The Weekly Nibble: Upcoming Food News & Events Restaurant Holiday Wine Dinners Wine Tasting Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 13, 2013 On Saturday November 16, Nicholas Roberts Fine Wines will hold its annual Harvest Tasting to benefit Turning Wine Into Water. The event will take at The Avenue Gallery in Norwalk, CT and last from 5-8pm. Suggested donations range from $35-$500 depending on which portion of the events guests wish to attend. Click here for more information or to reserve a space. On Tuesday November 19, New Canaan Wine Merchants will offer a wine & cheese class titled “Seasons Cheesings! Owner Jeff Barbour will team up with Erin Hedley of Artisanal cheeses to let guests learn and taste holiday pairings. It lasts from 7-8:30pm and costs $25 a person. Sign up or get additional information here. Harlan Social is holding a wine dinner on Wednesday November 20. It will feature: Wines from Celani Family Vineyards in Napa, California; Cocktail hour at 6:30pm; 5-course dinner at 7:15pm. Seats are limited and available for $175 a person. To see the menu, make a reservation, or find out more, visit http://www.harlansocial.com/index.html. It's time to order your Thanksgiving Pies & Cakes. Sono Baking Company & Michele's Pies are accepting orders NOW! Read More
18th Century Thanksgiving Dinner at the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum Restaurant Events Holiday Thanksgiving CTbites Team November 12, 2013 Connecticut Yankees have always taken pumpkin pie pretty seriously—especially at Thanksgiving—according to culinary educator, food journalist and TV chef Prudence Sloane. When the Connecticut River froze early in the fall of 1705, creating what might have been called The Great Molasses Shortage of 1705, the leaders of Colchester, Connecticut, postponed Thanksgiving until enough of the precious brown goo could be shipped in for the requisite pies. Sloane will expand on this delicious topic, and share other Thanksgiving gastronomic tidbits and trivia during her presentations at the third 18th-Century Thanksgiving Dinner at the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, on November 17, 2013, from noon till 3 p.m. Dressed in period clothing, Mr. and Mrs. Silas Deane will host the authentic Thanksgiving feast for up to 130 guests. Dinner will be preceded by a wine reception with light fare and 18th-century music in the musicians’ gallery. Guests can explore the Silas Deane House and engage the Deanes and Sloane in conversation before dinner. Read More
Tommy Juliano of Community Table: The Master of Dessert via Connecticut Magazine Restaurant Chef Talk Washington Dessert Laurie Gabaordi November 10, 2013
Meriano's Bake Shoppe Introduces Connecticut's First Cannoli Truck in New Haven Restaurant Food Truck Italian New Haven Dessert Amy Kundrat November 10, 2013 The Cannoli Truck from Meriano's Bake Shoppe Cuisine: Italian Bakery, Food Truck Price: $3 per Cannoli The Highlights: Traditional, Oreo, seasonal flavors Online: CannoliTruck.com | MerianosBakeShoppe.com The first time I heard the phrase "Cannoli Truck" I was convinced it was a New Haven urban legend. The city has trucks and carts filled with almost any cuisine you can imagine, but a truck filled with Italian pastries? This seemed too good to be true. Lucky for New Haven, the truck exists, and its pink and leopard-trimmed reality is far superior to any Italian pastry-filled mirage you can conjure. I discovered the truck early this summer, first as a hot tip from a New Haven friend excited to have a new truck to add to the city’s burgeoning food truck and cart scene. And then as luck would have it, the truck frequently parks in the neighborhood near my New Haven office, so I’m lucky to “stumble” into it, in all its 7 cannoli-flavor glory. Read More
Craft Butchery's Porktoberfest 2013: Thanks for The Memories... Restaurant Butcher Events Food Porn Kid Friendly CTbites Team November 10, 2013
