Filtering by Category: Ingredients,Events

Tea Time! 11 Places To Buy Great Tea in Connecticut

Features Ingredients Tea And Coffee Specialty Market Breakfast Shopping Best of CT Tea

April Guilbault October 31, 2020

It is the most popular drink in the world-are you surprised? Beyond coffee, beer, and even sodas, tea reigns supreme with over 159 millions Americans consuming it each day and 2 billion people drink it every morning around the globe. White, green, black, oolong, pu’erh, herbal; the variety of flavors within these types is almost endless and there is so much to be explored. There are teas for different times of day, flavor palates, health benefits and even ailments (rumbly tummy? Ginger!). If you haven’t started exploring the wide world of tea, it might be time. Tea-time, that is.

P.S.-The prize for the country that consumes the most? Turkey, followed by Ireland. The UK comes in third. Who knew?

Here are 11 spots for great tea in Connecticut. Happy shopping!

Nibble: Tasty CT Food News and Events for November 1-20th

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Stephanie Webster October 31, 2020

Nana’s Bakery & Pizza opens in Mystic with a full scale bakery and pizza shop offering scratch made baked goods from organic local naturally leavened dough, pastries, hot sourdough donuts, coffee and more. Part of the 85th Day Food Community which includes Oyster Club, Engine Room, and Grass & Bone.

Grano Arso, in Chester and Highclere Castle Gin out of Essex, in partnership with the namesake estate in England and location of the beloved series Downton Abbey, have come together to create the ultimate moment of luxury. From November 1 - January 1, diners have the opportunity to delight in, perhaps, the most lavish cocktail ever made. This $99 cocktail is not meant to empty your pockets, although the pleasure itself might be worth the moment, but in fact, go to a wonderful cause, the Channel 3 Kids Camp.

Join Hops On The Hill, a 100% “farm to glass” brewery in South Glastonbury, CT for Cigar Day, Food Trucks, & Live Music Sunday, November 8, 2020 at 1 PM EST – 6 PM. Hosted by Puros Cigar Shop, Skyscraper Sandwich Truck and Hops on the Hill. Puros Cigar Shop will be selling cigars at the brewery. Come sit back and relax with a cigar, beer, and food from Skyscraper Sandwich Truck and Cannoli Truck. Enjoy LIVE music by The Degenerates Acoustic from 2-6pm. Social distancing guidelines will be in place. Bring Your Own Lawn Chair.

Take a break from politics and order a pie! https://wakemantownfarmstore.square.site/s/shop. Wakeman Town Farm is hosting its first-annual Holiday Pie Sale in conjunction with our friends at Kneads Bakery in Westport.

A Visit to Arethusa Farm Dairy: Exceptional Cows Make Exceptional Ice Cream

Ingredients Restaurant ice cream Dessert Kid Friendly Litchfield Bantam New Haven

jeffrey schlesinger October 27, 2020

Back in April my colleagues from CTBites visited Arethusa Farms to perform a “meet & greet” with 300 cows that comprise the foundation to the Arethusa dairy products. These world renown Holsteins and Jerseys produce some of the best milk, and by extension the ice cream that is sold in the Arethusa Farm Dairy store is world class. More recently, they visited Arethusa Al Tavolo and enjoyed numerous dishes prepared with numerous of the farm’s ingredients, including the cows’ milk. The team was not able to visit the ice cream storefront on either visit as the line was staggering, so it fell heavy on my shoulders (insert smile) that I took one for the team and lazily drove to Arethusa Farm Dairy one Sunday afternoon.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food News & Events For October 25-November 5

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Stephanie Webster October 24, 2020

CALLING ALL FOODIES! The Town of Fairfield, CT presents FAIRFIELD EATS 2020, OCT. 19 – NOV. 1. In lieu of a traditional Restaurant Week, Fairfield introduces a two-week special promotion encouraging people to patronize local restaurants by either dining in or taking out! View PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS. SPECIALS INCLUDE: Prix Fixe Menus, Family Meal Discounts, Take-Out Options & Chance to Win a $50 Gift Certificate

elm restaurant in New Canaan is now offering fabulous BRANCHBOX boxed dinners to go. These seasonally prepared meal boxes delivered to your door as an affordable & accessible alternative to our new reality. Orders must be placed by 4pm for same day delivery. Boxes include full meals for two for $48 and include entrée like carnitas, roasted whole chicken, salmon fillets, and taco tuesday.

