Guide To Juice Bars in Connecticut (2023 Edition) Features Restaurant Guide Best of CT Roundup Juice Cleanse Juicing Healthy Eats Health & Wellness Smoothies Acai Bowl Homepage Highlight April Guilbault January 30, 2023 Would the New Year transition be complete without some kind of purging and rearranging (um, no)? After the cookies and cocktails of the holiday season, vibrant fruit and vegetable juices and some super-duper, feel good cleanses might just be the reset that your bod is craving. Just think of it like a Home Edit for your, well, ultimate *home*. Feel free to label and color coordinate all you please. Enjoy our ultimate Guide to Juice Bars in Connecticut. Read More
CT Guide To 35+ Spots for Healthy Eats & Wellness: Markets, Apothecaries, Nutritionists, Spice Shops, Juice, Teas and More Features Restaurant Ingredients Healthy Eats Juice Bar Specialty Market Spices Tea Acai Bowl Smoothies Health & Wellness Roundup Homepage Highlight April Guilbault January 26, 2022 We are officially into winter and, in addition to the regular flus and colds, all that other “stuff” is still swirling around. Behold, a listing of establishments where you can grab healthy eats, products, and even some classes that will boost your immunity and overall health in an attempt to steel you against whatever might endeavor to chase you. From the humble elderberry and cup of tea to stores that stock all manner of healthy living goods and purveyors specializing in quality goods for your wellness, we want to help you stack the deck in your favor this season.Here are 35+ Spots for Healthy Eats & Wellness: Markets, Apothecaries, Nutritionists, Spice Shops, Juice, Teas and More! Read More
Hook’d on the Sound: Comfort Food & More at Westport's Compo Beach Restaurant Beach Eats Comfort Food Lobster Roll Burgers Hot Dogs Sandwich Smoothies Westport Openings Kid Friendly CTbites Team June 30, 2021 Picture this: you're at the beach tanning when all of a sudden you hear that dreaded sound of your stomach rumbling. But you aren’t in the mood for the classic hot dog or chicken tenders that are usually served at a beach. You want something a little more gourmet, like a lobster roll or a farm-fresh salad. Have no fear! Hook’d on the Sound can provide you just that and is located only a few feet away from your towel. Read More
Barvida Organic Plant-Based Eatery & Juice Bar Opens in Darien Restaurant Juice Bar Juice Cleanse Healthy Eats Smoothies Openings April Guilbault May 12, 2021 Their name nails it: Barvida. Vida, life.I might have simply walked in, but I had a bounce in my step as I left.See, you never quite know what you are going to encounter at a self-proclaimed “healthy” eatery, as healthy can be interpreted pretty darned broadly and with some questionable interpretations, let’s be honest. It’s therefore wildly refreshing when you find a place that has their mission clearly defined and they take all the way to the finish line, with no stalls or excuses along the way. From their cheeky website to the very bubbly staff member, Tara, at the register (who, coincidentally, in her mask, bears a startling resemblance to Twyla from Schitt’s Creek-and yes, she’s just as friendly, sweet and sparkly), there is a palpable energy to Barvida. 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
Bobo's Cafe, of Westchester Fame, Opens in Ridgefield TODAY: Acai Bowls, Coffee Drinks, Killer Sandwiches, Vegan and More! Restaurant Openings Ridgefield Breakfast Coffee Acai Bowl Lunch Sandwich Smoothies CTbites Team December 13, 2020 Want some great espresso, specialty iced tea, frozen drinks? How about acai, pitaya, matcha or spirulina bowls alongside killer bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches, basmati rice bowls, gluten free, vegan dishes, and mouthwatering desserts? The Westchester favorite, Bobo’s Cafe has crossed the border, and is opening in Connecticut…Ridgefield to be exact. According to their Facebook page, doors open today at 32 Danbury Road.After completing their domination of Northern Westchester, owner Craig Bernardi said, “We look for communities that allow us the opportunity to really get to know people in town.” Read More
Organic Krush Opens in Westport With Healthy Organic Fast Casual Menu Restaurant Openings Healthy Eats Juice Cleanse Juice Bar Organic Sustainable Acai Bowl Smoothies Bone Broth Breakfast Lunch Take Out Fast Casual Stephanie Webster November 17, 2020 Organic Krush, with locations across Long Island, the Hamptons and Virginia, has just opened in Westport at 374 Post Road E. Organic Krush is a fast casual restaurant featuring healthy, organic menu, but cooked, juiced, and baked with a lot more love than your might expect from the average grab-n-go spot. The entire menu features ingredients that are 100% certified organic and free of GMOs, hormones, pesticides and really…fake anything. Diners seeking gluten-free, vegan or paleo options will be happy to discover that most of Organic Krush’s extensive menu works for them, and they can accommodate most dietary needs or restrictions. Organic Krush’s motto is “Eat Happy, Spread Love,” and although this is the seventh location for Co-Founders Michelle Walrath & Fran Paniccia, when I walked in just a few days before they opened their doors, the love and attention to every detail was clearly visible. From employee training and safety protocols to the consistency of the dishes coming out of the kitchen, Organic Krush made a strong debut. Open for three meals a day, from breakfast through dinner pick up at 8PM, I have a strong hunch that this will be a go-to spot for many in the Westport area who aren’t feeling like cooking but are seeking a healthy and tasty meal for their family. Read More
