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Pan-Roasted Cauliflorets With Pine Nuts & Raisins Recipe via Match Restaurant

Features Recipe Recipe Thanksgiving

Stephanie Webster November 22, 2017

Looking for a simple but delicious last minute Thanksgiving side dish? After eating this off the menu at Match Restaurant, we asked Chef Storch to share his recipe with CTbites. We are working on this in our kitchen right now. I hope you try it in yours. Enjoy Match Restaurant's Pan-Roasted Cauliflorets With Pine Nuts and Raisins.

Bow Tie Cinemas Now Features Food, Drinks & A Stylish Renovation

Features Norwalk Food Movies Westport Trumbull Homepage

Andrew Dominick November 17, 2017

If you’ve walked into either one of the Bow Tie Cinemas in Norwalk lately, you and I likely had the same reaction. I froze for multiple seconds. I’m certain my “wow” face was visible, mouth hitting the ground cartoon-style and all. I marveled at the renovations at the SoNo Ultimate Regent 8, the movie theater I grew up going to since it opened, and now it’s unrecognizable in the best way possible.

Gone are the packed-in, partially broken seats, that have been replaced by padded, comfier electric recliners so you can put your feet up, kick back, and zone-out during a film. As a frequent moviegoer, that’s awesome, but this is a food site. I’m here to dish about the revamped concession stand that you’ll not only see in the South Norwalk Bow Tie, but also at the Ultimate Royal 6 on Westport Avenue, and soon at the Trumbull Marquis 6 with construction slated for early November.

The upgraded concession area includes a full bar, with menus put in place by local restauranteur Greer Fredericks (Mama’s Boy, Peaches), who consulted on the project with assistance from Thomas Siano, who runs the bar program at her current restaurant.

Brown Dog Fancy Organic Ketchups and Mustards: Killer Condiments! (sponsored post)

Features Ingredients Ingredients Specialty Market Local Artisan Homepage

CTbites Team November 16, 2017

When Connecticut food adventurer Kyle Rothschild can’t find an ingredient he likes, he makes his own. That led him to his latest venture: Brown Dog Fancy, a line of organic ketchups and mustards that shake up traditional notions of what makes a great-tasting condiment and marinade.

Timing is everything in a kitchen, and Brown Dog Fancy’s arrival to the local food scene couldn’t be better. Cooks, and the people who eat their food, have demanded organic, high-quality, and ethically sourced poultry, meat, and fish for years. Yet, far less attention has been paid to the condiments that accompany them.

“We spend so much time buying responsible and sustainable main ingredients, but then we marinate or top them with condiments that are full of fillers and words I cannot begin to try and pronounce. I want to know what’s in my food, and I think other people do, too,” says Kyle, who began making condiments for weekly beach barbeques that he and his wife, Sarah, hosted for friends near their Stamford, CT, starter home.

Sweet Maple Mustard Roast Pork Tenderloin Recipe via Local Food Rocks

Features Recipe Recipe Holiday Bloggers Thanksgiving

CTbites Team November 15, 2017

This tangy yet sweet maple mustard roast pork tenderloin recipe brings together seasonal flavors in an easy-to-make-meal, perfect for a Sunday family dinner (or holiday entrée).

This Sunday pork roast idea came about thanks to Avon Prime Meats in Avon, CT. This local market packs a lot into it's 4,500 square feet. Front and center is their meat counter. They sell only Prime (highest grade of beef) or Premium Choice meats.

Many of the meats they carry are traceable to the farm of origin. They also work with local farms offering local, grass fed and all natural meats as well. Sepe Farms, Blue Slope Farms, and Cream Hill Farm are among their local farm partners.

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of November 19-26

Features EVENT

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 15, 2017

Every Friday and Saturday from 10am-2pm, the new GrayBarns on the Silvermine River hosts a pop up market featuring the incredible local baker, Flour Water Salt Bread.

Then on Sunday November 26, Washington Prime will have a Homecoming Family Brunch Buffet. Join them for one of 3 different seating times: 11AM, 12:30PM, and 2PM. The price per person is $34.95 per person and includes a complimentary bloody mary, mimosa, or bellini. Children are $19.95 and tots under 4 are free.

