This Week @ The Westport Farmer's Market: Chef Nicole Features Ask Chef Nicole Recipe Liz Rueven October 05, 2010 Chef Nicole Straight will present two autumnal dishes to shoppers at the Westport Farmers Market on Thursday October 7th, between 10-2. Balsamic macerated figs with sweetened ricotta (recipe below) is a welcome alternative to baked fruit desserts at this time of year. Straight’s simple and flavorful preparation is assembled in two easy steps. She allows plump, glossy figs to be front and center, accented by the creaminess of sweetened, whole milk ricotta. Her second presentation will be a fall twist on bruschetta. Now that tomato season has sadly wained, Straight concocts an equally appetizing combo of eggplant, apples, butternut squash and onions with honey, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper, cayenne and paprika. She hits all of the taste buds in this colorful and nutrient packed assemblage of the season’s highlights. The chef will source all of her veggies, onions, honey and figs from the market that morning. She often turns to SONO BAKING CO. for her bread and will use their baguettes to support her veggie laden topping on Thursday. Read More
Seasonal Beer Picks with Mitch Ancona Ingredients Restaurant Beer Amy Kundrat October 05, 2010 Each fall the world of beer appears to come down with a serious case of seasonal allergies. I’m referring to the abundance of autumnal ales vying for more and more cooler space in our local package stores. While I’m digging around fall seasonals, it would be downright insensitive of me to ignore the popular kid of the seasonal beer world, pumpkin ales which seem to multiply exponentially each year. Rather than allow my novice palate lead us through the promised land of malted grain, I visited Mitch Ancona of Ancona’s Wines & Liquors in Ridgefield to guide me on this year’s best seasonal beer offerings. His walk-in beer cooler is one of the best kept secrets for beer lovers. Read More
Reheated: This Week's Top Food News in CT & Beyond Features Restaurant News Amy Kundrat October 05, 2010 Reheated is a weekly round-up of bite-sized food news in Connecticut and beyond. In Connecticut... Plan your meals around SoNo restaurant week now through October 8. Info CTbites.com SoNo Chef Shootout at Clarke Showroom on Oct. 7. Via CTbites. The Westport Food Revolution hosts a Green Halloween costume swap at Whole Foods Market in Westport on Thursday. Oct 7th. Info. GreenHalloween.org The 5th annual Harvest Tasting fundraiser on Oct. 9 featuring 60 wines at Darien's Equinox Club. Via. NicholasRoberts. Author Coleman Andrews will be speaking in CT Oct 8 @ RJ Julia in Madison, Oct. 14 @ New Canaan Library & Oct 28 @ Old Greenwich Library. Read More
Bobby Flay Is Coming To Stew's Ingredients Features Cookbooks Events Stephanie Webster October 04, 2010 ARE YOU READY FOR A THROWDOWN? Meet bestselling author and Food Network royalty, Bobby Flay, at Stew Leonard's on Saturday, October 30 at 11:00 a.m. WHAT: Bobby Flay, bestselling author and Food Network star, will greet fans and sign his brand new cookbook, BOBBY FLAY’S THROWDOWN! More Than 100 Recipes from Food Network’s Ultimate Cooking Challenge at Stew Leonard’s in Norwalk Saturday, October 30 starting at 11:00 a.m. Twenty lucky fans will win a reserved place at the front of the line to have their book signed. Fans can submit their entries online or the ballot box at any of the Stew Leonard’s stores in Norwalk, Danbury, Yonkers, and Newington. Read More
Great Gear: Navigating The Cook’s Nook Ingredients Features Kitchen Gear Norwalk Specialty Market Deanna Foster October 01, 2010 The Cook’s Nook in Norwalk couldn’t be more aptly named. Twisting through its adjoining rooms, filled to capacity, brings you from one alcove and surprising find to another. As you step into the door, you are faced with a navigation decision: the room straight ahead or to the right? It’s not the last time you’re made to choose, but take heart, there are no bad choices here. Like being lost in the streets of Paris, winding your way from one enchanting street to the next, your shopping experience is more adventure than errand. Read More
Judging The Iron Chef @ The Blues & BBQ Festival Ingredients Restaurant BBQ Events Kid Friendly Sarah Green September 28, 2010 So it turns out that the formation of the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) started as a big joke by Carolyn and Gary Wells and Rick Welch (a.k.a Sir Loin) one fine evening in 1985. They put together a bar-b-que newsletter, called it the "Bull Sheet," and an organization of of fanatical bbq aficionados was formed. Membership at official formation = 12. Since then, the membership numbers have exploded (300,000 at last count) and the light-hearted, half-joking nature of the society has taken a serious turn for the...well...serious! Part of the KCBS's Judges' oath states that each judge shall accept his/her duty to judge objectively and subjectively so that "truth, justice, excellence in Barbeque and the preservation of the American way of life..." may be strengthened and preserved forever. Wow. I think that may be more moving for people than the swearing in of the Commander in Chief. (Commander in Chef, perhaps?) All I can say is this, there was NO joking around during the Iron Chef competition at the Blues, Views, and BBQ's Festival at the Levitt Pavilion in Westport Read More
CTbites Shout Out: What's Your Favorite Cookbook? Ingredients Features CTbites Shout Out Stephanie Webster September 26, 2010
