Places To Celebrate Oktoberfest in CT: 2017 Edition Features Events Oktoberfest Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 12, 2017 Oktoberfest is arriving early this year! Local restaurants and hotspots are celebrating the fall festival as early as September! From authentic German cuisine to live music to imported beers, here are places in Connecticut with upcoming Oktoberfest celebrations. Do you know of an event we missed? Share your Oktoberfest party below.Two Roads, Stratford: The 5th Annual Two Roads Ok2berfest takes place September 16 and 17. There will be authentic German music, German-style beers, food, games and more.Rothbard Ale & Larder, Westport: Their second annual Oktoberfest will take place on Saturday, September 23. Join them for authentic German beers, dishes, games, and live music all day long.Half Full, Stamford: At Half Full Brewery, Octoberfest is “CanToberfest.” On September 30, enjoy a pop up beer garden, lawn games, a can stein hoist competition, food trucks, and more. The festival will support the Mill River Park CollaborativeBeer Garden at Shippan Landing, Stamford: On September 16 & 17, participate in Oktoberfest at The Beer Garden at Shippan Landing! The two day event features pumpkin and harvest beers, cocktails, live music, food trucks, contests and more!The Seehund, New London: The Seehund German Pub & Restaurant will celebrate Oktoberfest from Join us October 6-10. Read More
Bartaco's Ancho Steak Taco Recipe Features Recipe Recipe Tacos Stephanie Webster September 09, 2017 Ever wondered what makes that steak taco at Bartaco taste oh so good? We've got the word on the secret seasoning right here. Heat up those tortillas and get the grill going because this is the perfect end of summer dish. For best results, we encourage you to source your Pico ingredients at your local farmers' market. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of September 10-17 Features Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 07, 2017 Match wants you to “Party Like The Summer’s Not Over!” Join them on Monday September 11 starting at 5pm for Cheap Lobsters, Oysters, Ribs, Sliders, Prime Rib, Corn, Tomatoes, and Delicious Libations from The Bar. Artisanal Burger Co in Manchester invites you to a Grey Sail Beer Dinner on Monday September 11 from 6:60-9:30pm. The evening begins with a reception, followed by three courses and dessert paired with specifically chosen beers. It is $55 per person and tickets are available online. Kids eat free every Monday in September at The Melting Pot. Purchase any Adult 4-Course from the menu and receive a complimentary Kids Fondue! (14 & Under).The CT Chef's Challenge will be a culinary night to remember as Connecticut's Top Chef's battle it out to win the Championship Belt and Title! Read More
Learn How to Make Your Own Wine w/ Southern Connecticut Wine Company Classes Features Ingredients Education Cooking Classes Events Stephanie Webster September 07, 2017 Wanna learn how to make your own wine? Wallingford’s Southern Connecticut Wine Company www.soconnwineco.com is Connecticut’s first micro winery and they have a few spots open in their fall SoConnWine CoOp. The CoOp kicks off on Saturday, September 16th with a full day of crushing grapes from 12pm - 4pm at SoConn. No barefeet required — the winery has machines for that Crushing will continue every Saturday through October 7th. CoOp members can come once, or come all four Saturdays. Lots of sips of wine are included at every CoOp event. Read More
Greenwich Wine + Food Festival Sept. 22-23: Celebrity Chef, Burger Battles, VIP Tix & More! Features Events Stephanie Webster August 31, 2017 In case you hadn't heard, Batali Joins Celebrity Chef Participants Scott Conant, Alex Guarnaschelli and Adam Richman at the Greenwich Wine + Food Festival September 22-23. Saturday is the heart of the 2017 Greenwich Wine + Food Festival, celebrating food, beverage and music. The Grand Tasting tent is the center of the Festival, with tastings and demonstrations from more than 150+ of the area’s finest food, wine, spirits experts, in addition to the Bud & Burger, Empire City Casino and South of the Border Fiesta tents. Guests can also enjoy sommelier, mixologist and brew master presentations, celebrity book signings, Q&A sessions with top culinary experts, a celebrity green room with live interviews. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of Sept. 3- 10 Features Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson August 30, 2017 Tickets are on sale now for the Kitchen Crawl 2017 Culinary Fundraiser. Experience 5 chefs in 5 designer kitchens...while helping to feed the hungry in our community! Guests purchase a $55 ticket and proceed to 5 different Westport houses, where chefs from The Spread, Mecha Noodle Bar, Match Burger Lobster, Rothbard's & Cask Republic will be cooking just for you.The Norwalk Oyster Festival returns this weekend! Catch the festival Friday September 8 from 6-11pm, Saturday September 9 from 11am-11pm, and Sunday September 10 from 11am-6pm. INDIA New Canaan is now open 7 days for lunch. Visit them between noon and 2:30pm.Enjoy Stamford Restaurant Week while you can! Through September 4, participating restaurants are offering prix fixe lunches, dinners, and other specials. Read More
