Filtering by Category: Events,Ingredients

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For December 13-20

Events Features News Events

Stephanie Webster

Friday, December 18th, 6 – 7:30 PM Join Dom's Cheese Shop & Super Cellar Warehouse Liquors for a Virtual Christmas Cheese and Wine Tasting. Tickets · $75 - $100.

Eric D. Lehman and Amy Nawrocki, authors of A History of Connecticut Food: A Proud Tradition of Puddings, Clambakes & Steamed Cheeseburgers, share mouthwatering stories behind our most cherished local dishes! Tune in and get schooled on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at 12 PM. “Conversations at Noon: The History of Connecticut Food: Our Delicious Origins."

Join Le Banh Patisserie for an “O Christmas Tree Cake Decorating Zoom Class’ complete with full Kit. kids and adults alike will have fun to express their artistic skills on this edible canvas and learn how to make flannel style cake. Kit includes red and black chocolate mint cake, mint buttercream , green, red, and yellow “paint”, palette knife, piping bags and a cake board. Also included is a 2 ½ hour instructional Zoom class where you’re able to learn how to decorate this cake from Chef Kim Wood.

Join the Holiday Fun at The 1754 House in Woodbury CT on December 19-20th, 11:30am-4pm. Celebrate the holidays with "make your own reindeer food, holiday cupcake decorating, christmas cookie decorating, marshmallow snowmen and more!

Tap-a-Tree Maple Sugaring Registration Now Open at Ambler Farm: Learn the science and history of maple sugaring by being a hands-on part of the process. While we are not able to hold our traditional informational workshops this season due to state regulations, we will provide virtual resources and a Zoom call to answer your questions.


CTbites 2020 Gift Guide: Great Gifts For Your Favorite CT Food Lover

Features Ingredients Gift Guide Best of CT Specialty Market Shopping Specialty Products Local Artisan Cookbooks Cooking Classes Holiday Homepage

April Guilbault

How to find the perfect gift for this crazy ass year-well ain’t that the question of the day! As many of us are staying a little further away from stores and not partaking in the usual activities we have in past years, we got creative and found the creative for your gift-giving! Artisans, chefs, and vendors are all rising to the occasion with fabulous out-of-the-box thinking and we discovered a treasure trove of unusual, beautiful, tasty items and experiences that will infuse a blast of goodness into this particularly memorable holiday season. Give, get, live, love, and celebrate the moments of sparkle. To quote the infamous Clark Griswold, “we’re all in this together”.


Barcelona Wine Bar Launches CONSERVA: Online Specialty Foods Shopping & Lifestyle Site

Features Ingredients Website Shopping Online Store Specialty Market pantry Global Cuisine Online Shopping Homepage Opening

Stephanie Webster

It’s always exciting to see a company whose positioning in the marketplace you have loved and respected for years, launch a brand that is such a logical extension of their business, that you almost have to say, why didn’t they do this sooner? Sometimes it takes a pandemic to have the time and space to look into the soul of your business and ask, what’s next? Barcelona Wine Bar has done just that with the launch of their new online specialty foods shopping and lifestyle website, CONSERVA.

What is CONSERVA? Quite literally, Conserva are foods that have been conserved or preserved (either packed in oil, vinegar, or pickled). Barcelona Partner, Adam Halberg, broke it down for us. “During the Spanish Civil War, when people didn’t have access to fresh foods, they invented canning to take the abundance from the coast and farms of Spain and package them in bulk. This was their war time pantry.” In current day Spain, “conserva” is considered a high end specialty product, and diners can find bars throughout Spain and Portugal that exclusively serve canned goods (with a side of Vermouth, of course). Adam continues, “In high end restaurants, the last page of a menu will often feature food that quite literally comes out of a tin…and they are often the most expensive thing on the menu.”


Connecticut CBD Shopping Guide: Where To Buy CBD Infused Edibles & More!

Features Ingredients CBD Chocolate CBD Shopping Edibles Buying Guide Homepage

April Guilbault

The world of CBD, or cannabidiol, is a wide and wild one these days-it’s going full-tilt boogie and there’s lots to learn about and even more to try. Plenty of myths and misconceptions swirl around this product (yes, it’s derived from the hemp plant but no, it won’t get you high). There are tinctures and drops and capsules filled with the extract, but here for the CTbites crowd, we’re going to focus on the stuff you can EAT: gummies, chocolates, honey, and even drinks. Along with these products, what is really great about the companies and stores selling them is that they also offer a wealth of information and are happy to pass along their knowledge. After all, these products are being used for everything from aches and pains, to help getting a good night’s rest to helping quell anxiety (hello, 2020). This previously stigmatized arena is seeing a great up-tick in activity because it’s looking like there is a well-spring of beneficial possibilities. Note: These listing/products are not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before starting any new regime or product.


