Can Tiin Opens in Bridgeport: Inspired Dishes with a Vietnamese Flair Restaurant Asian Bridgeport Cocktails Noodles Vietnamese Deanna Foster December 20, 2015 CTBites readers who don’t live in Bridgeport now have an excellent reason to drive and dine there with the opening of Can Tiin in the downtown area. The dishes at Can Tiin (pronounced “canteen”) lead with a Vietnamese influence, are based on French techniques, and incorporate other Asian flavors. This culinary panoply is deftly handled by Chef Brian Reilly, who explained, “We take traditional Vietnamese dishes and honor them, but allow ourselves the latitude to experiment and go out of the box a little. We continually challenge ourselves to push the envelope without getting cute or overly fussy.” The result is neither cute, nor fussy, but fun, inventive and tasty. (Read our opening announcement for details on the management team.) Read More
Friday Froth: Beer CONN Comes To Bridgeport Ingredients Beer CT Beer Friday Froth James Gribbon December 18, 2015 Two sessions, fifty breweries, and over a hundred different beers - the second annual Beer CONN poured all day and into the night in Bridgeport. Separate afternoon and evening sessions and a limit on the number of tickets sold maximized elbow room and kept things easy just over the ice in the arena.Out of state breweries like Stone, Shiner, and Jack's Abbey were represented, but the focus of the one day beer fest was on beers from the Constitution State. I attended the second session, which was not without surprises, including Brewscuits: dog biscuits made from spent grain used in brewing, and the Growler Getter, from Woodbridge, Conn. - a hard plastic tote capable of holding two 64oz. growlers, or three 32oz. growlitos. Read More
29 CT New Year's Eve Parties for 2016 Restaurant Holiday Emma Jane-Doody Stetson December 18, 2015 We didn't "drop the ball!" CTBites.com has rounded up a list of 29 restaurants and hotspots where you can usher in 2016 in style. Make your reservations now... seats fill up quickly! Elm, New Canaan will have two seatings, a three course dinner and a four course dinner. Mill Street, Greenwich will host either a 3 course dinner for $75 or a 4 course meal for $115. There are 2 seatings as well. Harlan Social, Stamford hosts their annual "Reveillon" NYE bash. They'll have live music, craft cocktails, and a chef's buffet of their favorite dishes. Match, South Norwalk promises "An Extravagant Evening" on December 31. They will be open on January 1 from 12-3pm and 5-8:30pm as well. Walrus + Carpenter, Bridgeport will host a "New Year's Eve Spectacular" with live music & more! Bernard's, Ridgefield offers two seatings on the 31st: 6pm and 9pm. There will be live music and a champagne toast at midnight. Cafe on the Green, Danbury will offer a 5 course prix fixe menu for $65 pp. Two seatings, 6pm & 9pm. Elm City Social, New Haven invites you to a 5 course dinner with cocktail pairings. Fez, Stamford has two prix fixe options: a 4 course menu at 5pm and a 6 course menu at 9pm. The later seating includes a champagne toast and music by Harry Ellis and the Deep Intentions. The Whelk, Westport will offer a New Year's Day brunch. Schoolhouse at Cannondale, Wilton has 2 New Year's Dinner options: 6 and 8pm. Both include 4 courses South End, New Canaan will have a special menu and lots of champagne. Vespa, Westport is throwing a huge party w/ menu special, champagne, DJ and FIREWORKS!! Read More
Pearl at Longshore in Westport To Open In February 2016 Restaurant Westport Opening CTbites Team December 16, 2015 This just in from the team behind the new waterfront restaurant opening at Westport's Longshore Club Park. Pearl at Longshore, the newly reimagined restaurant, dining and social experience at Longshore Club Park in Westport, Connecticut will open in February 2016 after an extensive restoration and revitalization under the vision of owners Marc Backon, Antonio Ninivaggi and a group of local investors. Pearl at Longshore will feature sophisticated, seasonally inspired, American cuisine to be enjoyed all year long overlooking one of the most magical settings in Connecticut that Westporters simply know as their backyard. Michael Hazen (previously Corporate Executive Chef at Bartaco) has been named Executive Chef and will create a menu of delicious, healthy meals that reflect the seasons and focus on the simplicity and flavors of the ingredients. Read More
Harvest Restaurant To Open in Westport in Mario's Space This Month Restaurant Westport Opening CTbites Team December 15, 2015 As reported on WestportNow.com Harvest Restaurant, 36 Railroad Place, in the space previously occupied by Mario’s, will open “during the holiday season” according to a real estate source. The owners, Vicente and Nuve Siguenza, also operate Cava in New Canaan, Harvest in Greenwich, New Haven, Scena in Darien, and 55 Degrees in Fairfield. Read More