On October 28, The Charles is bringing Oktober Fest to Old Wethersfield! Join us on the lawn for local beers, traditional German food, raffles, and more! Tickets are limited, call to reserve yours today: 860.785.8499

On October 31st Parkville Market will be hosting their first official Harvest Festival! The Market, home to 18 unique restaurants and three bars, will have both indoor and outdoor dining available along with fun fall activities taking place throughout the day. The schedule of events includes:- Live Music 3-6PM-Balloon Animals 11-2PM-Outdoor pop-ups of local Hartford vendors-Safe Trick or treat opportunities for kids inside the market-Specialty beverages for both adults and children-Halloween Themed Trivia 7-9PM

Geoff Lazlo Food: Chef Driven Gourmet Food Delivery To Your Door Daily

Features Ingredients Delivery Service Home Delivery Catering To-Go

Stephanie Webster October 22, 2020

Chef Geoff Lazlo has been cooking delicious locally sourced, elevated comfort food for years in Fairfield County. CT diners will remember him from Bill Taibe’s The Whelk in Westport, and most recently from the very popular Mill Street in Greenwich, but he also spent time at both Gramercy Tavern and Blue Hill Stone Barns. When I got on the phone with Lazlo last week to discuss his new chef driven gourmet food delivery service, I had to laugh when I asked “what’s going on chef?,” and he replied with “honestly I don’t even know anymore.” Restaurants and chefs across the state have had to be nimble and do some pivoting to stay relevant in the current pandemic economy, and Lazlo is no exception. “I’m always figuring out the next thing to do, and I’m always thinking about moving forward,” says Lazlo. That forward motion propelled him to launch Geoff Lazlo Food, serving Fairfield and Westchester Counties, and giving food-lovers the opportunity to enjoy hand-cooked meals in the comfort of their own homes.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food News & Events for October 18-30th

Features Events Events News

Stephanie Webster October 16, 2020

CT Guide To 40+ Immunity Boosting Products: Markets, Apothecaries, Herbs, Broth, Juice, Teas and More

Features Ingredients Herbal Immune Boosting Healthy Eats healthy Herbs Juice Bar Specialty Market Special Dietary Needs Best of CT Homepage Elderberry

April Guilbault October 11, 2020

There is so much talk and discussion these days about immunity, staying healthy, and protecting yourself. When you ask fifty people about what they do to stay healthy you will probably get fifty different answers. Since every human is unique, something that works for one might not work for another! However, we all know that famous quote from Hippocrates about food being thy medicine, right? There are so many foods, plants, teas, and drinks that can potentially pack a real punch for strengthening our systems. There is a wide, intriguing world of healthy options out there, it’s just finding what works for you. May some of the ideas on this list help keep you healthy and safe in the months to come.

Our guide includes over 40 local CT markets, juice bars, apothecaries, and products to help boost your immune system for 2020.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food News & Events for October 11-20

Events Features News Events Nibble

Stephanie Webster October 08, 2020

AMG Catering has announced their Fall Cooking Classes.

Milestone Restaurant in Redding will be hosting a social-distance-friendly Oktoberfest celebration Sunday, October 11 from 2PM - 8PM. Guests can enjoy beer, brats, pretzels, and live music featuring Fuzz Sangiovani & Friends. Live music begins at 4PM. Reservations are required. Visit milestonect.com to make your reservation.

Fairfield Cheese Company takes you to school via Zoom on October 15, 7-8:30 PM in their class “Unlocking the Mysteries of Raw Milk Cheese.” Sign up here.

WeHartford’s Picnic in the Park series was such a success that they have extended it through October with 3 more picnics. The October series will be held on three Saturdays from 1-4pm (Oct. 10, 17, and 24th) and this time around thanks to a generous donation from Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, the series will work with all minority-owned restaurants, including Mofongo, Banh Meee, Stella's African Eatery, and Capital Icecream. Each restaurant has curated a one-time-only picnic basket for their event date.

2020 Hartford Rib Off: A“Week of BBQ” Inspired Dishes and Drinks For Charity

Features Events Hartford County Hartford West Hartford

Stephanie Webster October 06, 2020

From October 19-25, 2020, you can enjoy a “Week of BBQ” Inspired Dishes and Drinks at Participating Hartford Area Restaurants….all for a good cause!

The Hartford Rib Off, Hartford’s largest charity BBQ event of the year, is revamping to a new format for 2020, to raise funds for the community while also supporting the hard-hit hospitality industry. COVID-19 has put a hold on large-scale public gatherings in 2020, leaving many non-profit events, like the Hartford Rib Off, without a means to raise funds. To adhere to safety protocols, this year’s Hartford Rib Off will take on a new format, where for one week, BBQ enthusiasts can enjoy BBQ inspired dishes and drinks at their favorite Hartford area restaurants, for one full week.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food News & Events For October 4-11

Features Events News Events

Stephanie Webster October 02, 2020

Casa Villa’s (866 East Main Street, Stamford) has new Taco Tuesday offering! The Mexican restaurant on Stamford’s East Side has introduced a special ALL YOU CAN EAT taco menu! The promotion gives you an opportunity to select from 10 of their amazing tacos – as many as you want! – for just $15. If you want to add a margarita, sangria or beer it’s just $20!

