Prime Stamford: Beautiful (& Delicious) Waterfront Dining + New Cabana Bar (sponsored post) Restaurant Seafood Stamford Outdoor Dining Waterfront Sushi Dessert Cocktails Jessica Ryan June 03, 2018 Last summer Prime opened its doors in Stamford’s Harbor Point area. The stunning restaurant boasts exquisite views of the Long Island Sound and the Rippowam River. Removable tempered glass walls offer guests unparalleled views, thus making it a perfect dining destination no matter the season and an absolute must during the summertime. Inside the restaurant, the space’s elegant yet relaxed interior offers a New England-inspired decor reminiscent of Cape Cod and the Massachusetts islands. Dining al fresco at Prime is an experience to remember. Their newly redesigned Cabana Bar is destined to be the “it” place to be this summer. In addition to the many events that will be held there this summer, the Cabana can be reserved for private functions, accommodating parties up to 50. The space itself has been updated with a custom bar from the Vermont islands of white solid core and backlit translucent white face panels integrate the bar with the rest of the décor - soft grays and blues. Read More
Food & Drink : Episode 3 - Chef Prasad Chirnomula Features Podcast Celebrity Chef Chef Talk Interview Ken Tuccio June 01, 2018 Chef Prasad Chirnomula has made a name for himself across the state, and the country, for being one of the foremost experts on Indian cuisine. His new venture, Chef Prasad Indian Kitchen, opens up in New Caanan in June and he sits down with Ken Tuccio to talk about his goals and inspiration for the new spot, the importance of a Chef being present in the kitchen and how he approaches work now as opposed to when he was younger. Listen to podcast here. Read More
Vote for your Favorite Steamed Burger in Connecticut! Features Best of CT Burgers Comfort Food Stephanie Webster June 01, 2018 CTbites had the pleasure of advising the editors of USA Today's "10 Best," in the category of CT's iconic steamed cheeseburgers. Vote for your favorite here. While hamburger origin stories are numerous, one of the most enduring (and recognized by the Library of Congress) is that it was first cooked up by Louis’ Lunch in New Haven, Connecticut. No matter where it was invented, it didn’t take long for burgers to start featuring cheese–a trend that became popular during the 1920s and 30s. Connecticut’s modern-day burger joints range from seasonal stands to gourmet affairs serving up just about every type of cheeseburger you can imagine. One notable offering you’re not likely to find outside the state is the steamed cheeseburger (or steamer), served almost exclusively in Central Connecticut. So who makes the best cheeseburger in the state? Vote for your favorite once per day until voting ends on Tuesday, June 26 at noon ET. Read the official Readers' Choice rules here. Read More
Chef Geoff Lazlo Cooks a "CT Farm Feast" Dinner at The James Beard House June 14 Features Farm to Table Farm Dinner Celebrity Chef Stephanie Webster May 31, 2018 On Thursday, June 14th, Chef Geoff Lazlo of Geoff Lazlo Food, in Greenwich, CT will be cooking at the prestigious James Beard House in NYC. The evening's menu will feature Connecticut farms, and is aptly titled "Connecticut Farm Feast." Check out the menu below. and reserve your seat here. Connecticut Magazine’s Best Chef of 2018 Geoff Lazlo earned his fine dining chops with stints at Gramercy Tavern, Chez Panisse, Blue Hill at Stone Barns, and the Mill Street Restaurant Group before venturing out to create his own company. Sample the cream of Connecticut’s farm-to-table crop with a sumptuous, organic spring harvest, fresh picked from his lovingly tended plots at Greenwich Community Gardens. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events for June 3rd-10th Features Events News Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 31, 2018 The Glass House’s Summer Party takes place on June 9, 2018 in New Canaan! Join them from 12-4pm for a picnic, music, and art! South End is catering with picnic basket lunches for all guests Enjoy a river cruise complete with cigars and whiskey on Wednesday June 6 or Thursday June 7. The Essex Steam Train will take a group (21+!) on the Becky Thatcher riverboat for an evening of spirits, cigars, and delicious cuisine. The Southern New England TacoFest will take place at the Terryville Fairgrounds in Plymouth, CT on Saturday June 9. There will be over 40 food trucks and vendors, tacos, drinks, bands, a DJ, wrestling, kids activities, and more. The Hops Company has restarted its Raw Bar every Friday from 4-7pm through Labor Day. It will include oysters, clams, shrimp, and mini lobster rolls provided by Clambakes of CT.Downtown Stamford's Newest Dining Destination, Bedford Hall, is now open for dinner Monday-Sunday.The Wilton Farmers’ Market’s Opening day is Wednesday, June 6. Find them from 12-5pm at the Wilton Historical Society. Read More
