Summer Corn Chowder with Grilled Vegetable Confetti via Marcia Selden Recipe Recipe Soups healthy CTbites Team August 24, 2016 It's that time of year, the time when fresh sweet corn is at its best. This is the season for homemade corn chowder, and Marcia Selden makes it easy. Go swing by your local farmers' market and grab some corn. Summer Corn Chowder with Grilled Vegetable Confetti Read More
Back to School with Kohlrabi & Radish Salad from The Whelk and Westport Farmers’ Market Recipe Recipe Lynn Felici-Gallant August 19, 2016 It might be back-to-school season, but it’s still summer at the Westport Farmers’ Market. Thirty vendors plus guests, including many favorites and a few new faces, brave every sort of weather each week to bring us the very best in fresh vegetables, cheese, meat, fruit and berries, coffee, tea, pasta, pet food, flowers, prepared foods, and artisan crafts. Before saying so-long to the kids for the season, stop by the market to stock up on fresh ingredients for hearty breakfasts and healthful lunches. Anthony Kostelis of The Whelk, offers this refreshing salad to pack in the kiddo’s box or serve at dinner. Read More
Citarella Greenwich - Fresh from the Dock to your Table Ingredients Recipe Greenwich Seafood Specialty Market Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger July 28, 2016 “I’ll meet you at the front gate at 5am.” This email, which I received from Joe Gurrera, the owner of Citarella, required setting the alarm for 3:30am, grabbing two cups of coffee and driving the hour to the Fulton Fish Market in the Bronx. Visiting the new Fulton Fish Market was something I have always wanted to do, mingle with the best purveyors of the freshest and best selection of fish, just hours before it arrives at stores and restaurants in preparation for the day’s fare. The history of Citarella dates to 1912, when a small fish shop opened in Manhattan. Over seventy years later, in 1983, Joe Gurrera purchased the shop and Citarella was born. Joe’s passion for fish started when he was a small boy venturing, in the dead of the night, to the original Fulton Fish Market. It was during these nightly excursions that he educated himself on the various fish and, more importantly, how to choose the best of the best. Read More
Rose’s Berry Farm Blueberry Streusel Recipe + Westport Farmers’ Market Ingredients Recipe Farmers Market Recipe Lynn Felici-Gallant July 15, 2016 Farmers and gardeners in the Northeast sometimes lament the inability to grow plants in acidic soil. A low pH in soil affects a plant’s ability to absorb nutrients. But there is one genus of plants that thrives in acidic soil and this season, we are the better for it. Vaccinium (pronounced vak- SIN- ee- um) – the genus that produces cranberries, lingonberries, and huckleberries – brings us an abundant crop this year of everybody’s favorite: high-bush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum). And the folks at Rose’s Berry Farm are elated. With over 42 acres of blueberry fields in South Glastonbury, Rose’s is the largest berry producer in Connecticut. Lucky for us, they’ll bring their bounty to the Westport Farmers’ Market this week. Blueberries are one of the most nutrient-dense foods we can eat; they boost heart, brain, and eye health and are known cancer fighters. Of course, there is practically no limit to recipes for blueberries, either. Why not simmer a simple compote of berries and maple syrup or honey to serve over Nutty Bunny frozen vanilla or chocolate dessert? Read More
CT’s Best Clambakes & Pig Roasts: 2016 Edition Recipe Catering Seafood Emma Jane-Doody Stetson June 08, 2016 These Connecticut caterers and restaurants will help you make the most out of the fresh, delicious New England seafood with their beautifully prepared clambakes. If you prefer a summertime cook out, we’ve also included places for pig roasts and BBQs. Make summer catering simple and just hire one of these experts. Here are CT's Best Caterers For Clambakes & Pig Roasts. Capt’n John's Clambakes, Norwalk: For the past 36 years, folks have been enjoying classic New England clambakes from Capt’n John’s. The Place, Guilford: For those of us who believe the journey is the true adventure, The Place offers a roadside clambake in Guilford. The casual, outdoor seafood restaurant lets you enjoy summer on seats made of tree stumps and tables adorned with fresh flowers. Fjord Fish Market, New Canaan, Cos Cob, Westport: Fjord Fish Market & Catering debuted new services for the summer! Additions include a Sushi Station, Poke Bar, Shrimp Boil, and roving oyster shuckers. Clambakes of CT, Shelton: Clambakes of Connecticut garnered praise from Clinton Kelly, one of the hosts of ABC's popular television show "The Chew." He referred to them as "The Kings of Clambakes" and tapped them to participate in the show's 2013 Memorial Day special. Read More
Grilled Pizza with Pea Pesto, Caramelized Onions, Herbed Ricotta & Meatballs Recipe Pizza Recipe Marcia Selden Catering June 01, 2016 With warmer weather on its way, it's time to clean up that grill and bring on the 2016 grilling season. And really...doesn't everything taste just a little bit better on the grill? Even pizza.... If you've never made grilled pizza, you'll be amazed by how simple it is. We've gone with pea pesto, caramelized onions, herbed ricotta and meatballs for our toppings, but feel free to dream up any accompaniment you wish. Marcia Selden Catering has more great summer recipes coming soon. Read More
