Filtering by Tag: Fairfield,Spanish

Gabagool Wine Bar Opens in Fairfield: Turning Lemons into Limoncello

Restaurant Italian Lunch Fairfield Openings Pasta

Jessica Ryan August 19, 2023

Gabagool Wine Bar is the newest incarnation of the former Fairfield favorite, Toto Restaurant, which shut its doors suddenly and unexpectedly about a year and a half ago. I worried that, tragically, this too had succumbed to the pandemic, but alas – and thankfully, such was not the case.

The restaurant that occupied the main level in the red building on Reef Road sat vacant and dark for over a year. This was all due to massive flood caused by a ruptured pipe. With water everywhere, the restaurant’s interior needed to be completely gutted and rebuilt. Thankfully for us restauranteur and owner Antonio Ninivaggi does as only Antonio does… He turned his lemons into limoncello, and thus Gabagool Wine Bar was born.

Vespino Pizza + Restaurant Opens in Fairfield

Restaurant Italian Opening Pasta Pizza Lunch Prix Fixe Kid Friendly Fairfield Homepage

Jessica Ryan August 13, 2023

Nestled in a quiet corner of a shopping plaza located right off of the hustle and bustle of Fairfield’s Black Rock Turnpike is Vespino Pizza + Restaurant. Located in the space that was formerly Stefano’s, Vespino fills a void in the area’s restaurant scene. Best described as elevated casual in a stylishly modern setting, Vespino is an ideal choice for a quick neighborhood lunch, casual dinner with friends and family, or an after work cocktail. Vespino has already established a loyal clientele and has earned praises for their pizza, pasta, appetizers and main dishes. Sister restaurant to longtime local favorite Quattro Pazzi Café, Organika and the newer kid on the block, Pizza Lyfe in Westport, we came in with high expectations, eager to try a few dishes ourselves.

Esh Modern Mediterranean Restaurant Opens in Fairfield from NYC's Taboon Team

Restaurant Opening Fairfield Middle Eastern Mediterranean Moroccan Israeli

Stephanie Webster June 20, 2023

Chick-Fil-A Is Coming To Fairfield: Says First Selectwoman (via Patch)

Features Restaurant Openings Fried Chicken Sandwich Fried Chicken Fairfield

CTbites Team April 25, 2023

Chick-fil-A, the popular national chain of chicken restaurants, is slated to open a new location in Fairfield, after its application before the Town Plan and Zoning Commission was denied in 2021. The popular chicken restaurant is slated to move into 750 Post Road, the site that previously housed Joe's American Bar & Grill.

First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick announced the news on Monday, confirming that the restaurant will move into the former Joe's American Bar & Grill site at 750 Post Road. The property, which has sat vacant for more than three years, had been declared a blight in 2022.

Read the complete article at Patch.com.

Fairfield Gets a New Buzzy Italian Hot Spot with Il Pellicano

Restaurant Openings Fairfield Italian Lunch Cocktails Homepage

Christopher Hodson March 24, 2023

If you work hard enough and put in the time to learn your craft, then success is sure to follow. Just ask Saul Medina of the newly opened Il Pellicano in Fairfield. Medina’s journey to this point in his culinary career proves that there are many different paths one can take, and if followed, will lead to the same desired destination of becoming a head chef. Born in Puebla, Mexico, he migrated to the U.S., and like so many before him, landed in New York City. He brought with him a deep love of food and cooking, both taught to him at a young age by his grandmother and aunts. Without any formal training, Medina started at the bottom as a dishwasher but quickly worked his way up the kitchen ranks. His strong work ethic, desire to learn, and ability to travel gave him crucial experience and the necessary exposure to many different styles of food very quickly.

Bonkers Cupcakes Offers Build Your Own Cupcakes in Fairfield CT

Restaurant Features Cupcakes Bakery Baked Goods Dessert Build Your Own Kid Friendly Fairfield Cakes

Oliver Clachko February 21, 2023

Build your own cupcakes? Yes please.

