Filtering by Tag: Special Occasion,Venezuelan

Somos Handcrafted Arepas Opens in New Haven & Shelton

Restaurant Latin American Arepa Venezuelan Opening New Haven Lunch To-Go Delivery Comfort Food Homepage Shelton

James Gribbon September 22, 2023

So, maybe you’ve had an arepa. Eaten hot from the pan, or made into fat little sandwiches somewhat akin to a stuffed pita, the puffy, crispy, hunger-busting cornmeal cakes are the unofficial comfort food of Venezuela. Or maybe you haven’t. Somos Handcrafted Arepas wants to help with that.

Brothers Alejandro and Andres Cordito grew up in Hamden as the sons of Venezuelan parents, and started taking notice of how the everyday food they had at home, on trips to visit family in Caracas, and during Andres’ time in college in South Florida, just wasn’t apparent in Connecticut. Now, with two locations in New Haven and Shelton, they’re increasing access to this gloriously variable sandwich.

What does that mean? I’m glad you asked!

First: Say “ah-RAY-pah."

“Los Remolinos” Opens in Norwalk from Owners of Appetit Bistro

Features Interview Restaurant Latin American Interview Openings Colombian Venezuelan Mexican

Andrew Dominick April 29, 2023

With the recent news that Bruxelles Brasserie closed as of April 9 and will be taken over by Jeff Taibe and reopen as Taproot, French cuisine in South Norwalk has all but evaporated.

But before the French-Belgian Bruxelles made this announcement, and at the beginning of 2023, Appetit Bistro, a more classic French restaurant, decided to switch things up, too.

For Appetit’s owners, Edwin Montoya and chef Ismael Carias, whose Port Chester location is still going strong at eight years and counting, their concept simply didn’t catch on in SoNo despite seeing an initial boom of customers.

Mil Sabores: Birria Tacos, Arepas, and Mexican + Venezuelan Classics in Bridgeport

Features Interview Restaurant Bridgeport Mexican Venezuelan Homepage Interview

Andrew Dominick February 24, 2023

Edwin Mondragon, who co-owns the popular Mexican – Venezuelan mashup Mil Sabores in Bridgeport, credits his mother’s mole as his first taste of the food service industry. He recalls memories of packing mom’s mole in plastic pint containers, filling up his backpack, and selling it, as a family, to customers and stores who sought out the homemade Mexican sauce.

Mediterranean Favorite, Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar, Opens In Westport TODAY

Restaurant Openings Westport Mediterranean Italian Pizza Spanish Venezuelan Comfort Food

Stephanie Webster December 29, 2020

Chef Renato Donzelli, owner of Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar, has moved his longtime favorite Norwalk spot to Westport, CT. Basso opens his doors today in the beautiful two story building that once housed Matsu Sushi on Jesup Road. A loyal following, very favorable word of mouth, and a consistently excellent Mediterranean menu made Basso a huge success, and a neighborhood hangout for 13 years, so why Westport? Donzelli has had his eye on this restaurant friendly town for some time, but most importantly, he wanted to expand his dining capacity, and add al fresco dining to the menu. The new location boasts all of the above in addition to a wood fired pizza oven where Donzelli can now incorporate his family’s Neapolitan pizza recipes to his cooking repertoire. After tasting The Stallion Pizza last night at the soft opening, featuring Spanish chorizo, spicy sofrito, mozzarella, and fresh basil, I can say with great certainty, that I too am happy Donzelli found a new home where his dreams can be realized.

30+ Connecticut Restaurants & Caterers for Easter Dinner To-Go

Features Catering Holiday Easter Special Occasion Entertaining

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 02, 2020

We may have to stay indoors, but the Easter bunny is ready to hop on over! Easter arrives on Sunday April 12, and Connecticut restaurants are making sure that you can still enjoy the holiday to its fullest with delectable to-go meals. From a la carte to family-style to catering to heat and serve, there are options to meet every need. Check out this list of 20+ places and let us know if you hear of any other places with tasty Easter meals

80 + Restaurants for Valentine’s Day in CT: 2020

Features Holiday Special Occasion Valentine's Day Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 03, 2020

Move over Santa! With the holidays in the rearview, cupid is coming to town. Valentine’s Day falls on Friday February 14th and Connecticut Restaurants and Caterers are serving up “sweet” deals to make sure that you and your special someone have an evening to remember. Here are 80+ places where you can go for a romantic night out.

