Pieology to Open at Stamford Town Center + FREE PIZZA DAY Nov 17th Restaurant Pizza Stamford Lunch Hey Stamford! November 10, 2017 This just in from Hey Stamford!...Just weeks after the opening of their latest restaurant, — Rascal Flatts — the doors of the Stamford Town Center’s newest tenant are about to open. Pieology, a fast-casual pizza chain, plans to open its ‘restaurant row’ shop on November 17th, when they will be hosting a a FREE PIZZA DAY featuring music, activities, and of course FREE PIZZA.Living in Fairfield County that name may not be familiar to you. But the California-based chain has been around since 2011 and includes about 140 stores across the country with plans to open even more within the coming year.Read the complete article here. Read More
Chef François Kwaku-Dongo Brings a Fresh Culinary Vision To New Canaan’s Beloved Roger Sherman Inn Restaurant Norwalk Chef Opening Stephanie Webster November 09, 2017 Celebrated Chef Francois Kwaku-Dongo spearheads the reinvention of the Roger Sherman Inn, a historic landmark in New Canaan for nearly a decade. The stunning New England restaurant and 17-room Inn will undergo a significant culinary transformation as it remakes itself for the 21st century.Chef Kwaku-Dongo is introducing a seasonally-inspired menu, showcasing fresh, locally-procured ingredients. The menu is a culinary tour of New England, its coastal seafood, local family farms, and talented artisans. Using these East Coast ingredients as the foundation for quality and flavor, Chef Kwaku-Dongo applies techniques honed in some of the most demanding kitchens in the country. Read More
"The Impossible Burger" Now Available at all CT Bareburger Locations Restaurant Features Stamford Ridgefield Lunch Vegan Vegetarian Special Dietary Needs Homepage Burgers Andrew Dominick November 09, 2017 Elk, beef, duck, bison, lamb and turkey are just some of the proteins used in burgers at Bareburger. The microchain makes sure their burgers are more than just meat-based, and keep vegetarians and vegans in mind with offerings that already include the Farmstead, made from sweet potatoes and wild rice, and the Guadalupe, a black bean and roasted corn burger. Recently, Bareburger has slowly started to roll out another all-natural vegan burger that supposedly tastes close to, or like beef.Created by Impossible Foods and CEO/founder/scientist Pat Brown, and appropriately named The Impossible Burger, this meatless option is solely made from plants. It’s made up of wheat and potato proteins for a familiar beef burger-like texture, vitamins, amino acids, sugars, and uses konjac (from Japanese yams) and xanthan (made by fermentation) as binders for the patty. It also uses a molecule called heme, which carries oxygen in our blood. Heme is in every living thing, plants included, and makes our blood red. Since red meat contains large amounts of heme, The Impossible Burger uses heme made from fermentation, and gives it a meatier taste than most vegan or veggie burgers on the market. It uses two fats, coconut oil and soybeans to give it that much needed sizzle effect when it hits the grill. Read More
The Spread Opening Greenwich Location This Month: Sneak Peek Restaurant Greenwich American Lunch Brunch Bar Cocktails Homepage Stephanie Webster November 06, 2017
Godavari South Indian Restaurant Opens In Norwalk Restaurant Indian Norwalk Lunch Homepage Ramin Ganeshram November 04, 2017 A testament to the evolving palate of Fairfield County, South Indian restaurant chain Godavari has opened in the former Burger King location on the Post Road in Norwalk, just past Bow Tie Cinemas.While there is no shortage of many excellent Indian restaurants in the area they tend to follow a uniform menu of what native South Asians recognize as “Indian restaurant food”, a cuisine based mainly on the foods of northern India and less often cooked at home.The menu at Godavari also features many of these specialties, especially those that have become beloved by American diners like Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken, and Tandoori meats but it’s the staggeringly extensive menu of dishes from around the subcontinent that really make this franchise restaurant shine. Read More
