Filtering by Category: Events,Ingredients

Friday Froth- Coming Back To Back East Brewery

Features Ingredients CT Beer Beer Brewery Bloomfield

James Gribbon September 04, 2020

In October of 2019 I sat down with Tony Karlowicz at Back East to visit the brewery and talk about the 2017 gold medal won by his porter at the world's largest beer competition, the 2018 expansion that nearly tripled his brewing capacity, and the giant new taproom he'd hired an architectural firm to design and build for the spring of 2020. We shook hands and said we'd see each other again when I could write the article about the grand opening in April. Ten months and a global disaster later I looked at the glass in my hand as I sat, finally, for the first time, in that tasting room. Printed just above my thumb were the words "Find Your Way Back."

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for August 29th- September 8

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Stephanie Webster August 27, 2020

Check out The NEW Fuego Picante food Truck proudly serving tacos al pastor al trompo & so much more goodness. Find them Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 3 pm to 9 pm at 79 William Shortly Campbell Street in Hartford.

Sift Bake Shop opens Mix Rooftop & Bar, a rooftop cocktail bar located on the top of Sift Bake Shop in Downtown Mystic, CT. Come enjoy unique, handcrafted cocktails, and a creative, fresh bar menu. Offering panoramic views of the Mystic River, Mix Rooftop & Bar, is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in beautiful Mystic, CT. Open daily from 3:00 - 10:00 PM. Reservations: 860-415-8365

Oar & Oak opening BIRD HOUSE in Stratford. We hear Bill Taibe is designing a Chicken Sandwich!!

Chef Jamie Bordonaro, Sous Chef at Millwrights restaurant in Simsbury recently finished the publication of his very own cookbook! It is titled “Pursuit of Passion” and he has been working on it for the past six years. The book is available for purchase on his website, www.www.pursuitofpassion.net/shop for $40 dollars, with $5 dollars from each copy sold going to benefit the World Central Kitchen organization. Check it out!

The insanely delicious Southern Chinese spot, Junzi Kitchen in New Haven, is now offering Picnic Baskets for 4 people. Each basket is $65 and includes chilled noodles, Asian salads, Asian inspired sodas, and Chinese chips.

Fan favorite, BONDA in Fairfield, launches BONDA EXPRESS, gourmet prepared foods to-go, open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 7pm. LOCATED AT THE BACK OF BONDA RESTAURANT (AMPLE PARKING IN THE BACK!) at 75 Hillside Road, Fairfield.

J’s Homemade Elderberry Syrup: Boost Your Immune System with this Locally Made Product

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Amy Kundrat August 25, 2020

Julie Messina had a problem to solve. What could she do to proactively combat the cold and flu season when it inevitably hit her own home? As a Kindergarten teacher and a new mom, she knew she would be a vector for viruses for her family and wanted to get ahead of the inevitable sniffles, or worse, influenza. When she discussed her concerns with her pediatrician, she learned about elderberry syrup, which some studies have shown can shorten the severity and duration of flu in adults. Drawn to its properties as a natural food, she wanted to give it a try but she hit her first roadblock when trying store brands. She didn’t like the taste or price of the elderberry syrups readily available, so she decided to try making her own. Although Julie wouldn’t officially sell her first bottle of elderberry syrup for several months, J’s Homemade was born on that fateful day at the pediatrician’s office. Like many entrepreneurs solving a problem, what followed wasn’t a straight path, but a lot of trial and error, perseverance and support from her wife Alicia and her (now) two children.

Each bottle of J’s Homemade elderberry syrup reflects its natural products and represents her own ongoing research and development.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events, Pop-Ups, Openings & More For Aug 23-Sept 2

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Stephanie Webster August 19, 2020

Stamford Summer Restaurant Weeks return August 17 – September 7. Participating Downtown Stamford restaurants are serving up special lunch & dinner prix fixe menus in several different price options.

Hartford Baking Company turns 10!! The anniversary, September 1st, will be celebrated with 2 for $10 sandwich deals at all three locations!

Are you an Affogato fan like we are? Storefront AFFOGATO is Coming soon to 132B Washington Street in South Norwalk!

Want to book an intimate private Italian dinner? Tutto Pasta does private customizable dinners at their homemade pasta shop in Fairfield. Contact them for booking.

Attn: Gluten-Free foodies. The Little Beet is opening this summer in Westport with a 100% Gluten-Free menu!

Proof Coffee is opening in Stamford’s Harbor Point with 100% organic, sustainable sourced coffee!

