Match Burger Lobster & Amis Trattoria Host Courtyard Cookout to Benefit Westport Farmers' Mkt Features Events Stephanie Webster June 05, 2018 On June 12th, 6-9pm, two Westport chef teams are coming together on one grill to kick off the summer with an unforgettable night of fresh seafood and other local fare. It's all going on in the courtyard of Amis trattoria. This collaborative cookout benefits the Westport Farmers Market and features a mashup menu created by Amis Trattoria in Westport + Chef Matt Storch of Match Burger Lobster! Check out the menu below. and get your tickets here ($75 ticket includes 6 courses, wine and beer). Read More
Food & Drink : Episode 3 - Chef Prasad Chirnomula Features Podcast Celebrity Chef Chef Talk Interview Ken Tuccio June 01, 2018 Chef Prasad Chirnomula has made a name for himself across the state, and the country, for being one of the foremost experts on Indian cuisine. His new venture, Chef Prasad Indian Kitchen, opens up in New Caanan in June and he sits down with Ken Tuccio to talk about his goals and inspiration for the new spot, the importance of a Chef being present in the kitchen and how he approaches work now as opposed to when he was younger. Listen to podcast here. Read More
Vote for your Favorite Steamed Burger in Connecticut! Features Best of CT Burgers Comfort Food Stephanie Webster June 01, 2018 CTbites had the pleasure of advising the editors of USA Today's "10 Best," in the category of CT's iconic steamed cheeseburgers. Vote for your favorite here. While hamburger origin stories are numerous, one of the most enduring (and recognized by the Library of Congress) is that it was first cooked up by Louis’ Lunch in New Haven, Connecticut. No matter where it was invented, it didn’t take long for burgers to start featuring cheese–a trend that became popular during the 1920s and 30s. Connecticut’s modern-day burger joints range from seasonal stands to gourmet affairs serving up just about every type of cheeseburger you can imagine. One notable offering you’re not likely to find outside the state is the steamed cheeseburger (or steamer), served almost exclusively in Central Connecticut. So who makes the best cheeseburger in the state? Vote for your favorite once per day until voting ends on Tuesday, June 26 at noon ET. Read the official Readers' Choice rules here. Read More
Chef Geoff Lazlo Cooks a "CT Farm Feast" Dinner at The James Beard House June 14 Features Farm to Table Farm Dinner Celebrity Chef Stephanie Webster May 31, 2018 On Thursday, June 14th, Chef Geoff Lazlo of Geoff Lazlo Food, in Greenwich, CT will be cooking at the prestigious James Beard House in NYC. The evening's menu will feature Connecticut farms, and is aptly titled "Connecticut Farm Feast." Check out the menu below. and reserve your seat here. Connecticut Magazine’s Best Chef of 2018 Geoff Lazlo earned his fine dining chops with stints at Gramercy Tavern, Chez Panisse, Blue Hill at Stone Barns, and the Mill Street Restaurant Group before venturing out to create his own company. Sample the cream of Connecticut’s farm-to-table crop with a sumptuous, organic spring harvest, fresh picked from his lovingly tended plots at Greenwich Community Gardens. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events for June 3rd-10th Features Events News Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 31, 2018 The Glass House’s Summer Party takes place on June 9, 2018 in New Canaan! Join them from 12-4pm for a picnic, music, and art! South End is catering with picnic basket lunches for all guests Enjoy a river cruise complete with cigars and whiskey on Wednesday June 6 or Thursday June 7. The Essex Steam Train will take a group (21+!) on the Becky Thatcher riverboat for an evening of spirits, cigars, and delicious cuisine. The Southern New England TacoFest will take place at the Terryville Fairgrounds in Plymouth, CT on Saturday June 9. There will be over 40 food trucks and vendors, tacos, drinks, bands, a DJ, wrestling, kids activities, and more. The Hops Company has restarted its Raw Bar every Friday from 4-7pm through Labor Day. It will include oysters, clams, shrimp, and mini lobster rolls provided by Clambakes of CT.Downtown Stamford's Newest Dining Destination, Bedford Hall, is now open for dinner Monday-Sunday.The Wilton Farmers’ Market’s Opening day is Wednesday, June 6. Find them from 12-5pm at the Wilton Historical Society. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of May 27 - June 3 Features Events News Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 25, 2018 Through the end of May, b Restaurants are celebrating National Burger Month with “Burger & a Bud” all day, every Monday. $10 will get you a Big Mini with Fries and a 12oz Budweiser bottle. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the veterans’ charity, Folds of Honor.On Thursday May 31, Basso Café in Norwalk presents a wine dinner. The theme of the meal is “a celebration of Piemonte, La Toscana and Venetto's fare and wines.” Guest speaker Larry Smith, Wine importer and Wine & Spirit Trust graduate, will be on hand to answer any questions. Chef Renato Donzelli will make delicious fare to complement the vino. George Home in Washington Depot, CT will host the authors of CAKE, Maira Kalman and Barbara Scott-Goodman, on Saturday June 2 from 2-5pm. There will be bubbly, cakes and a book signing.Artisan Restaurant now has Social Hour! From 4-7pm, 7 days a week, enjoy cocktails for $6, Rose for $5, Beer for $4, and rotating food specials. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the patio when the summer gets nice! Read More
Food & Drink Podcast : Episode 2 - Athletic Brewing Company Features Podcast Brewery CT Beer Ken Tuccio May 24, 2018 Athletic Brewing Company in Stratford are not just making waves in the Connecticut beer scene, but also the country. They are the first US based beverage company to focus solely on non-alcoholic craft beers. Building an entire brewery focused non-alcoholic beers has caused many to raise a lot of eyebrows and stirred a lot of curiosity and speculation among the beer community. Ken Tuccio sits down with the owner of Athletic Brewing, Bill Shufelt, and head brewer John Walker to talk about why they decided to launch an entire brewery dedicated to beer that won't get you drunk. Have a listen here. Read More
Grill Like a Butcher: Simple Tips to Nail Your Summer BBQ (sponsored post) Features Ingredients Grilling Recipe Stephanie Webster May 24, 2018
CT Guide To Kids Cooking Classes & Summer Camps Features Cooking Classes kids activity Kids Education Summer Camp kids cooking party Homepage April Guilbault May 23, 2018 “MOM! MA! Mommmmmmm… “What?!” “I’m bored.” Oh boy.Have you heard this lovely little conversation often during the summer months? Kids young and old let that horrifying phrase fall from their lips at an astounding rate. Are you just cringing thinking about how you will derail these declarations for 10 weeks? Well, now you can consider yourself informed and prepared to battle the cries of blahs and beat the little buggers at their own game! We’ve got some tasty ideas so that you can wave goodbye to boredom, and say hello to a creative and fun summer (not to mention, delicious). Maybe your kids will even treat you to a meal or two along the way. Maybe you’ll get the last laugh this summer…Here are 14 Kids Cooking Classes & Summer Camps. Read More
It's A Woman's World: Marcia Selden of Marcia Selden Catering & Event Planning Features Best of CT Interview CTbites Team May 23, 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 Marcia Selden, Owner of Marcia Selden Catering & Event Planning. Have a suggestion on someone you’d like to see featured? Email steph@ctbites.com. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events For May 20- 27 Features Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 19, 2018 Tarry Lodge in Westport now has “Aperitivo Hour.” Join them at our cocktail bar for small plates for $5 and select wines and cocktails for $10. It is available from 4-6pm, Monday-FridayOn Monday May 21, Cask Republic presents a Beer Dinner in conjunction with No Worries Brewery. There will be a welcome beer along with a four course meal an dbeer pairings. It starts at 6:30pm and costs $65 per person. Call Cask Republic Stamford at (203) 348-2275 to reserve.Woodbury Restaurant Week runs from May 19 through May 25! 14 restaurants are offering prix fixe menus, discounts, and other specials in honor of the event. Artisan Burger Company hosts a Two Roads Brewery Wine Dinner on Monday May 21. It costs $60 per person and runs from 6:30-9:30pm. Read More
