Burger Alert: The Spread "Cheeseburger"- Best Bar Burger in FFD CTY? Restaurant Chef Talk Norwalk Comfort Food Burgers Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger July 31, 2014 Executive Chef Carlos Baez assumed the helm of The Spread in SONO a year ago and the menu now completely reflects his vision of flavor and textural combinations. After a movie we decided to enjoy some of his light bites, and when they asked if I would like to try his new burger combination, I quickly agreed. Chef Baez's "CHEESEBURGER" starts his fantastic combination with a large patty of grass-fed Kobe beef. He melts a few slices of a mild white Cheddar cheese over the patty and then tops the cheese-covered patty with house-made pickled jalapeño peppers, a few slices of crispy bacon, a little shreaded lettuce, a swath of spicy mayo, all encased in a sesame seed bun. The meat was loosely compressed to maintain its medium grind, and the cheese was a delightfully smooth addition. These two ingredients, alone, would have created a fantastic cheeseburger, but Chef Baez elevated the flavors and achieved a perfect balance of salty-spicy-sour with the pickled jalapeño peppers complemented by the bacon. The addition of the spicy mayo was a great finish. The bun was mild in flavor and did not fight with any of the other flavors. This was one great burger. Read More
Fjord Fish Market Serving Sushi At Greenwich, New Canaan & Now Westport Locations Features Restaurant Cos Cob Japanese Seafood Specialty Market Westport New Canaan Sushi CTbites Team July 30, 2014 Fjord Fish Market has some big news for sushi lovers. Fjord Fish Market started selling sushi at their Cos Cob and New Canaan locations a few months ago, and the Westport sushi program will launch in August. You'll never have to wonder about the freshness or quality of the fish you're eating at Fjord because first and foremost Fjord is one of Fairfield County's finest fish markets. Trust us...it's good. “The Fjord name has always been synonymous with the highest quality seafood, says Owner Jim Thistle. Adding Sushi to our product mix is a natural extension of the brand”. Sushi at Fjord is hand rolled daily, under the guidance of a Manhattan-trained Sushi Master who has over a decade of experience. Some of the most popular items include the volcano roll—a California roll topped with baked lobster salad and spicy sauce-- and the Fjord tower, a scrumptious roll filled with Tuna, Avocado, Crabmeat, Lobster Salad and a blend of sauces. You can be sure the fish in our sushi is of the same premium quality as all the Seafood that they sell at Fjord, where they carefully source and select only the top of the catch. All of Fjord's seafood is also free of antibiotics and colorings. Read More
JOJOTO Brings Venezuelan Cuisine to Branford, Opening August 2014 Features Restaurant Branford Venezuelan Amy Kundrat July 30, 2014 The Venezuelan-inspired Jojoto Restaurant + Bar is opening in Branford this August. Owner Victor Figueroa and Neil Fuentes, our favorite Singing Chef, have teamed up for a restaurant that is "high-energy, Latin infused with authentic Venezuelan dishes." Jojoto will open in a 40-seat intimate dining room that was previously occupied by Augie's Restaurant. The menu will feature rustic and traditional recipes that take inspiration from the land as well as the nearby shoreline, and include: Costillas de Res of sofrito and cabernet braised short ribs with polenta, gremolata and truffle essence; Venezuelan BBQ with beef tenderloin, chicken, pork, choice of chorizo or blood sausage, yuca, guasacaca and crema fresca; Hamburguesa Venezolana piled high with lettuce, tomato, ham, queso, avocado, bacon, crushed potato chips, slaw, ketchup, mustard, garlic sauce, topped with a duck egg and served with truffle fries; Pabellon Criollo with rice, black beans, shredded beef and sweet plantains; and Gallinita Rellena, deboned, crispy skin Cornish hen stuffed with leeks and sweet plantain with an orange, lemon grass and honey reduction. Seasonal paella preparations and market fresh fish dishes change daily. Read More
