

Our guide to some of Connecticut’s best pick-your-own-apple experiences is here. Readers are encouraged to add their own. Note that this past spring, in the short period during which apple trees are pollinated, weather conditions were very unfavorable; a lighter-than-usual crop has resulted, so bring your flexibility along. As with all such outings, a little thinking ahead goes a long way. Be sure to call ahead for availability, wear sturdy shoes, and choose a good time for your visit. Weekdays are better for a quiet group or one that can’t deal with crowds; weekends will thrill the extroverts.


Miya's Brings The White House Champions of Change Menu to New Haven During Restaurant Week Oct 30-Nov 4

Restaurant Restaurant Week

Stephanie Webster

Miya's in New Haven recently won The 2016 WHITE HOUSE CHAMPION OF CHANGE FOR SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD award. Chef and owner, Bun Lai, is sharing a few dishes from this special dinner during New Haven's upcoming Restaurant Week, October 30-November 4. Bun says this about the menu (view White House menu below)...

In honor of every person in every part of the worldwide sustainability movement, this Miya’s NEW HAVEN RESTAURANT WEEK menu will feature a handful of my favorite award-winning sustainable seafood recipes featured at the Miya’s WHITE HOUSE CHAMPIONS of CHANGE dinner that I hosted. A top challenge to the sustainability movement is to make the healthiest food affordable and accessible to all. It is my humble assessment that our mother’s modest little restaurant has accomplished that. 


14 Farms For Pick-Your-Own Pumpkins in CT

Ingredients Local Farm Pick Your Own kids activity Kid Friendly

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Autumn is here and  Connecticut Farms have delicious seasonal produce ready to be harvested!  Last week, CTBites told you where you can pick your own apples.  While apples are delicious, pumpkins truly epitomize the fall.  From jack-o-lanterns to pies to pumpkin flavored everything, the gourd has many uses.  Here are 12 places that offer pick your own pumpkins!  Be sure to call ahead to confirm availability.

  1. Harris Hill Farm, New Milford: On weekends during the month of October, Harris Hill Farm in New Milford opens the farm and its pick-your-own pumpkin patch to the community.
  2. Castle Hill Farm, Newtown: Castle Hill Farm in Newtown has a 4 acre pumpkin patch. They also have hay rides and a corn maze.
  3. Lyman Orchards, Middlefield: Lyman Orchards in Middlefield has a 24 hour hotline so that you can get updates on the crops and conditions.
  4. Bishop's Orchards, Guilford: Great picking of all kinds at Bishop's + a corn Maze on the weekends from 10-5. 
  5. Holmberg Orchards, Gales Ferry: Pumpkins are in season from September-October at Holmberg Orchards in Gales Ferry. On weekends, enjoy a corn maze, tractor rides, cider donuts, and a wine

Ultimate Guide To Berry Picking in CT (2016 Edition)

Ingredients CT Farms Local Farm Pick Your Own kids activity

Anna Bendiksen

“The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, dear,” my maternal grandmother told me over and over again when I was growing up in the Midwest. Grandma, may she rest in peace, always had berry patches in her backyard for pies to please the most hard-hearted male guest, but if she could have seen the scale and abundance of Connecticut berry farms, she would probably, as we used to say, have fainted dead away. Prairies are not made for berries; woodlands are. Since it’s true that the way to a woman’s heart is through her stomach, too, I’ve developed a passion for the annual ritual of visiting local pick-your-own farms for strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.

The argument for going to pick-your-own farms, when one has the time, is unassailable. It does not get more local than this, unless, like my Grandma, you want to grow your own (another unassailable idea but beyond the scope of this article). Berries in season are at their peak of freshness and nadir of price, and one also has the satisfaction of knowing that one is supporting farmers in one’s community.