Donut Crazy Launches the “Cruffin” Croissant-Muffin Hybrid Ingredients Features Bakery Dessert Kid Friendly Breakfast Doughnuts New Haven Shelton Westport Bridgeport Homepage Stephanie Webster November 02, 2017 Donut Crazy, a local, family-owned eatery specializing in unique donut flavors (lovingly called Dailies & Crazies), announced a tasty new menu item called the “Cruffin.” The croissant-muffin crossover is the company’s way of celebrating the first sugar-filled year of its New Haven location near Yale University. The “Cruffin” will be available at all Donut Crazy locations for $4.25, starting on Friday November 3, weekends only and while supplies last. The “Cruffin” has quickly become the food world’s newest bakery obsession, much like the “Cronut” before it. The buttery, flaky pastry is shaped like a muffin and filled with different flavors. Donut Crazy plans to offer coconut, dulce de leche, chocolate mousse, and pumpkin. More exciting flavors to come! Read More
Stew Leonard’s Delivered To Your Door with Instacart Features Ingredients Home Delivery Delivery Service Stephanie Webster November 01, 2017 Family owned and operated Stew Leonard’s today announced Stew’s Fresh Delivery Powered by Instacart, the technology-driven, nationwide on-demand grocery delivery service. Starting Wednesday, November 1, 2017, same-day grocery delivery service will be available to 365,000 households within a 20-30 minute drive of Stew Leonard’s farm fresh food stores in Norwalk, Danbury, and Newington, Conn. as well as in Yonkers, Farmingdale, and East Meadow, N.Y.Customers who sign up for Stew’s Fresh Delivery by February 1, 2018 using code stewsexpress will have free delivery on orders over $35 for up to a year. Read More
Paul’s Pasta in Groton: Best Freshly Made Pasta in CT? Restaurant Pasta Italian Groton Lunch Noodles Homepage CTbites Team November 01, 2017 Dare I say they have some of the best freshly made pasta in the state? Yes! I’ll tell anyone who asks — Paul’s Pasta serves my favorite pasta dishes in Connecticut. This family-owned pasta shop is nearly as old as I am, and I have two decades of experience dining at Paul’s Pasta to share with you in this review.If the tell-tale sign of a great restaurant is a crowded establishment with smiling customers eating with gusto, then Paul’s Pasta is definitely one of the best in the state. When coming during the height of mealtimes, Paul’s Pasta always has a waiting list, but this shouldn’t dissuade visitors — turnaround times are generally not substantial and the wait is always worth it. Reservations are not accepted. Read More
Southern Connecticut Wine Company Invites You To Make Your Own Wine Features Ingredients Education Cooking Classes WIne Wine Tasting Vineyard Wallingford Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 31, 2017 In 2016, Forbes Magazine claimed to have discovered the “secret to happiness.” “Spend money on experiences, not things,” they told their readers. CNN took it one step further. “That's in part because the initial joy of acquiring a new object, such as a new car, fades over time as people become accustomed to seeing it every day…,” they reported. “Experiences, on the other hand, continue to provide happiness through memories long after the event occurred.”Those looking to invest in a meaningful experience can find a solution tucked away in Wallingford, just off the highway, but hidden from view. Southern Connecticut Wine Company, located in an unassuming garage-like building behind the railroad tracks, affords people the unique opportunity to create their own wine over the course of a season. I had the chance to be an honorary co-op member for the day and witness a little bit of what they have to offer. Read More
The Cook and The Bear in West Hartford: A Barbecue (and Bourbon) Lover’s Dream Restaurant BBQ Bar West Hartford Lunch Catering Comfort Food Kid Friendly Homepage CTbites Team October 29, 2017 There’s something in the air at The Cook and The Bear. And we’re pretty sure it’s the scent of deliciously smoked brisket. Or maybe pastrami, or barbecue chicken. Whatever it is, we’re loving it.The Cook and The Bear is brought to you by two well-known local chefs: Tyler Anderson and Jamie McDonald. A two-time nominee of the Best Chef Northeast James Beard Award and contestant in the upcoming season of Top Chef, Anderson is known to please palates at Simsbury's popular fine dining restaurant Millwright's, offering farm-fresh New England fare in a rustic setting. Jamie McDonald's Kansas City-style barbecue has led him to conquer the local food scene as well, with his fast-casual Bear's Smokehouse (located in Windsor and Hartford), his wood-fired pizzeria Blind Pig Pizza Co. in Hartford, and the recently opened Chango Rosa, serving Latin cuisine in the former Hot Tomatoes space at Union Station.Located in West Hartford’s popular Blue Back Square, The Cook and The Bear instantly pulls you in with its rustic chic charm (and you know, that smoky aroma). Walk into this cozy spot, and you’ll know what we mean. With its exposed ceiling and garage door-turned-window, it has a cool industrial feel that’s new and trendy. But it still holds that classic cozy vibe thanks to striped wood tables, sink-in-your-seat booths, a fire wood lined wall, and checkered napkins. Because no barbecue spot is complete without checked napkins. Read More