Locally Made Canned Cocktails We've Been Lovin' in Summer 2020

Features Ingredients Cocktails Canned Cocktails Drinks Home Delivery homepage Homepage

Kristin L. Wolfe August 15, 2020

Not gonna lie. I’m sucked in by looks. What’s on the inside counts, sure, but when I see a sharp, sexy...wait a minute. I’m talking about my drinks. What were you thinking?

Ok, weird intro aside, there seems to be an endless list of new canned drinks out there and room for even more. And, although nothing these days seems to be “normal” we are trying to enjoy ourselves however we can; and to me, sun, water, and delicious cold drinks, certainly helps that effort. So, while some of your pandemic hobbies might have revolved around expanding your mind or being creative with activities like puzzles, knitting, or cooking grannies old recipes, mine sorta kinda included drinking on the beach; and drinking delicious, creatively designed canned beverages, in particular. I started out with the popular seltzers like White Claw, Stoli’s yada yada, then moved to a few hard ciders from the 1911 suite (from Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards), like the Rosé in a tall, gorgeous soft pink can; then my fam and I fell in love with punch of the Watermelon Mint with graphics as a bold as the taste.

But then my new “hobby” got a little more interesting, uh...well, bolder, with stronger boozish. Here are a couple of brands created in our lovely state, then a few others you just have to try, especially since there’s still at least six weeks left of sunshine. However, I gather these will still be enjoyed well beyond the end of summer.

The Food Crate Launches, Delivering High End Specialty Prepared Foods to Your Doorstep

Features Ingredients Delivery Service Home Delivery BBQ Asian Meat Specialty Market Homepage

Stephanie Webster August 12, 2020

CT based startup, THE FOOD CRATE has launched in the tri-state area (and just beyond) with overnight delivery of chef-sourced specialty and high end prepared foods to residents of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island. Why is this food delivery service different from all others? After eating my way through several of these fully loaded crates, enjoying everything from gluten-free chicken meatballs and marinated shrimp kabobs to Hawaiian Baby Back Ribs, a Lobster Pot for 8 and restaurant quality crab cakes, I can report with great certainty that The Food Crate is a delivery service that relieves the pressure of the dreaded nightly “what’s for dinner” conundrum, and will surely be on repeat order in my home. (Also thru Aug 31st CTbites readers get 15% OFF with Code: CTB15)

Nibble: Tasty CT Events & Food News for Week of Aug 16-23

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Stephanie Webster August 11, 2020

“PHO KING” Happy Hour is back at MECHA Noodle Bar Monday-Friday 3-6PM including $5 cocktails, wine and beer and a Happy Hour menu.

Register now for the August 16th Hoodoo Brown BBQ class. Come learn from the Hoodoo Crew, as the Pit Crew takes you behind the scenes for a four hour barbecue school from 8am-12pm.

The Lachat Farmers Market is back!! The new online ordering system will make it even easier for you to buy local - you simply sign up for a time slot and then pick up your order at Lachat between the hours of 4pm-8pm.

There’s a really exciting new project being born in West Hartford. It’s called GastroPark, and it’s a new dining venue providing curated food experience for guests featuring an innovative approach that will deliver delicious mobile food concepts from local small business owners.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for August 9-16

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Stephanie Webster August 05, 2020

Community Table Restaurant welcomes 15 East Restaurant Team From Union Square NYC for 2 nights only…Tuesday August 11th & Wednesday August 12th. Chef/owner Marco Moreira of 15 East alongside sushi chefs Nobuhiro Mori & Shigue Sugano and master soba chef Shuichi Kotani will be cooking with Ct's Chef Christian Hunter to create a very special Japanese menu.

Just when you thought the Aperol Spritz couldn’t get any better…Bar Rosso now has FROZEN APEROL SPRITZES!!

Harbor Harvest in Norwalk has officially launched their Vitamin Sea outings on the Sound. Book their catamaran for trips out of Norwalk or Huntington for 12-25 people (Covid guidelines) for 4-5 hours with lunch or dinner at the Norwalk or Huntington Harbor Harvest restaurant. Food includes: Wine/Beer, Fresh Local Raw Bar, Cold Salads, Sandwiches & Wraps, Grilled Burgers & Chicken & Hot Dogs. Contact Communications Director: elisa@newviewpr.com for more info.

Vita Pasta Labs hosts a SICILIAN MOOD - PEPERONATA virtual cooking class - AUGUST 28th. The Peperonata, recipe of my wonderful aunt, donna Rosa, that combination of peppers and onions often with just a tang of acidity. The easiest way to show you how to make this Italian delicacy is to participate at the virtual Cooking Class.