100+ Connecticut Restaurants To Celebrate New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day

Features New Years Holiday Special Occasion Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson December 20, 2019

50+ CT Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner & Catering: 2019 Edition

Features Holiday Thanksgiving Catering Caterers Special Occasion homepage Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 17, 2019

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and many of Connecticut’s best restaurants have Thanksgiving specials & catering worth gobbling up! From prix fixe menus to extensive buffets to family style to take-out, there are options for everyone. So don’t cry fowl– make your reservations today! Space is limited and seats fill up quickly, and get your catering orders in if you’d prefer to do Thanksgiving at home, without the work!

30+ CT Restaurants, Farm Dinners & Special Events for Father's Day 2019

Features Father's Day Special Occasion Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson June 05, 2019

Last month we celebrated Mom... now it's time to celebrate Dad! Connecticut restaurants, breweries, wineries, and caterers are getting creative with special ways to honor fathers. From al fresco feasts to beer dinners to vineyard festivals to BBQ, here is a list of over 30 places with celebrations on Father's Day and Father's Day weekend. Be sure to make your reservations now. Seats fill up quickly!

Goshen Stampede, Goshen: Just in time for Father’s Day, the 14th Annual Goshen Stampede takes place from June 14th - 16th at The Goshen Fair Grounds. There will be live music, demolition derbies, truck pulls, rodeos, barrel racing, music, rides, food, and more.

Bear’s Smokehouse @ Alvarium, New Britain: Alvarium and Bear's Smokehouse are teaming up for Father’s Day. Bear's Smokehouse will serve up the best authentic Kansas City Barbeque on the patio while Alvarium pours brews to go with the meal.

Untiled Bistro @ Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford: On, Sunday, June 16 treat Dad with a special Jazz Brunch. There are two seatings available: 10:30am & 12:30pm. In addition to live music by Sarah Rose Nunes and Joe Carter, tickets include a buffet, museum admission, and one complimentary bloody mary or mimosa.

Match & Match Burger Lobster, Norwalk & Westport: Match and Match Burger Lobster will be open on Sunday 6/16 and serving their regular menus.

Avenida Venezuelan & La Calle Arepas Bar: Local Tattoo Artist Opens Two Areparias in Norwalk

Restaurant Venezuelan Norwalk Lunch Kid Friendly Homepage

Andrew Dominick July 22, 2018

If I told you a tattoo artist opened two restaurants in the same city, you might think I was trying to set up a joke. It’s no joke, and it’s not even that farfetched if you talk to Javier Eastman, who just opened Avenida Venezuelan Food and Le Calle Arepas Bar in Norwalk.

So, how does a tattoo artist with almost 25,000 Instagram followers get into the food service industry?

At Avenida, you can expect an array of empanadas, 16 different stuffed arepas, pastelitos (small savory turnovers filled with meat, cheese, or both), traditional Venezuelan breakfast plates, and a few larger dishes like Pabellón Criollo, Venezuela’s national dish, comprised of shredded beef, rice & beans, fried sweet plantains, egg, avocado, and cheese. Additionally, there are patacón sandwiches (beef, chicken, or pork between deep-fried plantain slices), burgers, and Venezuelan-style hot dogs topped with shredded carrots, cabbage, ham, salsa, cheese, and crushed potato sticks.

50+ Restaurants for Easter in CT: 2018 Edition

Restaurant Holiday Special Occasion

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 16, 2018

Even though snow’s been in the forecast, spring is actually on its way and Easter is right around the corner! Connecticut restaurants are celebrating the occasion with prix fixe menus, traditional dishes, brunches, buffets, and more. Click here to see all of the egg-cellent options… and don’t forget to reserve ASAP so some-bunny doesn’t beat you to it!

Hub and Spoke, Bridgeport: On Wednesday March 28, get into the Easter spirit at Hub & Spoke in Bridgeport. The Easter bunny will make an appearance for dinner at 4pm.
Homestead Inn, Greenwich: Dine on a 3 course Easter prix fixe menu at The Homestead in for $85 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point, Old Saybrook: They will serve an Easter Brunch from 10am to 4pm.
Harbor Lights, Norwalk: Harbor Lights in Norwalk will have a three course prix fixe Easter Dinner for $49 per person, plus tax, gratuity, and drinks.
Anthony’s Ocean View, New Haven: At Anthony's Ocean View, enjoy Easter brunch with seatings at 10:30am, 11am, 1pm, and 1:30pm or come for supper at 3:30pm or 4pm. Choose from a meal in the dining room or reserve a private family suite.
Madison Beach Hotel, Madison: The Wharf at The Madison Beach Hotel will serve Easter brunch from 10:30am-3:30pm. They'll have salads, breads and pastries, omelet and carving stations, entrees, house made desserts, and more. It is $54 per adult, $20 for children 6-12, and free for kids under 6.