Lao Sze Chuan Authentic Szechuan Cuisine Opens in Fairfield with Gingko Restaurant Chinese Fairfield Milford Lunch Take Out To-Go Opening Stephanie Webster October 28, 2017 More exciting CT openings! Beloved Chinese restaurant Lao Sze Chuan, whom you may know from their immensely popular Milford location, has finally opened their doors to their second CT location, Gingko. Lao Sze Chuan's new Fairfield restaurant is located at 923 Post Road and is hands down, the best place to go when craving authentic Szechuan cuisine in CT.Lao is part of a small chain started by Chef Tony Hu, who made a splash in Chicago with four Chinese restaurants devoted to the concept of “gourmet authentic Szechuan.” The Tony Gourmet Group, now has restaurants all over the world. The menu is extensive and includes everything from Hot Oil Dumplings to Diced Rabbit with Peanuts, and Hot and Sour Eel with Cellophane Noodles.What do we like to eat there? Read our review of Lao Sze Chuan here, and find out. It's all excellent. See you there. Read More
Layla's Falafel Opening in Westport October 30th Restaurant Middle Eastern Mediterranean Westport Take Out To-Go Lunch Delicious Dives Opening Stephanie Webster October 27, 2017 We have waited patiently, and the time has come. We reported back in April that the family run Layla's Falafel, cooking up some of the best take out Middle Eastern food in CT, was scheduled to open in Westport. The time is NOW. This Monday, October 30th, Layla's will open its doors at 1537 Post Road East. Read More
Stew Leonard’s Announces Limited Edition Apple Pie A La Mode Milk Features Ingredients Dessert Kids Kid Friendly Stephanie Webster October 24, 2017 Stew Leonard’s Apple Pie Milk a la Mode celebrates the season with the flavors of crisp fall apples and Stew Leonard’s dairy-fresh vanilla ice cream. It comes straight from their award-winning dairy farms in upstate NY and is free from artificial growth hormones (rBST) and antibiotics. This milk goes from the farm to each of their stores in as little as 24 hours. Stew Leonard's Apple Pie Milk a la Mode will be available starting on October 30 for a limited time. It is sold in a ½ gallon glass container for $5.99. Read More
The Hummus & Pita Co Opening Fast Casual Mediterranean In Danbury Restaurant Mediterranean Middle Eastern Lunch Danbury Take Out To-Go Stephanie Webster October 24, 2017 The Hummus & Pita Co., known for its homemade, fresh and healthy Mediterranean cuisine, has signed a new franchisee, Rishi Parikh, to open a location in Danbury, Connecticut. The newest store will be located at 15 Federal Road in Brookfield. The rapidly growing Mediterranean fast-casual concept brings guilt-free, homemade cuisine to the masses in a comfortable and inviting environment. All menu items are made from scratch on the premises and use only the freshest ingredients to create high-quality, flavor-focused eats. The concept stands out with its freshly baked pita and laffa breads, vegetarian dishes and meats cooked in a traditional taboon oven. Read More
The Tavern at GrayBarns Opens in Norwalk- Silvermine Tavern Magically Reimagined Restaurant New Canaan Norwalk American Lunch Farm to Table Gastropub Breakfast Brunch Homepage Lou Gorfain October 21, 2017 “It’s a 21st Century iteration of a 19th Century Inn,” Robert promised. So, before the six of us scattered to warmer climes for the winter, we chose the newly opened Tavern at GrayBarns for our farewell dinner. After a pre-prandial toast, our party was served an un-presupposing bread and butter plate. Standard fare? Hardly. Executive Chef Ben Freemole had us at first bite.That homespun bread perfectly captures the ethos of Andy Glazer’s sweeping reconstruction and fortification of the legendary Silvermine Tavern and Inn, its footprint reduced by almost a third. In this new “Haven of Refuge,” both décor and dining dazzle, no detail taken for granted, not even a humble bread and butter starter. Read More
