South Avenue in New Canaan now offers butchery classes! The first installation is called “Half Pig” and will take place on February 20 at 7pm. Participants will go home with meat and a South Avenue Butcher certificate. It costs $90 per person.
“Taste of Stamford” returns Thursday February 22 from 5:30-8:30pm. The Crown Plaza Hotel in Stamford will serve as the backdrop for local chefs, restaurateurs, and distributors in Fairfield County! VIP & General Admission tickets are available online starting at $70.
“National Margarita Day” is February 22, and Bartaco West Hartford is celebrating by releasing a new margarita each week in the months of February and March. Plus, remember to visit them on the 22nd for margaritas, tacos, and fun!
Washington Prime SoNo invites you to a Duckhorn Wine Dinner on Tuesday February 20 from 7-9:30pm. A 5 course dinner will be paired with wines from this renowned Napa winery. The evening costs $95, plus tax and gratuity. Tickets can be purchased at the restaurant or over the phone at (203) 857-1314.
Now you can help Stamford’s Ferguson Library while eating at Judy’s Kitchen + Bar. On Wednesday February 21, from 11am-9pm, 15% of Judy's sales will be donated to The Ferguson Library's Go Fund Me page to raise the money needed to install a new floor. For more information on the project, visit here.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! If you’re looking to treat your loved one to a romantic dinner for two, Connecticut restaurants are serving up decadent prix fixe meals, love-inspired a la carte menus, and other sexy specials. If you and your significant other prefer an alternative to wining and dining, there are also couples cooking classes and catering options if you want to enjoy the evening at home. Here are 85+ Valentine's Day Dining spots for that special day.
Homestead Inn, Greenwich:Thomas Henkelmann's famous French cuisine will be featured on the Valentine's Day menu at the Homestead Inn. The prix fixe menu costs $85, plus beverages, tax, and gratuity.
elm, New Canaan: At elm in New Canaan, enjoy 5 courses for $55 on February 14.
Red Bee Apiary, Weston: On Sunday February 11, visit Red Bee Apiary in Weston for a honey tasting paired with cheese and chocolate. Plus, sip champagne and honey wine.
Millwrights, Simsbury: Millwright's Restaurant & Tavern is celebrating Valentine's Day with prix-fixe menus all week! Join them on Tuesday February 13 and Sunday February 18 for a 4 course meal for $69 per person. On Wednesday February 14-Saturday February 17, it will be $79 per person
Anthony’s Ocean View, New Haven: Anthony's Ocean View invites you to start the Valentine's festivities early, on Saturday February 10, with an evening with an open bar, passed bites, dinner, and a DJ for $79.95 per person, plux tax and gratuity.
Sunset Meadow Vineyards, Goshen: Sunset Meadow Vineyards will offer TWO Types of Wine and Chocolate pairings at Sunset Meadow Vineyards from 11m-4pm on Valentine's Day, February 14.
Terrain Garden Cafe, Westport: One day before Valentine's Day, on Tuesday February 13, join Terrain Chef Jessica Bengtson and Carissa Dellicicchi from The Stand Juice Company for a three-course Valentine’s Day dinner in the Garden Cafe in Westport, CT. You’ll enjoy a full menu of vegan dishes, from hors d’oeuvres to dessert, plus a signature cocktail and wine pairings.
Every Tuesday, The Spread’s SoNo and new Greenwich location offer buck-a-shuck oysters.
On Monday February 5, The Westport Library’s Cookbook Club will take place at Wakeman Town Farm. The evening will be led by food lover and blogger Yamini Lal, also known as “Fairfield County Foodie.”
The “Boozin' In Your Onesie Bar Crawl” is coming to Hartford on Saturday February 10. A ticket includes no cover entry for up to 8 venues, an LED Bracelet indicating when to head to the next venue, a 17oz Elite Color Changing Cup, kick-off party from 12-1:30pm, a 90's party from 1:30-3pm, a “Glow Your Mind Halftime Party” from 3-4:30pm, an after party from 7-9pm, and so much more! Be sure to wear your best onesie- there will be prizes!
