Baldanza in New Canaan: Organic and Flavorful Restaurant American Farm to Table Local Farm Organic New Canaan Lunch Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger April 05, 2015 Tucked in the rear of a charming passageway on Elm Street in New Canaan is Baldanza Natural Market Cafe. With a large and diverse organic menu, and a blackboard filled with the names of local purveyors, this small restaurant is fast becoming a local favorite. Owners Sandy and Angela Baldanza opened the café last year serving lunches and an occasional ‘pop up dinner’. Baldanza recently expanded the hours to include regular dinner service and partnered with Chef Kender Urena, who many will remember as the Chef /Owner of Bistro Bonne Nuit. Urena was awarded a Grand Diploma in Culinary Art with outstanding honors from the French Culinary Institute in NYC and was one of Bon Appétit Magazine Top 100 Chefs in America in 2007. Read More
Friday Froth: What's In A Name? Ingredients Features CT Beer Friday Froth Beer James Gribbon April 03, 2015 The waiter gave me a look that said "Dude - work with me here," because I was mumbling. It started like this: Him: "What'll you have?" A perfectly reasonable question, and not an unexpected one, given that I'd just sat down. So I replied:"Nmm nmm.""What?""Nmm nmm... ee."And that's when I got the look. So I said it louder, biting off each word:"Nummy Nummy, please." Dammit. Look, I get it - it's fun to name your beer something ridiculous like "Buttface" or "Even More Jesus," but please, I humbly beseech you, the brewers of the world: please don't make it something I'm embarrassed to order in public. That said... Read More
Garden of Ideas in Ridgefield: 2015 Cooking Classes Restaurant CT Farms Cooking Classes Education Ridgefield Amy Kundrat April 02, 2015 Photo: Garden of Ideas The Garden of Ideas, the outdoor community center and garden sanctuary in Ridgefield, is hosting a series of monthly cooking demonstrations and workshops from May through November with Chef Susie Buckley. Each class will focus on how to make the most of the seasonal produce, using the bounty of their CSA as a way to highlight the intersection of food, nature, art and science within each workshop. Classes welcome all ages (kids from 8 years and up, and adults) and will feature fresh farm produce, focusing on basic cooking techniques, "nibbles, tastes, and recipes, included." View the complete class schedule below: Read More
Brother Jimmy’s BBQ Opening in Stamford via HeyStamford! Restaurant BBQ Stamford Lunch CTbites Team April 01, 2015 This just in from our friends @ HeyStamford! A few weeks back we shared the exciting news about BBQ hot spot Brother Jimmy’s BBQ opening in Stamford downtown. While the news wasn’t available at the time of that announcement; the team at Brother Jimmy’s have announced their grand opening party! The event is scheduled for April 11th at their new location in Stamford downtown. This special event will feature a special performance by country band Hazzard County starting at 10pm along with drink specials all night long. to RSVP for the opening, click here. You may recall that Brother Jimmy’s BBQ is filling the spot recently vacated by Butterfield 8. Read full article at HeyStamford! Read More
The Legendary Mario's in Westport Sold to Harvest Wine Bar Owners via Dan Woog Restaurant Westport Opening CTbites Team March 31, 2015 This just in from Dan Woog's 06880 blog: The rumors careening around town are true: Mario’s is being sold. The legendary restaurant/bar — a Saugatuck mainstay since 1967 — will change hands soon. A new name, cuisine and interior will follow. The deal could be finalized tomorrow morning. New owners Kleber, Nube and Vicente Siguenza own 5 restaurants in Fairfield and New Haven Counties (including 55 Degrees in Fairfield). Mario’s: A Westport legend. Mario’s will remain as it is for the next year. It will then transform into Harvest Wine Bar — similar to the Siguenzas’ restaurant of the same name in Greenwich. Harvest offers modern American custom cuisine with Asian, Latin and Mediterranean influences, plus an extensive wine list. Harvest supports local, organic farms. Read the full article here. Read More
