Filtering by Category: Features,Restaurant

BD Provisions Opens in Fairfield: Gourmet Bulk Food Shopping

Features Specialty Market Grocery Store Bulk Shopping Fairfield Newtown Tea And Coffee Education Shopping Opening

CTbites Team

Bulk shopping isn’t exactly a new concept but bulk shopping that’s zero waste is something we get excited about. BD Provisions, with locations in Newtown, and now at the Brick Walk in Fairfield CT, takes this familiar concept and gives it a breath of fresh air with a new, environmentally friendly spin. 

Less is more, especially here. Less waste means more product which means greater savings and more fun, but you really need to head over to experience it yourself. 


DORO Catering & Restaurant Group Hosts Sub Edge Farm Dinner

Features Farm Dinner Catering Caterers

Kristin L. Wolfe

Can I just tell you how great it is to go to bed at the end of a fall night with the smell of a bonfire in my hair? Both end-of-season Hadley & Occum Farm Dinners hosted by DORO were truly sort of magical. Not in the knight in shining armor kind of magical, but in the can we hold onto to this beautiful moment of community and let these flavors and aromas linger just a little while longer kind of magical. It was community, it was the beautiful Sub Edge Farm, it was tremendous food, and it was a recognition of what Bourdain always talked about: the power of sharing a meal around a table, no matter who is dining with you.

Nominated as one of five for 2019 Caterer of the Year by the Connecticut Restaurant Association, we know DORO  Catering and Restaurant Group  is a master at their craft.  With the connection of four restaurants, Zohara Kitchen, Avert, Treva, and Artisanal Burger Company, the catering group has a culinary treasure trove of flavors and experience from which to pull for any event they cater.


50+ CT Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner & Catering: 2019 Edition

Features Holiday Thanksgiving Catering Caterers Special Occasion homepage Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and many of Connecticut’s best restaurants have Thanksgiving specials & catering worth gobbling up! From prix fixe menus to extensive buffets to family style to take-out, there are options for everyone. So don’t cry fowl– make your reservations today! Space is limited and seats fill up quickly, and get your catering orders in if you’d prefer to do Thanksgiving at home, without the work!


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events, Game Dinners, And Festivals for November 17-24

Events Features EVENT News Pop-Up Dinner Pop-Up Bar Happy Hour

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Kombucha is delicious and nutritious!  Cross Culture Kombucha Taproom & Brewery will teach you how to make your own at home in their Kombucha Homebrewing Workshop on November 21.

On Tuesday November 19, Fairfield Cheese Company hosts an evening all about Cheese and Wine of The French Alps.  Join them from 7-9pm for $50 per person. 

The Taps & Trees Craft Beer Festival returns to the Danbury Sports Dome on Saturday November 23.


20+ Places For Great Holiday Pies in CT (2019 Edition)

Restaurant Best of CT Pie Dessert Holiday Bakery Homepage

April Guilbault

Holiday season is heeeere, with its feasts and parties, and let’s be honest, you can’t really have too much pie, now can you? Note: with the brief exception of a kooky aunt who, after a post-Thanksgiving bout on the tread mill, did wearily proclaim “Too....Much....Pie!” but that’s another story for another time. So where to go for the best pies with the flakiest crusts, sweetest streusel toppings and the most flavorful fillings? We’ll be happy to tell you. Get those dessert plates ready and, um...you might want to loosen that belt.

Here are 20+ places to buy great holiday pies in CT.


Elicit Brewing Company Sneak Peek Info & Opening November 18

Features Beer Garden Beer CT Beer Brewery Manchester Opening

CTbites Team

It's go time! After much work, construction, beer brewing, game assembly, mixology, and kitchen testing, Elicit (located at 165 Adams St, Manchester, CT) is ready to bring the FUN to Manchester - and you're invited!

Elicit Brewing Co. will be an American-style beer garden featuring a range of food from pizzas and sandwiches to smaller style plates including wings and pretzels. The brewery is expected to be open Monday through Friday late afternoon through late night, with more hours on the weekends To learn more about Elicit Brewing Co., follow us on Instagram (@ElicitBrewing), visit their website: http://elicitbrewing.com

If you would like to get in BEFORE THE PUBLIC, THEY ARE ACCEPTING RSVP’S FOR The PRE-opening weekend EVENTS.


Brooklyn's Famed Ignazio's Pizza Opens in Westport CT

Restaurant open Westport Pizza Lunch Kid Friendly Homepage

Stephanie Webster

Last February, we reported on the famed Brooklyn based Ignazio’s Pizza and their upcoming opening on the Post Road in Westport. We are very pleased to announce that it’s go time! Ignazio’s will be opening their doors, and their pizza ovens, on Monday, November 11th, and we couldn’t be more excited for their signature thin crust pies. CTbites had the pleasure of speaking with owner Louis Termini, who, as it turns out, has strong pizza ties to Connecticut, and big plans for the new Westport digs.


