Nibble: CT Food Events For April 8-15 Features News Events Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 05, 2018 Fortina now has a new happy hour every day! Plus, during the month of April, say the magic word- “boom”- to your server, and get 50% off a pizza of your choice. Limit one per table.Beloved Heibeck’s Stand will officially open in Wilton on Tuesday April 10.Stony Creek Brewery in Branford will host the first ever showing of the No Man's Land Film Festival on Tuesday April 10. The No Man's Land Film Festival is an all-female adventure film festival based out of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Doors open at 6pm and a $10 admission donation goes to the CCAP o advance cycling for girls in Connecticut. Visit the Tasty Yolk during the month of April for the “Wilburrito 2.0” special. The breakfast offering consists of Cochinita Pernil (pulled pork), cheddar cheese, 2 eggs, and guacamole.On Tuesday April 10, Fairfield Cheese Company will hold “Cheese 101,” their popular class covering cheese basics. Learn about cheese-making, storage, and serving and taste an assortment of cheeses alongside complementary wines. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased online. Read More
CTbites Joins Cinco de Mayo Block Party, Taco & Margarita Competition w/ Ken Tuccio Features Events Stephanie Webster April 04, 2018 Ken Tuccio is teaming up with Don Carmelo’s Mexican Grill in Norwalk CT for CINCO, an all day block party event, going down on Saturday May 5th at Don Carmelo’s. This event kicks off at 12pm and goes all day and it is absolutely loaded with events and activities.This block party is also going to feature two separate culinary competitions featuring some of Fairfield County’s best restaurants.At 2pm there will be a Best Taco Contest, during which four restaurants will battle to see who can create the best taco. The competing restaurants are Don Carmelo’s, El Segundo, Saltwater Restaurant and Chef Carol Koty, who has appeared on several Food Network programs. A panel of some of Connecticut’s best known food experts will be doing the judging (including CTbites)!At 5pm it’s margarita time, when Don Carmelo’s, The Blind Rhino, Washington Prime and The Spread battle it out in a Best Margarita Contest! The judging panel consists of Teresa DuFour from WTNH’s CT Style, Esther Katro from Fox 61, Lora and Bev from Unlocking Connecticut and James Gribbon from CTBites! Read More
Tix On Sale May 1st for Chef Tim LaBant's 2018's Farm to Fork Dinners at Millstone Farm Features Farm to Table Farm Dinner CT Farms Stephanie Webster April 03, 2018 Chef Tim LaBant and The Schoolhouse At Cannondale have released the schedule for the 2018 season’s Farm to Fork dinners. Tickets go on sale May 1st...and they go fast! Check out the schedule below.Four locally sourced courses served family style under the stars (weather permitting). Beginning at 6 pm, Cocktail hour (drinks included), Farm Tour and Dinner (BYOB) by Wilton's own, Chef Tim LaBant of The Schoolhouse at Cannondale. Location: Millstone Farm, Wilton, CT.Dinner is BYOB starting at around 7 pm and is four courses, family style. Read More
Ivy’s Gourmet Offers Completely Unique Granola You'll Want To Eat All Day Features Ingredients Ingredients Local Artisan Breakfast Sarah Green April 03, 2018 Move over, all you factory-produced, sugar blasted, oat-heavy granolas - there’s a new-chew in town. It’s just about that time of year when your pantry could use a purge so make some room for Sarah Tamm’s small-batch delights; time to stock up on IVY’S GOURMET granola. With a predominance of fruits, seeds and nuts as the base for all her granola blends, Tamm uses dynamic spice combinations to brighten the palette and creates interesting flavor profiles - both sweet and savory. Sure, you can purchase Chocolate Almond or Cinnamon Raisin if the “norm” is what rolls your oats. But why not be daring and try something out of the ordinary? Curry Cashew, by chance? Strawberry Rosewater? Sarah Tamm has created bold and satisfying artisanal granola, sold in several sizes from snack to bulk. Read More
Oreo Vodka To Be Released This Spring in CT Test Market Features News Stephanie Webster April 01, 2018 This just in from the folks that make the most deliciously addictive cookie in the supermarket snack aisle. The innovation team at Oreo has made some pretty incredible brand extensions in the past few years, including; Oreo O's breakfast cereal, Oreo ice cream, Oreo Jell-O, Oreo pudding crust, cake mix, frosting, brownies, granola bars, and candy...not to mention the wildly popular limited edition Oreo flavors that scroll by on your Instagram feed every few months. Yesterday, Oreo announced a very exciting brand extension/partnership with Smirnoff Vodka. Wait for it people...OREO VODKA!! No longer will beverage and cookie lovers have to get their buzz on separately. What does it taste like? We don't know yet, as we haven't managed to get our hands on a bottle. However, CT is one of 14 test markets across the country, so keep your eyes open at your local liquor story. If you find it, let us know. Happy drinking!Photo courtesy of @WrecklessEating Read More