Cake Boss, Buddy Valastro, Coming to Greenwich via Serendipity Magazine Features Restaurant Bakery Celebrity Chef Greenwich Dessert Serendipity Magazine November 06, 2013 A Slice of Cake Boss via Serendipity Magazine. Buddy Valastro, the star of TLC’s Cake Boss and owner of the famous Carlo’s bakery, is opening shop in Greenwich, CT, this fall. He talks to Serendipity about the sweet life and what to expect at the new site: delicious pastries, over-the-top cakes, and maybe even tv cameras! Why did you choose Greenwich for your first Carlo’s Bakery out of New Jersey? I love it here, it’s a great town. I’ve really enjoyed the time I’ve been able to spend here. There’s so much to do on Greenwich Avenue, and so many families in the area. I knew it would be a great fit for the first Carlo’s Bakery outside of New Jersey. I have friends who live in the Westchester area, so I’ve been able to get to know the area better when I visit them. Everyone wants to know — will you be working at the new bakery? Of course, I’m going to be there as often as I can. I’m a hands-on person, and it’s very important for me to make sure that our Greenwich location will meet the same standards I’ve built for Carlo’s Bakery. So, I’ll be here to make sure we’re running smoothly. Read More
River Tavern: "Dinners at the Farm" Chef Cooks Farm-to-Table in Chester CT Restaurant Chester Farm Dinner Farm to Table CTbites Team November 05, 2013
New Haven Restaurant Week Is On!! November 3-8 Restaurant Restaurant Week CTbites Team November 04, 2013 New Haven Restaurant Week Is On!! November 3rd – 8th. 30 of downtown New Haven’s award-winning and internationally diverse restaurants are featuring prix fixe lunch and dinner menus. Participating restaurants offer a multi-course, prix fixe menu typically consisting of an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Make reservations as early as possible. Don’t wait because restaurants are sure to book quickly. Click here to make reservations Participating Restaurants Below: Read More
Post 154 Opens in Westport in Old Post Office Building Restaurant Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger November 03, 2013 CTbites recently attended a press dinner at Post 154 in Westport to sample numerous selections from its award winning Chef Alex Rosado's introductory menu. Overall the dishes were visually artistic in their construct and many presented delicious flavors. All reviews of Post 154 must include a little history of the building. The 1935 cornerstone outside the entrance commemorates the site’s original purpose as the Westport Post Office, constructed under The New Deal during the Great Depression. Architect Lansing Colton Holden Jr., a World War I flying ace who was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, designed the building upon his return from battle. The building’s new ownership redesigned the spacious interior with a combination of wood paneling, flowing drapes and relics from the early 1900’s surrounding the tables. A large U-Shaped bar, with over 250 seats, occupies the entire left side and leads to an inviting patio that allows for al fresco dining in warmer weather. Read More
Comings and Goings in New Canaan's Restaurant Scene Restaurant New Canaan Lunch CTbites Team October 31, 2013 There is tremendous activity in the town of New Canaan recently and CTbites wanted to give our readers an update: Bistro Bonne Nuit closed after providing some of the best French food in Fairfield County. We wish Roe and all of the staff best of luck in their future endeavors; Farmer’s Table will relocate to the space formerly occupied by Bistro Bonne Nuit. In addition to a larger space, the new location will allow for outdoor dining and the potential for a liquor license; Picador restaurant has changed ownership and the new chef, Corey Falcone, is working on modifying the menu to include recipes from his Italian heritage; Locali Pizza Bar and Kitchen is set to open at the corner of Forest and Locust in the space that formerly housed Kouzina. Chef Mogan Anderson from Village Social in Mt. Kisco is currently devising the opening menu; Baldanza Natural Market and Café opened at 17 Elm St. in the space that formerly housed Reid’s; An Italian Trattoria under ownership of local restaurateurs and chef will open in the space that formerly housed Tuscan Restaurant; New Canaan Olive Oil opened at 98 Elm Street, in the former Dunkin’ Donuts; Eclectic, a take-out, catering and deli opened on Vitti Street; ginger bitz bakery and cafe will open at 155 Elm St. in the former Caroline's Creperie location; Caroline’s Creperie is closed and Crumbs is scheduled to close. Read More
Bailey's Backyard Farm Dinner November 5 Restaurant Farm to Table Events CTbites Team October 28, 2013 Ridgefield's farm-to-table restaurant Bailey’s Backyard will be hosting a seven-course farm-to-table dinner on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The dinner will celebrate Connecticut ingredients and the farmers who cultivate them. The cost for the upcoming dinner is $95 per person with wine pairings and $75 per person without. Seating is limited. For reservations call 203-431-0796. For reservations call 203-431-0796. Read More