50+ Food Trucks in Fairfield County: 2018 Edition Restaurant Food Truck Best of CT Comfort Food Entertaining Catering Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 29, 2018 They say life is a highway… and it’s a good thing too because more food trucks are hitting the streets than ever before! Connecticut is home to a bevy of mobile eats serving everything from crepes to tacos to meatballs to grilled cheese. Here are over 50 food trucks based in the Fairfield County area. Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we cover even more in New Haven, Hartford, and Beyond! Is your favorite Fairfield County food truck not on our list? Let us know. Milkraft Milktruck, Fairfield: Milkcraft has a Milktruck! They are available for private events and have had as many as 500 customers waiting in line when the truck hits the road.MamaKitchen, Stamford: MamaKitchen just opened in Stamford on Richmond hill in front of Jackie Robinson Field. It serves up authentic Dominican fare and is the first Chimi truck in the area.Seaside Sliders, Norwalk: Seaside Sliders by Mr. Frosty's is exactly what the name implies- hand-crafted sliders!Daniels Food Truck, Stamford: Daniel's Food Truck in Stamford is Guatemalan American fare on-the-go. They have everything from breakfast to burgers to "shukos" to tacos.Jefes Tacos n Grill, Stamford: Jefe's Tacos n Grill makes authentic Mexican food with fresh ingredients and seasoned spicy marinated meats cooked on a flat top grill. They also salads and burgers. Read More
Bull Pan BBQ Brings Authentic Korean Fare to Stamford Restaurant Korean Asian Stamford Lunch Homepage Lou Gorfain May 27, 2018 With his sleek and spacious Bull Pan emporium now open on lower Summer Street in Stamford, Paul Ma plans to introduce the region to a fun, mouth-watering secret: Korean BBQ.Of all Asian cuisines, Korean may be the most flavor forward, zestier than Japanese and considerably more authentic than the Chinese-American imposters that clutter our culinary landscape. Although its savory flavors appeal to a Western palate, this iteration of Asian food is the least known in America. Outside of the K-Towns in New York and California, Korean restaurants have not been easy to find in the hinterlands. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of May 27 - June 3 Features Events News Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 25, 2018 Through the end of May, b Restaurants are celebrating National Burger Month with “Burger & a Bud” all day, every Monday. $10 will get you a Big Mini with Fries and a 12oz Budweiser bottle. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the veterans’ charity, Folds of Honor.On Thursday May 31, Basso Café in Norwalk presents a wine dinner. The theme of the meal is “a celebration of Piemonte, La Toscana and Venetto's fare and wines.” Guest speaker Larry Smith, Wine importer and Wine & Spirit Trust graduate, will be on hand to answer any questions. Chef Renato Donzelli will make delicious fare to complement the vino. George Home in Washington Depot, CT will host the authors of CAKE, Maira Kalman and Barbara Scott-Goodman, on Saturday June 2 from 2-5pm. There will be bubbly, cakes and a book signing.Artisan Restaurant now has Social Hour! From 4-7pm, 7 days a week, enjoy cocktails for $6, Rose for $5, Beer for $4, and rotating food specials. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the patio when the summer gets nice! Read More
Food & Drink Podcast : Episode 2 - Athletic Brewing Company Features Podcast Brewery CT Beer Ken Tuccio May 24, 2018 Athletic Brewing Company in Stratford are not just making waves in the Connecticut beer scene, but also the country. They are the first US based beverage company to focus solely on non-alcoholic craft beers. Building an entire brewery focused non-alcoholic beers has caused many to raise a lot of eyebrows and stirred a lot of curiosity and speculation among the beer community. Ken Tuccio sits down with the owner of Athletic Brewing, Bill Shufelt, and head brewer John Walker to talk about why they decided to launch an entire brewery dedicated to beer that won't get you drunk. Have a listen here. Read More
