Filtering by Category: Restaurant,Events

Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices & Ice Cream Opens in Stamford

Restaurant Stamford ice cream Dessert Kid Friendly Ices Delicious Dives Take Out To-Go Opening

Stephanie Webster May 14, 2020

For many people, Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices & Ice Cream, represents a little piece of their childhood. I will confess to a few nostalgic moments around this shaved ice mecca. And now a bit of good news in the tidal wave of horror, Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices is opening a location in Connecticut…Stamford to be exact, at 900 High Ridge Road.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food News and Events for May 12-24

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Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 11, 2020

On May 14, Chef Geoff Lazlo will host a virtual cooking class to benefit The United Way of Greenwich. A $40 box comes with all of the ingredients that you need to make a 2 course dinner at home. Start by creating a Lionni Latticini Burrata & Sugar Snap Pea Salad. As an entrée, follow along to cook a Half Chicken, Roasted Tomato & Chickpea Ragü with Asparagus. Email geoff@geofflazlo.com for more information.

Chef Tyler Anderson of Millwright’s will lead a virtual cooking class on May 15. Purchase a kit ahead of time, which includes all the ingredients you will need for an hour long cooking class with Chef Tyler Anderson via Zoom. Pan roasted asparagus with sauce gribiche, Lobster gnocchi with spring vegetables and pesto, and Lemon bars with chantilly cream are all on the menu. Wine add-ons available!

Ordinary & Roia of New Haven are teaming up for a Virtual Cocktail & Food Pairing Class on Friday, May 15th at 7:30pm. Cocktails by Ordinary and Food prepared by ROIA! All options will be vegetarian and all kits will be picked up at Ordinary. https://roiarestaurant.square.site/

Camacho Garage Opening in New Haven with Mexican Street Food

Features Restaurant New Haven Mexican Tacos Opening

Stephanie Webster May 08, 2020

Camacho Garage, a new restaurant and bar from co-owners Robert Bolduc and Marc Knight, Executive Chef/co-owner Arturo Franco-Camacho and the team behind the award-winning Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill, Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill and Nantucket’s Bar Yoshi, will be opening at 36 Fountain Street (corner of Fountain Street and Central Avenue) in the Westville neighborhood of New Haven, Connecticut. The restaurant, offering a fun and lively atmosphere with an elevated vintage garage theme, will serve Mexican street food, and a bar menu focused on beer, specialty cocktails, Tequila and other Mexican beverages.

60+ CT Restaurants & Caterers for Mother's Day Meals: 2020 Edition

Features Restaurant Holiday Mother's Day Catering Take Out To-Go Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 03, 2020

Mother’s Day is Sunday May 10th, and extra challenging times call for extra special celebrations. Connecticut restaurants will help you treat Mom to a wonderful day with pick-up and delivery brunches, lunches, dinners, chocolates, desserts… and even spa treatment and flower add-ons!

Check out our list of 50+ CT Restaurants and Caterers for Mother’s Day 2020.

Take-Out Chronicles: Kingston Kafe, Milford Pizzeria & Little Pub

Restaurant Pizza Stratford Mexican Take Out Jamaican Burgers Tacos Lunch Italian

James Gribbon April 30, 2020

CT Restaurants and COVID-19: UPDATED Guide To Delivery, Pick-Up, Alcohol...

Restaurant Features News Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 22, 2020

Connecticut restaurants are pivoting to continue to serve consumers in the wake of COVID-19. This guide will be ongoing and continually updated to reflect changes to in house dining, delivery options, special family meals offered, and updated menus. CT restaurants work hard to serve this community of diners, and will continue to do so throughout this global crisis. They need your ongoing patronage. Please consider ordering out from a restaurant near you.

