Saugatuck Provisions Opens From A Local CT Chef (Matt Storch), A Butcher & A Fisherman (Copps Island Oysters) Ingredients Features Westport Grocery Store Ingredients Seafood Butcher Specialty Market Homepage Opening Stephanie Webster October 26, 2022 What happens when a chef, a butcher and a fisherman walk into a bar? Stay tuned and I’ll tell you…If you’ve noticed some activity behind the brown paper covering the windows of what was once Westport’s Saugatuck Craft Butchery, it’s not just wishful thinking. Big things are happening behind that masked facade …big things that involve a culinary power team including Chef Matt Storch and Susan McConnell (Match Burger Lobster, Match) in partnership with Jimmy Bloom of Copps Island Oysters, and butcher, Paul Nessal, whom you will recognize if you spent any time at the nose to tail butchery, Saugatuck Craft, back in the day. After 5 years of discussion, this group is finally getting ready to open the doors to Saugatuck Provisions, a new concept offering customers a curated selection of the very best ingredients from the land, sea and grocery, enabling guests to create beautiful restaurant quality meals at home.Saugatuck Provisions is conveniently located next to Match Burger Lobster in Westport, and will be ready for customers in early November, with Thanksgiving pre-ordering already live here. Read More
NYC's Beloved Rosa Mexicano Announces Opening in West Hartford October 26 Features Restaurant West Hartford Mexican Hartford County Opening CTbites Team October 24, 2022 Rosa Mexicano announces the official opening on October 26 of its newest location in West Hartford, Connecticut. Located at 51 Isham Road, opposite the Cheesecake Factory, this 6,000 square-foot restaurant in Blue Back Square, an outdoor mixed-use downtown destination, will offer guests an elevated fiesta experience including signature menu items like the famed tableside guacamole preparation, margaritas that were named best in New York City, as well as a creative cocktail program. In addition, the restaurant in West Hartford will feature outdoor dining with an inviting patio. Read More
Po-Yo Peruvian in Danbury: Empire of the Incas Owner Opens Pollo a la Brasa Focused Spinoff Features Restaurant Interview Peruvian pollo a la brasa Danbury Homepage Fast Casual Chicken Beer Andrew Dominick October 21, 2022 Chicken-n-beer may be the title of a 2003 Ludacris album, but it’s also a spinoff concept brought to you by a Danbury mainstay, Empire of the Incas and owner David Aliaga.At Po-Yo, the savory focus should be easily guessed is you’re familiar with Peruvian cuisine and one of its popular dishes, pollo a la brasa. We even dig that the restaurant’s name teaches the masses how to properly pronounce “POLLO,” although, those who’ve watched enough Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul are likely well-versed in its pronunciation. Read More
Connecticut Halloween Events for 2022: Parties, Bars, Farms & All Things Haunted Events Features Halloween Events Stephanie Webster October 20, 2022 Witches, adjust your hats and ready your brooms. Mummies, fix those wraps and vampires, sharpen those fangs, ok? Halloween is here, people! Some might even consider this to be the most wonderful time of the year. If you are one of them, then we’ve got a fang-tanstic list of parties and events for you and your family to enjoy. Let your spooky shine! Read More
Mohegan Sun's Seltzer Social and BrewFest: What Went Down Features Mohegan Sun Beer CT Beer Hard Seltzer Festival Recap Carly Terzigni October 20, 2022 Coming in right off of the heels of this summer’s Tequila Fest, Mohegan Sun doubled down by offering a weekend of back-to-back events: Seltzer Social and BrewFest. The perfect way to celebrate fall, the two days of beverage-centric festivities kicked off on Friday, October 7 with Seltzer Social, an evening devoted to all things bubbly. The party continued on Saturday, October 8 with BrewFest, a three-hour celebration of local breweries as well as nationally-recognized brands.For those attending both the Seltzer Social and BrewFest, the first night’s events served as a fitting warm-up. But that by no means should imply that Seltzer Social was anything less than a main event in its own right. Lively music, tasty wings, and plenty of fizz was on deck for the two-hour soiree. Read More
