Filtering by Tag: Oktoberfest,Tapas

Crush Wine Bar Opens in West Hartford Center From Union Kitchen Team

Restaurant West Hartford Hartford County Opening Wine Bar Wine Dinners Wine & Spirits Tapas Homepage

Leeanne Griffin November 19, 2024

The team behind West Hartford’s newest wine bar wants its guests to know that it’s far more than just wine – though its list is more than 400 bottles strong.

Crush Wine Bar, which opened in the town center on Oct. 30, offers a full menu of thoughtful small plates alongside its extensive wine selection. Operations manager and beverage director Vish Badami said he thinks the food has been a bit of a surprise for guests in the first few weeks.

“People (expect) it's going to be cheese and charcuterie, and that's kind of the impression they have,” he said. “And then I think a lot of people are very pleasantly surprised with the quality of food, the thought process behind the food, the options, the freshness of the dishes.”

Crush Wine Bar is a sister restaurant to Union Kitchen, its LaSalle Road neighbor, which has evolved in recent years from a casual comfort-food spot to a more upscale experience with tasting menus. Both are owned by Bean Restaurant Group, which also owns and operates several other eateries in western Massachusetts, including The Student Prince in Springfield, the White Hut burger spots in Holyoke and West Springfield and the German-themed Wurst Haus in Northampton.

60+ Spots To Celebrate Oktoberfest In Connecticut (2024 Edition)

Features Oktoberfest Brewery Beer CT Beer Events Homepage

Carly Terzigni September 06, 2024

Summer vacation has come to an end, which can only mean one thing…it’s Oktoberfest season! Known for its abundance of excellent beer and German food, you’ll find restaurants, bars, and festivals across the state offering an Oktoberfest celebration in the coming weeks. You can find one-day events or, in some instances, festivities that span multiple weeks.

As the name implies, Oktoberfest originally took place over 16 days in October. These days, the festivities usually begin sooner, with the first festivals starting in September. That means your favorite Connecticut town or restaurant is in the final preparation phases for this year’s Oktoberfest. Organized by county, you’ll be able to find an Oktoberfest celebration near you.

Siren Restobar Opens with Mediterranean Cuisine in Greenwich

Restaurant Old Greenwich Greenwich Mediterranean Lunch Homepage Tapas

Jessica Ryan December 06, 2023

We recently had the pleasure of visiting Siren Restobar in Old Greenwich Connecticut. Owner Anshu Vidyarthi opened this new Mediterranean-inspired eatery in August. No stranger to the restaurant world, Vidyarthi is also the co-owner of Le Penguin and Le Fat Poodle with business partner Antoine Blech. Siren is his first solo project.

The tapas restaurant takes on flavors from throughout the Mediterranean region, and Siren’s culinary range extends to include influences from Syria, Turkey, Sardinia, Morocco, and Lebanon to name just a few.

Vidyarthi’s desire with Siren was to create serious food but whimsically. He doesn’t take himself too seriously and would prefer that you didn’t either. Siren serves the type of food that people who are well-fed and well-travelled are looking for. The authenticity of every dish is evident in every mouthful, simple ingredients that create a depth of flavor. One needn’t overcomplicate things.

40+ Spots To Celebrate Oktoberfest In Connecticut 2023

Events Features Holiday Oktoberfest Brewery CT Beer Events EVENT Festival Beer Dinner Beer Festival Homepage

April Guilbault September 08, 2023

“Let’s get a drink”. “Come over for a drink!”. There’s nothing more convivial than sharing a drink together with a person or a whole group of favorite persons. And isn’t the ol’ saying -it’s 5 o’clock somewhere? Well, here’s a historical “reason” to raise your glasses high-Oktoberfest, the beloved, ancient event involving mouthwatering beers, so much (too much? never!) merriment and some fabulous lederhosen. Oktoberfest-ivities run pretty much the entire month of September and into October, so there are plenty of chances to raise that stein. And remember, we all put our lederhosen on one leg at a time. Prost!

30+ Spots to Celebrate Oktoberfest 2022 in Connecticut

Brewery Features Events Oktoberfest Festival Beer CT Beer Beer Garden Holiday Homepage

April Guilbault September 10, 2022

Hops is on the brain and Oktoberfest is on the calendar. It’s that delightful time of year to gather with friends, German-style! Chomp into a giant pretzel, grill a brat, raise a stein (or 20, if you are partaking in a competition), and then toast, toast, and toast some more. Across our state, Oktoberfest celebrations are happening and you’ve simply got to get in on one of them. A better time will not be had! Prost!

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.

