Filtering by Category: Events

20+ Places For Afternoon Tea in Connecticut: Pinkies Up!

Events Features Restaurant TEA Tea And Coffee Tea Time Afternoon Tea Guide Homepage Highlight

April Guilbault

Tea for two and two for tea, a scone for you, petit fours for me. What a charming way to spend an afternoon, isn’t it? Simply slow down and sip; a flavorful cup of tea asks only this of us, to take time and relish all it has to offer. Around our state, there are tea rooms of every shape and size-with gardens and sunrooms, quirky themes, historic leanings-yet all encourage you to stop, steep, and slow down. Make sure to scroll the entire listing, as we first list those establishments that regularly offer afternoon teas, then follow it with a listing of interesting places around the state that hold special event and holiday teas. This is a great year to explore the world in a cup…


Taco Guy Launches “Mexican Pizza” Thursday Pop-Up

Events Features Restaurant Mexican Pizza Pop-Up Tacos Norwalk Homepage

Andrew Dominick

In the latter part of July, I covered the opening of Taco Guy and owner Adrian Hurtado. If you read THAT article, towards the end of it, I alluded to the wood burning pizza oven being used at some point.

If you’re a regular to Taco Guy like I have been, I’m sure you’ve asked Hurtado if he was going to fire that oven up. Well, friends, that time is now.


"Miracle" Christmas Themed Pop-up Cocktail Bar Launching at 3 CT Locations

Events Features Cocktails Bar Pop-Up Bar Holiday Holiday Events Homepage

Stephanie Webster

The long running Miracle Christmas pop-up cocktail bar holiday pop-up is now open at three Connecticut bars you know and love. For those unfamiliar with Miracle Bar, this beloved Christmas themed holiday pop-up cocktail bar launched in 2014 in New York City, will continue spreading holiday cheer this year with over 100 locations around the world.

Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting. With kitschy holiday décor, professionally-developed cocktails and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to, Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit.

Where can you find Miracle in CT?

Grab your ugly Christmas sweater and head to Riley's by the Seawall in Stratford, who has hosted Miracle in past years and returns in 2023 for some more fun. You can also track down some Miracle joy at first-time hosts, Perfusion in Newtown and The Hop Knot in Portland.

Riley's will be ready for the holiday festivities on Nov. 17. Perfusion, launches their pop-up on Nov. 21, and Hop Knot's debut on Nov. 29. 

All three locations are ready for all the boozy holiday cheer you can muster.


Chef Prasad in New Canaan's Chef Collab Events: How It Started + Where It's Going

Events Interview Restaurant New Canaan Indian Interview Chef Prasad Collab Pop-Up

Andrew Dominick

Between courses at one of his collaboration special events, Prasad Chirnomula spoke to his full dining room about creating a bond with his fellow Connecticut chefs.

“We’ve been doing this for almost a year now, bringing chefs together,” he says. “The whole point of doing this, is we, as chefs, work our asses off. We’re always back in the kitchen on Saturday nights, Sunday nights, holidays, and everything else. I’ve done my share of work, so I said to myself that I’m gonna enjoy what I did for so many years of my life. I want to create a legacy and a bond with people I recognize and know of. Even if I don’t know someone, I’ll pick up the phone, call them, and say, ‘Hey, buddy! How are you doing? Do you wanna cook together?’ This is the hardest industry to work in and food brings people together.”


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!


Sound On Sound Music Fest Food & Beverage Lineup Released!

Features Events Live Music Festival Events

James Gribbon

Of all the lessons I’ve learned in life which turned out to be Actually True, “No one ever laid in bed, late in life, and wished they went to fewer shows” is up near the top. Did a show get away from you this year? Maybe a weeknight concert series in a local park, and you just never found the time? Did a few notes of the Weezer and Future Islands show from the amphitheater in Bridgeport breeze through your car windows as you crept along on I-95? Shaking your head Yes? Well shake it off like you’re erasing an Etch-a-Sketch, and take your last festival opportunity of 2023 in Connecticut this Sept. 30 – October 1 in Seaside Park at Sound On Sound.

The complete setlist for the shows can be found HERE, but we’re not Pitchfork, so here’s a look at the food and drink options to keep you going at this year’s banger...


What Goes Down at a Bourbon Barrel Pick Tasting? An Inside Look with Greens Farms Spirit Shop

Events Greens Farms Spirit Shop Bourbon Whiskey Westport Wallingford North Haven Liquor

Andrew Dominick

To pick, or not to pick, that is the question that Nick Conti and a small crew of whiskey enthusiasts are faced with regularly when it comes to making barrel picks for his three spirit shops Sav-Rite Liquors in North Haven, Ye Old Wine Shoppe in Wallingford, and Greens Farms Spirit Shop in Westport.


