Quattro Pazzi: Molto Popular... In Stamford & Fairfield CT Restaurant Fairfield Gluten-Free Italian Pasta Stamford Kid Friendly Lou Gorfain November 11, 2012 "Good food. Good prices. People will come." That was the recipe for success my Russian Grandfather formulated when he opened his world-famous Indianapolis delicatessen a century ago. Biagio “Gino” Riccio must have channeled Grandpa. His jam-packed Quattro Pazzi restaurants in Stamford and Fairfield are testimony to what happens when you serve delicious fare at fair prices. People flock … making QP one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Connecticut. (In fact, over 5000 CTBites readers voted Quattro Pazzi as the best Italian in Fairfield Country.) Read More
Bodega Taco Bar Opens in Darien Restaurant Cocktails Darien Tacos Mexican Comfort Food Take Out Amy Kundrat and Stephanie Webster November 11, 2012 The upscale, inspired Mexican street food and vibrant bar scene that Bodega has ushered in to Fairfield, has migrated south, opening in Darien this past weekend. The trio behind the original Bodega—Michael Young, Luis Chavez and Mario Fontana—have continued to perfect a brash menu that embraces the Americas, skewing from South America to North, and settling centrally on Mexico. In a markedly larger setting, the new Darien outpost has successfully duplicated much of the same menu, from antojitos to mezcal, with a few noteworthy additions. Bodega will be officially open starting Monday, November 12 at 5 pm for dinner, and will be open 6 nights a week Monday through Saturday, and open for lunch and brunch beginning January 6, seven days a week. Read More
Don't Miss New Haven Restaurant Week...November 11-16 Restaurant Restaurant Week New Haven CTbites Team November 09, 2012 Recognized for its remarkable restaurants and culinary scene, New Haven will host the 9th NEW HAVEN RESTAURANT WEEK presented by Citizens Bank from November 11 – 16, 2012. This year, 33 of the city’s most sought-after restaurants will open their doors, and their hearts, with prix fixe menus costing $18 for lunch and $32 for dinner. Set menus and prices will include an appetizer, entrée and dessert (tax and gratuity are not included.) Restaurants participating in November’s NEW HAVEN RESTAURANT WEEK include: 116 Crown (Bar, Kitchen & Cellar), Adriana's Restaurant & Wine Bar (Northern Italian), Anna Liffey’s (Authentic Irish), Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar (Spanish Wine Bar), Basta Trattoria (Southern Italian), Bentara (Spicy Malaysian), Carmen Anthony Steakhouse (American Steakhouse), Caseus (Fromagerie & Bistro), Christopher Martins (Modern American & Italian), Geronimo (Southwestern), Goodfellas Restaurant (Regional Italian), Heirloom (Coastal Farm), Ibiza (Creative Spanish), Istanbul Café (Authentic Turkish), John Davenport’s (Contemporary American), Kudeta (Asian Fusion), L’Orcio (Contemporary Italian), Miya’s Sushi (Creative Sushi), Oaxaca Kitchen (Contemporary Mexican), Old School Saloon and Bistro (Continental Cuisine), Pacifico (Nuevo Latino), Press (Artisan Pizza), Sage American Grill & Oyster Bar (Contemporary American), Soul de Cuba Café (Cuban), Temple Grill (American Casual), Thali (Regional Indian), The Cask Republic (American Tavern), The Kitchen Table (Sustainable American), Tre Scalini Ristorante (Regional Italian), Union League Café (Parisian Brasserie), Zafra Cuban Restaurant & Rum Bar (Cuban), Zaroka Bar & Restaurant (Fine Indian) and Zinc (Modern American). Read More
Mini Treats & Hand-Held Sweets Book Signing with Abby Dodge Restaurant Events Fairfield Recipe CTbites Team November 08, 2012 Popular cookbook author and baking expert Abby Dodge will be at Fairfield University Book Store to sign copies of her latest cookbook, Mini Treats & Hand-held Sweets. The event will be held on November 11 from 12 noon to 2 pm and will be at the Fairfield University Bookstore located at 1499 Post Road in Fairfield, CT. [Google Map] Read More