CTbites Joins Lidia Bastianich Shooting Her TV Series Lidia's Kitchen Interview Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 17, 2016 It feels like an ordinary morning in South Norwalk. Restaurants are opening their doors and a few pedestrians have started to meander down Main Street. People are easing into their daily routines. There is no fanfare or paparazzi… no indication that culinary legend Lidia Bastianich and her team have quietly taken over Clarke Kitchens to film the latest season of Lidia’s Kitchen! Lidia Bastianich’s extensive career is filled with an array of accomplishments. Her four New York City restaurants, Felidia, Becco, Esca and Del Posto, as well as Lidia’s Pittsburgh and Lidia’s Kansas City, have received widespread acclaim. She also joined forces with her son Joe Bastianich, Mario Batali, and Oscar Farinetti to open Eataly, an Italian food and wine marketplace. In addition to her achievements as a restaurateur, she is an Emmy award-winning public television host, cookbook author, broadcast production company founder, and businesswoman. Bastianich has chosen Norwalk to film 26 episodes for the fourth season of Lidia’s Kitchen. The television series, which is sponsored by Cento and Grana Padano, will air on PBS Public Television Network starting October 8, 2016. Each 30 minute episode revolves around a certain theme or ingredient and presents recipes based on it. Read More
Recap: Paleo + Plate Pop Up Event Recipe Special Dietary Needs CTbites Team May 04, 2016 Westport realtor Judy Michaelis launched her Pop-Up Chef Series with a cocktail party at a listing in Wilton, CT last week, highlighting Chef Danielle Hartog's new Paleo friendly personal chef & catering service Paleo + Plate. Chef Hartog developed a special menu for the evening, focusing on fresh ingredients and innovative Paleo preparation. Guest mingled throughout the space while the hors d’oeuvres offered in the open plan kitchen included: Asian Meatballs in a Cashew Sesame Sauce, Deconstructed Shrimp Guacamole, Grilled Vegetable Lollipops, Bacon-Wrapped Avocado with fresh aioli, Pistachio Chicken Skewer with a strawberry glaze and Spring Gazpacho Shooters. Paleo Watermelon + Cucumber margaritas surprised many guests -- “Are these Paleo?” while Paleo brownies and cookies rounded out the evening. Chef Hartog holds monthly Paleo dinners at her studio in Westport and offers private chef service in-home as well. Her concept is centered around the Paleo style of eating and she describes her food as “bold on taste and high on health; food that is whole, unprocessed, seasonal, nourishing and exciting." Read More
Crabby-Cado + Plantain Chips Recipes Recipe Recipe Marcia Selden Catering April 28, 2016 Chips + guacamole go together like lime and tequila! We’ve kicked our guac up with fresh crabmeat. It’s guaranteed to be a hit at your Cinco de Mayo party. Make sure to taste it because you won’t have leftovers for this recipe. Check out the full recipes for Crabby-Cado and Plaintain Chips below. CRABBY-CADO Ingredients 3 ripe avocados 3 t fresh lime juice ½ C chopped cilantro leaves 1 T minced jalapeno Read More
Top 25 CT Food Trucks: New Haven & Beyond (2016 Edition) Available For Catering All Over CT Restaurant Recipe Catering Food Truck Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 27, 2016 We recently told you about the array of food trucks travelling the streets of Fairfield County and bringing delicious food straight to you (view Top 20 Fairfield County Food Trucks here). New Haven, and its surrounding areas, is also a hub for some truly excellent food trucks! They also have a bevy of food carts. From sweet cupcakes to aromatic java to finger-lickin’ good barbeque, there is a diverse assortment of mobile cuisine to savor. Here are 25 Food Trucks & Carts in New Haven and beyond worth visiting. The Cheese Truck, New Haven: The Cheese Truck brings grilled cheese sandwiches, soup, sausages, salads, and more to the streets of New Haven. It comes from the team behind Caseus, the popular New Haven bistro. The Little Red Seafood Truck, Shelton & New Haven: Nothing captures summertime in New England more than fresh seafood. The Little Red Seafood Truck is an offshoot of Szabo's Seafood, located in Shelton. They have seafood sandwiches like the scallop roll, lobster roll, and salmon burger. They also have soups and salads. Farm Belly, New Haven: The Farm Belly food truck and caterer brings farm-fresh food to the streets of New Haven. They visit local farms and farmers’ markets to find produce, meat, and dairy. One of their signature items is the egg-and-cheese sandwich, made with local eggs and farmstead cheese. They even make their own ketchup and hot sauce. Cowabunga, CT: The Cowabunga Food Truck has soft serve ice cream and grilled selections. They use pasture raised, grass fed beef. Try one of their tasty burgers, like their signature Cowabunga Burger. It comes with pepper jack, bacon, grilled onions and peppers. Book the truck for an event, or select their Backyard BBQ package. Read More