On Thursdays, We Eat Prime Rib: Hoodoo Brown BBQ in Ridgefield

Restaurant BBQ Ridgefield American Special Occasion

Andrew Dominick February 20, 2018

Up until recently, prime rib had all but vanished from restaurants. It remained on menus at less-than-trendy eateries or it was offered at others as a one-day-per-week special, but it never quite reached levels of steak extinction. If you’ve glanced at dinner menus lately—yes, even at hotspot restaurants—there’s a chance you’ve noticed that this beefy blue-plate special has reemerged!

If you’re a prime rib superfan, or if you salivate at the thought of a hearty slice of standing rib roast, Hoodoo Brown BBQ should be on your “Thursday Night Plans” list. Being a BBQ joint, they’re doing what you might imagine they’re doing with prime rib…they’re smoking whole 14 lb. roasts and serving them up until it’s all gone.

Restaurant Crawl Through Mohegan Sun...Ballo, Bobby’s Burger Palace, Todd English’s Tuscany, Tom’s Urban + More!

Restaurant American Italian Special Occasion Homepage Burgers

CTbites Team January 31, 2018

While heading to Mohegan Sun for the Lady Gaga concert (yes, she was indeed fantastic), my editor at CTBites asked me to check out the casino’s restaurant scene. And not just one or two spots either. She wanted me to work my way through as many as possible. Naturally, I was intrigued. I’ve been to a few of the casino’s restaurants, but there were so many I have yet to experience. So when she asked me to do a restaurant crawl before the concert, I happily accepted the challenge. While I might not have tried them all - Mohegan Sun has a lot of restaurants - I managed to maneuver through a solid few. Here’s how it went.

Millwright’s: Chef Tyler Anderson Creates Inspired New England Cuisine in Simsbury

Restaurant Simsbury American Local Artisan Local Farm Special Occasion Celebrity Chef Outdoor Dining Homepage Catering

Lou Gorfain December 02, 2017

Four years. That’s the time Tyler Anderson devoted to perfecting his signature dish, Tapioca Custard. A lush confection of clams, bacon, onion, potato and fennel, the delicacy perfectly defines the wizardry of this celebrated chef … a magical spin on homespun.

The small portion is intentionally introductory, a riff on a classic New England starter. As if by sorcery, the custard conjures “all the flavors of clam chowder.”

Anderson conceived the dish as a tribute to the meal – and the moment -- that super-charged his culinary life. “I went to the French Laundry in 1997 when Tomas Keller was in the kitchen,” he recalls. “Up to then I had been cooking mainly to meet women and go drinking with my buddies.”

He began the feast with Keller’s classic, Oysters and Pearls, a sabayon of pearl tapioca with beau soleil oysters and white sturgeon caviar.

“I took the first bite,” he remembers. “And at that exact second understood that cooking could be more than just cooking.” He pauses and grins. “It made me smile. I was happy. I now had a passion to make people happy.”

First Taste: El Segundo Opens in Sono Starring The Spread's Carlos Baez

Restaurant American Cocktails Norwalk SONO Venezuelan Mexican Indian Latin American

Lou Gorfain September 02, 2016

Recently the CTbites team previewed the menu at El Segundo in South Norwalk, the newest restaurant from the talented partners who created The Spread just up the block. The concept: Eat the Street. Intersect some of the world’s tastiest street food at the corner of Washington and North Water in SONO.

What began as a tasting quickly turned into a party ... a coming out party for Carlos Baez, Executive Chef of The Spread, one of the region’s most versatile, yet unheralded, chefs.

The menu flaunts Baez’ extraordinary range -- a gastronomic tour de force featuring over 3 dozen dishes curated from the boulevards and back allies of 27 countries on all seven continents, including barren Antarctica. (More about that selection later)

Basso Café Restaurant in Norwalk Adds Wine Bar + New Menu

Restaurant Italian New Canaan Norwalk Venezuelan Wine Bar

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger December 02, 2015

Several years ago CTbites visited Basso Café Restaurant on New Canaan Avenue in Norwalk and was very impressed with many of the dishes created by Owner / Chef Renato Donzelli. Since that time Chef Renato has maintained his vision of creating a wine bar to complement the food, and that is now a reality as Basso Café Restaurant is now Basso Café Restaurant Wine Bar.

