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Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings for Week of Oct 9th - 16th

Restaurant Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 06, 2016

Napa & Company has announced the schedule for its popular Fall Wine Class Series. It kicks off on Monday October 10 with a “Fall Wine & Food Pairing Guide.” It costs $45 per person, plus tax and tip. Classes start at 6:30pm and typically include 6 wines paired with 3 small plates.

On Wednesday October 12, Chef Prasad and INDIA New Canaan will host Black Hog Brewing Company for a 5 course beer dinner. Tom Sobocinsk, the brewery owner, will guide you through the beers and how they complement the dishes. 7-9pm and costs $60 per person, plus tax and tip.

Ghost Tour meets pub crawl on Wednesday October 12. “Pints 2 Poltergeists” includes a ghost tour of Mystic, CT, 3 stops for a beer along the way, and take home treats from Two Roads Brewery. It costs $35 per person.

The New London Food Stroll takes place on Wednesday October 12 from 5:30-8:30pm. A $30 ticket gives you the opportunity to stroll through downtown sampling bite size samples and drinks from popular restaurants in the area. There will be live entertainment as well.

Brick + Wood’s Mobile Wood-Fired Pizza Oven

Restaurant Recipe Catering Entertaining Fairfield Pizza

CTbites Team October 05, 2016

There's a new pizza "truck" in town, one with built-in street creds. Brick + Wood Pizza in Fairfield has set its pizza making in motion with a mobile wood-fired pizza oven, custom designed by acclaimed fourth generation pizza artisans, Acunto Forni, and imported from Naples, Italy.

The mobile Acunto pizza oven mirrors the wood-burning one in-house, ensuring the same tasty pizza is available no matter where it is prepared. The oven reaches over 1,000 degrees in temperature in a short period of time with an overhead flame cooking the pizzas in 90 seconds or less. The surface is made of volcanic brick, which is more porous and prevents the crust from burning.

Mecha Noodle Bar Opens in Downtown New Haven

Restaurant Asian Japanese Noodles Vietnamese New Haven

CTbites Team October 04, 2016

Mecha Noodle Bar, which opened its first restaurant in Fairfield in 2013 and later its second site in South Norwalk in 2015, opens its third location in the heart of downtown New Haven. Located at 201 Crown Street, this 2000-square-foot spot will offer the ultimate comfort food in New Haven appealing to students, residents, business people and families alike with its menu of Asian comfort food options at affordable price points.

For those not already familiar with the menu at Mecha Noodle Bar, the menu features signature dishes such as ramen and pho as well as other flavorful selections such as steamed baos and a well curated selection of Asian plates borrowing from Vietnamese, Korean and Chinese traditions. The menu has been created to soothe, nourish, sustain and inspire – at a modest price. 80% of the core menu in New Haven will be similar to its sister locations with the remainder of the menu debuting new dishes with a Mecha twist. And of course, “Slurping is encouraged” as clearly stated on the menu.

Veg-Centric Dinner Series at ROÌA in New Haven: Heirloom Tomatoes

Restaurant Farm to Table Vegetarian New Haven

Hope Simmons October 02, 2016

Up the steps off the city streets of New Haven, you may feel transported to another time and place. A space that somehow manages to feel elegant, yet contemporary and welcoming at the same time. This could only be ROÌA, where its elaborate high ceilings and attention to a bygone era’s architectural detail make a striking first impression. But they only set the stage for you to be further impressed with the sights and flavors about to arrive at the table.

CTbites first visited ROÌA for its grand opening back in 2013—grand being a most fitting descriptor. We were thrilled to return and experience a dinner featuring summer’s bounty of the local heirloom tomato, in one interesting configuration after another. And just one in the “veg-centric dinner series” Chef Avi Szapiro has offered since last year, when they first showcased asparagus, followed by summer squash, then tomato.

Celebrate National Coffee Day! 25 Spots For Great Coffee in CT

Restaurant Coffee Tea And Coffee Best of CT

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 29, 2016

Have you heard the “buzz”? Tuesday September 29 is National Coffee Day, and CT is home to some great local coffee spots where you can celebrate. There's a lot of coffee in this state so we've divided our list into Fairfield County & Beyond FC.

