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Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events, Pop-Ups, Openings & More For Aug 23-Sept 2

Events Features Events News

Stephanie Webster

Stamford Summer Restaurant Weeks return August 17 – September 7. Participating Downtown Stamford restaurants are serving up special lunch & dinner prix fixe menus in several different price options.

Hartford Baking Company turns 10!! The anniversary, September 1st, will be celebrated with 2 for $10 sandwich deals at all three locations!

Are you an Affogato fan like we are? Storefront AFFOGATO is Coming soon to 132B Washington Street in South Norwalk!

Want to book an intimate private Italian dinner? Tutto Pasta does private customizable dinners at their homemade pasta shop in Fairfield. Contact them for booking.

Attn: Gluten-Free foodies. The Little Beet is opening this summer in Westport with a 100% Gluten-Free menu!

Proof Coffee is opening in Stamford’s Harbor Point with 100% organic, sustainable sourced coffee!


Cavatappi with Carrot Pesto and Lemon Arugula by Sue Smith, Prime Health Style

Features Recipe Recipe Vegetarian Pasta

CTbites Team

What’s cooking people? The Westport Farmers’ Market and Sue Smith from Prime Health Style, have a great vegetarian recipe for the pasta lovers out there. Cavatappi is the Italian word for corkscrew, hence the name of this spiral-shaped, macaroni-like pasta. It’s ideal for use with a thick sauce, here paired with a zesty carrot pesto. This vegetarian recipe creates a tasty and satisfying summer one-dish meal, or can be served as a side dish. See notes below for easy vegan and gluten-free substitutions.


Nibble: Tasty CT Events & Food News for Week of Aug 16-23

Events Features Events News Pop-Up Dinner

Stephanie Webster

“PHO KING” Happy Hour is back at MECHA Noodle Bar Monday-Friday 3-6PM including $5 cocktails, wine and beer and a Happy Hour menu.

Register now for the August 16th Hoodoo Brown BBQ class. Come learn from the Hoodoo Crew, as the Pit Crew takes you behind the scenes for a four hour barbecue school from 8am-12pm.

The Lachat Farmers Market is back!! The new online ordering system will make it even easier for you to buy local - you simply sign up for a time slot and then pick up your order at Lachat between the hours of 4pm-8pm.

There’s a really exciting new project being born in West Hartford. It’s called GastroPark, and it’s a new dining venue providing curated food experience for guests featuring an innovative approach that will deliver delicious mobile food concepts from local small business owners.


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for August 9-16

Features Events News Events

Stephanie Webster

Community Table Restaurant welcomes 15 East Restaurant Team From Union Square NYC for 2 nights only…Tuesday August 11th & Wednesday August 12th. Chef/owner Marco Moreira of 15 East alongside sushi chefs Nobuhiro Mori & Shigue Sugano and master soba chef Shuichi Kotani will be cooking with Ct's Chef Christian Hunter to create a very special Japanese menu.

Just when you thought the Aperol Spritz couldn’t get any better…Bar Rosso now has FROZEN APEROL SPRITZES!!

Harbor Harvest in Norwalk has officially launched their Vitamin Sea outings on the Sound. Book their catamaran for trips out of Norwalk or Huntington for 12-25 people (Covid guidelines) for 4-5 hours with lunch or dinner at the Norwalk or Huntington Harbor Harvest restaurant. Food includes: Wine/Beer, Fresh Local Raw Bar, Cold Salads, Sandwiches & Wraps, Grilled Burgers & Chicken & Hot Dogs. Contact Communications Director: elisa@newviewpr.com for more info.

Vita Pasta Labs hosts a SICILIAN MOOD - PEPERONATA virtual cooking class - AUGUST 28th. The Peperonata, recipe of my wonderful aunt, donna Rosa, that combination of peppers and onions often with just a tang of acidity. The easiest way to show you how to make this Italian delicacy is to participate at the virtual Cooking Class.

It’s time to treat yourself to some to #RealMaineLobster and beer! Join Cousins Maine Lobster as we visit Half Full Brewery (43 Homestead Ave, Stamford) on Wednesday, August 19 from 12:00pm-5:00pm for high-quality great tasting beer and inviting lobster deliciousness. Our famous Connecticut and Maine Lobster Rolls are served either warm or chilled with authentic Maine lobster served on split-top New England rolls.

JUNZI New Haven has updated their online ordering app! Awards and points now available.

Max Fish brings back Happy Hour every Monday and Tuesday 3:30-6pm!!


Nibble: MORE Tasty CT Food Events for July 29-August 6

Events News Events

Stephanie Webster

Crave Leche, serving amazing ice cream, fried Oreos, tres leche cake, churros + more has opened in Hartford’s Parkville Market. Aw yeah!