Diners can help feed the hungry while eating at their favorite local restaurants. CTbites is pleased to have joined forces with Food Rescue US to launch Hunger Bites, a program allowing restaurants and diners to join together in the fight against hunger. If you see the Hunger Bites logo at your local restaurant, please consider donating $1 on your guest check, $1 = 20 fresh, nutritious meals to people in need in your community. Participating restaurants include: The Cottage in Westport,Whelk Jesup Kawa Ni, Match Restaurant, Cask Republic South Norwalk,Mill Street Bar & Table, Taproot Restaurant, The Stand Juice Company,Match Burger Lobster, Nom-eez Winfield Street Coffee & Deli Tarry Lodge The Spread & The Ginger Man Greenwich

Prime: An American Kitchen and Bar in Stamford’s Harbor Point now offers a “Power Lunch.” When you order the two-course $24 price fixed lunch, they guarantee you’ll be in and out in 35 minutes from when your order is taken. Prime is open for lunch from 12:00pm - 3:00pm, Monday through Saturday.

Hunger Bites: Diners Eat Out To End Hunger

Features Fundraiser

Stephanie Webster November 14, 2017

Starting November 15th, diners can help feed the hungry while eating at their favorite local restaurants. CTbites is pleased to have joined forces with Food Rescue US to launch Hunger Bites, a program allowing restaurants and diners to join together in the fight against hunger. If you see the Hunger Bites logo at your local restaurant, please consider donating $1 on your guest check, By giving just $1 today on your bill you'll provide 20 fresh, nutritious meals to people in need in your community.

Participating restaurants include: Bartaco, Barcelona, The Cottage in Westport,Whelk Jesup Kawa Ni, Match Restaurant, Cask Republic South Norwalk,Mill Street Bar & Table, Taproot Restaurant, The Stand Juice Company,Match Burger Lobster, Nom-eez Winfield Street Coffee & Deli Tarry Lodge The Spread & The Ginger Man Greenwich

Nibble: CT Food Events For November 13 - 21

Features Events

Stephanie Webster November 10, 2017

CA based "make-your-own" pizza venue, Pieology Pizzeria, opens November 17th in Stamford with a FREE PIZZA party. Think pizza, music, games, and fun - on the House.

Every Thursday, Kawa Ni presents a reverse “Happy Endings” happy hour from 9:30-10:30pm. There will be food and drink specials, as well as sake bombs.

Hartford's Taste of the Nation® for No Kid Hungry will bring together award-winning chefs and mixologists from the region on Monday November 13. The evening will include cocktail and dessert receptions and a multi-course seated dinner prepared by New England’s best chefs. Space is limited; advance ticket purchases are required.

On Tuesday November 14, the Fairfield location of the Fairfield Greenwich Cheese Company presents “Gruyère Past and Present: A Deep Dive with Glenn Hills of Columbia Cheese.” Join them for a discussion on the history, craft and commerce of Gruyere, and of course sample it with a nicely paired wine from the region! It is $50 per person and lasts from 7-9pm.

Hog River Brewing Co., based in Hartford, will start hosting local chefs in their tap room. They will begin the winter season on November 14 with Brasato Italian Street Eats. They will serve a 5-course Italian menu paired with five of our beers, including some first time releases. Tickets are $55 per person, plus tax and an 18% gratuity.

"The Impossible Burger" Now Available at all CT Bareburger Locations

Restaurant Features Stamford Ridgefield Lunch Vegan Vegetarian Special Dietary Needs Homepage Burgers

Andrew Dominick November 09, 2017

Elk, beef, duck, bison, lamb and turkey are just some of the proteins used in burgers at Bareburger. The microchain makes sure their burgers are more than just meat-based, and keep vegetarians and vegans in mind with offerings that already include the Farmstead, made from sweet potatoes and wild rice, and the Guadalupe, a black bean and roasted corn burger. Recently, Bareburger has slowly started to roll out another all-natural vegan burger that supposedly tastes close to, or like beef.

