Best Bowls in CT: Acai, Poke, Middle Eastern, Korean, BBQ & More! Restaurant Features Bowls Acai Bowl Korean BBQ Best of CT Highlight Healthy Eats Vegetarian Middle Eastern Build Your Own Bowl Greek Homepage April Guilbault August 18, 2023 Whether it’s the dog days of summer or life just has you too busy to be bothered with cooking, some of the simplest, and often the most delicious meals, come in bowls. Chock full of healthy and delicious ingredients like grains, veggies, meats and fish or brimming with fresh fruits and icy smoothy-ness, bowls in all shapes and sizes make eating fun. They are convenient, interesting and delicious-what a trifecta! Here are some of our favorite bowls in Connecticut. Go build one for yourself! Read More
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
NYC's Fast Casual NAYA Middle Eastern Counter & Grill Brings Middle Eastern Cuisine to Darien Restaurant Darien Fast Casual Opening Middle Eastern CTbites Team June 12, 2023 In just a few short weeks, the Fairfield County dining scene will welcome NAYA Middle Eastern Counter & Grill opens its doors on June 23rd in Darien, CT. Originating from the heart of New York City, NAYA has gained widespread acclaim for its Middle Eastern flavors. Renowned for drawing long lines during the bustling lunch hour in NYC, NAYA is now set to captivate the vibrant community of Darien, nestled within the lively Darien Commons at 146 Heights Road, Darien, CT 06820. With a commitment to delivering an unparalleled fast casual dining experience, perfected in the Big Apple, NAYA is poised to serve the Fairfield County community. Read More
Three Girls Vegan Creamery in Guilford: All Vegan. All Delicious. Restaurant Vegan Vegetarian Special Dietary Needs Specialty Market Bakery Lunch Guilford April Guilbault June 07, 2023 Tender meatballs nestled in bubbling, vibrant San Marzano tomato sauce. Hearty breads that cradle cutlets generously smeared with homemade pesto. Crispy-on-the-outside Mac and Cheese balls and tender Crabcakes with a dollop of Horseradish Dill sauce. Lasagna that is layers deep, stuffed full of gooey cheese and smothered in more of that delightful tomato sauce. And it’s all vegan. Without getting too Hallmark-y, it is all based in love, as well. Tracy Alexander, with her two daughters Brittany and Taylor form the triumvirate of Three Girls Vegan Creamery in Guilford, Connecticut. Mama Tracy creates the recipes and menus, while daughters Brittany and Taylor run the locations and handle the marketing. Read More
The Blondinit: Israeli Restaurant Coming To Westport Features Openings Westport Mediterranean Israeli Middle Eastern Dan Woog May 09, 2023 If you want authentic Israeli food, go to Israel.Or Brooklyn.Soon though, dishes like shakshuka (poached eggs in a simmering tomato sauce with vegetables and spices) and deep-fried matzo stuffed with cheese will be available in Westport.On, ironically, Church Lane, in Westport.The Blondinit will fill the space vacated this winter by Manna Toast. It’s the first restaurant venture for Solomon and Inda Sade, who own several other businesses already. Her background is in retail and fashion.But this is their passion project. They love food and entertaining. And they’re putting their money where their, um, mouths are: They’re funding it themselves.While not Israeli, the Sades have strong ties there. Solomon’s parents were born in Israel. His father had 10 siblings, his mother, 8.Growing up on Long Island, his family visited there every summer. More recently, he and his wife honeymooned in Israel.When COVID struck, they and their 1-year-old left New York for their second home in the Poconos. But after 6 months of boredom — “the event of the day was standing outside Walmart with rubber gloves,” Solomon recalls — they moved to suburban New Jersey.The Blondinit’s meats, pitas, pickled goods and beers will all be “authentic” from Brooklyn.It will be delivered fresh daily. The Sades will not use freezers or microwaves. All leftover food will be donated to pantries and food rescue organizations.Read the complete article on Dan Woog’s 06880. Read More
