Arrivederci, Vespa. Welcome, The ‘Port via Dan Woog Restaurant Westport Opening CTbites Team March 10, 2017 Wondering what's going in to Vespa's space in Westport? Dan Woog has some answers.In its 2 1/2 years in Westport, Vespa earned the loyalty of many customers.Unfortunately, they came almost entirely on Friday and Saturday nights. Owner Bobby Werhane thought there was a demand for “a New York style, modern rustic restaurant” in that location.There was. But attracting diners on more casual weekdays was tough. Though the 155 seats inside were filled — and in summer, the 60-seat patio was packed — the size of National Hall, plus the difficulty of scheduling employees for both peak and slow times, led to what Werhane admits was “inconsistency.” Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of March 13-18 Features News Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 09, 2017 The Artisanal Burger Company in Manchester, CT invites you to a Pre-St. Paddy’s Day party on Monday March 13. The evening features Jameson Irish Whiskey and includes a reception and 3 course dinner. It costs $60 per person and runs from 6:30-9:30pm. Go to the dark side on March 14! In this case, it is actually a good thing… Max Amore Ristorante will explore the “dark side of the cocktail” through a seven course dinner featuring Amari cocktails. The evening begins with a reception at 6:15, followed by the sit-down meal at 6:30. It costs $85 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Read More
Taco Loco's Party Truck: Turn Your Next Event Into a Party (sponsored post) Restaurant Food Truck Catering Mexican Tacos Gluten-Free Kid Friendly CTbites Team March 09, 2017 Are you ready for food truck season? With summer right around the corner you can bet on seeing the Taco Loco Party Trucks cruising through your town. If you are hosting a party this year the Taco Loco Party Trucks are a must have! Imagine not having to worry about shopping, setting up, cooking, or cleaning. All you have to do is invite your friends and family and we will take care of the rest! Read More
Stew Leonard's Launches Edible Cookie Dough Restaurant Features Kid Friendly Dessert Stephanie Webster March 08, 2017 This week Stew Leonard’s in Yonkers rolled out their version of the latest food trend, edible cookie dough. More good news: all five of their locations will roll it out in the next 2 weeks. Edible cookie dough will be available in a cone or a cup at $3.99 for a single scoop and $6.99 for a double scoop. Stew's Edible Cookie Dough will be available at their ice cream counters. Kids...start freaking out! Read More
The 10 Most Highly Rated Restaurants In CT via OnlyInYourState.com Restaurant Best of CT Homepage CTbites Team March 08, 2017 In case you missed this article last week, this is in from OnlyInYourState.com. Connecticut has great dining options all across the state, but some stand out among the rest. To find the most highly rated restaurants around, we turned to Zagat, Connecticut Magazine and Yelp to help us hone in on places that were offering the best overall experience in food, service and location. Get ready for a magical dining experience, because these places are pretty awesome.Check out the list of highly rated restaurants: Read More
Constitution State Staples: Connecticut's Most-Classic Dishes via Food Network Restaurant Best of CT Comfort Food New Haven Norwalk Amy Kundrat March 06, 2017 The Food Network sent CTbites' Amy Kundrat on a mission to select the quintessential dishes throughout the state of CT. Here are her picks for classic CT eats. Though its New York neighbor gets more culinary street cred, Connecticut is a hotbed of local flavors, including a local take on the lobster roll, collegiate-level ice cream and coal-fired, clam-topped pizzas that lure fans from around the world to the Nutmeg State. Read More
CT Bars & Restaurants To Celebrate St. Patty's Day 2017 Features Holiday Events Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 06, 2017 Get our your green apparel and raise a glass of Guinness… St. Patrick’s Day is almost here! Whether you are from Ireland or simply Irish for the day, there are plenty of Paddy’s day parties. These Connecticut bars and restaurants will have have you cheering “Erin Go Bragh!” on March 17. Read More