Taco Gigante At Margaritas: Are You Up For The Challenge? Restaurant Tacos East Hartford Mystic Mexican Lunch Hope Simmons October 20, 2017 This ain’t your average taste of Mexico. We’re talkin’ a two-pound, 12-inch marvel—ay, Chihuahua! Look no further than Margaritas, with local outposts in East Hartford and Mystic. A crispy shell, light as air, is piled with everything under the sun: seasoned chicken, ground beef, pork carnitas, bacon, cheese, lettuce, refried beans—let me catch my breath here—Mexican rice, salsa fresca and queso, topped with hacienda and picante sauces, crema and pickled jalapeños.The challenge is, can you finish it in one serving? We failed, but enjoyed the Taco Gigante even as leftovers the next day. Want to give it a try? Put yourself on the wall of fame (or is that wall of shame?!). But you’ve got to get there quickly. Taco Gigante rides into the sunset when October ends, amigos.Margaritas is located at 350 Roberts Street in East Hartford and at 12 Water Street in Mystic. Read More
Fall RoadTrip Along I-95: Guide To Eating On Route To CT Casinos Restaurant Groton New London Waterford East Lyme Best of CT Old Saybrook Branford Madison Hope Simmons & Elizabeth Georgian October 17, 2017 Inspired by a recent inquiry from a local chef, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite places to take a flavorful break on the way to or from Connecticut’s casinos. No need to gamble on where to stop for a bite; the southern shoreline towns along I-95 dish up some amazing food—from banh mi to seafood, donuts, Greek specialties and more. BranfordYou’ve heard us say it before, but the recommendation bears repeating: look no further than Takumi Sushi, Ramen & Lounge for the finest sushi and ramen around! Read More
Kala Bistro Opens in North Haven From Olea Chef, Manuel Romero Restaurant Hamden North Haven New Haven Lunch Spanish Latin American Asian Opening Lou Gorfain October 15, 2017 Though open for just two weeks, Kala Bistro has already attracted a small throng of regulars. The night we dined, the staff recognized more than half the patrons, greeting them warmly, like old friends.Our server, Rose Ledee, pointed out a couple at a table on the patio. “This is the third time they’ve come in the past week!” she gushed, proudly. In contrast to the formal, fine dining of Olea, Manuel Romero’s acclaimed Spanish hot spot in downtown New Haven, his new restaurant is suburban, relaxed, and very much a part of a bustling neighborhood that borders North Haven and Hamden. Lower-keyed (and lower-priced), the bistro menu is far more global and just as scrumptious. Consider the Bao Pork Belly, the epitome of Chinese dim sum. The sweet, soft bun pillows a slice of savory, chewy pork belly, their contrasting textures framed by a crunchy cucumber disk, tart pickled carrots, briny hoisin, and mustard seeds. Despite the complexity of flavors, Chef Romero has created a sandwich that tastes surprisingly simple and subtle. Read More
Best Desserts in Connecticut: Happy National Dessert Day! Restaurant Best of CT Dessert Homepage April Guilbault October 14, 2017 You are going to hate us. But then, after careful consideration, you’re going to really love us. A lot. It’s National Dessert Day and well, we just *had* to gather a deliciously lengthy list of desserts from all over the state. CTBites readers and staff weighed in and we have just the thing to squelch your craving, ease that long day, or just enjoy for the sweet heck of it. We happen to notice, though, there are a lot of bananas and bourbon on this list in all different forms. Is that the magic combination for culinary comfort and delight?? Happy desserting, everyone!By county… Read More
Walter's Hot Dogs Opens Today in Stamford's Harbor Point Restaurant Stamford Hot Dogs Comfort Food Kid Friendly To-Go Take Out Lunch Delicious Dives Andrew Dominick October 12, 2017 Walter's Hot Dogs opens today in Stamford at 200 Commons Park South at Harbor Point. This 100-year-old hot dog institution is serious business and has ton of accolades. At the Stamford location, customers can expect all the good stuff that’s made Walter’s a popular destination for locals and tourists alike; curly fries, fried potato puffs, homemade hand-scooped ice cream and Italian ice, and funnel cake fries dusted with powdered sugar. Additionally, you’ll be able to enjoy a Walter’s item that was previously only available on their food trucks, the Puffy Dog, a hot dog (or double it, if you dare) served with fried and smashed potato puffs in the bun. Read More
