In 2016, Forbes Magazine claimed to have discovered the “secret to happiness.” “Spend money on experiences, not things,” they told their readers. CNN took it one step further. “That's in part because the initial joy of acquiring a new object, such as a new car, fades over time as people become accustomed to seeing it every day…,” they reported. “Experiences, on the other hand, continue to provide happiness through memories long after the event occurred.”
Those looking to invest in a meaningful experience can find a solution tucked away in Wallingford, just off the highway, but hidden from view. Southern Connecticut Wine Company, located in an unassuming garage-like building behind the railroad tracks, affords people the unique opportunity to create their own wine over the course of a season. I had the chance to be an honorary co-op member for the day and witness a little bit of what they have to offer.
On Monday October 30, Mecha’s South Norwalk locations will host its first ever Sake Dinner! Chef Brian Reilly has created a meal to complement premium, hard-to-find, sakes. Monica Samuels, the sake arbiter of Vine Connections, will be on hand to educate guests. Reservations are required and seating is limited. There are two seatings: 5:30pm and 8:30pm. To make your reservation, call Mecha Noodle Bar at 203-295-8718
Bobby Q’s Cue & Co now serves Happy Hour from 4-7pm Monday-Friday. Join them in the bar for $2 off wine, beer,bourbon, and cocktails; $1 off apps and flatbreads; 50 cent wings (minimum of 6); $3 pulled pork sliders; and $10 pork belly cracklings.
From October 21-28, Connecticut restaurants and chefs are teaming up to help Puerto Rico. Participating restaurants like Avert Brasserie, Butchers & Bakers, Max Oyster Bar, The Cottage, and more will create and serve small plates inspired by Puerto Rico, with 100% of the proceeds generated by these dishes being donated to Unidos Por Puerto Rico.
South Avenue Butchers has teamed up with Baldanza Cafe to co-host a delicious five course dinner highlighting organic, grass-fed meats sourced from local farms. The exclusive dinner includes wines paired by Keely Abbott from The Wine Trust. Join them at Baldanza Cafe on Wednesday, October, 25th at 7:15pm.
On Thursday October 26, Washington Prime in South Norwalk continues its five course wine pairing dinners with Jadot / Resonance Vineyards. It costs $85 per person.
We have some frighteningly great food news to share… many Connecticut restaurants, bars, farms, and markets are serving up boo-tiful Halloween specials! Hotspots like Cask Republic, Hub + Spoke, and The Spread will have nighttime parties for the 21+ crowd, while Wakeman Town Farm, Stew Leonards, and Hardcore Sweet Cupcakes have Halloween baking classes for youngsters. It’s time to get out your costumes- Halloween 2017 is here!
The Fez, Stamford: On Friday October 27 starting at 10pm, The Fez in Stamford will throw a Halloween Bash with live music by Free Flow. There will also be best costume prizes, drink specials, and more.
Hummock Island Oyster Company, Westport: An extra spooky edition of the Hummock Island Oyster Tour will take place on Friday October 27 from 5-7pm. Wear your best costume... there will be a contest!
The Black Rock Zombie Pub Crawl , Bridgeport: The Black Rock Zombie Pub Crawl will begin at Hub & Spoke on Friday October 27 at 7pm. From there, go on to participating bars and restaurants like Aspetuck Brew Lab, Mr. Crab Seafood and Bar, TruNorth, Brennan's, and Fire Engine Pizza. A wristband is $25 per person and 100% of proceeds go toward Puerto Rico hurricane relief.
L’escale, Greenwich invites you to a Halloween Soiree on Saturday October 28 starting at 9pm. The best costume wins a magnum of wine!
The Tasty Yolk has debuted its October special. The Local Yolkiel includes local handmade kielbasa and 2 eggs topped with a cheddar cheese beer sauce served on a pretzel bun.
Visit Tarry Lodge in Westport for a Pig Roast on Thursday October 19 at 6:30pm. The evening includes three courses: pizza to start, the roasted pig and sides, and apple cobbler for dessert. It costs $70 per person, with an additional wine pairing available for $25 and a beer pairing for $15. Call 203-571-1038 to reserve.
