Filtering by Category: Restaurant,Features

Elicit Brewing Company Sneak Peek Info & Opening November 18

Features Beer Garden Beer CT Beer Brewery Manchester Opening

CTbites Team

It's go time! After much work, construction, beer brewing, game assembly, mixology, and kitchen testing, Elicit (located at 165 Adams St, Manchester, CT) is ready to bring the FUN to Manchester - and you're invited!

Elicit Brewing Co. will be an American-style beer garden featuring a range of food from pizzas and sandwiches to smaller style plates including wings and pretzels. The brewery is expected to be open Monday through Friday late afternoon through late night, with more hours on the weekends To learn more about Elicit Brewing Co., follow us on Instagram (@ElicitBrewing), visit their website: http://elicitbrewing.com

If you would like to get in BEFORE THE PUBLIC, THEY ARE ACCEPTING RSVP’S FOR The PRE-opening weekend EVENTS.


Brooklyn's Famed Ignazio's Pizza Opens in Westport CT

Restaurant open Westport Pizza Lunch Kid Friendly Homepage

Stephanie Webster

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.


Candied Kabocha Squash Recipe: Chef Emily Mingrone of Tavern on State

Features Recipe Recipe Holiday Thanksgiving Cooking Entertaining

CTbites Team

For the next two weeks CTbites will be featuring a series of Thanksgiving recipes from local CT chefs. Some of these recipes will be family favorites, or dishes the chefs cook in their own homes. Others will grace the holiday menus found at your local restaurant. One thing is certain. They will all be delicious and worthy of a seat at YOUR table. Our second in this series comes from Chef Emily Mingrone of Tavern On State. Enjoy her recipe for Candied Kabocha Squash.


Nibble: CT Food Events For November 10-17

Events Features Events News Wine Dinners

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

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. 


Playa Bowls Opening In West Hartford w/ Bowls & Smoothies Galore

Restaurant Smoothies Acai Bowl healthy open Breakfast lunch

CTbites Team

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!


Chef's Tasting at The Spread Greenwich with Chef Carlos Baez

Restaurant Chef Pop-Up Dinner Chef's Tasting Greenwich

Stephanie Webster

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.


Polenta Holiday Cookies Recipe from Chef Silvia Baldini

Features Recipe Recipe Dessert Holiday Cookies Entertaining

Silvia Baldini

Crispy, crunchy, polenta cookies. The recipe was kindly gifted to me by my MIL Elisabetta. They have become a welcome tradition in my family. We make them a couple of weeks ahead of the holidays and keep them fresh in metal tin, lined with parchment paper. The mix of polenta and potatoes starch gives them a melt in your mouth texture. I like to dust them with a light coating of powder sugar and I enjoy them as treat with tea or when my sweet tooth requires a fixing.


Winfield Street Coffee Opens in Downtown Stamford at The Ferguson Library

Restaurant Coffee Stamford Breakfast Lunch Sandwich Opening

Andrew Dominick

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. 


Sneak Peek: Taco Daddy Set to Open in Stamford

Restaurant Tacos Stamford Homepage Opening

Andrew Dominick

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.


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For November 3-10

Events Features Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

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. 


Chef Tyler Anderson Opens Square Peg Pizzeria in Glastonbury

Restaurant Pizza Glastonbury Lunch Comfort Food Celebrity Chef Homepage Opening

Kristin L. Wolfe

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.


Roost Kitchen + Coffee Opens in Stamford

Restaurant Breakfast Coffee Stamford Lunch Bakery Opening

CTbites Team

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. 


Hosting a Traditional Filipino Kamayan Feast at SoNo 1420

Features Pop-Up Dinner Cocktails Filipino Food Truck

Andrew Dominick

One of the ways to celebrate Filipino American History Month (every October) is with a kamayan meal. A what? Don’t worry, when I was asked to attend one, my response was, “What’s that now?” And I do have a few Filipino friends, including those who invited me to this one, my first one. 

There was a kamayan dinner and it was held in South Norwalk. The event, hosted by Chris Gonzalez of Hapa Food Truck with public relations pro and event planner Ria Rueda, was the first of its kind in the area, not counting the off chance you’ve attended one at a friend’s house. 


Nibble: Tasty, Fresh & Fab CT Food Events for Week of October 27- November 3

Events Features News Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

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.  


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

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.


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

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.


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

"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.


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

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. 


25+ Connecticut Halloween Parties & Happenings for 2019

Events Features Holiday Halloween Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

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.


Photo Recap: The Taste of Fairfield Thrilled Guests w/ 50+ Tastings

Features Taste Of Fairfield Photo Gallery

Jessica Ryan

This past Sunday, on arguably the most beautiful day of the season so far, the Fourth Taste of Fairfield took place at Southport's Delamar Hotel. Under a massive tent, the sold out event greeted happy foodies of all ages. This year saw many newcomers who not only brought their A-Game but elevated this year's "tastes," raising the food bar to whole new level. As the food was served, the libations flowed, complementing the many mouth watering bites!