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill is hosting An Evening with Justin Baldwin, founder of Justin Winery, on Wednesday, February 7 at 6pm. The four-course menu includes Avocado and Crab Toast, Moroccan Shrimp, Pomegranate Lacquered Duck Breast, and Petite Filet of Beef Rossini. A complementary Justin wine pairing will be served with each course. It cost $150 per person, including tax and gratuity.
Do you remember seeing Finding Nemo in theaters? Or when Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected governor of California? How about when a young rapper named 50 Cent won “best new artist?” It probably feels like a long time ago… and it was! 2003 to be exact. And that’s also how long Mohegan Sun’s Winefest has been around. January 26-29, 2018 marked the FIFTEENTH anniversary of this massive event that brings together celebrity chefs, wine, beer, spirits, food, and local vendors for an entire weekend. I first attended the festival in 2013 and had the opportunity cover the event on behalf of CTBites for the fourth time this year.
Sunday February 4 is the Super Bowl and Connecticut restaurants, bars, and caterers are serving up BIG specials for the BIG game. Halftime buffets, open bars, big screen TVs, giveaways, take-out packages… these deals will have you doing your best touchdown dance!
The Blind Rhino, Norwalk: 2018 will mark the third year of The Blind Rhino's Sono Bowl! The NO COVER pre-game bash starts at 4pm and lasts until kick-off. It will feature live music from The Extras, giveaways, and other specials.
Geronimo, Fairfield: Geronimo's Tequila Bar & Southwest Grill, with locations in New Haven and Fairfield, will offer a take-out package consisting of chips, salsa, guacamole, build-your-own Beef Chile Nachos, Hatch Green Chile Stew, Southwestern Empanadas, and Signature Margarita Mix. Choose from a package for 15 or 8 guests.
Bull & Swine, New Haven: Bull & Swine in New Haven will show the Super Bowl on their 80 inch projector screen with surround sound. For $28 per person, you can also enjoy their buffet and open bar. They'll have trivia and prizes, too.
Walrus + Carpenter, Bridgeport: Assorted wings, ribs, sliders, and sides are available for pick-up from Walrus + Carpenter. Order by Tuesday January 30 and pick-up after 12pm on Sunday February 4. Send an email to catering@walruscarpenterct.com or call them at (203) 333-2733 to purchase. less
The Cook and the Bear in Hartford presents a West Coast v. East Coast Whiskey Dinner on Tuesday January 30 at 6:30pm. The evening includes a cocktail reception, a family-style meal, and side-by-side whiskey pairings. It costs $90, plus tax and gratuity, and tickets are available for purchase online.
The Spotted Horse Tavern in Westport now offers Meatless Mondays!
Learn all about Riesling at The Whelk in Westport on Tuesday January 30 at 6:30pm. Winemaker on Von Winning, Andreas Hutwohl, will be there to guide you through the delicious dinner and wine pairings. It costs $150 per person, plus tax and tip, and reservations can be made by calling 203-557-0902.
Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant in East Lyme invites you to an installation of their Food & Wine Series on Tuesday January 30. Chef Olivia Formica will prepare and explain a 5 course meal, this time inspired by the cuisine in Seattle, WA, and serve it alongside complementary wines provided by Divine Wine Emporium. Tickets are $45 per person or $80 per couple.
Zohara Mediterranean Kitchen hosts a Massaya Wine Dinner on Tuesday January 30. Sami Goshen, winemaker and owner of Massaya Vinyards in Lebanon, will be there to walk you through the wines, which will be paired with custom dishes from the chef. Tickets are $75.
On Wednesday January 31, Chef Prasad Chirnomula, Chef Owner of of INDIA Restaurant in West Hartford, will guide diners through a 5-course tasting menu featuring many of the restaurant's diverse dishes. The cost is $55 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and includes a complimentary beverage along with the meal.
