Filtering by Tag: South Norwalk,Spirits

SoNo Wood Fired Opens in South Norwalk: Neapolitan Pizza + Italian Soul Food

Features Interview Restaurant Norwalk South Norwalk Pizza Neapolitan pizza Homepage Italian Openings

Andrew Dominick March 12, 2023

Thin crust. Roman style. Pan pizza. Bar pies. Artisan. Grilled. Foldable New York slices.

Norwalk has all of that. And you can insert your own quip about there being “too much Italian” if you want.

What Norwalk has been missing in its dining history is a true wood-fired Neapolitan pizzeria.

Check that. “Had been missing.”

Newly opened on N Main Street is SoNo Wood Fired, where owner and pizzaiolo Besnar Kaba ferments, forms, stretches, and tops each pie, then slides each one using a long peel into his 800° Forza Forni Pavesi.

Kaba is meticulous about it, though. He will only cook three or so doughs at a time, turning them feverishly for 90 seconds to two minutes, to achieve that perfect leopard spotted char that’s indicative of a proper Neapolitan pie.

Alma Bistro Cocina Latina Opens in Norwalk With Delicious Nuevo-Latino Soul Food

Restaurant Latin American Latin Fusion Norwalk South Norwalk Openings Happy Hour Homepage

Jessica Ryan January 14, 2023

Alma Cocina brings soul to Norwalk’s Wall Street area.

I recently had the opportunity to visit the newly opened Alma Bistro. Just a couple of weeks old, this Latin-fusion eatery features delicious Nuevo-Latino soul food with an upscale twist and promises to be the darling of the Norwalk restaurant scene.

Alma Bistro Cocina Latina was founded by Alma Miranda, Ulises Jiminez, Don Rene and Norberto Lucero out of a deep love for food that is authentically Latino. We have some real star power here.

SoNo 1420’s BLAZE Bartender Competition: Bartenders & Guests Wanted!

Features Events Bartender Competition Mixology Cocktails South Norwalk Distillery Homepage

CTbites Team September 04, 2022

On September 19th Bartenders from across the state of Connecticut are invited to show off their creativity, craft and passion by participating in SoNo 1420’s BLAZE BARTENDER COMPETITION.

“We are looking for our next Great BLAZE WHISKY cocktail and would love to see you showcase your skills with our Cinnamon Flavored Whisky that has won Double Gold and Best in Class Finalist 2022 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.”

BARTENDERS: Register here at BLAZEWHISKY.COM/COMPETITON by 9/12 to receive a complimentary 200 ml flask of Blaze along with other BLAZE Swag.

GUESTS: Swing by any of the locations below and cheer your favorite bartender on, and sample some great new cocktails.

The competition will take place on September 19th from 6-9 pm at the following locations:

Regional Competitions

Date: September 19, 2022

Time: 6-9 pm

Local Competitions Happening Near You At…

Oar+ Oak, Stratford

O’Neills Irish Pub, Norwalk

Stony Creek Brewery, Branford

Tomato Joe’s, Rocky Hill

Spacecat Brewing Company: Now Pouring in Norwalk

Features Interview Craft Beer beer South Norwalk Norwalk Homepage Openings

Andrew Dominick February 23, 2022

With Spacecat Brewing Company opening its taproom, South Norwalk finally has a brewery…

Again.

Not counting the two short-lived macrobreweries Guvnor’s and Iron which were located in the same space on Washington Street, the city hasn’t had a larger, buzzed about brewery since New England Brewing debuted on Commerce Street 1989 with then head brewer Phil Markowski, and they eventually moved to Marshall Street with another head brewer, Rob Leonard at the helm.

NEBCO left SoNo in 2001 for Woodbridge and Norwalk has been without a watering hole like it ever since.

A little less than 20 years later, James Bloom—no relation to the famous Bloom Family oyster operation—had an idea to open a brewery along with his friend and co-worker Jeff Dunn.

The Cult Of Joe Bruno: Bruculino Goes Back To Its Roots, Pasta Nostra, in South Norwalk

Features SONO South Norwalk Pasta Chef Talk News Homepage

Lloyd Allen October 27, 2021

Bruno. Joe Bruno. AKA Joe. Bold. Intense. Irreverent. Stubbornly set in his ways, yet with the naive audacity of a young teenager. Joe Bruno cares about one thing only: perfecting his art. A perfectionist in an imperfect world.

