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Chef Tyler Anderson of Millwright’s Competes on Bravo's Top Chef Airing Dec 7th

Features Celebrity Chef Chef Talk

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson December 04, 2017

Eleven years ago, I got hooked on Top Chef while… ironically… working out at the gym. I don’t think the other gym-goers appreciated the decadent food visuals- I got a lot of side-eye- but I was mesmerized by the lightning fast pace of the challenges and the culinary problem-solving. That initial encounter blossomed into full blown fandom; I’ve interviewed chef-testants and dined at their restaurants. It’s crazy to think that the latest installation marks the show’s FIFTEENTH season- and that one of Connecticut’s own chefs will be one of fifteen to compete for the coveted title. Chef Tyler Anderson of Millwright’s in Simsbury will vie for Top Chef when the series debuts on December 7!

“One of the main reasons I went on was to represent the state of CT,” Anderson said. “There are some Chefs, Restaurateurs and Artisans doing some amazing things in this state, I wanted to try and raise that awareness.”

Millwright’s: Chef Tyler Anderson Creates Inspired New England Cuisine in Simsbury

Restaurant Simsbury American Local Artisan Local Farm Special Occasion Celebrity Chef Outdoor Dining Homepage Catering

Lou Gorfain December 02, 2017

Four years. That’s the time Tyler Anderson devoted to perfecting his signature dish, Tapioca Custard. A lush confection of clams, bacon, onion, potato and fennel, the delicacy perfectly defines the wizardry of this celebrated chef … a magical spin on homespun.

The small portion is intentionally introductory, a riff on a classic New England starter. As if by sorcery, the custard conjures “all the flavors of clam chowder.”

Anderson conceived the dish as a tribute to the meal – and the moment -- that super-charged his culinary life. “I went to the French Laundry in 1997 when Tomas Keller was in the kitchen,” he recalls. “Up to then I had been cooking mainly to meet women and go drinking with my buddies.”

He began the feast with Keller’s classic, Oysters and Pearls, a sabayon of pearl tapioca with beau soleil oysters and white sturgeon caviar.

“I took the first bite,” he remembers. “And at that exact second understood that cooking could be more than just cooking.” He pauses and grins. “It made me smile. I was happy. I now had a passion to make people happy.”

Two Stamford Chefs Compete on Same Episode of Food Network’s, “Chopped”

Features Celebrity Chef Chef Talk

Hey Stamford! December 01, 2017

vThis just in from Hey Stamford!

Over the last several years, we’ve shared news with you about a handful of local chefs and restaurateurs who have competed on the Food Network’s competition show, “Chopped“.

Most notable have been Christian Petroni, Chef & co-owner of Fortina, who appeared as both a contestant and a judge. Adam Greenberg, who was with Fortina when he first competed (and has since made his way to DC) competed on the show multiple times (coincidentally appearing again on December 5th). And of course, there’s Aaron Sanchez, a constant fixture on both “Chopped” and other Food Network shows. You may recall Sanchez owned and operated Paloma in Harbor Point which has since closed their doors. On top of that, there’s also been a handful of local kids on the junior version of the show.

So that’s all pretty cool! But as far as I am aware, we’ve yet to see multiple Stamford chefs compete on the same show….. UNTIL NOW!

On December 7th, Stamford’s own, Steve Costanzo, owner & chef at Olio and Chef Jean J, chef & co-owner at Soul Tasty will put their culinary skills to the test on the SAME SHOW!

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of December 3-10

Features EVENT News Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson December 01, 2017

Caseus Fromagerie Bistro, located in New Haven, will hold a “Porters and Stouts Beer and Cheese Pairing Class” on Monday Dece,ber 4 from 6-7:30pm. They’ll pair delicious dark brews with cheeses from their fromagerie. Tickets are available online and costs approximately $45.

On Tuesday December 5, Baldanza Café in New Canaan will team up with South Avenue Butcher for another Baldanza Butcher Dinner. There are two seatings: 5:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets are $100 (which includes tax and gratuity) and can be purchased by calling 203-966-4000.

Bareburger’s Ridgefield location now offers delivery! Place your orders here.