2nd Annual Greenwich Restaurant Week November 12th - 18th

Restaurant Restaurant Week

CTbites Team

Coming off a successful inaugural year, The 2nd Annual Greenwich Restaurant Week starts On November 12th and runs until November 18th. Participating restaurants include L'escale, Polpo, Harvest, Terra, Mediterraneo, Le Peguin, Le Fat Poodle, Osteria Applausi, Lugano's, Gabriele's, Char, Famous Greek Kitchen, Firenze, Blackstones Steakhouse, Little Pub, Bella Noona, Caren's Cos Cobber, Bobby Q's Pitstop, Coast, The Drawing Room, Elm Street Oyster House, Jhouse, Morello, Tengda, Mt.Kisco smokehouse, Greenwich Cheese Company and Winfield's at the Hyatt. 

Pick Your Own Blueberries Opens Today @ Bishop's Orchards in Guilford CT

Ingredients Features Local Farm Pick Your Own kids activity Kid Friendly

Stephanie Webster

Pick-Your-Own Blueberries is NOW OPEN at Bishop's Orchards in Guilford CT. Today is Opening Day with weekday hours 8am-1:30pmSaturday 8am-4pm, and Sunday 9am-4pm. Blueberry season lasts about 6-7 weeks, up until late August. Blueberry admission is FREE into the field. You MUST pay for what you pick, by the pound. The field location for Blueberry picking is at their Main Orchards located off of New England Road. 

Remember to always call their PICK line before heading out at 203-458-PICK. Weather and crop availability are always a factor so hours and locations can change at anytime. If strawberry season was any indication of what is to come with blueberries, we are all in for a real treat! 


New Haven Restaurant Week: November 2 - 7, 2014

Features Restaurant Week New Haven

CTbites Team

The semiannual New Haven Restaurant Week kicks-off on Sunday, November 2 and runs through Saturday, November 7, 2014 featuring prix fixe 3 course menus for lunch and dinner, $18 and $32 respectively, at 36 restaurants at last count. Participating restaurants include, 116 Crown, Barcelona Wine Bar, Caseus, Heirloom, L'Orcio, Oaxaca Kitchen, and Roia.

For information on participating restaurants and menus, visit: http://infonewhaven.com/restaurantweek


Westport Restaurant Weeks October 5th - 19th...Now w/ Cocktails!

Restaurant Restaurant Week Westport

CTbites Team

Westport Restaurant Week is here again...now with 2 weeks! It just keeps getting better, so get out of the house and let one of these great restaurants do the cooking for you.

Each of the participating venues will be offering a Prix Fixe meal, and this year, there is a flexible pricing program to further enhance the experience. Lunches will be $15, $20 or $25, Dinners $25, $30 or $35 and Brunch, if offered starting at $20, its up to each restaurant to set their fixe.

Also new this year is the addition of Specialty Cocktail venues. So enjoy a pre dinner drink or a night cap at one of these fine establishments.

VIEW THE FULL LIST OF PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS BELOW. Just click on a name or logo to see what is being offered. 


11 Places for Apple Picking in CT

Ingredients Local Farm Pick Your Own kids activity

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

As autumn approaches, farmers journey out to their fields to begin the harvest.  Apples lie at the heart of the season: apple cider, apple pie, or even a simple Gala or Braeburn apple are beautiful bounties on a crisp afternoon.  CT's farms and orchards are inviting you to pick-your-own apples as the leaves start to change their color.  Here are 10 places where you can enjoy a fall afternoon.

If you love apples, be sure to check out these recipes for a Hot Cinnamon Apple Toddy and a Prosecco Apple Fizz from Sugar & Olives.

  1. Bishop's Orchards, Guilford
  2. Rogers Orchards, Southington
  3. Lyman Orchards, Middlefield
  4. Rose's Berry Farm, Glastonbury
  5. Silverman's, Easton
  6. Blue Jay Orchards, Bethel
  7. Rose Orchards, Branford
  8. Drazen Orchards, Cheshire
  9. Johnny Appleseed's, Ellington
  10. March Farms, Bethlehem
  11. Scotts Orchard and Nursery, Glastonbury

Stamford Summer Restaurant Weeks Return: August 18 – September 1, 2014

Restaurant Week

CTbites Team

Yep...that's right. 2 glorious weeks of summer dining. This summer over 30 Downtown Stamford restaurants are serving up special lunch & dinner prix fixe menus in several different price options. The prices for lunch range from $10.14, $12.14 or $20.14 and dinner ranges from $15.14, $20.14 or $30.14. New this year: each participating restaurant will be mixing up its very own Signature Summer Cocktails to be featured during Restaurant Weeks.

