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Win Free Tickets!!! Battle of the Chefs @ Founders Hall Sunday, June 4

Features

CTbites Team May 22, 2017

Battle of the Chefs returns to Founders Hall on Sunday, June 4, 4 – 7pm. In a culinary showdown, three seasoned chefs will match sharp knives and quick wits for the benefit of Founders Hall.

WIN 2 FREE TICKETS TO THIS EVENT! To enter, tell us why YOU NEED these tickets below. We will select a winner on May 31st.

Chefs Mike Anastacio (Purdy’s Farmer & the Fish, North Salem), Paul Desiano (formerly Cello/Plate, Ridgefield), and former Chopped contender Germano Minin (The Village Tavern, Ridgefield), will compete to create an entree from a basket of surprise ingredients, in just sixty minutes, in front of a live audience. A panel of food experts, including Ridgefielder Brendan Walsh (Dean of Culinary Arts, the Culinary Institute of America) and Ron DeSantis (Director of Culinary Excellence, Yale University) will judge the chefs on their creativity, craftsmanship and culinary results as the crowd cheers the chefs on.

Kids Cooking Classes & Camps for Summer 2017 in CT

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Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 17, 2017

Summer is on its way!! In just a few weeks, the kids will be out of school and looking for their next adventures. Why not a culinary endeavor? These Connecticut caterers and venues are offering up kids cooking camps and classes throughout the summer months. Check their web site for complete details.

AMG Catering and Events, Wilton: This summer, youngsters can sign up for the Kids CIT (Chef In Training) Camp at AMG Catering. There are four weeks to choose from, but book quickly because they are already selling out!
Bishops Orchards, Guilford: New this year, Bishops Orchards in Guilford has announced Summer Camp Programs for kids! The summer is broken down into four two day long sessions where kids can explore a different farm theme.
Wakeman Town Farm, Westport: In addition to learning about life on a farm, participants in the Junior Chef Summer Camp get to work alongside local chefs and counselors to pick the freshest ingredients around from the farm, see how organic fruits and veggies grow, and learn to cook and create fun fare, from pickles to smoothies to stir-fries, in our brand-new farm kitchen classroom! It's seed-to-plate culinary fun with a homegrown spin.

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week Of May 13-21

Features Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 11, 2017

The Cottage has debuted “The Cottage Omakase Menu” to highlight Chef Brian’s appreciation for Japanese cuisine. Offered on Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s and Thursday’s, the $45 multi-course menu will feature ingredients from both The Hickories (Ridgefield) & Millstone (Wilton) Farms. The menu will change daily.

Kawa Ni in Westport is hosting a Sake Dinner on May 16th, 6:30 pm featuring 5 courses and dessert with 6 paired sakes.

Friday May 19 is the “Swirl, Sniff, Sip, Savor” Wine Tasting Fundraiser to benefit the Sunshine Kids. From 6-9pm, guests can taste wine, beer, and bourbon and snack on small bites at Ridgefield Parks & Recreation. Tickets are $40 per person.

Swanky Franks in Norwalk Closes After 60 Years...Here's Why

Features Delicious Dives

Stephanie Webster May 08, 2017

They say that all good things must come to an end... After 60+ years in the city of Norwalk, and in our family...the Renzuella/ Satterfield family have decided to close the doors of The Original Swanky Franks... the sign on the door says it all...

This was posted to Facebook by Swanky Frank s on May 6th. The shock and sadness felt by CT hot dog lovers and generations of guests who have fond memories of this classic roadside dive, was quite simply...palpable.

CTbites spoke with Swanky Frank's owner Traci Satterfield Meriwether (whose grandfather purchased Swanky's in 1959). Merriwether said that while the decision to close the business was difficult, her reasons for shutting the doors for the last time were simple. "The biggest reason my husband and I decided to close was to get to spend more time with our 3 year old daughter. The restaurants business is not the easiest place to be if you have family."

Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of May 7- 14

Features Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 05, 2017

The Hickories, an organic farm in Ridgefield, is now selling its community-supported agriculture shares (CSAs) for the 2017 growing season. Once a week, shareholders can come to pick up freshly harvested organic vegetables and fruits. To learn more, visit their website.

Bistro Basque in Milford invites you to a 6 Course Early Summer Wine Dinner on Tuesday May 9. From rose to Pinot Noir, seafood to suckling pig, there will be offerings for every palate. It costs $65 per person, inclusive.

Alforno restaurant in Old Saybrook will also have a wine dinner on May 9. Guest speaker will be Mike Wylie, state manager of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. Founded in 1385, Antinori is one of Italy’s leading wine producers. The dinner costs $68 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For reservations, contact Ben Zemmel at ben@alforno.net or call 860-399-4166.

Westport Farmers’ Market Enters Its 12th Year: Vendor List for 2017

Features Ingredients Farmers Market Westport Local Farm Local Artisan

Stephanie Webster May 03, 2017

Mark your calendars for opening day of the Westport Farmers’ Market, Thursday, May 18th, from 10 to 2 at 50 Imperial Avenue. (View the complete market vendor list below.)

Chefs from area restaurants will return this year to provide a source of inspiration to area shoppers. Each week they will create easy, healthful, delicious meals using fresh, local products found at the market. These seasonal recipes and others from top chefs throughout the area will be distributed each week at the market and available on the WFM website.

M.EAT Organic Beef & Provisions Butchery Opening In Westport w/ A Custom Burger Bar

Features Ingredients Butcher Westport

Jessica Ryan April 28, 2017

This spring downtown Westport will see the opening of M.EAT Organic Beef and Provisions, an old school meat market with new school fundamentals. Founded by Beto Esteves and Rodrigo Echeverrigaray, the business partners saw the need for a boutique organic meat shop.

I sat down with the two in their Southport offices, eager to learn more about this concept. “There is no one in the US market involved with both the importing and the retailing organic meat, explained Beto. Generally, it’s a process that involves many, the importers, distributors and suppliers. So by the time the organic product hits the shelf the prices are astronomical. We have the unique ability to source meat from Uruguay, Australia and New Zealand, directly from the producers. We decided that we wanted to be able to offer these products in the States. The partners decided to take this concept one step further and have a dedicated retail space specifically designed around these organic meats, a unique concept here in the states. The first of these locations is scheduled to open in Westport at the beginning of June.

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of April 30 - May 6

Features Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 27, 2017

To celebrate National Burger Month (May), b Restaurants has debuted the “Burger and Beer Community Combo-tition!” Each participating location has partnered with a local foodie celebrity, selected a beer from one of their favorite breweries, and designated a local charity. The celebrities will all compete to create the best burger and from April 26 to May 7, 10% of each location’s burger and beer pairing will be donated to their chosen charity.

On Monday May 1, enjoy an evening in Vienna… in Cheshire, CT! The Watch Factory presents an evening with Vienna-inspired dishes and wine pairings. It begins at 6:30pm and costs $86 per person.

Liberty Rock Tavern in Milford presents its first ever Tequila Dinner on May 2 from 7-9pm. The five course meal includes dishes like shrimp ceviche and hangar steak paired with specialty tequilas like Centenario and Tequila Ocho.

Where Do Local Chefs Eat Out? Chef Dan Kardos of Liberty Tavern

Features Interview Chef Talk

Jessica Ryan April 26, 2017

I've always wondered where the chefs from our favorite local restaurants eat when they finally get some time away from their busy schedules. What are some of their favorite places, locally and beyond? This column is on ongoing feature. Past chefs featured have included: Chris Gonzalez of Hapa Food Truck, Cody Brown of Hoodoo BBQ, Matt Storch of Match & Nom Eez, & Christian Petroni of Fortina Pizza. This week we speak with Chef Dan Kardos of Liberty Tavern.

On the rare day or night you’re off from the restaurant where do you prefer to have dinner?( If home what is your meal or food of choice)?