Mecha Noodle Bar Opens in South Norwalk Restaurant Asian Japanese Noodles Norwalk Vietnamese Opening Amy Kundrat and Stephanie Webster December 13, 2015 “A lot of love in that food,” I texted to Stephanie, my CTbites partner and frequent dining companion, within an hour of our departure from the new Mecha Noodle Bar in South Norwalk during one of their training nights. “That’s the deal. He’s a special guy. It all means something to him. It’s not just the cooking. It’s nostalgia. Family. Friends. Community,” she texted back within moments. Following that repartee, I realized whatever I wrote about our first impression of the new Mecha would pale in comparison to that observation. Love and community is the essence of what Mecha’s food is all about, and Chef Tony Pham along with partner Richard Reyes (Mézon), is at its Asian comfort food core. Read More
Become a Loafer: Scratch Baking's 2016 Loaf of the Week Club Restaurant Bakery Milford Amy Kundrat December 12, 2015 The early part of the year can be a bit of a food doldrums following the festive whirlwind of the holidays, but I'm here to tell you it doesn't have to be. Beginning on January 15/16 for eight weeks, Scratch Baking in Milford can bake you a loaf of bread paired with a spread through their Loaf of the Week Club. Think of it as a New Year's Resolution you may actually keep. Equal parts surprise and deliciousness, Scratch Baking's Loaf of the Week Club offers "Loafers" (Loaf of the Week members), a freshly baked loaf of bread that is creatively paired with a spread. The loaf reveal is made at the beginning of each weekend, often in an email with a recipe from Scratch. Several of the loaves I experienced last year were revalatory (I'm looking at you, Ethiopian Rosemary Honey Bread and you, Jalapeño Cheddar Country Loaf), and all were comforting and delicious. This year you can join the Loaf of the Week Club yourself, or gift it for the holidays (or I recommend both). To sign-up, email Scratch at writeus@scratchbakingct.com or call, 203-301-4396. Read More
Donut Crazy to Open in New Canaan via The New Canaanite Restaurant Bakery Doughnuts New Canaan Breakfast Dessert CTbites Team December 11, 2015 As announced in The New Canaanite, New Canaan’s local news website, Donut Crazy has announced its third location and will open in New Canaan, hopefully by the end of the year. With two location up the Merritt in Stratford and Shelton, the donut shop that features creatively conceived donut combinations named “Cherry Bomb,” “Cannoli,” “Maple Bacon,” the holiday "Noggin Donut" (Eggnog custard filled, rum flavored frosting, sugar, whipped cream topping, with a pinch of nutmeg) and the “Fat Elvis” (Bavarian cream center topped with peanut butter bacon banana chocolate honey), Donut Crazy will occupy the space that formerly housed the Sweet Shoppe and Merle Norman Cosmetics at 4 South Avenue. A gourmet doughnut shop with two locations in upper Fairfield County is preparing to serve its savory treats at the former Sweet Shoppe space on South Avenue, mostly recently Merle Norman Cosmetics. Read More
The Blind Rhino Sports Bar Opens in South Norwalk Restaurant Beer Cocktails Norwalk SONO Sports Bar Bar Emma Jane-Doody Stetson December 10, 2015 When I hear “sports bar,” I think lots of big screen TVs, beers, burgers, wings, nachos, anything to go with my Jets or Giants jersey. The Blind Rhino, recently opened in South Norwalk on Main Street just north of Washington, is undoubtedly a sports bar, with 27 big screen TVs, shuffleboard, darts, and jerseys adorning the walls. At the same time, it has elevated the cuisine with impressive menu items, an array of craft beers and a variety of whiskeys. Many sports bar staples are still on the menu, but with a twist! Owner /Chef Jamie Pantanella oversees the cuisine. He has worked in restaurants and catering all over New England for the past 22 years. His most recent restaurant experience includes The Brewhouse and Gingerman SoNo. At The Blind Rhino, Pantanella hones his years of experience to offer his “highlight reel.” The menu is not large, but each item is thoughtful and flavorful. “While having sections like wings, appetizers, soups, and sandwiches seem to be par for the course, having items like Togareshi Dry Rub Wings, Cider Braised Pork Belly Sliders, and a Sliced Ribeye Cheese Steak is exactly how we want to take the dining experience to the next level,” says manager Casey Dohme. Read More
Holiday Themed Pop Up Cocktail Lounge Opens Tonight: Miracle on Wall Street in Norwalk Restaurant Cocktails Bar Stephanie Webster December 09, 2015 Amp up the festivities this holiday season by visiting Miracle on Wall Street, a pop up holiday themed cocktail bar opening in Norwalk’s Wall Street neighborhood on December 9th. What to know before you go? This is NOT your average pop up bar. The concept began in New York City last year when Miracle on 9th Street transformed an East Village lounge into a brilliantly kitschy holiday hangout. Guest mixologists, custom holiday glassware, tons of tinsel, and cocktails with names like “ The Reindeer’s Revolt,” created a uniquely fun drinking experience. Guests went crazy for the concept and now there are four pop up locations in NYC, DC, and as of today, CT. Read More