Chef Driven 'DIG' To Open In Stamford with Mindfully Sourced Veg Forward Menu (via The Patch) Features Restaurant Openings Vegetarian Vegan Special Dietary Needs Stamford Lunch healthy Homepage Richard Kaufman via The Patch April 07, 2023 The old Bull's Head Diner which closed in 2021 has been transformed into a new, unique eatery that has something for everyone. DIG, a chef-centric restaurant based in New York City, will open up at 43 High Ridge Road the week of April 17.DIG has locations in Boston and Cambridge, Mass., Bridgewater Township, N.J., New York City, Philadelphia, Pa., Rye Brook, N.Y., and soon-to-be in Washington, D.C.The Stamford location will be the restaurant's first stand-alone location.DIG's seasonal menu is scratch-cooked and features fresh salads and market plates curated by their in-house chefs. The menu is rotated regularly, highlighting the freshest vegetables of the season.Patrons can expect various salad and grain bowls. Current offerings include the beet & goat cheese bowl: farm greens, roasted red beets with clementines, preserved orange vinaigrette, with crumbled goat cheese, super-seed crunch with balsamic dressing on the side;Or the kale caesar bowl: cashew kale caesar, farm greens with mint, tomatoes and cucumbers, and avocado, with cashew caesar dressing and toasted breadcrumbs on the side — among many other options.You can also build our own bowl, add an a la carte side like roasted sweet potatoes or the Jasper Hill mac and cheese: Jasper Hill three-cheese blend, Ithaca milk, whole-wheat pasta with crispy panko breadcrumbs.Read the complete article on The Patch. Read More
Beastie Burger: CT Entrepreneur Creates Delicious Plant Based Burgers Ingredients Features Vegan Vegetarian Plant Based Ingredients Burgers Healthy Eats Health & Wellness April Guilbault February 07, 2023 This is the story of a plant-based burger patty that began with a wedding invitation. Our heroine, Lisa, receives her son’s wedding invitation in the mail one day. Joy! But, oh, on that day, she is feeling that she doesn’t want to be in the spotlight, walking down that aisle as the Mother-of-the-Groom, with everyone staring at her. So, to help counter her depression and anxiety, she soon finds a local fitness trainer. In walks trainer Joseph and Lisa’s life begins to change. Even more changes are to come down the road, including, oddly, a little incident with a meat grinder on Rt.8 on dark and stormy night.As Lisa Nicholas begins her transformation and changes the way she thinks about nutrition and exercise, Joseph suggests upping her daily intake of protein to build those lean muscles. Problem is, Lisa had tried the vegan lifestyle years before and was hitting a wall with food being interesting and, also, getting enough protein. Read More
Guide to 35+ Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants & Bakeries in Connecticut (2023 Edition) Features Restaurant Vegan Homepage Guide Vegetarian Highlight April Guilbault February 04, 2023 Cutting down on meat these days? If you are, then no doubt you are on the lookout for delicious plant-based eateries. Here’s our listing for you—you little budding veggie lover—that highlight fabulous eats to break any preconceived ideas about being plant-forward in the ol’ Nutmeg State. Read More
Pistachio Cafe Opens Second Location in New Haven with Syrian Specialties Features Restaurant New Haven Café Breakfast Lunch Brunch Openings Coffee Shop Middle Eastern Dessert Stephanie Webster January 18, 2023 Some of you may be lucky enough to live near the popular Middle Eastern Pistachio Cafe in the Westville neighborhood of New Haven, but diners in downtown New Haven can finally experience the immense pleasure of settling into one of Pistachio’s signature Turkish Coffees or Pistachio Lattes. Last week, Pistachio Cafe opened a 2nd location at 1245 Chapel Street. Syrian artist, architect and owner, Mohamad Hafez, opened the original Pistachio location in 2020 with the goal of “giving guests the experience of hosting them in my domicile without taking them back to Syria.” In fact, the beautifully ornate and sumptuous interior has layer upon layer of detailing and decor straight from his childhood. . Every inch of this cafe is designed with objects of interest, and the stunning surroundings match the character of this Middle Eastern fan favorite. Read More