2017 Spring/Summer Fairfield County Farmers Markets via FGFG

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CTbites Team April 25, 2017

Farmers’ markets in Fairfield County, CT will begin opening in May and early June and we will update the listings below (from 2016) with 2017 information as it becomes available. Here are the markets updated so far via our friends at Fairfield Green Food Guide.

New Canaan opened April 22
Shelton opens May 6
Norwalk Rainbow Plaza opens May 17
Westport opens May 18
Greenwich @ Arch & Horseneck Streets opens on May 20
Fairfield’s downtown market that launched last year opens June 11

Chef Mogan Anthony of Locali Pizza & Village Social To Cook James Beard House May 6

Features

Stephanie Webster April 24, 2017

Mogan Anthony and his team from Locali Pizza Bar & Kitchen in New Canaan, Village Social Kitchen + Bar in Mount Kisco, will be cooking the James Beard House on May 6th.

When a New York Times critic declares, “[I] wish I had discovered his cooking” earlier, you know the chef is up to something special. Counting Nobu Matsuhisa and Jean-Georges Vongerichten as mentors, Mogan Anthony infuses his classical training with his South Asian heritage for an eclectic and enticing cuisine that’s all his own.

View the complete menu below and purchase your tickets here.

14 Places For Cinco de Mayo in CT: 2017 Edition

Features Holiday Events Mexican Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 22, 2017

Uno, dos, tres… the countdown is on to Cinco de Mayo! On Friday May 5, Connecticut restaurants like Bodega, Taco Loco, and Bartaco will put on fabulous fiestas featuring food specials, live music, tequila, signature cocktails, and more. There is even a cinco inspired cupcake making class and a benefit to support Dollars for Scholars.

Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant, East Hartford & Mystic: Through May 4, Margaritas Mexican Restaurant will host Cinco Days of Goodwill, where 20% goes to Goodwill Industries. Plus, visit them for $5 specials as part of the countdown to Cinco de Mayo.
Geronimo Tequila Bar & Southwest Grill, Fairfield and New Haven: Geronimo will have celebrations at both locations. In Fairfield, an outdoor pig roast starts at 11:30am and an outdoor Taco Cart hits the streets at 5pm. The New Haven location will also have a pig roast, and later a street party complete with a donkey!

Products We Love: SmashMallows Found At Balducci's

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Stephanie Webster April 21, 2017

I'll admit, I'm late to the party on these 100% organic, all natural, crazy town delicious marshmallows. I stumbled upon SmashMallows at Balducci's today, but as it turns out, they have been written up by In Style, Cooking Light and even People Magazine, They are quite simply, the "Dom Perignon of marshmallows." Balducci's is currently carrying them in Mint Chocolate Chi, Toasted Coconut Pineapple, Strawberry & Cream, and Cinnamon Churo. However, if you look online, there are three additional flavors worth an order: Root Beer Float, Meyer Lemon Chia, and Espresso Bean.

The Outdoor Beer Garden at Shippan Landing, Stamford, Opens May 18

Restaurant Features Beer Garden CT Beer Beer Outdoor Dining Kid Friendly Stamford

Hey Stamford! April 20, 2017

This in from Hey Stamford!

The Beer Garden in Shippan Landing is just weeks away from opening for the season!

Imian Partners, owners of the 15,000 square foot waterfront oasis plan to roll up their doors on Thursday May 18th and run through mid-October (weather permitting). The hours of operation are Wednesdays & Thursdays from 4:00pm – 11:00pm; Friday: 3:00pm – 12:00am and Saturday & Sundays 2:00pm – 12:00am.

Throughout the Summer you can expect a variety of special events, including: Country Fest, A Food Truck Mash-up, Burger Throwdown, Yoga Fest and more! And, of course they’ll be opening as only they know how… a weekend long celebration to include cold beer, delicious food, amazing sunsets, live music and more!! As more details become available we’ll be certain to share.

Read the complete article on Hey Stamford.