Sweet Pea’s Baking Company: Greenwich Bakery Serves Breakfast & Lunch w/ International Flair Restaurant Bakery Coffee Greenwich Lunch Dessert Jessica Ryan July 27, 2014 Sweet Pea’s Baking Company is not just another small town bakery – it’s much more. Owners Rafael and Katjia Pita met as young students in Paris. There, on their first date, they shared their mutual dream of one day opening a bakery. Their journey brought them to Francisco, Paris, and Brazil, New York, and finally to Old Greenwich, Connecticut, where they decided to settle down with their 4 young children and finally pursue their dream. Their storefront shop initially offered only artisanal breads, pastries and a few other select items along with their own in-house roasted coffee. In the year since they opened, they’ve transitioned from a small bake-shop to a café with an impressive offering of both prepared and made to order breakfast and lunch items. Katjia describes herself as the baker – loving the precision and exactness of it all, and refers to her husband, Rafael, as the creative one. Together their science and art created a winning combination. Whether you want a small treat and a cup of their wonderful coffee, or something a little more substantial you’re guaranteed to find something that fits your mood. Read More
Kids Bites: The Grilled Cheese Eatery in Westport Restaurant CTbites Team July 27, 2014 Author, Hannah Bukzin, is a 14 yr old Staples high school student with a passion for cooking. Hannah has her own blog "Small Chef in a Big World,"and is a contestant in the 2014 Chopped Teen Tournament on The Food Network. It’s all about comfort food. Everyone has that one dish that makes them feel right at home and for me ...I love nothing more than a simple grilled cheese with some tomato soup. Classic, right? Featuring 13 grilled cheeses with over 10 add-ons, I think the Grilled Cheese Eatery in Westport fits the bill. Tucked away right next to the former Great Cakes, the Grilled Cheese Eatery offers a casual dining atmosphere with amazing food. Owners Ivanina and Henri Donneaux opened this venue after their much deserved success with their location in Fairfield. Read More
Washington Prime Opens in SONO: A First Look Restaurant American Norwalk SONO Steakhouse CTbites Team July 26, 2014 The corner of North Water and Washington was alive in South Norwalk this week with the opening of Washington Prime. A soft opening on Thursday led to a throng of over 300 guests wandering in to enjoy the vibrant scene at the bar and the reservation book for Friday filled so quickly, it was shut earlier than expected. This latest addition to SONO is attracting enormous attention and a visit inside and a look at the menu shows why. The interior includes an enormous “U” shaped bar to unwind and enjoy a beer or one of their specialty cocktails and the dining area that spans the entire length of the right side of the restaurant is heavily focused on woods and foliage. Floor to ceiling windows allow for natural light to illuminate the space, comprised of dark wood tables and “moss” encased booths. All very organic and relaxing. The ownership of Washington Prime is no stranger to the area. One of its owners, Marco Siguenza, is cousins with the owners of Cava, Harvest, 55 Wine Bar and Scena and worked with them since he arrived in the United States in 1998. The kitchen is under the direction of Executive Chef Jared Falco, spent time in several of Fairfield County’s restaurants over the last two years from Bar Sugo, to The Whelk, and most recently Mama’s Boy Southern Table and Refuge. His opening menu shows a desire to place a modern twist on some classic dishes. Read More
Millwright's Hosts Share Our Strength Dinner with Hartford's Best Chefs Restaurant Fundraiser CTbites Team July 25, 2014 Some of the best chefs from Hartford County are going to be hosting a dinner to benefit Share our Strength, the nationwide effort to end childhood hunger, on August 12, 2014. The event will be held at Millwright's Restaurant and Tavern and will feature Billy Grant (Grant's and Bricco), Ryan Jones (Mill @2t), Adam Greenberg (Barcelona), Jeff Lizotte (ON20), Scott Miller (Max Oyster), Steve Cavagnaro (Cavey's), Hunter Morton (Max Downtown) and Tyler Anderson (Millwright's). All proceeds benefit Share our Strength. Visit the Share Our Strength Benefit Dinner for more information and ticket sales or email info@millwrightsrestaurant.com. Read More
