Meat & Music @ The 3rd Annual Blues & BBQ Festival Kids Bites Restaurant BBQ Events Beer Stephanie Webster September 13, 2010 Westport’s annual Blues, Views & BBQ Festival will take place on September 24th, 25th and 26th. This event celebrates food, music and family with an exciting line-up of bands, barbecue and cooking events, as well as fun for the whole family. This year’s fest, sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society, the country’s premier barbecue organization, features the amateur backyard Cookin’ For A Cause competition, in which teams of two to four participants compete in categories of chicken, ribs, and “chef’s choice.” At the same time, certified pit-masters will be grilling, smoking and barbecuing in the Pro Invitational competition. Both contests are followed by a Pro-Am Invitational “Throwdown” competition where amateur teams compete against the pros. The Pro-Am Invitational includes an “Iron Chef”-style twist where competitors must use three mystery ingredients. Our own contributor, Sarah Green will be there to help judge the Iron Chef event. Read More
PHO or FAUX - Authentic Vietnamese in Westport Restaurant Asian Vietnamese Westport Comfort Food Lunch Sarah Green September 12, 2010 Ready for a little PIK me up? Head over to PHO GARDEN at 1620 Post Road in Westport for some authentic Vietnamese delights! This brand new Asian dining offering, (formerly Zole'), has simple decor and an unimpressive neon sign outside the door, but don't let this turn you off. PHO GARDEN'S authentic menu is a welcome addition to the Westport restaurant scene. Plus, with Pho Mekong closing its doors across the street, PHO GARDEN is definitely worth checking out! We started with the COLD SUMMER ROLLS (Goi Cuon) Read More
CTbites Lunch Event: The Boathouse Restaurant CTbites Lunch Events Stephanie Webster September 10, 2010 The CTbites & SuzySaid lunch events are back, and on Tuesday, September 28th we're debuting the season with a very special venue just right for savoring the summer harvest, The Boathouse @ Saugatuck. Chef John Holzwarth, of NYC's Felidia and Westport's The Dressing Room fame, will be preparing a $20 prix fixe for CTbites readers that highlights John's commitment to using locally sourced ingredients in innovative ways. Come out and meet your CTbites community. You won't want to miss this one! For reservations, call 203.227.3399. Check out the mouthwatering menu below: Read More
Oktoberfest in Connecticut Restaurant Events Holiday Beer Amy Kundrat September 09, 2010 Frosty steins of beer, a sea of lederhosen and more meat than Kobayashi can consume in a single sitting. In other words, it’s time to celebrate Oktoberfest, that hot mess of Bavarian culture. If you’re looking to celebrate outside the seasonal selection of beers available in your local package store, we’ve compiled our own list of local Connecticut events. The Old Heidelberg | Throughout September | Bethel, CT The Old Heidelberg is the place to be for Oktoberfest festivities in Fairfield County on the weekends of September 10, 11 and 12; Sept. 17, 18 and 19; and Sept. 24, 25 and 26. The restaurant hosts three Oktoberfest weekends under a tent in their Beergarten with music, a special menu and entertainment for the kids. The Old Heidelberg is located on 5 Stony Hill Road in Bethel, CT. Information at http://www.restaurantheidelberg.com/ Read More
Drinking for Charity: Cans & Cocktails Happy Hour Restaurant Chinese Cocktails Events Food Donation Stephanie Webster September 08, 2010
This Week In Wine: Manifesto Sauvignon Blanc Ingredients This Week In Wine Kathleen Hall September 08, 2010 "This Week In Wine" is a new CTbites column featuring seasonal wine picks with great drinkability, good value, and local availability. Writer, Kathleen Hall, has been the Wine Manager @ Pastis in NYC and Head Sommelier @ Greenwich's Morello Bistro. A wine to drink while you sit on your patio and watch the sun set in these last few days of summer. Manifesto! Sauvignon Blanc is made with grapes grown organically, from the North Coast of California. While some New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc can be overly fruity and Sancerre from France tends to be lean and steely, this wine is something in the middle – a style that is rounded and rich, with ripe citrus fruit flavors and a refreshing acidity. With flavors of Meyer lemon, grapefruit, orange peel and a hint of herbs Read More