It’s time to treat yourself to some to #RealMaineLobster and beer! Join Cousins Maine Lobster as we visit Half Full Brewery (43 Homestead Ave, Stamford) on Wednesday, August 19 from 12:00pm-5:00pm for high-quality great tasting beer and inviting lobster deliciousness. Our famous Connecticut and Maine Lobster Rolls are served either warm or chilled with authentic Maine lobster served on split-top New England rolls.

JUNZI New Haven has updated their online ordering app! Awards and points now available.

Max Fish brings back Happy Hour every Monday and Tuesday 3:30-6pm!!

Nibble: MORE Tasty CT Food Events for July 29-August 6

Events News Events

Stephanie Webster July 29, 2020

Crave Leche, serving amazing ice cream, fried Oreos, tres leche cake, churros + more has opened in Hartford’s Parkville Market. Aw yeah!

Get ready to "Cook The Book," July 29th @7pm on CTBITES INSTAGRAM LIVE, with the incredible Chef Carlos Perez of At The Corner & our own Anna Francese Gass. Follow along in your CTbites cookbook as they make Chef Carlos' recipe for Seared Duck Breast with Huckleberry & Fig Gastrique.

New Haven fried chicken pop-up sensation, Haven Hot Chicken, will be opening in New Haven this Fall. Get the deets on CTbites.

Buttery Lobster Rolls are back at The Tasty Yolk! Storefront only in Fairfield📍2992 Fairfield Ave
Text: 203.545.9311 to place your order.

Uber incredible artisan bread baker Flour Water Salt has started making sourdough based doughnuts. Check out that beauty above. Filled with lemon curd and dusted with raspberry sugar, you’ll wanna weep at the first bite.

We think Grano Arso serves some of the best handmade pasta in CT. You can grab one of their pasta kits for takeout - simply order online at granoct.com with a few clicks and you’ll be able to enjoy Grano Arso’s fresh pasta and sauce at home! Directions will come along with it as well.

Don’t miss Wakeman Town Farms’ “Rockin Lawn Picnic” August 5th @ 6pm. Live music by Margot + Zach, Picnic box c/o Terrain Café (bring your own blanket). $80 for two people. Ages 21+ Masks & social distancing.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for July 26 to August 9

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Stephanie Webster July 22, 2020

Taproot’s Jeff Taibe has launched a Food Truck called “On The Fly", with dishes inspired by Southeast Asia. Follow the truck’s locations and pop-ups on Instagram here: @taproot_ct @on_the_fly_foodtruck_ct

Chef Tyler Anderson has a brand new Food Truck as well! The name is @Taquect and the menu features street food style tacos. Aw yeah. Follow the truck’s location on Instagram @taquect.

MIKU is teaming up with Tony's at the J House to launch a pop-up sushi bar in late July. Signature items like the Good 4 You Roll and Yellowtail Jalapeno from the MIKU menu will be available along with all-new options exclusively developed for the partnership at Tony's - including fresh fish from the world-famous Tokyo fish market. The epicurean pop-up will run August through October 2020. For the latest news, visit MIKU online and subscribe to the mailing (mikugreenwich.com).

Starting July 29th "The Spread in Norwalk is launching a new ALL YOU CAN EAT Bao Special on Wednesdays. We’re talking Pork Belly, Fried Chicken, Bulgogi & Spam are on the menu. $20pp. Add your first top shelf drink or beer for $5.

Fritz Knipschildt Launches Fritzzz Artisan CBD Chocolate

Features Ingredients Chocolate Dessert CBD CBD Chocolate Confections Special Dietary Needs

Stephanie Webster July 21, 2020

For over 13 years, Danish born Fritz Knipschildt, and the House of Knipschildt, have been renowned for creating exquisite quality artisan chocolate. CT residents will recall his South Norwalk eatery, Chocopologie, where Knipschildt explored ways to creatively infuse elements from the savory kitchen into the world of chocolate and confection. Years later, Knipschildt is using his expertise in European chocolate, and has recently launched a new line of chocolate truffles and chocolate bars that are infused with premium, full spectrum CBD. Introducing…Fritzzz.

MECHA's Chef Brian Reilly Recipe Demo's The Mushroom Dumplings on Instagram Live

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Stephanie Webster July 18, 2020

Hey all you MECHA Noodle Bar fans. Chef Anna Gass is back this Wednesday night, July 22nd at 7PM to “Cook The Book.” Every week we demo recipes from the CTbites Cookbook, Connecticut Chefs Recipes for Restaurant Relief. (You can purchase the book here. All $$ goes to feed out of work restaurant employees).

