Filtering by Tag: Brewery,Waterfront

Two Roads Brewing Company Launches Dinner Pairing Series- A New Brewery Experience

Events Features Brewery Ingredients Interview Tasting Menu Brewery Two Roads Brewing Company Craft Beer Spirits Distillery Interview Homepage beer Stratford

Andrew Dominick

If you’ve followed the evolution of Two Roads Brewing Company, it’s quite something. Since the main brewery opened in 2012, one thing they kept doing is continuing to evolve. Not including a laundry list of beer releases, Two Roads went onto open a second facility next to their Hop Yard six years ago that you now know as Area Two Experimental Brewing. Following Area Two and all their fun, funky small batch drops, and in no particular order, Two Roads got into making canned cocktails, non-alcoholic beer, distilling (we’ll have a few teasers on that), and they even purchased the former PizzaCo across the street and turned it into Two Roads Food Hall & Bar and next door, Two Roads Tee Box, a golf simulator, making it a full-blown “campus.”

Read More

A Family Biz: Sly Bandit Brewing Company with Full Service Restaurant Opens in Wilton

Brewery Ingredients Features Craft Beer beer Wilton Openings Homepage Interview Brewery Sly Bandit Brewing Family Friendly

Andrew Dominick

When a homebrewing hobby runs in the family, it’s only proper to open a brewery, isn’t it? That’s at least what happened in the Guda Family, whose brewery, Sly Bandit, may have caught your eye while on Route 7 in Wilton near the Norwalk line. Owned by Dave, who’s retired from the information technology world, Wendy, a former New Cannan High School math teacher who still teaches at CT State Community College Norwalk, and their son, Mike, who left his job as a market research executive to brew beer full time.

Read More

Spacecat Brewing Company in Norwalk Debuts Food Truck + New Cocktail Program

Brewery Ingredients Interview Spacecat Brewing Company Norwalk Burgers Fried Chicken Sandwich Food Truck Brewery Cocktails Homepage

Andrew Dominick

The next time you’re enjoying a pint in Spacecat Brewing Company’s taproom, that tray of burgers that just went by IS NOT courtesy of Shake Shack’s Shack Truck. Right out back by Spacecat’s appropriately named patio, “The Litterbox,” is their own brand-new food trailer where the brewery smashes burgers, grills up Connecticut’s own Hummel Bros. hot dogs, and fries to perfection a crispy chicken sandwich.

Read More

The Bridge at Saugatuck Opens in Westport With Chef Lewandowski

Restaurant Westport Opening American Celebrity Chef Waterfront Outdoor Dining

Jessica Ryan

Inside the newly renovated historic building The Main Bar is the restaurant’s focal point where a horseshoe-shaped bar takes center stage with its saffron-colored backdrop juxtaposed by dark navy walls which boast subtle architectural details that pay homage to the nearby Saugatuck Bridge. During the daytime the tall widows and high ceilings allow the light to flood in. The same room at night embraces a much moodier scene. The space gives off both coastal and industrial vibes which is also carried through the upstairs to the dining room which offers fine dining without formality. The restaurant sets the stage; at its center is the food created and executed by Chef Stephen Lewandowski whose culinary style is best described as modern, elevated American. His layers of flavor and use of sometimes esoteric and unusual ingredients are the result of his over two decades of experience. 

Read More

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

Features Oktoberfest Brewery Beer CT Beer Events Homepage

Carly Terzigni

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. 

Read More

CT Guide to Waterfront Dining: 75 + Restaurants With Water Views (2024 Edition)

Features Restaurant Water View Waterfront Outdoor Dining Highlight Patio

Carly Terzigni

Warmer weather means it’s time to bring the dinner table outdoors! Dining al fresco is a hallmark of the summer season, and nothing gets better than views of the water while you sip on a refreshing beverage or chow down on your favorite dish. Across the state you’ll find restaurants that offer waterfront dining, and what better time to explore Connecticut and experience these water views for yourself than right now?

It’s not just the shoreline where you’ll find restaurants with picturesque waterfront views. Connecticut has its fair share of rivers, many of which are home to more great picks for lunch or dinner this summer. With that in mind, here’s this year’s guide to the best waterfront dining options in the state! To help you locate your next meal out, we’ve broken this guide up by county.

