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25+ Restaurants for Fireside Dining in CT: 2018 Edition

Features Restaurant Best of CT Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson January 23, 2018

When temperatures plummet, it can be hard to find motivation to go outside and brave the arctic blast. Fortunately, restaurants across the state offer big warm fireplaces so that you can feast in front of a toasty fire. Here are over 25 cozy fireside dining venues in Connecticut.

Winvian, Morris: On 113 acres, Winvian, a luxury resort, has 18 luxury resort cottages, each designed by 15 different architects. Winvian also abounds with private gardens, a greenhouse, henhouse, apiary, a glorious dining room, and spa
Tavern at Graybarns, Norwalk: Tavern at GrayBarns is situated in the space that once housed Silvermine Tavern featuring elegant American fare.
The Goose, Darien: With its luxurious old style bar and welcoming tavern feel in the dining area, The Goose in Darien is a great place to enjoy soups, salads, sandwiches, seaside-inspired lobster tacos, and entrees like St. Louis-Style Ribs and Steak Frites.
Gabriele’s Italian Steakhouse, Greenwich: Gabriele’s in Greenwich is a quintessential steakhouse that also offers Italian specialties. Aged leather wingback chairs, a hulking stone hearth, fireside tables, and private dining in the wine room all set the scene for hearty food.

The Engine Room In Mystic: Food and Atmosphere Worth The Drive

Restaurant Mystic Comfort Food Hot Dogs Lunch Brunch Road Trip American Bar Cocktails Homepage Burgers

CTbites Team January 21, 2018

One of my favorite new-ish restaurants to pop up in the culinary hot spot of Mystic, Connecticut is the hip Engine Room. This outstanding restaurant highlights fresh, unique food served in a welcoming, very Instagrammable atmosphere. Let’s talk through their scrumptious menu while settling into their comfortable seats and remarking on their friendly staff.

Whether you think brunch is overrated or not, you should find your way to the Engine Room for a leisurely Sunday brunch with friends. Set inside an open wood and brick interior, with metal chairs and shiny black leather booth seating, you’ll feel comfortable enough to linger over your meal, and unlike many crowded establishments, you won’t feel rushed by the staff.

Back to the menu, which has something for traditional sweet breakfast lovers and those who aren’t really into breakfast foods (oh, the horror!).

An Evening At NewBrook Kitchen: Embracing Healthy Eating With Fine Cuisine

Restaurant Westport Special Dietary Needs Vegetarian Take Out Specialty Market

Jessica Ryan January 19, 2018

Gracing the Westport restaurant scene NewBrook Kitchen embraces health and well-being with fine cuisine. The brainchild of Chefs Cindy and Danielle Hartog, a dynamic mother and daughter team, the casual café-style eatery was brought to life after the two were diagnosed with separate autoimmune diseases and turned to nutrition to control their symptoms. They found dining out to be a struggle; it was challenging to find restaurants, cafés, and markets able to accommodate their new lifestyle.

I was invited to attend one of their popular Tasting Dinners, and always a fan of healthy dining I was eager to see what NewBrook Kitchen was all about. There’s nothing pretentious or over the top here. This modest, casual eatery is also BYOB, allowing guests to enjoy their favorite wines with a great meal at reasonable prices.

Small Brewers Become Big Business In Fairfield County

Features Brewery Best of CT Beer CT Beer

Jeanne Muchnick January 17, 2018

This just in from Norwalk Daily Voice...

If you're a beer lover, you're in luck. Each day it seems another brewery or beer pub opens its doors in Fairfield County, catering to residents with creative hops (Harlan Haus in Bridgeport) and carefully curated snacks (shout out to Shelton's The Drunk Alpaca).

In a short period of time, the Connecticut craft beer scene has exploded, tapping into the county's thirst for flavor, variety and fun.

Many of these businesses were started by local folks with a passion for home brewing. All of them have helped elevate the area's craft beer experience.

Not sure where to go? We've done the research for you -- and yes, that may (or may not) have included sampling a few pints of amber brews.