We really feel like we hit the jackpot,” says Kris Stevens, owner and operator of Bonkers Cupcakes in Downtown Fairfield. “We absolutely love making these things, and being able to sell them is truly amazing.”

Bonkers offers a variety of cake flavor options, and gives customers the ability to select a cake flavor and then top it with their favorite frosting. Sure they have all the cake classics like chocolate, vanilla, and red velvet, as well as more creative choices like banana. To complement these flavors, Bonkers has a large selection of both Italian and American buttercream frostings. Stevens points out that Italian buttercream, which is much softer and not as overly sweet as American buttercream, is preferred both by himself and many customers. The notable frosting flavors include coconut, raspberry, salted caramel, and even coffee.

Tümü Opens in Fairfield with Delicious Authentic Mexican Fare

Restaurant Fairfield Mexican Takeout Meals To Go Catering

Jessica Ryan January 25, 2023

A couple of months ago, right before the holidays, I wandered into the newly opened Tümü in Fairfield in the Harry’s Corner shopping plaza.

Tümü, the Mexican word for butterfly, embodies the beauty and passion of Karla Krassin, a Weston-ite who was born and raised in Oaxaca, Mexico. The chef and caterer now has a storefront that is part home décor boutique and part takeout restaurant (although there are two tables if you chose to eat in). Through her food and stunning items made by Mexican artisans, she brings the flavors and colors of her homeland to us and in so doing she honors the true recipes and techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Sally’s Apizza Introduces Non-Apizza Menu Items

Features Restaurant Sally's Apizza Stamford New Haven New Haven Pizza Fairfield pizza Homepage

Andrew Dominick December 18, 2022

A little more than a year ago, we gave you an inside look at the first of the Sally’s Apizza expansion in Downtown Stamford.

Well, we’re back with a sequel that comes on the heels of the opening of Sally’s brand new Fairfield location at 665 Commerce Drive.

Gai-Ja Chicken Rice Opens in Fairfield with Khao Man Gai +

Restaurant Fairfield Openings Asian Thai Street Food Comfort Food

Stephanie Webster December 02, 2022

Sometimes when it comes to food, simple is smart. Doing one thing and doing it well defines the menu at Gai-Ja Chicken Rice in Fairfield CT. Owner, Putthabut Rungsri, said he opened Gai-Ja Chicken Rice because he realized that no one in Connecticut was serving the type of Thai street food he grew up with in his birthplace of Thailand. His Thai style chicken rice, or,“ Khao Man Gai “ (ข้าวมันไก่), for which the restaurant is named, is quite simply, the ultimate comfort food. The dish consists of poached, grilled or fried chicken, resting on top of steamed jasmine rice, cooked in chicken broth and seasoned with ginger, garlic, and chicken oil. The dish is served with a ginger soybean sauce and clear chicken broth on the side. It’s a little slice of street food heaven, and priced at $12 Gai-Ja has become a fixture in our weekly dinner rotation.

Sally's Apizza Opening in Fairfield October 2022!

Features Pizza New Haven Pizza Openings Fairfield

Stephanie Webster September 26, 2022

The iconic New Haven pizza spot, Sally’s Apizza is getting ready to open the doors at their NEW LOCATION IN FAIRFIELD next month!!!! This will be their third location in Connecticut, the 2nd of which opened last year in Stamford.

The restaurant will be located in the Trademark building at 665 Commerce Drive, in the space formerly occupied by Barbacoa Smoke House

Hidden Gem: Mi Tierra in Norwalk

Restaurant Latin American Norwalk Takeout Spanish Puerto Rican Delicious Dives Take Out

Andrew Dominick September 04, 2022

Occasionally, food writing doesn’t go as planned. And with lots of restaurants taking summer breaks, it’s easy for us to screw up a random visit, like a recent one at Dante’s Pizza in New Canaan.