Souterrain #5: Bill Taibe Hosts Underground Dinner Restaurant Underground Dinner Bill Taibe Events Stephanie Webster November 06, 2012 Bill Taibe and his team of chefs hosted Souterrain Sunday night, #5 in his series of underground pop-up dinners featuring local ingredients, unexpected locations, and good company. Ironically, Souterrain #5 was originally scheduled during last October's spectacular Nor'easter, and while Halloween did go on, Souterrain had to be cancelled. This year, dinner prevailed, and guests were delighted to find themselves at The Westport Arts Center on the last day of the appropriately themed FOODIES art exhibit. (The location is only divulged 12 hours before the event). Bill Taibe considers Souterrain his "third restaurant, one without walls, where people come together at communal tables and share a unique culinary experience." The menu for Souterrain does not always follow a strict narrative, but Sunday's meal was truly an ode to duck. Green olives with roasted garlic cloves were cooked in duck fat. There was Duck Ham, Duck Liver & Huckleberries, and a spectacular Duck Confit. Corn bread drizzled with maple syrup paired beautifully with the foie and huckleberries, and a Brandade (Salt Cod Puree) made it into the first course, providing a taste of the sea. John Baricelli, of Sono Baking Company, even created a special olive bread for the evening. VIEW PHOTO GALLERY Read More
Chocopologie Stamford Grand Opening November 11 Restaurant Chocolate Stamford CTbites Team November 05, 2012 Chocopologie Stamford will be opening to the public on November 11, 2012 at 211 Main Street in Stamford. Their opening receiption will include live music, champagne, petit fours, and chocolate (of course!). For the latest news, visit them on Facebook. Read More
Guide To Great Sustainable Coffee in Fairfield County Restaurant Coffee Tea And Coffee April Guilbault November 02, 2012 Coffee joints have always been key meeting grounds, but in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, good quality caffeine and WIFI reign supreme. However, cafes such as Green Leaf Organic Bakery and Cafe in Wilton, Terrain in Westport, Sugar & Olives in Norwalk, Tusk & Cup in Ridgefield, & espresso NEAT in Darien are going beyond basic coffee service. Here's why...(re-posted with permission from the Fairfield Green Food Guide) Ah, it’s getting to be hot-beverage season (but then again, maybe it always is). Are you a mom who is back to inhabiting cafes with friends now that the kids are back in school? Or a traveler passing through Fairfield County? Either way, a great cup of joe is always on the destination list. But where to get one? And, more importantly, where to enjoy a sustainable cup of coffee? That’s the trickier part because not all joe is created equal. Read More
Bar Sügo Opens in Norwalk w/ Authentic Italian Restaurant Italian Norwalk Pasta Beer Comfort Food Kid Friendly Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger October 28, 2012 The culinary landscape of downtown Norwalk improved significantly with the opening of Bar Sügo, offering Italian cuisine that Chef/Owner Pat Pascarella’s describes as “food that Italians eat every day.” Bar Sügo’s menu features a wide variety of cicchetti, e primi, and meatballs as well as larger servings of pasta and pizzas to accompany several beers on tap, including Allagash White, Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, Strubbe Pils or Thornbridge Raven, or one of the numerous bottles of wine. The interior features a large red and white tiled floor, a copper-topped bar, rustic walls covered with large canvassed photos, with one wall dedicated to displaying the restaurant’s diverse selection of wines…the setting allows for a vibrant atmosphere to complement the delicious food. Chef Pat will prepare variations of Italian cuisine using fresh, flavorful ingredients and keep the price of each of the dishes under $20. Read More
elm is Awarded One of the Best New Restaurants by Esquire Magazine Restaurant Chef Talk New Canaan CTbites Team October 25, 2012 elm is Awarded One of the Best New Restaurants in America 2012 by Esquire Magazine Chef/Owner Brian Lewis’ restaurant, elm has been named one of the best new restaurants in America 2012 by Esquire magazine. Now in its 28th year, Esquire’s annual list features the best restaurants as selected by its restaurant features writer John Mariani. elm is Lewis’ first solo venture, featuring inventive Modern American cuisine, rooted in tradition and inspired by the seasons. “We are thrilled and so proud for elm to be awarded as one of Esquire’s best new restaurants,” says Lewis. “It is quite the honor.” Read More