Hoodoo Barbecue school returns!! Come learn from the Hoodoo Crew, as the Pit Crew takes you behind the scenes for a four hour barbecue school from 8am-12pm.

Cuban dinner for two for Havana Nights at The Spread Norwalk! Join us every Thursday night for a special menu curated by Chef Carlos Baez

Join Millwright’s sous chef, Jamie Bordonaro, for a very special pop-up dinner on Monday, October 12th at 5pm for a 4 course prix fixe dinner to celebrate the release of his cookbook ‘Pursuit of Passion'.’ The dinner will be held Outside at Millwright’s. Tickets are limited and are $85 per person, with a $30 wine pairing available. The dinner includes a copy of the cookbook. View the menu and get tickets online

Winfield Street Coffee is celebrating their 5-year anniversary with GIVEAWAYS!! They are giving away 5 super cool gift baskets.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food News & Events for September 27-October 14

Features Events Events News Pop-Up

Stephanie Webster September 25, 2020

On October 1st, Letizia’s Pizza is bringing back their “Gertie’s Pie of Hope",” a Mac & Cheese Pizza, sold throughout October with 100% of proceeds going to @makingstrides203, The American Cancer Society.

Looking for a fun outdoor, possibly boozy activity? Elm City Party Bike tours (@elmcitypartybike) is New England’s first pedaled sightseeing & party bike taking you on bar crawls and history tours in New Haven.

bartaco is now offering delivery of its fan favorites to New Haven. Delivery of taco packs, family packs, margarita mix, and many other popular items such as guacamole and chicken empanadas, will all be available for the first time to New Haven via Uber Eats and Door Dash from 11:30am – 9pm daily.

Vita Pasta Lab & Westport Continuing Education host a series of 5 Online Kids Cooking Classes for grades 6-12, starting Sept 23rd-October 23. . Learn Italian recipes that are hand-made, healthy and delicious + everyone enjoys a great meal afterwards. Sign up here.

RISE DOUGHNUTS pop-up with “pitmaster” Hugh Mangum of Mighty Quinn’s BBQ, has officially moved to The Schoolhouse at Cannondale in Wilton. Get his epic fritters and doughnuts every Sunday at 8AM till they sell out!

Nibble: Tasty CT Food News & Events for September 20-28th

Events Features News Events

Stephanie Webster September 17, 2020

Haruki Izakaya in South Norwalk is hosting a SUSHI POP-UP, collaboration with NY based @chefathome_ny on Wed. Sept. 22nd and 23rd 5-8pm. Call or DM for reservations.

South End Uncorked is hosting The Gotham Burger Social, a Smash Burger Pop Up on Sat., Sept. 26th in New Canaan. Aw yeah!! Call to make reservations. Partners include Martin's Potato Rolls & New York Valley Wagyu.

Shhhh….bartaco’s new #bartacosecret menu item through 10/3 is the ancho-braised beef taco is a tender ancho mezcal braised beef taco with deep spiced smoky flavor, topped with a crisp and sharp pickled red cabbage with mustard and coriander and garnished with cilantro and a lime wedge. Available for dine-in or take out at order.bartaco.com or via the bartaco app for only $3.75.

Milford Restaurant Week is September 20-26th with 17 participating restaurants. You can find the restaurant lineup along with the menus here.

Stew’s Wines Find!! Iconic Grammy® Award-winning, Oscar® nominated singer, songwriter, actress, producer and philanthropist, Mary J. Blige and Fantinel Winery today officially announced the launch of Sun Goddess Wines, an exclusive collection of limited-edition wines created in collaboration with the internationally prestigious winery. Sun Goddess Wines are a unique collection of bold, crisp, and rich wines that embody warmth, passion, energy, and a deeper connection to nature.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For September 14-23

Events Features Events News

Stephanie Webster September 12, 2020

Tuesday, September 22nd, join Chef Carlos Perez from At The Corner restaurant in Litchfield, 4-9pm for a Mexican & Japanese Fusion pop-up, featuring sushi, tacos, small plates, and specialty cocktails! Joining him will be Brendon Savoy of Fino, and Dustin Amore from Conspiracy. Call At The Corner to reserve a table.