Chicken Quest: My Search for the Best Fried Chicken Sandwich in CT (via CT Magazine)

Restaurant Features Best of CT Fried Chicken Sandwich Lunch

Connecticut Magazine March 11, 2020

Popeye’s introduced its new chicken sandwich late last summer. After a week of rave reviews, long lines and poultry passion, Chick-fil-A took to Twitter, without mentioning Popeye’s by name, to remind the public which chicken sandwich they fell in love with first. Popeye’s taunted back in the afternoon, “... y’all good?” The beef over chicken was on.

Normally one to avoid chains, I was compelled to get to Popeye’s. I had to try this life-changing sandwich. I pulled up to the drive-thru with hangry anticipation only to hear, “We’re sold out.” Gut punch. I simply drove off. Nothing could satiate me in this dark moment over white meat.

Eventually I returned to eating, but the craving for a great chicken sandwich never left. It became my mission. Chains be damned, I have to find the best fried chicken sandwich in Connecticut. -Mike Wollschlager

Lorca Coffee Bar Expands Their Downtown Stamford Space and Breakfast Menu

Restaurant Stamford Coffee Breakfast Brunch Dessert Bakery Homepage

Andrew Dominick March 07, 2020

Known for churning out cortados, cappuccinos, cold brews, and their famous crispy, sugared churros, Lorca Coffee Bar has expanded their original location on Bedford Street.

What used to be a tiny 16-seat café—seriously, it was the size of a large walk-in closet—is now around 40 seats.

And that’s not all, according to owner Leyla Dam Jenkins.

“We’re going to put an outdoor patio in the back; it’s already being built out,” she says.

The patio will hopefully be open by the time summer gets here. Dam Jenkins also tossed in a tidbit that Lorca now has a designated 15-minute parking spot for customers who simply want a quick cup of coffee.

But with more space comes a bigger kitchen (it’s triple the size of what is was) and thus, an expanded menu. “We used to only be able to bake 12 cookies at a time,” Dam Jenkins says. “Before, we’d have baked goods delivered but now we’re making our muffins and baked goods in-house.”

Guide To Healthy Eating in CT: 2020 Edition

Features Restaurant healthy Juice Bar Organic Vegan Vegetarian Special Dietary Needs Specialty Market Healthy Eats Gluten-Free Best of CT Homepage

April Guilbault March 05, 2020

Resolutions, goals, lifestyle changes-whatever the reason, it’s never too late or bad of an idea to try to eat healthier. As the winter starts to fade into the distance and with it goes the heavy comfort foods that satisfied us on brisk evenings, our focus can start to turn now towards lighter, healthier options. Turn to the sun! Sometimes, though, the hardest part is simply figuring out what to eat. But wait, what about dining out? Is it possible to eat out and still stay on a healthy track? Yup, yup, double yup. There is a virtual cornucopia of healthy eating spots so, lucky for you, that guesswork has been removed from the equation. Now you only have to decide what you are craving. Branch out, try some new food and drinks and be happier knowing that what you are eating is not only enjoyable but better for you.

Check out these 20+ Spots for Healthy Eats in Connecticut.

Nibble: Boozy & Tasty CT Food Events for March 8-15

Events Features News Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 04, 2020

Meatball lovers unite- National Meatball Day is March 9th! To celebrate the holiday, Culinary Director Diego Burgos of the newly-opened MJ23 Sports Bar & Grill in Mohegan Sun, is unveiling a special Meatball menu. Highlight dishes include Meatball Sliders, Meatball Pizza, Meatball Sub and a classic Spaghetti & Meatballs served with signature garlic bread. The meatball menu will be available every Monday for Meatball Mondays.

On March 9, visit Sweets on Main in Branford for a BYOB St. Patty’s Day themed Piñata Cake decorating class! You will frost and decorate a 3 layer 6 inch cake.

Niantic & East Lyme Restaurant Week returns March 9 – 16, 2020. Restaurants like Lyme Tavern, Castello of Niantic, and The Black Sheep are offering a range of specials throughout the week. Visit the website to see the list of restaurants and their offers.