Aspetuck Brew Lab, Bridgeport: This two-year-old brewery and tap room are the dream of a husband-and-wife team (see Daily Voice story HERE ) who care as much about the community as they do good, local beer.
Broken Symmetry Gastro Brewery, Bethel: This craft brewery and casual dining spot, in the old Bethel Train Station, is hoping for a late January/early February opening. Stay tuned by following them on Facebook.

Tequila Revolucion Opens in Fairfield

Restaurant Fairfield Mexican Bar Kid Friendly Lunch Opening

Ramin Ganeshram January 16, 2018

Located at the former site of Wilson’s Barbecue, the Fairfield favorite of a dozen years, Tequila Revolucion features authentic Mexican/Central American fare in a vibrant atmosphere.

The brainchild of Ryan Gillespie as general manager and Mauricio Guevara, head chef who worked together at New Canaan’s Tequila Mockingbird, Tequila Revolucion is the co-owners’ first independent restaurant venture.

“We collectively have over twenty years experience in the business and Tk years together at Tequila Mockingbird,” says Gillespie. “Each of us had a dream of owning our own place and when this opportunity came up we decided to go for it.”

Gillespie was a manager at the New Canaan eatery and Guevara worked his way up to head chef from a dishwasher.

At the pair’s new venture the focus is on seasonal food and, says Gillespie, they look forward to the growing season when they hope to source as much local food as possible. Since freshness is a hallmark of the Tequila Revolucion approach, very few items on the menu come premade, canned or frozen, down to the handmade tortilla chips, salsas, beans, and sauces.

Guide To Healthy Eats in CT: 2018 Edition

Restaurant healthy Juice Cleanse Juice Bar Organic Vegan Vegetarian Specialty Market Special Dietary Needs Best of CT Homepage

April Guilbault January 14, 2018

We are only a few short weeks into this brand-spanking new year, and TVs are blaring with eating program ads, magazine covers are screaming about how to “Lose 10 lbs. in a week!” and gyms are overflowing with people running for their lives on treadmills (Run, Forrest, Run!). Naturally, the CTBites answer to the holiday indulgences? EAT! Ok, ok…eat…HEALTHILY! Our fair state is brimming with amazing grocers, restaurants, and speciality stores that can help you get back on track after a season of going full-tilt boogie with the eating and drinking. The best part is that everything is so delicious and interesting. Branch out this year and try some new flavors and foods…goji berries, Matcha, Cauliflower pizza crust (wha!), Jackfruit! Dive in and explore. Here are some venues that will help you do just that. One more note: We fully realize that due to the sheer amount of noteworthy establishments, we are not able to list them all here. Please refer to our past Healthy Eats roundups for more listings and also, please chime in with places that you know and love. The more the merrier!

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week Of January 14-21

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson January 12, 2018

On January 18, Terrain Garden Cafe in Westport will host a Winter Fireside Dinner featuring a selection of warming winter dishes inspired by cold season. Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner with an optional whiskey or wine pairing with a view of crackling fire pits on the cafe patio. It is $75 per person with the optional beverage pairing for an additional $30 per person. View menu and reserve here.

Sip for a cause on Saturday, January 20 from 12-5pm at the first ever West Hartford “Culinary Corner Pub Crawl” hosted by Eat IN Connecticut while helping to raise funds for charities dedicated to ending hunger in Connecticut. The Crawl includes five of West Hartford’s Restaurants: Vinted, INDIA, The Cook and The Bear, FLORA, and Artisan Restaurant at the brand new DELAMAR Hotel. Participants can go to any of the 5 participating Culinary Corner restaurants anytime for food specials in addition to the 1/2 off drink specials during the Pub Crawl. Purchase your tickets here.

Wakeman Town Farm will have a pop-up Fondue Dinner on January 18 from 7-10pm. Enjoy 3 courses with wine pairing, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to support Wakeman's operations and educational programming. Tickets are $85 per person.

On Tuesday January 16, Caseus Fromagerie Bistro invites you to an Italian Cheese & Wine Pairing Class. It runs from 6-7:30pm and costs $45 per person.