Join Terrain Westport for an Equinox Evening Under the Stars on Tuesday, September 22nd 6:30 – 9:30pm, an open-air dining experience in our terrain nurseries to celebrate the equinox. Tables will be placed throughout our campus, to include our nursery and ceremony gardens, to enjoy a seasonally inspired menu and live music.

Chef Tyler Anderson Catering is taking his truck on the road….to Sub Edge Farm in Avon, CT, on October 1st and October 22nd for a “Socially Distanced 3 Course Dinner” complete with a cocktail reception and hayride farm tours.

@remarkabletheater will be hosting a viewing on Sunday Sept 20th. A special sneak preview of BLOODROOT, a feature documentary from director Douglas Tirola and producer Susan Bedusa in conjunction with the Westport Farmers Market.

Pizza for a Good Cause: Letizia’s Pizza Creates Specialty Pies for Two Local Charities

Restaurant Events Pizza Norwalk Letizia's Pizza charity

Andrew Dominick September 09, 2020

Letizia’s Pizza is no stranger to helping out local charities. It’s a simple win-win concept; buy a specialty pizza, devour it, and ALL the proceeds from each pie sold are donated to a good cause.

This September, Letizia’s brought back their taco pizza to benefit Filling in the Blanks, a charity that’s geared towards fighting childhood hunger by providing children with meals on the weekends.

Partnering with charities is something Letizia’s owners Dennis Letizia, Dave Cook, and Danny Segers say they’ll always be a part of. “It’s our way to give back,” Segers says. “Our community is so supportive of us whenever we ask, so when we find local charities like Filling in the Blanks and see all the hard work, they put in to end childhood hunger, we’re ecstatic to help.”

Nibble: Tasty CT Food News and Events for September 6-15

Events Features News Events

Stephanie Webster September 05, 2020

The SONO Collection’s weekly Thursday rooftop Happy Hours continue through September 24th. Enjoy dining and drinks made available by Bazille, Pinstripes, and Uncle Sevens. Live and local acoustic performances each week. Here’s the lineup: September 10th check out the sounds of Mike and Ian All Night Thing; September 17th, Billy Ruegger, and September 24 they’ve got Benny Mikula/Alpaca Gnomes playing. See ya there!

Plan b Milford is back OPEN! Stop in for dinner and grab your favorite #burgersbeerbourbon! New hours are Friday 9/4 Wednesday – Sunday from 12pm – 9pm

Start your engines and make your reservations! New Haven Restaurant Week is September 13-26. Check out the list of tasty participating restaurants here.

@CTBeer is teaming up with @StewardsOfTheLand, @MikroDepot and @EmilysCateringGroupCT on September 17th for CT's 1st ever Farm To Glass & Table Beer Dinner. Each dish will be expertly paired using 100% fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from CT Farms to complement one of Steward's five small-batch brews. All seating will be safe and property spaced for social distancing. Tickets are very limited. Reserve your spot today! ⁠

Chowdafest is proud to announce their new Chowda Club designed to bring the Chowdafest experience to the safety of your own home AND all year round!

KNEADS Bakery Cafe is now open in Westport. This husband-wife team is fresh from Blue Hill at Stone Barns and will be serving up some outstanding artisan bread, breakfast & lunch with an emphasis on local ingredients.

Friday Froth- Coming Back To Back East Brewery

Features Ingredients CT Beer Beer Brewery Bloomfield

James Gribbon September 04, 2020

In October of 2019 I sat down with Tony Karlowicz at Back East to visit the brewery and talk about the 2017 gold medal won by his porter at the world's largest beer competition, the 2018 expansion that nearly tripled his brewing capacity, and the giant new taproom he'd hired an architectural firm to design and build for the spring of 2020. We shook hands and said we'd see each other again when I could write the article about the grand opening in April. Ten months and a global disaster later I looked at the glass in my hand as I sat, finally, for the first time, in that tasting room. Printed just above my thumb were the words "Find Your Way Back."

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for August 29th- September 8

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Stephanie Webster August 27, 2020

Check out The NEW Fuego Picante food Truck proudly serving tacos al pastor al trompo & so much more goodness. Find them Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 3 pm to 9 pm at 79 William Shortly Campbell Street in Hartford.

Sift Bake Shop opens Mix Rooftop & Bar, a rooftop cocktail bar located on the top of Sift Bake Shop in Downtown Mystic, CT. Come enjoy unique, handcrafted cocktails, and a creative, fresh bar menu. Offering panoramic views of the Mystic River, Mix Rooftop & Bar, is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in beautiful Mystic, CT. Open daily from 3:00 - 10:00 PM. Reservations: 860-415-8365

Oar & Oak opening BIRD HOUSE in Stratford. We hear Bill Taibe is designing a Chicken Sandwich!!