DeTapas Gastro Pub Opens in Westport with Spanish Tapas

Restaurant Openings Homepage Westport Spanish Tapas

Jessica Ryan March 19, 2022

25+ Spots To Celebrate Oktoberfest in Connecticut

Features Events Oktoberfest EVENT News Beer CT Beer Holiday Homepage

April Guilbault September 30, 2021

Who doesn’t love a wedding? Wait…what? Did you know that Oktoberfest got its start in 1810 as a celebration of the wedding of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen? (please try saying that last name after a stein of brew.) We can get onboard with any wedding celebration that involves giant pretzels, bratwurst for miles, and beer flowing like a Bavarian river. Another little factoid for you to thrill your beer-buddies with: the current Oktoberfest in Germany only serves beer from the original six breweries in Munich. Our list, lucky for you, is a tad longer. You can call that a win and not even have to fly anywhere. Oktoberfest, weddings, whatever you are celebrating-Raise those steins! Prost!

Enjoy these 25+ spots to celebrate OKTOBERFEST in Connecticut!

Restaurant L'Ostal Opens in Darien with Beautiful Provençal Cuisine

Restaurant Darien Openings French Italian Spanish Provencal Fine Dining Tapas Homepage

Jessica Ryan April 18, 2021

Darien finally gets a serious contender in upscale dining, bringing New York City excellence to the area without the city prices. Rooted in history and steeped in tradition, Restaurant L’Ostal celebrates the cuisines of Southern France and its neighboring communities from Catalonia, the Languedoc, Provence and the Alps of the Piemonte region of Italy with precision and accuracy.

Before I share my own culinary experience, you must meet Chef Jared Sippel and General Manager and Sommelier Joe Cracco.

The Lila Rose Opens in Stamford: Sophisticated, Deliciously Playful, and a True Dining Experience

Restaurant Openings Tapas American Global Cuisine Cocktails Stamford Bar Brunch Homepage Breakfast

Jessica Ryan December 03, 2020

A couple of months ago John and Morgan Nealon (owners of the ever popular Taco Daddy) partnered up with Chef Mo Major, General Manager JJ Henao, and Mixologist Dave Cohade to create a restaurant experience like no other. This restaurant is The Lila Rose, a luxurious, sophisticated, whimsical and (I dare say) over-the-top restaurant.

The interior, dressed entirely in shades of pink and gold, is distinctly feminine with a flirty vibe that’s sophisticated yet playful. The Lila Rose is a delicious feast for the eyes offering up so much exquisite detail, you can’t possibly take it all in.

I had the opportunity to sample their menu a couple of weeks ago. With so few opportunities to “get away” these days, the Lila Rose fills that void, offering guests a truly memorable experience. This is the type of venue where you’ll want to slip into something more beautiful and we noticed that the guests thought so too.

Chef Jason Toledo Takes Over The Kitchen at Barcelona Wine Bar West Hartford

Restaurant Spanish Tapas Chef Chef Talk Menu Update West Hartford Hartford County

Jessica Ryan October 29, 2020

Last week we took a road trip to Barcelona Wine Bar in West Hartford to meet Executive Chef Jason Toledo who recently joined the team there from the Boston locations. Barcelona Wine Bar, which first appeared on the scene in 1995, has been a go-to for tapas and wine lovers ever since. Known for their rustic Mediterranean and South American inspired influences, regulars seek out the restaurant’s signature dishes as a source of comfort and consistency. (I cannot, for example, not order the spinach and Chickpea Cazuela and the Gambas al Ajillo - ordered with extra bread to soak up the divine garlicky juices). While we all have our go-to comfort foods, discovering new items is an equally thrilling part of the experience.

With 18 locations in nine states, Barcelona prides itself on celebrating each chef’s individual talents, allowing for certain dishes to be exclusive to each restaurant. Each location, while unique, has a familiar and welcoming atmosphere.

10 Things—or Tapas—We Loved About Mezón Restaurant in Danbury

Restaurant Latin American Peruvian Mexican Danbury Tapas Homepage

Stephanie Webster & Andrew Dominick February 02, 2020

For nearly a decade, Mezón Restaurant has been thought of as one of Connecticut’s premiere Latin eateries by word of mouth and its seen its fair share of media recognition—they are fresh off Connecticut Magazine Reader’s Poll wins for Best Latin in Fairfield County and the runner-up for Best Latin in the state. And that’s saying something considering they didn’t even know they were nominated and because of that, they didn’t publicize it.

Four years ago, our own Lou Gorfain sang Mezón’s praises after a small tasting of ceviche, pan seared pulpo, Dominican fried chicken, and churros. But everything food deserves an update, especially considering there’s a new chef at the helm, an obviously newer menu, and a haven for craft cocktails.

