Filtering by Author: Stephanie Webster
Debra Ponzek's The Dinnertime Survival Cookbook
Features Cookbooks Kid Friendly
Debra Ponzek, owner of Aux Delices Fine Foods, knows a few things about getting food on the table. She cooks for her family and has a successful catering and restaurant business with locations in both Westport and Greenwich. Ponzek’s fourth cookbook The Dinnertime Survival Cookbook, comes out on April 1st 2013 as an answer to the age old question, What’s for dinner?
“You write different cookbooks at different times in your life,” says Ponzek. “I have kids and the question of what will I serve for dinner is a constant.”
To approach this mealtime conundrum, Ponzek has written her book with the organizing principle of,” What do I feel like eating tonight?”
The Dinnertime Survival Cookbook is divided into basic mealtime genres such as: "Everybody Loves Burgers", "Pasta & Beyond", "On The Slow Side" for braises, "If You Love Chicken", as well as "Breakfast For Dinner" (my personal favorite). The concept is to take an ingredient your family enjoys and expand on what you already know.
“I found that people tend to make the same 5 of 6 dishes every week,” states Ponzek. “I hope that people will be inspired by the recipes in The Dinnertime Survival Cookbook and find that they are simple enough to add these to their repertoire.”
5 Ways Kids Can Help Fight Hunger in CT
Kids Bites Volunteer kids activity Kid Friendly
People often write in to CTbites asking how their kids can get involved in helping the hungry in our local community. We decided to go to the source, Connecticut Food Bank, to see how best to assist in their efforts. It turns out there are quite a few ways kids can get involved. Here are some places to begin:
Organize a Team to Walk Against Hunger. We just opened Registration for the 2013 Walk Against Hunger, www.ctfoodbank.org/walk. There are now four dates to choose from. There also may be opportunities for young people and families to volunteer at the walk. It’s truly a fun family event.
Organize a food drive at school, with a sports team/club or the neighborhood, here’s a link to the info. on our site, http://www.ctfoodbank.org/how-to-help/donate-food
Volunteer. Contact Kim Damien, our Volunteer Coordinator to learn about volunteer opportunities for young people and families. There’s volunteer information the CT Food Bank's volunteer page, or you can contact Kim at kdamien@ctfoodbank.org, or call 203-469-5000.
Scenes from Chowdafest 2013 & Winners Are Announced!
Chowdafest 2013 rocked the Webster Bank Arena yesterday with 30 restaurants serving up chowders, soups & bisques to over 3000 eager eaters. Guests held their ballots tightly in hand as they sampled their soup, trying to slurp their way to the winner in three categories: New England Clam Chowder, Creative Chowder, and Soup or Bisque.
Valencia Luncheria, Rory's, Bobby Q's, The Crab Shell and many of the area's top chefs each prepared 25 gallons of Chowda not just for mere consumption, but to raise funds and food for the CT Food Bank. Chowdafest representatives tell us that over 1,200 pounds of food were collected during the 5 hour event.
The winners of Chowdafest 2013 are just in. Congratulations to...
Donovan's of Norwalk who won the Classic New England Clam Chowder category!
The Ginger Man of Norwalk who won the Creative Chowder category with their sweet potato clam chowder in a tie-breaker by the narrowest of margins, beating out the Brewhouse Restaurant, also in Norwalk who entered a chicken corn chowder.
The Crab Shell restaurant from Stamford who successfully defended their Soup/Bisque crown with their Lobster Bisque.
Plan B's Chef John Shares 8 Tips for Making Great Chili
Features Holiday Recipe Comfort Food
Chef John Brennan of Plan B in Milford knows a LOT about making Chili. This is why when it came time to plan my Super Bowl party, I turned to him for advice. Chef John's 8 simple tips will turn your Super Bowl menu into a huge win. Enjoy the game. Enjoy the chili.
- Start by using the best Ingredients. The heart of the chili is the meat that you use. At Plan B we use premium certified humane beef and pork from ranchers that don’t use antibiotics or hormones on their cattle. It’s a simple step, the better the meat…the better the chili.
- At Plan B we use a mixture of ground and cubed chuck and ground pork. Think of your chili like a meat ball, the perfect blend of pork and beef can make your chili a success. When purchasing the meat for your chili I suggest finding a local butcher that grinds their meat fresh daily, freshness equals flavor.
- Start your chili by sweating your vegetables. Treat your chili like a soup or a delicate sauce and sweat your onions and peppers to release their flavor. I suggest bell peppers and Spanish onions. When doing this be sure to heat your pot at medium to high and keep an eye on your veggies, stirring regularly.