Chef Jamie Bordonaro, Sous Chef at Millwrights restaurant in Simsbury recently finished the publication of his very own cookbook! It is titled “Pursuit of Passion” and he has been working on it for the past six years. The book is available for purchase on his website, www.www.pursuitofpassion.net/shop for $40 dollars, with $5 dollars from each copy sold going to benefit the World Central Kitchen organization. Check it out!

The insanely delicious Southern Chinese spot, Junzi Kitchen in New Haven, is now offering Picnic Baskets for 4 people. Each basket is $65 and includes chilled noodles, Asian salads, Asian inspired sodas, and Chinese chips.

Fan favorite, BONDA in Fairfield, launches BONDA EXPRESS, gourmet prepared foods to-go, open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 7pm. LOCATED AT THE BACK OF BONDA RESTAURANT (AMPLE PARKING IN THE BACK!) at 75 Hillside Road, Fairfield.

J’s Homemade Elderberry Syrup: Boost Your Immune System with this Locally Made Product

Features Ingredients Ingredients Gourmet Ingredients Kid Friendly Specialty Market Local Artisan Shop Local Vendor Highlight

Amy Kundrat August 25, 2020

Julie Messina had a problem to solve. What could she do to proactively combat the cold and flu season when it inevitably hit her own home? As a Kindergarten teacher and a new mom, she knew she would be a vector for viruses for her family and wanted to get ahead of the inevitable sniffles, or worse, influenza. When she discussed her concerns with her pediatrician, she learned about elderberry syrup, which some studies have shown can shorten the severity and duration of flu in adults. Drawn to its properties as a natural food, she wanted to give it a try but she hit her first roadblock when trying store brands. She didn’t like the taste or price of the elderberry syrups readily available, so she decided to try making her own. Although Julie wouldn’t officially sell her first bottle of elderberry syrup for several months, J’s Homemade was born on that fateful day at the pediatrician’s office. Like many entrepreneurs solving a problem, what followed wasn’t a straight path, but a lot of trial and error, perseverance and support from her wife Alicia and her (now) two children.

Each bottle of J’s Homemade elderberry syrup reflects its natural products and represents her own ongoing research and development.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events, Pop-Ups, Openings & More For Aug 23-Sept 2

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Stephanie Webster August 19, 2020

Stamford Summer Restaurant Weeks return August 17 – September 7. Participating Downtown Stamford restaurants are serving up special lunch & dinner prix fixe menus in several different price options.

Hartford Baking Company turns 10!! The anniversary, September 1st, will be celebrated with 2 for $10 sandwich deals at all three locations!

Are you an Affogato fan like we are? Storefront AFFOGATO is Coming soon to 132B Washington Street in South Norwalk!

Want to book an intimate private Italian dinner? Tutto Pasta does private customizable dinners at their homemade pasta shop in Fairfield. Contact them for booking.

Attn: Gluten-Free foodies. The Little Beet is opening this summer in Westport with a 100% Gluten-Free menu!

Proof Coffee is opening in Stamford’s Harbor Point with 100% organic, sustainable sourced coffee!

Locally Made Canned Cocktails We've Been Lovin' in Summer 2020

Features Ingredients Cocktails Canned Cocktails Drinks Home Delivery homepage Homepage

Kristin L. Wolfe August 15, 2020

Not gonna lie. I’m sucked in by looks. What’s on the inside counts, sure, but when I see a sharp, sexy...wait a minute. I’m talking about my drinks. What were you thinking?

Ok, weird intro aside, there seems to be an endless list of new canned drinks out there and room for even more. And, although nothing these days seems to be “normal” we are trying to enjoy ourselves however we can; and to me, sun, water, and delicious cold drinks, certainly helps that effort. So, while some of your pandemic hobbies might have revolved around expanding your mind or being creative with activities like puzzles, knitting, or cooking grannies old recipes, mine sorta kinda included drinking on the beach; and drinking delicious, creatively designed canned beverages, in particular. I started out with the popular seltzers like White Claw, Stoli’s yada yada, then moved to a few hard ciders from the 1911 suite (from Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards), like the Rosé in a tall, gorgeous soft pink can; then my fam and I fell in love with punch of the Watermelon Mint with graphics as a bold as the taste.

But then my new “hobby” got a little more interesting, uh...well, bolder, with stronger boozish. Here are a couple of brands created in our lovely state, then a few others you just have to try, especially since there’s still at least six weeks left of sunshine. However, I gather these will still be enjoyed well beyond the end of summer.