20+ Places For Great Holiday Pies in CT (2019 Edition) Restaurant Best of CT Pie Dessert Holiday Bakery Homepage April Guilbault November 12, 2019 Holiday season is heeeere, with its feasts and parties, and let’s be honest, you can’t really have too much pie, now can you? Note: with the brief exception of a kooky aunt who, after a post-Thanksgiving bout on the tread mill, did wearily proclaim “Too....Much....Pie!” but that’s another story for another time. So where to go for the best pies with the flakiest crusts, sweetest streusel toppings and the most flavorful fillings? We’ll be happy to tell you. Get those dessert plates ready and, um...you might want to loosen that belt.Here are 20+ places to buy great holiday pies in CT. Read More
Brooklyn's Famed Ignazio's Pizza Opens in Westport CT Restaurant open Westport Pizza Lunch Kid Friendly Homepage Stephanie Webster November 10, 2019 Last February, we reported on the famed Brooklyn based Ignazio’s Pizza and their upcoming opening on the Post Road in Westport. We are very pleased to announce that it’s go time! Ignazio’s will be opening their doors, and their pizza ovens, on Monday, November 11th, and we couldn’t be more excited for their signature thin crust pies. CTbites had the pleasure of speaking with owner Louis Termini, who, as it turns out, has strong pizza ties to Connecticut, and big plans for the new Westport digs. Read More
Half Full Winter Beer Garden Returns for 2019 (via Hey Stamford!) Events Pop-Up Bar Stamford Holiday kids activity Hey Stamford! November 08, 2019 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 beer, cider 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! Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events For November 10-17 Events Features Events News Wine Dinners Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 08, 2019 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. Read More
Playa Bowls Opening In West Hartford w/ Bowls & Smoothies Galore Restaurant Smoothies Acai Bowl healthy open Breakfast lunch CTbites Team November 07, 2019 West Hartford, Connecticut is about to get a bowl full of sunshine with the opening of PLAYA BOWLS in Blue Back Square this November. Serving up bowls and smoothies made from açaí, pitaya, coconut, greens, chia, banana, and oatmeal, Playa Bowls uses the freshest high-quality ingredients, with sustainability and community in mind.Furthermore, on Opening Day (exact date and time to be announced in the coming weeks on instagram at @playabowlsweha), the first 50 people in line will get a FREE bowl or smoothie of their choice! Read More
Chef's Tasting at The Spread Greenwich with Chef Carlos Baez Restaurant Chef Pop-Up Dinner Chef's Tasting Greenwich Stephanie Webster November 06, 2019 Let’s be real. Dining out is always a treat. You don’t have to clean up afterwards, and if you’re like me, the menu at almost ANY restaurant is going to surpass what’s going on in my own kitchen. However, if you’re a diner who appreciates experiencing the mind of chef who is executing dishes that are inspired by the season, an “aha” moment, or a desire to experiment, a Chef’s Tasting is the way to take dining to the next level. It was with this in mind, that I attended Chef Carlos Baez’ monthly Chef’s Table Tasting Dinner, held on the last Thursday of every month at The Spread’s Greenwich location. Read More
Winfield Street Coffee Opens in Downtown Stamford at The Ferguson Library Restaurant Coffee Stamford Breakfast Lunch Sandwich Opening Andrew Dominick November 05, 2019 Downtown Stamford just received a jolt of caffeination with the grand opening of Winfield Street Coffee at The Ferguson Library. This third branch of Winfield Street—Westport and Croton-on-Hudson are the other two—will serve up the goods that the brand has become known for under owner Breno Donatti, starting with expertly made lattes, cortados, espressos, cappuccinos, and high-quality drip using Counter Culture Coffee. Other fanciness comes in the form of turmeric, charcoal, or matcha lattes, house-made strawberry oat or chocolate almonds “mylks,” healthy smoothies, or you can treat yourself to a cup of hot cocoa T.M.F. style with a heaping scoop of toasted marshmallow fluff on top. Read More
Sneak Peek: Taco Daddy Set to Open in Stamford Restaurant Tacos Stamford Homepage Opening Andrew Dominick November 03, 2019 Fans of @dallasthewalpig’s Instagram account may have noticed that Dallas, a half Shar-Pei, half bulldog puppy signed a lease for a new taco joint in Stamford. Umm…what?!Then the account switched over to @tacodaddystamford and fans, both locally and from afar, were undoubtedly confused. What’s there to be confused about? If a dog opened a taco joint, you’d go, right? That’s not what’s actually happening but that is the joke at Taco Daddy, a fresh idea by John Nealon, who you likely know from Fortina, and his fiancée Morgan Machette. Read More
Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For November 3-10 Events Features Events News Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 30, 2019 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. Read More
Chef Tyler Anderson Opens Square Peg Pizzeria in Glastonbury Restaurant Pizza Glastonbury Lunch Comfort Food Celebrity Chef Homepage Opening Kristin L. Wolfe October 27, 2019 I know you all know pizza and are very protective of your claims to your chosen slice, not to mention, have a tome of opinions about where to go, where not to go, on thick pie or thin pie. HOWEVER, just as there’s always room for another coffee shop, there’s plenty of love out there for more ‘za. So hear me out and listen to the exciting crackle of Square Peg’s crust.I think we can agree that whatever Chef Tyler Anderson gets involved in, it’s backed up by experience, quality, and good old school hard work. Add Chef Bruce Kalman and his Italian stylings to the mix and you have a Bro-mance of delicious proportions. Just a week out of the gate and people have some great things to say about the newest parlor in Glastonbury. Read More