Bobby Q’s Cue & Co. in Norwalk now offers Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4-7pm in the bar area. Join them for $1 off all appetizers and flatbreads, $3 pulled pork sliders, 50 cent wings (minimum of 6), a $10 Cue & Co. “Bar Crack” (pork belly cracklings), and $2 off all beer, wine, bourbon and cocktails. In addition to Happy Hour, Bobby Q’s Cue & Co. will also offer Trivia Night every Wednesday beginning at 7:30pm and Country Night every Thursday from 9pm to 11pm with drink specials, a late-night food menu, and country line dancing.
All month on First Thing Fairfield County, Ken Tuccio is raising money for breast cancer research to support the American Cancer Society. They’ve teamed up with Letizia's Pizza in Norwalk to create "Gertie's Pie of Hope," named after Dennis Letizia's mothe who passed away from breast cancer.
Join Terrain Garden Cafe for a food-focused evening hosted by CTBites and the Westport Farmers Market. On Monday October 9, they’ll gather with some of the food industry’s leading talents to discuss trends, restaurant and farming secrets, and everyday life during an open forum. Reservations required. $50 per person. Cost includes welcome cocktail, stationary and passed hors d’oeuvres, and hospitality. Tickets available here.
On Monday October 9, 86’D- A Culinary Collision- takes place in West Hartford. 8 Remaining Chefs will participate in 8 Battle Rounds in secret restaurants with open kitchens. A portion of the proceeds will be given to End Hunger CT. Tickets are $30.
Through October 31, visit Sport Hill Farm every Saturday and Sunday from 12-5pm to purchase a pumpkin from the patch. Kids can receive a free tattoo and treat and the farm will donate 35% of the pumpkin purchases back to the community via Easton PTA & E.L.F.
On September 22 and 23, The Greenwich Wine + Food Festival took over Roger Sherman Park. 2017 marked the seventh year for the festival, which has grown in popularity thanks to its line-up of celebrity chefs, restaurants, beverage sponsors, and musical acts.
This year saw the return of Adam Richman, widely known for hosting the Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food,” and Alex Guarnaschelli, Iron Chef and restaurateur. Greenwich resident and festival staple Kathy Lee Gifford also came back to highlight her wines and moderate celebrity panels.
2017 brought exciting new additions as well; Chef and television star Mario Batali added his name to the roster along with others like Scott Conant, Mary Giuliani, Kevin de Chenes, and Julia Deane. Multi-Grammy and Billboard award-winning band Train headlined the evening concert.
What if I told you that for just over $25, you could enjoy food and a beverage from four popular restaurants in one of Fairfield County's up-and-coming neighborhoods? And I'm not talking about small-sized portions cobbled together from leftover ingredients or the cheapest bottled beers. I mean delicious dishes straight from the menu alongside specialty cocktails, craft beers, and wine. You'd probably think I'd gone crazy... but it's true.
"Wine Down at The Block" affords participants the chance to explore Norwalk's Waypointe neighborhood at an affordable price. Barcelona Wine Bar, Sedona Taphouse, Bobby Q's Cue & Co., and Colony Grill all offer a dish and a drink as part of the package, while vendors like Pinot's Palette, Endurance House, and Salon by JC provide demonstrations and discounts.
Westport Restaurant Week begins October 1 and lasts until October 15. Popular restaurants like Rive Bistro, Le Penguin, Pearl, Rothbard Ale & Larder, and more will offer special fixed price lunch, brunch and dinner menus.
Friday October 6 is National Noodle Day! To celebrate, New Haven presents Noodles On9, a free family friendly event. From 6-8pm, the street festival will close a section of Orange St in the Historic 9th Square so that participants can enjoy noodle dishes from local restaurants and the opening of Artspace’s City Wide Open Studios.
October 4 is National Taco Day! Celebrate at Bartaco with tacos, fresh-squeezed cocktails, an exclusive Snapchat filter, and a #bartacosecret reveal!
Mohegan Sun's BrewFest returns on Saturday October 7. The Grand Tasting will feature over 150 beers and local restaurants will have food for purchase. A portion of ticket sales will go to the Channel 3 Kids Camp.