Grill Like a Butcher: Simple Tips to Nail Your Summer BBQ (sponsored post) Features Ingredients Grilling Recipe Stephanie Webster May 24, 2018
CT Guide To Kids Cooking Classes & Summer Camps Features Cooking Classes kids activity Kids Education Summer Camp kids cooking party Homepage April Guilbault May 23, 2018 “MOM! MA! Mommmmmmm… “What?!” “I’m bored.” Oh boy.Have you heard this lovely little conversation often during the summer months? Kids young and old let that horrifying phrase fall from their lips at an astounding rate. Are you just cringing thinking about how you will derail these declarations for 10 weeks? Well, now you can consider yourself informed and prepared to battle the cries of blahs and beat the little buggers at their own game! We’ve got some tasty ideas so that you can wave goodbye to boredom, and say hello to a creative and fun summer (not to mention, delicious). Maybe your kids will even treat you to a meal or two along the way. Maybe you’ll get the last laugh this summer…Here are 14 Kids Cooking Classes & Summer Camps. Read More
It's A Woman's World: Marcia Selden of Marcia Selden Catering & Event Planning Features Best of CT Interview CTbites Team May 23, 2018 Fairfield County is full of trailblazing women, particularly in the culinary world. Which is why, with 2018 being proclaimed the Year of the Woman, we felt compelled to honor the pioneers among us. Our new series, “It’s A Woman’s World’ is devoted to Fairfield County female influencers who’ve forged their own paths, often in food-related fields long dominated by men.Whether farming the land, bringing healthy food to the masses, feeding an entrepreneurial spirit or injecting feminism with food, these groundbreaking ladies have set a new definition of women’s work, creating new paths and setting examples for those who follow. How'd they do it? Read on. This week, our focus turns to Marcia Selden, Owner of Marcia Selden Catering & Event Planning. Have a suggestion on someone you’d like to see featured? Email steph@ctbites.com. Read More
Chef Dan Kardos Rolls Out Liberty Rock Tavern Food Truck Restaurant Stratford Food Truck Comfort Food Bar Celebrity Chef Kid Friendly Catering Homepage Andrew Dominick May 20, 2018 I visited Liberty Rock Tavern in Milford shortly after they opened, and I distinctly remember Dan Kardos’ description of his menu, “I’m making food that people like to eat, food that I like to eat,” he said. That “food” is best described as elevated pub grub, which could be surprising to those who followed Kardos’ stints at Napa & Co., Le Farm, and various Barcelona locations. His fine dining background ultimately results in better bar food. It’s the kind of food made for cheat day, where you’ll have to roll up your sleeves, and sit as pulled up to the bar or table as you can get. It’s successful stuff. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events For May 20- 27 Features Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 19, 2018 Tarry Lodge in Westport now has “Aperitivo Hour.” Join them at our cocktail bar for small plates for $5 and select wines and cocktails for $10. It is available from 4-6pm, Monday-FridayOn Monday May 21, Cask Republic presents a Beer Dinner in conjunction with No Worries Brewery. There will be a welcome beer along with a four course meal an dbeer pairings. It starts at 6:30pm and costs $65 per person. Call Cask Republic Stamford at (203) 348-2275 to reserve.Woodbury Restaurant Week runs from May 19 through May 25! 14 restaurants are offering prix fixe menus, discounts, and other specials in honor of the event. Artisan Burger Company hosts a Two Roads Brewery Wine Dinner on Monday May 21. It costs $60 per person and runs from 6:30-9:30pm. Read More