Jazz Dinner At Waldingfield Farm in Litchfield w/ CT NOFA Features Events Local Farm Farm Dinner Stephanie Webster August 29, 2017 On Saturday, September 16th, Enjoy an organic farm to table feast alongside the sounds of acclaimed jazz musicians from The Mike Casey Trio at Waldingfield Farm in Washington CT.Visit a beautiful organic farm hidden in the Litchfield Hills for a fine seasonal dinner all sourced locally. Guests will enjoy an Autumn sunset and a fine dinner in celebration organic farming in Connecticut! 4 PM Refreshments & Farm Tour5 PM Cocktails & 1st Course6 PM The Mike Casey Trio Followed by Dinner & Dessert Read More
4 Reasons Taproot Should Be Your Next Dinner Out Features Bethel Farm to Table Homepage Lunch Celebrity Chef American Amy Kundrat August 27, 2017 Taproot is one of Fairfield County’s newest chef-driven restaurants. Jeff Taibe (Kawa Ni) and Steph Sweeney (Whelk, Jesup Hall) have teamed up to open the doors to a dining experience that combines a hyper local menu in a charming and down-to-earth setting. If you’re close, it's almost guaranteed to become a contender for a regular hangout spot. If not (but hey, Westport to Bethel is only 30 minutes), it is worth the drive. Thanks to a creative and seasonal menu, it's one of our new favorite spots. And here are just a few reasons why. Read More
Tix on Sale! Kitchen Crawl 2017 Culinary Fundraiser: 5 Fabulous Chefs/ Mixologists + 5 Designer Kitchens Features Events Stephanie Webster August 26, 2017 Experience 5 chefs in 5 designer kitchens...while helping to feed the hungry in our community. Tickets are now on sale for the 2nd annual Westport Kitchen Crawl.Here's how the Kitchen Crawl works. Guests purchase a $55 ticket and proceed to 5 different Westport houses, where chefs from The Spread, Mecha Noodle Bar, Match Burger Lobster, Rothbard's & Cask Republic will be cooking just for you. Cooking demos and specially prepared bites will be enjoyed alongside wine and beer provided and paired by Stew's Wines... all in spectacular designer kitchens. This year, the chefs are bringing their mixologists so get ready for some killer cocktails. Tickets sold out quickly last year, so don't wait too long to Purchase Tickets to Kitchen Crawl here. Read More
“Party in the Parking Lot" w/ Westport Farmers’ Market Sept. 14 Features Events Stephanie Webster August 25, 2017 For years the Westport Farmers’ Market has converted a non-descript parking lot at 50 Imperial Avenue into a weekly shopping extravaganza featuring local food and farmers, children’s, activities, music, and more. On Thursday evening, September 14th, the WFM will further transform that same lot into a not-to-be-missed “Party in the Parking Lot!” Just wait till you see the list of chefs! Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events & News For August 28- September 3 Features homepage Events Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson August 25, 2017 Join The Spread in Sono for a Labor Day Luau, featuring a pig roast and Captain Morgan cocktails September 3rd 5PM.On Friday September 1, sample over a dozen local and rare beers in Downtown New Haven's Historic 9th Square! During the event, participating pubs, bars, and restaurants will offer special food pairings and exclusive discounts. Tickets are $18 in advance, or $20 at the door. 21+ only. The place to be every Friday through October is the new Lachat Town Farm in Weston. Join them from 4pm -8pm and shop a great selection of vendors, food trucks, + live music. Vendors include: Dough Girls Wood Fired Pizza, Nutty Bunny, Sugar and Olives, Szabo's Seafood, The Granola Bar, The Green Grunion & Valencia Luncheria.Say cheese… and beer! On Monday August 28, Caseus Fromagerie Bistro in New Haven will hold a Beer and Cheese Pairing Class focusing on Belgian Beers. Tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased online. Read More
Mecha Noodle Bar Fairfield Expands Dining Room & Bar Features Restaurant Fairfield Asian Noodles Kid Friendly Bar Stephanie Webster August 22, 2017 Have you spent some time waiting in line to get into Mecha Noodle Bar in Fairfield? Good news! Mecha has just gotten bigger and is celebrating with a party on September 2. Here's the scoop. One of the area’s most acclaimed Asian restaurants, Mecha Noodle Bar, has premiered its new expanded restaurant space in its Fairfield location. With an additional 705-square feet added to the existing space, the space boasts a second bar and additional seating for 20 guests. More patrons than ever before can now enjoy Mecha Noodle Bar’s widely popular dishes and innovative cocktails. The space now conjoins the evolving Mecha space with its high energy, 90’s-themed music, and of course, the “bowl and a stiff drink model.” From a design perspective, the signature 2x4 wood continues throughout the ceiling as well as some fun pop culture-themed artwork adorn the walls. The new bar allows for more guest interaction and the opportunity to debut our new spiked boba teas, cocktails and house made sodas. Read More
