The Legendary Mario's in Westport Sold to Harvest Wine Bar Owners via Dan Woog Restaurant Westport Opening CTbites Team March 31, 2015 This just in from Dan Woog's 06880 blog: The rumors careening around town are true: Mario’s is being sold. The legendary restaurant/bar — a Saugatuck mainstay since 1967 — will change hands soon. A new name, cuisine and interior will follow. The deal could be finalized tomorrow morning. New owners Kleber, Nube and Vicente Siguenza own 5 restaurants in Fairfield and New Haven Counties (including 55 Degrees in Fairfield). Mario’s: A Westport legend. Mario’s will remain as it is for the next year. It will then transform into Harvest Wine Bar — similar to the Siguenzas’ restaurant of the same name in Greenwich. Harvest offers modern American custom cuisine with Asian, Latin and Mediterranean influences, plus an extensive wine list. Harvest supports local, organic farms. Read the full article here. Read More
Magee's Curbside: Must Try Breakfast & Lunch in Stamford! Restaurant Delicious Dives Stamford Breakfast Lunch Douglas P Clement March 29, 2015 I get this tip that the new place to go for the best casual breakfast and lunch food in Stamford is a small spot at 72 Magee Ave., in the “no-man’s zone” south of I-95 and the Metro-North tracks. On the way to Greenwich one morning I decide to investigate Magee's Curbside. Here’s the bottom line in an anecdote: After I show up and rattle the staff by asking them to make a few dishes I can sample and photograph—and ask if the owners are around—I’m sitting at a table talking to co-owners Danny DeGruttola (owner of The Brickhouse Bar & Grill on Bedford Street) and Evan Philippopoulos. A woman comes in and declares that she’s back after Magee’s delighted her with the best turkey burger she’s ever had. (The house-recipe burger was a recent special.) No, the woman wasn’t a ringer; no one knew I was coming and the owners of the small, bright and cheerful place weren’t even supposed to be there—the food just is that terrific. Read More
Kawa Ni Bartender Competition #1: Photo Gallery & Recap Ingredients Cocktails Westport Bar Sarah Green March 27, 2015 Move over "show case showdown," there's a new showdown in town. Jeff Maron, bar manager of Kawa Ni in Westport (and both of the other Bill Taibe's jaunts) hosted the first of six Bartender Competitions where some of the North East's finest BAR-istas concocted some fabulous potions for the judges and guests to imbibe and describe. The goal of this event series is to showcase the art of the craft cocktail and elevate mixology in CT. Each 'tender was required to create 5 identical cocktails using one ounce of the sponsored ingredient - in this case, Appleton Reserve Rum, and one ounce of the secret ingredient - in this case Ancho Reyes chili liquor. Other than that, each drink-master was given free reign to embellish, add, adjust and design their signature cocktail. There was even some blow torching of fruit. The end game was to impress the panel of 4 judges, including the lucky winner of the CTBites cocktail naming contest, and Adam Roytman of Walrus and Carpenter (from whence many of the evening's delicious nibbles were provided). Read More
La Zingara in Bethel Launches a New Cocktail Program Restaurant Bethel Cocktails Amy Kundrat March 26, 2015 Photo: La ZingaraLa Zingara in Bethel will launch a new cocktail program beginning April 1 with a menu spanning classic cocktails to their own crafted creations. The backbone of the new menu will be rooted in house made ingredients, including syrups, grenadine, fresh-squeezed juices, and (a handful of) bitters. In addition to the new cocktail program, Ecco Rooftop Eatery & Bar (located just above La Zingara) will reopen on April 1 as well. "We are finally bringing La Zingara up to par on the cocktails that we have been doing on the [Ecco] rooftop for a while now. We are looking to bring the same quality that we bring to our food. Clean, simple drinks that utilize what is in season. Twists on the classics," said Lisa Tassone, La Zingara and Ecco owner. Read More
Bistro Mediterranean Opens in Norwalk: Tapas With Bold, Rich Flavors via Connecticut Magazine Restaurant Mediterranean Norwalk Spanish Tapas Douglas P Clement March 26, 2015