CTbites Happy Hour on the Patio at Artisan Southport for $40 Features CTbites Invites Homepage CTbites Team May 19, 2018 For the fifth year in a row, CTbites has partnered with Chef Frederic Kieffer and Artisan at the Delamar Hotel Southport for an outdoor Happy Hour on their gorgeous patio and bar. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 29th 5:30-7:30, as we kick off al fresco dining with assorted appetizers and cocktails sponsored by KEEL vodka. Purchase Your Ticket here! Priced at $40, the Happy Hour includes a specialty cocktail created by KEEL Vodka, the only low-calorie vodka on the market and a second drink choice of wine or beer and assorted appetizers. Chef Frederic is preparing a number of signature appetizers both passed and buffet style to accompany the special summer cocktail provided by our sponsor, KEEL Vodka.The very special cocktail features KEEL Vodka, St Germaine, Strawberry and/or raspberry infused Aperol, Fresh Lime Juice. Shaken and strained into a Collins glass and topped with soda, fresh mint garnish. Read More
Microgreens: Beauty as an Antidote to Everything Features Ingredients Local Farm healthy Education Luke Shanahan May 18, 2018
CTbites New Podcast Launches Today w/ Chef Tyler Anderson Interview Features Podcast Celebrity Chef Opening Ken Tuccio May 17, 2018 Get pumped people. CTbites's new podcast, Food & Drink, hosted by Ken Tuccio, launches TODAY! Tuccio's first guest is two time James Beard award nominee, Top Chef, and Chef/Owner of Millwright's, The Cook & The Bear (BBQ), and a brand new Spanish spot, Porrón, at the Goodwin Hotel in West Hartford. Listen to the podcast episode here. Read More
Festivities Celebrations Passes It On In Love (sponsored post) Features Fundraiser Catering Chef Talk Jessica Ryan May 16, 2018 For more than three decades, and under the leadership of Roe Chlala and Bill Kaliff, Festivities has been an integral part of the community, catering milestone celebrations from birthdays and weddings, to corporate events and galas. This award-winning catering and event design company has launched their newest venture through their foundation. Located on the Festivities Campus, “Pass on the Love” is a retail store offering a curated collection of gently used, quality, design, décor and tabletop items that have been donated and are available for purchase for your next event or for your personal use. “Buy it in love, pass it on in love” is the store motto. Proceeds from all sales are to be donated to agencies that provide services supporting safe and healthy homes. The first two recipient agencies are The Center for Family Justice and the Domestic Violence Program at the Greenwich YWCA. Read More
CT Guide to Outdoor Dining (2018): 100 + Restaurants for Summer Features Restaurant Best of CT Outdoor Dining Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 15, 2018 Temperatures are finally rising and all the snow is- dare I say- gone, so it’s time to get your sunglasses and head out for some outdoor dining! Connecticut restaurants are opening their patios and decks for the season. Whether you want a waterside view, a rooftop rave, or to get cozy by a firepit, there’s an alfresco experience waiting for you. Here are over 107 places to eat outside in Connecticut this summer.The White Horse, Litchfield: The White Horse Country Pub & Restaurant has both a deck and a patio so you can enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner along the river.Grano Arso, Chester: Grano Arso has 12 seats outside where guests can order from the full menu.The Whelk, Westport: Overlooking the quaint Saugatuck River, The Whelk brings sustainable, local seafood and ingredients to the lips of its diners.The Place, Guilford: The Place in Guilford, is about as outdoors as you can get without going camping. Tree stumps are your chairs, outdoor fires cook your meal and the menu hangs outside over it all.The Beer Garden at Shippan Landing, Stamford: The Beer Garden at Shippan Landing in Stamford is now open for the season. Families and pets are welcome!Swyft, Kent: Swyft in Kent can seat 25 guests on the patio and they also have a few tables on the porch.The Tavern at Gray Barns, Norwalk: The Tavern at GrayBarns sits in the space that once housed Silvermine Tavern. It has all been redone and reopen. Take it all in on their patio.Mill Street Bar & Table, Greenwich: Mill Street Bar + Table in Greenwich has a tavern atmosphere that’s elegant yet warm and homey. Cozy up on their patio on a starry night at this neighborhood favorite alongside the Byram River. Read More
An Unexpectedly Delicious Indian Food Find: The Mint Leaf, Groton Restaurant Indian Groton Lunch Buffet Cocktails CTbites Team May 13, 2018