It's A Woman's World: Greer Fredericks, Restaurateur & Owner, Peaches Features Interview Interview Chef Talk Best of CT Homepage CTbites Team March 29, 2018 Fairfield County is full of trailblazing women, particularly in the culinary world. Which is why, with 2018 being proclaimed the Year of the Woman, we felt compelled to honor the pioneers among us. Our new series, “It’s A Woman’s World’ is devoted to Fairfield County female influencers who’ve forged their own paths, often in food-related fields long dominated by men.Whether farming the land, bringing healthy food to the masses, feeding an entrepreneurial spirit or injecting feminism with food, these groundbreaking ladies have set a new definition of women’s work, creating new paths and setting examples for those who follow. How'd they do it? Read on. This week, we feature Greer Fredericks, Owner of Peaches in Norwalk. Stay tuned to see who’s next. And feel free to send suggestions for your candidates to steph@ctbites.com. Read More
Giveaway! WIN FREE TIX to East Coast Brew Festival June 16th Features Events Giveaway Stephanie Webster March 28, 2018 GoodWorks Entertainment presents their second annual craft beer festival. From the same people that brought you Flavour Beer Festival, get ready for EAST COAST BREW FESTIVAL. ECBF will take place on Saturday, June 16, 2018 from 2 PM until 5 PM at The Warehouse at Fairfield Theatre Company (70 Sanford Street in Fairfield, Connecticut).CTbites is GIVING AWAY 2 FREE TICKETS to East Coast Brew Festival. To win, tell us WHY YOU NEED TO GO in the comments section below, and make sure you are a CTbites Newsletter Subscriber! Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events For March 31-April 6 Features News Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 28, 2018 April is National Grilled Cheese month, and Fairfield Cheese Company is celebrating with a class called “Beyond Kraft Singles: Grilled Cheese.” Join them on Tuesday April 3 from 7-9pm. It costs $50 per person. Jesup Hall is launching their new Happy Hour Tuesday April 3rd. Dimitrios Zahariadis from Litchfield Distillery and Highland Brass Company will be joining Craig Ventrice behind the bar serving specialty cocktails, snacks, burgers and more! The Happy Hour will run Tuesday-Friday from 5-6pm.Food and drink meets art at Brother Jimmy’s on Tuesday April 3. The New Haven location is extending their happy hour specials and hosting a Paint Night from 7:30-9:30pm. $25 and tax includes the canvas, easel, paint, brushes, and apron. Brewport is honoring First Responders on Tuesday April 3 from 3:30-5:30pm. Show your badge and get some pizza on the house.On Friday April 6, Chef Joel Viehland is teaming up with Pam Yung, Louise Bannon, and Cortney Burns for a “Friends of Swyft” collaboration dinner. Swyft is located at 3 Maple Street in Kent and reservations can be made online through Resy. Read More
Mrs. Leonard’s Naked Ham with Maple Pecan Bacon Glaze Recipe Features Recipe Recipe Holiday Stephanie Webster March 27, 2018 Stew Leonard’s Naked ham is sourced from local farms in Pennsylvania and is antibiotic and hormone free. Mrs. Leonard loves to serve her Easter ham with a sweet glaze that includes maple syrup and brown sugar, making this dish a delightful combination of sweet and salty. She has shared her recipe below, but don't feel like you need to save this dish for Easter. Ham is great any day! Read More
Food Rescue US Hosts Food for All Fundraiser April 25 with 20+ Chefs Features Events CTbites Team March 23, 2018 Food Rescue US, the technology-fueled, direct-transfer food rescue organization dedicated to ending food insecurity in America, is thrilled to present their signature fundraising event, Food for All. Food for All has become one of Fairfield County's most popular strolling, eating events and this year features the hottest restaurants and artisans on the local dining scene. Exclusive Cocktail Hour (5:30pm-6:30pm) tickets are $250 and include access to private pre-event cocktails and food presented by Chef Bill Taibe of Kawa Ni, Jessup Hall and Whelk. Tickets to the cocktail hour also cover general admission for the rest of the evening. General Admission tickets are $125. Tickets can be purchased here.Featured Restaurants: Kawa Ni, The Spread, Knot Norms Catering, Village Social, Match Burger Lobster, Taproot, Abigail Kirsch. Amis Trattoria, Harlan Haus, Bar Zepoli, Bobby Q’s, Beach House, Flinders Lane, My Myx Kitchen, Roger Sherman Inn, Saltwater Sono. Read More