Bareburger to Open in Harbor Point on December 21st Restaurant Stamford Comfort Food Lunch Kid Friendly Burgers CTbites Team December 08, 2015 The second Connecticut location for Bareburger, in Harbor Point, is due to open on December 21st, as the micro-chain-gone-global expands its Connecticut offerings. Bareburger started in 2009…after receiving rave reviews preparing hamburgers in the kitchen of Sputnik, an underground music haunt in Brooklyn, Euripides Pelekanos founded Bareburger in an Astoria, Queens’ storefront. After bringing his winning formula to thirteen additional NYC locations, Bareburger launched its first location in Ridgefield in 2013 and is now ready to launch its second, Stamford, location. In an exclusive interview with CTbites, Pelekanos explained his philosophy and vision as Bareburger first expanded from its single Astoria location into a global chain. “I want all of my products to be organic or as close to organic as possible. From the meat to the toppings to the salads, I want natural or organic; that is my personal preference; that is what I eat.” Read More
Brian Lewis' The Cottage Opens in Westport - A First Delicious Look Restaurant American Farm to Table Westport Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger December 06, 2015 Chef Brian Lewis, one of Connecticut’s most influential chefs and celebrated for being on the cutting edge of the state’s dining scene, opened his new restaurant, The Cottage, this past weekend. It is Chef Lewis’ second Fairfield County restaurant, redesigning the space that formerly housed Le Farm into a charming 44-seat establishment in the heart of town. Known for his thoughtful and innovative dishes that garnered him accolades from The New York Times, Esquire and Connecticut Magazine, The Cottage features his highly revered seasonal American cuisine in a warm and relaxing environment. The Cottage reflects Chef Lewis’ vision and represents his desire to produce a premier neighborhood destination serving the finest, locally sourced cuisine. The menu will be updated weekly paying homage to local farmers and artisans in the region that share Lewis’s commitment to exceptionally sourced and quality seasonal ingredients. “My wife, Dana, and I have fallen in love with Westport over the years, spending so much of our free time here with our boys, Jude and Jax. The food scene here, the community of chefs, and farmer’s market have always been a big part of my day to day life.” Read More
Gretchen Thomas of Barcelona Wine Bar Launches “Gretchen’s Selections” Ingredients Recipe Wine Bar Wine Chat Wine Shop Emma Jane-Doody Stetson December 06, 2015 Exciting news from Barcelona Wine Bar and Barteca Restaurant Group! Selections from their award-winning wine list, recognized by publications like Wine Spectator and The Wall Street Journal, are now available online. Newly unveiled “Gretchen’s Selections” features approximately 25 wines that are directly imported and offered to Barcelona’s guests. Each wine was hand-selected by Gretchen Thomas, acclaimed Wine and Spirits Director for Barteca Restaurant Group. “I’m always looking for great wines for the Barcelona wine program, whether they are sold through my trusted suppliers or not,” says Thomas. Sometimes she comes across amazing bottles here at home. Vineyards will ship wines to her or she will be introduced to someone in the area doing something new and exciting. Other times, her quest takes her overseas. Read More
CTbites Invites: White Truffle Dinner at Da Pietro’s Restaurant December 10th Restaurant CTbites Invites Dinner Events CTbites Team December 06, 2015 CTbites Invites and Westport's own "celebrity chef" Pietro Scotti celebrate the final weeks of white truffle season with a special four course prix fix dinner for ONE NIGHT ONLY on THURSDAY DECEMBER 10 at 7:00 pm., specially priced at $150 pp. Purchase your tickets Here.... If you have never tasted this delicacy, this is your chance to savor the unique and special funghi foraged in the hills of Alba, Italy at a very special price. Join Chef Pietro in his intimate and award winning restaurant, Da Pietro's, for four courses that include: Read More
Basso Café Restaurant in Norwalk Adds Wine Bar + New Menu Restaurant Italian New Canaan Norwalk Venezuelan Wine Bar Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger December 02, 2015 Several years ago CTbites visited Basso Café Restaurant on New Canaan Avenue in Norwalk and was very impressed with many of the dishes created by Owner / Chef Renato Donzelli. Since that time Chef Renato has maintained his vision of creating a wine bar to complement the food, and that is now a reality as Basso Café Restaurant is now Basso Café Restaurant Wine Bar. The interior has been updated with large, vibrant paintings along one wall, smaller modern pieces along the other wall overseeing the 60 seat dining area. The lighting is soft and inviting and acoustical tiles have been installed to reduce the noise level. After the recent receipt of a full liquor license, guests can now benefit from Chef Renato’s pairing of wines to balance the vibrant flavors of his cuisine and the rear of the restaurant now showcases the bar area with a selection of personally selected spirits, including organic vodkas. Read More