Pinkberry Opens in Downtown Westport
Restaurant Frozen Yogurt Fairfield Kid Friendly Dessert
Attention Pinkberry fans: This frozen yogurt mecca has a new location in Westport, and it is officially open for business. Head on over to 111 Post Road East in Downtown Westport for your next fro-yo fix.
The Great Wall of Stouts Beer Event @ The Ginger Man
Restaurant Beer Dinner Norwalk BeerCTbites Staff Picks for TOP EATS OF 2012
Restaurant Top 10 Eats Best of CT
It's that time again...time to reflect on the year that has passed, and look forward to what is yet to come. For the food obsessed in Fairfield County, 2012 was a stellar year. The restaurant scene literally exploded with some very notable openings, and 2013 promises to continue the trend.
As we say good bye to 2012, we asked the CTbites Team to list the restaurants at which they spent the most time eating throughout the year. What you see below are the STAFF PICKS for TOP EATS OF 2012.
Let us know your favorite spots as well.
Happy New Year from CTbites.
10 Questions w/ Chef Scott Quis of Barcelona Stamford
Restaurant Chef Talk Stamford
Chef Scott Quis has been the Executive Chef at Barcelona Restaurant in Stamford since 2010. His credentials go like this: Culinary Institute of America; Executive Sous Chef @ Café Boulud; Chef @ Picholine in New York City...not too shabby. He lives in Norwalk, has a wife, and a baby, and loves coming in to work every day. Here are some things you may not know about the guy in the kitchen who cooked up those delicious Black Truffle Croquetas and Chorizo w/ Sweet & Sour Figs you enjoyed last weekend. Don't miss his recipe of the moment; Snapper Ceviche, seen below.
If you had unexpected guests arriving at your home for dinner in 1 hour, what would you whip up?I have a fire pit in the backyard of my home so I'd probably roast a chicken or make a paella with a side of seafood risotto.
Souterrain #5: Bill Taibe Hosts Underground Dinner
Restaurant Underground Dinner Bill Taibe Events
Bill Taibe and his team of chefs hosted Souterrain Sunday night, #5 in his series of underground pop-up dinners featuring local ingredients, unexpected locations, and good company. Ironically, Souterrain #5 was originally scheduled during last October's spectacular Nor'easter, and while Halloween did go on, Souterrain had to be cancelled. This year, dinner prevailed, and guests were delighted to find themselves at The Westport Arts Center on the last day of the appropriately themed FOODIES art exhibit. (The location is only divulged 12 hours before the event).
Bill Taibe considers Souterrain his "third restaurant, one without walls, where people come together at communal tables and share a unique culinary experience." The menu for Souterrain does not always follow a strict narrative, but Sunday's meal was truly an ode to duck. Green olives with roasted garlic cloves were cooked in duck fat. There was Duck Ham, Duck Liver & Huckleberries, and a spectacular Duck Confit. Corn bread drizzled with maple syrup paired beautifully with the foie and huckleberries, and a Brandade (Salt Cod Puree) made it into the first course, providing a taste of the sea. John Baricelli, of Sono Baking Company, even created a special olive bread for the evening. VIEW PHOTO GALLERY
Buy A Milk Shake for a Good Cause @ Shake Shack
With relief efforts steadily underway throughout the Northeast, Shake Shack is holding a week-long (Nov. 4-11) drive to help raise awareness and funds for the American Red Cross in support of victims impacted by Superstorm Sandy.
Shake Shack created a special milkshake, the Rally Shake, inspired by NYC’s iconic Black & White cookies for purchase ($5.50) to rally support and funds for the American Red Cross to help those in need. From Sunday November 4th through Sunday, November 11th, Shake Shack will donate $2.00 to the American Red Cross for every Rally Shake sold. The Rally Shake is available at ALL Shake Shack locations.
For more information, please visit www.shakeshack.com.
Eat Local Fish Now
Seafood
Like many others, fishermen in the Northeast are feeling the effects of the hurricane and struggling to get back on their feet. Many chefs have made a commitment to help New England fishermen by serving local seafood. As Jared Auerbach, Massachusetts fisherman and dock owner explains, "The East Coast got hit really hard this week and there are a lot of people who are hurting. Instead of using imported fish, lets all put our money where it's needed most." It's always a good time to eat and buy local New England fish, but now, even more so. Ask your fish purveyor what's local and fresh, and as diners ask your server where your fish was caught.
The Dressing Room restaurant was one of the first to respond when Sea to Table, (an organization that partners with local fishermen from small-scale sustainable wild fisheries), asked for support. Chef Jon Vaast decided to menu hake from the Gulf of Maine, baked with a sunchoke puree, swiss chard, brown butter, and a red wine reduction. Chef Bill Taibe continues to do the same at The Whelk where he has been committed to sourcing local fish since they opened their doors.