Everything else is just show, point of view, shock and awe. “I’m not a chef,” he once said to me, “but I know that I have to recreate a dish exactly as I made for you the first time.” Right? Exacting execution— that’s what we grew to expect and that’s what we were given, night after night after night.

He was 35 when he opened Pasta Nostra. It was never meant to be a restaurant. “I wanted to sell pasta. I made a few dishes to showcase my pasta and the next thing you know it’s a restaurant.”

RHK Seafood Boil and Bar Opens in South Norwalk

Restaurant Features Seafood Cocktails Burgers seafood boil South Norwalk Norwalk Homepage

Andrew Dominick July 09, 2021

South Norwalk is boiling over…with seafood. Seafood boils, that is. And SoNo is set to get that times two.

RHK Seafood Boil and Bar is one of two Cajun-inspired seafood joints to open its doors downtown, the other being SoNo Boil, just a block away.

This isn’t a comparison between the two, but rather a focus on the former in RHK. You can compare and contrast on your own time, eating your weight in shellfish, chorizo, corn, and potatoes for research purposes.

RHK—located in the former Mama’s Boy, then Beach House space—comes to Norwalk from the folks behind Round K Coffee & Roasters in New York City.

But how does a seafood boil idea stem from coffee shop owners? It’s simple. Hospitality.

“Coffee is the most common and traditional way to show hospitality,” says owner Ockhyeon Byeon. “At Round K, we are able to provide locals and visitors with all-in-one hospitality, from greetings to serving foods and drinks. I’m looking forward to introducing lower Fairfield County to Cajun-inspired seafood boils, where the goal is to gather, eat, and have a good time.”

Byeon also likened South Norwalk to where he’s from in South Korea, where seafood is a main food source. He even purposely parks his car on the top level of The Maritime Garage because the ocean view reminds him of where he grew up.

Fourth & Pride Vodka: Founded in CT, In Support of the LGBTQ+ Community

Features Liquor Spirits Vodka Specialty Products Cocktails Local Artisan

Stephanie Webster January 27, 2021

There’s a new vodka in town, and before you say, “they all taste the same,” get ready for something a little different. The brand is Fourth & Pride, and it was founded by John Edelman (former CEO of Design Within Reach), and his partners, Douglas Slayton and Jesse Weinberg, in recognition of the spirit, vitality, and camaraderie of the famous East Village pride bars and their patrons. What does this tasty new vodka brand have to do with Connecticut? The CEO lives right here in Westport, and with Edelman’s background in high design, this brand has some serious swagger. Plus, if you need another great reason to go forth and score yourself a bottle, Fourth & Pride donates 5% of all sales to charities in support of the LGBTQ+ community and may just be the smoothest vodka you’ve ever tasted.

Grano Arso & Highclere Castle Gin Partner for $99 Ultimate Cocktail...For A Good Cause

Features Cocktails Fundraiser Spirits Local Artisan

Kristin L. Wolfe October 31, 2020

Although we continue to lament the trials of 2020 and all the ways in which IT has put a damper on our spirits, there are still some things bubbling to the surface as pure goodness. If anything, 2020 has called on all of us to be more creative and resourceful than we’ve ever been before. Take collaborations for example. Businesses have been coming together to not only support one another through tough times, but CREATE in ways which raise the bar of possibilities.

Grano Arso, in Chester and Highclere Castle Gin out of Essex, in partnership with the namesake estate in England and location of the beloved series Downton Abbey, have come together to create the ultimate moment of luxury. From November 1 - January 1, diners have the opportunity to delight in, perhaps, the most lavish cocktail ever made. This $99 cocktail is not meant to empty your pockets, although the pleasure itself might be worth the moment, but in fact, go to a wonderful cause. Given the downsides of Covid-19, the Channel 3 Kids Camp, celebrating their 110th year, was unable to run this year, therefore disappointing countless Connecticut children who did not get to experience it this summer. More than ever, the proceeds from this divine cocktail will ensure kids get their camp experience in 2021.

Saugatuck Grain & Grape Pop-Up Store Opens in Westport to Pay It Forward

Features WIne Spirits Wine Shop Specialty Market Liquor Shopping Westport Openings Pop-Up

Stephanie Webster September 12, 2020

For those of us who shop or live in the Westport area, you could hear a communal groan of sadness when Saugatuck Grain & Grape closed up shop by the train station in 2018. It was audible. Owner, Mimi McLaughlin ran her small boutique wine and spirits shop like a family, and every time you walked in that door, she taught you something, or opened your eyes to something new. Shoppers walked out excited about a new small producer wine label, a local distiller they’d never heard of…or a cocktail, made perfectly. Her passion and knowledge of all things “grain and grape” created a brand that took her love of educating the consumer and made her a leader in her field.