New Eli's Tavern in Milford Dazzles With Gastropub Delights via Connecticut Magazine Restaurant Milford Pub Comfort Food Lunch Douglas P Clement July 23, 2014
Parallel Post hosts “Farm-To-Trumbull” @ Gilberties Herb Garden August 10th Restaurant CT Farms Farm to Table Local Farm CTbites Team July 23, 2014 Dining “al fresco” has always been one of joys of summers in Connecticut. From the National touring “Outstanding In The Field” which hosts two Sold Out dinners at The Hickories in September, to local restaurants and farms who partner for special “Farm to Table” dinners, choosing an outdoor dining experience this summer should be on everyone’s Summer dining “bucket list”. Parallel Post in Trumbull, helmed by James Beard nominated Chef, Dean James Max, is proud to announce the third dinner of their 2nd annual, four-part culinary dining series, Farm-To-Trumbull, on Sunday, August 10 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Held at Gilbertie’s Herb Garden located in Easton, CT, this years dinner limited to just 30 attendees, will once again be inspired by the season, with locally sourced dishes created and led Chef Dean James Max; Executive Chef, Chris Molyneux; and Chef de Cuisine, Ali Goss. Read More
Chef Aarón Sánchez Gives CTbites Preview of Paloma Restaurant, Opening in Stamford July 21 Restaurant Celebrity Chef Stamford Mexican Latin American Lou Gorfain July 20, 2014 I never thought “gourmet” and “Mexican” belonged in the same sentence. Until I had dinner at Zarela's, a Mexican restaurant which had just opened on Second Ave. back in 1987. A revelation! Zarela Martinez orchestrated textures and flavors just as artfully and lovingly as the new chefs who were redefining Manhattan’s food scene. Zarela’s fast became the Nobu of Mexican food, one of the hottest spots in town. There, I learned the magic of mole and the enchantment that truffles could lend to an enchilada. A generation later, Aarón Sánchez, the Food Channel’s charismatic Mexican rock star chef, hopes that his new Stamford restaurant Paloma (opening Monday, July 21st, in Harbor Point) will similarly introduce Connecticut to the fire and the finesse of fine Mexican and Latin American cuisines. Revelations run in the family -- Aarón (pronounced "AH-rone") is Zarela's son. For all his celebrity, Sánchez feels he remains not only in his mother's debt, but also her shadow. "I honor her because she did it first," he told us when we chatted last week, a comfortable conversation marked by his humility and respect. "I believe family is at the center of the Mexican experience." Read More
12 Places For Great Coffee in Fairfield County Ingredients Restaurant Coffee Tea And Coffee Best of CT Emma Jane-Doody Stetson July 18, 2014 Let's face it, we all like to get our buzz on. Lucky for us, there are a number of venues in Fairfield County with serious baristas, pulling some pretty epic espresso. For your coffee drinking pleasure we have created a cheat sheet to which you can refer when your craving for caffeine masks your ability to grind your own beans. Here are our Top 11 Places to Get Great Coffee in Fairfield County. Find the venue near you...and enjoy. Buzz Truck, Fairfield County Espresso Neat, Darien and Westport Lorca, Stamford Redding Roasters, Bethel Zumbachs Coffee, New Canaan Coffee Barn, Wilton Sugar & Olives, Norwalk Tusk & Cup, Ridgefield Shearwater Coffee Roasters, Trumbull The Granola Bar, Westport Terrain, Westport Raus Coffee, your local Farmers' Market Read More
Recap: The Spread & CTbites Host Rooftop Fireworks Party Restaurant ellen bowen July 10, 2014 When The Spread co-owner, Chris Hickey, first approached CTbites with the idea of co-hosting a party on a roof of a Norwalk garage, we admittedly were pretty skeptical. A parking garage roof? For a sit down dinner party? The popular CTbites Invites program has co-hosted a slew of unique culinary events, but never one in a parking garage. But skepticism turned to enthusiasm, as talented Executive Chef Carlos Baez, began sharing his ideas for the creative menu and we toured the space on the top floor of the North Water Street parking garage across from the Maritime Aquarium. An open sky above, panoramic views from all sides of Norwalk Harbor, Downtown SoNo and even a glimpse of competitive rowers in the Norwalk River lent itself to a great venue for an evening dinner and viewing of the City of Norwalk fireworks scheduled for Thursday July 3rd. Read More