Candied Kabocha Squash Recipe: Chef Emily Mingrone of Tavern on State

Features Recipe Recipe Holiday Thanksgiving Cooking Entertaining

CTbites Team

For the next two weeks CTbites will be featuring a series of Thanksgiving recipes from local CT chefs. Some of these recipes will be family favorites, or dishes the chefs cook in their own homes. Others will grace the holiday menus found at your local restaurant. One thing is certain. They will all be delicious and worthy of a seat at YOUR table. Our second in this series comes from Chef Emily Mingrone of Tavern On State. Enjoy her recipe for Candied Kabocha Squash.


Nibble: CT Food Events For November 10-17

Events Features Events News Wine Dinners

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

On Tuesday November 12, Lidia Bastianich comes to Tarry Lodge in Westport.  She’s celebrating the release of her new cookbook, Felidia: Recipes from My Flagship Restaurant.  Guests will get a signed copy of her book as well as a four course dinner with optional wine pairings.  There are two seatings, 5-7pm and 7:30-9:30pm.  Tickets start at $135, inclusive of tax and gratuity. 

The story of the legendary Vegetarian spot, Bloodroot is coming to life on the big screen!  The movie will be shown on Monday November 11th at 6:50pm at the Cinepolic Chelsea Theater in New York City as part of the Doc NYC Festival.  Selma and Noel will be in attendance, along with the filmmakers for a Q&A after the showing. 

CT Cider Week is coming!  On Wednesday November 13, Mystic Cheese Company invites you to a cheese and cider pairing class- and it’s all gluten free.  It runs from 6-8pm and costs $45 per person. 


Playa Bowls Opening In West Hartford w/ Bowls & Smoothies Galore

Restaurant Smoothies Acai Bowl healthy open Breakfast lunch

CTbites Team

West Hartford, Connecticut is about to get a bowl full of sunshine with the opening of PLAYA BOWLS in Blue Back Square this November. Serving up bowls and smoothies made from açaí, pitaya, coconut, greens, chia, banana, and oatmeal, Playa Bowls uses the freshest high-quality ingredients, with sustainability and community in mind.

Furthermore, on Opening Day (exact date and time to be announced in the coming weeks on instagram at @playabowlsweha), the first 50 people in line will get a FREE bowl or smoothie of their choice!


Chef's Tasting at The Spread Greenwich with Chef Carlos Baez

Restaurant Chef Pop-Up Dinner Chef's Tasting Greenwich

Stephanie Webster

Let’s be real. Dining out is always a treat. You don’t have to clean up afterwards, and if you’re like me, the menu at almost ANY restaurant is going to surpass what’s going on in my own kitchen. However, if you’re a diner who appreciates experiencing the mind of chef who is executing dishes that are inspired by the season, an “aha” moment, or a desire to experiment, a Chef’s Tasting is the way to take dining to the next level.

It was with this in mind, that I attended Chef Carlos Baez’ monthly Chef’s Table Tasting Dinner, held on the last Thursday of every month at The Spread’s Greenwich location.


Polenta Holiday Cookies Recipe from Chef Silvia Baldini

Features Recipe Recipe Dessert Holiday Cookies Entertaining

Silvia Baldini

Crispy, crunchy, polenta cookies. The recipe was kindly gifted to me by my MIL Elisabetta. They have become a welcome tradition in my family. We make them a couple of weeks ahead of the holidays and keep them fresh in metal tin, lined with parchment paper. The mix of polenta and potatoes starch gives them a melt in your mouth texture. I like to dust them with a light coating of powder sugar and I enjoy them as treat with tea or when my sweet tooth requires a fixing.


Winfield Street Coffee Opens in Downtown Stamford at The Ferguson Library

Restaurant Coffee Stamford Breakfast Lunch Sandwich Opening

Andrew Dominick

Downtown Stamford just received a jolt of caffeination with the grand opening of Winfield Street Coffee at The Ferguson Library

This third branch of Winfield Street—Westport and Croton-on-Hudson are the other two—will serve up the goods that the brand has become known for under owner Breno Donatti, starting with expertly made lattes, cortados, espressos, cappuccinos, and high-quality drip using Counter Culture Coffee

Other fanciness comes in the form of turmeric, charcoal, or matcha lattes, house-made strawberry oat or chocolate almonds “mylks,” healthy smoothies, or you can treat yourself to a cup of hot cocoa T.M.F. style with a heaping scoop of toasted marshmallow fluff on top. 


Sneak Peek: Taco Daddy Set to Open in Stamford

Restaurant Tacos Stamford Homepage Opening

Andrew Dominick

Fans of @dallasthewalpig’s Instagram account may have noticed that Dallas, a half Shar-Pei, half bulldog puppy signed a lease for a new taco joint in Stamford. Umm…what?!

Then the account switched over to @tacodaddystamford and fans, both locally and from afar, were undoubtedly confused.

What’s there to be confused about? If a dog opened a taco joint, you’d go, right?