CHAR Opens in Byram, Greenwich: A Menu Built to Please Restaurant Byram Greenwich Lunch ellen bowen October 27, 2013 Westchesterites and Nutmeggers...CHAR in Byram is open! In the crazy scene that was this year’s Culinary Village at The Greenwich Wine+Food Festival there were a few major culinary stand outs…and one was a Grilled Octopus with Garlic Confit prepared by CHAR. From that single bite I knew that a visit to this Greenwich newcomer was required. Situated along the river in Byram on the NY border, CHAR is owned by experienced GM, Jimmy Rucova, and his two brothers who also run Dolphin and Cafe Hudson, both in Yonkers. CHAR has a warm, but "cool" interior, with multiple dining spaces all outfitted with beautiful reclaimed wood. The wall coverings are former floor joists from old buildings in Brooklyn and the flooring is water-logged white oak from Alabama. A stone fireplace provides the focal point in the main dining room and antique brass fixtures dot the faux-tin ceiling to provide a casually hip environment. But the food is the real news at CHAR. Read More
Recap: Final Fork It Over "Brunch" Fundraiser With Chef Jeff Taibe Restaurant Events Farmers Market CTbites Team October 25, 2013 CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE TO LAUNCH PHOTO GALLERY On Sunday, the final Fork It Over event to raise money for The Westport Farmers' Market, was held at the Norfield Grange in Weston. Jeff Taibe from Oak & Almond charmed us with an afternoon of Southern fare that left everyone licking their fingers and wanting to know what else this talented chef has up his sleeve. To top it off, John Barricelli from Sono Baking Company did not leave a sweet tooth in the house untouched. Please see below for the full menu and recipe. These events were a group effort with the talents of Saugatuck Grain & Grape, Lauren Kreter and Something Borrowed and an amazing staff. VIEW PHOTO GALLERY HERE c/o Liz Dorney. Read More
Barcelona Restaurant Cooking Classes @ ALL Locations! Restaurant Cooking Classes Education CTbites Team October 23, 2013 Ever wondered how the chefs come up with the seasonal menus and specialty dishes at your local Barcelona Restaurant? The Barcelona Cooking Class series can shed some light on everything from "Seasonal Veggies" to "Spanish Stews,""Braises," and "Holiday cooking." These classes are held in the kitchens with Barcelona's Executive Chefs. Check out the great list of Cooking Classes at your favorite Barcelona Restaurant. Cooking classes make great gifts! Stamford Classes Where: StamfordWhen: 10/26/13 @ 2:00 PMFall Vegetables Cooking Class$45 per person, plus tax and gratuityEnjoy the beginning of Fall and join Chef Scott as he shows off some of his favorite ways to cook up the great vegetables that Connecticut has to offer! Read More
Recap: Friends of Boulder Knoll Dinner w/ Caseus Fromagerie & South End Wine Restaurant Cheese Wine Tasting Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 21, 2013 On Wednesday September 18, 2013, I had the opportunity to attend a farm-to-table dinner presented by the Friends of Boulder Knoll, a group focused on educating the local community about agriculture and sustainability. I was invited by Tim Crakes of South End Wine and Spirits, a boutique wine store in Cheshire, CT, that would be providing the beverages for the event. I wasn’t sure what to expect; in fact, that is a part of the state I seldom frequent. While I take Metro North into New York City on a regular basis, I have never stepped onto it in the opposite direction. What I found was a gorgeous small town and vibrant farming community. Both Tim and the Friends of Boulder Knoll provided me with total access to an evening of purity, totally untouched by the pace of the city and daily life. Read More
Locali Pizza Bar and Kitchen to Open in New Canaan Restaurant Italian Pizza New Canaan Lunch Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger October 17, 2013 The intersection of Locust Avenue and Forest Street in New Canaan will be in full restaurant mode again in a few weeks when Locali Pizza Bar and Kitchen, a tribute to Napolitano pizza and small plates, opens in the space that formally housed Kouzina. The restaurant is brainchild of Joe Bueti, whose previous restaurants include 121 in North Salem, Strega in Pleasantville and his current location in Mt. Kisco, Village Social. Bueti is teaming with business partner Anthony Legato in this new venture. Overseeing the kitchen is Chef Mogan Anthony, the current chef at Village Social, and a former participant on “Chopped.” Chef Mogan’s background includes working under Chef Jean Georges Vongericthen in three different locations and a stint at the Bedford Post under New Canaan elm restaurant’s Chef Brian Lewis. The redesign is fully in process and their aim is an inviting, more intimate atmosphere that will deliver classic food and Neapolitan dishes. Read More
