Celebrity Chef Sara Moulton at Greenwich Library Screening of Julia Events Features Events event CTbites Team September 02, 2022 Friday, September 16, Greenwich Library will be screening the documentary "Julia," a beautiful and awe-inspiring film about Julia Child that came out last year. Immediately following the screening, they will be hosting a Q&A with celebrity chef Sara Moulton, who was a protege of Julia Child's and her close friend until Child's passing. This promises to be a wonderful evening of learning about culinary arts and appreciating the ongoing legacy of one of America's greatest chefs.Click here for more information about the event and registration info. Read More
Flour Water Salt X Karla's Kreamery Bomboloni Ice Cream Sandwich Pop-Up Sept 24th Features Events Dessert Ice Cream Doughnuts Darien Pop-Up Stephanie Webster August 30, 2022 Big news for doughnut ice cream sandwich lovers everywhere. On September 24th, starting at 11:30 AM (and I’d get there nice and early as these will sell out quickly), Karla Sorrentino of Karla’s Kreamery and Rob Vankeuren of Flour Water Salt Bread will come together for a few hours to create some cream sandwich magic. The uniquely delicious Flour Water Salt bomboloni (Italian style doughnut) will have a chance to get intimate with Chef Karla’s new micro batch ice cream. These are two “best in class” desserts so get excited.This unique culinary opportunity will go down at Flour Water Salt located at 20 Grove Street in Darien. While the shop will hold normal hours that day, the ice cream sandwiches won’t get started until 11:30 AM. While both businesses generally take pre-orders, there will be no ordering in advance for this collaboration. Karla and Rob will be assembling sandwiches to order, and expect to simply wait in line for your sweet reward. Read More
Más Tacos Por Favor! La Taqueria Expands to Darien Features Interview Restaurant Tacos Margaritas Mexican Fast Casual Darien Homepage Opening Andrew Dominick August 28, 2022 A little more than two years ago, Dennis Lake opened his fast casual, but gourmet approach to a taqueria right at the top of Greenwich Avenue. Now he’s taken his homemade blue corn tortilla tacos, Mexican side dishes, and margaritas to Darien’s The Corbin District with a second location of La Taqueria.But don’t call it a franchise. Maybe don’t even ask him if that’s the plan, even if it does lend extremely well to damn near every city and town. Instead, Lake would likely prefer you call it a well thought out expansion. Read More
Connecticut Taco and Margarita Festival Comes to The Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater in October Events Features Tacos Festival Bridgeport James Gribbon August 19, 2022 The people demand tacos, and on October 15th at the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater in Bridgeport, they shall receive tacos. And also margaritas. Naturally.The 2022 Connecticut Taco and Margarita Festival at The Amp is available to anyone with $15 and dream to eat tacos, drink margs, see live wrestling from Adrenaline, maybe get their face painted, have access to shop vendors, test their courage at the hot sauce expo, and possibly gain a championship of their own at the taco eating contest. Read More
Nibble: Tasty CT Food News & Events for August 22-September 15 Events Features News Events Homepage Stephanie Webster August 17, 2022 AMG Catering has just released their Fall Cooking Class schedule. You will eat what you make, so bring your appetite!—Make the most of the rest of the sunny season + get those good vibes going with @bartacolife's summer bucket list—On Aug 26 Aquila’s Nest Vineyard is hosting a Pig Roast Dine in White Chef Dinner in the Vines. $150pp Details here.—Have you heard? The folks from Grano Arso just opened Gargano Pasta & Italian Market in Saybrook, an Italian marketplace & cafe featuring house -made pasta & artisanal products. Food to go and dine in options available—El Pollo Guapo, a fast-casual rotisserie chicken restaurant with three Hartford County locations, will move its original Wethersfield restaurant to a new storefront to 1044 Main Street in Newington in early September—Shipwright’s Daughter in Mystic now has a pop-up cafe called Scrimshaw Coffee offering espresso and light lunch fare in the heart of Historic Downtown Mystic, CT. Read More
Old Mill Grocery & Deli: Rescued and Reopened in Westport Features Interview Restaurant Westport Deli Sandwich Sandwiches Pizza Beach Eats Old Mill Grocery The Granola Bar Homepage Opening Andrew Dominick August 13, 2022 On the heels of a slick renovation at their Rye, NY location, The Granola Bar founders, Julie Mountain and Dana Noorily are at it again. This time, however, their focus is in Westport. No, not at their flagship of TGB, but in the Compo Beach area at Old Mill Grocery & Deli.Old Mill, though, is a very different venture for this dynamic duo. But before Mountain and Noorily could put their magic touch on this neighborhood gem, a lot had to happen.First, the building that was built in 1919—which had been many iterations of Old Mill and a few Elvira’s in an over 100 year span—needed to be saved after the owners up to last year, Betsy and Hal Kravitz, moved out of Westport, putting a longtime neighborhood favorite at risk of being purchased and demolished for what likely would have been another beach area home. Read More
Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for August 2022 Features Events News Events CTbites Team August 02, 2022 Make the most of the rest of the sunny season + get those good vibes going with @bartacolife's summer bucket list—Aux Delices Foods has 2 more weeks of kids cooking camp this month— Read More
Farmboys Smokin' BBQ Opens Brick-and-Mortar in Danbury Features Interview Restaurant BBQ Danbury Catering Homepage Opening Andrew Dominick July 24, 2022 Right on South Street on Connecticut Route 53 is one of Danbury’s newest restaurant openings, Farmboys Smokin’ BBQ. But Farmboys is only new in the sense that it’s finally a brick-and-mortar sit-down spot where guests can salivate over platters of smoked meat and carby sides right before you begin to tear into the BBQ that’s in front of you.The fact is, Farmboys has been a barbecue brand since 2011. Its founder and pitmaster, Matt Lombardo, started his BBQ journey after having less than stellar experiences at a restaurant he was once fond of.“There used to be a place in Brewster that I won’t name because I won’t be that asshole,” Lombardo recalls. “I loved their brisket. One day I watched them pull it out of the fridge, throw it in the microwave, and feed it to me. I didn’t ask the first time if it was fresh, but the second time I went, they told me it was fresh, yet they did the same thing! That led to 15-16 years of BBQ for me. I started in my backyard, then started doing pop-ups to get a real public opinion instead of just serving to friends and family.” Read More
The Bloom Family Opens Copps Island Oyster Shack at Brown’s Marina in Stratford Features Interview Restaurant Seasonal Food Truck Homepage Seasonal Seafood burgers Copps Island Oysters Stratford Opening Andrew Dominick July 13, 2022 If you’ve been by Brown’s Marina lately to cast your line in the water or to take a sunset stroll, you may have noticed a super-sized food truck parked just to the left and construction on what’s soon to be a retail store.These upgrades are courtesy of the Bloom Family, a name synonymous with oysters, specifically Copps Island Oysters. According to food consultant Matt Storch—who you should know from his acclaimed Match Restaurant in South Norwalk—the Blooms purchased Brown’s Marina a few years ago from its original owners. “They spruced it up and made it a working oyster and clam dock and are in the process of turning the building into a Copps Island retail store (similar to the one in Norwalk),” he says. “They wanted to activate the beautiful space on the water because there could be more waterside dining here with exceptional, but simple food.” Read More
Mex Spot Restaurant Opens in Norwalk at Former John’s Diner Location Features Interview Restaurant Mexican Homepage Tacos Opening Andrew Dominick July 10, 2022 f you’ve driven by the stretch of Connecticut Avenue in Norwalk in the past few years by Baci Deli and directly across the street from Utopia, you may have noticed signs of life in the old John’s Diner.The skinny on John’s Diner dates back to 1927 when Joseph Flynn transported the diner/trailer from Port Chester to Norwalk. But the “John” in John’s Diner didn’t actually happen until 1939 when it was run by John Ferandino, then ultimately his son, Michael, until 1994.John’s Diner has been closed ever since.But it’s back! Sort of.Gone are the ultra-affordable blue plate specials and breakfast platters and in place of the diner fare are tacos, elote, fajitas, burritos, and some fun Mexican fast food in a burger with caramelized onions, grilled pineapple, bacon, Swiss, and grilled jalapeños. Read More
Karla’s Kreamery: Chef Karla Sorrentino Starts Micro Batch Ice Cream Business Features Interview Ice Cream Chef Chef Talk Pop-Up Homepage Andrew Dominick July 06, 2022 As I sit in the Tall Pine Bar in New Canaan’s Adirondack Store waiting for my meeting with Karla Sorrentino, sipping on a cold brew that’s making my heart race even more after a workout an hour prior. I welcome the jitters and the calorie burn that coincides with coffee, because later I’m diving into a Hot Capi pizza from Joe’s, and after it, whatever creamy treat I knew Karla was about to bring for me to sample.In she walks and immediately smiles and extends her hand for a shake. “Forget that,” I say, “We’ve been chatting on social media for YEARS!” We hug. It’s a miracle we’ve never met. Between our mutual friends and her husband, Nick, it’s seemingly impossible.She hands me a mysterious looking Ziplock with another bag inside it containing dry ice and a tiny cup of halva peanut crunch ice cream. I admittedly wanted to eat the tahina ice cream swirled with halva, salted peanuts, and bittersweet chocolate on the spot. I figured it’d be great after pizza later on, and also odd to shove it down in a coffee shop where I didn’t buy it. Read More
CLASSIFIED: The Remarkable Life of Chef Karen Hubrich, Owner, Gruel Britania Features Interview Chef Talk CT Chef Interview British Lloyd Allen June 14, 2022 Beef Bourguignon. She was not supposed to be able to do that. Prepare it. Cook it. Cook anything, much less make lunch for a few aristocratic types, members of Parliament, the diplomatic corps. The Royal Family.London, England. 1976. The British Press Association. High noon. The chef had just resigned. More to the point, retired. “My daughter can jolly well do it,” her father exclaimed. The report is that Karen countered with a startled, “Me?”Though brought up ever so polite and proper, Karen showed little to no interest in finer British manners, and well, “off you go!” Perhaps the nuns could shape the morals of this wild young thing, set her right, mold her— or so her parents hoped, but that’s a another story. Unclassified, but still a story.But executive chef for royalty? She had no culinary training, no experience in a kitchen, although she has admitted her parents were, “quite the cooks,” but right there and then, she decides to, for lack of better words, just “wing it!” Read More
Nibble: Tasty Food News, Events, Festivals, Cooking Classes for June 2022 Events Features Events Stephanie Webster June 11, 2022 June 17-18th, Two Roads Brewing’s ROAD JAM is back for the first time since 2019!!! https://events.beerfests.com/e/road-jam-music-festival, celebrating the Sixth Annual Road Jam Music Fest on the Two Roads Campus.—Nit Noi is hosting Dumpling cooking Classes! Join them for many afternoons of dumpling construction and cookery, the first being Saturday, June 18th—-Pizza lovers who want to dig into the dough and DIY can learn how to make New Haven style pizza at Next Door New Haven 175 Humphrey Street, New Haven, CT.—Polo season has begun! The Farmington Polo Club’s season begins June 4th-September 24th each Saturday afternoon. Read More
Brian Lewis Opens Second Location of The Cottage in Greenwich Features Interview Restaurant Greenwich Homepage Brian Lewis American Fine Dining Cocktails Opening Andrew Dominick June 05, 2022 Brian Lewis officially has two pair. It’s generally a foldable poker hand, but when it comes to his successful restaurants OKO and The Cottage, that’s a very good thing for the rest of us.The opening of a second location of The Cottage gives Lewis his fourth. OKO times two in Westport and Rye, plus his flagship of The Cottage in Westport.But an exact facsimile of Westport it is not.First off, it looks different. Grayish tan wooden tables and chairs, hues of power blue, wooden beams, and beachy décor are reminiscent of relaxed Cape Cod vibes. It’s also bigger. The dining room, the bar, the kitchen are all more spacious than Westport. Read More
The (Philip Johnson) Glass House Summer Party is Back! Features Events Events EVENT Stephanie Webster June 01, 2022 The Glass House Summer Party is back! After a two-year hiatus, The Glass House is excited to be returning to an in-person celebration on Saturday June 11th, and once again welcome guests to celebrate on site with us for our 15th Anniversary. After opening our doors in 2007 as a public museum, The Glass House has remained a site of international significance. It is our mission to maintain this special place by raising funds to preserve our campus and collections.This year’s fundraising event invites guests to explore the grounds with a locally sourced picnic lunch by Elm, while enjoying special performances by award-winning tap dancer and choreographer, Ayodele Casel and musical stylings by Paul Sevigny. Picnicking is enjoyed throughout the site – tatami mats on the Pavilion, pillow lounges by Dedar Italian textile company, or reclining on the pristine grass of the Glass House lawn. In between performances, join us for rosé by The Pale, lawn games or view our curated auction of over 120 lots of art, design, luxury experiences, and mingle with supporting artists. Read More
J.B. Percival: Craft Cocktails in Fairfield Features Interview Cocktails Fairfield Pub Cocktail Lounge Mixology classic cocktails Homepage Bar Andrew Dominick May 28, 2022 Punch “J.B. Percival” into Google Maps and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying an expertly mixed drink in Fairfield County’s only straight up cocktail lounge. All that’s left is actually finding the entrance.Your GPS will tell you “you’ve arrived,” and you’ll likely be close, whether you’re parked at Fairfield Metro or parallel on Unquowa Street. There’s still a bit of legwork left. Head down Donnelly Walk, spot a handful of outdoor seats, and you’ll ultimately see their logo and “Permittee Amy O’Shea” decaled on the glass door.If you’re just now hearing about J.B. Percival, it might be because O’Shea and her husband, Billy, opened their doors at the start of 2020. Nine weeks after they began mixing drinks and pouring pints, they were shut down for on-premise everything like every bar and restaurant was. Like most, they pivoted to a takeout model selling to-go cocktails, cocktail kits, wine, eggs, honey, masks, hand sanitizer, and even vegetables. As restrictions eased, J.B. Percival started slinging drinks for outdoor patio consumption, and then, finally, it was back to welcoming customers back indoors. Read More
It's a Woman's World: Caitlin McGowan of The Art Space Café Features Interview Interview It's A Woman's World Norwalk The Norwalk Art Space Chef Talk Chef Homepage Andrew Dominick May 24, 2022 If you’ve walked through the doors at The Norwalk Art Space, chances are you’ve had a bite or a caffeinated pick-me-up at the Art Space Cafe.Under the direction of chef/restaurateur Bill Taibe, the food at the cafe is nothing short of spectacular. The sandwiches aren’t only stacked and satisfying, they’re photogenic, too. And the fresh baked biscuits and other random weekly specials are made with love and care. To boot, there’s plenty more in terms of eggy options, salads, soups, and stunning coffee creations.But executing all of the goodness you’ve had (or will have) at The Art Space Cafe is head chef Caitlin McGowan. For McGowan, food holds a special place in her heart as it’s deeply rooted in old school traditions and closely related to the bond she has with her family.I don’t want to give away too much, as I’d prefer you read the answers to a few of the subjects we talked about, including her upbringing, culture, her culinary journey up to this point, and homemade jam. Read More
The Port of Call in Mystic Launches Seaqueens Drag & Disco Evenings Features Events News Pop-Up Mystic Events Stephanie Webster May 23, 2022 For centuries, the seafaring industry was dominated by men, and the presence of women on board was considered bad luck. In Mystic, CT, a town with a storied maritime history, The Port of Call, a new nautical-themed cocktail lounge, is giving a nod to the area’s seafaring traditions while also looking to the future. That future includes three Queer women who are “steering the ship” at The Port of Call: executive chef Renée Touponce, beverage director Jade Ayala, and general manager Nancy Hankins.To celebrate a new era of inclusivity and gender diversity in a fun and welcoming environment, the trio has announced Sea Queens, a summer-long bi-weekly dinner and drag show that will run from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Starting Sunday, May 29th, and kicking off Pride Month, guests can book a seating at 6:30 p.m. or 8:30 p.m., where they’ll enjoy a choice of two dishes from the inventive menu along with a cocktail, as well as an incredible drag show by some of the best Queens in the region. Then, at 10:30 p.m., the fun will continue with a disco after-party at Dive, the lower-level casual bar. Read More
Tickets on Sale! Queer Cook-Off- May 19th-A Celebrity Chef "Chopped" Event Features Events Events Celebrity Chef CTbites Team May 10, 2022 WESTPORT PRIDE kicks off Pride Month with the first annual QUEER COOK-OFF! Tickets are $50 and can be purchased here.Three teams of chef-testants and five judges are being brought together to create a lively culinary competition to raise money for Westport Pride’s education programs. Designed to cook up local competition and foster valuable relationships in the community, Westport Pride’s “Queer Cook-Off” will pit members of the Fairfield County LGBTQ+ and ally community against one another in this fun competition. Held at Aitoro Appliance in Norwalk, Connecticut, each team will be placed in three of the showroom’s live kitchens.The celebrity chefs guiding their team are Bill Taibe (Chef/Owner of Don Memo, Kawa Ni, & The Whelk); Jes Bengtson (Executive Chef of Terrain Café and Amis Trattoria); and Arik Bensimon (Executive Chef of the Monogram Design Center). Read More
Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events & News for April 30-May 22 (Cinco De Mayo Edition) Features Events Events news Stephanie Webster April 30, 2022 A Week-Long Cinco de Mayo Fiesta comes to Mohegan Sun May 2nd – May 7th—bartaco kicks off Cinco de Mayo with its latest #bartacosecret taco in partnership with Yellowbird Foods!—Camacho Garage will be celebrating on May 5 with a live Mariachi band—Washington Prime in Norwalk hosts KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY on Saturday May 7th—Don’t miss the DRAG BRUNCH CT with The Real Brunch Queens of Fairfield County SUN MAY 22nd ++ Read More
