Filtering by Category: Restaurant,Road Trip

Grassroots: A Wakeman Town Farm Dinner on September 15

Restaurant Farm Dinner

CTbites Team July 25, 2012

Save the Date! Wakeman Town Farm is thrilled to announce our first Farm-to-Table dinner with chefs serving their finest fare on Saturday, September 15. "Grassroots" will be a decadent extravaganza, using the fresh seasonal vegetables, made possible by the generous contributions of local farmers.

Presenting the star chefs for this special evening:

Jason Sobocinski of Caseus, New Haven
John Naughright of LeFarm, Westport
Frederic Kieffer of Artisan, Southport
John Barricelli, Sono Bakery, Norwalk & Westport

Road Trip: 116 Crown in Downtown New Haven

Restaurant American Cocktails New Haven Lunch

Ralph Kantrowitz July 25, 2012

116 Crown (“One-Sixteen,” as its known to loyal patrons) arrived on the downtown New Haven scene in 2007 with little fanfare, but its impact was immediate and resounding. Nothing quite so chic, so stylish, had been seen in the Elm City. With its lit up green onyx bar easily visible from the street, 116 stood out as a beacon of alternative dining and nightlife, easily distinguishable from the loud clubs and Irish pubs on nearby blocks. A sophisticated crowd sought out the modestly sized space in search of haute mixology creations – extraordinary cocktails containing exotic ingredients – and worldly small plates to nibble on. The perfectly pitched décor, highlighted by impressive design touches like an iconic bright blue Bang & Olufsen phone at the hostess stand and foot pedal-operated sinks by the bathrooms, and an undeniably hip ambiance perpetuated by a fantastic of-the-moment musical playlist, kept the cool kids coming back.

Respect for Source: The Ritual of Pasta Making at Pasta Nostra in South Norwalk

Restaurant Italian Norwalk Pasta

Amy Kundrat July 24, 2012

Joe Bruno’s formula for Pasta Nostra in South Norwalk is simple. Fresh pasta, high quality ingredients, and respect for source. This meticulous attention to detail and devotion to perfection has kept it a Fairfield County mainstay for well over two decades.

To understand how Chef Bruno can maintain this vigilance, we visited on several occasions, spending time in the upstairs kitchen, a basement prep area, in the dining room and even peering into a few cave-like basement rooms where the Italian olive oil and cases of wine are stored. But to truly grasp the soul of this place, we spent most of our time there with an Italian pasta machine in a basement prep area, where the restaurant’s fresh pasta is prepared with care.

The CTbites and 109 Cheese & Wine Road Trip Giveaway

Restaurant Cheese Giveaway Ridgefield Road Trip

CTbites Team July 24, 2012

From the coast of Maine, to the island of Nantucket, to the beaches of Long Island ... who doesn’t love a great summer road trip? As we downshift into the slower and warmer final weeks of summer, CTbites wants to know, what are some of your favorite road trip destinations?

Comment on this post sharing one or more of your favorite summer road trip destinations for a chance to win a picnic basket from 109 Cheese and Wine filled with cheese, wine and charcuterie from the Ridgefield wine shop.

King's Kitchen Cooks The Westport Farmer's Mkt July 26

Restaurant Events Farm Fresh

CTbites Team July 23, 2012

This Thursday, July 26th, Hunter King of King's Kitchen in Southport Beach will be the guest Chef at The Westport Farmers’ Market.

Hunter will be dishing out a seasonal favorite, tomato gazpacho, made with tomatoes from Riverbank Farm and served with a dollop of cucumber sorbet. In addition to this summer staple, Hunter will be making a fun twist on a classic, with Kings Kitchen Grilled Cheese Panini Fries. Made with Wave Hill Ciabatta, these fries are just as addicting as they sound, delicious, gooey, strips of grilled cheese heaven, cut to resemble a French fry!

Carpe Diem Owner to Open Tapas Restaurant in New Canaan

Restaurant News Spanish New Canaan

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger July 23, 2012

Fiesta Atlantic: Authentic Peruvian Fare in Stamfor

Restaurant Delicious Dives Peruvian Stamford Lunch Kid Friendly

CTbites Team July 22, 2012

I’ve enjoyed food from many different countries over the years but funny enough, never from Peru. So with three friends in tow, I decided to try Fiesta Atlantic, a Peruvian restaurant in Stamford. Having eaten Venezuelan and Mexican, I expected a fusion of both. It turns out Peruvian food is indeed a melting pot of different cultures but surprisingly, the food is notable for its Italian and Chinese influences. In the 18th century, Lima was the financial center of a vast Spanish Viceroyalty. Chinese laborers and Italian settlers washed up on its South Pacific shores bringing their own spices and cooking techniques.