Washington Prime 2.0 - Chef Howard McCall Jr. Brings Comfort Food to SONO Restaurant American Chef Talk Norwalk SONO Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger March 22, 2015 Patrons of Washington Prime will find comfort in the cuisine of its new Executive Chef Howard McCall Jr. This unassuming chef is not new to SoNo nor the kitchen at Washington Prime; he started in the kitchen at Barcelona twenty years ago and was the opening Sous Chef at Washington Prime last summer. Prior to joining Washington Prime he oversaw the kitchen at Mint restaurant in North Carolina which influenced his new Southern style cuisine. CTbites was invited to meet the chef and sample some of his new additions to the menu. Chef Howard exudes a soft personality, allowing his culinary talents to speak. His recent changes to the new menu range from a creative American Soul Rolls to a Braised Lamb Shank, plus modifications of previous favorites. Each maintained the focus on the main ingredient with delightful accompaniments…more akin to Southern comfort food. Read More
Outstanding In The Field Tickets Go On Sale Friday March 20th Restaurant Farm Dinner Farm to Table Local Farm Stephanie Webster March 18, 2015 Mark your calendars. On Wednesday, March 20th, the first day of spring, tickets will go on sale for the 2015 season of Outstanding In The Field. Buy tickets here and do it fast! These go quickly. CT will host 3 events this year. The Hickories will host Chef Jennifer Balin of Sugar & Olives on Sept. 8th as well as Chefs Holly Michaud & Scott Ostrander of Mama’s Boy on Sept. 9th. Day 3 will be at Waldingfield Farm with Jason Sobocinski of Casseus Fromagerie & Bistro. "Outstanding in the Field is a roving culinary adventure – literally a restaurant without walls." Their mission is to re-connect diners to the land and the origins of their food, and to honor the local farmers and food artisans who cultivate it. The other meaning of Outstanding in the Field is outstanding as in the best. Read More
"Nose To Tail" Dinner @ The Schoolhouse at Cannondale Restaurant Butcher Wilton Stephanie Webster March 13, 2015 The Schoolhouse at Cannondale, in Wilton, has decided to start a series of late Winter early Spring events at the Schoolhouse that will focus on ingredients, techniques, or themes we are into at the current moment. Their first event will be on Tuesday, March 24th and will focus on nose to tail cooking. Chef Tim LeBant and his team will be creating four courses utilizing different cuts of pork. They will also have a selection of beers and bourbons to pair with the courses as well (at a separate cost) as well as our regular wine list. You can book a reservation online by clicking here and choosing a time and party size. Reservation are available from 5:30-8:30. The nose-to-tail dinner will be $60/person. Read More
16 CT Restaurants To Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2015 Restaurant Holiday Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 11, 2015 It’s not easy being green- unless it’s the month of March! St. Patrick’s Day is almost here and Connecticut pubs, restaurants, and hotspots are announcing an array of celebrations. From breakfasts to pub crawls to corned-beef dinners, here are the places with specials sure to keep yousham-rockin’ all night long. Tigin Irish Pub, Stamford McLadden’s, West Hartford Center Street Pub, Darien Rosie, New Canaan Anna Liffey’s, New Haven & Fairfield Fire Engine Pizza, Bridgeport Max Fish, Glastonbury O’Neil’s, South Norwalk Molly Darcy’s, Danbury Cask Republic, New Haven Johnny Utah’s, Norwalk Geno’s Pub, Mohegan Sun, Uncasville Todd English’s Tuscany, Mohegan Sun, Uncasville Read More
Recap: Mohegan Sun's Winefest 2015...Good Times! Ingredients Wine Chat Wine Tasting Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 11, 2015 2015 marked the 12th year of Mohegan Sun’s popular WineFest. The format continued as it has in years past, with a Friday night bourbon tasting, Grand Tastings on Saturday and Sunday, an Elite Cru tasting, and a Celebrity Chef Dine Around on Saturday night. The event also featured many celebrity chefs beloved from previous years like William Kovel, Todd English, Michele Ragussis, Govind Armstrong, Manouschka Guerrier, and Betty Fraser. Yet, 2015 managed to stand apart with new additions and changing trends. This year, I attended the Sunday Grand Tasting rather than staying the span of the weekend. Sunday is slightly less attended, but still provides ample opportunity to see creative chef demonstrations and sample the offerings. Read More