School is Back in Session @ Fairfield Cheese Company Ingredients Cooking Classes Education Specialty Market Stephanie Webster September 08, 2010 Fairfield Cheese Company classes are back in session and school has never been this delicious. Whether you are a cheese novice looking for a an introduction to the basics, or a cheese-aficionado seeking to expand your knowledge on a specific variety, they've got the class for you. I jumped at the chance to attend one of these sessions last season and spent some time with owners Laura and Christopher who lead these entertaining and informative evenings. If you would like some background on Fairfield Cheese Company, check out our review, "Cheese 101." With wine pairings from Harry's Wine & Liquor, this is the perfect way to break out of that dinner-and-a-movie date night rut. If you attend any of the classes below, let us know what you think! Read More
CT Farm To Table Week: Celebrate Local Restaurant Events Local Farm Stephanie Webster September 07, 2010 To celebrate the bounty of our local harvest, CT restaurants have gotten together to bring the farm to you with "CT Farm to Table Week." During the week of September 26-October 2, 2010, over 80 restaurants, caterers and schools across CT will be participating in this first ever CT Farm-to-Chef Harvest Celebration Week. Restaurants will be serving special prix fixe menus as well as a la carte options exclusively featuring local producers and vineyards. This is the perfect excuse to both check out some new spots as well as support local CT agriculture. The list of participating vendors and venues for Fairfield County are below. Detailed menus for each participant can be found here. Fairfield County Participants: Read More
Navaratna: Vegetarian Indian in Stamford Restaurant Stamford Vegetarian Indian Lunch Liz Rueven September 06, 2010 Given the "Worth It" rating from the NY Times, it was easy to rally a group of hungry enthusiasts to join me at Navaratna for lunch last week. Navaratna is the newest Indian restaurant in the ever expanding dining scene in downtown Stamford. This packed lunch spot is unique in that it features Southern Indian cuisine that is strictly vegetarian (and certified Kosher). As a lover of Indian food, I was intrigued, and we descended upon Navaratna to explore its distinctive menu. Read More
Dinners At The Farm: The Photo Gallery Restaurant Events Local Farm Farm Fresh Stephanie Webster September 06, 2010
Red Lulu Opens in South Norwalk Restaurant Events Opening Amy Kundrat September 03, 2010 South Norwalk can add another notch to it’s ample dining belt with newcomer Red Lulu. A sister restaurant to the vibrant scene that is Lolita Cocina in Byram, Red Lulu opened last night with an over-the-top party introducing this “Mexican speakeasy with a luxe twist” to the well-dressed masses. The menu strikes some very familiar notes to Lolita’s inspired Mexican: bbq ribs with a coffee, chocolate and orange glaze; flautas; blackened grouper tacos; and carnitas to name just a few eye-catching bites. Staying true to its SoNo address, the bar and lounge are front and center, housing impressive collection of tequilas Read More
Advertisement: Sweet Rexie's Candy & Ice Cream Ingredients Advertisement Stephanie Webster September 02, 2010 I don't know about you but when I need that bulk bin candy fix, there is only one place to go…Sweet Rexie’s. Voted Best Candy Store in Fairfield County for 2010, this kid-friendly haven will satisfy any sweet tooth, but did you know that Sweet Rexie's is actually much more than just a candy store? Sweet Rexie's serves up great events, including kids birthdays, cooking classes and Hershey's Premium ice cream, just right for an after school treat. With 16 great flavors the likes of "Cookies vs. Peanut Butter," "Playdough," and "Cotton Candy," every child (or adult) will walk away a happy camper. Need a gift? Sweet Rexie's has a unique selection of toys, apparel, and baby gifts. Plus, if you don't have time to get to the store, Sweet Rexie's offers local delivery & nationwide shipping. Special Offer for CT Bites Readers - $50 off a birthday party if booked by Sept 30, 2010. Read More
Burger Stock '10: FREE Burgers & Beer @ Burger Bar Restaurant Events Norwalk Burgers Stephanie Webster September 02, 2010