Friday Froth: Taking New England Out Of Hazy IPAs Features Beer CT Beer Ingredients James Gribbon March 23, 2018 Lately I've been doing some studying up on hops, which is - naturally - why I'm going to start this week's column off by being mad at yeast. I am comprehensively sick and tired of unfiltered IPAs; exhausted and at my wit's end trying to find an existing beer I can rely on to not look like milky pond water upon its exit from the can. Unsightly floating clumps, and my beer burning my throat, aren't even the biggest irritations. The worst is the style has had, until just now, "New England" in its name. Thankfully this week the Brewers Association has officially renamed it "Hazy or Juicy IPA." The BA's Beer Style Guidelines are effectively the AP style book of beer writing, and they've relegated the defacto descriptor of juice-bombs to the backseat. Hooray for the BA, and death to trub, amen. Read More
It's A Woman's World: Bloodroot's Noel Furie & Selma Miriam Features Interview Chef Talk Chef Interview CTbites Team March 22, 2018 Fairfield County is full of trailblazing women, particularly in the culinary world. Which is why, with 2018 being proclaimed the Year of the Woman, we felt compelled to honor the pioneers among us. Our new series, “It’s A Woman’s World’ is devoted to Fairfield County female influencers who’ve forged their own paths, often in food-related fields long dominated by men.Whether farming the land, bringing healthy food to the masses, feeding an entrepreneurial spirit or injecting feminism with food, these groundbreaking ladies have set a new definition of women’s work, creating new paths and setting examples for those who follow. How'd they do it? Read on. This week, our focus turns to Noel Furie and Selma Miriam, Owners of Bloodroot feminist restaurant. Have a suggestion on someone you’d like to see featured? Email steph@ctbites.com. Read More
Norwalk Now: Norwalk Businesses Unite To Bring You The Best of Norwalk (sponsored post) Features Norwalk CTbites Team March 22, 2018 Introducing Norwalk Now: Norwalk Now is a collaborative marketing group comprised of Norwalk businesses who have come together to bring you their city – in real time. Founder, Linda Kavanagh shares the vision behind this exciting new marketing collective. Every time I crack an egg open I can’t resist the temptation of putting forth my only-funny-to-myself impersonation of Julia Child a la “The French Chef -Elegance with Eggs” episode. She makes a mundane omelet worthy of an elegant dinner with an “added green salad, crusty bread, and white wine.” From the black and white TV cooking show days of this culinary grande dame to our current day food culture.A visit to the coastal community of Norwalk and the restaurants of Norwalk Now proved to be a great place to illustrate the abundance of egg-centric preparations, a-typical and otherwise, finding their way onto our plates. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of March 24 - April 1 Features Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 21, 2018 On Monday, March 26, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana will kick off its "Good Neighbor Day" program. Each restaurant will donate 10% of all lunch and dinner sales made on March 26 to a deserving community partner. Fairfield Cheese Company presents “Goat-a-Palooza” on Thursday March 29 from 7-9pm. $50 includes a tasting of different kinds of goat cheeses as well as wine pairings. Watertown Gridiron's 1st Annual Wing Competition will go down on Monday March 26! 7 local restaurants will compete to see who makes the best wings. Come by between 5pm and 9pm, taste some wings, and vote for your favorite. Tickets are $13 per person and children 5 and under are free. On Tuesday March 27, Marina Marchese of Red Bee Honey will be at the Trumbull Library to discuss her seventeen year long journey into beekeeping and honey. Guests will have the opportunity to taste Red Bee honey, purchase her books, and hear from her. The event is free, but register online to guarantee seating. Flavors of Connecticut is an annual culinary gala that spotlights 35 of our states hottest chefs and restaurants. This year, it will take place on Tuesday March 27 at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington. Edward Allen of Foxwoods Resort Casino will be the honorary chef alongside a line-up of local talent. Read More
Stew Leonard’s Chocolate Bunny Milk is BACK March 20th Ingredients Features Specialty Market Holiday Ingredients CTbites Team March 16, 2018 Yup...It's back for Easter. A half-gallon glass jug of Stew’s Chocolate Bunny Milk will be available for $5.99 starting on March 20, 2018 at all six Stew Leonard’s locations. Stew Leonard’s signature farm fresh milk is mixed with creamy milk chocolate to create a sweet, irresistible chocolate milk that tastes just like a classic chocolate Easter bunny. Stew Leonard’s milk is delivered fresh to our stores from award-winning dairy farms in upstate NY and is free from artificial growth hormones (rBST) and antibiotics. The milk will only be available for a limited time. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of March 18-25 Features News Events Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 15, 2018 Woodbury Restaurant Week is here! It takes place from March 19-25 and includes Al’s Best Pizza, Carlito’s of Woodbury, Carole Peck’s Good News Café, The Charcoal Chef, Constantine’s, The Curtis House Inn, John’s Café, Market Place of Woodbury, The Olive Tree, Papa’s Main Street Deli, San Remo, The Split Rail, The Woodbury Brewing Company, and The Woodbury Diner. .Stew Leonard’s Norwalk store is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt Eggs-Travaganza starting at 4 pm on Monday, March 19. Children under 9 will be given a map of Stew Leonard’s and a bag to collect eggs from costumed characters throughout the store, including Wow the Cow, Cynthia Chick, and Daphne Duck among others. South Avenue Butcher in New Canaan continues their Butchery Classes on Tuesday March 20. Mike The Butcher will teach you everything you need to know about the animal, as well a knife skills, techniques, and recipes. Read More