Get ready to "Cook The Book," July 29th @7pm on CTBITES INSTAGRAM LIVE, with the incredible Chef Carlos Perez of At The Corner & our own Anna Francese Gass. Follow along in your CTbites cookbook as they make Chef Carlos' recipe for Seared Duck Breast with Huckleberry & Fig Gastrique.

New Haven fried chicken pop-up sensation, Haven Hot Chicken, will be opening in New Haven this Fall. Get the deets on CTbites.

Buttery Lobster Rolls are back at The Tasty Yolk! Storefront only in Fairfield📍2992 Fairfield Ave
Text: 203.545.9311 to place your order.

Uber incredible artisan bread baker Flour Water Salt has started making sourdough based doughnuts. Check out that beauty above. Filled with lemon curd and dusted with raspberry sugar, you’ll wanna weep at the first bite.

We think Grano Arso serves some of the best handmade pasta in CT. You can grab one of their pasta kits for takeout - simply order online at granoct.com with a few clicks and you’ll be able to enjoy Grano Arso’s fresh pasta and sauce at home! Directions will come along with it as well.

Don’t miss Wakeman Town Farms’ “Rockin Lawn Picnic” August 5th @ 6pm. Live music by Margot + Zach, Picnic box c/o Terrain Café (bring your own blanket). $80 for two people. Ages 21+ Masks & social distancing.


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for July 26 to August 9

Features Events Food News Events

Stephanie Webster

Taproot’s Jeff Taibe has launched a Food Truck called “On The Fly", with dishes inspired by Southeast Asia. Follow the truck’s locations and pop-ups on Instagram here: @taproot_ct @on_the_fly_foodtruck_ct

Chef Tyler Anderson has a brand new Food Truck as well! The name is @Taquect and the menu features street food style tacos. Aw yeah. Follow the truck’s location on Instagram @taquect.

MIKU is teaming up with Tony's at the J House to launch a pop-up sushi bar in late July. Signature items like the Good 4 You Roll and Yellowtail Jalapeno from the MIKU menu will be available along with all-new options exclusively developed for the partnership at Tony's - including fresh fish from the world-famous Tokyo fish market. The epicurean pop-up will run August through October 2020. For the latest news, visit MIKU online and subscribe to the mailing (mikugreenwich.com).

Starting July 29th "The Spread in Norwalk is launching a new ALL YOU CAN EAT Bao Special on Wednesdays. We’re talking Pork Belly, Fried Chicken, Bulgogi & Spam are on the menu. $20pp. Add your first top shelf drink or beer for $5.


MECHA's Chef Brian Reilly Recipe Demo's The Mushroom Dumplings on Instagram Live

Events Events

Stephanie Webster

Hey all you MECHA Noodle Bar fans. Chef Anna Gass is back this Wednesday night, July 22nd at 7PM to “Cook The Book.” Every week we demo recipes from the CTbites Cookbook, Connecticut Chefs Recipes for Restaurant Relief. (You can purchase the book here. All $$ goes to feed out of work restaurant employees).

On July 22nd, Chef Brian Reilly of MECHA Noodle Bar will help Anna Gass (Heirloom Kitchen author) cook MECHA’s famous MUSHROOM DUMPLINGS. I don’t know about you guys, but I can’t wait to see how this is done, and you can follow along in your own cookbook.

WHEN: July 22nd, 7PM on CTbites Instagram LIVE!!


Summer Quinoa Salad with Peaches and Minty Lime Dressing via Westport Farmers' Market

Features Recipe Recipe Kosher Gluten-Free healthy Salads

Liz Rueven

When peaches hit the summer market in CT there are plenty of reasons to celebrate. I love everything about them: their seductive fruity fragrance, their juicy sunny flesh and most of all, their versatility.

In this easy quinoa salad, peaches lean more savory than sweet, making this the perfect accompaniment to grilled fish or chicken. But remember that quinoa is a complete protein on its own so feel free to make this the whole meal and be done. I'm already dreaming about this salad for breakfast with some luscious creamy goat cheese or salty feta.


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for July 13-26

Events Features News Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Havana Nights are coming to The Spread SoNo on Thursdays! Join them for a Cuban dinner for two in the courtyard for only $70. Start with your choice of a pitcher of mojitos, a pitcher of red or rosé sangria, or bottle of house wine! From there you choose 2 appetizers, an entree for 2 with 2 sides, and finish off with dessert for 2. Book your reservations online or call ahead to reserve your spot.