Hey Stamford! Food Festival Returns to Downtown Stamford August 11th

Events Features Hey Stamford Food Festival Food Festival Food Truck stamf down event events

CTbites Team

The Hey Stamford! Food Festival returns to downtown Stamford for TWO BIG WEEKENDS: August 11-13 and 18-20. Presented by Co Create, First County Bank & Minchin GMC, the highly anticipated 6th annual event with a focus on food and community and will feature a Food Truck Frenzy, featuring close to 50 food trucks & vendors each weekend! Pizzapalooza; CT’s Ultimate Pizza Party, Taylor Made; a Taylor Swift Dance Party, Real Housewives of New Jersey’s Teresa Giudice and more! 

Tickets are now on sale at www.heystamfordfoodfest.com


Mike’s Organic Grocery Opens in Greenwich: 6 Questions with Owner Mike Geller

Interview Seasonal Events Grocery Store Shop Local farm fresh Greenwich Mike's Organic Cos Cob Interview

Andrew Dominick

In July of 2021, Mike Geller and his dedicated team at Mike’s Organic held an announcement event in the Cos Cob section of Greenwich where the bones of the former Patio.com store stood a vacant eyesore for about two years.

That day, in the parking lot, friends and family gathered, food was devoured, and drinks were sipped as Geller enthusiastically spoke about the expansion of his Stamford-based grocery delivery service that would be taking over the 600 E Putnam Avenue space as a grocery store, selling all the finest local, farm fresh produce, meat, seafood, and top notch products that Mike’s Organic has become known for over the years.

Fast forward to less than two years later, like right now, in the present, and Mike’s Organic Grocery is a real thing, as in, you can officially shop there! Preorder. Pick up. Push a cart and browse the shelves. Swing by for a grab-n-go lunch or dinner by their own “Made By Mike’s” lineup of salads, sandwiches, entrées, and more that are all made in-house. And we’re positive that there’s more in store when it comes to this new grocery store.

I recently caught up with Geller for an interview because, honestly, there’s no one better than him to speak about the brand he has created through years of cultivating relationships with farmers and purveyors the way he can.


Max Chef to Farm 2023 Summer Dining Series at Rosedale Farms

Features Events Pop-Up Dinner Farm Dinner Farm To Table Dinner Series Local Farm Cocktails

Khalid Williams

Hartford County's premier restaurant group and Farmington Valley's century-old farm and vineyard partnered for the 15th year of Max Chef to Farm. The culinary acumen is Max Level (through the roof) with the added benefit of having beverages curated MH by Sommelier and Beverage Director Brian Mitchell.

The owners of Rosedale Farms and Vineyards have been providing apples that are redder, corn that's sweeter and berries that make the juiciest cocktails to CT restaurants for decades, and Max Hospitality has always been obsessed with fresh, local and organic. To culinary Hunter Morton, these are more than buzzwords-they're a way of life. Max Chef to Farm grew out of a desire to take the "farm to table" movement one step further and bring the culinary talent right to the source of their best ingredients.

I attest that great farm produce is available all over the state- but how often with a vineyard attached? Max gives a nod to Rosedale Farms winemaker Morgan Wilson's selections and Brian Mitchell, Max's beverage director, sommelier and a decorated wine and spirits professional and President of the New England Wine Academy


Celebrate Pride Month in Connecticut: Events, Bars, Restaurants & Specials

Events Features Pride Month Pride Day Events Homepage

Carly Terzigni

June is here, and as we kick off the summer season, many take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate Pride Month. Pride Month is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and its many contributions to our society and culture throughout history.  It is typically observed in June, commemorating the Stonewall riots that took place in 1969. Since then, Pride has spread across the United States and even around the globe with parades and other special events all month long. Though you may see some cities celebrate Pride at other times of the year, June is when you will notice the highest volume of events.

Here in Connecticut, several cities and towns will recognize Pride Month throughout June with limited-time menu items and special events, including drag brunches and dance parties. If you are looking for ways to commemorate Pride Month and raise a rainbow-colored glass to the LGBTQ+ community, keep reading to see what local events are happening around you throughout June. 


SAVE THE DATE for The Glass House Summer Party June 10th with Elm Restaurant

Events Features Events Fundraiser

CTbites Team

The Glass House presents its annual Summer Party on June 10th from 12-4pm.

The Glass House by Philip Johnson located in New Canaan, CT, is a world-renowned architecturally significant property and historic home.

This fundraising event features art, dance, design, fashion, food, music, activations, and silent auction by ARTSY. The event celebrates 16 years as a historic site and museum and will benefit the preservation of the campus and collections.