Created by Impossible Foods and CEO/founder/scientist Pat Brown, and appropriately named The Impossible Burger, this meatless option is solely made from plants. It’s made up of wheat and potato proteins for a familiar beef burger-like texture, vitamins, amino acids, sugars, and uses konjac (from Japanese yams) and xanthan (made by fermentation) as binders for the patty. It also uses a molecule called heme, which carries oxygen in our blood. Heme is in every living thing, plants included, and makes our blood red. Since red meat contains large amounts of heme, The Impossible Burger uses heme made from fermentation, and gives it a meatier taste than most vegan or veggie burgers on the market. It uses two fats, coconut oil and soybeans to give it that much needed sizzle effect when it hits the grill.

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week Of November 5-12th

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 03, 2017

Tavern on Main's "RAUS in the HAUS" with Donny Raus will take place Friday November 10 from 6:30 pm until closing. Donny will make coffee cocktails using his signature Cold Roman blend while the kitchen will whip up several dishes using RAUS coffee.

Brasitas in Norwalk will have a Tequila Tasting Dinner on Wednesday, November 8 at 7pm. Four courses will be paired with tequila-based cocktails. The event costs $65, plus tax and tip.

On Thursday November 9, Kawa Ni will host a Japanese Whisky Dinner. The evening will include 6 courses paired with 6 complementary whiskies. It begins at 6:30pm and costs $125 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

The Westport Farmers’ Market and Fleishers Craft Butchery have joined to sponsor the film, Unbroken Ground: Revolutions Start from the Bottom, at the Fairfield Theater Company on Monday November 6.

Donut Crazy Launches the “Cruffin” Croissant-Muffin Hybrid

Ingredients Features Bakery Dessert Kid Friendly Breakfast Doughnuts New Haven Shelton Westport Bridgeport Homepage

Stephanie Webster November 02, 2017

Donut Crazy, a local, family-owned eatery specializing in unique donut flavors (lovingly called Dailies & Crazies), announced a tasty new menu item called the “Cruffin.” The croissant-muffin crossover is the company’s way of celebrating the first sugar-filled year of its New Haven location near Yale University. The “Cruffin” will be available at all Donut Crazy locations for $4.25, starting on Friday November 3, weekends only and while supplies last.

The “Cruffin” has quickly become the food world’s newest bakery obsession, much like the “Cronut” before it. The buttery, flaky pastry is shaped like a muffin and filled with different flavors. Donut Crazy plans to offer coconut, dulce de leche, chocolate mousse, and pumpkin. More exciting flavors to come!

Stew Leonard’s Delivered To Your Door with Instacart

Features Ingredients Home Delivery Delivery Service

Stephanie Webster November 01, 2017

Family owned and operated Stew Leonard’s today announced Stew’s Fresh Delivery Powered by Instacart, the technology-driven, nationwide on-demand grocery delivery service. Starting Wednesday, November 1, 2017, same-day grocery delivery service will be available to 365,000 households within a 20-30 minute drive of Stew Leonard’s farm fresh food stores in Norwalk, Danbury, and Newington, Conn. as well as in Yonkers, Farmingdale, and East Meadow, N.Y.

Customers who sign up for Stew’s Fresh Delivery by February 1, 2018 using code stewsexpress will have free delivery on orders over $35 for up to a year.

Beekman Boys Dinner at Terrain: All Hail the Beet Tops!

Features Events Cookbooks

April Guilbault November 01, 2017

If there is one word that factors prominently in the Beekman Boys’ lexicon, it is community-knowing and growing with one’s neighbors. To gather around tables together. To support each other’s endeavors or to get to know each other more. Hell, it’s to experience this thing called life. Together.

Although one recent October evening was warmer than usual, the balmy temps only added to the convivial gathering at Terrain in Westport. It was a celebratory gathering to mark the new cookbook by Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, founders of Beekman 1802 lifestyle company. This book, their sixth, sends out the call to “Have a seat!” and enjoy an assortment of dishes that they have created along with their Sicilian neighbor, Rose Marie Trapani. A sampling of these dishes was highlighted this evening.