Artisanal Tasting Event @ Trinity Church in Southport Restaurant Events Local Artisan CTbites Team October 24, 2012 Get your taste buds revved up for Saturday, November 3rd from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall at Trinity Episcopal Church in Southport. Artisanal foods and beverages will be available to swish, swill, sniff, and savor. Sample all kinds of goodies from Fairfield Cheese Company, Red Bee honey, Olivette oils and vinegars, Wave Hill Breads, Izzy B’s cupcakes, The Pop Shop cake pops, and Tea-RRific! ice cream. And when you get thirsty, try Henri's Reserve boutique champagnes or the latest brews from Beaver Beer. Need a hot beverage to soothe your savage soul? No problem! Try Babycat Milkbar’s fabulous teas. Sure to be a crowd pleaser! The artisanal tasting is meant to not only explore those foods and beverages that are unique and extraordinary, but it is also a great way to support local businesses. Read More
Food News: Openings, Parties, Election Day & Wine Ingredients Restaurant Brunch News Specialty Market Beer CTbites Team October 23, 2012 Half Full brewery in Stamford will host a Halloween party this Saturday, starting at 7p.m. For $50, you'll get open taps of Half Full Bright Ale, InaugerALE, IPA and Pumpkin Ale, Oktoberfest inspired food and Pumpkin Ale floats, via Station Eats, and a costume contest. Half Full recommends taking a cab to this one. Feeling stressed about Election Day? Fairway Market in Stamford has a solution. Eat cupcakes.. Go Donkey or Elephant - for $1.49 each - celebrate or sob into your sweets. The Spread opens TODAY in SoNo with Executive Chef Arik Bensimon. Don't miss out on this hipster scene and spectacular menu. More here. Looking for a good brunch spot? Bar Sugo, Chef Pat Pascarella's new killer Italian venue in Norwalk, is serving a regional Italian brunch Saturday and Sunday with rotating menu items including: Crispy Pork Belly w/ Sunny Side Up Eggs, Sausage & Broccoli Rabe omelettes, pancakes, and all the usual suspects. View menu here. Read More
Morello Italian Bistro: Toning it Down in Tony Greenwich Town Restaurant American Greenwich Italian Wine Dinners Lou Gorfain October 21, 2012 With high-end restaurants like Thomas Henkelmann, Rebecca’s, Jean Louis, L’escale, and Polpo, the Greenwich food scene is hallmarked by special occasion dining. Though lush and lux, the cuisines are rough on wallets and waistlines. At first blush, Morello’s on Greenwich Avenue seems to be part of that plush world. The setting, a landmark Beaux Arts bank building woven with spectacular arches and ceilings tiled in golden amber by the Catalan architect Rafel Guastavino, Jr, may be the most lavish, sexiest dining space in all of Connecticut. Moreover, the bistro is part of the exclusive restaurant portfolio belonging to international jet setter and billionaire Marlon Abela, a collection that includes Michelin star eateries in London, as well as a Voce in Manhattan and Bistro du Midi in Boston. Read More
LUXE Modern Wine & Cocktails in Westport Ingredients Restaurant Cocktails Westport Wine Bar Amy Kundrat October 19, 2012 LUXE Modern Wine & Cocktails in Westport is focusing on mixology education this fall and winter just in time to get your bar fully stocked and your skills sharpened for the holiday entertaining to come. Cocktail Classes will be held on 10/29, 11/19, 12/17, and focus on the following subjects: Setting up a home bar, basic bar tools, basic cocktails with mixers; basic cocktails Spirits, punch and cocktails for a crowd, how to create your own signature cocktail, and prepping your home bar for a cocktail party. To RSVP, leave a message for LUXE @ 203 349 5039 or message on facebook. Read More
SoNo Restaurant Week Starts October 21st Restaurant Norwalk Restaurant Week SONO Stephanie Webster October 17, 2012
Napa & Co. CTbites Invites Recap...The Importance of Pairing Restaurant CTbites Invites Events Stamford Amy Kundrat October 17, 2012 Owner Mary Schaeffer, with new chef Leonardo Marino, guided thirty lucky diners on an evening of off-the-menu dishes and signature wine pairings for CTbites Invites latest event at Napa & Co. on September 27. An exceptional five-course seasonal pairings menu served to showcase the breadth of the restaurant's food and wine program, the new talent in the kitchen, and some of fall’s best seasonal flavors such as fig, squash and chestnut. Guests even got to take home a bottle of Toast, a sparkling white wine Napa & Co. commissioned for the restaurant. Read More