Cluck Cluck: 7 Questions with Ben Pote of Wildacre Rotisserie in Greenwich Interview Restaurant Chefs Chef Talk Local Chef CT Chef Fast Casual Chicken Vegetarian Greenwich Family Friendly Andrew Dominick November 10, 2022 In June 2022, Wilton resident Ben Pote opened Wildacre Rotisserie, a new fast casual concept whose signature is an expertly roasted heirloom chicken and an overall menu that’s all about freshness and quality.This “Cali-style” chicken joint isn’t only bird-focused, though, as it’s got plenty in terms of vegetarian options—including a whole roasted za’atar seasoned cauliflower. Read More
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. Read More
Layla’s Falafel Introduces 'Layla’s Create Your Own' Bowls Restaurant fairf Stamford Westport Middle Eastern Healthy Eats Lunch Take Out Meals To Go Jessica Ryan June 19, 2022 It’s hard to fathom there might be someone in Fairfield County not yet familiar with Layla’s Falafel. With locations in Stamford, Westport, and Fairfield, Layla’s is bustling with activity – and with good reason, their food is delicious. Layla’s offers something for everyone, satisfying a variety of palates and diet preferences, with options for vegans and vegetarians as well as those with celiac/gluten issues. This Middle Eastern fare is wonderful, fresh, and not to mention healthy.And with that we are happy to share the great news that Layla’s Custom Bowls have been added to the menu. They’re healthy, incredibly satisfying and delicious. And just like the other menu options the bowls can be made vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free. Read More
RAWA: Middle Eastern Fusion in New Haven Restaurant New Haven Middle Eastern Mediterranean Kid Friendly James Gribbon March 11, 2022 Several years ago, hungry and lost on a ski trip in the hinterlands of northern Vermont, I convinced the crew to stop at the first sign that said "brew" on it, which is how we all discovered (and loved) Trout River Brewing, then up in Lyndonville. Another time, half the Earth's orbit away on a sweltering evening before a show at the Bowery Ballroom, a little A-shaped chalkboard got us to check our stride with the words "Cheap Drinks," and an arrow pointing down stairs revealed by open steel doors in the sidewalk. The cellar bar was a riot of antique lamps, taxidermy, and, well, us after several of the promised drinks - some of which they even asked us to pay for.The point is: places found when I've been lost or without particular plans have been some of the bookmarked highlights of my adult life, and RAWA in New Haven is one. Read More
Haven Hot Chicken Opening 2nd Location in Orange CT Restaurant Openings Orange Fried Chicken Sandwich Fried Chicken Sandwich Not Chicken Vegetarian Comfort Food To-Go Fast Casual Stephanie Webster March 03, 2022 Haven Hot Chicken, which brings Nashville Hot Chicken and “Not Chicken” to the area as one of the first fully dedicated Nashville Hot Chicken concepts in New England, has announced its opening of a second location in Orange, Connecticut. Located at 550 Boston Post Road, the 1400 square foot location will feature the brand’s signature menu of crispy, crunchy, juicy, spicy, delicious chicken and vegetarian options ranging from Country (not spicy) to Haven (extremely spicy), along with their famous fries and seasonal limited-time offerings.(Read our review of their New Haven location here.) Read More
Plantidote Foods: Wholesome & Tasty Vegan Plant-Based Patties, Made in CT Features Ingredients Vegan Vegetarian Plant Based Healthy Eats Burgers Local Artisan Stephanie Webster January 25, 2022 As keepers of Connecticut culinary intel, we field a lot of reader queries. One question commonly asked is, “where can I get really good quality, great tasting vegan food” that also answers the question, “why can’t I understand half the ingredients in the so-called “healthy” convenience store foods? We recently came across Plantidote Foods vegan, ready made plant-based patties, and they check all the boxes. They taste great, have just 10 nutrient packed ingredients, all of which you can see, pronounce and understand, and they are made right here in Norwalk CT. Read More