Southern Connecticut Wine Company Invites You To Make Your Own Wine

Features Ingredients Education Cooking Classes WIne Wine Tasting Vineyard Wallingford

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 31, 2017

In 2016, Forbes Magazine claimed to have discovered the “secret to happiness.” “Spend money on experiences, not things,” they told their readers. CNN took it one step further. “That's in part because the initial joy of acquiring a new object, such as a new car, fades over time as people become accustomed to seeing it every day…,” they reported. “Experiences, on the other hand, continue to provide happiness through memories long after the event occurred.”

Those looking to invest in a meaningful experience can find a solution tucked away in Wallingford, just off the highway, but hidden from view. Southern Connecticut Wine Company, located in an unassuming garage-like building behind the railroad tracks, affords people the unique opportunity to create their own wine over the course of a season. I had the chance to be an honorary co-op member for the day and witness a little bit of what they have to offer.

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of October 29-November 5

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 26, 2017

Tickets are now on sale for a “Hip-Pop Up Dinner” at The Stand in Fairfield. Chef Jeff Taibe will present vegan dishes on November 15 from 7-9pm. Don’t forget to BYOB!

On Monday October 30, Mecha’s South Norwalk locations will host its first ever Sake Dinner! Chef Brian Reilly has created a meal to complement premium, hard-to-find, sakes. Monica Samuels, the sake arbiter of Vine Connections, will be on hand to educate guests. Reservations are required and seating is limited. There are two seatings: 5:30pm and 8:30pm. To make your reservation, call Mecha Noodle Bar at 203-295-8718

Bobby Q’s Cue & Co now serves Happy Hour from 4-7pm Monday-Friday. Join them in the bar for $2 off wine, beer,bourbon, and cocktails; $1 off apps and flatbreads; 50 cent wings (minimum of 6); $3 pulled pork sliders; and $10 pork belly cracklings.

Shake Shack Launches Chili-Themed Menu For Limited Time Only!

Features Comfort Food Kid Friendly Hot Dogs Burgers

Stephanie Webster October 25, 2017

Shake Shack CT and Shake Shacks around the nation have some exciting news: At the end of this month, chili is coming to Shake Shack. They will debut a chili-themed menu available via the Shack App exclusive starting Monday, October 30th and available for in-Shack ordering on Thursday, November 2nd.

They will be serving up the Chili Cheeseburger, Chili Cheese Dog and Chili Cheese Fries for a limited time. INSIDER TIP: Though you won’t see it listed on the menu, ask your Shack for a side of chili to score a cup. The chili menu includes:

Chili Cheeseburger: Cheeseburger topped with smoked and slow braised beef chili with ancho and chile de arbol peppers

Chili Cheese Dog: Vienna beef hot dog topped with smoked and slow braised beef chili with ancho and chile de arbol peppers

Chili Cheese Fries: Crinkle cut fries topped with smoked and slow braised beef chili with ancho and chile de arbol peppers

Stew Leonard’s Announces Limited Edition Apple Pie A La Mode Milk

Features Ingredients Dessert Kids Kid Friendly

Stephanie Webster October 24, 2017

Stew Leonard’s Apple Pie Milk a la Mode celebrates the season with the flavors of crisp fall apples and Stew Leonard’s dairy-fresh vanilla ice cream. It comes straight from their award-winning dairy farms in upstate NY and is free from artificial growth hormones (rBST) and antibiotics. This milk goes from the farm to each of their stores in as little as 24 hours. Stew Leonard's Apple Pie Milk a la Mode will be available starting on October 30 for a limited time. It is sold in a ½ gallon glass container for $5.99.

