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Chef’s Table Returns To Westport in Old Christie's Location, (Via Dan Woog)

Restaurant Breakfast Lunch Sandwich To-Go Comfort Food Opening

CTbites Team February 05, 2019

When Christie’s Country Store closed in December, a shiver went through the Cross Highway neighborhood.

The breakfast/sandwich/grill/grocery place had been around since 1926. It served nearby residents, Staples and Bedford students, and plenty of landscapers and workers nearby or passing through. But it was a non-conforming use, in a residential area. Now it was shut. These things don’t usually end well. Fortunately, this one does.

Chef’s Table is moving in. Rich Herzfeld will pick up right where John Hooper left off.

Valentine's Day CT Gift Guide: Cocktails Kits, Chocolates, Classes, Boozy Treats & More!

Features Gift Guide Holiday Homepage

April Guilbault February 03, 2019

Pitter pat, pitter pat. Oh, be still my heart! Although, some might argue that the sound they hear around this time of the year is the sound of pure dread. Embrace this holiday of love and get your cupid on! Back to that pitter pat you are hearing. What to do to surprise your Valentine? There is so much out there beyond the usual bunch of overpriced red roses and glittery greeting card-not that we have anything against glitter, mind you. Behold! We have found cocktail kits, chocolate-making classes, specialty brews and wines. Oh, what fun this day of love shall be! Best part is that so many of these great (lovely?) ideas can be done throughout the year…so that you declare your love again and again and again….

80+ CT Restaurants & Events for Valentine's Day

Features Holiday Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 03, 2019

Love is in the air! Are you feeling romantic? These Connecticut restaurants, bars, and venues are serving up prix fixe menus, special dishes, and other festivities. Get your special someone and partake in these dining delights that would make cupid proud.

Homestead Inn, Greenwich: The Homestead Inn will serve a prix fixe Valentine’s Dinner for $90 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
On20, Hartford: At On20 in Hartford, feast on a 6-Course Tasting for $160 per person, which includes beverage pairings. Dishes include caviar, foie gras torchon, lobster, beef tenderloin, and more.
The Cottage, Westport: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a loved one at The Cottage on February 14, where they’ll be presenting a special four-course, prix-fixe dinner prepared by Chef Brian Lewis and his team, with extended hours from 5:30pm – 10:30p.
Harlan Publick, Norwalk: At Norwalk’s Harlan Publick, dine on a 3 course prix fixe menu for $49 per person, plus tax and gratuity. As a romantic bonus, sip on a complimentary glass of prosecco upon arrival.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For February 4-10

Features News Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 03, 2019

Wakeman Town Farm welcomes Chef Carlos Baez of El Segundo and The Spread on Thursday February 7. Join them for an intimate dining experience in Tim's Kitchen, featuring a four-course winter menu. $100 pp. Limited seating. First-come, first served. BYOB.

Bobby Q’s & Co. has partnered with Letizia’s Pizza to create a Pulled Pork Pizza that will be sold throughout February at Letizia’s. All Proceeds raised from the purchase of this pie will be donated to “Filling in the Blanks,” an organization that provides meals to kids in need on weekends. Go forth and eat pulled pork pizza!!

On Monday February 4, The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum in Hartford hosts “Food & Film: Crazy Rich Asians.” The evening begins with a screening of the hit moves at 4pm and continues with dinner catered by Mill Restaurant Group. Tickets start at $60.

Chef Prasad of India Kitchen invites you to a cooking class on February 9 at 2pm. Start by discussing the regions of India and the menu for the day. Then, cook for about 2 hours before having an early dinner and open Q & A with Chef Prasad. $95 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Email chef@chefprasad.com to reserve.

The Seaport Association hosts “Taste of the Seaport Restaurant Tour Card.” Enjoy deals at participating restaurants as well as buy-one-get-one entrees for just $50 per card. Proceeds benefit the Sheffield Island Lighthouse.