Nibble: CT Food Events for April 24-30

Features Events Wine Dinners Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 20, 2017

Bar Sugo presents a meatball class on Saturday April 29 at noon. It is $45 per person, plus tax, tip, and beverages. Call 203-956-7134 to reserve your space.

Cask Republic in Stamford presents a 5-course whiskey dinner on April 25 at 7pm. The evening will feature beloved hard to find whiskies like Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year, WhistlePig Boss Hog Third Edition, Four Roses Elliot's Select Single Barrel Limited Edition, Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20 Year, and Glenmorangie 18 Year Extremely Rare. Dishes will include Veal Heart Tartar, Maple Bourbon Pork Belly, and more. Seating is limited. Reservations required and can be made by calling 203-348-2275.

Grab The Tasty Yolk’s April special while you still can! "The Mad Batter" consists of a Maple bacon cheddar waffle covered with 2 eggs. Check their current locations on their facebook page.

Tiki Tai Brulée Cocktail Recipe via Marcia Selden

Features Cocktails Recipe Entertaining Catering

Marcia Selden Catering April 19, 2017

Marcia Selden has created a great variation on the classic ‘mai tai’ cocktail. It’s perfect for spring and the bruléed top gives it a unique flavor profile. If you are sadly lacking a sterno brulée gun, and can't borrow one from your neighbor, feel free to drink this one straight up without the flourish.

The 10 Best Farmers Markets in Connecticut

Features Ingredients Farmers Market far farm fresh CT Farms Local Farm Local Artisan

CTbites Team April 18, 2017

We felt this list of farmers' markets was pretty spot on. Check out Best of Connecticut's list of the 10 Best Farmers' Markets in CT.

Connecticut has organized its best local offerings into “trails” that visitors can easily follow to enjoy the best of the best. One such trail is the Farmers Markets of Connecticut trail, which highlights local markets across the state. At each market, you’ll find freshly picked local produce, delicious baked goods, coffee roasted in Connecticut, and other products to allow you to prepare the freshest most delicious locally-sourced meal for you and your family.

Food Network’s ‘Chopped’ Is Calling Out Connecticut Chefs, Butchers, Bakers and Adult Beverage Makers

Features

Stephanie Webster April 15, 2017

If you’re a Connecticut chef, butcher, teacher, baker, student, mixologist, grill master, grandparent, etc., the TV Show Chopped on the Food Network is looking for you. Their casting website says they’re:

Seeking dynamic, outgoing, experienced chefs, Men and Women, any ethnicity and cooking specialty are encouraged to apply.

Even if you’re not a pro, head to the Specials page on the site, and find out about the shows they’re cookin’ up with everyday people, featuring contestants from all walks of life.

Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of April 17- 23

Features News Events Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 14, 2017

Mohegan Sun’s Sun WhiskeyFest takes place on Friday April 21 at 8pm. General admission tickets are $85 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

April is National Grilled Cheese Month and Fairfield Greenwich Cheese Company will hold a “Grilled Cheese: Beyond Kraft Singles” class this week. It will take place at the Fairfield location on Tuesday April 18 and the Greenwich location on Thursday April 20.

Millwrights hosts a Stone Brewing and Maine Beer Company collaboration dinner on Tuesday April 18 at 7pm. The evening will feature Main Lunch, Main Peeper, Stone Tangerine Express, and Stone Xocoveza Charred with paired dishes. It costs $65 per person.

Where Do Local Chefs Eat Out: Christian Petroni of Fortina Pizza

Features Chef Talk Chef

Jessica Ryan April 11, 2017

I've always wondered where the chefs from our favorite local restaurants eat when they finally get some time away from their busy schedules. Do they prefer to go home and relax? Or do they like to go out? If the latter, what are some of their favorite places, locally and beyond? This column will be on ongoing feature. Past chefs featured have been: Chris Gonzalez of Hapa Food Truck, Cody Brown of Hoodoo BBQ & Matt Storch of Match & Nom Eez. This week, we speak with Christian Petroni of Fortina Pizza.