Argentine Asado Wood-Fired Outdoor Dining Event at Wakeman Town Farm June 2nd

Events Features Events Pop-Up Dinner

CTbites Team

Don’t miss the unique opportunity to experience an authentic Argentine Asado Dinner at Wakeman Town Farm June 2nd @6:00 p.m., a wood-fired outdoor dining experience with Chef Pablo Nealon

The “Argentine Asado” goes back to the mid-nineteenth century when the Gauchos roamed the Pampas. Today, it still holds many of those traditions every time a group gathers around the grill. Served outdoors and family style, it is the perfect social culinary experience. We guarantee it is unlike anything you have ever experienced at Wakeman Town Farm! This event is limited to first-come, first serve, and tickets will go quickly! If so, we may wind up adding an additional date. 


CT's Dinners at the Farm Announces 2023 Season Tix On Sale!

Features Events Farm Dinner Pop-Up Dinner Local Farm

CTbites Team

Chef Jonathan Rapp and the Farm Dinner team has announced the 2023 season for Dinners at the Farm! Join them and their friend Digga Schacht at his beautiful Hunts Brook Farm in Quaker Hill, CT for four magical dinners, July 27, 28, 29 & 30. Each night will feature a unique and delicious five-course menu showcasing the talents of cook and farmer paired with great wines, local beers, and homegrown music. A sensory extravaganza you won't want to miss. Oh, and, did we tell you it's four nights only? Get your tickets before they're gobbled up and get ready to celebrate the glorious summer season in all its finest.

Score your tickets here.


Westport Farmers’ Market Opens for The 2023 Season May 11th

Events Features Farmers Market

CTbites Team

Westport Farmers’ Market (WFM) is pleased to announce it will return to its home in the parking lot at 50 Imperial Avenue on Thursday, May 11, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and continue every Thursday through early November. This year promises to be the best in the market’s 17-year history, with multiple programs operating under our “who grows your food” ethos.

“Our emphasis on knowing who grows your food means we will see enhanced community-inspired programming, vendors, sponsors, and activities this year,” said Lori Cochran-Dougall, executive director of WFM.


CT Spots To Celebrate Mardi Gras: King Cakes, Breweries, Restaurants +

Events Features Mardi Gras New Orleans

April Guilbault

Drown yourself in beads, good music and food while you laissez bon temps rouler! 

Get out there, have some fun, throw on a colorful mask, rip the heads off some crawfish and slurp some gumbo, mes amis. This is a decadent celebration if ever there was one and we’re not even in New Orleans! So, who’s going to find the baby in the cake and be crowned King or Queen of it all?


Soul-Fete: Celebrating the Culinary Journey from Africa to America

Events Features Events EVENT Pop-Up Dinner Chef Talk

Laura Ault / The New Canaanite

CTbites is very proud to be a media sponsor for year one of the exciting event below, an event that celebrates the culmination of Black History Month. We share that honor with The New Canaanite, where writer, Laura Ault, originally posted this article detailing the Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R)’s Soul-Fête event, going down on March 2nd. Here’s the scoop. Grab your tickets now before they sell out!

With their customary knack for creating connection, Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R) has created an immersive cultural celebration. Soul-Fête, which will explore the culinary journey from Africa to America, will welcome you to the Carriage Barn at New Canaan’s Waveny Park on March 2nd from 7-9 P.M., wrapping up Black History Month in an unforgettable way. Music will be provided by local band The Misfits, and chef Damon Sawyer of Bridgeport’s 29 Markle Ct. will take us through the past, present, and future of Black food. What’s in store for us? Well, for one, there will be a mac ‘n’ cheese tasting. 


Tix On Sale NOW for Greenwich Wine + Food's "The Big Easy" at Capitol Theater March 4th

Features Events Events Greenwich Wine + Food Live Music Celebrity Chef Southern Food

CTbites Team

Greenwich Wine + Food has announced the culinary talent that will be participating in The Big Easy at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York on Saturday, March 4, bringing the flavors and fun of New Orleans to life.  Beneficiaries include two national non-profit organizations with roots in Connecticut - The Jacques Pépin Foundation and Wholesome Wave.

This completely new, dine-around evening event will invite guests to wander the New Orleans-style grand tasting event (view complete culinary lineup below) featuring signature Cajun and Creole dishes from area chefs from 6:30pm-8:30pm.  Bourbon Street’s iconic drinks such as Hurricanes and Mudslides, as well as premium wine, beer and spirits, will be served throughout the entire evening.  Special ticket options will invite guests to begin their culinary travels thirty-minutes early at 6pm, a private pre-party, access to a second-floor bar and seating area, VIP parking and more.

Musical talent for the evening includes headliner Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Big Head Todd & the Monsters and Dumpstaphunk + Cyril Neville (opening the evening’s musical line-up at 6:30pm).