Steph and I both pulled into their parking lot, then we grabbed a seat at a picnic table on their patio only to notice a note on the door saying, “We’re on vacation until September 13.”

Summer bummer.

This sucked for two reasons: we desperately wanted pizza and from a writing standpoint we needed content!

The Whale Tea: Go For The Brown Sugar Boba & Asian Baked Good Coming Soon

Restaurant Norwalk Fairfield Stamford Boba Tea Tea Asian Desserts Dessert Kid Friendly

Camille Vynerib August 16, 2022

Originating in Nanjing China, The Whale Tea has over 300 stores around the world due to their success and popularity. In only a couple of years, the store expanded to a variety of locations including Australia, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Taiwan, London, and the United States. May Lin, in an interview, explained that she brought the franchise to the US and has already opened nearly 15 shops. In Connecticut alone, 10 locations are up and running.

Lin explained that her and countless customers' favorite drink is the Brown Sugar Boba. Although the drink originated in the United States, and not in China, its look and flavor are bold enough to turn heads. The boba is cooked with the brown sugar in the shop, so when you receive your drink it’s hot. The boba, Lin explains, is “soft and tasty,” similar to the original boba from Taiwan. Fortunately, the store, if you aren't a brown sugar enthusiast, has countless additional options to choose from. Whale Crystal is the most popular special, but every drink has a unique and creative aesthetic that makes your drink delicious (and perfect for an Instagram post).

Barcelona Wine Bar Launches Happy Hour Menu...And We Are Down

Features Restaurant Barcelona Wine Bar Norwalk Homepage Wine Cocktails Happy Hour Snacks Spanish Tapas

Andrew Dominick July 30, 2022

We here at CTbites don’t normally focus on chain restaurants, both national and micro, but if there’s one that gets a pass it’s Barcelona Wine Bar. After all, Barcelona originated in South Norwalk way back in 1996 before expanding to other cities in Connecticut, then ultimately to Virginia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Georgia, and a handful of other states.

My home base Barcelona is in Norwalk at the Waypointe. I know, I know, we all have our favorite location down in Fairfield County—or beyond if you’re in the New Haven or West Hartford area—mine happens to be Norwalk because it’s not only a newish one, but also because it’s a two mile drive away.

One day when I had a serious craving for chicken pimientos, I clicked on Barcelona’s menu and noticed a “Happy Hour” tab. Hey, listen, I love a good happy hour, so you’ve got my attention.

Nutcracker Egyptian Bakery & Candy Shop in Fairfield

Restaurant Features Bakery Fairfield Candy Shop Egyptian Middle Eastern Baked Goods Imported

Oliver Clachko July 19, 2022

In July of 2021, Khaled H. Khaled opened Nutcracker Egyptian Bakery & Candy Shop in Fairfield with his wife and three children. The Egyptian bakery quickly found an ample following, says Khaled. “All different sorts of people come in. Some people for the candy, some for the baklava, and [many still] for other things.”

The family-run shop’s offerings consist of a variety of Middle-Eastern baked goods, as well as a selection of treats from Egypt’s most beloved brands. Khaled learned how to bake early while working at his family’s confectionery in Cairo. After moving to Fairfield in 2012, he continued to hone his craft while experimenting with possible improvements. Accordingly, Nutcracker offers many different delicacies with an enormous variety of flavors.

Isla & Co. Opens in Fairfield CT with Australian Inspired Fare

Restaurant Openings Fairfield Australian Outdoor Dining Cocktails

Jessica Ryan June 21, 2022

I had the opportunity to attend a media dinner at the newly opened Isla, a restaurant featuring Australian fare. I wasn’t sure what Australian cuisine was but I was excited to check out this new eatery located in the heartbeat of downtown Fairfield right next to the community theater.