Magee's Curbside: Must Try Breakfast & Lunch in Stamford! Restaurant Delicious Dives Stamford Breakfast Lunch Douglas P Clement March 29, 2015 I get this tip that the new place to go for the best casual breakfast and lunch food in Stamford is a small spot at 72 Magee Ave., in the “no-man’s zone” south of I-95 and the Metro-North tracks. On the way to Greenwich one morning I decide to investigate Magee's Curbside. Here’s the bottom line in an anecdote: After I show up and rattle the staff by asking them to make a few dishes I can sample and photograph—and ask if the owners are around—I’m sitting at a table talking to co-owners Danny DeGruttola (owner of The Brickhouse Bar & Grill on Bedford Street) and Evan Philippopoulos. A woman comes in and declares that she’s back after Magee’s delighted her with the best turkey burger she’s ever had. (The house-recipe burger was a recent special.) No, the woman wasn’t a ringer; no one knew I was coming and the owners of the small, bright and cheerful place weren’t even supposed to be there—the food just is that terrific. Read More
La Zingara in Bethel Launches a New Cocktail Program Restaurant Bethel Cocktails Amy Kundrat March 26, 2015 Photo: La ZingaraLa Zingara in Bethel will launch a new cocktail program beginning April 1 with a menu spanning classic cocktails to their own crafted creations. The backbone of the new menu will be rooted in house made ingredients, including syrups, grenadine, fresh-squeezed juices, and (a handful of) bitters. In addition to the new cocktail program, Ecco Rooftop Eatery & Bar (located just above La Zingara) will reopen on April 1 as well. "We are finally bringing La Zingara up to par on the cocktails that we have been doing on the [Ecco] rooftop for a while now. We are looking to bring the same quality that we bring to our food. Clean, simple drinks that utilize what is in season. Twists on the classics," said Lisa Tassone, La Zingara and Ecco owner. Read More
Bistro Mediterranean Opens in Norwalk: Tapas With Bold, Rich Flavors via Connecticut Magazine Restaurant Mediterranean Norwalk Spanish Tapas Douglas P Clement March 26, 2015
Christian Petroni of Fortina Pizza Shares Mom's Easter Pie Recipe Features Holiday Italian Recipe Comfort Food Stephanie Webster March 25, 2015 When we asked Fortina's Christian Petroni to share an Easter recipe, he turned to an Italian classic...his mother. Much of Petroni's culinary inspiration is derived from a richly food-centric childhood just outside of Naples, and this Easter recipe is no exception. Christian's mother's cooking can often be spotted on the menus of Fortina Pizza (Armonk, Ryebrook & Stamford coming soon), and now on CTbites. Thanks to Fiorella & Christian Petroni for sharing a little bit of their holiday with this ultimate comfort food Recipe for Easter Pie. What type of "pie" you ask. This recipe features: salami, sweet provolone, ricotta and eggs...enough said. Read More
Passover Dessert Shopping Guide via Kosher Like Me Blog Features Holiday Kosher Stephanie Webster March 24, 2015 This incredible guide to all things Passover dessert comes from one of our fellow writers, Liz Rueven, of Kosher Like Me. This is the uber guide for those who wish to BUY, not cook their Passover sweets. Amen. I love it when my readers tell me what they need! So when M. phoned to ask where oh where should she buy her Passover desserts, we took the challenge and got to work looking for the best of the best. For those strictly kosher or not so much, those on the west side or the west coast, we’ve got your freshly baked, professionally made Passover dessert options covered. Read the complete article: Leave the Passover Baking to the Experts. Read More