On Thursday December 7, Kosher Like Me food blogger Liz Rueven will present an interactive cooking class focusing on Chanukah latkes (potato pancakes). Students will prepare a classic recipe in addition to learning how to make seasonal variations and fruit sauces to top them with. Feel free to BYOB.

Soul Tasty in Stamford's Chef, Jean J will be featured on the TV show CHOPPED! They are having a viewing party Thursday, Dec. 7 at Acuario Restaurant (78 W. Park Place Stamford,CT) from 7:30-10:30pm (episode airs at 9pm). Head on over!

50 CT Restaurants and Venues for Holiday Parties 2017

Features Restaurant Best of CT Holiday Catering Events Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 30, 2017

At exactly 12pm on Thursday November 23, Santa Claus concluded the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and officially ushered in the holiday season! For those looking to throw the ultimate holiday bash, popular Connecticut restaurants and venues can provide fantastic backdrops for the festivities. These places have party spaces and packages that are perfect for your soirees!

Schoolhouse at Cannondale, Wilton: The Schoolhouse in Wilton can help you throw a holiday cocktail party starting at $45 per person. Offerings include Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, Mini Baked Brie, Beef Tenderloin Canape, and more.
Brasitas, Norwalk: Brasitas in Norwalk and Stamford both have private rooms.
Two Roads, Stratford: Two Roads Brewery in Stratford has a private events room that holds 75 seated or 160 standing. You can also schedule private tours for groups larger than 10 and smaller than 20.
Heirloom, New Haven: At Heirloom in New Haven, use their private dining room or The Study at Yale, their penthouse space.
Roger Sherman Inn, New Canaan: The Roger Sherman in has a number of rooms of all different sizes for your private holiday party: The Blue Room (14), the Terrace Room (80), the Hunt Room (30), the Ivy Room (30), the Garden Room (70), the WineRoom (36), and the Porch (70). Reception style can accommodate between 20-200 guests.less

Miracle Pop-Up Holiday Bar Opens in Waterbury CT

Features Pop-Up Dinner Cocktails Norwalk Waterbury

Stephanie Webster November 30, 2017

Miracle, the beloved Christmas pop-up bar launched in 2014 in New York City, will continue spreading holiday cheer this year with over 50 locations around the world. Launching the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 24, Miracle locations throughout the United States and beyond will offer seasonally-themed cocktails in a festive setting through Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24. In our fair state of Connecticut you can find the pop up in Waterbury, CT: Miracle at Highland Brass Co.

Spigot Beer Opens in Norwalk, Pouring A Unique Beer List

Restaurant Features CT Beer Beer Brewery Specialty Market Norwalk SONO Homepage

Andrew Dominick November 29, 2017

There’s no shortage of good quality craft beer flowing from the taps of multiple bars and restaurants in South Norwalk. On the flipside, Washington Street has seen a few brewpubs bomb. Now there’s a new beer bar on the block, and before you scoff, and say to yourself, “Really? Another one?” let us tell you what’s different about Spigot Beer.

The first thing you’ll notice is it’s in SoNo, but just slightly out of reach of the main drag. Then you must find it. At least four people saw a photo I posted, some who live on the same street, and still had no idea where Spigot is located. It’s across from the post office and Klaff’s, at the very end of the strip of stores that houses Nagoya, right before the Webster Lot entrance near the front of the 50 Washington Street building. You’re welcome.

Chef Tim LaBant of The Schoolhouse to Open Old School Pizza Spot in Wilton

Restaurant Wilton Pizza Kid Friendly Lunch Italian Opening

CTbites Team November 28, 2017

This just in from GoodMorning Wilton...

It’s big news in the foodie world when you hear that the Schoolhouse at Cannondale chef and owner Tim LaBant is expanding his culinary footprint and opening up a second restaurant. The award-winning chef is known for melding farm-to-table creativity with fine dining, so you can only imagine what kind of white tablecloth, haute cuisine will spring from LaBant’s imagination.

Pizza.

That’s right, LaBant will be opening up a pizza place, called Parlor, right here in Wilton, in a space at River Park Shopping Center.

Yep, a pizza place in a shopping center. Light years from what you think of when you think Tim LaBant, Schoolhouse Restaurant chef/owner.

LaBant laughs at the image. “There’s a reason for that.”

He wanted to open Parlor in the center of town and for it to have a different vibe–something of a cross between the old school pizza parlors that CT is known for and a lively, great, neighborhood space.