Chef Nicole: Chicken w/ Wine, Mushrooms & Pine Nuts Features Ask Chef Nicole Recipe Nicole Straight September 23, 2010 Chef Nicole Straight of Time To Eat! is back with another great solution to the weeknight dinner dilemma. So many mouths to feed...so little time. Here is a great one pan recipe that the kids can help prepare (if they're done with their homework). Enjoy this quick and easy recipe for Chicken With White Wine, Mushrooms & Pine Nuts. Read More
This Week In Wine: Jelu Pinot Noir Ingredients Features This Week In Wine Kathleen Hall September 22, 2010 Jelu Pinot Noir is from the Patagonia region in Argentina. Patagonia may be better known for its majestic mountain range than for wine growing, but the cool climate found here is especially suited to the fickle Pinot Noir grape. The Jelu vineyards are located at high elevation which enables the grapes grown there to retain their bright acidity and supple fruit flavors as they slowly ripen. Medium-bodied with flavors of black cherry, ripe raspberry and a hint of savory herb. Smooth tannins and fresh acidity makes this wine simple but satisfying Read More
Reheated: This Week's Top Food News in CT & Beyond Ingredients Road Trip Restaurant News Amy Kundrat September 21, 2010 Reheated is a twice-weekly round-up of bite-sized food news in Connecticut and beyond. In Connecticut... Don't miss this week's Westport Farmers Market will feature chefs Bill Taibe (leFarm), Nancy Roper (Boxcar Cantina) and Jeff Northrop (Westport Aquaculture) in a market fundraiser. Info CTbites.com. Free scoop at participating Carvel stores this Thursday. Via Dining A La Carte. Tasti D-lite tops the list of several restaurant openings in Stamford. Via Stamford Notes. Save the date to drink for charity with Cans & Cocktails on Sept.29, a fundraiser in Stamford we'll be supporting. Info CTbites.com. Wednesday night wine tastings at Sarah's Wine Bar in Ridgefield. Via SarahsWineBar.com. Read More
Help Support The Westport Farmers Market Ingredients Events Farmers Market Stephanie Webster September 19, 2010 The Westport Farmers Market will be hosting the first ever market fundraiser on September 23 during market hours. From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm bring a friend and enjoy lunch from our guest chefs Bill Taibe (leFarm), Nancy Roper (Boxcar Cantina) and Jeff Northrop (Westport Aquaculture) - who are teaming up for this special occasion. Everyone's favorite vendors will be on hand with tons of fall samples and specials. Come ready to eat, relax, win some prizes and help support your favorite market. Silent auction and raffle prizes have been generously donated by Sal Gilbertie, Kaia Yoga, Fort Hill Farm, Boxed Goodes, Westport Playhouse, Westport Art Center, Sherri Brooks Vinton, Sugar & Olives, The Dressing Room and many more. Raffle tickets are only $5. The auction items will be displayed at the Westport Farmers Market booth - look for red tablecloths with white polka dots. This event is to raise money for the Westport Farmers Market, a not for profit organization run solely on donations. They are working hard to raise the money to ensure their return for the 2011 season and beyond. Read More
Day-Tripping The Fairfield County, CT Wine Trail Ingredients Wine Chat JoAnn LoGiurato September 16, 2010 At this time of year, the crisp sunny days, and cool nights, have me itching to get out and do something “harvesty." We are lucky enough to have access to several excellent local vineyards, with a great variety of activities for singles, couples and families. I can’t think of a better way to spend a beautiful autumn day, than to relax and unwind, sipping a local wine with some fantastic nibbles (either provided by the vineyard or toted along in your picnic basket) and enjoying life set on a vineyard! During the next few weeks Harvest Celebrations will abound. Vineyards will all be hosting special events that are sure to entice any wine enthusiast. Following is a guide to local vineyards to help you get started on your autumnal wine tripping: Read More
Food Writing 101: Write Your Appetite w/ Corinne Trang Features Asian Cooking Classes Education Stephanie Webster September 15, 2010 Want to learn how to write about food from an award-winning cookbook author? Corinne Trang has written numerous cookbooks & has been dubbed the "Julia Child of Asian cuisine." She has published in Food & Wine, Health, Cooking Light, and Saveur. If you ever wanted to write a cookbook, start a food blog, review a restaurant, or write a food memoir, join Corinne Trang for a FREE workshop on food writing. She'll guide you through your first short food piece starting with describing your favorite food, learning to create a recipe and a story around it. Space is limited, RSVP and be sure to bring your favorite fruit and vegetable! Thursday, Sept. 30th is Corinne's Free Workshop: "Write Your Appetite" @ 7:15pm, Writers' Room, 252 Post Road East, Westport. Read More
This Week In Wine: Manifesto Sauvignon Blanc Ingredients This Week In Wine Kathleen Hall September 08, 2010 "This Week In Wine" is a new CTbites column featuring seasonal wine picks with great drinkability, good value, and local availability. Writer, Kathleen Hall, has been the Wine Manager @ Pastis in NYC and Head Sommelier @ Greenwich's Morello Bistro. A wine to drink while you sit on your patio and watch the sun set in these last few days of summer. Manifesto! Sauvignon Blanc is made with grapes grown organically, from the North Coast of California. While some New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc can be overly fruity and Sancerre from France tends to be lean and steely, this wine is something in the middle – a style that is rounded and rich, with ripe citrus fruit flavors and a refreshing acidity. With flavors of Meyer lemon, grapefruit, orange peel and a hint of herbs Read More