Washington Prime 2.0 - Chef Howard McCall Jr. Brings Comfort Food to SONO Restaurant American Chef Talk Norwalk SONO Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger March 22, 2015 Patrons of Washington Prime will find comfort in the cuisine of its new Executive Chef Howard McCall Jr. This unassuming chef is not new to SoNo nor the kitchen at Washington Prime; he started in the kitchen at Barcelona twenty years ago and was the opening Sous Chef at Washington Prime last summer. Prior to joining Washington Prime he oversaw the kitchen at Mint restaurant in North Carolina which influenced his new Southern style cuisine. CTbites was invited to meet the chef and sample some of his new additions to the menu. Chef Howard exudes a soft personality, allowing his culinary talents to speak. His recent changes to the new menu range from a creative American Soul Rolls to a Braised Lamb Shank, plus modifications of previous favorites. Each maintained the focus on the main ingredient with delightful accompaniments…more akin to Southern comfort food. Read More
Passover Brisket w/ Beet & Bone Marrow Pureé Recipe c/o Chef Arik of Le Farm Features Holiday Recipe CTbites Team March 19, 2015 When CTbites asked Chef Arik Bensimon of le Farm to create a Passover recipe for our readers, he truly embraced both the request and the holiday. Not only has Arik reinvented the classic Passover Brisket (sorry Nana), but has orchestrated a dish that uses almost all of the ingredients found on the traditional Passover Seder plate. The roasted bone, horseradish, bitter herbs...they're all in there. He has even found a culinary use for the oh-so-sweet Manischewitz wine. Whatever holiday you celebrate this spring, add this recipe for Brisket with Beet & Bone Marrow Pureé to your library. It's simply delicious. Read More
Outstanding In The Field Tickets Go On Sale Friday March 20th Restaurant Farm Dinner Farm to Table Local Farm Stephanie Webster March 18, 2015 Mark your calendars. On Wednesday, March 20th, the first day of spring, tickets will go on sale for the 2015 season of Outstanding In The Field. Buy tickets here and do it fast! These go quickly. CT will host 3 events this year. The Hickories will host Chef Jennifer Balin of Sugar & Olives on Sept. 8th as well as Chefs Holly Michaud & Scott Ostrander of Mama’s Boy on Sept. 9th. Day 3 will be at Waldingfield Farm with Jason Sobocinski of Casseus Fromagerie & Bistro. "Outstanding in the Field is a roving culinary adventure – literally a restaurant without walls." Their mission is to re-connect diners to the land and the origins of their food, and to honor the local farmers and food artisans who cultivate it. The other meaning of Outstanding in the Field is outstanding as in the best. Read More
"Nose To Tail" Dinner @ The Schoolhouse at Cannondale Restaurant Butcher Wilton Stephanie Webster March 13, 2015 The Schoolhouse at Cannondale, in Wilton, has decided to start a series of late Winter early Spring events at the Schoolhouse that will focus on ingredients, techniques, or themes we are into at the current moment. Their first event will be on Tuesday, March 24th and will focus on nose to tail cooking. Chef Tim LeBant and his team will be creating four courses utilizing different cuts of pork. They will also have a selection of beers and bourbons to pair with the courses as well (at a separate cost) as well as our regular wine list. You can book a reservation online by clicking here and choosing a time and party size. Reservation are available from 5:30-8:30. The nose-to-tail dinner will be $60/person. Read More
Sweet and Savory Quick Bread Recipes via Marcia Selden Features Recipe Breakfast Dessert Marcia Selden Catering March 12, 2015 We love a quick bread, they’re a breeze to throw together, freeze beautifully, and are a great activity if you are with your kids and looking for something to do. Enjoy a slice with a bowl of soup or a steaming cup of tea, and you have all the trappings of a sweet perfect day. The folks at Marcia Selden Catering have shared their favorite sweet and savory quick bread recipes. Enjoy our recipes for: Earl Grey Zucchini Quick Bread; Almond Butter, Honey, Banana Quick Bread; Sundried Tomato and Pesto Quick Bread & Prosciutto & Gruyere Quick Bread. You’ll want to try them all! Read More