Join the Chef Team from Terrain Cafe and Amis Trattoria, Westport for teaching and tasting culinary journey at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center. On March 9, make Pink Peppercorn Tonarelli with Regional Executive Chef, Jes Bengtson. Learn to roll with the best as Regional Executive Chef Jes Bengtson teaches the class how to handroll pasta to create a special twist on the classic cacio e pepe.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For March 1-8

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Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 27, 2020

Greenwich Restaurant Week spans from March 6-13. Festivities kick off with an Opening Night party on March 4 at the J House. Sample a variety of tasty tapas and light bites, sip creative cocktails poured by local mixologists, and dance to a DJ. For more information on participating restaurants and deals available during Greenwich Restaurant Week, check out the web site.

Attend “A Raclette Evening at Greenwich Cheese Company” on March 4. This kind of cheese is known for being melted and scraped over bread, potatoes, cornichons, and cured meats. Check it out for yourself from 7-9pm!

The Redding Roadhouse hosts a Duckhorn Wine Dinner on Wednesday March 5 from 6:30-9:30pm. The famous Napa Valley wines will be paired with 4 delicious courses, including dishes like Seared Diver Scallop and Beef Two Ways. Tickets are $85.

Tyler Anderson Opens Terreno at The Goodwin Hotel in Hartford

Restaurant Mediterranean Italian hartfo Hartford Celebrity Chef Homepage Opening

Catherine Ribeiro February 23, 2020

In full disclosure, I have worked with Chef Tyler Anderson. If you have worked in the restaurant industry in Connecticut you probably have too, in one way or another. If you have eaten in Connecticut, the same can still be said: you have worked to get a reservation at his Millwright’s, worked to pick out the perfect slice at his Square Peg and you have worked to get the best seat in the house at Anderson’s High George. But now, Tyler is bringing us all back to his most familiar ground, aptly titled Terreno - his latest venture, boasting Cal-Italian fare, in the space that formerly housed Restaurant Porrón.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For February 23 to March 1

Events Features Events News Wine Dinners

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 19, 2020

Wednesday February 26 marks the final installation of The Schoolhouse at Cannondale’s Plant-based dinner series. The 4 course menu costs $48 and is a tasty way to “veg” out. Make your reservation online.

CT Eats Week lasts from February 24-March 1. CT EATS WEEK is the ONLY statewide restaurant week in Connecticut. Restaurants from communities all across the state will participate during this week long celebration. Over 150 restaurants are participating, including Brick + Wood (Fairfield), Engine Room (Mystic), Cactus Rose (Wilton), GZen (Branford), and more.

On Monday February 24, learn all about “Becoming a Sustainable Bartender.” Gyph, the world’s first molecular whiskey, and Highland Imports, are teaming up for this workshop, which sill take place at Hub & Spoke.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For February 16-23

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Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 12, 2020

Stamford hosts its Winter Restaurant Weeks from February 17 through March 1. Participating Downtown Stamford restaurants are serving up special lunch & dinner prix fixe menus in several different price options.

Celebrate National Margarita Day on February 22nd with $5 Patrón Tequila margaritas at participating Norwalk restaurants and bars during the Norwalk Now Margarita Crawl! Participants include El Segundo, Peaches, Evarito’s, Il Posto, and more.

Walrus + Carpenter’s 6th Annual Johnny Cash Birthday Bash returns February 22. Come celebrate Johnny Cash's 88th Birthday and his music over Walrus’s signature BBQ and libations. Hitch & The Giddyup will be the house band for the evening and joined by other special guests.

Continuum Distilling is Connecticut’s newest distillery that is dedicated to producing exceptional spirits utilizing patented green practices and ingredients to reuse and repurpose. Attend a grand opening party at its new Waterbury tasting room

Blackstones Steakhouse: It's Not Just for Carnivores

Restaurant Steakhouse Steak Southport Norwalk Greenwich Stamford Homepage

Jessica Ryan February 09, 2020

It’s interesting that with all the restaurants to grace our local communities – from the sushi to the noodles, the vegetarian and vegan, the French, Mexican, Italian, Indian and Asian, to seafood – that we don’t have many steakhouses. So when I was invited to attend a media dinner at Blackstones Steakhouse last week I was quick to respond.