Whoopie Thai Cuisine in Fairfield Restaurant Thai Fairfield Lunch Asian Delicious Dives Take Out To-Go Homepage Sarah Green March 05, 2017 If you’re in the mood for simple, kid-friendly, tasty Thai, then hop in your tuk tuk and head over to WHOOPI for authentic, Thai cuisine on Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield. Owners Tom and Helen Chaimahavong opened their latest haunt (named for their son whose nickname is Whoopi) mid 2015 and are the former owners of THAISAB in New Haven. Natives of Bangkok, Tom and Helen have mastered the ins and outs of their native cuisine while keeping dishes simple and novice-friendly. WHOOPI is not fancy Thai, and it’s not for the super adventurous; it is simply yummy Thai fare that is great for lunch with the kids, a laid back dinner with friends or a great take-out/delivery option. The space is small but cozy and we enjoyed our meal! Here is how it went down… Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of March 5-12 Features News Events Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 03, 2017 Wilton Restaurant week kicked off March 5 and lasts through March 12. Restaurants like Cactus Rose, Little Pub, and Washington Prime are offering prix fixe menus and other specials. Pacific Cycling & Triathlon in Stamford has opened a coffee shop in their bike store. The serve “Bullet Proof Coffee,” which consists of grass fed Butter, mct oil, and fresh coffee. The blend is known for its health benefits. Accompany the java with baked goods from Wave Hill Breads or food brought in from NYC bakeries. On Wednesday March 8, Center Street Public House in Darien presents a Jameson Irish Whiskey dinner. Guests can feast on a four course dinner with Jameson pairings, win prizes, and get St. Patrick’s Day swag. Tickets are $45. Read More
South Avenue Butcher Hosts Burger Recipe Showcase With Local Chefs & Celebs Features Butcher Homepage Burgers Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 03, 2017 South Avenue Butcher offers an assortment of burgers that are ready to be brought home and prepared in the manner of one’s choosing. Current burger selections include lamb with rosemary and garlic, lamb with shawarma spices, and dry-aged beef. To showcase the patties, South Avenue Butcher is teaming up with local chefs and food personalities. They will put their own culinary twist on the burgers, describing the perfect cooking method, bun, and accompaniments for the meat. Read More
Bill Taibe Opening Jesup Hall in Downtown Westport March 7th Restaurant Westport American Bar Cocktails Comfort Food Lunch Homepage Stephanie Webster March 01, 2017 One of Connecticut's most highly anticipated restaurant openings is nearing go time in downtown Westport. Bill Taibe and the team from Kawa Ni and The Whelk will open the doors to a new concept next week, Jesup Hall, located in Westport's old Town Hall. In Jesup, Taibe and Chef Daniel Sabia have created a community hangout, a restaurant that serves honest food, "the food we want to eat," says Sabia. In fact, there is nostalgia in both the menu and the concept. The Jesup family played a huge role in Westport's early years and our goal was to create something that felt like it had patina and age, says Taibe" The kitchen reveals a similar sentiment in its large cuts of meat, big salads, extensive burger menu, and popovers you'll wanna stash in your purse. With elegant vintage wallpaper, antique fixtures, warm tones and high ceilings, Jesup Hall is Westport's new local hangout. Read More
Maple Syrup Open Houses at Ambler Farm: March 4th & 11th Features Cooking Classes kids activity Kids CT Farms CTbites Team March 01, 2017 Experience a New England tradition: turning sap into syrup! Ambler Farm will host two Maple Syrup Open Houses. The history and process of making syrup is fascinating. Kids and families will have an opportunity to tap a tree, take the maple syrup taste test, learn about Native American, colonial, and modern methods of making syrup and, of course, taste Ambler Farm’s very own maple syrup over vanilla ice cream. DATES: On Saturday, March 4th and again on Saturday, March 11th (both from 1-2pm). Bottles of Ambler Farm Maple Syrup will be available for sale. This event is free and open to the public. Read More
Top Picks For Eating In With UberEATS Restaurant Features Homepage To-Go Home Delivery Delivery Service New Haven Stamford CTbites Team February 28, 2017 The UberEATS app launched in Connecticut this past summer and it hasn’t taken us very long to get totally addicted to the on-demand food delivery platform. Ideal for next-level work lunches when it’s too hectic to leave the office, or dinner when the fridge is empty and you just can’t bring yourself to cook, UberEATS delivers from top restaurants across Fairfield, New Haven, and, as of last week, Hartford Counties. Here are some of our top picks across CT for great bites, delivered. Read More
