Cheese Wheels: Smile and Say, “CHEESE!” Ingredients Features Catering Specialty Market Sarah Green June 23, 2010 There’s something udderly amazing going down in Fairfield County. MOOOOVE over Pizza and Taco truck and make way for the new cow in town! For the sophisticated palate, Westport’s Mirabelle Cheese Shop is going portable with "CHEESE WHEELS." Andrea Itin, co-owner (with her husband) of the Fromagerie since 2008, has decided to go mobile, and she’s coming to a Farmers’ Market or private function near you. Here’s the (not-so!) skinny: No matter what you’re into, there’s curd for you! Headed to your favorite wine shop for a tasting? Don’t be surprised if you see a reproduction 1940’s Tear Drop Trailer parked in the lot. As you pass, wafts of delectable cheese caress your nostrils and you go inside for a glass. As you sip the wine merchant’s favorite red of the month, you will be treated to divine local cheese on top of Isabelle et Vincent’s (1903 Post Road in Fairfiled) crusty baguette. Paired perfectly, cheese and wine are a marriage made in heaven. Another wine, another cheese, and you are in the zone. Read More
Thomas Keller...Only Minutes Away.... Features Cookbooks Events Amy Kundrat June 22, 2010 Don’t miss Chef Thomas Keller signing copies of his "ad hoc at home" cookbook this Friday, June 25 at 12 noon at The Westchester in White Plains. Chef Thomas Keller is the last chef whose cuisine would be described as “accessible” or “approachable.” If you’ve stepped across the threshold of any his celebrated restaurants including The French Laundry, Bouchon, Ad Hoc, or Per Se, you know no detail is overlooked. And if you’ve thumbed through his exquisitely detailed and daunting tomes such as The French Laundry Cookbook, let alone even try to cook from them, you know Chef Keller’s recipes take no shortcuts (and no prisoners). But accessible he will be. In his cookbook "ad hoc at home," Chef Keller brings us simple but beautiful recipes inspired by his more casual Yountville eatery, Ad Hoc. Read More
Top This: Frozen Yogurt By The Ounce Restaurant Westport ice cream Kid Friendly Dessert Stephanie Webster June 22, 2010 Haven't you always wanted to be in charge of your frozen yogurt destiny? Do you find yourself squirming as the kid behind the counter puts too much fruit and not enough fudge on your medium vanilla? Oh, to be the person in front of the pump deciding the fate and exact ratio of each delicious frosty flavor. When it comes to food, I like to be in control. It is this sentiment that has me singing the praises of "Top This," Westport's new pay by the ounce, frozen yogurt mecca. Located (fittingly) in the old Ben & Jerry's spot on The Post Road, Top This offers self serve frozen yogurt (mostly non-fat) in flavors like Snickerdoodle, Alpine Vanilla, Peach Mango, Cheesecake, and the ever popular "Tart yogurt." Grab a cup, pull a lever, and select your fancy…a veritable yogurt buffet. Read More
Stepney Kitchen: Creative Farm-To-Table Fare Restaurant Farmers Market Local Artisan Monroe Farm Fresh Multiple Eaters June 20, 2010 Amy Kundrat on Stepney Kitchen Chef Jason Hall spends each Tuesday driving from farm to farm in and around Northern Fairfield County looking for the bounty that will fill his menu at Stepney Kitchen. Located strategically at the intersection of Rt. 59 and Rt. 25 in Monroe, CT, Stepney Kitchen is in the epicenter of what may be some of Fairfield County's most bucolic and farm-dense townships. The neighboring towns of Easton, Newtown, Oxford and Shelton enjoy a deep agricultural heritage that is being honored today by dedicated farmers and chefs such as Jason Hall at Stepney Kitchen. On a recent evening, the kitchen was bursting with rhubarb as it enjoys its seasonal peak, arugula, ripe and delicious strawberries and piles of garlic scapes. In fact, after my meal Chef Hall sent me packing with my very own bag of garlic scapes. "Right now we are getting lots of beautiful late spring items like sugar snap peas, really nice lettuces, baby vegetables like turnips, squash blossoms and we are running through the end of a very prolific strawberry season- the strawberry gazpacho w/ fennel and grilled shrimp has been a staple item for the last couple of weeks," said Chef Hall. Read More