The Millwright’s Market is coming soon! In the weeks ahead, you’ll be able to head to their loft space for quality pre-prepared foods, wine, raw produce, pastas, meats, cheeses, dairy, and some artisan goods for Simsbury and surrounding communities to enjoy. If you are a producer or know of one who'd have interest in distributing through the market, please reach out to Tyler@millwrightsrestaurant.com.

Every Wednesday, tune into CTbites INSTAGRAM LIVE at 8pm as they "COOK THE BOOK" with live recipe demos from cookbook author Anna Francese Gass and a weekly guest chef. The Connecticut Chefs Recipes for Restaurant Relief E-Cookbook in on sale now with 100% of the proceeds go towards the creation of pantry boxes to feed out of work restaurant staff.

ZA Pizza in Stratford announces its “Debut Re-do!” Created by life-long friends and now business partners, ZA Pizza is rooted in pizzaiola pedigree and created for how people are eating today - fresh, from scratch, at home, and on-the-go.


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for July 4-11

Events Features Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Bloodroot has reopened their dining room with special hours. They are now open from 4 - 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays! They continue to be open for dining inside, outside, and for take away on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4-7pm. We hope to have news soon on when we will resume other dining times. Though not required, they suggest making a reservation by calling 203-576-9168.

Essex, CT has launched Alfresco Thursdays, a summertime event that will continue weekly through August 27. Alfresco Thursdays boasts numerous patio and dockside dining venues from the top to bottom of Main Street in Essex Village, at Olive Oyl’s Creative Cuisine, The Griswold Inn, Carlson’s Landing (opening mid -July) and Siren – a new marine restaurant at Safe Harbor Essex Island. To ramp up the alfresco spirit, The Essex restaurant will feature a pop-up experience at Main Street Park, where Chef Colt Taylor will be serving his award–winning “Connecticut Lobster Rolls.” There will be live music and retail specials as well.

Every Wednesday, tune into CTbites INSTAGRAM LIVE at 8pm as they "COOK THE BOOK" with live recipe demos from cookbook author Anna Francese Gass and a weekly guest chef. The Connecticut Chefs Recipes for Restaurant Relief E-Cookbook in on sale now with 100% of the proceeds go towards the creation of pantry boxes to feed out of work restaurant staff.

Chef Brian Lewis has built a NEW outdoor PATIO for The Cottage in Westport (and it’s fabulous). He has also opened outdoor dining on the waterfront at OKO. Reservations are via phone only, same-day beginning at 2pm.

High George, the rooftop restaurant and bar at The Blake Hotel reopens with a magical springtime garden with seasonal greenery and décor to align with Award Winning Chef Anderson’s new spring dishes, and drinks.


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for Week of June 29 - July 11

Events Features Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

On June 30, The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s invites you to their first drive-in movie experience. Check out BIG on the big screen.

Half Full Brewery just opened a new Stamford location, Third Place, with an outdoor beer garden, locally made brews and draft cocktails made with local spirits, and live music coming soon! Third Place will also serve as a work and events space. (+ Hapa Food Truck!)

Every Wednesday night at 8pm, tune into CTBites’s Instagram Live to watch them as they "cook the book!” The Connecticut Chefs Recipes for Restaurant Relief E-Cookbook is now on sale and every week cookbook author Anna Francese Gass and a guest chef will show you how to make one of the recipes.

Oyster Club’s “Summer Nights” pop-up continues through July 11th.

Don’t miss Grano Arso’s Vietnamese Pop-Up every Monday.


Cook The Book: Tune In On CTBites Instagram Live July 1st with Chef Emily Mingrone of Tavern On State

Events Recipe Cooking Cookbooks Education Instagram Live Recipe Video

Stephanie Webster

Readers, Diners, New Quarantine Couch Potato-Turned-Chefs! Tune into our new IGTV Weekly Series COOK THE BOOK.

On Wednesday July 1st @8PM, join trained chef and beloved Connecticut Cookbook author, Anna Francese Gass (Heirloom Kitchen 2019) & Guest Chef Emily Mingrone from award winning Tavern On State, as they cook Emily’s recipe for Chicken & Dumplings from our recently released CTBites e-cookbook: Connecticut Chef Recipes for Restaurant Relief

Tune In on @CTBITES INSTAGRAM LIVE!!


Chefs At Home: Chia Seed Pudding Recipe from Chef Anthony Rinaldi

Recipe Features Recipe Recipe Video Chia Breakfast Kids Kid Friendly kids activity

Stephanie Webster

Episode #4 of our Chefs At Home series is here…and it’s a heathy, simple and delicious recipe you can make all summer long. Chef Anthony Rinaldi, formerly Exec Chef at Kawa Ni in Westport, currently the Chef for Greenwich Country Day School, has been having some fun in his kitchen with this recipe for the Chia Seed Pudding. This recipe has 15 grams of protein and is easy enough for any kid to make themselves! Get your kids cooking and enjoy!


