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Chestnut Stuffing with Leeks and Apples from The Parsley Thief

Features Thanksgiving Recipe

katie vitucci

Carry on brave Thanksgiving cooks. Roasted chestnuts in a bottle are quite pricey.  Although time consuming, you can save money by roasting your own (which we suggest).  However, if you prefer to go the quick route, bottled chestnuts can be found in most specialty grocery stores. Enjoy this recipe for Chestnut Stuffing with Leeks & Apples c/o The Parsely Thief.


Sweet Potato Pie Recipe from Latin Chef/ Author Leticia Schwartz

Recipe Features Recipe Thanksgiving Holiday Pie Dessert

Leticia Schwartz

Ok, I’m all about healthy cooking. The proof is in the book, Latin Superfoods. But this time of year is a little special! Let’s dig right into this Sweet Potato Pie, adapted from Gourmet Magazine. Go ahead and celebrate the old-fashioned way with family and friends.

Growing up in Brazil, such a tart was not in the habits, and in fact it took some time for me to get the liking of it. But after 20 years of living here, let me tell you, I’m hooked! And Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays since it’s all about food, friends and family!


BD Provisions Opens in Fairfield: Gourmet Bulk Food Shopping

Features Specialty Market Grocery Store Bulk Shopping Fairfield Newtown Tea And Coffee Education Shopping Opening

CTbites Team

Bulk shopping isn’t exactly a new concept but bulk shopping that’s zero waste is something we get excited about. BD Provisions, with locations in Newtown, and now at the Brick Walk in Fairfield CT, takes this familiar concept and gives it a breath of fresh air with a new, environmentally friendly spin. 

Less is more, especially here. Less waste means more product which means greater savings and more fun, but you really need to head over to experience it yourself. 


DORO Catering & Restaurant Group Hosts Sub Edge Farm Dinner

Features Farm Dinner Catering Caterers

Kristin L. Wolfe

Can I just tell you how great it is to go to bed at the end of a fall night with the smell of a bonfire in my hair? Both end-of-season Hadley & Occum Farm Dinners hosted by DORO were truly sort of magical. Not in the knight in shining armor kind of magical, but in the can we hold onto to this beautiful moment of community and let these flavors and aromas linger just a little while longer kind of magical. It was community, it was the beautiful Sub Edge Farm, it was tremendous food, and it was a recognition of what Bourdain always talked about: the power of sharing a meal around a table, no matter who is dining with you.

Nominated as one of five for 2019 Caterer of the Year by the Connecticut Restaurant Association, we know DORO  Catering and Restaurant Group  is a master at their craft.  With the connection of four restaurants, Zohara Kitchen, Avert, Treva, and Artisanal Burger Company, the catering group has a culinary treasure trove of flavors and experience from which to pull for any event they cater.


50+ CT Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner & Catering: 2019 Edition

Features Holiday Thanksgiving Catering Caterers Special Occasion homepage Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and many of Connecticut’s best restaurants have Thanksgiving specials & catering worth gobbling up! From prix fixe menus to extensive buffets to family style to take-out, there are options for everyone. So don’t cry fowl– make your reservations today! Space is limited and seats fill up quickly, and get your catering orders in if you’d prefer to do Thanksgiving at home, without the work!


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events, Game Dinners, And Festivals for November 17-24

Events Features EVENT News Pop-Up Dinner Pop-Up Bar Happy Hour

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Kombucha is delicious and nutritious!  Cross Culture Kombucha Taproom & Brewery will teach you how to make your own at home in their Kombucha Homebrewing Workshop on November 21.

On Tuesday November 19, Fairfield Cheese Company hosts an evening all about Cheese and Wine of The French Alps.  Join them from 7-9pm for $50 per person. 

The Taps & Trees Craft Beer Festival returns to the Danbury Sports Dome on Saturday November 23.


Elicit Brewing Company Sneak Peek Info & Opening November 18

Features Beer Garden Beer CT Beer Brewery Manchester Opening

CTbites Team

It's go time! After much work, construction, beer brewing, game assembly, mixology, and kitchen testing, Elicit (located at 165 Adams St, Manchester, CT) is ready to bring the FUN to Manchester - and you're invited!

Elicit Brewing Co. will be an American-style beer garden featuring a range of food from pizzas and sandwiches to smaller style plates including wings and pretzels. The brewery is expected to be open Monday through Friday late afternoon through late night, with more hours on the weekends To learn more about Elicit Brewing Co., follow us on Instagram (@ElicitBrewing), visit their website: http://elicitbrewing.com

If you would like to get in BEFORE THE PUBLIC, THEY ARE ACCEPTING RSVP’S FOR The PRE-opening weekend EVENTS.