The Dilly Duck Shop: New England Craft Eatery Opens in Norwalk

Restaurant Breakfast Lunch American Local Artisan Norwalk Comfort Food Catering Homepage

April Guilbault January 10, 2018

Nestled at the farther end of a strip mall in Norwalk, right off of Rt. 7, is the newly opened eatery, The Dilly Duck Shop. Honestly, I feel it necessary to begin with the most obvious…what’s up with the name? “Dilly” is British slang for something notable or excellent, Duck is an homage to our fair state of Connecticut and the charm that flourishes here (ducks are also proud and colorful) and shop denotes “workshop”, as in a place of craft. So there you have it. The Dilly Duck Shop. It is not a store for winged fowl nor do they carve decoys. They sell food. Really good food.

Zoni Foods, Delicious Plant-Based Frozen Meals: A Conversation with CEO & Founder Zoë Lloyd

Interview Features New Haven Interview healthy Vegetarian Vegan

Amy Kundrat January 09, 2018

What should I make for dinner? This daily lament is the million billion dollar question fueling a booming meal kit industry. Weekly deliveries of fresh ingredients with easy-to-follow recipes offer the promise of an easy weeknight dinner. However, a growing segment of this audience such as young professionals and busy families is seeking something even simpler, less time consuming, and healthier.

CTBites On The Boat: Grace & Darkness Oyster Stout Release And Oyster Roast At Half Full Brewery, Jan. 21

Features Ingredients Beer CT Beer Brewery Seafood

James Gribbon January 07, 2018

We'd left the dock in South Norwalk in utter darkness to harvest oysters in one of the oldest, most productive oyster fisheries in America. Jordan Giles of Half Full Brewery in Stamford shucked a few on the steps of the Grace's pilothouse and handed one to me. The Copp's Island oyster had been at the bottom of the Sound minutes ago.

The "Why" is tripartite: I've always loved oysters (and can apparently add them to skiing and air travel on the list of things I'll wake up at an evil hour for), I had never been on an oyster boat, and Half Full brewery will host their second ever Grace&Darkness oyster stout can release and oyster roast on Sunday, January 21 at noon. These oysters were to be the main attraction.

Harlan Haus Beer Hall Opens in Bridgeport January 10

Restaurant Beer Garden Beer CT Beer Bridgeport German Comfort Food Bar Homepage

Jessica Ryan January 06, 2018

Five years ago Chef Stephen Lewandowski launched Harlan Social in the heart of the new and emerging South End area in Stamford. Named after his son Harlan, the modern American gastropub quickly rose into a mainstay for locals. Harlan Publick would open next, in the heart of SoNo. The local favorite offers creative comfort food and a wide offering of beverages. On January 10th, Harlan Haus, the German-inspired Bier and Wurst hall, will open to the public, in the historic People’s Bank Building built in 1917.

A century later the well preserved, 7,000-square-foot space perfectly marries the historic Neoclassical elements with today’s modern influences. Most of the building’s architectural details remain well preserved from the elegant light fixtures above, to the curved teller bank wall that separates the bar area from the rest of the restaurant. Harlan Haus is poised for success with its promise to offer superb, innovative, family-friendly fare in a social setting.

Donut Crazy Opens in Branford TODAY!

Restaurant Doughnuts Branford Dessert Breakfast Lunch Coffee Opening

CTbites Team January 05, 2018

Donut Crazy, a local, family-owned eatery specializing in unique donut flavors (lovingly called Dailies and Crazies), today announced the opening of its newest location in Branford. Housed in the newly renovated 972 West Main Street, the take-out restaurant offers the full Donut Crazy menu.

Conveniently located in a bustling part of town, the approximately 500-square-foot store is dine-out only, but incorporates the same fun, funky atmosphere as Donut Crazy’s other popular locations. The comprehensive menu includes 45 varieties of donuts baked daily, avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches, and Dr. Smoothie products, as well as Rise Brewing Co.’s nitro coffee and chocolate milk on draft.