Roost Kitchen + Coffee Opens in Stamford Restaurant Breakfast Coffee Stamford Lunch Bakery Opening CTbites Team October 25, 2019 Award-winning Chef and local business-owner Mike Pietrafeso is proud to announce the opening of his second Roost Kitchen + Coffee at Stamford Urby on Friday, Oct 25TH, located at 1 Greyrock Place (corner of Greyrock Pl. and Tresser Blvd.)Roost Stamford will offer their signature scratch-made items, featuring locally sourced ingredients, in a seasonal menu and paired with locally roasted artisan coffee from Kestrel Coffee Roasters. Chef Pietrafeso and his team will offer an all-day experience for guests with made-to-order breakfast and lunch items, including toasts, oats and smoothies, and coming soon an evening offering with small plates, wine and beer. Guests can dine in at this location with 100 seats and plenty of space for local residents and professionals, or take items to-go with convenient parking on-site. Read More
Nibble: Tasty, Fresh & Fab CT Food Events for Week of October 27- November 3 Events Features News Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 24, 2019 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. Read More
Filipindian Pop Up with Sherkaan + Kawit! + More to Come in New Haven Features Restaurant Pop-Up Dinner Indian New Haven Filipino Catering Caterers Kristin L. Wolfe October 23, 2019 At Sherkaan’s first pop-up last Thursday night, the Flipindian Feast, I had to swim through the the hungry crowd and make my way to, literally, the last seat available at the long copper bar. From the pervading tiger logo (Sherkaan means Tiger King in Hindi) and hindi phrases on the walls, to the cascade of bicycles hanging from the ceiling, diners are definitely transported to the packed spaces of a Southeast Asian hot spot. In addition to all the things to look at, pungent spices filled the room; they were so entrenched in the air that my hair smelled of them the next morning. Read More
EGG-citing News: The Tasty Yolk Storefront Opens in Black Rock + Now Serving Lunch! Restaurant Black Rock Bridgeport Breakfast Lunch Homepage Comfort Food Brunch Catering Food Truck Opening Stephanie Webster October 21, 2019 I pose this question to you…Is there anything better than a well executed egg sandwich in the wee hours of the morning (or really any time of day)? A nice runny yolk…smoky bacon…buttery Parker House roll….drooling yet? Well, for lovers of all things egg sandwich, we’ve got some egg-citing news. The crave-worthy egg sandwich food truck, The Tasty Yolk, has officially opened the doors to their NEW storefront location at 2992 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport TODAY! No longer will hungry diners exclusively have to seek out one of their three Fairfield County mobile breakfast sandwich delivery vehicles. Chef Eric Felitto’s (Food Network Chopped Champion) award winning menu will be available 6 days a week, Tuesday through Sunday. P.S. MSN awarded The Tasty Yolk one of "America's 100 Best Food Trucks." Oh, and did I mention they have added a FULL LUNCH MENU to the lineup?? Yup…We’re pumped. Read More
Bonchon Chicken Opens In Fairfield: Epically Delicious Korean Fried Chicken + More Restaurant Take Out Fast Casual Korean Fried Chicken Chicken Wings Fairfield New Haven West Hartford Homepage Opening James Gribbon October 20, 2019 "Bonchon," which means "my hometown" in Korean, has locations in a lot of people's hometowns - around 300 locations from Busan to Bahrain, and now, Fairfield. You may have already eaten at a Bonchon if your home is in New Haven or West Hartford, where they've had locations for a while, but I-95 South was just getting their first taste in the last week or so when I popped my head in the door. Here's a look at what's on the plate at downtown's newest hometown. Read More
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 October 19, 2019 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. Read More
25+ Connecticut Halloween Parties & Happenings for 2019 Events Features Holiday Halloween Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 18, 2019 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. Read More
Vedas Indian Cuisine Opens in Westport...(w/ Michelin Starred Chef On The Team) Restaurant Norwalk Westport Indian Homepage Opening CTbites Team October 15, 2019 Restaurateurs/husband and wife team of Dipika Behera and Jaiprakash Agarwal (JP), bring a combined 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry to their latest venture, Vedas Indian Cuisine. Recognizing the gain in popularity of Indian cuisine and the upwards trend of take-out and delivery, the talented duo opened Vedas in Norwalk in 2015 and recently opened their second location in Westport, small eateries and kitchens that focus on take-out and delivery service for this bold, flavorful, and healthy cuisine. Dipika and JP hail from Mumbai, India, and both received their bachelor’s degrees in Hospitality Management. Fans of the local Indian food scene may recall the duo’s first local Indian restaurant ventures, Tawa and Chili Chicken in Stamford, and the Kebab Factory in Norwalk. Read More
New Haven’s popular Sally’s Apizza to open in SoNo Collection (via The Hour) Restaurant South Norwalk SONO Pizza Homepage Opening CTbites Team October 13, 2019 The Hour has just confirmed the rumors regarding Sally’s Apizza opening in South Norwalk’s new SoNo Collection. The billboard has long been on the opposite side of Interstate 84 from Danbury Fair, steering drivers a few exits beyond the mall to the western-most Connecticut outpost for the legendary Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, a New Haven institution since 1925.About 20 miles south, another New Haven pizza icon will be firing up the ovens in Fairfield County — and you’ll be able to pop in from the mall concourse while shopping.Sally’s Apizza chose The SoNo Collection mall for the first entree in what new owner Lineage Hospitality sees as an expansion nationally. The mall will open Friday with a handful of stores, and others to follow as the holiday shopping season gears up.Read the complete article here. Read More
Westoberfest Downtown Westport Beer Festival w/ Over 50 Craft Breweries, Food & Fun (sponsored post) Events Features Festival Oktoberfest CTbites Team October 12, 2019 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… Read More