Candied Kabocha Squash Recipe: Chef Emily Mingrone of Tavern on State

Features Recipe Recipe Holiday Thanksgiving Cooking Entertaining

CTbites Team

For the next two weeks CTbites will be featuring a series of Thanksgiving recipes from local CT chefs. Some of these recipes will be family favorites, or dishes the chefs cook in their own homes. Others will grace the holiday menus found at your local restaurant. One thing is certain. They will all be delicious and worthy of a seat at YOUR table. Our second in this series comes from Chef Emily Mingrone of Tavern On State. Enjoy her recipe for Candied Kabocha Squash.


Nibble: CT Food Events For November 10-17

Events Features Events News Wine Dinners

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

On Tuesday November 12, Lidia Bastianich comes to Tarry Lodge in Westport.  She’s celebrating the release of her new cookbook, Felidia: Recipes from My Flagship Restaurant.  Guests will get a signed copy of her book as well as a four course dinner with optional wine pairings.  There are two seatings, 5-7pm and 7:30-9:30pm.  Tickets start at $135, inclusive of tax and gratuity. 

The story of the legendary Vegetarian spot, Bloodroot is coming to life on the big screen!  The movie will be shown on Monday November 11th at 6:50pm at the Cinepolic Chelsea Theater in New York City as part of the Doc NYC Festival.  Selma and Noel will be in attendance, along with the filmmakers for a Q&A after the showing. 

CT Cider Week is coming!  On Wednesday November 13, Mystic Cheese Company invites you to a cheese and cider pairing class- and it’s all gluten free.  It runs from 6-8pm and costs $45 per person. 


Polenta Holiday Cookies Recipe from Chef Silvia Baldini

Features Recipe Recipe Dessert Holiday Cookies Entertaining

Silvia Baldini

Crispy, crunchy, polenta cookies. The recipe was kindly gifted to me by my MIL Elisabetta. They have become a welcome tradition in my family. We make them a couple of weeks ahead of the holidays and keep them fresh in metal tin, lined with parchment paper. The mix of polenta and potatoes starch gives them a melt in your mouth texture. I like to dust them with a light coating of powder sugar and I enjoy them as treat with tea or when my sweet tooth requires a fixing.


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For November 3-10

Events Features Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Tavern on State hosts an Armada Brewing Beer Dinner on Monday November 4.  $80 includes 5 beers, four courses, tax, and gratuity.  Seating begins at 6pm and the dinner follows at 6:30pm.

The Connecticut Cider Association presents the first ever Connecticut Cider Festival on Saturday November 9!  Cider Conn 2019 takes place at Zandri's Stillwood Inn.  Join them for unlimited cider sampling, food trucks, live music, and more.  Tickets start at $15. 

Amis Trattoria’s Guest Chef Series continues on Wednesday November 6 with Emily Mingrone of Tavern on State.  Amis Executive Chef Jes Bengtson and Mingrone will create a one-night-only menu of specials inspired by the guest chef’s specialties. 


Hosting a Traditional Filipino Kamayan Feast at SoNo 1420

Features Pop-Up Dinner Cocktails Filipino Food Truck

Andrew Dominick

One of the ways to celebrate Filipino American History Month (every October) is with a kamayan meal. A what? Don’t worry, when I was asked to attend one, my response was, “What’s that now?” And I do have a few Filipino friends, including those who invited me to this one, my first one. 

There was a kamayan dinner and it was held in South Norwalk. The event, hosted by Chris Gonzalez of Hapa Food Truck with public relations pro and event planner Ria Rueda, was the first of its kind in the area, not counting the off chance you’ve attended one at a friend’s house. 


Nibble: Tasty, Fresh & Fab CT Food Events for Week of October 27- November 3

Events Features News Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

J House throws their annual Halloween bash on Friday November 1- this year with an Apocalypse theme!  Your ticket comes with a complimentary cocktail, hors d'oeuvres, a live DJ all night, and a Red Carpet Costume Contest & Prizes.  Tickets $75 pp.

On November 1, Ben & Jerry’s will serve up Free Scoops Of Non-Dairy For World Vegan Day!  Visit participating locations from 4-8pm for your free scoop. 

Attention beer fans! Coalhouse Pizza in Stamford hosts a special SINGLECUT tap take-over at 5pm on October 30.  Stay for trivia, which begins at 8pm.

Chef Jessica Bengston, chef from Terrain and Amis Trattoria, comes to the Fairfield Library on Monday October 28.  She’ll share her journey in the culinary world and how food, community, and culture has influenced her career.  