On Monday January 22, Chef Tyler Anderson of Millwright’s and Pastry Chef Kristin will cook at the historic James Beard Housein NYC. Join them, along with Top Chef contestants Joe Flamm and Bruce Kalman, for hors d’oeuvres and a five course dinner. It starts at 7pm and costs $160 for members and $210 for the public.
Two Road’s 4th Annual Igor's Dream Dessert Pairingwill unfold on Monday January 22 from 6:30-9pm. Sweet Cupcasions, Wildflour Confections, Lovely Cakes, and Hardcore Sweet Cupcakes have all come up with the ultimate sweet treats to pair with the Igor’s Dream beer line-up. A $30 ticket gives you the chance to try 4 oz tasters of the 4 new release brews as well as one of each dessert pairing.
Brewport’s Big Game and Beer Dinner will take place on Monday January 22. They’ll switch up their specialty pizzas and salads with ingredients like wild boar, elk, bison, and venison. Tickets are $50, inclusive of gratuity but exclusive of tax. Call 203-612-4438 and ask for Lauren or a manager to reserve your spot.
Baldanza and South Avenue Butcher, both in New Canaan, are teaming up for another dinner, this time centering on “Comfort Food,” on Tuesday January 23. Choose from soup or salad, an entrée, and dessert for $75 per person.
On January 18, Terrain Garden Cafe in Westport will host a Winter Fireside Dinner featuring a selection of warming winter dishes inspired by cold season. Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner with an optional whiskey or wine pairing with a view of crackling fire pits on the cafe patio. It is $75 per person with the optional beverage pairing for an additional $30 per person. View menu and reserve here.
Sip for a cause on Saturday, January 20 from 12-5pm at the first ever West Hartford “Culinary Corner Pub Crawl” hosted by Eat IN Connecticut while helping to raise funds for charities dedicated to ending hunger in Connecticut. The Crawl includes five of West Hartford’s Restaurants: Vinted, INDIA, The Cook and The Bear, FLORA, and Artisan Restaurant at the brand new DELAMAR Hotel. Participants can go to any of the 5 participating Culinary Corner restaurants anytime for food specials in addition to the 1/2 off drink specials during the Pub Crawl. Purchase your tickets here.
Wakeman Town Farm will have a pop-up Fondue Dinner on January 18 from 7-10pm. Enjoy 3 courses with wine pairing, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to support Wakeman's operations and educational programming. Tickets are $85 per person.
On Tuesday January 16, Caseus Fromagerie Bistro invites you to an Italian Cheese & Wine Pairing Class. It runs from 6-7:30pm and costs $45 per person.
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill is hosting a Jonathan Edwards Winery dinner on Wednesday, January 10 at 6pm. The four-course menu includes Honduran Style Scallop Ceviche, Foie Gras Torchon, Ginger Crusted Salmon, and American Lamb. There will be a Jonathan Edwards wine pairing with each course. It costs $100 per person, which includes tax and gratuity. Attendees will also receive a special gift from the winery. Reservations are required: .
Now at Bareburger Stamford and Ridgefield, bring in your old board or card games and receive 10% off your bill. The games will be distributed to charities and children in need.
Bridgeport's new German Beer Hall, Harlan Haus, will have its grand opening on Wednesday January 10! Find them at 155 State Street starting at 5pm.
On Wednesday January 10, Trumbull Kitchen invites you to a Willamette Valley Wine Dinner from 6-9pm.
If your New Year’s resolution is to learn more about cooking, perhaps Cheshire’s Cookbook Club is for you! Wednesday January 10 will focus on the slow cooker, and participants are asked to bring a slow-cooker dish, along with the recipe and the cookbook you used. Must be at least 18 years of age or older to participate and registration is required.