Oh, and I’m pretty sure Lou and Kristin are the only ones at CTbites who have been to Mezón. For Stephanie and me, we uttered the same thing, “I’m embarrassed I hadn’t been here before.”

Brunch at Barcelona Wine Bar Norwalk: The Secret Is Out

Restaurant Brunch Breakfast Spanish Tapas Norwalk New Haven West Hartford

Stephanie Webster December 25, 2019

This review has been a long time coming. For the past year, my family has had a standing reservation either Saturday or Sunday morning at Barcelona Wine Bar’s Waypoint location. We have been regulars at their evening Tapas service, truly enjoying Chef Kaline Capps’ ever evolving but consistently well executed menu. However, the morning we walked in for Brunch, our weekend breakfast game was forever changed. Barcelona serves a 12 piece curated Brunch menu that knocks the socks off of most local breakfast menus, and the prices…well…there is only one item on the menu over $8. Scrambled Egg Montadito with Manchego and Serrano ham will run you $4.50. Migas Verduras with Brussel Sprouts, Cauliflower, and Aioli sets you back $6.50, and the incredibly delicious Chorizo Breakfast Bowl can be yours for $7.50. Every time we stagger out the door, full of cured Spanish meat and perfectly cooked eggs, we have reverse sticker shock. The menu features ingredients you know, each with a delightful Spanish twist. Now, I’ve shared my little secret. You know where to find me on the weekends. And I haven’t even gotten to the pancakes…

Westoberfest Downtown Westport Beer Festival w/ Over 50 Craft Breweries, Food & Fun sponsored post

Events Features Festival Oktoberfest

CTbites Team October 12, 2019

Over 30 New England craft breweries will serve up their favorite seasonal beer tastings at Westoberfest on October 19 at 2:00 p.m. in the heart of downtown Westport on Elm Street. Building on a successful inaugural event last year, and in partnership with Westport's newest wine and spirits merchant, The Grapevine, there will be even MORE breweries this year, with more than 50 unique pours of the best local and regional craft beer for three hours of unlimited tasting. Buy your tickets here!

The perfect complement to flavorful craft brews is tasty food, and Westoberfest will serve up two local favorites, Kawa Ni and Rothbard Ale + Larder, with options to satisfy any appetite. Line up early to experience traditional brats and pretzels from Rothbard’s or satisfy your culinary craving with spicy miso ramen, tofu pockets, and sesame noodles from Kawa Ni. The always crave-worthy DoughGirls truck will also be making an appearance in the kids' area (yes, there’s a KIDS AREA).

What’s on the Menu? Check it out…

Gaudi Tapas & Wine: The Girls of Gaudi Bring The Spirit of Spain To CT

Restaurant Danbury New Fairfield Spanish Tapas Brunch Cocktails Homepage

Kristin L. Wolfe October 06, 2019

As soon as you cross the threshold of Gaudi Tapas & Wine, past the sandy white stone facade, Meditteranean blue trim, and mosaic details on the walls, your passport has been stamped; you have officially been transported to Spain.

The Ruiz sisters hit gold when they recruited another set of siblings to underscore and deliver on their much-awaited dream restaurant. (Saray practically stared at the location for four years, before it was available and ready for them and their dream). Enter: Jose Flores, who has worked under the esteemed Arturo Franco-Camacho at Shell & Bones; and his brother, Oscar who has worked under Michelin star chef Luis Bollo of Salinas. Needless to say, you take the passion of two sisters--twins no less--and the powerhouse skills of talented chefs, and what do you get? Well, eh hem, as of October 2, you get a statewide nomination for Best Restaurant Newcomer of the Year.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For September 15-22

Features Events News Oktoberfest Festival

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 13, 2019

The 7th Annual Two Roads Ok2berfest takes place September 21 starting at 12pm. In addition to the brewery’s own tasty drafts, there will be Authentic German music, German-style beers, food, games and more.

Artisan West Hartford celebrates its 2nd Anniversary with a Havana Nights themed party on Wednesday September 18. Executive Chef Frederic Kieffer will be showcasing Cuban-themed cuisine including: Cubanos with pulled pork and pickles, Ropa Vieja , and other appetizers. In addition, unlimited Beer, Wine, Soda and Signature cocktails will be served. Dressing up for the event is encouraged!

Max Chef to Farm presents an Oktoberfest Dinner at Hanging Hills Brewery on Thursday September 19. This collaboration will bring Chef Hunter Morton together with selections from one of Connecticut's most popular craft brewers, Hanging Hills Brewing Company. Tickets are $79 inclusive and the event is limited to 70 seats.

Match Restaurant in Norwalk is turning TWENTY! Celebrate with them on Thursday September 19. Party with complimentary bites and bubbles along with a cash bar for other specialty drinks.