Bonne Nuit Chef to Join Basaran at Picador Restaurant Chef Talk News New Canaan Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger October 16, 2012 Anxious food lovers of New Canaan concerned about the activity occurring behind the covered windows of 15 Elm Street, (the building that formerly housed Harvest Supper), can rest easy. CTbites is pleased to announce that Alan Basaran, owner of New Canaan’s Carpe Diem, is the restaurateur behind the changes. Next month Basaran will open Picador, a Spanish themed restaurant offering both Tapas and entrée sized dishes. Overseeing the kitchen will be a long time New Canaan favorite, Chef Kender Urena, from Bistro Bonne Nuit. Read More
The Whelk: Bill Taibe's Inspired Seafood in Westport Restaurant American Bill Taibe Cocktails Farm to Table Local Farm Seafood Westport Chris Grimm October 14, 2012 The last year has given Westport three high-profile (if completely divergent) openings. Danny Meyer's Shake Shack opened its first venture into Connecticut and shook-up the Westport fast food scene and Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich opened a second Tarry Lodge in Saugatuck, bringing a different twist to traditional Italian restaurants. Finally, Chef Bill Taibe, the James Beard nominee and Owner / Chef of LeFarm opened The Whelk, his second Westport restaurant, on the Saugatuck River, just a short stroll from Tarry Lodge. The Whelk, named after a sea snail similar to a conch, is primarily focused on seafood and addresses an oddly unexploited niche, a high-end seafood restaurant on Connecticut’s Gold Coast. For that reason alone, I was especially interested in The Whelk, and thus began my exploration, with multiple visits to this award winning kitchen. Read More
Invites: 5 Course Latin American Wine Dinner @ Brasitas Restaurant CTbites Invites Norwalk Latin American CTbites Team October 13, 2012 Join BRASITAS owner, Jaime Guerrero and Norwalk manager, Fabio Rojas, for an all inclusive special dinner and wine pairing featuring Latin Fusion cuisine on October 23rd from 7:30-9:30 pm at Brasitas Norwalk. This event is $70. VIEW FULL MENU HERE. Chef Parra will introduce each dish, while Fabio will expertly pair each course with wines from the extensive wine list at Brasitas, featuring wines from all over the world including Argentina, Chile and Spain. MENU: Crema de Calabaza y Coco, a roasted pumpkin-coconut and lemongrass bisque, toppped with toasted pepitas and maple syrup. Followed by Ensalada con Higos Rellenos; Garrotxa cheese stuffed Black Mission Figs wrapped in Jamon Serrano. Lechon con Pozole; Slow roasted suckling pig, red chile Pozole, Avocado, Crunchy Cabbage and Tortilla "Polenta." Read More
Martel Restaurant & Stew's Wines Team Up for Champagne Dinner Restaurant Wine Dinners CTbites Team October 11, 2012 Who doesn't love a good wine dinner? And don't bubbles make it just a little bit better? Stew’s Wines in Norwalk is hosting a Duval-LeRoy Wine Champagne dinner on Thurs, Oct 25 with Martel Restaurant in Fairfield (www.martelrestaurant.com). This four course menu features a tasty menu paired with the perfect Duval-LeRoy champagne. The event starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $85/pp. To purchase tickets, readers can call restaurant manager Marty Levine at 203-292-6916 and he’ll take a reservation for the event. Read More
First Ever Fairfield Restaurant Week Oct 14-20 Restaurant Fairfield Restaurant Week CTbites Team October 10, 2012 On October 14th-20th, Fairfield will launch its first ever town organized Fairfield Restaurant Week. The Fairfield restaurant community is coming together to create during the week of October 14 with a new twist on restaurant week – not only do they have fantastic restaurants with excellent specials for this week, but local venues are also participating with activities and things to do all in Fairfield. Over thirty restaurants from around Fairfield CT will participate in this week-long special event that will feature prix fixe lunch and dinner menu prices. Restaurants will feature $10 and $15 lunches and $20 and $30 dinners or other discounts on their already existing menus. Passport Promotion: As a special promotion, the Town has created a passport book that will be available at participating restaurants during Restaurant Week while supplies last. Read More