Here are 25 places that serve some of CT’s best java. One might even say they’re more than just your average “joe….”

Fairfeld County Coffee

Buzz Truck, Fairfield County
Espresso Neat, Darien and Westport
Lorca, Stamford
Redding Roasters, Bethel
Zumbachs Coffee, New Canaan
Coffee Barn, Wilton
Tusk & Cup, Ridgefield

It's The Challah-Days at Garelick and Herbs (sponsored post)

Ingredients Recipe

CTbites Team September 28, 2016

Garelick & Herbs is the place to go for all holiday celebrations.

For Rosh Hashanah we have our family recipes of Briskets, Our Chicken Soups are made with organic chickens, and simmered with organic vegetables. Served of course with our fluffy matzoh balls and all the sides that you need. We have traditional holiday foods such as Gefilte Fish and Chopped Liver, and have lightened up the classics with our Turkey Stuffed Cabbage with our golden raisin sweet sauce.

We are known for our Potato Pancakes and make a wonderful Sweet Potato Pancake as well

Our philosophy is to celebrate deliciously and our goal is to make your holidays special and easy.

Bedford 234 Burger - Not Bad for a Sunday Brunch

Restaurant Bedford Comfort Food Burgers

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger September 28, 2016

A beautiful Sunday, a leisurely 10-mile bike ride…time to re-charge. Where to eat between Yorktown Heights and New Canaan. I used to love the burger at Meetinghouse in Bedford and have heard some pretty good things about the new incarnation, Bedford 234, so we decided to grab lunch.

It is located right off the square, next to the Bedford Playhouse. When we arrived, tables were set up outside, with a family enjoying their brunch, but a few too many flies and bees forced us into the re-decorated interior. The space is still very Americana with paintings and posters of animals next to the American flag, the small bar area upon entering still has the single TV with the Jets game in full force, and the main dining room was 25% occupied.

Our Favorite Jewish Holiday Recipes: Brisket, Veggies, An Apple Tart & Honey Cake

Restaurant Recipe

Liz Rueven September 27, 2016

Photo: Tami WeiserJust as the evening temps begin to cool and farmers’ markets are bursting with bright mounds of apples and pears, Jewish cooks shift their focus to preparing meals for Rosh HaShanah, the New Year celebrations. This year, the holiday begins at sunset on October 2 and ends on the eve of October 4.

There are plenty of symbolic ingredients associated with the holiday, making menu planning a fun and meaningful challenge. Seasonal ingredients (apples, pears, squashes, potatoes, zucchini) reign supreme. Flavors traditionally lean towards sweet, referencing hopes for a joyful and healthy year ahead. Symbols of plenty, like lentils, beans and pomegranates, are also included and refer to fertility and wishes for an abundance of all positive things.

Here are some recipe suggestions to get you in gear for Jewish holiday cooking.

14 Farms For Pick-Your-Own Pumpkins in CT

Ingredients Local Farm Pick Your Own kids activity Kid Friendly

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 26, 2016

Autumn is here and Connecticut Farms have delicious seasonal produce ready to be harvested! Last week, CTBites told you where you can pick your own apples. While apples are delicious, pumpkins truly epitomize the fall. From jack-o-lanterns to pies to pumpkin flavored everything, the gourd has many uses. Here are 12 places that offer pick your own pumpkins! Be sure to call ahead to confirm availability.

Harris Hill Farm, New Milford: On weekends during the month of October, Harris Hill Farm in New Milford opens the farm and its pick-your-own pumpkin patch to the community.
Castle Hill Farm, Newtown: Castle Hill Farm in Newtown has a 4 acre pumpkin patch. They also have hay rides and a corn maze.
Lyman Orchards, Middlefield: Lyman Orchards in Middlefield has a 24 hour hotline so that you can get updates on the crops and conditions.
Bishop's Orchards, Guilford: Great picking of all kinds at Bishop's + a corn Maze on the weekends from 10-5.
Holmberg Orchards, Gales Ferry: Pumpkins are in season from September-October at Holmberg Orchards in Gales Ferry. On weekends, enjoy a corn maze, tractor rides, cider donuts, and a wine