Read More

Tee Box at Two Roads Brewery Now Open with Golf Simulator & NEW Food Hall Eats

Features Opening Brewery Food Hall Golf Stratford

James Gribbon

The campus at Two Roads in Stratford has expanded to encompass not just one, but a dozen plus golf courses. At this point the brewery’s “campus” may better termed an estate. The new Tee Box at Two Roads is a private, reservable golf simulator fitting up to six players, but with room for about ten, fully stocked with food and beverages. The available food menu has been fully revamped, with tacos, flatbreads, burgers taking the place of most of the German options at the Food Hall. Scroll your options, tap a button, and presto. I had several of both. What were they? How was it? And is it possible to lose a digital golf ball? THE RESULTS MAY SHOCK YOU.

Read More

First Look: Elicit Brewing Company Opens Second Location in Fairfield

Features Brewery Restaurant Elicit Brewing Company Fairfield Craft Beer Beer ct beer Homepage Brewery

James Gribbon

Elicit Brewing Company’s second location will open to the public on Monday, February 12, and CTbites has the inside scoop. More accurately a brewpub, the brand-new location will encompass a microbrewery, 100-tap taproom and social space, an in-house cocktail-focused speakeasy, and a large, covered back patio with direct access from the Fairfield Metro train station.

Read More

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

“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!

Read More

Guide To Connecticut's Best Happy Hour Spots (2023 Edition)

Features Restaurant Happy Hour Happy Hour Deals Highlight Best of CT Bar Bartender Cocktails Cocktail Lounge Brewery Beer Homepage

Carly Terzigni

The concept of Happy Hour was first used in the U.S. as early as 1913 by Naval units engaging in social parties with movies, dancing, and boxing, referred to as “happy hours.” After the era of prohibition ended, Happy Hour evolved more into what we know it today, as a sort of cocktail hour at bars.

These days, Happy Hour is a common practice among bars and restaurants, offering reduced prices on drinks and bar food, but also allowing eateries to create unique “happy hour” menus. Restaurants all over Connecticut have Happy Hour deals you can take advantage of throughout the week, giving you a chance to save on your next bar tab. Because the list of restaurants that offer Happy Hour is so extensive, we organized the list into counties so you can more easily search for businesses in your local area.

Read More

My Top 8 Romantic Seafood Restaurants with a Seaview (via Nutritionist Lori-Ann Marchese)

Features Restaurant Seafood Waterfront Romantic Nutrition Healthy Eats

Lori-Ann Marchese

Lori-Ann Marchese is the Head Trainer of Body Construct and a licensed nutritionist.

Who doesn’t enjoy a nice romantic dinner night with your loved one seaside! Connecticut has one of the most beautiful Seafood Seaview restaurants in New England!

Lori-Ann Marchese - certified dietician and owner of Body Construct Fitness has brought you some of her most favorite and unique Top 8 waterfront dining restaurants.

With a healthy conscious mind when choosing their food items, we can assure you a romantic, seaview night out with your partner that will still align with your nutrition goals.

Read More

L’escale Celebrates its 20th Anniversary on Greenwich's Waterfront

Features Restaurant Greenwich Waterfront French Raw Bar Wine Events Yacht Experience Anniversary

Jessica Ryan

The iconic Greenwich restaurant known for its exceptional cuisine and timeless charm, is commemorating its 20th Anniversary this year, marking two decades of culinary excellence and cherished memories.

Located at the Delamar Greenwich Harbor Hotel and founded in 2003, L’escale boasts an award-winning menu and extraordinary wine program. The restaurant’s stunning setting, décor and cuisine instantly transport you to the Cote d’Azur, if only temporarily (and without the need to step on a plane!) The picturesque setting conjures images of an Auguste Renoir painting of diners lunching au dehors, en plain air, and Edith Piaf serenading in the distance. The restaurant sits above the docks on the harbor with the stunning picnic boats and yachts below. L’escale represents a quiet, understated luxury, and whether it’s caviar or a juicy burger you’re craving, you’ll find these items and many more on the menu. 