2015 CT Food Lover's Holiday Gift Guide Restaurant Recipe Gift Guide Holiday Kitchen Gear Specialty Market April Guilbault November 29, 2015 “At the end of the day, people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.” said the incomparable Maya Angelou. Well, we couldn’t agree more! So this holiday season, we know that when you give some of these gifts that we have found (along with a wide smile, a big hug and happy greetings!), the lucky recipients will surely be feeling the love. Happy them, happy you. Happy holidays, everyone! Here are 16 creative and delicious local CT gifts for the food lover in your life. Read More
Great Cakes & Cupcakes at Forever Sweet Bakery Ingredients Recipe Bakery Catering Kid Friendly Dessert CTbites Team November 24, 2015 Forever Sweet Bakery is celebrating its third anniversary as one of the most creative bakeries for cupcakes, cake pops, and special occasion themed cakes. Located off the beaten path in a strip mall on New Canaan Avenue in Norwalk, CTbites visited on opening day several years ago and over the last three years the bakery has received numerous accolades including the 2014 & 2015 Best of the Gold Coast Cupcakes. CTbites recently returned to Forever Sweet to confirm the original impression and taste the expanded offerings of cupcakes that owners Sky and Frances Mercede have created. Over the years, their cakes have been featured at many political victory parties and charity events including the Connecticut Food Bank, the Westport Little League and the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Sky and Frances believe in giving back to the community as often as possible. Read More
Bren Smith, Founder of Ocean Farming Non-profit GreenWave, Awarded Buckminster Fuller Challenge Award Restaurant CT Farms New Haven Amy Kundrat November 24, 2015 Bren Smith, the founder of GreenWave and Thimble Island Oyster Farm, an ocean farming non profit based in New Haven, has been making headlines recently as the recent recipient of the prestigious Buckminster Fuller Challenge. The award recognizes GreenWave's design for the world’s first multi-species 3D ocean farms. The non profit's work aims to restore ocean ecosystems while creating jobs in coastal communities through restorative ocean farmers. In addition to the New Yorker's "Is Seaweed the Next Superfood?," listen to a recent story on NPR.org: Read More
The National Opens in Greenwich: A Conversation with Chef, Restaurateur, & TV Host Geoffrey Zakarian Interview Restaurant Celebrity Chef Greenwich Opening Amy Kundrat November 21, 2015 The National, the newest restaurant from celebrated chef, restaurateur, TV host, author, and philanthropist Geoffrey Zakarian, is now open in the heart of downtown Greenwich, at 376 Greenwich Avenue. We were invited to sit down with the chef just 24 hours after he opened the doors to the public. Sitting in a corner banquette, our candid conversation spanned his 30-year career, including his love for Greenwich, formative culinary influences, and his advice for aspiring chefs. The National feels like an extension of Zakarian himself. They both exude a studied yet casual New York elegance, are utterly charming, and yet quite approachable. A former Greenwich resident, it is no surprise he chose to open the restaurant within this community he knows so well. The modern american bistro feels at home on the Avenue and inside, boasts the welcoming charm of a neighborhood café with a seasonal menu positioned to please. Read More
Sexy Cocktails Debut @ NoMa Social Lounge in New Rochelle Restaurant Cocktails New Rochelle Bar Lou Gorfain November 20, 2015 For decades, the locally owned Radisson in New Rochelle has been a beloved pillar of the lower Westchester community. But sadly, the matriarch was getting a bit long in the tooth. So the family transformed her vibe from venerable to vogue, a Manhattan style Boutique Hotel. As one of the designers of that refurb, Colby Brock, the Food and Beverage manager, named the new restaurant and lounge NoMa Social (NoMa stands for “North of Manhattan” and bears no alliance with the renowned Noma in Copenhagen). Colby brought in highly regarded Executive Chef Bill Rosenberg, (f.i.sh., Barcelona) to upgrade the kitchen, and she recently hired 32 year old Mike DeFalco as the Bar and Nightlife Manager. A major mission: inject some hip to a ho-hum bar menu. NoMa’s splashy lounge – replete with zebra stripes and a funky, deep house/electro trance playlist -- has become a hot spot for a young, party and pick-up crowd. To add to the jump, DeFalco has set about creating a cavalcade of sexy craft cocktails. Read More