Through the end of September, “eat for relief” at the Stamford and Ridgefield locations of Bareburger. $7 from each Pig Out Combo, "Pig Out Combo,” a double wild boar burger and a Texas Shiner Bock Beer for $20, will go to the JJ Watt's Flood Relief Foundation jjwfoundation.org.
On Wednesday September 27 from 6-8pm,Prime Stamford will host a fundraiser for Kids in Crisis. For $35 ($50 at the door), enjoy two hours of passed hors d’oeurves, cocktails, and live jazz music. 100% of the proceeds of this event will go to Kids in Crisis. To purchase tickets please visit www.kidsincrisis.org or call 203.661.1911.
Fall cooking classes continue at The Silo at Hunt Hill Farm. This week, there are classes for kids and adults Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. http://thesiloct.org
It’s time to get out your jerseys… football season is here! Though some may prefer to watch the latest game in the comfort of their own home, many Fairfield County restaurants and bars are serving up NFL-inspired specials that are sure to lure fans from the couch. From reduced price apps to tasty wings to drink specials, here are restaurants and bars where you can catch the latest match-ups.
Tickets are on sale forThe New England Chowdafest 2017 on October 1. Taste and judge chowders from over 40 award winning chefs and restaurants across New England! Plus, it’s all for a great cause… proceeds go toFood Rescue US!
Black Rock Restaurant Week spans from Monday September 18 through September 24! Restaurants like Nom-eez, Walrus + Carpenter, Bloodroot, Hub & Spoke, and Taco Loco are offering specials and prix fixe menus.
Wakeman Town Farm will host its fifth-annual farm-to-table Harvest Fest event on Saturday, September 23 at 6 p.m. The Harvest Fest features farm fresh fare prepared by talented chefs, wine, signature cocktails, silent and live auctions, and giveaways.
On Tuesday September 19, celebrate Women in Wine with Millwright’s. From 6-7:30, enjoy 5 tapas paired with 5 wines created by female winemakers. It costs approximately $50 per person and the event will take place on the bridge.
Oktoberfest is arriving early this year! Local restaurants and hotspots are celebrating the fall festival as early as September! From authentic German cuisine to live music to imported beers, here are places in Connecticut with upcoming Oktoberfest celebrations. Do you know of an event we missed? Share your Oktoberfest party below.
Two Roads, Stratford: The 5th Annual Two Roads Ok2berfest takes place September 16 and 17. There will be authentic German music, German-style beers, food, games and more.
Rothbard Ale & Larder, Westport: Their second annual Oktoberfest will take place on Saturday, September 23. Join them for authentic German beers, dishes, games, and live music all day long.
Half Full, Stamford: At Half Full Brewery, Octoberfest is “CanToberfest.” On September 30, enjoy a pop up beer garden, lawn games, a can stein hoist competition, food trucks, and more. The festival will support the Mill River Park Collaborative
Beer Garden at Shippan Landing, Stamford: On September 16 & 17, participate in Oktoberfest at The Beer Garden at Shippan Landing! The two day event features pumpkin and harvest beers, cocktails, live music, food trucks, contests and more!
The Seehund, New London: The Seehund German Pub & Restaurant will celebrate Oktoberfest from Join us October 6-10.
Match wants you to “Party Like The Summer’s Not Over!” Join them on Monday September 11 starting at 5pm for Cheap Lobsters, Oysters, Ribs, Sliders, Prime Rib, Corn, Tomatoes, and Delicious Libations from The Bar.
Artisanal Burger Co in Manchester invites you to a Grey Sail Beer Dinner on Monday September 11 from 6:60-9:30pm. The evening begins with a reception, followed by three courses and dessert paired with specifically chosen beers. It is $55 per person and tickets are available online.
Kids eat free every Monday in September at The Melting Pot. Purchase any Adult 4-Course from the menu and receive a complimentary Kids Fondue! (14 & Under).
The CT Chef's Challenge will be a culinary night to remember as Connecticut's Top Chef's battle it out to win the Championship Belt and Title!
When I was a student at Cornell, Wings Over Ithaca was a staple. As I’ve spoken to more people over the years from various universities, I’ve learned that my experience was not unique. “Wings Over” locations span the country, often setting up shop in college towns. With Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University, Fairfield seems like a logical fit.
