Filtering by Category: Recipe,Events

Sweet Potato Pie Recipe from Latin Chef/ Author Leticia Schwartz

Recipe Features Recipe Thanksgiving Holiday Pie Dessert

Leticia Schwartz

Ok, I’m all about healthy cooking. The proof is in the book, Latin Superfoods. But this time of year is a little special! Let’s dig right into this Sweet Potato Pie, adapted from Gourmet Magazine. Go ahead and celebrate the old-fashioned way with family and friends.

Growing up in Brazil, such a tart was not in the habits, and in fact it took some time for me to get the liking of it. But after 20 years of living here, let me tell you, I’m hooked! And Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays since it’s all about food, friends and family!


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events, Game Dinners, And Festivals for November 17-24

Events Features EVENT News Pop-Up Dinner Pop-Up Bar Happy Hour

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Kombucha is delicious and nutritious!  Cross Culture Kombucha Taproom & Brewery will teach you how to make your own at home in their Kombucha Homebrewing Workshop on November 21.

On Tuesday November 19, Fairfield Cheese Company hosts an evening all about Cheese and Wine of The French Alps.  Join them from 7-9pm for $50 per person. 

The Taps & Trees Craft Beer Festival returns to the Danbury Sports Dome on Saturday November 23.


Candied Kabocha Squash Recipe: Chef Emily Mingrone of Tavern on State

Features Recipe Recipe Holiday Thanksgiving Cooking Entertaining

CTbites Team

For the next two weeks CTbites will be featuring a series of Thanksgiving recipes from local CT chefs. Some of these recipes will be family favorites, or dishes the chefs cook in their own homes. Others will grace the holiday menus found at your local restaurant. One thing is certain. They will all be delicious and worthy of a seat at YOUR table. Our second in this series comes from Chef Emily Mingrone of Tavern On State. Enjoy her recipe for Candied Kabocha Squash.


Half Full Winter Beer Garden Returns for 2019 (via Hey Stamford!)

Events Pop-Up Bar Stamford Holiday kids activity

Hey Stamford!

This just in from Hey Stamford!

One of our favorite winter experiences of 2018 was Half Full Brewery’s Winter Beer Garden.  Well, I’m thrilled to say that the Stamford-based brewery announced yesterday that this pop-up experience will return, this time for the entire month of December! 

The Half Full Winter Beer Garden will once again be located in Mill River Park just opposite the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Skating Center and will feature an enclosed bar serving (of course) Half Full beercider and wine. 

The Half Full Winter Beer Garden is part of Mill River Park’s Winter Wonderland programming line-up, built around the Skating Center (opening for the season on November 18). From Thanksgiving until New Year’s, the park will offer plenty of winter fun, including crafts, DJ Nights, and more!


Nibble: CT Food Events For November 10-17

Events Features Events News Wine Dinners

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

On Tuesday November 12, Lidia Bastianich comes to Tarry Lodge in Westport.  She’s celebrating the release of her new cookbook, Felidia: Recipes from My Flagship Restaurant.  Guests will get a signed copy of her book as well as a four course dinner with optional wine pairings.  There are two seatings, 5-7pm and 7:30-9:30pm.  Tickets start at $135, inclusive of tax and gratuity. 

The story of the legendary Vegetarian spot, Bloodroot is coming to life on the big screen!  The movie will be shown on Monday November 11th at 6:50pm at the Cinepolic Chelsea Theater in New York City as part of the Doc NYC Festival.  Selma and Noel will be in attendance, along with the filmmakers for a Q&A after the showing. 

CT Cider Week is coming!  On Wednesday November 13, Mystic Cheese Company invites you to a cheese and cider pairing class- and it’s all gluten free.  It runs from 6-8pm and costs $45 per person. 


Polenta Holiday Cookies Recipe from Chef Silvia Baldini

Features Recipe Recipe Dessert Holiday Cookies Entertaining

Silvia Baldini

Crispy, crunchy, polenta cookies. The recipe was kindly gifted to me by my MIL Elisabetta. They have become a welcome tradition in my family. We make them a couple of weeks ahead of the holidays and keep them fresh in metal tin, lined with parchment paper. The mix of polenta and potatoes starch gives them a melt in your mouth texture. I like to dust them with a light coating of powder sugar and I enjoy them as treat with tea or when my sweet tooth requires a fixing.