Top 20 Food Trucks in Fairfield County CT : 2016 Edition Restaurant Recipe Catering Entertaining Food Truck Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 13, 2016 Fairfield County residents know that the area rocks… and it also “rolls”! Fairfield County hosts a number of outstanding food trucks that serve an array of cuisines. Meatballs, crepes, tacos, potatoes, Carribean… It’s all available right on the city streets or even in your backyard! Here are 20 delicious food trucks you can visit or hire for your next event. Hapa: Based in Stamford, Hapa serves three types of tacos: Korean short rib, Philippine chicken adobo and Nonny’s sweet peppers, burgers, both beef and Ahi, plus bowls of poke and chicken adobo. The Poutine King: The Poutine King prides itself on being "the first food truck in the north east United States" to offer Poutine, a Canadian dish. Those wanting a classic version can order the traditional poutine. More adventurous eaters can enjoy the Sweet Potato Poutine or the Poutine Burger. Skinny Pines: The Skinny Pines pizza truck sells wood fired pizzas. It makes use of local ingredients by sourcing its toppings from area farms. The menu changes with the season, but past pizzas have been topped with fresh sun gold tomatoes, zucchini, scapes, garlic, and eggplant, to name a few. Taco Loco Party Truck: Taco Loco is recognized as the first Mexican food truck in CT! The restaurant is based in Bridgeport. Read More
Free & Company Kitchen: Saving the World One Brownie at a Time (Gluten, Dairy & Refined Sugar Free) Ingredients Recipe Bakery Gluten-Free Special Dietary Needs Kid Friendly Dessert Jessica Ryan April 06, 2016 What do brownies and superfoods have in common? Some of you might jump up and shout, “Why chocolate, of course!” while the rest of you might scratch your heads and wonder. What if I told you that the Free & Company Kitchen’s incredible baked goods are all super-food based? Additionally, every one of their items is gluten, dairy and refined sugar-free, sweetened only with organic maple syrup. Some of their products are also egg and nut-free. For those of you with food sensitivities or who have children who do, this small, newly launched company should be on your radar. It should also be noted that these edibles aren’t for just vegetarians, vegans or celiac patients; they’re truly for everyone. Founded on the premise that snacks can be familiar and comforting and still good for you, Chef Lynne Pasquale sets out to prove this possible one brownie at a time. She has, so far, won over even the most discerning of palates, myself included. I met with Chef Pasquale at her bakery last week where we had a chance to chat. Read More
Tuscan Kale Caesar Slaw Recipe via Marcia Selden Catering Recipe Catering Entertaining Recipe CTbites Team April 05, 2016 Tuscan Kale Caesar Slaw with Garlic Bread Croutons & Parmesan Frico Eating clean, healthy and minimally processed foods are better for you and for our environment. You’ll eat fewer chemicals and there will be less fuel used to transport packaged foods. This yummy slaw makes it easy (and delicious) to eat your greens for Earth Day and every day! Read More
Interview w/ Chef Zac Young, Executive Pastry Chef @ David Burke Restaurants Interview Celebrity Chef Chef Chef Talk Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 02, 2016 We recently gave you a sneak peek at Savor: A Celebration of Wine, Food, & Spirits, that will unfold in Hartford from April 7-9. The event’s Grand Tasting will give guests the chance to try hundreds of wine, spirits, and beers, indulge in dishes from area restaurants, and watch celebrity chef demonstrations. Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine will headline the event while proceeds go toward the Robert Irvine foundation. A few weeks ago, he spoke with CTBites and told us about the foundation, upcoming Food Network shows, his varied food projects, and what to expect this year. Savor just announced another addition to its celebrity chef line-up: Chef Zac Young. Fun, gregarious, and whimsical, Young currently works as the Executive Pastry Chef for the David Burke Restaurants. I became a fan of his when I watched him compete on Top Chef: Just Desserts. This past holiday season, his Thanksgiving “PieCaken” became a bona fide sensation. Read More
Spring Saketini Cocktail Recipe from Kawa Ni Recipe Cocktails Recipe CTbites Team March 31, 2016 It is rumored that the saketini came into being when chef Matsuda San, arriving in Queens for the World's Fair in 1964, unveiled a primitive version of the cocktail. Craig Ventrice, mixologist for Kawa Ni in Westport uses fresh spring sugar snap peas and a hint of lemon in his recipe, giving a vibrant (and slightly addictive) twist to this classic drink. Can't make it to Westport? Craig has been kind enough to share his recipe below. Read More