“I think there’s something humble about an old school pizza parlor. Look at like a place like Pepe’s, something that’s just got linoleum everywhere. It’s got an amazing product and they’re packed all the time for a reason, because their product is great, and they care about one thing–pizza and the people that are there,” LaBant says.

Grano Arso Opens with Beautiful Contemporary Italian & Perfect Pasta

Restaurant Chester Italian Pasta Homepage

Hope Simmons November 26, 2017

Step inside the former Chester Savings Bank and you’ll find a wealth of treasures. Not from the vault—they’ve got designs on that for a private dining area, actually. The richness of what’s fresh, local and unique is coming straight from the heart and kitchen of Chef Joel Gargano. With his wife and partner, Lani, together, they’ve brought his vision to life in twelve short weeks. “It’s all been up here—in my head—for years,” Joel said.

In his younger 20s, when Joel Gargano dreamed of owning a restaurant someday, he kept telling himself, “I’m never gonna open an Italian restaurant. The last thing Connecticut needs is another Italian restaurant.” But luckily, as he learned more about food, he changed his mind. Because Grano Arso is Italian food as it’s meant to be-- true to the chef’s philosophy—and that of Italian food, in general: fresh ingredients, a menu to change with the seasons, not making it fussy. And you can take that to the bank.

He’s been “handling dough” since he was thirteen, when he joined his dad at Castellon Brothers Bakery in Branford. “I would work the night shift with my dad on Saturday nights and wash dishes after school. I learned a lot with my dad.

Something Natural: Iconic Nantucket Island Sandwich Shop and Bakery Now Open in Greenwich

Restaurant Greenwich Lunch Bakery Breakfast Homepage Opening

Stephanie Webster November 24, 2017

Something Natural, the Nantucket sandwich and bakery shop that has been on-island for nearly 50 years, has always been a favorite destination for New Englanders who visit the island. It has in fact been one of the things I look forward to every summer. With the opening of Something Natural in Greenwich, devoted fans in Fairfield and Westchester Counties are now able to enjoy the shop’s delicious oversized sandwiches on pillow-y soft house-baked Portuguese bread, as well as a variety of other fresh breads year-round.

The owners of the Nantucket shop had received numerous offers to take Something Natural off-island, and until entrepreneur Seth Hirschel came along, they turned every one of those offers down. For Seth, the key factor in bringing Something Natural off island is that for him, it’s not just a restaurant project, it’s a passion. We couldn't be more excited to have them in Greenwich.

Pan-Roasted Cauliflorets With Pine Nuts & Raisins Recipe via Match Restaurant

Features Recipe Recipe Thanksgiving

Stephanie Webster November 22, 2017

Looking for a simple but delicious last minute Thanksgiving side dish? After eating this off the menu at Match Restaurant, we asked Chef Storch to share his recipe with CTbites. We are working on this in our kitchen right now. I hope you try it in yours. Enjoy Match Restaurant's Pan-Roasted Cauliflorets With Pine Nuts and Raisins.

Delicious Persian & Iranian Cuisine At Green Leaf Catering Truck

Restaurant Persian Food Truck Southington Middle Eastern Catering Lunch To-Go

Ramin Ganeshram November 19, 2017

I first had the saffron ice cream called bastani akbar mashti in 1978 in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar. I was in Iran with my mother, the last trip I would make to her native country, mere months before the Revolution that began what has become forty years of acrimony between our two nations.

But on that day, the Bazaar was packed with shoppers seeking out everything from daily staples to luxury goods. Everywhere I looked there was a riot of color, fabric and food. The smells of roasting kebabs filled the air mingling with the scent of tea brewed with cardamom.

The ice cream, delicately yellow and aromatic with saffron and rosewater was punctuated with the occasional crunch of pistachios—a prized Iranian export—and bits of frozen cream. Even though I’ve had versions of it since, none have ever been as good—either too light on the saffron, too sweet, or omitting the frozen cream nuggets.

That all changed when I visited Green Leaf Catering Truck, the mobile restaurant of Dariush Rose and his son Samuel.

