Filtering by Category: Restaurant,Features

"Miracle" Christmas Themed Pop-up Cocktail Bar Opens Nov 24 in CT

Features Cocktails Bar Pop-Up Bar Homepage

Stephanie Webster November 18, 2018

Miracle, the beloved Christmas themed holiday pop-up cocktail bar launched in 2014 in New York City, will continue spreading holiday cheer this year with over 50 locations around the world. Think professionally-developed holiday cocktails in the kitschiest and most over the top festive setting you’ve ever seen.

The Miracle pop-ups launch the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 24, and party through Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24. In our fair state of Connecticut you can find the pop up at two locations:

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of November 19-25: Thanksgiving Eve Parties + More

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 18, 2018

Some of CT’s best restaurants are open on Thanksgiving Day and serving special meals. Click here for a full guide!

Ambler Farm’s Farm Stand is officially closed for the season, but they are reopening for two days leading up to Thanksgiving. Visit them on Monday 11/19 from 3-6pm and Tuesday 11/20 from 9am-Noon to pick up farm fresh goodies for your feast.

On Sunday November 25, The Best Connecticut Food Show returns to New Haven. Local chefs will gather in the LoRicco Tower BallRoom while guests taste and sample.

On Monday November 19, Bin 100 in Milford invites you to a Cakebread Cellars Wine Tasting Dinner. In addition to wine pairings, they’ll serve Passed Hors d ’Oeuvres, Halibut, Rack of Lamb, Short Rib Ravioli, Filet Mignon, and Cognac Pumpkin Cheesecake. It is $125 per person, plus tax and tip.

Tim’s Kitchen and Wakeman Town Farm will have a Thanksgiving-Themed Class for Elementary-aged kids on Monday November 19. Participants will make fun Acorn Cookies, Pilgrim Hat Cookies, and Krispie Pumpkins.

Prime Stamford Launches New Fall Menu: Waterfront Dining For Any Season (sponsored post)

Restaurant stam Seafood American Cocktails Waterfront Lunch Brunch

Jessica Ryan November 16, 2018

This past spring, members of the CTBites team were invited to Prime to check out one of Stamford’s newest restaurants. We were immediately taken with the scenic water views, the casual yet sophisticated décor and, most importantly, the food. (Click HERE to read about that experience.)

We were invited back a few weeks ago for a sneak peek at the fall menu, now available, created to reflect the flavors of the season. Regulars need not fret, your favorite dishes are likely still available, summer flavors and ingredients have simply been replaced with those readily available this time of year.

80+ CT Restaurants & Venues for The Perfect Holiday Party: 2018 Edition

Features Holiday Catering Entertaining

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 16, 2018

They say you don’t need an excuse to throw a party, but if you’re still looking for one the holidays are a good reason! Connecticut restaurants have beautiful event spaces for your festivities and there are also unique venues that offer creative backdrops for your events. Click here for a guide to 70+ restaurants and venues for your next holiday party.

WIN 20 Person Chipotle Catering Event FREE! (sponsored post)

Features Giveaway

CTbites Team November 14, 2018

Wanna throw a holiday party, but short on cash? Enter to WIN a 20 Person Chipotle Catering Event… FREE!

To Enter: 1. Comment below w/ your email 2. You must be a CTbites newsletter subscriber. Subscribe here.

Take all the guesswork out of your next holiday party. Chipotle provides everything you need for a full catering spread for six to 200 people. Why is this so incredibly great? Read on…

55+ Restaurants & Caterers for Thanksgiving in CT: 2018 Edition

Features Thanksgiving Holiday Catering

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 13, 2018

How does a turkey drink its wine? From a gobble-let! OK, but seriously… Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it’s time to consider your holiday plans! If you want to enjoy the meal with less prep and clean-up, an assortment of Connecticut caterers and restaurants are offering savory take-out options. Restaurants are also serving prix-fixe menus, brunches, and other specials for those who want the experience of eating out.

Here are over 50 Thanksgiving dining options, whether you’re dining out or catering your event from your favorite local restaurant.

Bear's Smokehouse Opens The Stack In New Haven: BBQ, Brewpub & Music

Restaurant BBQ New Haven Bar Outdoor Dining Kid Friendly Beer Garden CT Beer Lunch Comfort Food American Homepage Opening

James Gribbon November 09, 2018

Nibble: CT Food Events For Nov 11-18: Champagne, Bourbon & Wine Dinners, Cooking Classes, Beer Events & Food Trucks

Features News Wine Dinners Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 09, 2018

On Tuesday November 13, Washington Prime SoNo will have a Macallan Scotch Dinner featuring the 12 Year Sherry, the 12 Year Double Cask, the 15 Year Triple Cask, and Edition #4. Upgrade to the 1824 ticket for a rare chance to have a glass of the 1824 Series Single Malt Reflexion. Price is $250 per person for this option. $140 pp.