Fast forward to 2020 and…wait for it…Mimi is back. Last week she opened a Saugatuck Grain & Grape pop-up location at 1460 Post Road East. You can still lean on her for that perfect red wine recommendation, but it’s different this time around. McLaughin says ”I am back because I came to a realization during quarantine, that what I really want to do, is support the local community, those who need it most.” She has put her money where her mouth is, as SG&G is giving 15% of ALL SALES to local charitable organizations.

The Spread in SoNo Moves IronWorks Complex, Re-Opening This Week!

Restaurant Openings South Norwalk SONO American Global Cuisine Cuban Asian Happy Hour Bar Cocktails Norwalk Homepage

Stephanie Webster June 07, 2020

The Spread you know and love from Main Street in South Norwalk has some new digs and a whole new summer look. Spread owners Andrey Cortes, Chris Hickey, Chris Rasile, Shawn Longyear and Chef Carlos Baez have taken their much heralded menu and rustic industrial vibe, and moved down the street, next door to their sister spot, El Segundo. The new spot resides in the old Harlan Public location within the IronWorks complex, and it comes with one of the most beautiful outdoor dining spaces in Fairfield County. Loyal diners and regulars….don’t worry. The menu will feature all of the usual favorites such as their Brick Chicken and Ricotta Gnocchi but Chef Baez has a few surprises up his chef’s coat.

History Happy Hour: Craig Ventrice Makes A Sherry Flip Vintage Cocktail

Features Recipe Video Recipe Cocktails How To Entertaining Spirits Mixology

Stephanie Webster May 07, 2020

This week on the History Happy Hour, bartender Craig Ventrice shares his recipe for The Sherry Flip, popular in 18th century taverns and quaffed by the likes of George Washington.

History Happy Hour Weekly Video Series: CT Bartenders Demo Vintage Cocktails

Features Recipe Video Cocktails Bar Spirits Education

Stephanie Webster April 12, 2020

Continuum Distilling Opens In Waterbury With Craft Spirits Made From Beer

Ingredients Features Beer CT Beer Distillery Spirits Local Artisan

James Gribbon March 03, 2020

Because they apparently didn't have enough on their plates with Black Hog brewing, Ordinary cocktail bar, OLMO, Caseus, and The Stack in New Haven, Jason and Tom Sobocinski and Tyler Jones have launched Continuum Distilling in Waterbury. The distillery logo features a hop surrounded by the tricorner symbol for recycling, an emblem of their process, which takes the often discarded "trimmings" from area breweries, and reduces them to an unusual, boozy essence.

I made it up to Continuum last weekend for their grand opening, and my first impression was that it shares a building with Brass Works Brewing. Neat! I'd had several Brass Works beers before, but I'd never been, so a single trip can be a BOGO for the efficiency-minded drinker on the go.

Bruxelles Brasserie’s European Flavors Infuse the South Norwalk Restaurant Scene

Restaurant SONO South Norwalk Norwalk Openings European Hungarian French Comfort Food Brunch Lunch Homepage

Jessica Ryan December 15, 2019

Bruxelles Brasserie recently opened its doors on Main Street in the space formerly occupied by Barcelona Wine Bar. The setting is hip - a SoHo vibe in SoNo – the flavors are somewhat more traditional. Chef Roland Olah describes his cuisine as simple, though I beg to differ. While there is a familiarity with every dish, nearly everything we tried also had an element of surprise. At Bruxelles Brasseries, you might find that the expected meets the unexpected.

CT Distilleries Share Their Favorite Holiday Cocktail Recipes

Features Ingredients Cocktails Recipe Entertaining Holiday Local Artisan Distillery Spirits Homepage

April Guilbault December 10, 2019

’Tis the season for merriment annnnd with merriment usually comes festive cocktails. Knowing that Connecticut has some amazing small-batch distilleries, we would like to highlight some delicious cocktails utilizing these spirits to get your party going and get your guests dancing like ol’ Mr. Fezziwig. Enjoy these jovial creations at your next party or pick up a bottle of these local spirits as a great gift for hostesses, friends or family members. Spread the local love, raise those glasses and enjoy the holidays. Cue the merriment!