On July 22nd, Chef Brian Reilly of MECHA Noodle Bar will help Anna Gass (Heirloom Kitchen author) cook MECHA’s famous MUSHROOM DUMPLINGS. I don’t know about you guys, but I can’t wait to see how this is done, and you can follow along in your own cookbook.

WHEN: July 22nd, 7PM on CTbites Instagram LIVE!!

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for July 13-26

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Emma Jane-Doody Stetson July 10, 2020

Havana Nights are coming to The Spread SoNo on Thursdays! Join them for a Cuban dinner for two in the courtyard for only $70. Start with your choice of a pitcher of mojitos, a pitcher of red or rosé sangria, or bottle of house wine! From there you choose 2 appetizers, an entree for 2 with 2 sides, and finish off with dessert for 2. Book your reservations online or call ahead to reserve your spot.

The Millwright’s Market is coming soon! In the weeks ahead, you’ll be able to head to their loft space for quality pre-prepared foods, wine, raw produce, pastas, meats, cheeses, dairy, and some artisan goods for Simsbury and surrounding communities to enjoy. If you are a producer or know of one who'd have interest in distributing through the market, please reach out to Tyler@millwrightsrestaurant.com.

Every Wednesday, tune into CTbites INSTAGRAM LIVE at 8pm as they "COOK THE BOOK" with live recipe demos from cookbook author Anna Francese Gass and a weekly guest chef. The Connecticut Chefs Recipes for Restaurant Relief E-Cookbook in on sale now with 100% of the proceeds go towards the creation of pantry boxes to feed out of work restaurant staff.

ZA Pizza in Stratford announces its “Debut Re-do!” Created by life-long friends and now business partners, ZA Pizza is rooted in pizzaiola pedigree and created for how people are eating today - fresh, from scratch, at home, and on-the-go.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for July 4-11

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Emma Jane-Doody Stetson July 03, 2020

Bloodroot has reopened their dining room with special hours. They are now open from 4 - 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays! They continue to be open for dining inside, outside, and for take away on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4-7pm. We hope to have news soon on when we will resume other dining times. Though not required, they suggest making a reservation by calling 203-576-9168.

Essex, CT has launched Alfresco Thursdays, a summertime event that will continue weekly through August 27. Alfresco Thursdays boasts numerous patio and dockside dining venues from the top to bottom of Main Street in Essex Village, at Olive Oyl’s Creative Cuisine, The Griswold Inn, Carlson’s Landing (opening mid -July) and Siren – a new marine restaurant at Safe Harbor Essex Island. To ramp up the alfresco spirit, The Essex restaurant will feature a pop-up experience at Main Street Park, where Chef Colt Taylor will be serving his award–winning “Connecticut Lobster Rolls.” There will be live music and retail specials as well.

Chef Brian Lewis has built a NEW outdoor PATIO for The Cottage in Westport (and it’s fabulous). He has also opened outdoor dining on the waterfront at OKO. Reservations are via phone only, same-day beginning at 2pm.

High George, the rooftop restaurant and bar at The Blake Hotel reopens with a magical springtime garden with seasonal greenery and décor to align with Award Winning Chef Anderson’s new spring dishes, and drinks.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for Week of June 29 - July 11

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Emma Jane-Doody Stetson June 28, 2020

On June 30, The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s invites you to their first drive-in movie experience. Check out BIG on the big screen.

Half Full Brewery just opened a new Stamford location, Third Place, with an outdoor beer garden, locally made brews and draft cocktails made with local spirits, and live music coming soon! Third Place will also serve as a work and events space. (+ Hapa Food Truck!)

Every Wednesday night at 8pm, tune into CTBites’s Instagram Live to watch them as they "cook the book!” The Connecticut Chefs Recipes for Restaurant Relief E-Cookbook is now on sale and every week cookbook author Anna Francese Gass and a guest chef will show you how to make one of the recipes.

Oyster Club’s “Summer Nights” pop-up continues through July 11th.

Don’t miss Grano Arso’s Vietnamese Pop-Up every Monday.

Cook The Book: Tune In On CTBites Instagram Live July 1st with Chef Emily Mingrone of Tavern On State

Events Recipe Cooking Cookbooks Education Instagram Live Recipe Video

Stephanie Webster June 28, 2020

Readers, Diners, New Quarantine Couch Potato-Turned-Chefs! Tune into our new IGTV Weekly Series COOK THE BOOK.