Cake By Franck French Patisserie Opens at Foxwoods Restaurant Recipe Bakery Foxwoods French Kid Friendly Dessert Hope Simmons March 29, 2016 It’s whimsical, delightful and delicious—a French patisserie blended with New England style and sensibilities that’s now part of Foxwoods Resort Casino. From edible art in all shapes and sizes to a rainbow of macarons to smiling brownies, creativity abounds at Cake by Franck. Franck Iglesias started working in a kitchen at age 14. Also a chef, his father warned him it was no easy way to make a living. With days that can last 18 hours and sometimes end at 2 a.m., Chef Franck is no stranger to hard work. But pastry is his passion, and it’s obvious even before you set foot in his new store. Peering through the window, a giant chocolate pirate rabbit tempts you to take a closer look. Once you’re inside, where to begin? Domes upon domes of croissants (chocolate, almond and coconut, thank you very much), pastries and cookies await along with an assortment of chocolates so artfully designed, they’re almost too beautiful to eat. But resistance is futile. Because we first eat with our eyes, feast yours on what’s in store at Cake by Franck. Read More
“Fresh” Décor Ideas for Spring via The Local Vault Luxury Consignor (sponsored post) Recipe Design CTbites Team March 15, 2016 The Local Vault is an online luxury consignor of home décor and furniture offering easy access to a curated collection of high-end furnishings, bridges the gap between brick and mortar and online shopping with its personalized service, it’s like shopping with your best friend. Eating “in-season” is a major movement in food right now, and it completely makes sense. Why would you want to eat last season’s previously-frozen produce if you can have something picked fresh from the garden instead? The same principal applies to home décor. There’s a seasonality to it, meaning that certain styles just aren’t right for certain seasons, like wool throw blankets in the summer, for example, or linen when it’s -5 outside. The solution: Think about your home the way you think about your salad bowl (yep, we just made that comparison!). You want to fill it with what feels fresh now. Here, a few examples to help you fill your home with life this season. Read More
10 Questions w/ The Whelk's Chef Anthony Kostelis Interview Chef Chef Talk CTbites Team March 15, 2016 You eat at their restaurants, you love their food, but what do you know about the chefs who work to bring you culinary pleasure? Here are 10 Questions with The Whelk's Chef Anthony Kostelis. Find out what inspires him, his favorite chef, most memorable meal and more...Get to know your chef. What made you decide to be a chef? I had always been involved in restaurants in some form. My father had his own food distribution company. My first jobs were working a few shifts in the kitchens at one of his customer's restaurants. I moved on to the front of house when I was 18 or so. That landed me at Scoozzi in New Haven for a few years. It was there, that I decided to pursue cooking. I remember looking at my class schedule when I was enrolled at Southern Connecticut State University; I was totally uninspired by my class list. I just happened to have dinner later that day at my favorite restaurant at the time when I realized that food is what I am passionate about. Read More
Baked and Sauced: Vintage Food Truck Serving Craft Cocktails & Dessert Restaurant Recipe Bakery Catering Cocktails Food Truck Dessert April Guilbault March 13, 2016 Approaching this gleaming 1968 Airstream, one is met by the two welcoming, smiling souls who commandeer this shining new-fangled-but-vintage food truck. You also can’t help but remember a particular (vintage?) REM song...Shiny Happy People! Or at least, that’s what stuck in my head (and I believe I just showed my age)-how could it not? Waiting to find just the right Airstream and then taking the better part of a year to refurbish it themselves with ol’ fashioned grit and many a YouTube instructional video, Kathy and Michael McGovern have launched Baked and Sauced, a food truck like none other in our fair state. This once shag-rugged, pleather-filled Airstream has now been lovingly strung with sparkling lights, adorned with sweet flowers in Mason jars that sit upon the serving window, and a charming seating area that serves as a lounge for guests. Picture your ultimate grown-up clubhouse and you get the picture. Add to this charm the fact that this Airstream has...a liquor license. Serving saucy desserts and craft cocktails, this truck is serving to the over 21 crowd (and bring I.D., they card)! Read More
Healthy Food Substitutions From The Granola Bar Recipe Recipe healthy The Granola Bar March 04, 2016 The foundation of eating ‘right’ is preparing food that will not only satisfy the parameters of a healthy diet but will also leave one feeling satisfied. A healthy diet is only as effective as the impetus to remain on said diet and the more satisfying the meal, the more likely one would be to continue the trend. So, how do we make satisfying food more ‘healthy’? The simple answer is building flavors. When you take away the reliance on sugars and fats to add richness and depth of flavor to a dish, it is important to pull flavors from more non-traditional roots. The Granola Bar in Westport (Greenwich coming soon) has some great tips for food substitutions that will enhance both the taste and health benefits of any dish. Read More