Allium Eatery Rotisserie & Buvette Opens in Westport From Chef Michelle Greenfield Restaurant Openings Westport Farm To Table French American Vegetarian Jessica Ryan December 03, 2021 Named after the stunning bulbous flower, Allium Eatery’s name is as impeccably cultivated as the plant. The name sets the tone for what’s inside – the décor, the food’s preparation and presentation, every little detail is deliberate, delicate.When The Schoolhouse at Cannondale shut its doors for the last time at the onset of the pandemic, Chef Michelle Greenfield had some time to think about her next move.Greenfield describes her dishes as refined American cuisine with French undertones, and that’s exactly what you can expect to find here. (Classically trained in French cuisine, her recent experiences also include the esteemed Bernard’s restaurant in Ridgefield, and, briefly, Jessup Hall in Westport.) Read More
Green & Tonic: Chef Anthony Rinaldi Takes the Helm at this Plant Based Eatery Restaurant Vegan Vegetarian Plant Based Chef Openings Healthy Eats April Guilbault November 30, 2021 I think it’s safe to say that we’ve all been here at some point: you go out to eat, thoroughly enjoy everything that passes your lips, and maybe (probably) eat a little too much because it’s so dang tasty and before you know it, you’re reaching for the Tums and the fat-pants, not necessarily in that order.Well, I went out to eat the other night, thoroughly enjoyed everything that passed my lips, and did in fact, eat a bit too much but you know what? I left this establishment feeling….good, great, even healthy. “How can this be?” you ask. Three little words: Green and Tonic. Read More
Pataka: Vibrant Fast casual Vegetarian Indian in New Haven Restaurant Indian new haven Vegetarian vegan Fast Casual To-Go Healthy Eats Openings Homepage Kristin L. Wolfe November 19, 2021 It makes sense that the name of this now one-year old, bright spot in New Haven means FIREWORK. Its innovative, delicious dishes are bold and vibrant and the space pops out like none other. I typically prefer a dimly lit space when eating out and yet Pataka’s electrifying, glowing design, produced in part by Box 8 Creative, will mesmerize you and make you a believer; this fast casual, one-of-a-kind, veggie Indian experience, could not be any other way. It’s as if it is Diwali everyday. In addition to being a part of his father’s restaurant Sitar (in New Haven since 2006), Harry Singh has already created a local institution with House of Naan under his belt since 2016; so, knowing the demands and demographic of New Haven, a serious pocket of CT’s culinary creativity, was a given. Read More
Arugula Bistro in West Hartford Celebrates 25 Years with A New Look Restaurant Hartford County West Hartford Mediterranean Middle Eastern Homepage Kristin L. Wolfe August 15, 2021 Have you strolled down Farmington Avenue lately? West Hartford is BAAAACK! And, Arugula Bistro is now all dressed up and ready to party. The colorful block mural and beautiful lavender plants along the front of the restaurant are just two visual signs that Arugula is awaiting your arrival. Back open this summer after some much needed reno, your spirit and belly will be delighted by the changes. Like many restaurants, some time closed during the pandemic was spent fixing to-do list projects. What went from much needed new flooring to some equipment and furniture overhauls, became the redo Chef Christiane Gehami and Chef Michael Kask had always wanted it to be. The pair have run Arugula together for twenty-five years and they’ve worked hard to evolve; behind them, in long-time starring roles on the team are also Steve Reynolds and Shari Warbelow. Read More
The Daily Cafe & Eatery Opens In Greenwich from Aux Delices' Debra Ponzek Restaurant Greenwich Breakfast Lunch To-Go Grab-n-Go Comfort Food Vegetarian Openings CTbites Team May 19, 2021 After opening Aux Delices and making the eatery a household name in Fairfield County, why wouldn’t Debra Ponzek want to open a new cafe to accommodate the busy shoppers, commuters and local Greenwich residents with the perfect place to grab a quick bite?Located in the heart of Greenwich Avenue, Daily Cafe and Eatery serves the Greenwich community seven days a week with grab-and-go breakfast and lunch items, made with fresh ingredients catered to accommodate the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Ponzek and her team officially opened their doors on May 5 on the Avenue, which was their ideal location. Read More