Several Connecticut restaurants are celebrating New Year’s Day, Monday January 1. For example, Shell & Bones in New Haven will have New Year's Day brunch from 11am-2:30pm. And pajamas are strongly encouraged at Butchers & Bakers New Years Day brunch! Entrees range from $9-$20, plus enjoy bottomless Mimosas, Bellinis, Whiskey Smashes, and Limoncello Collins for $20. Build your own Bloody Mary Bar.
On Wednesday January 3, partake in an “Ice Wine Dinner” at The Inn at Woodstock Hill. It goes from 6-9pm and costs $75 per person.
This just in… Multi-platinum artist, actor and entertainment icon Snoop Dogg is now scheduled to attend the Sun Wine & Food Fest at Mohegan Sun! Snoop Dogg will perform in Avalon on Saturday, January 27th and join Sunday Brunch with Martha Stewart as a special guest the following day. Tickets are on sale for that and other events that weekend now!
“Sip & Savor” with a South American Wine Dinner at Breakwater in Stonington, CT. Wines from South America, paired with 4 courses from Chef Marcony inspired by South and Central American countries. It costs $50 per person, plus tax and an 18% gratuity.
It’s almost time to bid farewell to 2017 and say hello to the New Year! Connecticut restaurants are celebrating 2018 with epic parties, prix fixe menus, and hangover brunches. Here is what they have in store!
Washington Prime, Norwalk Washington Prime in SoNo's NYE Dinner has 3 Seatings: 4pm, 6pm, and 8:30pm. It includes selection of appetizer, entree, and dessert and costs $65 per person plus tax & gratuity.
The Cottage, Westport: The Cottage in Westport presents a New Years Eve Brunch followed by a New Years Eve Celebration Dinner from 5:30-10:30pm. The a la carte menu will include lots of caviar, truffles, and buttered lobster!
Griswold Inn, Essex: The Griswold Inn has NYE Dinner Seatings starting at 5:30 pm and the Shiny Lapel Trio will play from 10pm-1am. Entrees include Pan Seared Atlantic Salmon, Roasted Long Island Duck, Roasted Prime Rib, and Filet of Beef Wellington. It costs $60 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
Present Company, Simsbury: Present Company's 5 course prix fixe NYE dinner includes options like lightly roasted cauliflower carpaccio with black truffles and beef “wellington” with mushroom stuffing. It is $110 per person with wine pairings available for an additional $40.
Harlan Publick, Norwalk: Beginning 12/31 at 9:30pm, dance the night away and enjoy craft cocktails and a chefs buffet at Harlan Publick in Norwalk.
Santa may love milk and cookies, but if you’re craving gourmet prix fixe menus and specialty cocktails this holiday season, Connecticut restaurants have you covered. These popular places are open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or both. Get the gift of delicious food this Christmas!
Washington Prime, Norwalk: Washington Prime's SoNo location will have a Christmas Eve brunch with seatings at 11am, 12:30pm, and 2:15pm. Later, join them for Christmas Eve Dinner at 5pm, 6:45pm, and 8:30pm. They will be closed on Christmas Day.
Basso Cafe, Norwalk: Basso Café in Norwalk will have a Christmas celebration on Christmas Eve, December 24. Join them from 5pm onward.
Fresh Salt @ Saybrook Point Inn, Saybrook: Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point is open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Christmas Eve brunch will take place from 10:30am-2pm. On Christmas, join them for a special buffet from 11am-5pm.
L’escale, Greenwich: L'escale is open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Days. On both days, they will offer a 3 course prix fixe menu for $75 a person.
J House, Greenwich: J House in Greenwich is open on Christmas Day for both brunch and dinner. The 3-course prix fixe dinner will last from 5-8pm for $60 per person. Brunch is from 10:30am-2:30pm and is a 2 course prix fixe for $45.
Hardcore Sweet Cupcakes in Oakville invites you to a “Hardcore Sweet Holiday Cake Class” on Friday December 22 at 7pm. The beginner cake class is great for pre-teens and young adults. Tickets are $60 per person, and participation is limited to 10 people.