Nibble: Tasty Food News and Events For November 15-30th

Events Features Events News

Stephanie Webster

Join Dom's Cheese Shop for a Virtual Friendsgiving Cheese And Wine Tasting for your Thanksgiving Table on Friday, November 20, 2020 at 6 PM EST – 7:30 PM EST. Hosted by Super Cellar Warehouse Liquors (Avon, CT) and Dom's Cheese Shop Tickets · $75 - $100

Westport History Museum is running a GINGERBREAD making contest!! Get out the frosting and the gumdrops and enter your gingerbread version of the Bradley-Wheeler House, Westport Museum’s headquarters—or a Westport historic building of your choice. Entrants may also do a gingerbread version of their own home too. Prizes vary by category. Winners will announced on December 12th at 2 pm by Santa Clause at the Museum’s outdoor Winter Market. REGISTER HERE! Voting is open to the public.

Chef Avi from Roia New Haven has launched a Fall Virtual Cooking Series, comprised of three classes!.This cooking series will focus on teaching/improving your cooking skills and techniques. We will be locally sourcing our ingredients including some from our friends at Muddy Roots Farm.


Tea Time! 11 Places To Buy Great Tea in Connecticut

Features Ingredients Tea And Coffee Specialty Market Breakfast Shopping Best of CT Tea

April Guilbault

It is the most popular drink in the world-are you surprised? Beyond coffee, beer, and even sodas, tea reigns supreme with over 159 millions Americans consuming it each day and 2 billion people drink it every morning around the globe. White, green, black, oolong, pu’erh, herbal; the variety of flavors within these types is almost endless and there is so much to be explored. There are teas for different times of day, flavor palates, health benefits and even ailments (rumbly tummy? Ginger!). If you haven’t started exploring the wide world of tea, it might be time. Tea-time, that is.

P.S.-The prize for the country that consumes the most? Turkey, followed by Ireland. The UK comes in third. Who knew?

Here are 11 spots for great tea in Connecticut. Happy shopping!


Nibble: Tasty CT Food News and Events for November 1-20th

Events Features Events News

Stephanie Webster

Nana’s Bakery & Pizza opens in Mystic with a full scale bakery and pizza shop offering scratch made baked goods from organic local naturally leavened dough, pastries, hot sourdough donuts, coffee and more. Part of the 85th Day Food Community which includes Oyster Club, Engine Room, and Grass & Bone.

Grano Arso, in Chester and Highclere Castle Gin out of Essex, in partnership with the namesake estate in England and location of the beloved series Downton Abbey, have come together to create the ultimate moment of luxury. From November 1 - January 1, diners have the opportunity to delight in, perhaps, the most lavish cocktail ever made. This $99 cocktail is not meant to empty your pockets, although the pleasure itself might be worth the moment, but in fact, go to a wonderful cause, the Channel 3 Kids Camp.

Join Hops On The Hill, a 100% “farm to glass” brewery in South Glastonbury, CT for Cigar Day, Food Trucks, & Live Music Sunday, November 8, 2020 at 1 PM EST – 6 PM. Hosted by Puros Cigar Shop, Skyscraper Sandwich Truck and Hops on the Hill. Puros Cigar Shop will be selling cigars at the brewery. Come sit back and relax with a cigar, beer, and food from Skyscraper Sandwich Truck and Cannoli Truck. Enjoy LIVE music by The Degenerates Acoustic from 2-6pm. Social distancing guidelines will be in place. Bring Your Own Lawn Chair.

Take a break from politics and order a pie! https://wakemantownfarmstore.square.site/s/shop. Wakeman Town Farm is hosting its first-annual Holiday Pie Sale in conjunction with our friends at Kneads Bakery in Westport.


A Visit to Arethusa Farm Dairy: Exceptional Cows Make Exceptional Ice Cream

Ingredients Restaurant ice cream Dessert Kid Friendly Litchfield Bantam New Haven

jeffrey schlesinger

Back in April my colleagues from CTBites visited Arethusa Farms to perform a “meet & greet” with 300 cows that comprise the foundation to the Arethusa dairy products. These world renown Holsteins and Jerseys produce some of the best milk, and by extension the ice cream that is sold in the Arethusa Farm Dairy store is world class. More recently, they visited Arethusa Al Tavolo and enjoyed numerous dishes prepared with numerous of the farm’s ingredients, including the cows’ milk. The team was not able to visit the ice cream storefront on either visit as the line was staggering, so it fell heavy on my shoulders (insert smile) that I took one for the team and lazily drove to Arethusa Farm Dairy one Sunday afternoon.