School is Back in Session @ Fairfield Cheese Company Ingredients Cooking Classes Education Specialty Market Stephanie Webster September 08, 2010 Fairfield Cheese Company classes are back in session and school has never been this delicious. Whether you are a cheese novice looking for a an introduction to the basics, or a cheese-aficionado seeking to expand your knowledge on a specific variety, they've got the class for you. I jumped at the chance to attend one of these sessions last season and spent some time with owners Laura and Christopher who lead these entertaining and informative evenings. If you would like some background on Fairfield Cheese Company, check out our review, "Cheese 101." With wine pairings from Harry's Wine & Liquor, this is the perfect way to break out of that dinner-and-a-movie date night rut. If you attend any of the classes below, let us know what you think! Read More
Advertisement: Sweet Rexie's Candy & Ice Cream Ingredients Advertisement Stephanie Webster September 02, 2010 I don't know about you but when I need that bulk bin candy fix, there is only one place to go…Sweet Rexie’s. Voted Best Candy Store in Fairfield County for 2010, this kid-friendly haven will satisfy any sweet tooth, but did you know that Sweet Rexie's is actually much more than just a candy store? Sweet Rexie's serves up great events, including kids birthdays, cooking classes and Hershey's Premium ice cream, just right for an after school treat. With 16 great flavors the likes of "Cookies vs. Peanut Butter," "Playdough," and "Cotton Candy," every child (or adult) will walk away a happy camper. Need a gift? Sweet Rexie's has a unique selection of toys, apparel, and baby gifts. Plus, if you don't have time to get to the store, Sweet Rexie's offers local delivery & nationwide shipping. Special Offer for CT Bites Readers - $50 off a birthday party if booked by Sept 30, 2010. Read More
Rosh Hashanah Recipes from Tabouli Grill Features Holiday Mediterranean Middle Eastern Recipe Stephanie Webster September 01, 2010 The Jewish holidays are around the corner, and with the kids just barely back to school, it seemed as though we could all use a little assist with the Rosh Hashanah menu this year. Next week? Really? Judy Roll of Tabouli Grill in Stamford has come to the rescue with three great recipes to fill out your holiday table. Here's what's on the menu: Cumin Roasted Cauliflower with Yellow Raisins and Toasted Pine Nuts, Bubbe’s Brisket, and Kasha Varnishke. If you really just don't feel like cooking, Tabouli Grill is also happy to do the work for you as you can see in their Rosh Hashanah Package below. Read More
Get Cooking With Aux Delices Ingredients Features Cooking Classes Stamford Liz Rueven August 27, 2010 Summer Comfort Food was the theme of the class I recently attended at Aux Delices’ Cooking School in their commissary kitchen in Stamford. As we are smack in the middle of this steaming season, I was happy to be invited to relax, observe and learn something new about how to prepare summer dishes, utilizing the season’s bounty. Aux Delices has retail store locations, all with seating, in Darien, Riverside and Greenwich. The shops offer owner/Chef Debra Ponzek’s culinary creations of prepared foods and a unique collection of specialty food items. Their name translates as “all the delicious food in life,” and considering their choices of scrumptious take out items, private and corporate catering offerings, and classes at their cooking school, the name is certainly apt. Read More
Last Chance For That New England Crab Boil Features Seafood Michael von August 24, 2010 Photo of kids: c/o Mike Von Wahlde, mvwstudio.comRecently, a CTbites reader, Mike Von Wahlde, commented on our Beach Picnic Shoutout, posting this hilarious and informative rant/recipe extolling the pros and cons of the Classic New England Crab Boil. It was too good not to repost, and with the summer winding down, why not celebrate our last days of outdoor cooking with this quintessential culinary experience? Nothing says “I live in the North East” like mollusks and crustaceans swimming in a boiling pot in the yard or on the beach. The classic New England boil is the best thing going for large group gatherings if your picnic area allows for propane. You say "Of course, they're great, but..." But what? Why you gotta be so afraid of everything? Let's look at the pros and cons. Read More
2 Hours @ The Craft Beer & Chili Challenge Ingredients Events Beer Comfort Food Stephanie Webster August 24, 2010 Last Sunday thousands of beer and chili loving CT residents descended upon Mohegan Sun for the Craft Beer and Chili Challenge. Thirteen restaurants traveled from across the state to throw down their winning recipe for the great American classic. There was enough heat to keep you warm through winter and the sweet smell of cumin wafted all the way up to the slot machines. And what to wash down this fiery feast? Certainly water was not the proper pairing. 40 breweries with over 100 beers were present to quench our thirst, some local, some National, but all pouring. Here are some of the highlights: Read More