Taste of Fairfield- WinterFest: Photo Recap

Features Events

Jessica Ryan February 01, 2019

Another amazing Taste of Fairfield - WinterFest took place this past weekend at Fairfield's tony Brooklawn Country Club. A sold out event, over 500 people sampled, sipped and grazed the afternoon away, enjoying all the wonderful food and beverage provided by local restaurants, specialty markets, winemakers, craft brewers and others served. Guests enjoyed signature dishes, bite sized nibbles, and decadent desserts in addition to curated cocktails and specialty beverages. WinterFest also served up plenty of entertainment, from comedy to bowling in the club's spectacular 6 lane bowling alley. Plans are already being set in motion for next year's event... So stay tuned!

CTbites Hot Dish Podcast Launches TODAY w/ Chef Tyler Anderson

Features Podcast Celebrity Chef Homepage Opening

Stephanie Webster January 30, 2019

It’s official. CTbites is launching our first original podcast, “CTbites Hot Dish.” Obviously, we all love to get the inside scoop on all things culinary. CTbites Hot Dish takes you behind the scenes with CT chefs, farmers, bartenders and local food activists. Our host, Marysol Castro, broadcast journalist, NY Mets PA announcer and all around ball buster, will serve up a saucy look into the CT food scene. She will be joined by a rotating cast of CTbites crew including myself in our CTbites Family episodes, where we will shoot the sh#t on the latest CT food news. This is gonna be fun people. (And yeah…it’s explicit.)

This week, we sit down with Chef Tyler Anderson, Top Chef, Punk rock singer, baseball player, and owner of Millwright’s, Porron & Piña, and The Cook & The Bear (+ a new spot coming soon…you’ll need to listen to find out more). LISTEN HERE. Many thanks to our launch sponsor, Norwalk Now, where Norwalk businesses come together to bring you their city in real time.

Birdman Juke Joint Opening In Bridgeport with Real Soul Food from Top Chef, Chris Scott

Restaurant Bridgeport Comfort Food Celebrity Chef Southern Homepage Opening

Kristin L. Wolfe January 30, 2019

“It’s about the chicken…” says Chef Chris Scott (Top Chef Season 15), telling his new Connecticut fan base a story at his sold out Pop Up last Thursday night. And he’s about to knock nutmeggers socks off left and right with what he calls Real Soul Food, not the “gentrified” sort we’ve heard about or tasted before. There’s a story attached to the chicken, to the greens and black-eyed peas; there’s a story about the people who originally brought us the food. Real Soul Food is not just the celebrated dishes we’ve come to know and love. Chef wants everyone to understand the heritage behind this cuisine, and really hear about the ones who toiled long and hard for the meals we know as southern soul food. It’s time we learned about the Birdman; and Chef Scott is just the one to deliver the tale. He is passionate, he is immensely knowledgeable, he is experienced, and he just so happens to be one freakin’ amazing Chef.

Bread & Water: Award Winning & Exquisite Casual Fine Dining In Middletown

Restaurant Middletown Best of CT Opening

Kristin L. Wolfe January 29, 2019

Fryday Every Day? Fryborg Truck Opens Restaurant in Milford

Restaurant Comfort Food Milford Food Truck Burgers Hot Dogs Homepage Opening

Andrew Dominick January 27, 2019

When food trucks in Connecticut started to become more prevalent, there was one I remembered well. The name “Fryborg” definitely stood out, and the fact that they specialized in hand-cut fries didn’t suck either. I first stumbled upon Fryborg around the time Two Roads Brewing Company opened in Stratford, so that “stumble” was a real one after multiple pints in the brewery’s upstairs tasting room. It was then that Fryborg’s bacon, egg, and cheese fries and their marinara-laden pizza fries perfectly complimented my buzz. If I had to render a guess, I’m not in the minority on similar experiences.

Nibble: Super Tasty, Boozy, and Fun CT Food Events for Week of January 28 to February 3

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson January 25, 2019

The Doro Restaurant Food Crawl takes place on Monday January 28. Begin the evening at Treva for wine and appetizers before heading to Zohara Mediterranean Kitchen for an incredible family meal. Finish at Àvert Brasserie. Tickets are $75.

Taste of Hartford continues through February 3! Participating restaurants throughout the Greater Hartford area will offer special multi-course, price-fixed menus.