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For November 3-10

Events Features Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Tavern on State hosts an Armada Brewing Beer Dinner on Monday November 4.  $80 includes 5 beers, four courses, tax, and gratuity.  Seating begins at 6pm and the dinner follows at 6:30pm.

The Connecticut Cider Association presents the first ever Connecticut Cider Festival on Saturday November 9!  Cider Conn 2019 takes place at Zandri's Stillwood Inn.  Join them for unlimited cider sampling, food trucks, live music, and more.  Tickets start at $15. 

Amis Trattoria’s Guest Chef Series continues on Wednesday November 6 with Emily Mingrone of Tavern on State.  Amis Executive Chef Jes Bengtson and Mingrone will create a one-night-only menu of specials inspired by the guest chef’s specialties. 


Nibble: Tasty, Fresh & Fab CT Food Events for Week of October 27- November 3

Events Features News Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

J House throws their annual Halloween bash on Friday November 1- this year with an Apocalypse theme!  Your ticket comes with a complimentary cocktail, hors d'oeuvres, a live DJ all night, and a Red Carpet Costume Contest & Prizes.  Tickets $75 pp.

On November 1, Ben & Jerry’s will serve up Free Scoops Of Non-Dairy For World Vegan Day!  Visit participating locations from 4-8pm for your free scoop. 

Attention beer fans! Coalhouse Pizza in Stamford hosts a special SINGLECUT tap take-over at 5pm on October 30.  Stay for trivia, which begins at 8pm.

Chef Jessica Bengston, chef from Terrain and Amis Trattoria, comes to the Fairfield Library on Monday October 28.  She’ll share her journey in the culinary world and how food, community, and culture has influenced her career.  


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For Week of October 20-27

Features Events Events News Pop-Up Dinner Wine Dinners Festival

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Get egg-cited… the Tasty Yolk storefront opens for business on Tuesday October 22!  Check them out at 2992 Fairfield Ave in Bridgeport.

From Wednesday October 23 through Friday October 25, Norwalk Now presents CRUSH: A Celebration of Beer, Wine, and Spirits.  Norwalk restaurants and businesses are opening their doors for demonstrations, tastings, seminars, and other events inspired by these tasty adult beverages. 

Wednesday October 23 marks Brasitas’s first Wine Dinner of the season.  The five course meal will compliment wines from Napa Valley.  Tickets are $75 per person and space is limited. 


25+ Connecticut Halloween Parties & Happenings for 2019

Events Features Holiday Halloween Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Costume?  Check.  Pumpkin?  Check.  Candy?  Check.  Halloween Plans.  Check…?  October 31 is quickly approaching and with so many fun options to choose from, what is one to do?  Connecticut restaurants, farms, bars, and venues are all getting into the Halloween spirit with frighteningly good food specials, cocktails, bar crawls, haunted hayride, and more.  Here are 25+ CT spots throwing spook-tacular events to lead up to and close out the holiday.


Westoberfest Downtown Westport Beer Festival w/ Over 50 Craft Breweries, Food & Fun (sponsored post)

Events Features Festival Oktoberfest

CTbites Team

Over 30 New England craft breweries will serve up their favorite seasonal beer tastings at Westoberfest on October 19 at 2:00 p.m. in the heart of downtown Westport on Elm Street. Building on a successful inaugural event last year, and in partnership with Westport's newest wine and spirits merchant, The Grapevine, there will be even MORE breweries this year, with more than 50 unique pours of the best local and regional craft beer for three hours of unlimited tasting. Buy your tickets here!

The perfect complement to flavorful craft brews is tasty food, and Westoberfest will serve up two local favorites, Kawa Ni and Rothbard Ale + Larder, with options to satisfy any appetite. Line up early to experience traditional brats and pretzels from Rothbard’s or satisfy your culinary craving with spicy miso ramen, tofu pockets, and sesame noodles from Kawa Ni. The always crave-worthy DoughGirls truck will also be making an appearance in the kids' area (yes, there’s a KIDS AREA).

What’s on the Menu? Check it out…


Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of October 13-20

Events Features Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Get ready to get crazy and “do-nut” miss this event!  Friday October 18 is Donut Crazy Flight Night at Two Roads Brewing Company.  They’ll even be featuring a Roadsmary’s Baby Donut inspired by the Autumnal Brew.  Check it out in the tasting room from 4-9pm.   

