55+ Restaurants & Caterers for Thanksgiving in CT: 2018 Edition Features Thanksgiving Holiday Catering Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 13, 2018 How does a turkey drink its wine? From a gobble-let! OK, but seriously… Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it’s time to consider your holiday plans! If you want to enjoy the meal with less prep and clean-up, an assortment of Connecticut caterers and restaurants are offering savory take-out options. Restaurants are also serving prix-fixe menus, brunches, and other specials for those who want the experience of eating out. Here are over 50 Thanksgiving dining options, whether you’re dining out or catering your event from your favorite local restaurant. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events For Nov 11-18: Champagne, Bourbon & Wine Dinners, Cooking Classes, Beer Events & Food Trucks Features News Wine Dinners Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 09, 2018 On Tuesday November 13, Washington Prime SoNo will have a Macallan Scotch Dinner featuring the 12 Year Sherry, the 12 Year Double Cask, the 15 Year Triple Cask, and Edition #4. Upgrade to the 1824 ticket for a rare chance to have a glass of the 1824 Series Single Malt Reflexion. Price is $250 per person for this option. $140 pp.Olea’s annual champagne dinner will take place on November 12. Laval wines will be accompanied by Champagnes produced by another premier grower/producer, Benoit Marguet of Champagne Marguet Pere & Fils in Ambonnay, France. This 4-course dinner is $200 pp, all inclusive. RSVP by calling Olea at 203.780.8925, or sending an email to info@oleanewhaven.com On Monday November 12, Tim’s Kitchen at Wakeman Town Farm will teach you how to make “Holiday Hors D’oeuvres.” Chef Gene Habansky will guide you through making delicious appetizers from 7-9pm. It costs $65 per person. Join them again on November 15 to learn how to make vegetarian and gluten free Thanksgiving sides. Read More
Recap: Newport Wine + Food Festival 2018 Features Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 08, 2018 I know what you're thinking. If the website is called CTBites, why am I writing about Rhode Island? The answer is that the Newport Wine + Food Festival is definitely worth the road trip. New England restaurants, vendors, and distributors unite for a showcase of impressive wine and food. The towering Marble House and its scenic, oceanside grounds serve as a beautiful backdrop for the event. It’s a highlight of my year and a perfect way to spend an early autumn afternoon. Read More
Cheesy Recap: The Great Mac and Chili Challenge Features Events CTbites Team November 08, 2018 Breaking Mac & Cheese news: The 2018 Great Mac and Chili Challenge winners have been announced! Hub & Spoke in Bridgeport won for the third year in a row for their classic 3 bean beef chili. Old Post Tavern won the creative chili category with a “meat lovers chili.” Burger Bar & Bistro in Norwalk won the classic mac ‘n cheese category for the second consecutive year beating runner up Tacos Mexico in Norwalk and their “Queso Mac.” In the hotly contested creative mac category, Cask Republic in Stamford won for their second championship with their popular pesto mac ‘n cheese. Read More
CTBites' James Gribbon Gives Fall Road Trip Picks on CTStyle Features Beer CT Beer CTbites Team November 07, 2018 CTBites' own beer writer and food critic returned to WTNH's "CTStyle" on October 30th to discuss how breweries and fall road trips go together. Leaf peeping, orchard visits, whatever gets you out of the house, autumn is a great time to get to places you haven't been, and many of those out of the way places have a great brewery to visit. One of the spots mentioned in the segment was 5 Churches Brewing Company in New Britain, and you can watch the whole interview on CTStyle right here. Read More
NIBBLE: CT Food News & Events For Week of November 4-11 Features News Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 03, 2018 Check out an assortment of CT brewers under one roof at the 5th Annual Connecticut Brewers Fest! It takes place at Two Roads on Monday November 5. $30.00 gets you a glass and unlimited three oz pours of some of the best beer the Nutmeg State has to offer. Every Wednesday at Walrus + Carpenter, get an eight-piece bucket of fried chicken with four biscuits for $25. Pair it with the Two-For-Two Roads deal and get two Two Roads Brewing brews in the can or on tap for the price of one.From one of the producers of the Blues Views and BBQ Festival comes Supper & Soul, a downtown dinner and concert series in Westport. The Nashville-inspired event takes place on Saturday November 10 and features Kasey Tyndall. Taproot in Bethel invites you to a Bushido “pop up” Sunday, November 11 from 4:30-8pm. Make your reservations by calling 475-329-5395. Read More
Black Duck Cafe Announces It's Staying In Business (Hopefully for Another 40 yrs) Features News CTbites Team November 02, 2018 Breaking news from Black Duck’s Facebook page. We are beyond pleased to announce that after many days of discussions with our creditors, landlord, and investors, the Duck has been able to secure a financial package which will allow us to continue operations (hopefully for the next 40 years!!). The outpouring of support from our loyal patrons over the past few days has been deeply moving and gratifying and we sincerely thank you. Like Phoenix, the Duck has risen from the ashes! To celebrate, please join us on Sunday, 11/4, for all day happy hour prices. Read More