Chef Luis in New Canaan Reinvents Itself As 129 American Contemporary Restaurant

Restaurant New Canaan American Lunch Opening

CTbites Team November 17, 2017

Chef Luis Restaurant, located at 129 Elm Street in the heart of New Canaan’s bustling retail and dining district, today announced its new name, menu focus and executive chef. “129” will offer American Contemporary cuisine under the leadership of newly-hired Executive Chef Joe Page, who brings more than 15 years of experience in kitchens across the United States and overseas.

“Coinciding with dramatic changes to the look and feel of the restaurant, we are excited to also unveil our new name and menu,” said Sergio Tamburlini, General Manager of 129. “To complement our comfortable, family-friendly ambience, our new all-day menu offers casual cuisine that is accessible to diners of all ages. Guests will recognize a few of their tried-and-true favorites from our old menu – tacos, calamari chorizo and our classic salads – along with Chef Joe’s spin on classic recipes including lobster salad with avocado and grilled tomatoes, tuna tartare with roasted shallots, radish, arugula and avocado, a wild mushroom omelet with organic eggs and gruyere, and more!”

Bow Tie Cinemas Now Features Food, Drinks & A Stylish Renovation

Features Norwalk Food Movies Westport Trumbull Homepage

Andrew Dominick November 17, 2017

If you’ve walked into either one of the Bow Tie Cinemas in Norwalk lately, you and I likely had the same reaction. I froze for multiple seconds. I’m certain my “wow” face was visible, mouth hitting the ground cartoon-style and all. I marveled at the renovations at the SoNo Ultimate Regent 8, the movie theater I grew up going to since it opened, and now it’s unrecognizable in the best way possible.

Gone are the packed-in, partially broken seats, that have been replaced by padded, comfier electric recliners so you can put your feet up, kick back, and zone-out during a film. As a frequent moviegoer, that’s awesome, but this is a food site. I’m here to dish about the revamped concession stand that you’ll not only see in the South Norwalk Bow Tie, but also at the Ultimate Royal 6 on Westport Avenue, and soon at the Trumbull Marquis 6 with construction slated for early November.

The upgraded concession area includes a full bar, with menus put in place by local restauranteur Greer Fredericks (Mama’s Boy, Peaches), who consulted on the project with assistance from Thomas Siano, who runs the bar program at her current restaurant.

Brown Dog Fancy Organic Ketchups and Mustards: Killer Condiments! (sponsored post)

Features Ingredients Ingredients Specialty Market Local Artisan Homepage

CTbites Team November 16, 2017

When Connecticut food adventurer Kyle Rothschild can’t find an ingredient he likes, he makes his own. That led him to his latest venture: Brown Dog Fancy, a line of organic ketchups and mustards that shake up traditional notions of what makes a great-tasting condiment and marinade.

Timing is everything in a kitchen, and Brown Dog Fancy’s arrival to the local food scene couldn’t be better. Cooks, and the people who eat their food, have demanded organic, high-quality, and ethically sourced poultry, meat, and fish for years. Yet, far less attention has been paid to the condiments that accompany them.

“We spend so much time buying responsible and sustainable main ingredients, but then we marinate or top them with condiments that are full of fillers and words I cannot begin to try and pronounce. I want to know what’s in my food, and I think other people do, too,” says Kyle, who began making condiments for weekly beach barbeques that he and his wife, Sarah, hosted for friends near their Stamford, CT, starter home.

Sweet Maple Mustard Roast Pork Tenderloin Recipe via Local Food Rocks

Features Recipe Recipe Holiday Bloggers Thanksgiving

CTbites Team November 15, 2017

This tangy yet sweet maple mustard roast pork tenderloin recipe brings together seasonal flavors in an easy-to-make-meal, perfect for a Sunday family dinner (or holiday entrée).

This Sunday pork roast idea came about thanks to Avon Prime Meats in Avon, CT. This local market packs a lot into it's 4,500 square feet. Front and center is their meat counter. They sell only Prime (highest grade of beef) or Premium Choice meats.

Many of the meats they carry are traceable to the farm of origin. They also work with local farms offering local, grass fed and all natural meats as well. Sepe Farms, Blue Slope Farms, and Cream Hill Farm are among their local farm partners.

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of November 19-26

Features EVENT

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 15, 2017

Every Friday and Saturday from 10am-2pm, the new GrayBarns on the Silvermine River hosts a pop up market featuring the incredible local baker, Flour Water Salt Bread.