The restaurant itself is small, but when the weather is good it can take advantage of the wonderful courtyard area outside and more than double its seating capabilities. The restaurant’s design is minimalistic with dark green subway tiles lining the lower half of the crisp white walls dotted with hanging greenery and navy banquettes with café tables offer up seating. The back of the restaurant opens up to show diners the “behind the scenes” where they can watch bartenders crafting up delicious cocktails and, beyond, the chef in the kitchen preparing delectable fare. Let’s move on to that, shall we?

J.B. Percival: Craft Cocktails in Fairfield

Features Interview bar Cocktails Fairfield Pub Cocktail Lounge Mixology classic cocktails Homepage

Andrew Dominick May 28, 2022

Punch “J.B. Percival” into Google Maps and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying an expertly mixed drink in Fairfield County’s only straight up cocktail lounge. All that’s left is actually finding the entrance.

Your GPS will tell you “you’ve arrived,” and you’ll likely be close, whether you’re parked at Fairfield Metro or parallel on Unquowa Street. There’s still a bit of legwork left. Head down Donnelly Walk, spot a handful of outdoor seats, and you’ll ultimately see their logo and “Permittee Amy O’Shea” decaled on the glass door.

If you’re just now hearing about J.B. Percival, it might be because O’Shea and her husband, Billy, opened their doors at the start of 2020. Nine weeks after they began mixing drinks and pouring pints, they were shut down for on-premise everything like every bar and restaurant was. Like most, they pivoted to a takeout model selling to-go cocktails, cocktail kits, wine, eggs, honey, masks, hand sanitizer, and even vegetables. As restrictions eased, J.B. Percival started slinging drinks for outdoor patio consumption, and then, finally, it was back to welcoming customers back indoors.

Lovebird Gluten Free Fried Chicken + More Opens in Fairfield

Restaurant Fried Chicken Fried Chicken Sandwich Fairfield Sandwich Lunch To-Go Fast Casual Gluten-Free Special Dietary Needs Homepage

Jessica Ryan April 25, 2022

There’s a new fried chicken restaurant in town and it’s not like any other.

Last summer Lovebird opened its first Connecticut eatery at 2385 Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield on the heels of four successful Pennsylvania restaurants (Blue Bell, Bryn Mawr, Doylestown and Newtown.)

Stephanie Wilson Paulson, a long- time friend of founder John Ordway, decided to bring the restaurant to Connecticut and thought Fairfield to be an ideal location.

Lovebird is unique in that it is a celiac-friendly, gluten-free* restaurant that describes itself as a high quality chicken restaurant changing the way fried chicken is done, and redefining the way people are eating fried chicken. Free of GMO's, antibiotics, and unpronounceable ingredients, Lovebird uses only Gerber’s Amish Farm cage-free chicken for their made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and quinoa bowls, with vegetarian and vegan options. Diners shouldn’t overlook their sides, crispy Brussels, fried pickles and mac and cheese, all – of course – gluten-free!

DeTapas Gastro Pub Opens in Westport with Spanish Tapas

Restaurant Openings Homepage Westport Spanish Tapas

Jessica Ryan March 19, 2022

Dave’s Gourmet Paletas: Artisan Ice Pops Opens in Fairfield

Restaurant Openings Fairfield Ices Ice Pops Dessert Kids Kid Friendly Popsicles homepage

CTbites Team July 06, 2021

Craving something sweet but not in the mood for the full indulgence of ice cream? Do you want something that tastes just as good without as much guilt? Have no fear, Dave’s Gourmet Paletas has just opened in downtown Fairfield serving up 20 flavors of homemade paletas…made fresh daily. These pops are far cry fro from the average popsicle as paletas are made entirely from whole ingredients, delicious things…like fresh fruit and nut butters. Dave’s Paletas also feature gluten free, dairy free and vegan options with a menu ranging from classic flavors like strawberry and banana to more unique ones like matcha and mango chamoy. Paletas are a traditional Mexican frozen treat and owner and CEO Dave Rock says,

“We wanted to offer standard flavors, traditional ones that everybody likes, but we also wanted to sprinkle in some of the more uniquely Mexican options like a mango chamoy.”