Free Pumpkins @ Bishop's Orchards Through Nov 4th!
Holiday Open House @ The Schoolhouse at Cannondale
Features Chef Talk Education Entertaining Holiday
This just in from The Schoolhouse:
It's that time of year again! Head on over to a Holiday Open House here at the Schoolhouse at Cannondale Restaurant. Get inspiration for your upcoming holiday and dinner parties with a few signature ideas of Chef LaBant's. The Schoolhouse will be featuring several workshop stations starring some of their favorite Hor D'oeuvres, Desserts & Pies (also available for pre-order), a Prosecco and Italian Soda Bar, and a Floral Arrangements & Decorations workshop.
The Open House will go from 7 pm to 9 pm on Tuesday, November 20th. Take home an original recipe book by Schoolhouse's own, included in the cost. Tickets are $65.00 per person. To reserve tickets, please contact: openhouse2012@schoolhouseatcannondale.com with your name, number of reservations, and a telephone number should we need to contact youdirectly. We will confirm your tickets via email.
FOOD 411: Where Did We Eat This......
SoNo Restaurant Week Starts October 21st
Restaurant Norwalk Restaurant Week SONOChef Experience Auction to Support Community Plates
In support of Fall Ball 2012, these four generous Fairfield County area chefs have donated four unique food experiences to benefit Community Plates march toward ending American food insecurity.
Check these four different packages out and bid here!
Brian Lewis - Elm Restaurant, New Canaan
Interactive cooking demonstration at Elm and three course tasting menu for 10 to 12 guests
Matt Storch - Match Restaurant, Sono
One on one in the kitchen with Matt in Match's kitchen and an 8 course tasting menu for 2 guests
Michael Lucente - Barcelona Wine Bar and Restaurant
Private tapas party at the location of your choice for up to 8 guests
Shawn Russell - Cinch Gourmet Meal Market Fairfield
Surf and turf meal interactively prepared and served in Cinch's beautiful kitchen for up to 10 guests
Valencia Luncheria Pig Roast & Art of the Cocktail Seminar Oct 24
Valencia Luncheria, Classic & Vintage Artisinal Spirits & Harry's Wine & Liquor Market are joining forces to bring you: A Venezuelan Pig Roast on the Beach & Cocktail Seminar on Wednesday October 24th @ 7PM. Guest speaker Michael Knipp C.S.W. will give guests an in depth look at the Classic & Vintage Artisanal Spirits Portfolio and the Art of the Cocktail. This unique event is $65 per person, all-inclusive, and includes a spectacular lineup of Tapas, Cocktails, Pig, tasty sides and dessert. Find out what makes a "Buzzing Black Buck" or an "Afternoon in Milano" perfect pairings for this beach side evening, and learn how to make them. You can check out the full menu below. This is one not to miss. The Spread to Open in S. Norwalk w/ Local Celeb Bartenders & Arik Bensimon
Restaurant Chef Talk Cocktails Norwalk SONO
“The SoNo scene has lost a bit of luster and we'd like to help bring some flavor back downtown,” says Chris Hickey, Co-Owner of The Spread opening October 2012.
Mr. Hickey, and his partners, Christopher Rasile, Andrey Cortes, and Shawn Longyear may be just the men for the job. With strong backgrounds in hospitality and almost legendary careers managing Bar at Barcelona’s SoNo and Greenwich locations, these four partners are poised to create some dining buzz in Michael Young's former Habana location.
But, despite boasting one of the largest bars in Fairfield County, The Spread is not just about creative cocktails. Enter the talented Chef Arik Bensimon, most recently the Executive Chef at Napa & Co., and now you’ve got yourself some serious culinary street cred to compliment the talent behind the bar.
Support Community Plates on October 9th @ The Fall Ball
Volunteer
You've heard us talking about Community Plates and the great work they do every day by rescuing good food that would otherwise be thrown away by delivering it to hunger relief agencies in Fairfield County. Whether you have been involved in Community Plates, would like to learn more about this remarkable organization, or just like a good party, their FALL BALL is coming up on October 9th, and you’re invited.
This is their major fundraiser of the year and the perfect night to make a contributions of time, passion or resources to keep this movement relevant and potent. Whether you are a restaurant, caterer or market with extra food to give to those in need, a volunteer who has a little extra time, or someone willing to support Community Plates with a small donation, this is the time to act.
Plus, there will be a special opportunity to support Community Plates by bidding one of four "chef" packages donated by the generous people at Match Restaurant (Sono), Barcelona Wine Bar, Elm Restaurant (New Canaan) and Cinch Foods (Fairfield).