Brewmaster Movie Screening at Avon Theater November 7th Features Food Movies Events CTbites Team November 02, 2018 Beer lovers rejoice! There’s a new movie in town…and it’s hoppy! Brewmaster will be screened at the Avon in Stamford on November 7th @7pm. The movie artfully captures the craftsmanship, passion and innovation within the beer industry. The story follows a young ambitious New York lawyer who dreams of becoming a brewmaster and a Milwaukee based professional beer educator as he attempts to become a Master Cicerone. Brewmaster creates a cinematic portrait of beer, those who love it, those who make it and those who are hustling to make their mark. Read More
CTbites & Half Full Present Beers & Bites: November 14th w/ Nosh Hound & Harlan Social Features Events Stephanie Webster November 02, 2018 Half Full Brewery and CT Bites are excited to announce the final BEERS & BITES for 2018, and you won’t want to miss this year's most creative and collaborative food and beer-pairing event series. On Wednesday, November 14th, the incredible Nosh Hound food truck alongside guest Chef Michael Sobelman from Harlan Social, will serve up a creative menu paired with Half Full Beer selections: Positively Pumpkin, WROR #11, WROR #12, Rise & Shine. Purchase a $50 ticket here. Read More
Dinner with Dorie Greenspan and Chef Jes Bengston at terrain Features Celebrity Chef Amy Kundrat November 01, 2018 Westport’s terrain recently hosted a four-course meal inspired by Dorie Greenspan’s latest cookbook, The Way I Cook. Read More
The Black Duck Cafe To Close Its Doors In Westport Features Westport Homepage James Gribbon October 30, 2018 UPDATE!! Black Duck receives funding and will stay in business…hopefully for the next 40 years. Article here. Westport nightlife staple The Black Duck Cafe plans to lock its doors for the last time on Sunday, November 4th. The classic watering hole has been an institution for over 40 years, cantilevered out over theSaugatuck River, and hosting generations of loyal diners and drinkers. The location was such a fixture of the Westport social scene, it's hard for us at CTBites to think we're close to seeing the end of it.Reached for comment, Pete Aitkin, owner of the Black Duck, did not give any specifics, but said "it's something that's been a long time coming, but we finally had to do it. There are a lot of people very said about it, starting with me, but we're going to invite everyone to come back in one last time this Saturday and Sunday."The Duck will be open Tuesday, October 30th, and Wednesday for Halloween, then take two days off before re-opening for the last times on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 3-4. Read More
Chef Ryan Durant of Branford's Assaggio Competes For Food Network's "Sexiest Chef Alive" Features Interview Celebrity Chef Chef Talk Food Network James Gribbon October 27, 2018 Ryan Durant, owner and executive chef of Assaggio in Branford, has been picked to compete for the title of "Sexiest Chef Alive" on the People Magazine/Food Network joint venture show by the same name, airing November 1st. CTBites spoke with chef Durant about the experience.How did you get involved with the show?People magazine randomly called me, one of the servers picked up the phone and they said it was something with the magazine's sexiest man issue. It had to do with a cooking segment I did on "Better Connecticut" with Scot Haney three years ago. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events, Dinners, Festivals, & Tastings for Week of October 28th- December 4th Features Events Halloween Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 25, 2018 Bodega's Dias de los Muertos festivities last an entire weekend! Join them 11/1-11/4.The Great Mac & Chili Challenge takes place on Sunday November 4 at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport from 11am to 3pm. Enjoy unlimited sampling of chili and mac 'n cheese dishes from twenty fantastic local restaurants. Just like Chowdafest, your vote determines who has the best! Olmo and Ordinary in New Haven will be collaborating on Halloween with a fun filled night of Mario Kart 64, meatball subs, spicy sausage subs, snacks, and themed cocktails.On Thursday November 1, attend a Cheese and Wine Tasting Luncheon with Darien Cheese & Fine Food. Ken Skovron will lead you through a selection of eight cheeses while Megan Ruppenstein of Four Forks prepares a delicious seasonal salad. There will be wine and sparkling cider as well. Read More