My Favorite Dish: Chef Carlos Perez Taps Into His Cuban Heritage with His Take on the Cubano Sandwich Features Favorite Dish Cuban Cuisine Sandwiches Litchfield Christopher Hodson October 18, 2022 If you don’t thoroughly enjoy a good sandwich every now and then, then this probably isn’t the article for you. But on the other hand, if you are like me and constantly in search of what I deem to be a lunchtime staple, then I may have just found the next sandwich you MUST try.Every culture seems to have mastered that art of the ‘sandwich.’ There is the Bahn Mi, the Reuben, the Croque Monsieur, the Madame, the Italian Combo, the Turkey Club, the BLT, the Chicken Cutlet, the Philly cheesesteak, the list goes on and on. One particular sandwich however, holds a very special place at the top of my list, and that is the Cuban sandwich.I’ll first put this right out there. I don’t like Swiss cheese, never have, never will. BUT, when liberally melted on top of well seasoned, juicy roasted pork, with ham, and pickles, and mustard, all on fresh Cuban bread that’s been buttered and then pressed…lights out, game over. Bring on the Swiss cheese because now it’s magical.Enter Carlos Perez, Chef of At The Corner in Litchfield. He’s Half Cuban. So when I heard he was putting a Cuban Sandwich on the menu, I drove straight to Litchfield and had to see for myself if the rumor was true. Since then I’ve already had three of them and by the time this article comes out, I can guarantee that number will have definitely risen. Read More
Bridgeport's Brazilian, Mexican & Italian Bakeries Worth a Sweet Visit Features Restaurant Bakery Dessert Custom Cakes Cakes Cookies Homepage Carly Terzigni October 16, 2022 Bridgeport, Connecticut is teeming with hidden culinary gems. The city is an exciting kaleidoscope of culture and is among the top cities in the state to immerse yourself in Brazilian traditions. And when it comes to Brazilian cuisine, some of the more highly sought-after destinations are the bakeries. After all, who doesn’t love a perfectly baked dessert after dinner (or before dinner – or as a whole meal itself – we won’t judge)?Next time you are in Bridgeport, make it a point to stop by one of their many bakeries to experience some of the best in locally-owned sweetness. Whether you are craving a freshly baked concha or a savory breakfast item, you should be able to find them in ample supply in The Park City.NOTE: If you have a favorite Bridgeport Brazilian, Mexican or Italian bakery and it’s not on this list, please contact us and we will add it to the list. Read More
Strega Restaurant Owners Open Strega Market In Milford Features Ingredients Specialty Market Grocery Store Italian Opening James Gribbon October 13, 2022 Chef Danilo Mongillo continues to bring his vision of Italy to Milford with the newly opened Strega Market. On the same block as the Strega restaurant he opened after the pandemic had closed his original location in Branford, the Market showcases the same sauces and ingredients used just two doors down, as well as sought-after tastes of home for Italian expats, like Mongillo himself.The market layout is simple, but its contents are rich with multitudes of flavors. First, though, Mongillo takes me to the side, past rows of gleaming jars, and selects a small package.“Cards,” he says, “From Naples. You go into a little market like this in Italy, they always have the cards for people.” It’s indicative of the outlook he has, wanting the market to feel instantly familiar to anyone who grew up in Italy, and to bring that experience, that food, to Connecticut. Read More
Guide To 2022 Fall Cooking Classes in Connecticut Features Cooking Cooking Classes Education Guide April Guilbault October 12, 2022 You’ve gotten the kids settled in school so, hey, maybe there is some schooling to be had for you too. Maybe you are looking to spice up your girls’ night out or do something beyond-the-water cooler with office mates. Maybe you are wanting to try a new hobby with a partner or honestly, maybe you just need some You Time. Something for yourself that expands your mind, your curiosity and possibly your palate. Take a class. The possibilities are endless and you’ll learn some skills that follow you through your life. What is not to love about that? Read More
40+ Spots for Pumpkin Inspired Menu Specials, Beer, Ice Cream, Pasta, Baked Goods & Oh So Much More Features Roundup Pumpkin Season Seasonal Fall Treats ct beer Homepage April Guilbault October 08, 2022 Pumpkin, pumpkin everywhere. Isn’t autumn divine?! And how crazy that we all get so excited about, well, a gourd. Life is funny but it’s that time of year to embrace the crazy and roll with the pumpkins. From fancy-schmancy drinks to sumptuous desserts, handmade raviolis, cakes and sweets, pumpkin has hit everything that stands still. Get on the haywagon, it’s a good one!Here are 30+ spots to savor pumpkin season in EVERY WAY possible. Read More
Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for October 2022 Features Events News Events Wine Dinners Restaurant Week Stephanie Webster October 06, 2022 On Saturday, October 22, 2022, Chef Michel Nischan will "reawaken" his restaurant The Dressing Room and partner with Madison Beach Hotel's culinary team to present dinner and stories with an exclusive five course event featuring dinner, wine pairings, and storytelling.—National Taco Day was October 4th, and bartaco has decided to bring back its popular, limited edition #bartacosecret roasted brussels sprouts taco in celebration of everyone’s favorite holiday.—Buy one ticket and eat in 30 different restaurants on Wednesday, October 12th 5:30 - 8:30 for a Signature New London Event- Food Stroll!—New Haven Restaurant Week presented by Citizens returns October 16 – October 29, 2022, with dining experiences and all-new exclusive offerings at 23 restaurants throughout the Elm City.—Harry's Wine School presents: Wines of Italy with Michelle DeWyngaert Wednesday, October 26th, 20227:00 - 9:00 pm.+ Read More
Election Cake Bake-Off Seeks CT Bakers To Compete: CTbites to Judge! Features Cooking Contest Baker Bakery Stephanie Webster October 04, 2022 On Saturday, November 5 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm, Connecticut’s Old State House in Hartford will host its first in-person Election Cake Bake-Off, a competition featuring entries from professional bakers and pastry chefs from across the state….and CTbites will be there to help judge the winner!Bakers who would like to participate may contact Nicole Sousa at nicole.sousa@cga.ct.gov or 860.522.6766, or can apply directly here: bit.ly/ctosh2022bakeoff.Inspired by the Early American custom of celebrating Election Day with the traditional Hartford Election Cake, this festive Bake-Off invites chefs to submit their modern interpretation of the traditional spice cake, which will be judged on taste and creativity of decoration.This year’s judging panel includes Stephanie Webster, founder of the foodie website CTBites, food blogger David Milton of @thedamgram on Instagram, Executive Sous Chef Jamey Maloof of Sift Bakery in Mystic, former Connecticut Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, and 2022 Connecticut Kid Governor Makhi Etienne-Modeste.The winning baker will have their cake featured in a statewide publication and on social media, along with other to-be-announced prizes. Read More
Connecticut Restaurant Confidential: Strange Stories, Odd Orders, + Twisted Tales in the Industry Vol. 1 Features Interview Restaurant Chefs Restaurants Customers Homepage Andrew Dominick October 04, 2022 How many times have you heard bizarre restaurant requests? How about ridiculous customer orders? What about those tales that are strictly between BOH and FOH staff?I’m sure you’ve even overheard whispers as a customer or you have firsthand experience in the hospitality industry and you know about all the “crazy” that goes on, but either way, there are some doozies out there!“Lemme get a bacon cheeseburger, minus the beef and the cheese, with lettuce, tomato, and mayo?”Uhhh…what?! That’s a fuckin BLT. Read More
Greenwich Wine + Food One-Of-A-Kind Events Lineup: Get Your Tix Now! Events Features Greenwich Wine + Food Pop-Up Dinner Stephanie Webster September 27, 2022 Greenwich Wine + Food today announced its final schedule of weeklong festivities and participants that will comprise its 10-year anniversary celebration this October, with tickets on sale for all events. Beneficiaries include two national non-profit organizations with roots in Connecticut - The Jacques Pépin Foundation and Wholesome Wave. Suni Unger, founder and CEO of Unger Media, the parent company behind Greenwich Wine + Food and Serendipity magazine. states, “We are especially thrilled to be co-hosting more than ten events throughout the week, on-location at our favorite restaurants and bars in our local communities. These carefully curated, intimate celebrations are truly allowing us to applaud local talent in the area, and paired with our Gala on October 7, I am so proud of the programming we’re offering this Fall and our partner beneficiaries.”The schedule of one-of-a-kind events includes: Read More
Sally's Apizza Opening in Fairfield October 2022! Features Pizza New Haven Pizza Fairfield Opening Stephanie Webster September 26, 2022 The iconic New Haven pizza spot, Sally’s Apizza is getting ready to open the doors at their NEW LOCATION IN FAIRFIELD next month!!!! This will be their third location in Connecticut, the 2nd of which opened last year in Stamford.The restaurant will be located in the Trademark building at 665 Commerce Drive, in the space formerly occupied by Barbacoa Smoke House Read More