Bobby Q’s Pit Stop in Old Greenwich: BBQ & Comfort Food Restaurant BBQ Greenwich Comfort Food Take Out Lunch Kid Friendly ellen bowen March 08, 2015 We all know Westport’s funky back alley BBQ stop, Bobby Q’s, as a casual place for authentic Kansas City BBQ ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and burnt ends. But did you know that a little over 2 years ago, owner Bob LeRose along with his cousin and Pitmaster/Chef, Joey Boucher, felt the burning desire to open a “grab and go” outpost in Old Greenwich on Putnam Ave (aka Route 1/Boston Post Road) called Bobby Q’s Pit Stop? It was 14 degrees when I pulled into the narrow storefront parking lot, and the unmistakable smell of BBQ hit me the minute I walked through the door. The open kitchen, high top tables and counter felt welcoming and comfortable. Sort of like a diner in the south. But Pit Stop is really not about BBQ, although one whole page on the menu features Bobby Q’s signature BBQ rib and meat combos, baby back ribs, and BBQ Plates and BBQ sandwiches. Read More
Upcoming Classes at 109 Cheese & Wine in Ridgefield Restaurant Ridgefield CTbites Team March 06, 2015 Cooking Class with Sarah and Bernard - $90March 11, 2015 "Easy Entertaining – 5 ingredients or less Join Bernard & Sarah in their upstairs classroom – they will teach you how do pull together a fabulous buffet – 5 ingredients or less!" Italy: The lesser know Grapes, Cheese and Wine with Artisan Wines - $65March 14, 2015 "This is an in-depth discussion and tasting of some Italy’s lesser-known grape varietals like Vermentino, Aglianico, Bombino Bianco, Pelaverga, and Timorasso. Taste the wines and regional cheeses with rock star, Jim Morrison and take the journey. Fall in love with Italy all over again." A Look into Burgundy with wines from Rosenthal Wines - $75March 21, 2015 Read More
Recap: First Ever CT Beer Summit w/ Live Recording via "Welcome to CT" Podcast Ingredients CT Beer Beer James Gribbon March 06, 2015 What happens when you get the owners and brewers of five Connecticut breweries in the same room at the same time and ask them pointed questions? There's a scene in The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou where Bill Murray, as Zissou, explains documentary filmmaking by saying "Nobody knows what's going to happen. And then we film it. That's the whole concept." I kept on thinking about that line as guests filed into a room at the Two Roads brewery in Stratford and watched Tony Pellino of OEC Brewing, Clement Pellani of Two Roads Brewery, Tyler Jones of Black Hog Brewing, Rich Visco of Shebeen Brewing and Conor Horrigan of Half Full Brewery take their seats in front of live mics. Whatever went down, it would all happen on the record. On the record, in this case, means the proceedings would be recorded live for Ken Tuccio's Welcome To Connecticut podcast. The weekly podcast highlights businesses and personalities making an impact here in the Constitution State, and has previously broadcast with guests like Jerry Springer, Aaron Sanchez, Oh, Cassius!, the Nutmeg Curling Club, Miss Connecticut, and Anthony Bourdain's Russian sidekick, Zamir Gotta, among many others. The audio of the beer summit will go live on Thursday, March 19 on WelcomeCT.com, but CTBites was right there to bring you a first look. Read More
Bounty Food Truck & Lobstercraft Join To Feature Surf'n'Turf Catering Features Restaurant Seafood Burgers James Gribbon March 04, 2015 A snowy night found guests piled into the close confines of 284 Tokeneke Rd. in Darien to sample offerings from the combined menus of Lobstercraft and Bounty food truck. The two outfits have come together to expand their catering services for private parties, weddings and both special events, and we have your first look. "We thought the surf and turf idea between the best lobster and the best burger would make a great combo," Captain Mike Harden of Lobstercraft told CTBites. "We are working on bringing Bounty under the same roof so you can come to one place and get whatever you like." Read More