Vegan/Vegetarian-Friendly Food Evolution Now Open in Ridgefield's Marketplace Restaurant Ridgefield Vegetarian Vegan Amy Kundrat July 09, 2014 Food Evolution, a gourmet plant-based café, has recently opened in Ridgefield's Marketplace located at Copps Hill Plaza, 109 Danbury Road, taking over the space formerly occupied by a vegan cafe. The new owner of Food Evolution is Ridgefield resident Elizabeth Berney, a passionate vegan and elementary school teacher for the past 18 years. Berney and her omnivore husband purchased the restaurant from its original owner, a local real estate developer eager to sell the restaurant to owners dedicated to maintaining a plant-based menu. Read More
Uncle Leo's Not Just Coffee & Donuts in Redding Restaurant Doughnuts Redding Breakfast Kid Friendly Dessert Amy Kundrat July 08, 2014 A top secret doughnut recipe, a father and son business, and a dozen or so different types of doughnuts and New York-style bagels mean that mornings in Georgetown just got that much better, thanks to the arrival of Uncle Leo’s “Not Just” Coffee and Doughnuts. Norwalk residents Leo Spinelli III (age 22) and his father Leo Spinelli, Jr., recently opened Uncle Leo's in the heart of Georgetown, at 19 Main Street, in the former Swirl Ice Cream location. The shop is a second coming for the father and son and the familiar Spinelli surname, who previously owned Spinelli’s Not Just Bagels in Norwalk that closed in 2009. Read More
My Signature Dish: Chef Tony Pham of Mecha Noodle Bar, Fairfield Talks Ramen Restaurant Asian Fairfield Japanese Kid Friendly Lou Gorfain July 01, 2014 MY SLURPY SIGNATURE DISH Ramen Shops in Japan are as plentiful as hamburger joints over here. Every street boasts a shop. Yet none are exactly alike, mainly because each is distinguished by the owner’s unique signature dish, his personal autograph. In that tradition, Tony Pham has created his own signature dish for Mecha Noodle Bar: a unique interpretation of traditional Miso Ramen. Here’s the story behind it. Tony likes to play with contrasts. And not just the culinary kind. Case in point. Before trying his signature dish, Miso Ramen, take a look overhead at his futuristic Mecha Noodle Bar. Dangling from the ceiling, an arsenal of over three hundred vertical 2x4’s seem to be aimed directly at every table in the room. Alien, threatening. By design. Now try Pham’s dramatic interpretation of a classical Ramen. No, don’t taste it, slurp it. Breath in its steamy aromatic bouquet. Savor the deep, contrasting flavors: mushrooms and miso redolent of the earth, noodles that invoke wheat fields, a succulent pork belly that also warms and welcomes, counterpointed by the lively spice and heat of scallion and chili oil. It’s Japanese comfort food,a perfect contrast after a playful scare. Read More
Romanacci Cafe in Norwalk: A Slice of Roma with a Casual Flair Restaurant Italian Norwalk Pizza Lunch Kid Friendly Dessert ellen bowen June 29, 2014 It is a unique place that can transform itself from a casual, family friendly lunch and dinner spot to a young and hip late night stop after a dinner of popcorn at the movies. Romanacci Cafe (which translates as “From Rome”) on the Norwalk-Westport border is such a place, offering Artisan pizzas, salads, Focaccia paninis, crepes and freshly made Italian pastries. Tucked into a strip center on the Post Road, Romanacci is the handiwork of two brothers, Graziano and Maurizio Ricci. Both hail from Rome, where they attended culinary school and worked alongside their parents as well as in other family-run restaurants. Graziano migrated to the US almost 18 years ago and eventually oversaw the kitchen in New Haven’s Hot Tomatoes. He subsequently convinced his younger brother, Maurizio, to join him as its maître d’, and they finally chased their dream of owning a restaurant. When the owner of Norwalk’s Osteria Romana decided to sell his business, the brothers decided to purchase the restaurant with the intention of bringing a younger attitude and clientele to complement Graziano’s fresh pastas, breads, and sauces. Osteria Romana continues to thrive with a loyal and regular crowd, outdoor seating and a cozy bar area. Read More