Mine Hill Distillery in Roxbury: Spirits with a Sense of Past and Place (via CT Magazine)

Features Distillery Local Artisan Roxbury Cocktails Spirits

Connecticut Magazine December 05, 2019

Time is an ingredient,” Elliott Davis says as he takes me on a tour of Mine Hill Distillery in Roxbury. The venture capitalist turned sheep farmer turned distillery owner is speaking literally. He’s referring to the way the rye, bourbon and other styles of whiskey produced at his distillery will be flavored by the passage of time as they sit aging for months and years in barrels. But he could also be speaking figuratively. Each drop of liquid produced at his distillery, which opened this fall, is inspired by the past.

New Haven’s popular Sally’s Apizza to open in SoNo Collection (via The Hour)

Restaurant Openings South Norwalk SONO Pizza Homepage

CTbites Team October 13, 2019

The Hour has just confirmed the rumors regarding Sally’s Apizza opening in South Norwalk’s new SoNo Collection.

The billboard has long been on the opposite side of Interstate 84 from Danbury Fair, steering drivers a few exits beyond the mall to the western-most Connecticut outpost for the legendary Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, a New Haven institution since 1925.

About 20 miles south, another New Haven pizza icon will be firing up the ovens in Fairfield County — and you’ll be able to pop in from the mall concourse while shopping.

Sally’s Apizza chose The SoNo Collection mall for the first entree in what new owner Lineage Hospitality sees as an expansion nationally. The mall will open Friday with a handful of stores, and others to follow as the holiday shopping season gears up.

Read the complete article here.

Conspiracy: Killer Cocktails & Small Plate Magic in Middletown CT

Restaurant Bar Cocktails Middletown Spirits Homepage

Kristin L. Wolfe August 04, 2019

The niche at Conspiracy has been very warmly received and has opened up such a great new opportunity for Middletown visitors. Chef Sassi mentioned, “The small plates is something that’s been a passion of mine for several years, so, to have a place entirely devoted to small plates breaks the mold of the conventional way of eating out. What’s better than experiencing several different dishes and flavors and journeys for the cost of a single regular entree?”

I agree. It’s super smart, very creative, and gaaa damn delicious.

“Being a craft cocktail bar in Middletown is a hustle,” mentioned owners Mark and Jen Sabo. “We’re not a big city, the town isn’t (yet) a place people 100 percent think of as a destination, so we have to grind and push the boundaries of creativity and innovate and change constantly...our guests respond to variety and innovation, so we are constantly looking to deliver that.”

If it was even possible to manage more tasty bites, my guest and I tried the S'mores, to finish a journey of exquisite flavors. Like the PB&J, this treat paid homage to its childlike original and yet, had a cooler, dressed up vibe. Toasted graham cracker crumble, marshmallow creme anglaise, spiced chocolate, and brûlée marshmallow all painted on a plate, that was part art, part throwback summer memory.

SoNo Seaport Seafood Reopens: Iconic Waterside Seafood is BACK!

Restaurant South Norwalk SONO Norwalk Seafood Comfort Food Kid Friendly Waterfront Patio Outdoor Dining Openings Homepage

Andrew Dominick August 01, 2019

After a two-and-a-half-month hiatus, SoNo Seaport Seafood is open once again, serving up the ocean’s bounty with a few exciting changes.

In mid-April, the 35-year-old South Norwalk mainstay announced they would shut down shop while the restaurant, outdoor bar, and patio all underwent renovations. To oversee it all, SoNo Seaport’s owners, the Bloom Family, brought in a legit Fairfield County chef to consult on the project.

That’s where Matt Storch enters the fray. But make no mistake, the chef/owner of Match and Match Burger Lobster wasn’t merely brought in to make decisions on what furniture to buy and what color paint should go on the walls. One of Storch’s focal points at SoNo Seaport was to give an outdated menu a much-needed refresh.

Bar Zorro, Evarito's Rooftop Bar in Downtown South Norwalk, Your New Summer Spot!

Restaurant Norwalk South Norwalk Openings RoofTop Bar Cocktails Mexican

Andrew Dominick June 18, 2019

If you’re strolling around South Norwalk, flip your Ray-Ban aviators on and glance up at the corner of N Main and Washington streets. You see that? The string lights, and oh, wait, there are people up there! And they’re drinking! They’re clearly having fun but you’re down there being lame. Go into Evarito’s and take the elevator to the roof. The doors open, you walk up the ramp’s slight incline, and you’re instantly transported to a tropical oasis. Brightly colored drinks are flowing, cans of Corona are being popped open, and tacos are getting crushed in three bites or less. I bet you feel the opposite of lame. Your cool factor just increased tenfold.

Welcome to Bar Zorro!