15 Places for Great BBQ in Connecticut Restaurant BBQ Comfort Food Best of CT Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 03, 2015 Don’t let the subzero temperatures discourage you… CT restaurants are bringing the heat with mouth-watering finger-lickin’ delicious barbeque! From Kansas-City style to meats fresh out of the smoker, these restaurants have a variety of menu items for you to enjoy. Bear’s BBQ, Windsor Wilson’s, Fairfield Smoke Box BBQ, Hamden Bar BQ, Stamford Wire Mill BBQ, West Redding Bobby Q’s BBQ, Westport Dinosaur BBQ, Stamford Walrus + Carpenter, Bridgeport Q’s Restaurant, Norwalk Vinny’s Backyard, Stamford Uncle Willie’s BBQ, West Haven & Seymour Billy’s BBQ, Bethel Johnny Utah’s, South Norwalk Drumstick BBQ, Bridgeport The Boatyard at Smokey Joe’s, Stamford Read More
Amore Cucina & Bar Opens in Stamford w/ World Pizza Champion at Helm Restaurant Italian Pizza Stamford Take Out Jessica Ryan March 01, 2015 I recently had the opportunity to visit the newly redesigned Amore Cucina & Bar on Hope Street in Stamford for a blogger dinner. The restaurant interior boasts a warm rustic atmosphere with its combination of exposed brick and distressed wood. The large bar area accommodates thirty people and offers a well thought out wine list with a concentration on Italian varietals, creative cocktails and craft beer. Sixty seats are set up in a casual trattoria style, and during warmer weather a large patio will welcome diners. The real news here is Owner Bruno DiFabio, a six-time World Pizza Champion, Restaurateur and Television Personality. With eleven restaurants in the US and new ones scheduled to open in London, I assure you that he knows pizza. Read More
Battle of the Chefs to Feature Chefs Silvia Bianco, Bernard Bouissou, and Prasad Chirnomula Restaurant Fundraiser Amy Kundrat and Stephanie Webster February 28, 2015 Chefs Bernard Bouissou (Bernard’s), Silvia Bianco (formerly of Biscotti) and Prasad Chirnomula ( Thali) Battle of the Chefs returns to Founders Hall on Sunday, May 17, 4 – 7pm. In a culinary showdown similar to Top Chef and Chopped, three chefs will compete for the benefit of Founders Hall. Chefs Silvia Bianco, formerly of Biscotti, Bernard Bouissou of Bernard’s, and Prasad Chirnomula of Thali will compete to create an entree from a basket of surprise ingredients in front of a live audience. A panel of judges, including food critic and writer Jane Stern and wine/cheese connoisseur and business owner Monica Brown of No. 109 Cheese and Wine, will judge the chefs on their creativity, craftsmanship and culinary results. Hosts Amy Kundrat and Stephanie Webster (yours truly) of CTbites, will emcee. Read More
1st Annual Market Style Street-Food Rave in Stamford via HeyStamford! Restaurant Festival Stamford CTbites Team February 23, 2015
Da Legna: New Haven's Best Kept Pizza Secret Features Restaurant Pizza New Haven Amy Kundrat February 22, 2015 Da Legna is the best kept secret for New Haven pizza lovers. But it shouldn’t be. Ask a friend who lives or works in New Haven for their favorite pie, and steel yourself for a slew of anecdotes, a bit of Elm City history, and maybe even a neighborhood geography lesson – Wooster v. State Street. Then, after declaring their allegiance to one of the “big three,” lean in, because your friend may end their (a)pizza diatribe with an almost conspiratorial whisper of “Da Legna,” the two-year old State Street restaurant devoted to wood-fired pizzas, Italian tapas, and a refreshing lack of pretense. Read More
Burger Bests: Bailey's Backyard's Cheddar & Ale, One Excellent Burger Restaurant American Ridgefield Comfort Food Burgers Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger February 19, 2015 The next stop on my unending burger quest found me sitting at a high top table in the rear of Bailey’s Backyard in Ridgefield. This modest two room restaurant is known for its creative cuisine with an unwavering Farm to Table attitude instilled in the entire menu by Executive Chef, Forrest Pasternack. Many told me about the Cheddar and Ale Burger, and it was time I tried it for myself. The Burger is served with caramelized onions, cheddar & ale sauce on a brioche, with a side of shoestring potatoes. Read More