Tomato Montadito w/ Goat Cheese Recipe via Barcelona Wine Bar Features Recipe Recipe healthy Stephanie Webster August 22, 2017 Tomato season is in fill swing in CT and Barcelona Wine Bar is featuring this gorgeous local bounty. There is nothing simpler than this recipe for Tomato Montadito w/ Goat Cheese but some things are better left simple. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of August 20-27 Features Events News Emma Jane-Doody Stetson August 18, 2017 Didn't get to Europe this summer? Experience an "Evening in Italy" at Elm Restaurant on Saturday August 26th with a special wine pairing event. Enjoy a delicious 4-course menu created by the chef accompanied by unique Italian wine varietals. Limited seating, reserve a spot now. 203 -920-4994. $85/pp exclusive of tax/gratuity.On Monday, August 21, Cask Republic New Haven will host a Counter Weight Tap Takeover at 5:00pm. The brews on tap will include Headway IPA, Workhorse Pilsner, Space Coyote IPA, Spiral Architect DIPA, Wizard Fight DIPA, Mixed cassette Grisette, Cask Conditioned Headway IPA, and more. Visit their Facebook and Instagram pages or call 475-238-8335 for more information.New Haven Craft Beer Week returns August 20 – 26 in partnership with Beer Collective! Read More
BAD SONS Brewery Opens In Derby: Designed For Guests Ingredients Features Derby Brewery Beer CT Beer Beer Garden Road Trip James Gribbon August 18, 2017 First of all: Beacon Falls, Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, Oxford, Naugatuck, Shelton - in acronym, BAD SONS, collectively "The Valley." Once the manufacturing heart of an industrial state, the factories shut down to reopen out west, overseas, or not at all, but their brick shells remained. Once known for hats, watches, and artillery shells, there is new life to be found in old factories in the valley, which have become perfect incubators for the Connecticut brewing industry's baby boom.The BAD SONS brewery inhabits a space in Derby just down the Housatonic river from the Yale crew team's boathouse, about 300 yds from the Dew Drop Inn. This coal-era brick monolith may be where "BAD SONS" comes to mean "Valley Beer." Read More
Hummock Island Oyster Company Lauches "Oyster Tours" Features Seafood Events Oysters Norwalk Specialty Market Education Emma Jane-Doody Stetson August 16, 2017 You may have been told not to eat raw oysters in months that don’t have an R. It’s not true. It was a beautiful, temperate August afternoon when I stood on Hummock Island slurping freshly harvested oysters and casting their shells onto the ground below. Hummock Island Oyster Company recently started offering “oyster tours,” giving the public an opportunity to visit the island, witness the operation, and taste oysters fresh from the sea. I eagerly accepted their invitation to participate, which is how I found myself indulging in oysters in early August. Read More
Paci Restaurant in Southport Re-Launches with New Interior & Menu Features Southport Opening Stephanie Webster August 14, 2017 Paci, one of Connecticut’s best Italian restaurants, has completed a grand remodeling and renovation after 21 years in businessThe restaurant, located in the nationally recognized historic train depot in Southport, will reopen on September 5th after a two month long redesign. The fresh new space showcases a new gleaming 1000 square foot glass walled bar with spacious seating as well as a gorgeous new dining area. The adjacent grounds will offer patio seating hedged with lush greenery. A new menu and hours of operations are also planned. Read More
What's Cooking at Clarke? Bay Corn! (sponsored post) Recipe Features Recipe CTbites Team August 12, 2017 Chef John Craig is cooking up something great again at Clarke, New England's Official Sub-Zero & Wolf Showroom and Test Kitchen in South Norwalk. Nothing says summer like fresh corn and this is a great way to prepare it! For this recipe, you'll use the Convection Broil setting on your Wolf Convection Oven to perfectly melt that mozzarella cheese. This recipe for Clarke's Bay Corn is a simple, delicious side dish for any summer meal. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of August 15-20 Features Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson August 10, 2017 The 43rd Annual Milford Oyster Festival takes place on Saturday August 19. There will be 35,000 oysters, crafts, food, amusement rides, classic cars, and more. The festival runs from 10am-6pm. On Saturday August 19, visit Sunset Meadow Vineyards for a Farm to Table Lobster Dinner under the stars. The dinner includes Lobster, Clams, Mussels, Potatoes, Corn and Watermelon. There will be live music and wine specials all evening. Reservations are required as seating is limited. Call 860-201-4654 for info and reservations. It is $79.95 per person. During the month of August, visit The Fez for a prix fixe menu that includes 3 courses for just $25. Read More
Roadtrip: Fox Farm Brewery Opens In Salem Ingredients Features Brewery Salem Beer CT Beer Opening CTbites Team August 08, 2017 I’ve been rabidly following the food news from my hometown of Salem, CT ever since I heard rumor of a brewery opening up by former classmates—Zack and Laura Adams. This awesome husband and wife team have created a beer oasis perfect for hanging out in the sleepy town of Salem. Opened in May, 2017, Fox Farm has been enjoying rave reviews.I’m really pleased that Zack agreed to an interview with CTbites to share his passion for beer and tell us all about his newly opened brewery. Read More