It's A Woman's World: Red Bee Honey's Carla Marina Marchese Features Interview Chef Talk Interview CTbites Team March 14, 2018 Fairfield County is full of trailblazing women, particularly in the culinary world. Which is why, with 2018 being proclaimed the Year of the Woman, we felt compelled to honor the pioneers among us. Our new series, “It’s A Women’s World’ is devoted to Fairfield County female influencers who’ve forged their own paths, often in food-related fields long dominated by men.Whether farming the land, bringing healthy food to the masses, feeding an entrepreneurial spirit or injecting feminism with food, these groundbreaking ladies have set a new definition of women’s work, creating new paths and setting examples for those who follow. How'd they do it? Read on. So far, we've highlighted Silvia Baldini, the first female chef in Fairfield County to win “Chopped,” This week, our focus turns to Carla Marina Marchese, founder of Red Bee Honey in Weston. Have a suggestion on someone you’d like to see featured? Email steph@ctbites.com. Read More
Visit Clarke Now and You May Win a Day with Chef Lidia Bastianich Features Kitchen Gear CTbites Team March 13, 2018 Clarke, New England's Official Sub-Zero & Wolf Showroom and Test Kitchen, is pleased to announce a unique offer for homeowners who make their first visit to a Clarke showroom between now and May 1, 2018. This offer is designed to inspire homeowners who are considering Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances to take the next step in their exploration. When you enjoy your first visit to a Clarke showroom in Boston Seaport, Milford, Mass. or South Norwalk, Conn., during March or April, you will be entered into a drawing to spend a day on the television set of Chef Lidia Bastianch on May 17th. Read More
Ken Tuccio Teams Up With CTbites for "FOOD & DRINK" Podcast Launching May 17 Features Podcast Opening Stephanie Webster March 11, 2018 We are thrilled to announce the launch of a new podcast series only on CTbites! Starting May 17th Ken Tuccio is joining the CTBites family when he begins hosting FOOD & DRINK, a CTBites Original Podcast!Ken Tuccio first gained popularity as the host of Welcome To Connecticut, a weekly podcast which focused on conversations with unique personalities in the state of Connecticut. He also served as host of the documentary series The Local Drinking Show with WTNH News Channel 8 and the morning drive show First Thing Fairfield County with 95.9 The Fox. Beginning on May 17th Ken Tuccio will bring his brand new show, FOOD & DRINK, to CTBites. This show will feature in depth personality driven conversations with the most successful and interesting personalities in the culinary and beverage world. Award winning chefs, successful restaurateurs, popular breweries and wineries, as well as other individuals with unique ties to the food world will all sit down with Ken Tuccio for long form conversations that focus on their life, career and passion for what they do. Read More
50+ Restaurants & Bars for St. Patrick’s Day in CT: 2018 Edition Features Restaurant Holiday Bar Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 10, 2018 Corned beef! Guinness! Carbombs! Let’s be honest, March 17 is as much about the delicious food and drinks as it as about St. Patrick. Connecticut restaurants, bars, and venues will be serving up plenty of Irish-themed specials in honor of the holiday. Get out your green, and head to these 50+ spots!Tigin Irish Pub, Stamford: Tigin is always St. Patrick's Day headquarters, and this year they are shutting down the area behind the pub for a giant block party! There will be live bands, outdoor bars, Guinness, and Irish whiskey. lessBJ Ryan’s, Norwalk: St. Patrick's Day is a weekend long affair at BJ Ryan's in Norwalk. On Saturday March 17 they'll serve up corned beef and a full Irish menu. On Sunday they'll host a recovery brunch until 3pm. New England Cider Company, Wallingford: On March 17 from 10am-12pm, partake in a St. Patrick's Day Brunch at New England Cider Co. The meal will showcase barrel-aged and cask ciders alongside Irish classics like Shepherd's pie, Irish sausage, cabbage, potatoes, 12 hour smoked corned beef, and more. O’Neill’s, South Norwalk: O'Neill's in Norwalk always puts on an epic St. Patty's Day bash. This year, they promise an Irish breakfast, drinks, Irish dancers, bag pipers, and live music all day. Read More