Nibble: Tasty CT Food News & Events For October 25-November 5

Features Events News Events

Stephanie Webster

CALLING ALL FOODIES! The Town of Fairfield, CT presents FAIRFIELD EATS 2020, OCT. 19 – NOV. 1. In lieu of a traditional Restaurant Week, Fairfield introduces a two-week special promotion encouraging people to patronize local restaurants by either dining in or taking out! View PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS. SPECIALS INCLUDE: Prix Fixe Menus, Family Meal Discounts, Take-Out Options & Chance to Win a $50 Gift Certificate

elm restaurant in New Canaan is now offering fabulous BRANCHBOX boxed dinners to go. These seasonally prepared meal boxes delivered to your door as an affordable & accessible alternative to our new reality. Orders must be placed by 4pm for same day delivery. Boxes include full meals for two for $48 and include entrée like carnitas, roasted whole chicken, salmon fillets, and taco tuesday.

On October 28, The Charles is bringing Oktober Fest to Old Wethersfield! Join us on the lawn for local beers, traditional German food, raffles, and more! Tickets are limited, call to reserve yours today: 860.785.8499

On October 31st Parkville Market will be hosting their first official Harvest Festival! The Market, home to 18 unique restaurants and three bars, will have both indoor and outdoor dining available along with fun fall activities taking place throughout the day. The schedule of events includes:- Live Music 3-6PM-Balloon Animals 11-2PM-Outdoor pop-ups of local Hartford vendors-Safe Trick or treat opportunities for kids inside the market-Specialty beverages for both adults and children-Halloween Themed Trivia 7-9PM


Geoff Lazlo Food: Chef Driven Gourmet Food Delivery To Your Door Daily

Features Ingredients Delivery Service Home Delivery Catering To-Go

Stephanie Webster

Chef Geoff Lazlo has been cooking delicious locally sourced, elevated comfort food for years in Fairfield County. CT diners will remember him from Bill Taibe’s The Whelk in Westport, and most recently from the very popular Mill Street in Greenwich, but he also spent time at both Gramercy Tavern and Blue Hill Stone Barns. When I got on the phone with Lazlo last week to discuss his new chef driven gourmet food delivery service, I had to laugh when I asked “what’s going on chef?,” and he replied with “honestly I don’t even know anymore.” Restaurants and chefs across the state have had to be nimble and do some pivoting to stay relevant in the current pandemic economy, and Lazlo is no exception. “I’m always figuring out the next thing to do, and I’m always thinking about moving forward,” says Lazlo. That forward motion propelled him to launch Geoff Lazlo Food, serving Fairfield and Westchester Counties, and giving food-lovers the opportunity to enjoy hand-cooked meals in the comfort of their own homes.


CT Guide To 40+ Immunity Boosting Products: Markets, Apothecaries, Herbs, Broth, Juice, Teas and More

Features Ingredients Herbal Immune Boosting Healthy Eats healthy Herbs Juice Bar Specialty Market Special Dietary Needs Best of CT Homepage Elderberry

April Guilbault

There is so much talk and discussion these days about immunity, staying healthy, and protecting yourself. When you ask fifty people about what they do to stay healthy you will probably get fifty different answers. Since every human is unique, something that works for one might not work for another! However, we all know that famous quote from Hippocrates about food being thy medicine, right? There are so many foods, plants, teas, and drinks that can potentially pack a real punch for strengthening our systems. There is a wide, intriguing world of healthy options out there, it’s just finding what works for you. May some of the ideas on this list help keep you healthy and safe in the months to come.

Our guide includes over 40 local CT markets, juice bars, apothecaries, and products to help boost your immune system for 2020.


Nibble: Tasty CT Food News & Events for October 11-20

Events Features News Events Nibble

Stephanie Webster

AMG Catering has announced their Fall Cooking Classes.

Milestone Restaurant in Redding will be hosting a social-distance-friendly Oktoberfest celebration Sunday, October 11 from 2PM - 8PM. Guests can enjoy beer, brats, pretzels, and live music featuring Fuzz Sangiovani & Friends. Live music begins at 4PM. Reservations are required. Visit milestonect.com to make your reservation.

Fairfield Cheese Company takes you to school via Zoom on October 15, 7-8:30 PM in their class “Unlocking the Mysteries of Raw Milk Cheese.” Sign up here.