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of January 7-14

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson January 05, 2018

Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill is hosting a Jonathan Edwards Winery dinner on Wednesday, January 10 at 6pm. The four-course menu includes Honduran Style Scallop Ceviche, Foie Gras Torchon, Ginger Crusted Salmon, and American Lamb. There will be a Jonathan Edwards wine pairing with each course. It costs $100 per person, which includes tax and gratuity. Attendees will also receive a special gift from the winery. Reservations are required: .

Now at Bareburger Stamford and Ridgefield, bring in your old board or card games and receive 10% off your bill. The games will be distributed to charities and children in need.

Bridgeport's new German Beer Hall, Harlan Haus, will have its grand opening on Wednesday January 10! Find them at 155 State Street starting at 5pm.

On Wednesday January 10, Trumbull Kitchen invites you to a Willamette Valley Wine Dinner from 6-9pm.

If your New Year’s resolution is to learn more about cooking, perhaps Cheshire’s Cookbook Club is for you! Wednesday January 10 will focus on the slow cooker, and participants are asked to bring a slow-cooker dish, along with the recipe and the cookbook you used. Must be at least 18 years of age or older to participate and registration is required.

Snow Day Recipes: I Have to Feed You All Day?

Features Recipe Pizza kids activity Recipe Kid Friendly

Marcia Selden Catering January 04, 2018

Snow day: You’re rudely awakened at some ungodly hour by your phone informing you that yes, indeed, there is no school today. Two thoughts run through your mind, “Great, I get to go back to sleep”, followed immediately by a more frightening thought, “I have to feed them all day?!” Relax, we’ve got you covered even if you didn’t brave the market the day before to properly stock up on supplies.

First things first, make yourself a cup of coffee, it’s going to be a loooong day. Second, assess what you have in the house.

Assuming you have some eggs, why not make these fun eggs in a cup to start the day? Then you can kick them out to shovel the driveway knowing at least they’re fueled up. This is a great recipe because you can use whatever you have laying around to mix into these egg-mom-muffins, get it?! Follow up with our recipes for: Kitchen Sink Stir Fry & Simple Pizza Dough. Done...You've made it.

Crazy Taco Mex: From Truck to Storefront via Hey Stamford!

Restaurant Mexican Tacos Stamford Food Truck lunch

Hey Stamford! January 03, 2018

Josh Liva is no stranger to the restaurant business. He found his passion as a teenager, traveling over 2 hours to work at his uncle’s restaurant. It was there starting out as a dishwasher, that he developed his work ethic and style. It was through those efforts that he learned an important rule: “Treat everyone like family,” just like in Mexico.

With that in mind, Liva went on to open his first food truck – – Crazy Taco Mex – – almost 5 years ago in Stamford, a second food truck followed about a year after that …. and now, a brick-and-mortar restaurant in the heart of Stamford Downtown. Crazy Taco Mex Taqueria and Tequila Bar. Following the same rules of the truck by pairing quality foods with quality service.

The restaurant takes over space previously occupied by another long standing Mexican restaurant, Tacos Guadalajara. The space was outdated and in need of a bit of a face lift. With that, Liva and his family spent about 120 hours over 6 weeks renovating. The new space is colorful and playful, offering seating for about 50.

Read the complete article on Hey Stamford!

Cast Iron Chef Chop House and Oyster Bar Opens in New Haven

Restaurant Steakhouse New Haven Lunch Opening

CTbites Team January 03, 2018

There's an exciting new old school steak house in New Haven. The New Haven Register tells all...

Executive chef and restaurateur Attilio Marini has a simple explanation for why he decided to open the Cast Iron Chef Chop House and Oyster Bar at 660 State St.

“I fell in love with New Haven,” he said.“My real estate agent was helping me find a location; he told me to come take a look, and I knew on first sight the space was perfect.”

Marini, 46, has been part of an international restaurant family for decades. Born in Montreal, where his parents settled after their native Rome, the Marini clan left Canada and wound up in Bridgeport,starting Marisa’s Restaurant in 1989. Marisa’s then moved to Trumbull in 1997.