GG & Joe: Açai, Smoothies, Coffee and Toasts, Opens in Westport Restaurant Westport Smoothies Acai Bowl Toast Openings Healthy Eats Special Dietary Needs Breakfast Lunch Homepage April Guilbault July 05, 2020 The newest addition to the healthier eating scene in downtown Westport is GG & Joe, a cafe specializing in “Acai, Coffee and Toast”. Located in the former Talbots Kids space, this new space is light, bright, and airy, with cafe-style seating indoors as well as a lovely outdoor patio area.Acai (pronouced “ah-sigh-ee”)—What is it? It’s a purply-red fruit from the Acai Palm tree, which is found in Central and South America. It has earned its buzz due to high levels of antioxidants in the pulp, its fiber content, heart-healthy fats (believe it or not), and calcium, all of which combine to leave many berries, including blueberries and cranberries back in the berry basket. At GG & Joe, acai berry puree forms the foundation of many a colorful, fruit-filled bowl. Read More
Raw, Vegan & Gluten-Free Food Done Right: Catch a Healthy Habit Cafe Turns 10! Restaurant Vegan Special Dietary Needs Gluten-Free Vegetarian Raw Fairfield healthy Organic Lunch Smoothies Breakfast Bakery Stephanie Webster November 29, 2019 When Catch A Healthy Habit opened its doors 10 years ago, this raw, vegan, gluten-free cafe was one of the first of its kind in CT, and certainly the first in Fairfield County. Owners Lisa Storch (yes, she is related to Matt Storch) and Glen Colello did a wonderful job creating an extensive healthy and delicious menu of items you can’t believe taste so darn good given everything that’s NOT included in the ingredients list. Storch, is a CIA trained chef and has always made everything from scratch, including their almond milk, cashew cheese, and coconut whipped cream (which is divine). They have also managed to source the single best gluten-free bread I’ve found in the fine state of CT. And now they’re 10 years old! To celebrate they will giving all their loyal guests 10% off everything in the store (including their juice cleanses) on Nov 30th, Small Business Day. Read More
Playa Bowls Opening In West Hartford w/ Bowls & Smoothies Galore Restaurant Smoothies Acai Bowl healthy west har open Breakfast lunch CTbites Team November 07, 2019 West Hartford, Connecticut is about to get a bowl full of sunshine with the opening of PLAYA BOWLS in Blue Back Square this November. Serving up bowls and smoothies made from açaí, pitaya, coconut, greens, chia, banana, and oatmeal, Playa Bowls uses the freshest high-quality ingredients, with sustainability and community in mind.Furthermore, on Opening Day (exact date and time to be announced in the coming weeks on instagram at @playabowlsweha), the first 50 people in line will get a FREE bowl or smoothie of their choice! Read More
Playa Bowls Opens in Fairfield: Acai Bowls & Smoothies For All! Restaurant Fairfield healthy Smoothies Acai Bowl Lunch Breakfast CTbites Team September 18, 2018 Acai: the dark purple berry from the lush jungles of the Amazon has made its way to the recently opened Playa Bowls kitchen in Fairfield. With almost 50 locations, Playa Bowls has quickly grown from an idea in New Jersey to a nationwide phenomenon that highlights Acai, the berry that makes it all happen.Acai contains the nutrients that provide a natural energy boost that doesn’t overload the stomach. Playa Bowls uses this berry to its best ability by complementing it with concoctions of other fruits and intricate, yet simple, twists of decadent flavors that are rarely seen in a bowl. Read More
The Hummus & Pita Co. Opening in CT Featuring The "Hummus Shake" Restaurant Openings Mediterranean Dessert Smoothies Lunch Brookfield CTbites Team July 24, 2018 This August, The Hummus & Pita Co. will bring its healthy, fast-casual Mediterranean cuisine to Connecticut in a comfortable and inviting environment, at its newest location in Brookfield, Connecticut. This opening marks the first Hummus & Pita Co. restaurant to open outside of New York City. What we love about The Hummus & Pita Co. is that all menu items are made-from-scratch on the premises, including freshly baked pita and laffa breads, and traditional-style meats cooked in a taboon oven.But what REALLY sets them apart from your local Mediterranean haunt, are the signature hummus desserts offering such as the Dessert Hummus and the recently launched Hummus Shake. Yep, you heard me. Read More