Valencia Luncheria will have an Ugly Sweater brunch on Saturday December 23 from 10am to 4pm. Guests in Ugly holiday sweaters receive a complimentary brunch punch.
For the first time ever, Amis Westport will be recreating the renowned Feast of the Seven Fishes dinnercelebrated by Amis Trattoria in Philadelphia yearly. Taking place on Dec 23, this four course prix-fixe menu will feature classic seafood dishes created by Amis Executive Chef, Brad Spence, and prepared by Westport Chef de Cuisine Matt Langston. The 4 prix-fixe menu IS $65 pp, plus tax and gratuity. A $35 beverage pairing is also available.
Garelick & Herbs introduces their new black and white .... donuts. Homemade in their in house bakery, the new black and white donuts are made with pure Belgian white, milk and dark chocolate. And just in time for the holidays, Garelick & Herbs is also baking homemade raspberry jelly donuts. $2.75 each. Southport store only.
Champagne and Caviar… yes, please! Join the Whelk for dinner featuring those two delicacies on Tuesday December 12 at 7pm. The meal includes 4 courses, 9 wine pairings, and costs $170 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
On Thursday December 14 from 6-9pm, Norwalk’s Waypointe will be converted into a Holiday Pop-Up. The Orchard St. Market is free and open to the public, and will feature local Norwalk artisans. In addition, with the purchase of a $25 ticket, you can attend a special holiday-themed art class inside Pinot's Palette.
Visit Hub & Spoke in Bridgeport for Dinner and Storytime with Santa from 4:30-7:30pm on December 14. Adults and kids can enjoy an early dinner and holiday desserts while chatting with Santa over a hot cup of cocoa. Call 203-345-9110 to reserve.
On Tuesday December 12, Tre Scalini in New Haven will host a Feast of the 7 Fishes. It costs $90 per person and reservations can be made by calling 203-469-4218.
Eleven years ago, I got hooked on Top Chef while… ironically… working out at the gym. I don’t think the other gym-goers appreciated the decadent food visuals- I got a lot of side-eye- but I was mesmerized by the lightning fast pace of the challenges and the culinary problem-solving. That initial encounter blossomed into full blown fandom; I’ve interviewed chef-testants and dined at their restaurants. It’s crazy to think that the latest installation marks the show’s FIFTEENTH season- and that one of Connecticut’s own chefs will be one of fifteen to compete for the coveted title. Chef Tyler Anderson of Millwright’s in Simsbury will vie for Top Chef when the series debuts on December 7!
“One of the main reasons I went on was to represent the state of CT,” Anderson said. “There are some Chefs, Restaurateurs and Artisans doing some amazing things in this state, I wanted to try and raise that awareness.”
Caseus Fromagerie Bistro, located in New Haven, will hold a “Porters and Stouts Beer and Cheese Pairing Class” on Monday Dece,ber 4 from 6-7:30pm. They’ll pair delicious dark brews with cheeses from their fromagerie. Tickets are available online and costs approximately $45.
On Tuesday December 5, Baldanza Café in New Canaan will team up with South Avenue Butcher for another Baldanza Butcher Dinner. There are two seatings: 5:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets are $100 (which includes tax and gratuity) and can be purchased by calling 203-966-4000.
On Thursday December 7, Kosher Like Me food blogger Liz Rueven will present an interactive cooking class focusing on Chanukah latkes (potato pancakes). Students will prepare a classic recipe in addition to learning how to make seasonal variations and fruit sauces to top them with. Feel free to BYOB.
Soul Tasty in Stamford's Chef, Jean J will be featured on the TV show CHOPPED! They are having a viewing party Thursday, Dec. 7 at Acuario Restaurant (78 W. Park Place Stamford,CT) from 7:30-10:30pm (episode airs at 9pm). Head on over!
At exactly 12pm on Thursday November 23, Santa Claus concluded the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and officially ushered in the holiday season! For those looking to throw the ultimate holiday bash, popular Connecticut restaurants and venues can provide fantastic backdrops for the festivities. These places have party spaces and packages that are perfect for your soirees!