On Wednesday July 1st @8PM, join trained chef and beloved Connecticut Cookbook author, Anna Francese Gass (Heirloom Kitchen 2019) & Guest Chef Emily Mingrone from award winning Tavern On State, as they cook Emily’s recipe for Chicken & Dumplings from our recently released CTBites e-cookbook: Connecticut Chef Recipes for Restaurant Relief

Tune In on @CTBITES INSTAGRAM LIVE!!

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for June 22-28

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Emma Jane-Doody Stetson June 21, 2020

It’s all about Tiki Tuesdays in Stamford! You and 5 other people can board the Tiki Taxi at The Crab Shell restaurant for a 30 minute spin around the harbor while listening to our tropical soundtrack and enjoying whatever you bring to drink. Price includes a complimentary Hawaiian Lei as well as our cooler loaded with ice and cups for your favorite beverage (BYOB).

For four weeks this season, Oyster Club presents “Summer Nights,” an outdoor pop-up restaurant at Stone Acres Farm. Dine outdoors under the stars amongst summer blooms in the historic formal gardens. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night from June 18 through July 11, Oyster Club Executive Chef James Wayman and team will present a four course menu with a welcome cocktail, centered around a different theme.

Bar Rosso in Stamford is now open on Mondays! Join them for happy hour from 3-6pm and wine bottle specials after 6pm.

Cook The Book: Recipe Demos On Instagram Live Every Wednesday with Cookbook Author Anna Gass

Features Events Cooking Cookbooks Education Recipe Recipe Video Celebrity Chef

Kristin L. Wolfe June 20, 2020

Readers, Diners, New Quarantine Couch Potato-Turned-Chefs! Get Ready to tune into our new IGTV Weekly Series COOK THE BOOK.

Join trained chef and beloved Connecticut Cookbook author, Anna Francese Gass (Heirloom Kitchen 2019), as she makes her way one through some of the most delicious recipes in the recently released CTBites e-cookbook: Connecticut Chef Recipes for Restaurant Relief

Starting this Wednesday June 24th @8PM Gass + a weekly featured Guest Chef will bring the book alive and further whet your appetite and drive to get in the kitchen. This week

So, grab your aprons, your whisks, and the new e-cookbook (should we still plug here? for fun, great food, and to continue supporting our state’s wonderful restaurant industry.

Nibble: CT Food Events, Openings, & News for June 15-21

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Emma Jane-Doody Stetson June 12, 2020

Hoodoo Brown BBQ is bringing back its Hoodoo Barbeque School just in time for “Summer School.” Everyone who had their class cancelled due to corona will receive a special email with an early access code and get first shot at BBQ school. Stay tuned to their Facebook and social media platforms for details!

Millwrights in Simsbury now offers brunch from 11am - 3pm! The three course prix fixe meal is $29. See the menu here.

Terrain Café in Westport has reopened! The new limited hours are Friday 9-8, Saturday 9-8, and Sunday 9-4.

Sign up now for the Caseus x Ordinary Food and Booze Pairing Class! On June 26, Jason, Tom, and Tim take you on a virtual culinary experience that you are sure to remember. Pickup the ingredients on 6/24 or 6/25 and tune in on the 26th! It is $45.

On Monday June 15, join Wakeman Town Farm for an online talk entitled “How to Bring Biodiversity Back to Your Yard and Gardens.” $10 suggested donation. You will receive a Zoom link to let you into the talk, which takes place from 7-8pm. Sign up here.

Tips to Maximize Your CSA From Mike's Organic Delivery

Features Ingredients CSA Local Farm Ingredients How To Shop Local

Mike Geller June 11, 2020

Having connected farmers to consumers for 10 years in Fairfield & Westchester Counties, Mike's Organic owner Mike Geller knows a thing or two about CSAs. And if there was ever a time to give a CSA a chance, it's now! First and foremost, our farmers need us. As many farms rely significantly on business from restaurants and other sources, a great way to support our farms right now is through signing up for a CSA.

This crisis has highlighted the importance of small, local farms. If planes stop flying or processing plants close, it is they that will feed us...let us never forget that. Second, it is a way to guarantee that fresh, healthy, local food will be on your table for a period of several months. There is so much uncertainty in the world and this is one way to regain some control over your food. Also, so many of us are home cooking and a CSA allows you to be creative and introduce new things to your family!

If you take care of your produce, it will take care of you. It's so fresh when you get it, and if you just give it a little love it will give a whole lot back.