The interior has been updated with large, vibrant paintings along one wall, smaller modern pieces along the other wall overseeing the 60 seat dining area. The lighting is soft and inviting and acoustical tiles have been installed to reduce the noise level. After the recent receipt of a full liquor license, guests can now benefit from Chef Renato’s pairing of wines to balance the vibrant flavors of his cuisine and the rear of the restaurant now showcases the bar area with a selection of personally selected spirits, including organic vodkas.

JOJOTO Brings Venezuelan Cuisine to Branford, Opening August 2014

Features Restaurant Branford Venezuelan

Amy Kundrat July 30, 2014

The Venezuelan-inspired Jojoto Restaurant + Bar is opening in Branford this August. Owner Victor Figueroa and Neil Fuentes, our favorite Singing Chef, have teamed up for a restaurant that is "high-energy, Latin infused with authentic Venezuelan dishes."

Jojoto will open in a 40-seat intimate dining room that was previously occupied by Augie's Restaurant. The menu will feature rustic and traditional recipes that take inspiration from the land as well as the nearby shoreline, and include:

Costillas de Res of sofrito and cabernet braised short ribs with polenta, gremolata and truffle essence; Venezuelan BBQ with beef tenderloin, chicken, pork, choice of chorizo or blood sausage, yuca, guasacaca and crema fresca; Hamburguesa Venezolana piled high with lettuce, tomato, ham, queso, avocado, bacon, crushed potato chips, slaw, ketchup, mustard, garlic sauce, topped with a duck egg and served with truffle fries; Pabellon Criollo with rice, black beans, shredded beef and sweet plantains; and Gallinita Rellena, deboned, crispy skin Cornish hen stuffed with leeks and sweet plantain with an orange, lemon grass and honey reduction. Seasonal paella preparations and market fresh fish dishes change daily.

Valencia Luncheria's Carlo Arepa Recipe c/o Fairfield County Chef's Table

Features Norwalk Venezuelan

Amy Kundrat and Stephanie Webster June 27, 2014

If you thought arepa's were our of your reach in your own kitchen, think again. This week we are bringing you a recipe from one of the our reader favorite spots—Valencia Luncheria in Norwalk, featured in Fairfield County Chef's Table—featuring one of their most popular dishes, the Carlo Arepa.

Valencia Luncheria
164 Main Street, Norwalk, CT 06851 | (203) 846-8009 | valencialuncheria.com

Carlo Arepa (serves 4)

For the chicken filling:

1 (31/2-pound) whole chicken
1 large white onion, julienned
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 poblano pepper, julienned

Basso Cafe: Venezuela & Italy Meet in Norwalk

Restaurant Italian Norwalk Venezuelan New Canaan

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger November 18, 2012

When you enter Basso Café you feel transported to a warmer climate with the vibrant colors and art of the Mediterranean. The green walls are adorned with large colorful paintings depicting various culinary delights and the dark wood tables are inviting and offer a calming respite from the hustle and bustle of the day. At the helm of the Basso Café is Owner / Chef Renato Donzelli, who is proud that his dream still thrives after opening at the worst possible time at the beginning of the financial crisis in September 2007. A loyal following and favorable word of mouth allowed him to weather the crisis, and his strong menu has given him continued success.

Born in Venezuela and raised in Naples, Italy, Chef Renato’s cuisine focuses primarily on Mediterranean flavors with a Venezuelan influence.

A Sneak Peek @ The NEW Valencia Luncheria in Norwalk

Restaurant Norwalk Venezuelan

Stephanie Webster April 24, 2012

We recently reported on Valencia Luncheria's highly anticipated expansion plan which has this Fairfield County arepa haven moving down the street to a significantly larger location at 164 Main Street in Norwalk. Regulars wondered if the new place would retain the just stepped off the Venezuelan beachside charm of Valencia 1.0, a tiny spot whose uniquely delicious menu has won over locals as well as Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Loyal patrons need not fear. Owner, Michael Young, recently toured CTbites around the new Valencia Luncheria, and all of the rustic and reclaimed touches, bright colors, and the signature wall of plantains, are still in the house. There are, however, some significant upgrades about which you'll want to know. Here's the rundown on what to look for in the new Valencia Luncheria, currently scheduled to open by the end of May.