Espresso Neat to Open 2nd Location in Westport: Coffee by Day, Craft Cocktails by Night Restaurant Cocktails Coffee Westport Bar Breakfast CTbites Team June 25, 2014 Coffee and cocktail drinkers unite at the latest hotspot in Westport, C.T. From the owner of Espresso NEAT in Darien comes NEAT, the collaborative concept experience where coffee enthusiasts can enjoy Connecticut’s finest during the day and cocktail drinkers can wind down at night. NEAT will be located at 6 Wilton Road in Westport as part of the National Hall re-development. The bar is expected to be open in early August from 7:00 a.m. -12:00 a.m. Customers will receive the exceptional, distinctive coffees and popular offerings that they have come to expect from Espresso NEAT by day, as well as innovative breakfast and lunch offerings prepared in-house. By night, patrons will be able to enjoy well-tailored cocktails. Both coffee and cocktails will be crafted in the constant pursuit of excellence with regard to ingredients and skillful preparation. The NEAT bar will have an innovative spirits program including artisanal beer featuring seasonal craft beers and carefully selected wines that allow patrons to “take a trip around the world” in order to expand their palate. A selection of simple and locally cultivated house crafted bar snacks will also be available with new takes on traditional bar food. There will be live music from local artists with a strong focus on Jazz, Bluegrass and Folk. Read More
Azuca and Gastro Bar Open Tonight in Stamford Restaurant Stamford Bar CTbites Team June 25, 2014 The Grand Opening and celebration of the two newest additions to downtown Stamford occurs tonight as Azuca and Gastro Bar open their doors to the public at 5:30 pm with a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony Mayor David Martin. The brainchildren of Mario Lopez, a co-owner of Wilton's Bianco Rosso, his wife Cristina Ramirez and several brothers, the side-by-side restaurants, Azuca and Gastro Bar are located at 78 West Park Place. The celebration begins at 5:30 pm; reservations for the Grand Opening are not necessary and admission is free. The four Lopez brothers relocated to Connecticut from Ecuador two decades ago and worked their way up the ranks in the restaurant trade, most recently managing the sleek, Italian-style Bianco Rosso, which opened in 2012 and received a "Very Good" rating from the New York Times. Read More
Chef Brian Lewis Brings elm restaurant to Millstone Farm Restaurant Farm Dinner Farm to Table Local Farm CTbites Team June 25, 2014 This summer, Chef Brian Lewis brings the tables of elm restaurant to Millstone Farm to share the flavors of the season with a new series of farm dinners under the stars. Millstone’s beautiful landscape will set the stage for a 4-course feast of seasonally-driven cuisine. Each event will begin at 6 p.m. with small bites, lawn games, live music and farm tours for the entire family. See dates below: Tickets are $35 per child and $135 per adult, BYOB, tax and gratuity included. Limited family-style seating. Reserve at info@elmrestaurant.com or call 203.920.4994. Reservations will be accepted one month prior to each event. For more information, please visit the event page at www.elmrestaurant.com. Read More
Old School Pizzeria in Fairfield c/o The Lunch Break Chronicles Restaurant Fairfield Pizza CTbites Team June 25, 2014 Photo: Keith Whamond Hearst Newspaper's Lunch Break Chronicles is where we often go to find hidden gems in Fairfield County. Brett Mickelson recently visited the latest pizza parlor with a familiar chef—Derek Furino, formerly of Behind the Net in Darien and John Dough's Pizza Bar in Norwalk has moved on to become a partner in Old School Pizzeria in Fairfield. Here's the report from Brett: Read More