Back to The Schoolhouse At Cannondale For Vegetarian Wednesdays Restaurant Vegetarian Wilton Special Dietary Needs Homepage American Farm to Table CT Farms Jessica Ryan February 26, 2017 Poised to celebrate its 10th year with Chef Tim LeBant at the helm, The Schoolhouse at Cannondale has long been on my radar. When a friend recently asked me to dinner I jumped at the chance. Nestled among the charming shops at the Cannondale train station, the one room schoolhouse is as delightful from the exterior as it is inside. A small entryway outfitted with a tiny bar area is separated from the dining area by a small curtained doorway, while many framed accolades set the mood for an excellent meal. Read More
CTbites' James Gribbon To Judge Blind Beer Awards April 15th Features Beer CT Beer CTbites Team February 24, 2017 CTBites' own James Gribbon will once again join the expert judges panel at the third Connecticut Blind Beer Awards on April 15th. The Blind Beer Awards have winners in both Peoples Choice and Experts Choice categories, but no one present knows what beer they've been served until the winners are announced. This more scientific method was developed by the Blind Rhino owners and host Ken Tuccio to keep the awards from being a mere popularity contest. Read More
Walk Against Hunger 2017: Sign Up Now! Features Events Kid Friendly Stephanie Webster February 24, 2017 The Connecticut Food Bank is proud to announce the return of our Greater New Haven Walk Against Hunger on Sunday, April 23, 2017 at 1PM at the Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven. Join them to rally in support of neighbors in need and get on the move toward a hunger free Connecticut.As a participant in the Walk Against Hunger, you help the Connecticut Food Bank provide nutritious food to people in need. We value your commitment to our mission and hope you will walk with us. You can walk as a team or an individual. Just walk! Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of February 27-March 5 Features Events News Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 23, 2017 On Monday February 27, Little Pub’s Fairfield location will host a SingleCut Beer Dinner. The evening features six courses, such as slow roasted duck and chipotle citrus braised short ribs, alongside six beers. It starts at 7pm and costs $65 per person.Fortina is invading Match Restaurant! On Monday February 27, the Fortina team will take over the pizza oven and kitchen as Kate Fiore prepares unique cocktails. The “Tropical Invasion” features a menu of tasty small plates, a DJ, and dueling pizza competition.February 27 marks the last day to indulge in Danbury and Ridgefield Winter Restaurant Weeks!Craft 260 in Fairfield celebrates its third anniversary on Monday February 27. Read More
Where Do Local Chefs Eat Out? Chef Matt Storch of Match & Nom Eez Features Chef Talk Homepage Jessica Ryan February 22, 2017 Welcome to our 3rd installment of "Where Do CT Chefs Eat Out?" Do they prefer to go home and relax? Or do they like to go out? If the latter, what are some of their favorite places, locally and beyond? Do they might have any secret hole in the wall places and would they be willing to share these with us? We began our series with Matt Storch of Match and Nom Eez. Read More
3 Spots For Afternoon Tea in CT: Culture Tea, Tea W/ Tracey & The Drawing Room Restaurant Features Tea And Coffee Lunch kids activity Dessert Fairfield County Foodie February 21, 2017 ndeed, there is something so deeply relaxing and enjoyable about the ritual of afternoon tea. That one hour in the middle of the day where you take a break from whatever it is you were doing. That chance to get away from the race we call life. An excuse to share quality time with family and friends… or, heck! even a little bit of “me” time. Ah! Don’t you just love the pampering and all the delightful eats on those dramatic 3-tiered servers. The beautiful china, the dainty bites of food, the soothing hot tea of your choice – made especially for you. How divine! Read More
Yao’s Diner: Authentic Chinese Cuisine in Orange, CT Restaurant Chinese Asian Orange Delicious Dives Noodles Homepage Kid Friendly Ramin Ganeshram February 19, 2017 It would be easy to drive by Yao’s Diner in Orange without a second glance. Housed at the end of a small shopping plaza, the restaurant which features authentic Chinese cuisine is unassuming on the outside and equally unpresumptuous within but from the time you step into the foyer you get a sense that this eatery is something different.The first restaurant by Guangmin Yao and his wife Xuan Chen, Yao’s occupies the space that was Lisiano’s Italian restaurant for thirty years. Silent partners Charles Eaton and his wife are proprietors of the popular Q’s in Norwalk. The pair are world travelers with a passion for authentic East Asian cuisines. Read More