Then on Sunday November 26, Washington Prime will have a Homecoming Family Brunch Buffet. Join them for one of 3 different seating times: 11AM, 12:30PM, and 2PM. The price per person is $34.95 per person and includes a complimentary bloody mary, mimosa, or bellini. Children are $19.95 and tots under 4 are free.

Diners can help feed the hungry while eating at their favorite local restaurants. CTbites is pleased to have joined forces with Food Rescue US to launch Hunger Bites, a program allowing restaurants and diners to join together in the fight against hunger. If you see the Hunger Bites logo at your local restaurant, please consider donating $1 on your guest check, $1 = 20 fresh, nutritious meals to people in need in your community. Participating restaurants include: The Cottage in Westport,Whelk Jesup Kawa Ni, Match Restaurant, Cask Republic South Norwalk,Mill Street Bar & Table, Taproot Restaurant, The Stand Juice Company,Match Burger Lobster, Nom-eez Winfield Street Coffee & Deli Tarry Lodge The Spread & The Ginger Man Greenwich

Prime: An American Kitchen and Bar in Stamford’s Harbor Point now offers a “Power Lunch.” When you order the two-course $24 price fixed lunch, they guarantee you’ll be in and out in 35 minutes from when your order is taken. Prime is open for lunch from 12:00pm - 3:00pm, Monday through Saturday.

Rye Ridge Deli - Deli Dining Returns to Main Street, Westport

Restaurant Deli Lunch Breakfast Kid Friendly Westport

CTbites Team November 14, 2017

We sent two CTbites contributors to the new Rye Ridge Deli in Westport. Here's the scoop...

When Oscar’s Deli announced it was closing in July 2016, Westporters were saddened to lose what felt like the last vestige of the “small town” local businesses on Main Street. For 42 years, Oscar’s was known as the community meeting place for locals, families and aspiring politicians, all presided over by its owner, the late Lee Papageorge , who many a day watched the comings and goings from his iconic barber chair.

Many of us waited to hear what would replace the popular spot, and there was a collective sigh of relief when it was announced that Rye Ridge Deli, based in Rye, NY with locations in Rye and Stamford would take over the spot.

Hunger Bites: Diners Eat Out To End Hunger

Features Fundraiser

Stephanie Webster November 14, 2017

Starting November 15th, diners can help feed the hungry while eating at their favorite local restaurants. CTbites is pleased to have joined forces with Food Rescue US to launch Hunger Bites, a program allowing restaurants and diners to join together in the fight against hunger. If you see the Hunger Bites logo at your local restaurant, please consider donating $1 on your guest check, By giving just $1 today on your bill you'll provide 20 fresh, nutritious meals to people in need in your community.

Participating restaurants include: Bartaco, Barcelona, The Cottage in Westport,Whelk Jesup Kawa Ni, Match Restaurant, Cask Republic South Norwalk,Mill Street Bar & Table, Taproot Restaurant, The Stand Juice Company,Match Burger Lobster, Nom-eez Winfield Street Coffee & Deli Tarry Lodge The Spread & The Ginger Man Greenwich

SHU Szechuan Restaurant: A Hidden Chinese Gem In Fairfield

Restaurant Chinese Asian Fairfield Lunch Special Dietary Needs Noodles Homepage

Ramin Ganeshram November 12, 2017

When I mentioned that I was visiting SHU restaurant in Fairfield, someone inevitably said, “I didn’t know Sacred Heart University opened a restaurant!”

A common misunderstanding but, in fact, SHU is local slang for Chengdu, the capital city in China’s Szechuan province. Think of it like calling Philadelphia “Philly” or San Francisco “Frisco”

SHU, on the Post Road in downtown Fairfield is the second outpost of the popular restaurant created by Chef Xinyu Huang, three years ago. Huang spent much of his career as a culinary arts professor in Chengdu before emigrating to the United States and working in restaurants in Chinatown and Connecticut.

“My goal was to create a restaurant that was dramatically different from American Chinese food,” said Huang, through a translator. “The cuisine of Szechuan is considered one of the great culinary styles of China, and I wanted to share authentic dishes with both American and Chinese American diners.”