Chef Prasad Chirnomula Announces Thali Too & Oaxaca Kitchen To Close

Features Indian

Stephanie Webster October 20, 2017

Celebrated Chef Prasad Chirnomula has announced that he is closing Thali Too and Oaxaca Kitchen at the end of this month. After serving the New Haven population for nearly 10 and 7 years respectively, and having received many accolades and other distinctions, THALI TOO and OAXACA KITCHEN will permanently close their doors later this month. Prasad stated that expansion efforts with restaurants in other markets in Connecticut and the costs associated with that have resulted in financial strains that forced the closing of the majority of his restaurants. Chef Prasad is optimistic that he will reinvent his brand with new and fresh concepts that will again meet the ever-changing culinary needs of these communities.

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of October 21-28

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 19, 2017

From October 21-28, Connecticut restaurants and chefs are teaming up to help Puerto Rico. Participating restaurants like Avert Brasserie, Butchers & Bakers, Max Oyster Bar, The Cottage, and more will create and serve small plates inspired by Puerto Rico, with 100% of the proceeds generated by these dishes being donated to Unidos Por Puerto Rico.

South Avenue Butchers has teamed up with Baldanza Cafe to co-host a delicious five course dinner highlighting organic, grass-fed meats sourced from local farms. The exclusive dinner includes wines paired by Keely Abbott from The Wine Trust. Join them at Baldanza Cafe on Wednesday, October, 25th at 7:15pm.

Walrus + Carpenter hosts a Country Western Music + Moonshine Revue on Thursday October 26 from 7:30-11:30pm. They’ll whip up chicken-fried steaks and moonshine as guests enjoy the live music.

On Thursday October 26, Washington Prime in South Norwalk continues its five course wine pairing dinners with Jadot / Resonance Vineyards. It costs $85 per person.

The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County invites you to the 12th Annual Chefs' Dinner to Fight Hunger on Thursday, October 26.

23+ Foodie Places to Celebrate Halloween in CT: 2017 Edition

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 18, 2017

We have some frighteningly great food news to share… many Connecticut restaurants, bars, farms, and markets are serving up boo-tiful Halloween specials! Hotspots like Cask Republic, Hub + Spoke, and The Spread will have nighttime parties for the 21+ crowd, while Wakeman Town Farm, Stew Leonards, and Hardcore Sweet Cupcakes have Halloween baking classes for youngsters. It’s time to get out your costumes- Halloween 2017 is here!

The Fez, Stamford: On Friday October 27 starting at 10pm, The Fez in Stamford will throw a Halloween Bash with live music by Free Flow. There will also be best costume prizes, drink specials, and more.
Hummock Island Oyster Company, Westport: An extra spooky edition of the Hummock Island Oyster Tour will take place on Friday October 27 from 5-7pm. Wear your best costume... there will be a contest!
The Black Rock Zombie Pub Crawl , Bridgeport: The Black Rock Zombie Pub Crawl will begin at Hub & Spoke on Friday October 27 at 7pm. From there, go on to participating bars and restaurants like Aspetuck Brew Lab, Mr. Crab Seafood and Bar, TruNorth, Brennan's, and Fire Engine Pizza. A wristband is $25 per person and 100% of proceeds go toward Puerto Rico hurricane relief.
L’escale, Greenwich invites you to a Halloween Soiree on Saturday October 28 starting at 9pm. The best costume wins a magnum of wine!

Millwright's Tyler Anderson To Join 'Top Chef' Cast via CTNow

Features Celebrity Chef

CTbites Team October 18, 2017

Props to our CT Chef Tyler Anderson! This just in from Leeanne Griffin of CTNow.com

Tyler Anderson, the chef-owner of Millwright’s in Simsbury and co-owner of The Cook and the Bear in West Hartford, is about to add “Cheftestant” to his extensive resume.

Anderson has been announced as one of 15 competitors on the newest season of "Top Chef," debuting Dec. 7 on Bravo. He is the first Connecticut chef to join the series, which is now in its 15th season.

The new season is described as an "epic culinary adventure through the state of Colorado." "From deconstructing the Denver Omelet and preparing Rocky Mountain Oysters to tailgating with the Broncos, the level of competition for these 15 talented chefs is going to be a mile high. With the judges looking for the chefs' peak performances, the challenges will test the competitors' culinary abilities in picturesque locales."