Freshii Opens in Downtown Westport w/ Healthy Eats for All Restaurant Westport healthy Lunch Kid Friendly CTbites Team October 16, 2013 I was looking for a quick but healthy bite when I walked into Freshii. Set in downtown Westport next to Starbucks at 1 Main St and also accessible from Parker Harding Plaza. the new healthy fast food cafe opened late September with light, modern, clean decor of green seats and wood tables and a list of organic ingredients on the wall resembling the periodic table of the elements. The food matched the setting, with simple but well-balanced and flavorful salads, bowls and wraps including the "superbiotic" with spinach, romaine, chick peas, cucumbers, sundried tomatoes, corn, artichoke hearts, red peppers, red onion and cucumber dill dressing and the "ninja" with edamame, soy nuts, cilantro and asian sesame dressing. Catering to almost every dietary restriction and food preference, their rice, quinoa and noodle bowls offer vegan, nut- and gluten free choices such as the "warrior" with brown rice, corn, red onions, cajun spice and ranch dressing. Read More
Recap: Willett Distilling Visits Bobby Q's for Evening of Bourbon & BBQ Restaurant BBQ Events James Gribbon October 16, 2013 Fire is your friend, and on a cool evening at the end of September, so is smoke. Many a hefty stave of Connecticut oak lent its flavor to platters of pork ribs, sausage and smokey burnt ends of brisket at our latest CTBites Invites event. Blue flame lit hand rolled cigars, courtesy of Connecticut Cigar Company, and the gathered crowd on the rooftop bar at Bobby Q's in Westport was warmed by fire of a different kind, via Willett Distilling. We try to lovingly craft our dinner pairings for Invites events, and few things blend as seamlessly as fall weather, bourbon, and BBQ. The former can excite and sharpen the senses, while the latter two coddle and insulate - an ideal coalescence of need and satisfaction to contemplate through a wreath of fine tobacco smoke under a starry sky. Read More
Food Highlights from The Greenwich Wine + Food Festival Restaurant Events Greenwich Wine + Food Festival Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger October 14, 2013 VIEW JFOOD'S PHOTO GALLERY BY CLICKING ABOVE IMAGE What a great day at the Greenwich Wine + Food Festival presented by Serendipity Magazine wondering around the grounds, sampling food and wine from 100 different restaurants and wine shops, chatting with chefs, owners and fellow food lovers and listening to the chef interviews in our CTbites’ Blogger Lounge. Fairfield County chefs were well represented and each did our little neck of the culinary world proud. It is impossible to go through each of their offerings but several deserve individual shout outs. [VIEW MY PHOTO GALLERY HERE] In alphabetical order: Read More
Sneak Peek at Greenwich's Golden View Firenze Restaurant Greenwich Italian Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger October 13, 2013 The culinary landscape in Greenwich expands with the recent opening of Golden View Firenze at 249 Railroad Avenue with its owner, chef and menu direct from Florence, Italy. For many years Tommaso Grasso, owner of Golden View Open Bar overlooking the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, visited friends in the US and they recently convinced him to bring his upscale cuisine and vibe to Greenwich. He persuaded Italian chef Francesco Casu to join him from Florence, and the two have created a traditional and authentic Tuscan menu. Entering the restaurant, you immediately feel the European influence in the décor. The sleek black and white tables and chairs were imported from Italy and the walls are all adorned with paintings also imported from Italy. The entire space has an inviting European hip ambience and is spacious for the forty guests who will dine on traditional Tuscan cuisine. The entire rear of the dining area is dedicated to the stainless steel kitchen with a Chef’s Counter for four lucky guests. Read More