Beach Street Sandwiches: Celebrity Chef on Wheels Restaurant Catering Farm Fresh Lunch Stephanie Webster June 17, 2010 On June 19th, BEACH STREET SANDWICHES, the Shoreline’s first gourmet sandwiches truck, operated by Chef Gregory McCarty, ex- Nobu and Jean Georges Chef, opens for business during Madison CT's Flea Market on the Green. Beach Street Sandwiches is Chef Gregory McCarty’s latest project, a shop on wheels serving sandwiches, because everything is better on bread." The chef is best known for his menu development and execution at Nobu 57 and Jean Georges Vongerichten’s Bahamian outpost, Dune. For the next month, Beach Street Sandwiches will be running truck-less, setting up a table at various shoreline events, the first of which is June 19 ’s Madison Lions Club Flea Market, taking place from 9am-3pm on the Madison Green. Read More
Asian BBQ & Grilling w/ Corinne Trang: Part 1 Features BBQ CTbites Team June 17, 2010 Corinne Trang is an award-winning cookbook author, Asian food historian, radio and TV personality. Lucky for us, she also recently moved to Westport. She is very serious about her BBQ…Asian BBQ that is, and she will be sharing her grill tips and recipes with us all summer. Here is her first installment including recipes for Five-Spice Soy Sauce Marinade, Grilled Bok Choy, and Mushroom Fried-Rice with Shitakes. I’m excited that grilling season is finally here. For me, it marks the end of a harsh Winter and wet Spring, and the beginning of the bright hot Summer ahead. It also means firing up the grill just about everyday from now until Fall. I think it’s fair to say that BBQ is all the rage these days. It’s been in the news for the last several years in a big way, and touted as a culinary tradition that can be as complex and refined as French or Chinese cooking, for example. I’ve tasted, seen, and engaged in lively and passionate conversations, and agree that barbecue is no small subject with regional variations to satisfy just about any palate. Read More
Food Network Star Daisy Martinez Comes to Westport Features Cookbooks Events Recipe Stephanie Webster June 15, 2010 On June 22nd, Daisy Martinez—star of the Food Network’s Viva Daisy!— is coming to Fairfield County! She will be at Barnes & Noble is Westport on Tuesday, June 22nd at 7pm with her new book, DAISY: MORNING, NOON, AND NIGHT. Bringing Your Family Together with Everyday Latin Dishes. Daisy has been a “Foodie” from a very young age. She grew up cooking alongside her mother and grandmothers. On her 40th birthday, her husband surprised her with a gift of attending the French Culinary Institute. Her idol, Jacques Pepin, welcomed her personally. After a stint as a private chef, she hosted Daisy Cooks! on PBS. In early 2009, she teamed up with Rachel Ray and her production company to ramp up the Latin flavors of the Food Network. A launch pad to explore the food of Latin America, the second season of Viva Daisy! premiered in July 2009. In the introduction to her fresh and inviting new cookbook, Daisy says, “To say that I am a bit obsessed when it comes to Latin food Read More
Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar: Hip Mexican Hangout Restaurant Byram Cocktails Greenwich Mexican Lunch Amy Kundrat June 13, 2010 Lolita Cocina is not just a restaurant, it's a scene. From the endless rows of tequila lining the bar to its hopelessly sexy digs, it's hard not to feel as if you've stumbled upon a modern Mexican speakeasy complete with a mouth-watering menu. One doesn't dine at Lolita as much as escape and feel as if they've discovered a slightly hipper version of oneself. Located on Mill Street in Byram, Lolita Cocina's personality reflects its zip code, an up-and-coming neighborhood sandwiched between Port Chester, known for an abundance of south of the border restaurants, and the posh town of Greenwich located literally at the southern tip of Fairfield County. The hipster Mexican vibe begins as soon as you cross the threshold into a roughly elegant space punctuated with striking red glass Murano chandeliers and swaths of brick and black leather banquettes. Dim lighting, fun music and the din of the near-nightly crowds that flock to Lolita fill the space to complete its inimitable scene. But don't let the carefully cultivated cool throw you, this place can throw down some serious food. Read More
Wine Chat: Summer Wine - A Bottle Full of Sunshine Ingredients Features Wine Chat JoAnn LoGiurato June 11, 2010 JoAnn LoGiurato is the founder of Dancing on Grapes, specializing in private wine tastings. Her passion is wine pairings with a focus on events tailored to women. Here are her picks for great Summer drinking with a buying guide for specific labels. The sun’s out, there’s music in the air, and you’re ready to throw an outdoor party. You might be thinking, “Should I serve Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay or Cabernet to my friends?” Well, why not drink something different? There are so many great wines that work with summer foods; some are just perfect for sitting by the pool or sipping at the beach. Others are perfect with seasonal picnic and barbeque foods — grilled meats, fish salads and veggies. Here is a list of sassy sippers that will get you out of your wine doldrums: Read More