View the list of participating restaurants below:


Sono Restaurant Week is Back June 8-13th

Restaurant Restaurant Week

CTbites Team

Sono Restaurant Week is back this spring with almost 20 restaurants participating in prix fixe menus and great dining deals for lunch and dinner in downtown South Norwalk. Restaurant Week also gives diners the opportunity to check out some new venues in SoNo including: Quartino Trattoria Vineria, Johnny Utah’s (ride the bull while you're there), Sweet Lucy Lynn’s, as well as Dan Kardos' new Local Kitchen & Beer Bar.

Participating Restaurants & Price Points Below:


New Haven Restaurant Week Is On!! November 3-8

Restaurant Restaurant Week

CTbites Team

New Haven Restaurant Week Is On!! November 3rd – 8th.

30 of downtown New Haven’s award-winning and internationally diverse restaurants are featuring prix fixe lunch and dinner menus. Participating restaurants offer a multi-course, prix fixe menu typically consisting of an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Make reservations as early as possible. Don’t wait because restaurants are sure to book quickly. Click here to make reservations

Participating Restaurants Below:


Westport-Weston Restaurant Week: 23 Restaurants, Dining Deals

Restaurant Restaurant Week

CTbites Team

Mark your calendars; The Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce will once again sponsor the tastiest two weeks of the year during Westport’s Fall Restaurant Weeks -- Sunday, September 29th thru Saturday, October 12, 2013. This biannual event provides the perfect opportunity to take advantage of great savings at Westport’s best restaurants throughout town. 

Twenty-three local eateries will feature exclusive 2-course lunch, and 3-course dinner options (prix-fixe) during the two-week period. It’s an ideal time to discover Westport’s hidden dining delights at savings of up to 40%.  

Participating restaurants are:  323 Main Restaurant & Bar • Blue Lemon • Cru Restaurant and Lounge • DaPietro's • Matsu Sushi • Pink Sumo Café Sushi & Sake Café • Rizzuto's • Sakura Japanese Restaurant • Tabouli Grill • Tarantino’s • Tarry Lodge • Terrain Garden Café • The Mumbai Times • Rive Bistro • Positano's Ristorante • Artisan • Acqua Ristorante • Post 154 • Spotted Horse Tavern • Tavern on Main • Tengda Asian Bistro • The Red Hen at the Westport Inn • Arezzo Ristorante. 


SONO Restaurant "Weeks" Start June 3rd

Restaurant Restaurant Week Events

Stephanie Webster

It's that time of year again. Sono Restaurant Week is back from June 2-16 running for two delicious weeks this year. Why 2 weeks? Scott Beck of Match Restaurant responded "Every year we have gotten feedback from people that wished that we could extend Restaurant Week for an additional week so that they might get to go to more than one place so we decided to give it a try."

"There are 15 restaurants participating this year which is largest number of restaurants we have ever had so everyone is pretty excited" says Beck.  SoNo also has some great new restaurants such as Nola Oyster Bar, Mama's Boy Southern Table, Estia's, and The Spread, for people to try. And, of course all the staples in SoNo are participating again. People can check out the list of all the participating restaurants and their Restaurant Week menus online at www.connecticutrestaurant.

You can view the complete list of participating restaurants below. Happy eating...


New Haven Restaurant Week April 21 - 26, 2013

Restaurant Restaurant Week

CTbites Team

32 of downtown New Haven’s award-winning and internationally diverse restaurants are featuring prix fixe lunch and dinner menus from April 21 - 26, 2013. Participating restaurants offer a three-course, prix fixe menu consisting of an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Prix fixe menus are priced at $18 for lunch and $32 for dinner.

$1=1 person  Join New Haven Restaurant Week and the Connecticut Food Bank to help those in need. Dine and Donate $1 to feed one person for one day.

View Participating Restaurants Here: