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Donut Crazy Launches the “Cruffin” Croissant-Muffin Hybrid

Ingredients Features Bakery Dessert Kid Friendly Breakfast Doughnuts New Haven Shelton Westport Bridgeport Homepage

Stephanie Webster November 02, 2017

Donut Crazy, a local, family-owned eatery specializing in unique donut flavors (lovingly called Dailies & Crazies), announced a tasty new menu item called the “Cruffin.” The croissant-muffin crossover is the company’s way of celebrating the first sugar-filled year of its New Haven location near Yale University. The “Cruffin” will be available at all Donut Crazy locations for $4.25, starting on Friday November 3, weekends only and while supplies last.

The “Cruffin” has quickly become the food world’s newest bakery obsession, much like the “Cronut” before it. The buttery, flaky pastry is shaped like a muffin and filled with different flavors. Donut Crazy plans to offer coconut, dulce de leche, chocolate mousse, and pumpkin. More exciting flavors to come!

Stew Leonard’s Delivered To Your Door with Instacart

Features Ingredients Home Delivery Delivery Service

Stephanie Webster November 01, 2017

Family owned and operated Stew Leonard’s today announced Stew’s Fresh Delivery Powered by Instacart, the technology-driven, nationwide on-demand grocery delivery service. Starting Wednesday, November 1, 2017, same-day grocery delivery service will be available to 365,000 households within a 20-30 minute drive of Stew Leonard’s farm fresh food stores in Norwalk, Danbury, and Newington, Conn. as well as in Yonkers, Farmingdale, and East Meadow, N.Y.

Customers who sign up for Stew’s Fresh Delivery by February 1, 2018 using code stewsexpress will have free delivery on orders over $35 for up to a year.

Beekman Boys Dinner at Terrain: All Hail the Beet Tops!

Features Events Cookbooks

April Guilbault November 01, 2017

If there is one word that factors prominently in the Beekman Boys’ lexicon, it is community-knowing and growing with one’s neighbors. To gather around tables together. To support each other’s endeavors or to get to know each other more. Hell, it’s to experience this thing called life. Together.

Although one recent October evening was warmer than usual, the balmy temps only added to the convivial gathering at Terrain in Westport. It was a celebratory gathering to mark the new cookbook by Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, founders of Beekman 1802 lifestyle company. This book, their sixth, sends out the call to “Have a seat!” and enjoy an assortment of dishes that they have created along with their Sicilian neighbor, Rose Marie Trapani. A sampling of these dishes was highlighted this evening.

Southern Connecticut Wine Company Invites You To Make Your Own Wine

Features Ingredients Education Cooking Classes WIne Wine Tasting Vineyard Wallingford

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 31, 2017

In 2016, Forbes Magazine claimed to have discovered the “secret to happiness.” “Spend money on experiences, not things,” they told their readers. CNN took it one step further. “That's in part because the initial joy of acquiring a new object, such as a new car, fades over time as people become accustomed to seeing it every day…,” they reported. “Experiences, on the other hand, continue to provide happiness through memories long after the event occurred.”

Those looking to invest in a meaningful experience can find a solution tucked away in Wallingford, just off the highway, but hidden from view. Southern Connecticut Wine Company, located in an unassuming garage-like building behind the railroad tracks, affords people the unique opportunity to create their own wine over the course of a season. I had the chance to be an honorary co-op member for the day and witness a little bit of what they have to offer.

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of October 29-November 5

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 26, 2017

Tickets are now on sale for a “Hip-Pop Up Dinner” at The Stand in Fairfield. Chef Jeff Taibe will present vegan dishes on November 15 from 7-9pm. Don’t forget to BYOB!

On Monday October 30, Mecha’s South Norwalk locations will host its first ever Sake Dinner! Chef Brian Reilly has created a meal to complement premium, hard-to-find, sakes. Monica Samuels, the sake arbiter of Vine Connections, will be on hand to educate guests. Reservations are required and seating is limited. There are two seatings: 5:30pm and 8:30pm. To make your reservation, call Mecha Noodle Bar at 203-295-8718

Bobby Q’s Cue & Co now serves Happy Hour from 4-7pm Monday-Friday. Join them in the bar for $2 off wine, beer,bourbon, and cocktails; $1 off apps and flatbreads; 50 cent wings (minimum of 6); $3 pulled pork sliders; and $10 pork belly cracklings.

Shake Shack Launches Chili-Themed Menu For Limited Time Only!

Features Comfort Food Kid Friendly Hot Dogs Burgers

Stephanie Webster October 25, 2017

Shake Shack CT and Shake Shacks around the nation have some exciting news: At the end of this month, chili is coming to Shake Shack. They will debut a chili-themed menu available via the Shack App exclusive starting Monday, October 30th and available for in-Shack ordering on Thursday, November 2nd.

They will be serving up the Chili Cheeseburger, Chili Cheese Dog and Chili Cheese Fries for a limited time. INSIDER TIP: Though you won’t see it listed on the menu, ask your Shack for a side of chili to score a cup. The chili menu includes:

Chili Cheeseburger: Cheeseburger topped with smoked and slow braised beef chili with ancho and chile de arbol peppers

Chili Cheese Dog: Vienna beef hot dog topped with smoked and slow braised beef chili with ancho and chile de arbol peppers

Chili Cheese Fries: Crinkle cut fries topped with smoked and slow braised beef chili with ancho and chile de arbol peppers

Stew Leonard’s Announces Limited Edition Apple Pie A La Mode Milk

Features Ingredients Dessert Kids Kid Friendly

Stephanie Webster October 24, 2017

Stew Leonard’s Apple Pie Milk a la Mode celebrates the season with the flavors of crisp fall apples and Stew Leonard’s dairy-fresh vanilla ice cream. It comes straight from their award-winning dairy farms in upstate NY and is free from artificial growth hormones (rBST) and antibiotics. This milk goes from the farm to each of their stores in as little as 24 hours. Stew Leonard's Apple Pie Milk a la Mode will be available starting on October 30 for a limited time. It is sold in a ½ gallon glass container for $5.99.

Chef Prasad Chirnomula Announces Thali Too & Oaxaca Kitchen To Close

Features Indian

Stephanie Webster October 20, 2017

Celebrated Chef Prasad Chirnomula has announced that he is closing Thali Too and Oaxaca Kitchen at the end of this month. After serving the New Haven population for nearly 10 and 7 years respectively, and having received many accolades and other distinctions, THALI TOO and OAXACA KITCHEN will permanently close their doors later this month. Prasad stated that expansion efforts with restaurants in other markets in Connecticut and the costs associated with that have resulted in financial strains that forced the closing of the majority of his restaurants. Chef Prasad is optimistic that he will reinvent his brand with new and fresh concepts that will again meet the ever-changing culinary needs of these communities.

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of October 21-28

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 19, 2017

From October 21-28, Connecticut restaurants and chefs are teaming up to help Puerto Rico. Participating restaurants like Avert Brasserie, Butchers & Bakers, Max Oyster Bar, The Cottage, and more will create and serve small plates inspired by Puerto Rico, with 100% of the proceeds generated by these dishes being donated to Unidos Por Puerto Rico.

South Avenue Butchers has teamed up with Baldanza Cafe to co-host a delicious five course dinner highlighting organic, grass-fed meats sourced from local farms. The exclusive dinner includes wines paired by Keely Abbott from The Wine Trust. Join them at Baldanza Cafe on Wednesday, October, 25th at 7:15pm.

Walrus + Carpenter hosts a Country Western Music + Moonshine Revue on Thursday October 26 from 7:30-11:30pm. They’ll whip up chicken-fried steaks and moonshine as guests enjoy the live music.

On Thursday October 26, Washington Prime in South Norwalk continues its five course wine pairing dinners with Jadot / Resonance Vineyards. It costs $85 per person.

The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County invites you to the 12th Annual Chefs' Dinner to Fight Hunger on Thursday, October 26.

23+ Foodie Places to Celebrate Halloween in CT: 2017 Edition

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 18, 2017

We have some frighteningly great food news to share… many Connecticut restaurants, bars, farms, and markets are serving up boo-tiful Halloween specials! Hotspots like Cask Republic, Hub + Spoke, and The Spread will have nighttime parties for the 21+ crowd, while Wakeman Town Farm, Stew Leonards, and Hardcore Sweet Cupcakes have Halloween baking classes for youngsters. It’s time to get out your costumes- Halloween 2017 is here!

The Fez, Stamford: On Friday October 27 starting at 10pm, The Fez in Stamford will throw a Halloween Bash with live music by Free Flow. There will also be best costume prizes, drink specials, and more.
Hummock Island Oyster Company, Westport: An extra spooky edition of the Hummock Island Oyster Tour will take place on Friday October 27 from 5-7pm. Wear your best costume... there will be a contest!
The Black Rock Zombie Pub Crawl , Bridgeport: The Black Rock Zombie Pub Crawl will begin at Hub & Spoke on Friday October 27 at 7pm. From there, go on to participating bars and restaurants like Aspetuck Brew Lab, Mr. Crab Seafood and Bar, TruNorth, Brennan's, and Fire Engine Pizza. A wristband is $25 per person and 100% of proceeds go toward Puerto Rico hurricane relief.
L’escale, Greenwich invites you to a Halloween Soiree on Saturday October 28 starting at 9pm. The best costume wins a magnum of wine!

Millwright's Tyler Anderson To Join 'Top Chef' Cast via CTNow

Features Celebrity Chef

CTbites Team October 18, 2017

Props to our CT Chef Tyler Anderson! This just in from Leeanne Griffin of CTNow.com

Tyler Anderson, the chef-owner of Millwright’s in Simsbury and co-owner of The Cook and the Bear in West Hartford, is about to add “Cheftestant” to his extensive resume.

Anderson has been announced as one of 15 competitors on the newest season of "Top Chef," debuting Dec. 7 on Bravo. He is the first Connecticut chef to join the series, which is now in its 15th season.

The new season is described as an "epic culinary adventure through the state of Colorado." "From deconstructing the Denver Omelet and preparing Rocky Mountain Oysters to tailgating with the Broncos, the level of competition for these 15 talented chefs is going to be a mile high. With the judges looking for the chefs' peak performances, the challenges will test the competitors' culinary abilities in picturesque locales."

Nibble: CT Food Events For October 15-22

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 13, 2017

The Tasty Yolk has debuted its October special. The Local Yolkiel includes local handmade kielbasa and 2 eggs topped with a cheddar cheese beer sauce served on a pretzel bun.

Visit Tarry Lodge in Westport for a Pig Roast on Thursday October 19 at 6:30pm. The evening includes three courses: pizza to start, the roasted pig and sides, and apple cobbler for dessert. It costs $70 per person, with an additional wine pairing available for $25 and a beer pairing for $15. Call 203-571-1038 to reserve.

Bobby Q’s Cue & Co. in Norwalk now offers Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4-7pm in the bar area. Join them for $1 off all appetizers and flatbreads, $3 pulled pork sliders, 50 cent wings (minimum of 6), a $10 Cue & Co. “Bar Crack” (pork belly cracklings), and $2 off all beer, wine, bourbon and cocktails. In addition to Happy Hour, Bobby Q’s Cue & Co. will also offer Trivia Night every Wednesday beginning at 7:30pm and Country Night every Thursday from 9pm to 11pm with drink specials, a late-night food menu, and country line dancing.

All month on First Thing Fairfield County, Ken Tuccio is raising money for breast cancer research to support the American Cancer Society. They’ve teamed up with Letizia's Pizza in Norwalk to create "Gertie's Pie of Hope," named after Dennis Letizia's mothe who passed away from breast cancer.

The Drunk Alpaca: Baked Goods Made with Local Craft Beer

Features Bakery Dessert Beer CT Beer Shelton

Andrew Dominick October 10, 2017

Firefly Hollow Choconaut Porter brownies, Brewport Seventh Inning SIPA BBQ-glazed potato chips, Thimble Island Ruby blondies. If you didn’t pick up on it, there’s a theme here, Connecticut local beer and baked goods. That’s cool, but The Drunk Alpaca is much more than just booze baked cakes and chips.

The Drunk Alpaca was created by friends Stephania Halverson and Jessica Oen, who met when they worked together at Whole Foods in Darien, where Halverson was the bakery manager, and Oen was a kitchen supervisor and head cake decorator. The duo clicked during their time at the grocery store and wanted to do their own thing. Baking was the obvious, logical business to get into.

Lorca Cafe to open in Fleishers Greenwich

Features Fleishers Butcher

CTbites Team October 06, 2017

Fleisher’s Craft Butchery is collaborating with Leyla Dam Jenkins from Lorca cafe, on opening a sunny new location in early November inside the Fleisher’s Greenwich butcher shop at 160 E. Putnam Ave. Cos Cob.

Like the beloved Stamford original, Lorca's new branch will be offering a variety of specialty coffee drinks and Spanish-influenced sweets, like their signature alfajores (shortbread cookies with dulce de leche and coconut).

Nibble: CT Food Events for October 8-15

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 06, 2017

Join Terrain Garden Cafe for a food-focused evening hosted by CTBites and the Westport Farmers Market. On Monday October 9, they’ll gather with some of the food industry’s leading talents to discuss trends, restaurant and farming secrets, and everyday life during an open forum. Reservations required. $50 per person. Cost includes welcome cocktail, stationary and passed hors d’oeuvres, and hospitality. Tickets available here.

On Monday October 9, 86’D- A Culinary Collision- takes place in West Hartford. 8 Remaining Chefs will participate in 8 Battle Rounds in secret restaurants with open kitchens. A portion of the proceeds will be given to End Hunger CT. Tickets are $30.