Chocopologie Café to Open in Stamford

Restaurant Chocolate Stamford Opening

Amy Kundrat July 20, 2012

Life in downtown Stamford is about to get a whole lot sweeter. Chocopologie Café, the sweet and savory domain of Master Chocolatier Fritz Knipschildt, will be opening its fourth location at 211 Main Street in Stamford in late summer, roughly six weeks. The original cafe and factory in South Norwalk has been open since 2005 andnew outposts have opened in New Haven and Greenwich in the last two years.

Related posts:

The Sheffield Island Clambake & Boatride

Restaurant Norwalk Picnic Seafood

CTbites Team July 19, 2012

Every summer, from June through September, The Norwalk Seaport Association provides an escape from the rush of city life and the exhaustion of a grueling workday. They transport you to the shores of idyllic Sheffield Island, a sanctuary on the sea, truly taking you back to the way summer should be.

The Sheffield Island Clambake got it’s start a little over 10 years ago and has become a much anticipated summer tradition for many families. The Norwalk Seaport Association is a non-profit organization that has owned, restored, and maintained the Sheffield Island Lighthouse since 1986. Sheffield Island opens its dock to visitors May through September, inviting them to tour the 142 year old light house, have a picnic, or look for shells along the beach.

Foodie Road Trip: Three Days in Cape Cod

Restaurant Cape Cod Road Trip Seafood

Elizabeth Keyser July 17, 2012

Cape Cod is the perfect summer road trip destination for busy people. About a three-hour drive from Fairfield, Connecticut, the towns of Woods Hole and Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, hold good news for food lovers. On a recent three-day getaway, my husband and I sought casual-but-good waterfront places where shorts fit the dress code. We discovered inspired and classic renditions of New England fare.

Woods Hole is where the ferry leaves for Martha’s Vineyard, but it’s a destination in itself. The quaint gray-shingled town rests on a spit of land, where on a recent idyllic summer day, sunlight sparkled on the water, and breezes blew stress away. Ah, vacation.

LeRose Tries A New Recipe At Bar Q in Stamford

Restaurant BBQ Stamford Take Out Kid Friendly

James Gribbon July 15, 2012

"We're trying to establish Connecticut barbeque," says Bob LeRose, adding wood to the smoker cooking our ribs. I'm peppering Bobby Q himself with questions while trying not to lose my footing on the floor of the kitchen at the new Bar Q and simultaneously avoiding the hustling form of chef Tom Doherty. LeRose's second restaurant, located at 15 Clark Street in Stamford behind Black Bear, is the latest in his slow-smoked outreach program to those of us on the Sound. "This isn't Bobby Q's," he's quick to point out. "This is its alter-ego."

Behind the Wheel of Westport's Ice Cream Truck

Restaurant Westport ice cream Kid Friendly

CTbites Team July 13, 2012

“Old McDonald” plays loudly over the sound system as two 19-year-old Westport boys, Jon Camche and Rick Snyder, cruise the streets of Fairfield County in their bright yellow vehicle. Occasionally the lyrics to “Happy Birthday” ring through the air, other times “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” repeats. With over 50 different children’s songs on their playlist, these two college boys take their business seriously.

The 1964 Chevrolet milk truck has been transformed to deliver a different sort of dairy product – ice cream! Camche and Snyder, owners of Everybody Scream Ice Cream, are continuing to put smiles and melted sweets on locals’ faces for the second summer in a row.

Summer favorite offerings include a few familiar faces: Chipwhich, SpongeBob Squarepants Popsicle, Screwball, Choco Taco, Firecracker, and the Strawberry Shortcake bar.

Lorca Coffee & Churro Shop to Open in Stamford This Fall

Restaurant Bakery Coffee Stamford Opening

Amy Kundrat July 12, 2012

Lorca, a 10-12 seat coffee shop that will serve home-made churro and doughnuts, will be opening this October ar 125 Bedford Street in Stamford.