Greenwich Wine + Food Festival, located at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich, CT, is a multi-day event celebrating this area’s rich culinary landscape and showcasing innovation in the food and beverage industries. This year’s festival includes special guests like Martha Stewart, Margaret and Geoffrey Zakarian, and Valerie Bertinelli. Little Big Town headlines the musical entertainment. This year’s proceeds will go toward Food Rescue US and Greenwich Parks & Recreation.

20+ Places for Oktoberfest in CT: 2019 Edition

Features Oktoberfest Holiday Festival CT Beer Beer Garden Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 08, 2019

It may be called OKTOBERfest, but 2019’s Oktoberfest festivities are kicking off as early as September! Breweries are creating their own German inspired beers while popular restaurants are providing their own renditions of bratwurst and more. Get your lederhosen ready… Oktoberfest 2019 is here!

The Hops Company, Derby

The Hops Company will be hosting its 4th annual Oktoberfest on Sunday, October 13, 2019 beginning at 12:00pm. Featuring Von Trapp Brewery, the day will include live bands, giveaways, and specialty casks. A highlight of The Hops Company’s Oktoberfest is the Stein Hoisting Contest. Each winner will receive an overnight stay for two at the Von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT.

Half Full Brewery, Stamford

Oktoberfest in the Park, presented by Half Full Brewery, returns to Stamford on September 27 & 28. Festivities include food trucks, a Pop-Up Beer Garden, and Live Music from a variety of local and regional acts. The festival is held in support of the Mill River Park Collaborative and takes place on The North Lawn & Grand Steps in Mill River Park in downtown Stamford.

Troupe429, Norwalk

Saturday October 5 is PRIDEtoberfest at Troupe429 in Norwalk. The free event features plenty of drinks, food, and live performances.

Sandy Hook Craft Beer Festival, Newtown

Just in time for your Octoberfest parties comes the Sandy Hook Craft Beer Festival. There are currently over 45 breweries signed up and 6 food trucks. Additional vendors will provide food, candy, spirits and other shopping fun. Join them Saturday October 15 from 1-5pm.

At Gaudí Tapas and Wine, Dreams Come True via CT Magazine

Restaurant Spanish Tapas Openings

Connecticut Magazine January 08, 2019

Connecticut Magazine recently sited Gaudi Tapas and Wine as one of their favorite restaurants for 2018. We thought you should take a look…and taste.

Saray Ruiz saw something in the little house-like building off Route 37. The one with the small parking lot and everyday architecture. The one others drove by thousands of times without a second glance.

I’m going to open a restaurant there one day, she’d tell her twin sister, Noemi Ruiz, and anyone else who would listen to her dream. “It’s not going to happen,” Noemi would say.

At the time, a few years back, the spot was home to a Mexican restaurant. Saray had a feeling that would change and thought the cozy spot could host a restaurant inspired by her childhood in Lleida, a small town in the Catalonia region of Spain, within driving distance of Barcelona. This past fall, when she and her once-skeptical twin opened Gaudí Tapas and Wine, her dream became a reality.

And what a dream it is.

Zaragoza Tapas Bar: Excellent Tapas & Award Winning Cocktails in New Milford

Restaurant Milford Tapas Lunch Spanish Mediterranean Homepage

Kristin L. Wolfe December 09, 2018

Zaragoza’s tapas bar opened in New Milford in April 2016. The CTBites crew covered them a few months before their official opening and shared owner Artie Praino’s anticipation of a long-time dream come true after years in the deli business. Now, two and a half years later, they are a much beloved, popular spot for delicious, creative plates and cocktails.

Fully informed by several Zaragoza regulars that I was sure to be delighted, my belly gurgled for a new tapas experience. I’ve had the pleasure of going to Spain a few times, so, admittedly, morsels from those adventures like ceviche, calamari, and chorizo propelled me to the restaurant with little hesitation. I was eager to taste what their twist on the classics would be.

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of September 30th - October 7th

Features Events News Oktoberfest Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 27, 2018

On October 7, put your stomach to the ultimate test with the inaugural Dew Drop Wing Eating Contest! It costs $25 per person to enter and proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Club.

Millwright’s Social Club, in conjunction with The Wise Old Dog, will take place on Wednesday October 3 from 6-7:30pm. The “casual night of food and drink in the loft” will feature wines from Lieu Duet and Peterson Winery. It is $50 per person.

On October 4, Hadley + Occum, Farm Dinner Events continue with Chefs from Àvert. The series takes place at Sub Edge Farm in Farmington from 6-9pm.

It’s the end of summer (sigh) and Artisan in Southport invites you to an “End of Summer Patio Party” on Tuesday October 4. From 5-7pm, enjoy complimentary cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, and live music.