The latest “Wings Over” location can be found out 2075 Black Rock Turnpike,
When I was a student at Cornell, Wings Over Ithaca was a staple. As I’ve spoken to more people over the years from various universities, I’ve learned that my experience was not unique. “Wings Over” locations span the country, often setting up shop in college towns. With Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University, Fairfield seems like a logical fit.
The latest “Wings Over” location can be found out 2075 Black Rock Turnpike, a space Robert Savin, owner, had his eye on for a couple of years. “Wings Over” is a national franchise broken up into smaller sections. Savin and his company, Savin Foods, is responsible for 10 “Wings Over” locations in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Savin also oversees Park & Oak in West Hartford.
“Wings Over” is a national franchise broken up into smaller sections. Savin and his company, Savin Foods, is responsible for 10 “Wings Over” locations in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Savin also oversees Park & Oak in West Hartford.
Tickets are on sale now for the Kitchen Crawl 2017 Culinary Fundraiser. Experience 5 chefs in 5 designer kitchens...while helping to feed the hungry in our community! Guests purchase a $55 ticket and proceed to 5 different Westport houses, where chefs from The Spread, Mecha Noodle Bar, Match Burger Lobster, Rothbard's & Cask Republic will be cooking just for you.
The Norwalk Oyster Festival returns this weekend! Catch the festival Friday September 8 from 6-11pm, Saturday September 9 from 11am-11pm, and Sunday September 10 from 11am-6pm.
INDIA New Canaan is now open 7 days for lunch. Visit them between noon and 2:30pm.
Enjoy Stamford Restaurant Week while you can! Through September 4, participating restaurants are offering prix fixe lunches, dinners, and other specials.
Join The Spread in Sono for a Labor Day Luau, featuring a pig roast and Captain Morgan cocktails September 3rd 5PM.
On Friday September 1, sample over a dozen local and rare beers in Downtown New Haven's Historic 9th Square! During the event, participating pubs, bars, and restaurants will offer special food pairings and exclusive discounts. Tickets are $18 in advance, or $20 at the door. 21+ only.
The place to be every Friday through October is the new Lachat Town Farm in Weston. Join them from 4pm -8pm and shop a great selection of vendors, food trucks, + live music. Vendors include: Dough Girls Wood Fired Pizza, Nutty Bunny, Sugar and Olives, Szabo's Seafood, The Granola Bar, The Green Grunion & Valencia Luncheria.
Didn't get to Europe this summer? Experience an "Evening in Italy" at Elm Restaurant on Saturday August 26th with a special wine pairing event. Enjoy a delicious 4-course menu created by the chef accompanied by unique Italian wine varietals. Limited seating, reserve a spot now. 203 -920-4994. $85/pp exclusive of tax/gratuity.
On Monday, August 21, Cask Republic New Haven will host a Counter Weight Tap Takeover at 5:00pm. The brews on tap will include Headway IPA, Workhorse Pilsner, Space Coyote IPA, Spiral Architect DIPA, Wizard Fight DIPA, Mixed cassette Grisette, Cask Conditioned Headway IPA, and more. Visit their Facebook and Instagram pages or call 475-238-8335 for more information.
You may have been told not to eat raw oysters in months that don’t have an R. It’s not true. It was a beautiful, temperate August afternoon when I stood on Hummock Island slurping freshly harvested oysters and casting their shells onto the ground below. Hummock Island Oyster Company recently started offering “oyster tours,” giving the public an opportunity to visit the island, witness the operation, and taste oysters fresh from the sea. I eagerly accepted their invitation to participate, which is how I found myself indulging in oysters in early August.
The 43rd Annual Milford Oyster Festival takes place on Saturday August 19. There will be 35,000 oysters, crafts, food, amusement rides, classic cars, and more. The festival runs from 10am-6pm.
On Saturday August 19, visit Sunset Meadow Vineyards for a Farm to Table Lobster Dinner under the stars. The dinner includes Lobster, Clams, Mussels, Potatoes, Corn and Watermelon. There will be live music and wine specials all evening. Reservations are required as seating is limited. Call 860-201-4654 for info and reservations. It is $79.95 per person.
During the month of August, visit The Fez for a prix fixe menu that includes 3 courses for just $25.