Olea’s annual champagne dinner will take place on November 12. Laval wines will be accompanied by Champagnes produced by another premier grower/producer, Benoit Marguet of Champagne Marguet Pere & Fils in Ambonnay, France. This 4-course dinner is $200 pp, all inclusive. RSVP by calling Olea at 203.780.8925, or sending an email to info@oleanewhaven.com

On Monday November 12, Tim’s Kitchen at Wakeman Town Farm will teach you how to make “Holiday Hors D’oeuvres.” Chef Gene Habansky will guide you through making delicious appetizers from 7-9pm. It costs $65 per person. Join them again on November 15 to learn how to make vegetarian and gluten free Thanksgiving sides.

SoNo Baking Company & Café Opens in Southport

Restaurant Bakery Local Artisan Dessert Breakfast Lunch Brunch Coffee Tea And Coffee Southport Opening

Jessica Ryan November 08, 2018

Welcome to the neighborhood SoNo Baking Company. We’re awfully glad you’re here! (Though my waistline may beg to differ.)

SoNo Baking Company & Café officially opened its doors on Pequot Avenue in Southport today. Behind the glass display cases a beautiful array of cookies, tarts, pastries, cakes, and croissants all neatly arranged all ready to be purchased. Trays filled with delectable treats, fresh out of oven, were stacked and cooling. Brand new coffee and espresso machines glistened along the back wall.

Recap: Newport Wine + Food Festival 2018

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 08, 2018

I know what you're thinking. If the website is called CTBites, why am I writing about Rhode Island? The answer is that the Newport Wine + Food Festival is definitely worth the road trip. New England restaurants, vendors, and distributors unite for a showcase of impressive wine and food. The towering Marble House and its scenic, oceanside grounds serve as a beautiful backdrop for the event. It’s a highlight of my year and a perfect way to spend an early autumn afternoon.

Cheesy Recap: The Great Mac and Chili Challenge

Features Events

CTbites Team November 08, 2018

Breaking Mac & Cheese news: The 2018 Great Mac and Chili Challenge winners have been announced! Hub & Spoke in Bridgeport won for the third year in a row for their classic 3 bean beef chili. Old Post Tavern won the creative chili category with a “meat lovers chili.” Burger Bar & Bistro in Norwalk won the classic mac ‘n cheese category for the second consecutive year beating runner up Tacos Mexico in Norwalk and their “Queso Mac.” In the hotly contested creative mac category, Cask Republic in Stamford won for their second championship with their popular pesto mac ‘n cheese.

CTBites' James Gribbon Gives Fall Road Trip Picks on CTStyle

Features Beer CT Beer

CTbites Team November 07, 2018

CTBites' own beer writer and food critic returned to WTNH's "CTStyle" on October 30th to discuss how breweries and fall road trips go together. Leaf peeping, orchard visits, whatever gets you out of the house, autumn is a great time to get to places you haven't been, and many of those out of the way places have a great brewery to visit. One of the spots mentioned in the segment was 5 Churches Brewing Company in New Britain, and you can watch the whole interview on CTStyle right here.

"Teas" Your Palette with The Bubble & Brew Truck: Sweet Treats, Tea & Coffee

Restaurant Tea And Coffee Dessert Bakery Gluten-Free Food Truck

Kristin L. Wolfe November 06, 2018

In August, I was swept away by a candy apple color of the Bubble & Brew truck at the Wilton Farmers Market adjacent the Historical Society. I was at the vegetable stand when directly across from me was the most beautiful striking flash of red.

In addition to their impressive design aesthetic---their 37 tea canisters were painted red to match the truck--the Bubble & Brew team has serious baking chops. With sweet treats for every palette, tasters will be delighted by all the offerings from this tiny dream on wheels. People will be astounded by some of their best sellers like the sticky toffee pudding, which is actually gluten-free.

Il Pastaficio, Handmade Pasta, Opens in Cos Cob

Restaurant Pasta Noodles To-Go Take Out Italian Cos Cob Greenwich Homepage Opening

Jessica Ryan November 04, 2018

It’s a known fact that Italians love their pasta. It’s also a known fact that they eat it regularly and yet it seems to be something we have become fearful of. As I sit down to write this I remember a popular commercial from my youth. In the North End of Boston, a dark haired Italian woman leans out of her window and beckons her son to come home. “Anthony!” she shouted, and he came running home – but only on Wednesdays, for Wednesday was Prince Spaghetti Day! Today fad diets implore us to eat gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free, carb-free, fat-free, etc. Enter Il Pastaficio, handmade pasta, in Cos Cob. Within weeks of opening locals have been rethinking and enjoying this Italian favorite. The reason is simple – as simple as their ingredients.