Marini references fate often, starting with his name: Attilio Caesar Marini. “Attilio was my grandfather on my dad’s side. Caesar, my grandpa on my mom’s side. The two greatest conquerors in history…I was destined for leadership!” he said with a laugh . He attended college to study finance and intended a career in corporate law. But the kitchen proved to be a more compelling draw.

“My intention for the Cast Iron Chef Chop House is to create an old-school steakhouse, along the lines of New York’s Old Homestead or Peter Luger’s. I butcher on-premises…pre-cuts from the wholesaler are expensive…so I pass those savings along to my patrons.

My Mix Creative Kitchen: Healthy Eats & Bold Flavors in Greenwich

Restaurant Breakfast Lunch healthy Greenwich Salads To-Go Take Out Vegetarian Vegan

Jessica Ryan December 31, 2017

Mix Creative Kitchen is the latest to grace the ever-growing and increasingly popular health-focused, quick serve restaurants in the area. Located near the bottom of Greenwich Avenue on Elm Street, a brightly lit café style eatery now occupies the longtime vacant space. The restaurant was created on the premise of bringing together “fast food” and “real food,” a theme that seems to be trending in Fairfield County. As I walked in and surveyed the premises, noting the salad and bowl areas as well as the items in the refrigerated sections I was reminded of other local favorites; The Granola Bar, Organika, B.GOOD and Freshii and was curious to see how this would stack up against the competition.

Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of January 1-7

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson December 30, 2017

Several Connecticut restaurants are celebrating New Year’s Day, Monday January 1. For example, Shell & Bones in New Haven will have New Year's Day brunch from 11am-2:30pm. And pajamas are strongly encouraged at Butchers & Bakers New Years Day brunch! Entrees range from $9-$20, plus enjoy bottomless Mimosas, Bellinis, Whiskey Smashes, and Limoncello Collins for $20. Build your own Bloody Mary Bar.

Wednesday January 3 is Cookie and Cider Day at the Thyme & Season in Hamden! Stop by all day on Wednesday for FREE SAMPLES of cider and store-made cookies!

On Wednesday January 3, partake in an “Ice Wine Dinner” at The Inn at Woodstock Hill. It goes from 6-9pm and costs $75 per person.

This just in… Multi-platinum artist, actor and entertainment icon Snoop Dogg is now scheduled to attend the Sun Wine & Food Fest at Mohegan Sun! Snoop Dogg will perform in Avalon on Saturday, January 27th and join Sunday Brunch with Martha Stewart as a special guest the following day. Tickets are on sale for that and other events that weekend now!

“Sip & Savor” with a South American Wine Dinner at Breakwater in Stonington, CT. Wines from South America, paired with 4 courses from Chef Marcony inspired by South and Central American countries. It costs $50 per person, plus tax and an 18% gratuity.

CTbites Staff Picks For Top CT Eats of 2017

Restaurant Features Best of CT Homepage

CTbites Team December 29, 2017

2017...Ah, what a year. As we welcome 2018, full of promise, and hopefully, less national drama, it is important to celebrate the restaurants, chefs, dishes, and dining experiences that helped us get through 2017. 2017 heralded some great openings from both chefs we know and love, as well as some newcomers. Here's our list of Top Eats for 2017 from the CTbites staff. Every team member and contributor has chosen their own unique way to throw down their favorites. Enjoy, and start making your reservations for 2018.

Barbacoa Smoke House Opening in Fairfield

Restaurant Fairfield BBQ Opening

CTbites Team December 27, 2017

FairfieldCitizen online has some great news for meat lovers.

Trademark Fairfield, the first mixed used building constructed under the transit-oriented overlay on Commerce Drive, has its first commercial tenant.

The Town Plan and Zoning Commission Tuesday unanimously approved a compliance application for Barbacoa Smoke House.

The restaurant described itself in the ZBA application as “smoked barbeque with a Mexican overture.” its website tells patrons it provides “always fresh food with a pinch of cheeky fun.”

“I, for one, am very happy to see they’ve landed a tenant for the anchor spot in this building, right on the corner,” Chairman Matthew Wagner said. “It’s really great to see.”