Read More

Dock & Dine! Boat On Up to 30 Waterfront Restaurants, Seafood Shacks, and More

Features Restaurant Seasonal Waterfront Water View Restaurants Seafood Summer Dining Summer Homepage Guide Highlight

April Guilbault

Waterfront. Dockside. Don’t those words just bring a smile to your face? Whether you are traveling by boat to go for a summer Sunday lunch or just wanting to enjoy your dinner with a beautiful view of the water, these restaurants will fit the bill for your summer enjoyment. And how is it exactly that everything tastes better when you are near the water?

Read More

Two Roads Food Hall & Bar Opens in Stratford From Two Roads Brewery

Features Restaurant Food Hall Burgers Tacos Brewery Two Roads Brewing Company Opening Comfort Food Homepage

James Gribbon

The Two Roads Food Hall & Bar is now open at the brewery’s expanding campus in Stratford. The food hall, in an expanded space which formerly housed garage-themed PizzaCo, now incorporates three food concepts: Skull City Taquitos, Roost House Chicken, and Industry Schnitzel and Sausage, with a full bar. 

All three concepts are handled through a single kitchen at the newly designed space, and ordering is done through kiosks at the food hall, or inside the tasting rooms at the Two Roads and Area 2 breweries, with delivery right to your seat. 

CTBites has your first look...

If food hall head chef Tim Lonczak sounds familiar, it’s because you may remember the Meriden native’s name from Heirloom at The Study Hall in New Haven, and most recently at Isla & Co. in Fairfield. Already acquainted with former Isla manager - now Two Roads hospitality manager - Ben Paré, the pair joined with restaurateur Frank Klein to bring the food hall to life.

“It’s really exciting to do, because I don’t know of any brewery in Connecticut doing anything like a three-brand, fast-casual concept,” said chef Lonczak. “It’s familiar dishes, but elevated, changed up a little bit.”

Read More

30+ Connecticut Local Canned Cocktails, Spritzers, + Hard Seltzers (2023 Guide)

Features Canned Cocktails Hard Seltzer Brewery Distillery Guide Homepage Highlight

Carly Terzigni

It’s summertime, which means that for many of us, it’s time to mix together a refreshing cocktail for the next barbecue, pool party, or trip out on the boat. But as we all know, as tasty as cocktails are, they can be a hassle to put together. By the time you get your base alcohol, your mixer, and any other ingredients assembled, half of the afternoon has already passed.

Read More

Friday Froth: Mexican Lager, Made In Connecticut

Features Brewery CT Beer Brewery Beer Beer Garden Friday Froth

James Gribbon

Despite expert credibility having recently taken several cannonballs below the waterline, and 60-degree sweater weather remaining in abundance, summer - they tell us - has officially arrived. The days are near their longest, and the months start with “J”, so we must grudgingly accede they have a point. This time each year, in a migration as timeless and majestic as the great herds of the Serengeti - Nutmeggers can be seen dragging our coolers to beaches and backyards. What are we drinking? Hard seltzer! NO! I mean, yes, but also: shut up. 

We are drinking:

  1. Very cold.

  2. Easy drinking.

  3. Usually Mexican lager. Corona, Pacifico, Modelo, ET C.

Why do we drink these? Because 1&2, but also... it’s what we’ve always done. Why are you thinking about this?

BECAUSE I’ve been noticing Connecticut brewers have been trying out the style in increasing numbers, they are delicious, and more people should know, which has always been the entire point of this column.

Read More

Rive Bistro in Westport Celebrates 10 Years With Chef Roland Olah At The Helm

Restaurant Westport French Water View Waterfront Pasta Seafood Cocktails Chef Alert Homepage

Jessica Ryan

There’s a lot to celebrate at Rive Bistro in Westport. Owner Eric Sierra is thrilled to be celebrating the restaurant’s 10th  Anniversary.  In addition to this great achievement, Sierra who is stepping away from the kitchen recently brought Chef Roland Olah on to take the helm. After having won a green card in the lottery, Olah left his homeland of Hungary in 2009, along with his position of Executive Chef at the renown Café Erté, to take a chance and pursue a dream in the states. Knowing that he could always return home, he and his wife along with their then young daughter began anew in New York City under the tutelage of Chef Daniel Boulud. Olah would then move to Connecticut to plant some roots. He served as Executive Chef at Martel in Fairfield as well as the now shuttered and well received Brasserie Bruxelles in SONO.

Read More
  Archive of All Reviews

Search by Tags