CTbites Shout Out: Where Do You Eat Out w/ Kids? Kids Bites Restaurant CTbites Shout Out Comfort Food Kid Friendly multiple Authors June 09, 2010 It's the age old problem. You want to go out for dinner with your family, but you simply can't bear the thought of the Diner again. Where can you eat out in Fairfield County where both adults and children will not just endure but enjoy their meals? To help us with this conundrum, I asked our contributors to share their suggestions in the latest CTbites Shoutout: What are your favorite places to eat out with kids? If you have favorite family restaurants, share them by posting a comment below! If my kids (10, 7, & 5) had their way, they would eat tacos, refried beans and rice every day of the week. Read More
Calling All Dads Cooking Class @ Sugar & Olives Ingredients Features Cooking Classes Education Holiday Norwalk Recipe Stephanie Webster June 08, 2010
Cooking w/ Match Restaurant's Matt Storch Features Chef Talk Cooking Classes Norwalk Recipe Farm Fresh Amy Kundrat June 07, 2010 The home cook versus a trained chef. There are thousands of reasons that separate these two knife-wielding gourmands in the kitchen. And I'm not even talking about dicing technique, the battle scarred hands or the colorful vocabulary. I'm thinking more about the dozens of small things that only chefs can learn from years spent in kitchens developing and preparing dishes hundreds of times under the pressure of executing them perfectly for customers, that forces insight and knowledge. The Clarke Culinary Center in Norwalk is giving us entree into the world of the trained chef, allowing voyeuristic home cooks throughout southern Connecticut the chance to watch, smell, taste and touch alongside some of the best chefs in the area. This series launched in September 2009 and features some of the most talented and well-known chefs in our area including Matt Storch of Match in Norwalk; Read More
Chef Talk: Lolita Cocina's "Crack" Cornbread Features Chef Talk Greenwich Mexican Comfort Food Kid Friendly Stephanie Webster June 04, 2010 Executive Chef, Juan Manuel Reyes, of Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar in Greenwich, came to Byram by way of Mexico City and several prestigious restaurants in Manhattan. His passion for the bold bright flavors of Mexican cuisine is felt throughout Lolita’s menu, and he has a unique ability to create comfort food with a kick. When we recently dined at Lolita Cocina (review coming soon) we couldn't help but audibly kvell over his delicious cornbread. The version on the menu is bathed in garlic butter, but I think it's fair to say that if you drizzle a little melted butter or honey over this side dish, you'll have some happy guests. Enjoy. Lolita Cocina Cornbread Recipe Read More
Get "Baked"... The Perfect FC Clambake Features Catering Holiday Seafood Sarah Green June 01, 2010 It’s that time again, isn’t it? The moon is in the 7th House, and Jupiter is aligned with Mars. Summer’s comin’, dude. Relax, crack open a cold one and get “baked” - Clam Baked, that is. Invite your friends over for a typical New England summer culinary experience. Or head down to the beach and get “baked” by the shore. (Penfield 2 in Fairfield allows it, Compo Beach in Westport also, some others too!) A clam bake is a great way to enjoy the best of New England and the perfect way to entertain. Birthdays, rehearsal dinners, anniversaries, graduations, start of summer, middle of summer, end of summer, because it’s a Thursday, the list goes on and on. There is always a good reason for a clam bake and there are several great seafood suppliers in Fairfield County. Here are some of your options: Read More
Jfood & Roadfood on 25 Yrs of Westfair Fish & Chips Restaurant Delicious Dives Seafood Westport Comfort Food Lunch Kid Friendly Multiple Eaters May 31, 2010 Photo Credit: Michael Stern, Roadfood.com Is there anything better than fried seafood by the beach on a warm Summer day? I think not. Neither do jfood of Chowhound.com and Michael Stern of Roadfood.com. These are two serious foodies who are more than happy to drive that extra mile to satisfy their fried seafood craving at Westfair Fish & Chips. I'll let them tell you why.... Read More