Hidden Gem: Ki Delicia Brazilian Bakery / Deli in Bridgeport Is All Delicious

Restaurant Bakery Brazilian Bridgeport Butcher Deli Lunch Dessert

Steve Urena September 25, 2016

Beginning her journey as a chef in Switzerland, Ki Delicia’s owner Fernanda Ferreira had the drive and determination to turn her dreams into a reality by coming to America with nothing but a suitcase and two sets of clothes. Fast forward to 2016, and her customer base has grown exponentially with people traveling from all parts of Connecticut just to get a taste of her incredible edibles. Upon visiting this hidden gem, I witnessed customers lining up around the block in their cars just to get their breakfast essentials. As a family run business both her son and her daughter, Clara Gaspar, help out with the intention of helping Ki Delicia thrive. “I think it’s still a hidden gem to many,” says Clara Gaspar daughter of owner Fernanda Ferrara.

When walking into Ki Delicia Bakery and Deli, you are drawn in by the welcoming aroma of Brazilian delights. Travel a few steps more into the building and it feels like home. Almost immediately, I was greeted by Ferreira and her staff who welcomed me into the establishment with a warm and welcoming presence like a mother who invites guests into her humble abode.

Chef Brian Lewis' The Cottage in Westport Announces Expansion Plans!

Restaurant Westport

CTbites Team September 22, 2016

It's about to get a little bit easier to get a reservation at Chef Brian Lewis' The Cottage. Today, he officially announced expansion plans for his restaurant in Westport, Connecticut. Adding 800 square feet to his existing 1500 square feet, the space next door has broken ground this week to include an expanded bar and additional seating.

The Cottage will maintain its existing entrance and vestibule area, giving guests the option of entering the existing dining room to the left or this new area to the right. In addition to the large bar, which will be the centerpiece of this open floorplan, there will be several tables to accommodate additional diners or be combined for larger parties, as well as a window seat banquette that will seat up to 10.

“I could not be more grateful for the love and support the town of Westport and all of Fairfield County and beyond has given to us since we opened nearly a year ago,” said Lewis. “While we have big plans for this additional space, our number one priority is to continue to offer the same comfortable atmosphere, delicious cuisine and warm hospitality that we are proud to be known for. Our bar is growing up and being given the new stage it so deserves, allowing Adam, our Head Bar Keep, to dig into his creativity and happily expand our craft cocktail offerings, wine and spirits program, as well as interact more with our guests relaxing in this expanded space.”

15 Foodie Places for Oktoberfest Events & Festivals in CT

Restaurant Events Holiday Oktoberfest

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 16, 2016

Autumn means pumpkin flavored everything, falling leaves, apple cider donuts… and of course Oktoberfest! CT restaurants are celebrating with German inspired fare, seasonal brews, and festivals. From Redding Roadhouse to Rothbard Ale + Larder to Vespa, here are 10 places where you can raise a stein this fall.

Redding Roadhouse, Redding: Through October 31, Redding Roadhouse will be their 31st annual Oktoberfest. There will be authentic German cuisine, 1 liter bier steins, and a live OOmpah band from 4-8pm every Sunday.
Rothbard Ale + Larder, Westport: Rothbard Ale + Larder will have their first ever Oktoberfest on Saturday September 24 from 1:30-8pm. There will be authentic German beers and food, games, and music all day long.
The Hops Company., Derby: T.H.C. (The Hops Company) will celebrate Oktoberfest every Sunday through October 23. Visit them from 3-7pm for free admission, German bands, Oktoberfest inspired fare, and beer.
Norwich Oktoberfest Pub Crawl, Norwich: On October 1, go on an Oktoberfest pub crawl in downtown Norwich. Visit places like Harp & Dragon, These Guys Brewing, and La Stella Pizzeria.
Harlan Publick, Norwalk: Harlan Publick will have an Oktoberfest party on Saturday September 24

Friday Froth: Half Full Brewery, Oktoberfest & Other Fall Beers

Ingredients Recipe Beer Brewery CT Beer Friday Froth

James Gribbon September 16, 2016

You may have noticed we've been playing around with the structure of Friday Froth for the past several months. This space has been everything from event coverage, to brewpub openings, to a travel diary, but this week we're going back to something more like a classic Froth. I began writing this column way back in ye olden days of 2009 with the idea of expressing a renaissance.