WeHartford’s Picnic in the Park series was such a success that they have extended it through October with 3 more picnics. The October series will be held on three Saturdays from 1-4pm (Oct. 10, 17, and 24th) and this time around thanks to a generous donation from Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, the series will work with all minority-owned restaurants, including Mofongo, Banh Meee, Stella's African Eatery, and Capital Icecream. Each restaurant has curated a one-time-only picnic basket for their event date.


2020 Hartford Rib Off: A“Week of BBQ” Inspired Dishes and Drinks For Charity

Features Events Hartford County Hartford West Hartford

Stephanie Webster

From October 19-25, 2020, you can enjoy a “Week of BBQ” Inspired Dishes and Drinks at Participating Hartford Area Restaurants….all for a good cause!

The Hartford Rib Off, Hartford’s largest charity BBQ event of the year, is revamping to a new format for 2020, to raise funds for the community while also supporting the hard-hit hospitality industry. COVID-19 has put a hold on large-scale public gatherings in 2020, leaving many non-profit events, like the Hartford Rib Off, without a means to raise funds. To adhere to safety protocols, this year’s Hartford Rib Off will take on a new format, where for one week, BBQ enthusiasts can enjoy BBQ inspired dishes and drinks at their favorite Hartford area restaurants, for one full week.


Nibble: Tasty CT Food News & Events For October 4-11

Features Events News Events

Stephanie Webster

Casa Villa’s (866 East Main Street, Stamford) has new Taco Tuesday offering! The Mexican restaurant on Stamford’s East Side has introduced a special ALL YOU CAN EAT taco menu! The promotion gives you an opportunity to select from 10 of their amazing tacos – as many as you want! – for just $15. If you want to add a margarita, sangria or beer it’s just $20!

Hoodoo Barbecue school returns!! Come learn from the Hoodoo Crew, as the Pit Crew takes you behind the scenes for a four hour barbecue school from 8am-12pm.

Cuban dinner for two for Havana Nights at The Spread Norwalk! Join us every Thursday night for a special menu curated by Chef Carlos Baez

Join Millwright’s sous chef, Jamie Bordonaro, for a very special pop-up dinner on Monday, October 12th at 5pm for a 4 course prix fixe dinner to celebrate the release of his cookbook ‘Pursuit of Passion'.’ The dinner will be held Outside at Millwright’s. Tickets are limited and are $85 per person, with a $30 wine pairing available. The dinner includes a copy of the cookbook. View the menu and get tickets online

Winfield Street Coffee is celebrating their 5-year anniversary with GIVEAWAYS!! They are giving away 5 super cool gift baskets.


Nibble: Tasty CT Food News & Events for September 27-October 14

Features Events Events News Pop-Up

Stephanie Webster

On October 1st, Letizia’s Pizza is bringing back their “Gertie’s Pie of Hope",” a Mac & Cheese Pizza, sold throughout October with 100% of proceeds going to @makingstrides203, The American Cancer Society.

Looking for a fun outdoor, possibly boozy activity? Elm City Party Bike tours (@elmcitypartybike) is New England’s first pedaled sightseeing & party bike taking you on bar crawls and history tours in New Haven.

bartaco is now offering delivery of its fan favorites to New Haven. Delivery of taco packs, family packs, margarita mix, and many other popular items such as guacamole and chicken empanadas, will all be available for the first time to New Haven via Uber Eats and Door Dash from 11:30am – 9pm daily.

Vita Pasta Lab & Westport Continuing Education host a series of 5 Online Kids Cooking Classes for grades 6-12, starting Sept 23rd-October 23. . Learn Italian recipes that are hand-made, healthy and delicious + everyone enjoys a great meal afterwards. Sign up here.

RISE DOUGHNUTS pop-up with “pitmaster” Hugh Mangum of Mighty Quinn’s BBQ, has officially moved to The Schoolhouse at Cannondale in Wilton. Get his epic fritters and doughnuts every Sunday at 8AM till they sell out!


Nibble: Tasty CT Food News & Events for September 20-28th

Events Features News Events

Stephanie Webster

Haruki Izakaya in South Norwalk is hosting a SUSHI POP-UP, collaboration with NY based @chefathome_ny on Wed. Sept. 22nd and 23rd 5-8pm. Call or DM for reservations.

South End Uncorked is hosting The Gotham Burger Social, a Smash Burger Pop Up on Sat., Sept. 26th in New Canaan. Aw yeah!! Call to make reservations. Partners include Martin's Potato Rolls & New York Valley Wagyu.