Chef Nicole: Buttermilk Brined Fried Chicken Features Ask Chef Nicole Chef Talk Holiday Recipe Kid Friendly Nicole Straight May 28, 2010 I don’t make fried chicken regularly, but when I do, I always use this recipe. It is a Memorial Day tradition in the Straight family, and it's all about the brine. I soak the chicken for a whole day in a buttermilk brine to give it plenty of time to soak up the tangy seasoned buttermilk. The extra liquid keeps the chicken juicy during cooking resulting in moist, flavorful delicious fried chicken. Note: When you are brining your chicken, make sure all of the pieces are completely immersed in the liquid. Happy Memorial Day!! Buttermilk Brined Fried Chicken Read More
What's Fresh @ The Westport Farmers Market Ingredients Features Ask Chef Nicole Farmers Market Recipe Farm Fresh Opening Stephanie Webster May 28, 2010 Chef Nicole and I have been eagerly awaiting the opening of the Westport Farmers Market all Winter, and finally the day had arrived. The weather held up, and under the new leadership of Market Director Lori Cochran, we were delighted to see some exciting new vendors in the mix. Chef Nicole made the rounds looking for ingredients for a Memorial Day market fresh lunch, and while gathering the goods we chatted with a few of the vendors who made this menu possible. Check out the video to hear about a new sustainable coffee roaster, buying your milk straight from the cow, backyard chickens, and a great reason to clean out your pantry every Thursday. Here are Chef Nicole's recipes from the market: Read More
Stamford Museum's Flights of Fancy Wine Tasting Restaurant Events Stamford Stephanie Webster May 27, 2010 Photos top from left: Sweet On You, Susan Kane Catering, TAWA; middle: TAWA, Frank & Julio, Susan Kane Catering; bottom: Frank & Julio, Susan Kane Catering, Sweet On YouOn Friday June 4th, Stamford Museum & Nature Center’s will hold their 13th Annual Flights of Fancy Wine Tasting to raise money for their wonderful community resource. The event will feature an evening of fine wines, exquisite food from 11 different local caterers, and a combination of tremendous live and silent auction item. Former Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy will host the evening’s live auction. The 13th annual wine tasting will be held in the Museum’s Bendel Mansion. Check out the fabulous array of participating local caterers and fine restaurants. These include: A Dash of Salt of Norwalk, Butterfield 8, David’s Soundview Catering, Frank & Julio Complete Event Planning, and Fratelli Market of Stamford, Illy Coffee, Michael Joseph’s Fine Foods of Darien, and Napa & Co. of Stamford, Rosie of New Canaan, Shelly’s On The River, Susan Kane Catering, Sweet on You, and Tawa Indian Cuisine, all of Stamford. Read More
A Moveable Feast: Skinny Pines Brick Oven Pizza Truck Features Catering Local Artisan Pizza kids activity kids cooking party Liz Rueven May 26, 2010 The green Dodge pick-up truck slowly backed into my narrow, curved driveway with the 6 x 13 foot trailer leading. A dome shaped, brick pizza oven was mounted on the open trailer by some ingenious contraption that prevents it from being jostled and toppling off in a crumbled mess of mortar. Jeff Borofsky, chef/owner of SKINNY PINES, a portable wood fired oven catering company, was bringing the party to my home. A group of lucky CTbites contributors and other Fairfield County food producers were due to arrive in 90 minutes. I was beginning to wonder if the party would be ready for these friends with their discerning palates and voracious appetites. Read More
In Search of "Chinese Mirch:" Good Chinese in FC Restaurant Asian Chinese Stamford Indian Kid Friendly Sarah Green May 23, 2010 "Chinese Mirch"? You mean the month before Chinese April? Oh, you mean Mirch as in "merchant?" Not that either, eh? Maybe as in, "not mirch, what's new with you?" - close but no cigar, I guess. But it turns out that there's quite a bit that's new with this trendy Chinese/Indian hybrid currently in full swing on Stamford's bustling Atlantic Street. "Chinese Mirch," founded by third generation restaurateur Vik Lulla, is a labor of love for Mr Lulla and his wife Sienam. The couple opened the first "Chinese Mirch" in NYC in 2003 to great critical acclaim. Now, the couple owns two "Chinese Mirch" restaurants in Manhattan, this new Stamford location with another opening in Farmington this Summer, and one in Cambridge, MA coming soon. But what's this Mirch business all about? As someone who HATES not knowing the true meaning of things, I just HAD to find out. Read More