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for June 22-28

Features Events News Events Virtual Experiences Virtual Cooking Classes

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

It’s all about Tiki Tuesdays in Stamford! You and 5 other people can board the Tiki Taxi at The Crab Shell restaurant for a 30 minute spin around the harbor while listening to our tropical soundtrack and enjoying whatever you bring to drink. Price includes a complimentary Hawaiian Lei as well as our cooler loaded with ice and cups for your favorite beverage (BYOB).

For four weeks this season, Oyster Club presents “Summer Nights,” an outdoor pop-up restaurant at Stone Acres Farm. Dine outdoors under the stars amongst summer blooms in the historic formal gardens. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night from June 18 through July 11, Oyster Club Executive Chef James Wayman and team will present a four course menu with a welcome cocktail, centered around a different theme.

Bar Rosso in Stamford is now open on Mondays! Join them for happy hour from 3-6pm and wine bottle specials after 6pm.


Cook The Book: Recipe Demos On Instagram Live Every Wednesday with Cookbook Author Anna Gass

Features Events Cooking Cookbooks Education Recipe Recipe Video Celebrity Chef

Kristin L. Wolfe

Readers, Diners, New Quarantine Couch Potato-Turned-Chefs! Get Ready to tune into our new IGTV Weekly Series COOK THE BOOK.

Join trained chef and beloved Connecticut Cookbook author, Anna Francese Gass (Heirloom Kitchen 2019), as she makes her way one through some of the most delicious recipes in the recently released CTBites e-cookbook: Connecticut Chef Recipes for Restaurant Relief

Starting this Wednesday June 24th @8PM Gass + a weekly featured Guest Chef will bring the book alive and further whet your appetite and drive to get in the kitchen. This week

So, grab your aprons, your whisks, and the new e-cookbook (should we still plug here? for fun, great food, and to continue supporting our state’s wonderful restaurant industry.


Nibble: CT Food Events, Openings, & News for June 15-21

Features Events News Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Hoodoo Brown BBQ is bringing back its Hoodoo Barbeque School just in time for “Summer School.” Everyone who had their class cancelled due to corona will receive a special email with an early access code and get first shot at BBQ school. Stay tuned to their Facebook and social media platforms for details!

Millwrights in Simsbury now offers brunch from 11am - 3pm! The three course prix fixe meal is $29. See the menu here.

Terrain Café in Westport has reopened! The new limited hours are Friday 9-8, Saturday 9-8, and Sunday 9-4.

Sign up now for the Caseus x Ordinary Food and Booze Pairing Class! On June 26, Jason, Tom, and Tim take you on a virtual culinary experience that you are sure to remember. Pickup the ingredients on 6/24 or 6/25 and tune in on the 26th! It is $45.

On Monday June 15, join Wakeman Town Farm for an online talk entitled “How to Bring Biodiversity Back to Your Yard and Gardens.” $10 suggested donation. You will receive a Zoom link to let you into the talk, which takes place from 7-8pm. Sign up here.


Tim Cabral of Ordinary Makes A Martinez Cocktail on The History Happy Hour

Features Recipe Recipe Recipe Video Cocktails Bar Mixology

Stephanie Webster

In this week’s History Happy Hour 21st century New Haven bartender Tim Cabral demonstrates The Martinez, the father of the Gin Martini.

Here’s a little history…In the mid-19th century barkeeps evolved into mixologists, creating unique cocktails and codifying those long in existence. The most famous of these new-breed bartenders was Jerry Thomas who, as a young man, trained in New Haven and went on to own saloons all over the country. He also penned a world-famous bar tending guide with recipes that is still in use today.

Among the drinks Thomas is said to have developed is The Martinez, a mix of vermouth, gin, bitters and maraschino which he included in his guide. Over time, a version featuring gin, vermouth, and an olive was developed into the modern-day Martini.


Shitake Parmesan Sliders Recipe from Westport Farmers' Market

Features Recipe Recipe Farmers Market Vegetarian

CTbites Team

Even the most devoted meat eaters cannot deny the deliciousness of this “Meatless Monday” recipe. Shiitake mushrooms are the best fungi choice to make a crumb-coated base for tomato sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan because they are firm and hold their shape. The following recipe outlines versions both to shallow fry and bake the shiitakes. You can choose even the breading: fresh breadcrumbs are exceptionally good, but panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) adds a super crunchy textural element, for the taste buds and the eyes.