Guide To Great Coffee in Connecticut: Happy National Coffee Day 2022! Restaurant Features Roundup Best of CT Coffee Espresso Coffee Shop Breakfast homepage Highlight April Guilbault September 24, 2022 September 29th is National Coffee Day. If this listing was a coffee cup it would be a mega-super-duper-de-booper-trente. To make the (brewing) process easier for you to discover fabulous-and sometimes hidden- java joints to caffeinate or simply enjoy the velvety and multi-faced notes of a fine cup of’ Joe, we have divided this list by county. Enjoy the thrill of a new favorite spot or re-visit an old favorite.The slow pour has already begun as you read this…Enjoy our guide to the best places to get coffee in the state of Connecticut. Read More
Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events, Festivals, and Dinners for September 24-October 12 Features Events News Events Dinner Events Pop-Up Dinner Festival Stephanie Webster September 23, 2022 Van Leeuwen ice cream is opening in Greenwich Oct. 1st—Greenwich Wine + Food launches their schedule of weeklong festivities and participants that will comprise its 10-year anniversary celebration October 3-14th—On Sunday, 10/2, 4 - 7pm Barcelona Wine Bar Fairfield is throwing a 13th Annual Asado on the Patio party to pair autumn barbecue flavors and dishes with wines in a communal social-hour soiree—Wakeman Town Center is celebrating fall with an intimate chef's dinner on the Farm c/o Marcia Selden Catering on 10.6.22—bartaco has brought back its iconic #bartacosecret brisket taco to kick off the fall season++ Read More
It's Not Too Late to Visit The Last Taco Stand at Norwalk Cove Marina Features Interview Seasonal Tacos Food Truck Homepage Seasonal Norwalk Andrew Dominick September 17, 2022 The thing about most food trucks in our area is that they’re seasonal. Once the weather gets frosty, they hibernate until the flowers begin to bloom again. But still, it’s better to have found quality eats late in the season than not at all.I first heard about The Last Taco Stand (and we LOVE the name) in a couple of Norwalk local Facebook groups, then when I posted a quick Instagram story that I was planning to check them and their picturesque tacos out, that’s when my friend, Dominique said it was a good idea. Dom’s one of the folks I trust when it comes to food and drink, so when she told me that Neil, The Last Taco Stand’s owner, is “the best” and to make sure I get the sweet potato taco and “any of his hot sauces,” I knew I had to follow her instructions. Read More
2022 Guide to Catering Rosh Hashanah + Yom Kippur Features Rosh Hashanah Yom Kippur Jewish Holidays Homepage Catering Guide Catering Guide April Guilbault September 16, 2022 Holiday time is family time and good food is a central part of these celebrations! With Rosh Hashanah (Sept. 25-27) and Yom Kippur (Oct. 4-5) coming into focus, we have a handy listing of markets, caterers, and restaurants for you so that you may fill your table with traditional and new favorite dishes to mark the occasion. Our wish is that your holidays be happy and, of course, delicious. Shanah Tovah! Read More
Greenwich Wine + Food 2022 Announces Schedule for Week Long Festivities Events Features Greenwich Wine + Food Festival Festival Celebrity Chef Local Chef EVENT CTbites Team September 15, 2022 Greenwich Wine + Food today announced its final schedule of weeklong festivities and participants that will comprise its 10-year anniversary celebration this October, with tickets on sale for all events. Beneficiaries include two national non-profit organizations with roots in Connecticut - The Jacques Pépin Foundation and Wholesome Wave. Premium sponsors include Wagoneer and Greenwich Hospital.“With the one-month countdown officially ON, I’m thrilled to share the final details for our monumental anniversary celebration,” said Suni Unger, founder and CEO of Unger Media, the parent company behind Greenwich Wine + Food and Serendipity magazine. “We are especially thrilled to be co-hosting more than ten events throughout the week, on-location at our favorite restaurants and bars in our local communities. These carefully curated, intimate celebrations are truly allowing us to applaud local talent in the area, and paired with our Gala on October 7, I am so proud of the programming we’re offering this Fall and our partner beneficiaries.” Read More