Schoolhouse at Cannondale, Wilton: The Schoolhouse in Wilton can help you throw a holiday cocktail party starting at $45 per person. Offerings include Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, Mini Baked Brie, Beef Tenderloin Canape, and more.
Brasitas, Norwalk: Brasitas in Norwalk and Stamford both have private rooms.
Two Roads, Stratford: Two Roads Brewery in Stratford has a private events room that holds 75 seated or 160 standing. You can also schedule private tours for groups larger than 10 and smaller than 20.
Heirloom, New Haven: At Heirloom in New Haven, use their private dining room or The Study at Yale, their penthouse space.
Roger Sherman Inn, New Canaan: The Roger Sherman in has a number of rooms of all different sizes for your private holiday party: The Blue Room (14), the Terrace Room (80), the Hunt Room (30), the Ivy Room (30), the Garden Room (70), the WineRoom (36), and the Porch (70). Reception style can accommodate between 20-200 guests.less
Then on Sunday November 26, Washington Prime will have a Homecoming Family Brunch Buffet. Join them for one of 3 different seating times: 11AM, 12:30PM, and 2PM. The price per person is $34.95 per person and includes a complimentary bloody mary, mimosa, or bellini. Children are $19.95 and tots under 4 are free.
Prime: An American Kitchen and Bar in Stamford’s Harbor Point now offers a “Power Lunch.” When you order the two-course $24 price fixed lunch, they guarantee you’ll be in and out in 35 minutes from when your order is taken. Prime is open for lunch from 12:00pm - 3:00pm, Monday through Saturday.
Thanksgiving arrives on Thursday November 23! Don’t just “wing” it this season when it comes to your plans… Connecticut restaurants are offering delicious feasts and tables fill up quickly! Perhaps you’d rather serve Thanksgiving dinner in your home, but without the hassle of cooking. Caterers and restaurants across the state are offering an array of to-go options for groups of all sizes. These 40 places will make all of your Thanksgiving culinary dreams come true.
Bloodroot, Bridgeport: On Thanksgiving, Bloodroot in Bridgeport serves a Harvest feast, which is a single sitting, starting at 4:30. It costs $49.95 per person and reservations can be made by calling 203-576-9168.
Judy’s Bar and Kitchen, Stamford: Judy's Bar + Kitchen in Stamford offers an extensive Thanksgiving catering menu for those who want to enjoy the holiday in their homes without worrying about the cooking.
Shell & Bones, New Haven: Shell & Bones in New Haven will be open on Thanksgiving from 11am – 8pm. In addition to their regular a la carte menu, specials will include Cider Brined Turkey, Maine Lobster Salad, Vegetable Pot Pie, Pomegranate Rack of Lamb, and more.
Bear’s Smokehouse, Hartford and Windsor: Bear's Smokehouse has a Thanksgiving take-out menu with extensive options for meats, salads, sides, stuffings and breads, sauces and gravies, and desserts.
Pearl, Westport: Make your reservations now for Pearl in Westport's traditional Thanksgiving Day menu.
Tavern on Main's "RAUS in the HAUS" with Donny Raus will take place Friday November 10 from 6:30 pm until closing. Donny will make coffee cocktails using his signature Cold Roman blend while the kitchen will whip up several dishes using RAUS coffee.
Brasitas in Norwalk will have a Tequila Tasting Dinner on Wednesday, November 8 at 7pm. Four courses will be paired with tequila-based cocktails. The event costs $65, plus tax and tip.
On Thursday November 9, Kawa Ni will host a Japanese Whisky Dinner. The evening will include 6 courses paired with 6 complementary whiskies. It begins at 6:30pm and costs $125 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
The Westport Farmers’ Market and Fleishers Craft Butchery have joined to sponsor the film, Unbroken Ground: Revolutions Start from the Bottom, at the Fairfield Theater Company on Monday November 6.