Now on Tuesday Night, The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood presents “Burgers, Bourbon, & Beer.” Enjoy one of the chef’s burger creations or customize your own. Craft beer selections and brown spirits round out this comforting menu.

Bourbon Raw in Norwalk will have a High West Whiskey Dinner on Tuesday January 29. The evening includes a cocktail reception and 4 course dinner with drink pairings. Tickets are $70 per person and the event starts at 6:30pm.

East Rock Brewing Company Opens In New Haven

Features New Haven Brewery Beer Dinner CT Beer Opening

James Gribbon January 24, 2019

Pull back the hour hand on the clock of geologic time and the land in what was once New Haven begins to fill in. The sandstone rises up, glaciers come and go again in reverse, and the scenery levels off. The view across the water isn't Long Island - the glaciers pulled that land back with them - it's what will become Morocco. Now spin the clock forward again. The continents drift - ice, then not ice again - and the land erodes away until something seems to rise up again: the traprock scarp we know as East Rock. There's a lot of history here, and the newest bit to crop up is East Rock Brewing Company.

30+ Restaurants & Bars in CT for the Super Bowl: 2019 Edition

Features Sports Bar Super Bowl Bar

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson January 23, 2019

On Sunday February 3, the Patriots and Rams and facing off in Super Bowl 53! The game time action is great, but so are the foods that accompany it! Wings, pizza, ribs, subs… which is your MVP?? These Connecticut restaurants and bars have eat-in and take-out specials to keep you satisfied as you cheer on your team.

The Blind Rhino, Norwalk: For the 4th year in a row, The Blind Rhino hosts "the biggest super bowl pregame party in CT." This year, The Spread & El Segundo are joining the party and doing a mini pop up inside the Rhino. There will also be live music and entertainment provided by Best Trivia Ever.
Bobby V’s, Stamford: Catch the big game at Bobby V's in Stamford. A $45 ticket includes seating with a view of the game from every seat, a buffet, giveaways, and beer specials. VIP Packages available.
Bear’s Smokehouse @ The Stack, New Haven: The Stack, featuring Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ in New Haven, will be offering three “Big Game Packages."

It's A Woman's World: Kristin Eddy, Pastry Chef for Millwright's, Porron & Piña, & Cook And The Bear

Features Interview Chef Talk

Stephanie Webster January 22, 2019

Our 2018 series, “It’s A Woman’s World’ was devoted to Fairfield County female influencers who forged their own paths in culinary fields long dominated by men. In 2019, we continue to celebrate trailblazing women throughout the state of CT.

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, we feature Kristin Eddy, Pastry Chef for Tyler Anderson’s Millwright's, Porron & Piña, and The Cook and The Bear. Stay tuned to see who’s next. And feel free to send suggestions for your candidates to steph@ctbites.com.

Milestone Restaurant Opens in Georgetown with Menu That Covers All The Favorites

Restaurant Redding Georgetown pizza Comfort Food Homepage Pizza Opening

Jessica Ryan January 20, 2019

Milestone Restaurant is redefining the idea of a neighborhood gathering spot offering made from scratch, simply prepared food with bold flavors and classic cocktails that are served up in a stylish yet understated setting. Drawing inspiration from the unique character of the area (the restaurant is on the site of a former lumber yard) owners Peter and Andi Fine aspire to do more than serve great food. The restaurant has been designed to be not only a welcoming gathering spot, but also to showcase fun and unique food events. (Stay tuned and we’ll keep you posted!)

"Maritime with a Twist:" Adult Play Time w/ SoNo Restaurants & Breweries @ The Maritime Aquarium (sponsored post)

Features Events

CTbites Team January 18, 2019

Save the Date for "Maritime with a Twist," an ADULT ONLY party hosted by the Maritime Aquarium on Thursday, February 7th from 6-9pm! The evening will feature the a great lineup of restaurants (view list below) from South Norwalk alongside local brew pubs and distilleries. This upbeat celebration for adults 21+ also allows guests to enjoy the Aquarium's newest attractions including the incredible expanded jellyfish area! Live jazz will be provided by The Damon Grant Project . Purchase tickets here: $40 ($35 for Aquarium members)

Governor’s Inauguration Ball: A Festive Taste of Connecticut

Features Events

Kristin L. Wolfe January 17, 2019

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for Week of January 20-27

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson January 16, 2019

The Connecticut Real Ale Festival takes place on Sunday January 27 at Brewport in Bridgeport. All casks are prepared expressly for the Connecticut Real Ale Fest. Tickets are $45 and include entry, a collector’s glass, and two 5 oz. samples and two slices of Brewport’s famous pizza.