On Saturday October 19, Barcelona Norwalk will hold a pig roast on the patio.  From 3-6pm, kick off fall with a roast suckling pig and seasonal tapas prepared by Chef Kaline Capps. Wine pairings will accompany the evening’s offerings. 

Hamilton Park, located in The Blake Hotel in Downtown New Haven, now offers 50% off all bottles of wine during Monday evening dinner service.  The restaurant offers dinner service from 5-9pm.

Le Fat Poodle is pleased to present Oktoberfest specials.  The Oktoberfest menu includes specials like German beer cheese dip, pretzels, bratwurst, and more.  Order a la carte or opt for three courses and get a beer and stein.


Fried Green Tomatoes with Burrata & Figs Recipe

Recipe Recipe

Liz Rueven

While juicy ripe tomatoes are on the wane, autumn provides an opportunity to experiment with firm green tomatoes. Don’t overlook these gems when you see them in the market. Once battered and fried, they’re a perfect canvas for arranging all sorts of cheeses, fresh figs and a swirl of balsamic glaze.

Serve one of these compositions as an appetizer or a light lunch and watch your guests thrill to one of autumn’s underrated fruits.

Thank you to Patti Popp, farmer at Sport Hill Farm in Easton, CT and Lori Cochran Dougall, Director of Westport Farmers’ Market, who introduced me to the wonders of green tomatoes.


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events Happening October 6-13

Features Events Events News Nibble

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Everyone is Italian on October 12 and 13 when the That’s Amore Italian Street Festival comes to Stamford.  There will be plenty of Italian food as well as concerts, games, and Italian-inspired entertainment. 

TASTE of Fairfield returns on Sunday October 13 at Delamar Southport.  Over 25 vendors will offer tastes of their delicious food.  There will also be local vendors, wineries, and specialty cocktails to check out.  Purchase a general admission ticket or upgrade to VIP for early admission to the event. 

Cousins Maine Lobster and Bad Sons Beer Company are teaming up on Friday October 11.  From 4-8pm, head to Derby for refreshing brews and a pop-up from the Hartford-based seafood eatery. 


Yom Kippur Savory Mushroom Cheese Kugel Recipe

Features Recipe Holiday Recipe Noodles

Liz Rueven

Yom Kippur*, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, is a day of fasting and praying. When the longest day of the year ends (at least for those who haven’t eaten for 25 hours) family and friends gather around a casual buffet that often includes a sweet noodle kugel. Sure, there are bagels and cheeses, cucumber salads and fresh fruit. But it’s the kugel everyone goes for first.


CTBites Scene: Greenwich Wine + Food Festival 2019

Features Events Events Greenwich Wine + Food Festival

James Gribbon

The Greenwich Wine + Food Festival sailed into harbor to cap off the summer for its ninth year last weekend, and CTBites was there: awkwardly balancing camera, food, and cocktails, and wishing for a prehensile tail. Bites were eaten, photos were taken, and not overly much wine was spilled on ourselves in the process. Perhaps you will see yourself in the gallery, maybe you'll be inspired to attend next year for the tenth anniversary - either way you'll feel better than we did on Sunday morning - and anyway, it'll be worth it.


Nibble: Tasty & Boozy CT Food Events for September 29-October 6

Features Events Nibble Food Events Food News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

On Friday October 4, HAPA's Chef Chris Gonzalez, SoNo 1420 craft distillery, and Ria Rueda of Bread & Butter Marketing are teaming up to bring you the first ever Kamayan style dinner to celebrate Filipino American History Month.  A kamayan meal is a communal feast served family-style eaten with a large group of friends, featuring a variety of Filipino dishes served on banana leaves over rice and eaten with your hands.  A $75 dinner includes 2 cocktails, dinner, and dessert. 

116 Crown is celebrating its 12th anniversary!  Join them on Saturday October 5 at 6pm for a cocktail hour, seasonal dinner, bocce, and live music.  Return on Sunday October 6 for a “Family Happy Hour” featuring pumpkin painting, cocktails, and more.  

Washington Prime in SoNo kicks off their fall/winter wine series with a Caymus Wine Dinner on Wednesday October 2.  The five course pairing dinner kicks off at 7pm with limited seating.  Reservations can be made by calling (203) 857-1314 or by visiting the restaurant.