Catch a Healthy Habit in Fairfield: New Summer Menu, Raw, Vegan, Gluten Free Restaurant Juice Bar Smoothies Special Dietary Needs Vegetarian healthy vegan Raw Jessica Ryan June 19, 2016 Unassumingly tucked away amongst the store-fronts in downtown Fairfield is Catch a Healthy Habit. Maybe you’ve not been in a while…maybe you’ve never been at all, or you’ve been curious, but you’ve never been. The Cafe has been in Fairfield for over six years and in New Haven for two years prior to opening in Fairfield. This casual, health-based, raw, gluten-free and vegan eatery focuses on clean eating. Their products are organic and non-GMO and the tastes and presentations are delicious and beautiful. They recently launched their new Spring/Summer menu and Stephanie Webster, armed with her camera, and I had the opportunity to stop in and sample some of the newest goodies to grace the menu. The food is gorgeously plated, visually stunning, allowing the naturally vibrant colors of spring to take center stage. As the weather heats up and we shed our outer layers we still need to satisfy our hunger without feeling weighted down. Read More
The Fresh Market Opens in Westport Ingredients Specialty Market Spices Westport Stephanie Webster October 14, 2009 The much anticipated Fresh Market opened today in Westport (despite the picket lines) not with the ceremonial ribbon cutting, but a Parmigian cheese cutting as is customary for Fresh Market store openings. The arrival of this North Carolina based grocery chain promises to do much to revitalize both the old Shaw's shopping center and our daily shopping routine. The physical space and the products they carry feel like a breath of fresh air, and I haven’t encountered such friendly executives and staff since I lived on the West Coast. Granted it was opening day, but employees stood ready in each aisle anticipating your every need and every question--often offering you something delicious to eat. The atmosphere is comfortable and warm, almost like a European general store, but the best part (even better than the fact that they walk you to your car) is the quality and diversity of the product lines. I have spent my life driving between Whole Foods for my higher end specialty items, and then high-tailing it, often in traffic, to Stop & Shop for my basics (maximizing my carbon footprint). The Fresh Market fees like a higher end shopping experience, but it also carries standard grocery store items. Read More
El's Kitchen Seasonings: Versatile Dry Rubs 6 Ways Ingredients Spices Deanna Foster October 05, 2009 I followed my nose at the Blues and BBQ Festival in Westport last weekend, moving in many directions from one flaming grill to the next, when amidst all the smoke, one flavorful bite of spice rubbed grilled chicken stopped me in my tracks. The scent did not lie; the taste did not disappoint. The chicken was grilled with El’s Kitchen Chicken and Pork Medium Spicy Dry Rub and Seasoning Mix. The small sample was so flavorful; I bought a jar on the spot. Home cooking proved the tastiness could be achieved without festival accoutrement, and I called Eleanor Smith, the owner and the “El” of El’s Kitchen, who lives in Weston to learn more about her products. Read More
Spice Up Movie Night with Penzeys (Popcorn) Spices Ingredients Norwalk Specialty Market Spices Recipe Stephanie Webster September 01, 2009 Recently my husband brought home a spice from Penzeys Spices in Norwalk. It looked harmless enough. It was the Smoky Penzeys 4/S, where the so-called "4S's" stood for special seasoned sea salt. Sure, I've had smoked sea salt before, and yes, they do add great flavor to chicken, beef or fish, but this "all purpose smoky salt" touted one more tasty possibility. Upon reading the words "…even popcorn" my husband and I decided to give it a try for the Sunday night line-up. We popped up a large batch on the stove top - the old school way - sprinkled on a generous amount of the 4/S while the kernels were still hot, and raced over to the TIVO. After the first bite, I could no longer focus on the screen. I had to run downstairs to add more spice to the crunchy corn and only then could I carry on. The salty smokiness of this seasoning is absolutely wonderful, and really turns your average bowl of popcorn into a gourmet treat. I've had a lot of seasoned popcorn, but with ingredients like smoked paprika, black pepper, rosemary, and thyme, this spice was a winner, and it's reasonably priced at $2.95 for 4 ounces. Given the unexpected joy in this little brown canister, I went back to Penzeys to inquire about other popcorn possibilities. Read More
Chef Shortcut: Try Chardonnay Smoked Salt Ingredients Spices Nicole Straight June 16, 2009 I found this Chardonnay Smoked Fleur de Selin Whole Foods the other day. It's made by a company called India Tree, and has a distinct smoky smell and flavor making it the perfect seasoning for fish, chicken, or even freshly sauteed spinach with a squeeze of lemon juice. It's a great shortcut to a uniquely tasty meal. Here is a great recipe for Cod that features this food find: Read More