Filipindian Pop Up with Sherkaan + Kawit! + More to Come in New Haven

Features Restaurant Pop-Up Dinner Indian New Haven Filipino Catering Caterers

Kristin L. Wolfe

At Sherkaan’s first pop-up last Thursday night, the Flipindian Feast, I had to swim through the the hungry crowd and make my way to, literally, the last seat available at the long copper bar. From the pervading tiger logo (Sherkaan means Tiger King in Hindi) and hindi phrases on the walls, to the cascade of bicycles hanging from the ceiling, diners are definitely transported to the packed spaces of a Southeast Asian hot spot. In addition to all the things to look at, pungent spices filled the room; they were so entrenched in the air that my hair smelled of them the next morning.


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For Week of October 20-27

Features Events Events News Pop-Up Dinner Wine Dinners Festival

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Get egg-cited… the Tasty Yolk storefront opens for business on Tuesday October 22!  Check them out at 2992 Fairfield Ave in Bridgeport.

From Wednesday October 23 through Friday October 25, Norwalk Now presents CRUSH: A Celebration of Beer, Wine, and Spirits.  Norwalk restaurants and businesses are opening their doors for demonstrations, tastings, seminars, and other events inspired by these tasty adult beverages. 

Wednesday October 23 marks Brasitas’s first Wine Dinner of the season.  The five course meal will compliment wines from Napa Valley.  Tickets are $75 per person and space is limited. 


25+ Connecticut Halloween Parties & Happenings for 2019

Events Features Holiday Halloween Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Costume?  Check.  Pumpkin?  Check.  Candy?  Check.  Halloween Plans.  Check…?  October 31 is quickly approaching and with so many fun options to choose from, what is one to do?  Connecticut restaurants, farms, bars, and venues are all getting into the Halloween spirit with frighteningly good food specials, cocktails, bar crawls, haunted hayride, and more.  Here are 25+ CT spots throwing spook-tacular events to lead up to and close out the holiday.


Photo Recap: The Taste of Fairfield Thrilled Guests w/ 50+ Tastings

Features Taste Of Fairfield Photo Gallery

Jessica Ryan

This past Sunday, on arguably the most beautiful day of the season so far, the Fourth Taste of Fairfield took place at Southport's Delamar Hotel. Under a massive tent, the sold out event greeted happy foodies of all ages. This year saw many newcomers who not only brought their A-Game but elevated this year's "tastes," raising the food bar to whole new level. As the food was served, the libations flowed, complementing the many mouth watering bites!


28+ Football Focused CT Restaurants, Sports Bars, and Caterers: (2019 Edition)

Features Football Sports Bar Bar

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Ready, set, hike!  Football season is here!  Whether you follow a favorite team or are just in it for the tasty snacks, Connecticut restaurants, bars, and caterers are providing delicious experiences during NFL games.  Here is your ultimate guide to all the wings, HDTVs, sliders, beer, burgers, and other gametime specials that you can find across the state.


Westoberfest Downtown Westport Beer Festival w/ Over 50 Craft Breweries, Food & Fun (sponsored post)

Events Features Festival Oktoberfest

CTbites Team

Over 30 New England craft breweries will serve up their favorite seasonal beer tastings at Westoberfest on October 19 at 2:00 p.m. in the heart of downtown Westport on Elm Street. Building on a successful inaugural event last year, and in partnership with Westport's newest wine and spirits merchant, The Grapevine, there will be even MORE breweries this year, with more than 50 unique pours of the best local and regional craft beer for three hours of unlimited tasting. Buy your tickets here!

The perfect complement to flavorful craft brews is tasty food, and Westoberfest will serve up two local favorites, Kawa Ni and Rothbard Ale + Larder, with options to satisfy any appetite. Line up early to experience traditional brats and pretzels from Rothbard’s or satisfy your culinary craving with spicy miso ramen, tofu pockets, and sesame noodles from Kawa Ni. The always crave-worthy DoughGirls truck will also be making an appearance in the kids' area (yes, there’s a KIDS AREA).

What’s on the Menu? Check it out…


NEW Podcast Episode! Chef Plum...Live From Our Dining Room

Features Interview Podcast Interview Chef Talk

Stephanie Webster

This week on The CTbites Hot Dish Podcast , we chat with Chef Plum, host of the successful podcast “Live With Chef Plum,” as well as “Edible On The Road” (streaming on Amazon), and finally…the TV series, Random Acts of Cooking.” What’s on the podcast menu? We discuss the role of food as a connector, the importance of philanthropy, and…well…we laugh a lot. Join the conversation. Listen here.