16 CT Restaurants To Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2015 Restaurant Holiday Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 11, 2015 It’s not easy being green- unless it’s the month of March! St. Patrick’s Day is almost here and Connecticut pubs, restaurants, and hotspots are announcing an array of celebrations. From breakfasts to pub crawls to corned-beef dinners, here are the places with specials sure to keep yousham-rockin’ all night long. Tigin Irish Pub, Stamford McLadden’s, West Hartford Center Street Pub, Darien Rosie, New Canaan Anna Liffey’s, New Haven & Fairfield Fire Engine Pizza, Bridgeport Max Fish, Glastonbury O’Neil’s, South Norwalk Molly Darcy’s, Danbury Cask Republic, New Haven Johnny Utah’s, Norwalk Geno’s Pub, Mohegan Sun, Uncasville Todd English’s Tuscany, Mohegan Sun, Uncasville Read More
Bobby Q’s Pit Stop in Old Greenwich: BBQ & Comfort Food Restaurant BBQ Greenwich Comfort Food Take Out Lunch Kid Friendly ellen bowen March 08, 2015 We all know Westport’s funky back alley BBQ stop, Bobby Q’s, as a casual place for authentic Kansas City BBQ ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and burnt ends. But did you know that a little over 2 years ago, owner Bob LeRose along with his cousin and Pitmaster/Chef, Joey Boucher, felt the burning desire to open a “grab and go” outpost in Old Greenwich on Putnam Ave (aka Route 1/Boston Post Road) called Bobby Q’s Pit Stop? It was 14 degrees when I pulled into the narrow storefront parking lot, and the unmistakable smell of BBQ hit me the minute I walked through the door. The open kitchen, high top tables and counter felt welcoming and comfortable. Sort of like a diner in the south. But Pit Stop is really not about BBQ, although one whole page on the menu features Bobby Q’s signature BBQ rib and meat combos, baby back ribs, and BBQ Plates and BBQ sandwiches. Read More
Upcoming Classes at 109 Cheese & Wine in Ridgefield Restaurant Ridgefield CTbites Team March 06, 2015 Cooking Class with Sarah and Bernard - $90March 11, 2015 "Easy Entertaining – 5 ingredients or less Join Bernard & Sarah in their upstairs classroom – they will teach you how do pull together a fabulous buffet – 5 ingredients or less!" Italy: The lesser know Grapes, Cheese and Wine with Artisan Wines - $65March 14, 2015 "This is an in-depth discussion and tasting of some Italy’s lesser-known grape varietals like Vermentino, Aglianico, Bombino Bianco, Pelaverga, and Timorasso. Taste the wines and regional cheeses with rock star, Jim Morrison and take the journey. Fall in love with Italy all over again." A Look into Burgundy with wines from Rosenthal Wines - $75March 21, 2015 Read More
Bounty Food Truck & Lobstercraft Join To Feature Surf'n'Turf Catering Features Restaurant Seafood Burgers James Gribbon March 04, 2015 A snowy night found guests piled into the close confines of 284 Tokeneke Rd. in Darien to sample offerings from the combined menus of Lobstercraft and Bounty food truck. The two outfits have come together to expand their catering services for private parties, weddings and both special events, and we have your first look. "We thought the surf and turf idea between the best lobster and the best burger would make a great combo," Captain Mike Harden of Lobstercraft told CTBites. "We are working on bringing Bounty under the same roof so you can come to one place and get whatever you like." Read More
15 Places for Great BBQ in Connecticut Restaurant BBQ Comfort Food Best of CT Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 03, 2015 Don’t let the subzero temperatures discourage you… CT restaurants are bringing the heat with mouth-watering finger-lickin’ delicious barbeque! From Kansas-City style to meats fresh out of the smoker, these restaurants have a variety of menu items for you to enjoy. Bear’s BBQ, Windsor Wilson’s, Fairfield Smoke Box BBQ, Hamden Bar BQ, Stamford Wire Mill BBQ, West Redding Bobby Q’s BBQ, Westport Dinosaur BBQ, Stamford Walrus + Carpenter, Bridgeport Q’s Restaurant, Norwalk Vinny’s Backyard, Stamford Uncle Willie’s BBQ, West Haven & Seymour Billy’s BBQ, Bethel Johnny Utah’s, South Norwalk Drumstick BBQ, Bridgeport The Boatyard at Smokey Joe’s, Stamford Read More