CELEBRATE Halloween in CT : 30+ Restaurants & Bars for 2018 Features Halloween Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 23, 2018 Get out your costumes… Halloween is right around the corner! Connecticut restaurants, bars, and farms are offering spook-tacular specials and parties. We’re not trying to trick you- we’re just trying to make sure your holiday is a real treat!Evarito’s, Norwalk: Evarito's invites you to a Day Of The Dead party Saturday October 27. They'll have costume contests, giveaways, and more!Cook and the Bear, Hartford: On Sunday October 28, The Cook and the Bear hosts a Halloween Brunch Costume Party.SBC, Milford: SBC's Halloween Party on 10/27 will have a DJ and costume contests.Troupe429, New Canaan: Troupe429’s Halloween Party takes place Saturday 10/27. They'll have a DJ, costume contests, a dance party, and more.Tim’s Kitchen @ Wakeman Town Farm, Westport: Tim's Kitchen at Wakeman Town Farm invites kids to a Halloween Tasting Class. Tickets are $50 and the class can hold 12 students. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events, Halloween Parties, Festivals & Tastings, October 21-28 Features News Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 17, 2018 Experience Greenwich week runs from October 22-28. Over 150 merchants, retail stores, restaurants, and art galleries will have specials across town. Barcelona Fairfield hosts a Fall Patio Paella Party on Thursday October 25 from 6:30-8:30pm. Chef Jose will show you how to make the Spanish dish. Plus, there will be seasonal tapas, wine, and a DJ. L’Escale invites you to a St. Supery Wine Dinner on Wednesday October 24. Dinner starts at 6:30pm. Seating is limited, so call (203) 661-4600 for your reservation.Sport Hill Farm in Easton presents “Barn Bon Vivants” on Sturday October 27. The Halloween themed evening for adults will be catered by Chef Anne of The First Bite and Chef Genee of Herbaceous Catering. The evening features one seasonal cocktail and five small plates featuring seasonal produce from the farm. Read More
Chef Carole Peck Celebrating 25 years at Good News Restaurant and Bar Features Celebrity Chef CTbites Team October 16, 2018 Award-winning Good News Restaurant and Bar, created and co-owned by Chef Carole Peck and her husband, Bernard Jarrier, is celebrating 25 years since first opening its doors at 694 Main Street South in Woodbury. To commemorate this milestone, the couple is hosting an anniversary celebration at the restaurant on Friday, November 9th. Read More
An Evening with Top Chef Judge & Food + Wine Writer, Gail Simmons Features Celebrity Chef Chef Talk Interview Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 16, 2018 The life of a Top Chef judge, Food + Wine writer, author, and culinary personality is exciting. Gail Simmons regularly travels- and around the world at that!- to film television shows, headline events, find inspiration, and uncover new recipes. At the same time, Simmons is a wife and a mother of two. Sometimes she just wants to go home. Her new cookbook, Bringing It Home, bridges the gap between her personal and professional lives. Drawing from all of her experiences, she’s created dishes that instill feelings of comfort and belonging.Terrain Garden Café in Westport served as the perfect backdrop to bring Simmons’s vision to life. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events, Festivals, Dinners, & Tastings for October 14-21 Features News Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 12, 2018 During the month of October, Letizia's Pizza is serving up "Gertie's Pie of Hope," a Mac & Cheese pizza that raises money for the American Cancer Society and breast cancer research and awareness. 100% of the proceeds are going to charity.Wine events are back at Go Fish in Mystic. Visit them every Wednesday at 5:30pm for cheese and crackers, a complementary food pairing, and of course- wine!. Reservations are recommended, as space is limited. It begins on October 17 with “Lighter, Brighter, Reds.”Wakeman Town Farm and Bar Sugo’s Chef Alan Roytman are teaming up on Thursday October 18 for a Fall Farm Dinner. Roytman will prepare a 4 course meal, complete with wine pairings. It is $100 per person, and the intimate affair is limited to 20.Every Wednesday starting October 17, the Fairfield location of Quattro Pazzi is going vegan! Reservations are recommended. Call 203.259.7417 to secure your seat. Read More
26+ Restaurants, Sports Bars, & Caterers for 2018 Football Season in CT Features Sports Bar Big Screen TV Bar Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 11, 2018 Ready, set, hike! Get out your jerseys… football season is here and it’s time for you to root for your favorite team. These Connecticut restaurants, bars, and caterers are serving up specials and take-out options or you to enjoy during the season. These dishes will leave foodies yelling “touchdown!” Don’t see your favorite sports bar or restaurant here? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list.The Blind Rhino, Norwalk & Black Rock: The Blind Rhino is the hotspot for watching sports events. TVs surround the bar and restaurant. They are known for their wings and craft brews, but they have other tasty eats on the menu as well.Fortina, Stamford: Fortina in Stamford will offer discounted food and drinks during football season on Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday. Plus, wear your jersey and get a complimentary famous rays or margherita pizza.The Irons, Mystic: Head to the Irons in Mystic for football on Sundays. Starting at 1pm, they'll have $5 Burgers, 20 Wings for $20 , $3 Sam Adams Drafts, and other game time specials. Read More
Cross Culture Kombucha Opens Kombucha Taproom and Brewery in Danbury Restaurant Ingredients Brewery Tea And Coffee Danbury Opening Kristin L. Wolfe October 09, 2018 Cross Culture Kombucha just opened its doors in Danbury. It’s the first Kombucha taproom and brewery in the state, and they’ve been welcomed with open arms and growlers ready to fill. The light, effervescent drink has been around for ages but has most recently seen the limelight as a non-alcoholic alternative; one that is both really delicious and packed with healthy goodness. Read More