Il Pastaficio is unique in its offering of pastas made from natural and antique grains that are rich on minerals, salts and vitamins. This pasta, as a result, is lighter, easier to digest and has a lower glycemic level than the glutinous versions we’ve come to know. Their pastas are made from organic legume flours (such as chickpea) rich in protein and completely additive-free. As a result, Pastaficio pastas are easier to digest.

NIBBLE: CT Food News & Events For Week of November 4-11

Features News Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 03, 2018

Check out an assortment of CT brewers under one roof at the 5th Annual Connecticut Brewers Fest! It takes place at Two Roads on Monday November 5. $30.00 gets you a glass and unlimited three oz pours of some of the best beer the Nutmeg State has to offer.

Every Wednesday at Walrus + Carpenter, get an eight-piece bucket of fried chicken with four biscuits for $25. Pair it with the Two-For-Two Roads deal and get two Two Roads Brewing brews in the can or on tap for the price of one.

From one of the producers of the Blues Views and BBQ Festival comes Supper & Soul, a downtown dinner and concert series in Westport. The Nashville-inspired event takes place on Saturday November 10 and features Kasey Tyndall.

Taproot in Bethel invites you to a Bushido “pop up” Sunday, November 11 from 4:30-8pm. Make your reservations by calling 475-329-5395.

Black Duck Cafe Announces It's Staying In Business (Hopefully for Another 40 yrs)

Features News

CTbites Team November 02, 2018

Breaking news from Black Duck’s Facebook page.

We are beyond pleased to announce that after many days of discussions with our creditors, landlord, and investors, the Duck has been able to secure a financial package which will allow us to continue operations (hopefully for the next 40 years!!). The outpouring of support from our loyal patrons over the past few days has been deeply moving and gratifying and we sincerely thank you. Like Phoenix, the Duck has risen from the ashes! To celebrate, please join us on Sunday, 11/4, for all day happy hour prices.

Brewmaster Movie Screening at Avon Theater November 7th

Features Food Movies Events

CTbites Team November 02, 2018

Beer lovers rejoice! There’s a new movie in town…and it’s hoppy! Brewmaster will be screened at the Avon in Stamford on November 7th @7pm. The movie artfully captures the craftsmanship, passion and innovation within the beer industry. The story follows a young ambitious New York lawyer who dreams of becoming a brewmaster and a Milwaukee based professional beer educator as he attempts to become a Master Cicerone. Brewmaster creates a cinematic portrait of beer, those who love it, those who make it and those who are hustling to make their mark.

CTbites & Half Full Present Beers & Bites: November 14th w/ Nosh Hound & Harlan Social

Features Events

Stephanie Webster November 02, 2018

Half Full Brewery and CT Bites are excited to announce the final BEERS & BITES for 2018, and you won’t want to miss this year's most creative and collaborative food and beer-pairing event series. On Wednesday, November 14th, the incredible Nosh Hound food truck alongside guest Chef Michael Sobelman from Harlan Social, will serve up a creative menu paired with Half Full Beer selections: Positively Pumpkin, WROR #11, WROR #12, Rise & Shine. Purchase a $50 ticket here.

Brick Walk Tavern Opens in Fairfield, from Char Restaurant's Chef Snyder

Restaurant Fairfield American Gastropub Lunch Bar Opening

CTbites Team November 02, 2018

Friends since college and now partners, Chef David Snyder and former financial exec turned restaurateur Ted Vincent, introduce their first joint venture in the form of Brick Walk Tavern, a stylish and food-centric restaurant and gathering place located in the burgeoning Brick Walk neighborhood of Fairfield, Connecticut.

Menu highlights include; not your average house-made chips and onion dip; chili garlic crispy shrimp laced with radish, cilantro, and green onion; Tuscan kale and Brussels sprout salad tossed with polenta croutons, dried cranberries, and lemon truffle vinaigrette; the French onion burger topped with 4-hour braised onions, veal jus, and gruyere cheese on a house made bun; pan-roasted cod over white beans, chorizo, charred tomato, and a roasted poblano broth; classic jambalaya of creole rice with tasso and andouille, jumbo shrimp and chicken; and steak frites, 10 oz hanger steak with a 72 hour red wine sauce, served with crispy truffle parmesan fries.