The growth of American craft brewing was every bit as compelling as the culinary scene in terms of new ideas, personalities, and dedication to ingredients and flavors, but most people were still pretty lost when it came to picking out something new to try. Glance at the patrons in front of the craft case at the rare well stocked liquor store at the time, and they'd be wearing expressions like someone at MoMA trying to decide if what they were looking at was the intentional work of an artist, or construction debris. I started Froth just to give people a heads up. So, without going on too long I hope, that's what we're doing today.

Johnny Utah's in South Norwalk - A Fun Time with a Side of Food

Restaurant Cocktails Delicious Dives Norwalk SONO Bar Comfort Food

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger September 11, 2016

Fairfield County has some great bars with good old fashioned bar food…wings, burgers, fries, onion rings, cheesesteaks, with a wide variety of beers. Recently, many have expanded the menu to include tacos, chili, ribs, chicken and other down and dirty delicacies. When I received an invitation to join a media event at Johnny Utah’s in SoNo I was curious, since this bar also features a mechanical bull (spoiler…not happenin’).

Sarah’s on Main in Portland CT: the “Cheers” of Breakfast

Restaurant Brunch Delicious Dives Diner Portland Breakfast Lunch

Hope Simmons September 04, 2016

On the corner Main and Commerce in Portland is a cozy place that’s the “Cheers” of breakfast, Sarah's On Main—“where everybody knows your name and you’re always glad you came.” If you’re from either side of the river, don’t be surprised if you bump into old friends—or make new ones. I do both each time I go. Whether you find a spot at the counter or grab a table, there’s fresh and local deliciousness with a spin of creativity, courtesy of Sarah Weeden.

What began as a quest for waffles grew into a steady habit of breakfast—and occasional lunch—at my newest home away from home.

Day one, I realized I’d stumbled into a little gem when I tried the BLT Bennie. Served on toasted brioche, it’s sheer perfection of a Benedict, drizzled with Hollandaise. The hash of the day was summer squash and zucchini, which I requested instead of home fries. Thumbs up all the way around.

First Taste: El Segundo Opens in Sono Starring The Spread's Carlos Baez

Restaurant American Cocktails Norwalk SONO Venezuelan Mexican Indian Latin American

Lou Gorfain September 02, 2016

Recently the CTbites team previewed the menu at El Segundo in South Norwalk, the newest restaurant from the talented partners who created The Spread just up the block. The concept: Eat the Street. Intersect some of the world’s tastiest street food at the corner of Washington and North Water in SONO.

What began as a tasting quickly turned into a party ... a coming out party for Carlos Baez, Executive Chef of The Spread, one of the region’s most versatile, yet unheralded, chefs.

The menu flaunts Baez’ extraordinary range -- a gastronomic tour de force featuring over 3 dozen dishes curated from the boulevards and back allies of 27 countries on all seven continents, including barren Antarctica. (More about that selection later)

Eastern CT Beer Sampler: A Trip to Beer'd, Outer Light Brewing & Moxie

Ingredients Restaurant Beer Beer Garden CT Beer

James Gribbon August 31, 2016

Last Friday, around the time the afternoon crowd was clicking on last week's column, I was overflowing with the desire to get out of town. A neighbor of mine, a semi-recent immigrant from eastern Europe, was heading home. In the years of our acquaintance I'd only known him to go two places: his day job as a carpenter, and his back yard. His whole idea of Connecticut, his entire concept of the U.S., for all I know, would be worksites, the highway, and a quarter acre of manicured grass. He was utterly unconcerned, but I was tragedy stricken - and determined to get out and do... something.

Just like in a movie script, that's when the phone rang.