CTbites Happy Hour on the Patio at Artisan Southport for $40 Features CTbites Invites Homepage CTbites Team May 19, 2018 For the fifth year in a row, CTbites has partnered with Chef Frederic Kieffer and Artisan at the Delamar Hotel Southport for an outdoor Happy Hour on their gorgeous patio and bar. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 29th 5:30-7:30, as we kick off al fresco dining with assorted appetizers and cocktails sponsored by KEEL vodka. Purchase Your Ticket here! Priced at $40, the Happy Hour includes a specialty cocktail created by KEEL Vodka, the only low-calorie vodka on the market and a second drink choice of wine or beer and assorted appetizers. Chef Frederic is preparing a number of signature appetizers both passed and buffet style to accompany the special summer cocktail provided by our sponsor, KEEL Vodka.The very special cocktail features KEEL Vodka, St Germaine, Strawberry and/or raspberry infused Aperol, Fresh Lime Juice. Shaken and strained into a Collins glass and topped with soda, fresh mint garnish. Read More
Microgreens: Beauty as an Antidote to Everything Features Ingredients Local Farm healthy Education Luke Shanahan May 18, 2018
CTbites New Podcast Launches Today w/ Chef Tyler Anderson Interview Features Podcast Celebrity Chef Opening Ken Tuccio May 17, 2018 Get pumped people. CTbites's new podcast, Food & Drink, hosted by Ken Tuccio, launches TODAY! Tuccio's first guest is two time James Beard award nominee, Top Chef, and Chef/Owner of Millwright's, The Cook & The Bear (BBQ), and a brand new Spanish spot, Porrón, at the Goodwin Hotel in West Hartford. Listen to the podcast episode here. Read More
Festivities Celebrations Passes It On In Love (sponsored post) Features Fundraiser Catering Chef Talk Jessica Ryan May 16, 2018 For more than three decades, and under the leadership of Roe Chlala and Bill Kaliff, Festivities has been an integral part of the community, catering milestone celebrations from birthdays and weddings, to corporate events and galas. This award-winning catering and event design company has launched their newest venture through their foundation. Located on the Festivities Campus, “Pass on the Love” is a retail store offering a curated collection of gently used, quality, design, décor and tabletop items that have been donated and are available for purchase for your next event or for your personal use. “Buy it in love, pass it on in love” is the store motto. Proceeds from all sales are to be donated to agencies that provide services supporting safe and healthy homes. The first two recipient agencies are The Center for Family Justice and the Domestic Violence Program at the Greenwich YWCA. Read More
CT Guide to Outdoor Dining (2018): 100 + Restaurants for Summer Features Restaurant Best of CT Outdoor Dining Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 15, 2018 Temperatures are finally rising and all the snow is- dare I say- gone, so it’s time to get your sunglasses and head out for some outdoor dining! Connecticut restaurants are opening their patios and decks for the season. Whether you want a waterside view, a rooftop rave, or to get cozy by a firepit, there’s an alfresco experience waiting for you. Here are over 107 places to eat outside in Connecticut this summer.The White Horse, Litchfield: The White Horse Country Pub & Restaurant has both a deck and a patio so you can enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner along the river.Grano Arso, Chester: Grano Arso has 12 seats outside where guests can order from the full menu.The Whelk, Westport: Overlooking the quaint Saugatuck River, The Whelk brings sustainable, local seafood and ingredients to the lips of its diners.The Place, Guilford: The Place in Guilford, is about as outdoors as you can get without going camping. Tree stumps are your chairs, outdoor fires cook your meal and the menu hangs outside over it all.The Beer Garden at Shippan Landing, Stamford: The Beer Garden at Shippan Landing in Stamford is now open for the season. Families and pets are welcome!Swyft, Kent: Swyft in Kent can seat 25 guests on the patio and they also have a few tables on the porch.The Tavern at Gray Barns, Norwalk: The Tavern at GrayBarns sits in the space that once housed Silvermine Tavern. It has all been redone and reopen. Take it all in on their patio.Mill Street Bar & Table, Greenwich: Mill Street Bar + Table in Greenwich has a tavern atmosphere that’s elegant yet warm and homey. Cozy up on their patio on a starry night at this neighborhood favorite alongside the Byram River. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of May 13th - 20th Features Events Fundraiser Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 12, 2018 On Monday May 14, Chef Luke Venner of elm in New Canaan will cook at the historic James Beard House in NYC! The event begins at 7pm, and tickets are $135 for members and $175 for the public. Visit Fletcher Cameron Kitchens in New Haven for a mixology and tapas event featuring Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar on May 16. Learn the basic history of tapas and about great cocktails to pair with them. Signed copies of The Barcelona Cookbook: A Celebration of Food, Wine and Life will be on sale as well. Yoga and beer collide at Still Hill Brewery on May 16. The Rocky-Hill based brewery invites you to a one hour yoga session… complete with a pint of your choosing! Olea in New Haven presents a Vivanco Wines wine dinner on May 17. Chef Manuel Romero has developed an inspired menu to complement the Spanish vino. Call 203.780.8925 to reserve.On Thursday, May 17th, CTbites will celebrate the launch of its new Food & Drink PODCAST hosted by Ken Tuccio. Come on down and meet the CTbites team and help open up the patio season at The Spread in South Norwalk. Plus, te first 40 guests to arrive after doors open at 5:00PM get to sample some of Chef Carlos Baez' NEW HAPPY HOUR MENU Free!! Read More
It's A Woman's World: Gretchen Thomas, Wine and Spirits Director, Barteca Group Features Interview CTbites Team May 09, 2018 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 Gretchen Thomas, Wine and Spirits Director, Barteca Restaurant Group. Have a suggestion on someone you’d like to see featured? Email steph@ctbites.com. Read More
Battle of the Chefs Returns to Ridgefield's Founders Hall on June 3 Features Ridgefield Events Amy Kundrat May 08, 2018 Battle of the Chefs returns to Founders Hall on Sunday, June 3, 4 – 7 pm. In a culinary showdown similar to those featured on television shows such as Top Chef and Chopped, three seasoned chefs will match sharp knives and quick wits for the benefit of Founders Hall. Chefs Brian Bender (David’s Soundview Catering in Stamford, formerly of Cutting Board Café in Ridgefield), Zachariah Campion (Bailey’s Backyard, Ridgefield), and André Gainer (Luna Rossa, 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 Brendan Walsh (Dean of Culinary Arts, the Culinary Institute of America) and Amy Kundrat (executive editor, CT Bites) will judge the chefs on their creativity, craftsmanship and culinary results as the crowd cheers the chefs on. Ken Tuccio, host of CTbites new Food & Drink podcast, will emcee the action. Read More
Steakhouse Del Frisco's To Acquire Barteca (Bartaco & Barcelona) for $325 million Features news CTbites Team May 07, 2018 If you haven't heard the news, this is big for CT, reported here by CNBC.Del Frisco's Restaurant Group, known for its upscale steakhouses, told CNBC it will acquire Barteca Restaurant Group for $325 million in cash in a bid to expand its footprint and balance its portfolio.The deal announced Monday represents a calculated move by Del Frisco's, which owns Del Frisco's Grill, Del Frisco's Double Eagle and Sullivan's Steak House, to grow in scale and reach new customers. It's a big step for a company with a market cap of $344.8 million.Barteca is a 20-year-old company with two brands, Barcelona, an upscale casual dining restaurant that specializes in Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, and Bartaco, which features a menu of "upscale street food" with bold South American, Mediterranean and Asian flavors.Read the complete article on CNBC. Read More