With locations in Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk and Southport, Blackstones is a name you should know – even if you’re not a meat eater. Each restaurant is slightly different in style and menu. The Southport location is reminiscent of the old world steakhouse.

10 Things—or Tapas—We Loved About Mezón Restaurant in Danbury

Restaurant Latin American Peruvian Mexican Danbury Tapas Homepage

Stephanie Webster & Andrew Dominick February 02, 2020

For nearly a decade, Mezón Restaurant has been thought of as one of Connecticut’s premiere Latin eateries by word of mouth and its seen its fair share of media recognition—they are fresh off Connecticut Magazine Reader’s Poll wins for Best Latin in Fairfield County and the runner-up for Best Latin in the state. And that’s saying something considering they didn’t even know they were nominated and because of that, they didn’t publicize it.

Four years ago, our own Lou Gorfain sang Mezón’s praises after a small tasting of ceviche, pan seared pulpo, Dominican fried chicken, and churros. But everything food deserves an update, especially considering there’s a new chef at the helm, an obviously newer menu, and a haven for craft cocktails.

Oh, and I’m pretty sure Lou and Kristin are the only ones at CTbites who have been to Mezón. For Stephanie and me, we uttered the same thing, “I’m embarrassed I hadn’t been here before.”

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for February 2-9

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Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 01, 2020

ZINC New Haven’s Annual Champagne and Oyster tasting takes place on Thursday February 6. They are pouring 4 sparkling wines, selected by sommelier Michael Egan, for this special event.

The month of February is Voyage Month at L’escale. Every week, travel the world by feasting on a menu inspired by a different country. From February 3-9, they’ll highlight Mexico. The two course lunch is $25.20 and the 3 course dinner is $45.20.

Flights and Bites comes to Basso Café in Norwalk on Tuesday nights. Mediterranean small plates will be paired with a flight of wines.

Join the Chef Team from Terrain Cafe and Amis Trattoria, Westport for a six week teaching and tasting culinary journey as they share creative, delicious recipes and stylish presentations.

The Stand Vegan Cafe in Fairfield Attracts Hard-Core Vegans — And Many More (via Dan Woog's 06880)

Restaurant Juice Cleanse Juice Bar healthy Vegetarian Gluten-Free Fairfield

CTbites Team January 30, 2020

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Debuts NEW Meatball and Ricotta Pizza!

Restaurant Pizza New Haven Danbury Fairfield

CTbites Team January 29, 2020

Breaking Pizza News! It’s not often that the legendary Connecticut-based Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana debuts a new pizza, so when this classic New Haven-style, coal-fired pizzeria does, it’s a really big deal. Pepe’s has recently started serving its latest master piece, the Meatball and Ricotta pizza crafted with 100% all natural meatballs, ricotta cheese, crushed Italian tomatoes, mozzarella, grated pecorino Romano and drizzled with olive oil.

Hoodoo Brown BBQ Introduces Tex-Mex Tuesdays

Restaurant BBQ Tacos Mexican Ridgefield

Andrew Dominick January 27, 2020

Every now and then Hoodoo Brown BBQ goes off their standard menu for special smoked meat theme days. Occasional Whole Hog Sundays, Prime Rib Thursdays (and French Dip Fridays if there are leftovers), and Taco Tuesdays are just some of the drool-inducing days the Hoodoo Crew has come up with over the years. From Taco Tuesday, though, something else was born…Tex-Mex Tuesday.

“We did Taco Tuesday for three months with one special taco on the menu to get our creativity flowing,” says Hoodoo general manager Chris Sexton. “It felt like an afterthought because people would get one or two tacos, and we’d maybe sell 10-15 the whole night, but we know that we do things better when we do them bigger.”