That’s not what’s actually happening but that is the joke at Taco Daddy, a fresh idea by John Nealon, who you likely know from Fortina, and his fiancée Morgan Machette.


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For November 3-10

Events Features Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Tavern on State hosts an Armada Brewing Beer Dinner on Monday November 4.  $80 includes 5 beers, four courses, tax, and gratuity.  Seating begins at 6pm and the dinner follows at 6:30pm.

The Connecticut Cider Association presents the first ever Connecticut Cider Festival on Saturday November 9!  Cider Conn 2019 takes place at Zandri's Stillwood Inn.  Join them for unlimited cider sampling, food trucks, live music, and more.  Tickets start at $15. 

Amis Trattoria’s Guest Chef Series continues on Wednesday November 6 with Emily Mingrone of Tavern on State.  Amis Executive Chef Jes Bengtson and Mingrone will create a one-night-only menu of specials inspired by the guest chef’s specialties. 


Chef Tyler Anderson Opens Square Peg Pizzeria in Glastonbury

Restaurant Pizza Glastonbury Lunch Comfort Food Celebrity Chef Homepage Opening

Kristin L. Wolfe

I know you all know pizza and are very protective of your claims to your chosen slice, not to mention, have a tome of opinions about where to go, where not to go, on thick pie or thin pie. HOWEVER, just as there’s always room for another coffee shop, there’s plenty of love out there for more ‘za. So hear me out and listen to the exciting crackle of Square Peg’s crust.

I think we can agree that whatever Chef Tyler Anderson gets involved in,  it’s backed up by experience, quality, and good old school hard work. Add Chef Bruce Kalman and his Italian stylings to the mix and you have a Bro-mance of delicious proportions. 

Just a week out of the gate and people have some great things to say about the newest parlor in Glastonbury.


Roost Kitchen + Coffee Opens in Stamford

Restaurant Breakfast Coffee Stamford Lunch Bakery Opening

CTbites Team

Award-winning Chef and local business-owner Mike Pietrafeso is proud to announce the opening of his second Roost Kitchen + Coffee at Stamford Urby on Friday, Oct 25TH, located at 1 Greyrock Place (corner of Greyrock Pl. and Tresser Blvd.)

Roost Stamford will offer their signature scratch-made items, featuring locally sourced ingredients, in a seasonal menu and paired with locally roasted artisan coffee from Kestrel Coffee Roasters. Chef Pietrafeso and his team will offer an all-day experience for guests with made-to-order breakfast and lunch items, including toasts, oats and smoothies, and coming soon an evening offering with small plates, wine and beer. Guests can dine in at this location with 100 seats and plenty of space for local residents and professionals, or take items to-go with convenient parking on-site. 


Hosting a Traditional Filipino Kamayan Feast at SoNo 1420

Features Pop-Up Dinner Cocktails Filipino Food Truck

Andrew Dominick

One of the ways to celebrate Filipino American History Month (every October) is with a kamayan meal. A what? Don’t worry, when I was asked to attend one, my response was, “What’s that now?” And I do have a few Filipino friends, including those who invited me to this one, my first one. 

There was a kamayan dinner and it was held in South Norwalk. The event, hosted by Chris Gonzalez of Hapa Food Truck with public relations pro and event planner Ria Rueda, was the first of its kind in the area, not counting the off chance you’ve attended one at a friend’s house. 


Nibble: Tasty, Fresh & Fab CT Food Events for Week of October 27- November 3

Events Features News Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

J House throws their annual Halloween bash on Friday November 1- this year with an Apocalypse theme!  Your ticket comes with a complimentary cocktail, hors d'oeuvres, a live DJ all night, and a Red Carpet Costume Contest & Prizes.  Tickets $75 pp.

On November 1, Ben & Jerry’s will serve up Free Scoops Of Non-Dairy For World Vegan Day!  Visit participating locations from 4-8pm for your free scoop. 

Attention beer fans! Coalhouse Pizza in Stamford hosts a special SINGLECUT tap take-over at 5pm on October 30.  Stay for trivia, which begins at 8pm.

Chef Jessica Bengston, chef from Terrain and Amis Trattoria, comes to the Fairfield Library on Monday October 28.  She’ll share her journey in the culinary world and how food, community, and culture has influenced her career.  


Filipindian Pop Up with Sherkaan + Kawit! + More to Come in New Haven

Features Restaurant Pop-Up Dinner Indian New Haven Filipino Catering Caterers

Kristin L. Wolfe

At Sherkaan’s first pop-up last Thursday night, the Flipindian Feast, I had to swim through the the hungry crowd and make my way to, literally, the last seat available at the long copper bar. From the pervading tiger logo (Sherkaan means Tiger King in Hindi) and hindi phrases on the walls, to the cascade of bicycles hanging from the ceiling, diners are definitely transported to the packed spaces of a Southeast Asian hot spot. In addition to all the things to look at, pungent spices filled the room; they were so entrenched in the air that my hair smelled of them the next morning.