Shhhh….bartaco’s new #bartacosecret menu item through 10/3 is the ancho-braised beef taco is a tender ancho mezcal braised beef taco with deep spiced smoky flavor, topped with a crisp and sharp pickled red cabbage with mustard and coriander and garnished with cilantro and a lime wedge. Available for dine-in or take out at order.bartaco.com or via the bartaco app for only $3.75.

Milford Restaurant Week is September 20-26th with 17 participating restaurants. You can find the restaurant lineup along with the menus here.

Stew’s Wines Find!! Iconic Grammy® Award-winning, Oscar® nominated singer, songwriter, actress, producer and philanthropist, Mary J. Blige and Fantinel Winery today officially announced the launch of Sun Goddess Wines, an exclusive collection of limited-edition wines created in collaboration with the internationally prestigious winery. Sun Goddess Wines are a unique collection of bold, crisp, and rich wines that embody warmth, passion, energy, and a deeper connection to nature.


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For September 14-23

Events Features Events News

Stephanie Webster

Tuesday, September 22nd, join Chef Carlos Perez from At The Corner restaurant in Litchfield, 4-9pm for a Mexican & Japanese Fusion pop-up, featuring sushi, tacos, small plates, and specialty cocktails! Joining him will be Brendon Savoy of Fino, and Dustin Amore from Conspiracy. Call At The Corner to reserve a table.

Join Terrain Westport for an Equinox Evening Under the Stars on Tuesday, September 22nd 6:30 – 9:30pm, an open-air dining experience in our terrain nurseries to celebrate the equinox. Tables will be placed throughout our campus, to include our nursery and ceremony gardens, to enjoy a seasonally inspired menu and live music.

Chef Tyler Anderson Catering is taking his truck on the road….to Sub Edge Farm in Avon, CT, on October 1st and October 22nd for a “Socially Distanced 3 Course Dinner” complete with a cocktail reception and hayride farm tours.

@remarkabletheater will be hosting a viewing on Sunday Sept 20th. A special sneak preview of BLOODROOT, a feature documentary from director Douglas Tirola and producer Susan Bedusa in conjunction with the Westport Farmers Market.


Pizza for a Good Cause: Letizia’s Pizza Creates Specialty Pies for Two Local Charities

Restaurant Events Pizza Norwalk Letizia's Pizza charity

Andrew Dominick

Letizia’s Pizza is no stranger to helping out local charities. It’s a simple win-win concept; buy a specialty pizza, devour it, and ALL the proceeds from each pie sold are donated to a good cause.

This September, Letizia’s brought back their taco pizza to benefit Filling in the Blanks, a charity that’s geared towards fighting childhood hunger by providing children with meals on the weekends.

Partnering with charities is something Letizia’s owners Dennis Letizia, Dave Cook, and Danny Segers say they’ll always be a part of. “It’s our way to give back,” Segers says. “Our community is so supportive of us whenever we ask, so when we find local charities like Filling in the Blanks and see all the hard work, they put in to end childhood hunger, we’re ecstatic to help.”


Nibble: Tasty CT Food News and Events for September 6-15

Events Features News Events

Stephanie Webster

The SONO Collection’s weekly Thursday rooftop Happy Hours continue through September 24th. Enjoy dining and drinks made available by Bazille, Pinstripes, and Uncle Sevens. Live and local acoustic performances each week. Here’s the lineup: September 10th check out the sounds of Mike and Ian All Night Thing; September 17th, Billy Ruegger, and September 24 they’ve got Benny Mikula/Alpaca Gnomes playing. See ya there!

Plan b Milford is back OPEN! Stop in for dinner and grab your favorite #burgersbeerbourbon! New hours are Friday 9/4 Wednesday – Sunday from 12pm – 9pm

Start your engines and make your reservations! New Haven Restaurant Week is September 13-26. Check out the list of tasty participating restaurants here.

@CTBeer is teaming up with @StewardsOfTheLand, @MikroDepot and @EmilysCateringGroupCT on September 17th for CT's 1st ever Farm To Glass & Table Beer Dinner. Each dish will be expertly paired using 100% fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from CT Farms to complement one of Steward's five small-batch brews. All seating will be safe and property spaced for social distancing. Tickets are very limited. Reserve your spot today! ⁠

Chowdafest is proud to announce their new Chowda Club designed to bring the Chowdafest experience to the safety of your own home AND all year round!

KNEADS Bakery Cafe is now open in Westport. This husband-wife team is fresh from Blue Hill at Stone Barns and will be serving up some outstanding artisan bread, breakfast & lunch with an emphasis on local ingredients.