"Sorry this is last minute, man," the caps lock Wisconsin accent told me who it was immediately. "But I need a trip to the casino. I got the room paid for, you just bring your liver."

I didn't really have the money to play with, it was Friday rush hour on I-95, and I try to avoid casinos in general.

"Sure. Let me pack." Let's see what happens, I thought. I am a leaf on the wind.

Although the end results were largely indistinguishable, the casino was marginally more entertaining than feeding those same $20 bills to sea gulls. I was neither keen to go back the next day, nor on the prospect of a two hour, day-wasting drive home. It was my turn to provide the inspiration:

"Let's hit a brewery I know."

Taberna Mediterranean Tapas and Wine Bar in Fairfield's Brick Walk

Restaurant Fairfield Italian Mediterranean Spanish Tapas

Jessica Ryan August 21, 2016

I have an affinity for those underexplored sweet spots that are slightly off the beaten path, tucked away, or unheard of. For whatever reason, Taberna, a Mediterranean tapas and wine bar located in the Brick Walk in downtown Fairfield hasn’t been widely discovered. Although I hadn’t heard of it many have, and those who have sing its praises.

Some of you might be familiar with the name, thinking it’s not in Fairfield, it’s in Bridgeport! And you would be correct, sort of... Prior to opening the Fairfield location, Chef Daniel Lopez and his brother Jaime owned and operated the Bridgeport restaurant for 8 years. Upon hearing that it was closing, longtime diners were happy to follow to the new larger venue with light-filled dining area, large bar and outdoor patio.

I was able to sit down and chat with Chef Lopez who was born and raised in Ecuador who revealed to me that he had been enamored with the flavors and cuisines of the Mediterranean since he was a child. In 1994 he and his brother emigrated to the states and immediately began working in the restaurant industry - for many well-known Fairfield County favorites.

Little Pub Opens Today in Fairfield on Black Rock Turnpike

Restaurant Beer Fairfield Pub Comfort Food Kid Friendly Burgers

Stephanie Webster August 18, 2016

The Little Pub you know from Ridgefield, Wilton and Cos Cob is opening its fourth location in Fairfield at the intersection of Stillson Avenue and Black Rock Turnpike. This spot has some history as it housed the Angus restaurant for over 70 years. Owner, Doug Grabe says "It's a cute and cozy building in a perfect neighborhood for Little Pub and we’re really looking forward to serving the Fairfield community."

"Little Pub Fairfield will share the traditional old world charm of our other little pubs with thick plaster walls, hand hewn beams, and antique iron light fixtures," says Grabe. In fact, the team re-purposed over 80 vintage beams from their Cos Cob renovation. A massive stone fireplace serves as the focal point for the main dining room, alongside some wonderful pub decor, including a vintage telephone booth.

What is unique to Fairfield is its size. The dining room is over 50% bigger than Wilton, with 130 seats. Grabe says "The bar alone is bigger than our entire Ridgefield footprint."

Brewport Brewing Co. Brings New Haven Pizza To Bridgeport CT

Restaurant Beer Brewery Bridgeport CT Beer Pizza

James Gribbon August 17, 2016

A lot of the time, when you write about food and beer, you realize the compelling truths in a story start with the people. Case in point, Brewport Brewing Co. If you've driven on I-95 through Bridgeport any time in the past several months, you have probably seen eye-searing electronic billboards announce its impending arrival as part of their scroll. The waiting is over, and the entire month of August has been designated a public "sneak preview" of the pizza-centric brewpub. I dropped by unannounced to get a taste of what we have in store. Here's your first look.

Brewport started out as an idea in the mind of its president, Bruce Barrett, of Barrett Outdoor Communications, hence the billboards. (You may also recognize his IWagePeace.org billboards.) The brewpub is located directly off exit 27 on 95N, below one of Barrett's billboards, and roughly at the radiant point in the center of the giant loop made by the exit 27A connector. The easy access, and the huge mural of brewing equipment painted on the building's side, make it hard to miss. Bruce and his brother John purchased the building in 2000, and it continued its life as a distribution center for the Fairfield County News for years before they contacted their longtime friend - and brewery manager at BAR New Haven - Jeff Browning.