On Tuesday October 10, Two Roads Brewing Company and CT Girls Pint Out are celebrating Women in Beer! A $10 ticket includes a beer and the chance to hear from a panel of women in the industry. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Get In Touch Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Through October 31, visit Sport Hill Farm every Saturday and Sunday from 12-5pm to purchase a pumpkin from the patch. Kids can receive a free tattoo and treat and the farm will donate 35% of the pumpkin purchases back to the community via Easton PTA & E.L.F.

Recap: Red Bee Apiary Tasting, An Evening in the Hive

Features Events

April Guilbault October 05, 2017

Spicy. Fruity. Grassy. Buttery. Ashy, woody, and mineral-y.

Would you believe these words are all describing honey? Red Bee Apiary in Weston recently hosted a “Rare and Exotic Honey and Mead” sensory tasting evening and by golly, all those adjectives described the varied honeys that graced our collective lips.

In a country barn located on a cozy, twinkly property, owner and Queen Bee, Marina Marchese, began our evening with a little talk about the bees (no birds. just bees). What goes on inside a hive and what roles do the bees have in their colony? How, exactly, do those little fabulous fliers make honey and fill those perfect hexagons? How did Marina became so enthralled with beekeeping? I won’t divulge those answers, lest you attend one of these sensory evenings on your own some time, which you should. It is both an educational and intriguing, not to mention, delicious event.

Chowdafest 2017 Winners Announced!

Features Events

CTbites Team October 03, 2017

At 11am on Sunday, the bright sun and warm temperature greeted over 10,000 visitors to the Stop & Shop sponsored Chowdafest at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. The traffic exiting I-95 North and South was jam packed with soup-seekers who arrived from all over New England and New York. Of the 40 purveyors of chowders, bisques and gumbos, the most common offering was the traditional New England Clam Chowder, though many other inventive recipes were up to the competition. Enthusiastic providers ladled their savory soups and asked for votes until 3pm when they scraped the bottom of their pots empty. (View the list of winners below.)

Recap: Greenwich Wine + Food Festival 2017

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 03, 2017

On September 22 and 23, The Greenwich Wine + Food Festival took over Roger Sherman Park. 2017 marked the seventh year for the festival, which has grown in popularity thanks to its line-up of celebrity chefs, restaurants, beverage sponsors, and musical acts.

This year saw the return of Adam Richman, widely known for hosting the Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food,” and Alex Guarnaschelli, Iron Chef and restaurateur. Greenwich resident and festival staple Kathy Lee Gifford also came back to highlight her wines and moderate celebrity panels.

2017 brought exciting new additions as well; Chef and television star Mario Batali added his name to the roster along with others like Scott Conant, Mary Giuliani, Kevin de Chenes, and Julia Deane. Multi-Grammy and Billboard award-winning band Train headlined the evening concert.

WIN FREE Tickets to Alton Brown Live Eat Your Science at Palace Theater

Features Giveaway Events

Stephanie Webster October 02, 2017

We are very pleased to be able to offer our CTBites readers three pairs of FREE TICKETS to Alton Brown Live Eat Your Science at Palace Theater on October 29th.

TO WIN a pair of tickets, Tell us why YOU NEED TO SEE THIS SHOW in the comments section below. You also must be a CTBITES NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBER to enter giveaway. (Subscribe here)

Alton Brown is the creator and host of the Food Network television show Good Eats (14 seasons), host of the mini-series Feasting on Asphalt and Feasting on Waves, and host and main commentator on Iron Chef America, Cutthroat Kitchen and Camp Cutthroat. Brown is a best-selling author of several books on food and cooking.

“Alton Brown Live: Eat Your Science” (www.altonbrownlive.com), the follow-up to the smash “Edible Inevitable” tour, hits the road again. Fans can expect all-new everything including songs, multimedia presentations, talk-show antics, and bigger and better potentially dangerous food demonstrations.

Explore Norwalk's Waypointe Neighborhood at "Wine Down at The Block"

Features Norwalk Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 29, 2017

What if I told you that for just over $25, you could enjoy food and a beverage from four popular restaurants in one of Fairfield County's up-and-coming neighborhoods? And I'm not talking about small-sized portions cobbled together from leftover ingredients or the cheapest bottled beers. I mean delicious dishes straight from the menu alongside specialty cocktails, craft beers, and wine. You'd probably think I'd gone crazy... but it's true.

"Wine Down at The Block" affords participants the chance to explore Norwalk's Waypointe neighborhood at an affordable price. Barcelona Wine Bar, Sedona Taphouse, Bobby Q's Cue & Co., and Colony Grill all offer a dish and a drink as part of the package, while vendors like Pinot's Palette, Endurance House, and Salon by JC provide demonstrations and discounts.