Bernard's: Tapas, Paella & Wine Dinner Restaurant Events Wine Dinners Stephanie Webster August 31, 2010 Don't miss the unique opportunity to try out one of CT's top restaurants, Bernard's in Ridgefield, at their end of summer "Tapas, Paella & Wine Dinner." Inspired by a recent trip to Barcelona, Bernard and his wife Sarah (of Sarah's Wine Bar at the same location) are teaming up with local wine merchant Cellar XV to offer up this very special evening. The event will feature sangria, Spanish wines, and tapas galore served (if weather permits) in their beautiful garden. If you haven't eaten at Bernard's, this is a great way to sample this very special restaurant. Sunday, September 12th at 6:00 – In the Garden Read More
An Evening @ New Haven's Food & Wine Festival Restaurant Events New Haven Amy Kundrat August 30, 2010
Lake Zoar Drive-In: Burgers & Dogs With a View Restaurant Delicious Dives Monroe Comfort Food Kid Friendly Burgers Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger August 29, 2010 Photos: c/o Michael Stern, Roadfood.comThe Lake Zoar Drive-In is located on Route 34 in Monroe (many Navigation systems do not recognize the website town of Stevenson) slightly less than 7 miles east of I-84. This stand-alone burger and dog shack has occupied this same stretch of beach overlooking Lake Zoar for over 20 years and the current owners have been grilling burgers and dogs for over 17 years; they must be doing something right. That something is a burger with plenty of toppings, some of the best French Fries in Connecticut plus a soda...all for under $10. Read More
Get Cooking With Aux Delices Ingredients Features Cooking Classes Stamford Liz Rueven August 27, 2010 Summer Comfort Food was the theme of the class I recently attended at Aux Delices’ Cooking School in their commissary kitchen in Stamford. As we are smack in the middle of this steaming season, I was happy to be invited to relax, observe and learn something new about how to prepare summer dishes, utilizing the season’s bounty. Aux Delices has retail store locations, all with seating, in Darien, Riverside and Greenwich. The shops offer owner/Chef Debra Ponzek’s culinary creations of prepared foods and a unique collection of specialty food items. Their name translates as “all the delicious food in life,” and considering their choices of scrumptious take out items, private and corporate catering offerings, and classes at their cooking school, the name is certainly apt. Read More
2 Hours @ The Craft Beer & Chili Challenge Ingredients Events Beer Comfort Food Stephanie Webster August 24, 2010 Last Sunday thousands of beer and chili loving CT residents descended upon Mohegan Sun for the Craft Beer and Chili Challenge. Thirteen restaurants traveled from across the state to throw down their winning recipe for the great American classic. There was enough heat to keep you warm through winter and the sweet smell of cumin wafted all the way up to the slot machines. And what to wash down this fiery feast? Certainly water was not the proper pairing. 40 breweries with over 100 beers were present to quench our thirst, some local, some National, but all pouring. Here are some of the highlights: Read More
Great Deals @ Westport Restaurant Week Restaurant Events Stephanie Webster August 23, 2010 Celebrate Westport's thriving food scene and get some great deals on dining at Westport Restaurant Week. From Sunday, August 29 through Saturday, September 4th participating restaurants (including Da Pietro's Manolo, and Thali) will offer a special prix fixe lunch and dinner menu. With prices this reasonable, eating out could easily become a daily habit (and that's just fine with me). $10.10 or $15.10 – Lunch for One OR $20.10 – Lunch for Two $20.10 or $30.10 – Dinner for One Note: The number of courses and inclusion of beverages may vary. (excludes tax and gratuity) “Thali is really looking forward to introducing our restaurant to more people, “says Chef/Owner Prasad Chirnomula,” We’ve put together a very special menu for Restaurant Week.” Read More
Old School Charm @ Sycamore Drive-In Diner Restaurant Bethel Delicious Dives Comfort Food Kid Friendly Burgers Amy Kundrat August 22, 2010 Many things have changed over the last fifty years, but don't bother mentioning that to the Sycamore. The diner and carhop in Bethel, CT has been serving the same burgers, root beer floats and fries since 1948. While our dining habits have ebbed and flowed from those early carhop days, from TV dinners, chinese take-out and sushi rolls to today's preoccupation with farm-to-table dining, the Sycamore has been steadfast in their devotion to the diner. Read More