On January 22, Amis Trattoria will host the distilling pros from local vodka company, Cylinder Vodka, for an interactive cocktail making and tasting class.

On January 23, These Guys Brewing Company in Norwich hosts a Beer v. Wine Dinner. Owners Ray and Becka are pitted against one another to come up with the best pairing for each of the four courses to be served. The event lasts from 6-9pm and costs $80 per person.

Oak Haven Table & Bar will hold a “2018 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection with Boss Hog & Michter's 20 Year” on January 24.

Newtown's Maple Craft Works With Breweries & Distilleries To Make Award Winning Maple Syrup

Ingredients Features Ingredients Local Artisan Local Farm Dessert

Connecticut Magazine January 15, 2019

Connecticut Magazine features a great local vendor who skillfully combines maple syrup and local distilleries.

When people try Maple Craft Foods’ bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup for the first time and taste the all-natural sweetness of the Vermont syrup layered with subtle smoke and caramel flavors imparted by aging in bourbon barrels, their reactions are often visceral, Dave Ackert says.

Watching new fans “ooh” and “ah” their way through this tasting is the best part of the job for Ackert, who owns the Newtown-based company along with his wife Eve, father Paul, and friend Bill Begany, of Begany Design.

Bourbon barrel maple is the company’s flagship product, and though it does not contain alcohol, it is the offspring of the burgeoning craft beer and distilling industries in Connecticut.

Chef Billy Grant's Restaurant Bricco in West Hartford Still Tops The Lists

Restaurant Italian West Hartford Hartford County Lunch Brunch Homepage

Frank Cohen January 13, 2019

Some restaurants transcend time and location, destined to linger in collective memory for decades after their passing. From the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and ’OOs, Basel’s, Robert Henry’s, Roomba and Ibiza, respectively, are still fondly remembered by longtime New Haven residents. Of all the eateries currently operating in the foodie Mecca that is West Hartford, the one destined to linger longest in memory is probably Restaurant Bricco, which chef-owner Billy Grant opened in 1996 at the tender age of 29.

Italian Restaurant Bricco is not Grant’s sole contribution to the Greater Hartford culinary landscape, however. Situated just around the corner in WeHa, Grants Restaurant & Bar, which opened in 2000, has tempted diners with a modern bistro ambiance, elevated American comfort food and spectacular dessert making, while Bricco Trattoria, which opened in Glastonbury in 2010 and has been a boon to the communities east of the Connecticut River, follows a blueprint similar to that of Restaurant Bricco.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For Week of January 13-20

Features News even

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson January 11, 2019

The Schoolhouse invites you to a Pinot Noir wine dinner on Wednesday, January 16. Taste 5 elegant Pinot Noirs: one sparkling, 2 from leading producers on the West Coast, and 2 gems from France. The evening will be led by Tyler Colman, Ph. D.. who heads the wine program at their sister restaurant, Parlor Pizza.

Thursday January 17 marks the Greater Hartford International Pinot Noir Festival in Hartford. Hosted by Max Downtown and sponsored by Gillette Ridge Wine and Spirits of Bloomfield, it takes place from 5:30-7:30pm. It is $45 per person.

On January 14, Doro Restaurant Group hosts its first ever food crawl! Enjoy globally-inspired prix fixe menus at Treva, Zohara, and Àvert. It starts at 6:30pm.

On January 17, Terrain Cafe will welcome relaxed and stylish cookbook author Colu Henry to celebrate her gorgeous new book, Back Pocket Pasta, over an amazing meal.