Leyla Dam developed a passion for churro stands as a child growing up in Spain. When she completed architecture school in Brooklyn and was faced with few job prospects in her field, she returned to her roots finding investors to allow her to design and launch a churro and coffee shop. Part of the process of opening Lorca included moving to Seville to learn how to make churros and working with Rachel Haughey at Espresso Neat to learn how to make impeccably brewed coffee. In addition to developing the business and recipes, Dam is also designing the shop, a perfect blend of her passion for the churro and degree in architecture.

As Dam explains, "Basically this is a total dream come true. I get to feed people, meet people, and design without a client. I couldn't ask for anything more!"

FroYo World Opens on Westport / Norwalk Border

Restaurant Westport Kid Friendly Dessert

CTbites Team July 12, 2012

There’s a new yogurt place in town and Froyo World is a delicious treat you don’t want to miss! Located at 361 Post Road West between John’s Best and Milo’s Methods, in Westport, this hidden gem is sure to delight you. Going to school in North Carolina, there are at least four frozen yogurt shops within five miles of me and as a result I have developed a growing (and healthy??) obsession with this frozen treat. Of course, I have my favorites and a few classic concoctions I tend to repeat, but I’m always looking for something new. As the frozen yogurt fad continues to grow, many shops are becoming interchangeable, offering similar flavors with the same standard toppings. That being said, I walked into Froyo World after their grand opening Saturday, June 29th eager to see what I’d find.

Bodega Taco Bar to Open in Darien

Restaurant Darien Mexican

CTbites Team July 11, 2012

According to the Lunch Break Chronicles, Bodega Taco Bar will be opening in Darien at 980 Post Road this fall.

Amuse Bouche: Food News for July 10, 2012

Restaurant Westport Beer

CTbites Team July 10, 2012

Happy Hour with CTBites

Come on down to the Dressing Room TONIGHT (tickets are $40), July 10 for Happy Hour on the patio from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Price of entry will secure you two drinks and appetizers as we reveal our cocktail naming contest winner.

Summer Chill: Food and Music to Benefit FTC

The Fairfield Theater Company is a non-profit group well worth supporting. They bring excellent music, theater, comedy and film to their locations at The Klein Memorial Auditorium in Bridgeport and Stage One by the Fairfield Train station. They will host Summer Chill this Friday at Stage One with food courtesy of Molto, an open bar, and entertainment by The Fry Daddys on Friday, July 13.

Beer Run

Eli Cannons Tap Room in Middletown will host a Saranac Brewing beer tasting TONIGHT, July 10 featuring their Blueberry Blonde, Chocolate Orange Porter and Lemon Ginger Saision. They'll have a Stone Brewing Ruination 10th anniversary party tomorrow July 11.

Speaking of Ruination, Prime 16 in New Haven will also host an event on Thursday, July 12 featuring 10th Anniversary Ruination and a Double Dry Hopped Ruination.

At the new Bottlerocket of Westport, check out two free tastings this week: Thursday, July 12, 4-7pm: Locally made (Port Chester, NY) Honey Comb Vokda from StilltheOne Distillery and Saturday, July 14, 4-7pm: In honor of Bastille Day we'll be pouring both Lillet Rosé and Kronenbourg 1664 beer.

Chef Michael Batt @ Westport Farmers' Market

Restaurant Farmers Market Westport

CTbites Team July 10, 2012

Chef Michael Batt has been on the Food Network, trained under master chefs Geoffrey Zakarian (Town, LeCirque), Gray Kunz (L’Espinasse) & Terrence Brennan (Picholine, Artisinal), and is coming to this Thursday as the guest chef at the Westport Farmers’ Market on July 12.

Eight years ago Michael Batt was the talk of New York, well on his way to becoming the next big thing in the City. Working at restuarants including City Hall, Thom, and Terrence Brennan’s Seafood & Chop House, Chef Batt was rapidly working his way to the top. Then fate stepped in and he met his wife, Gallia. Shortly after, the two moved to Connecticut and took over Food Design, then run by another husband and wife team. Today, Michael and Gallia run their business like a family, with many of the staff with them since 2004.

Beach Donuts in Old Lyme: A Connecticut Cult Favorite

Road Trip Restaurant Old Lyme Shoreline East Breakfast Dessert

Amy Kundrat July 06, 2012

Like facial hair and irony, the doughnut has received the hipster embrace, ushering in the likes of Voodoo, Dynamo and Doughnut Plant from New York to Portland, making the once doughnut-non grata, cool again.

Oblivious to the wax and wane of this food trend, “Beach Donuts” in Old Lyme, Connecticut has steadily and unironically been powering the shoreline with a traditional take on these habit-seeking baked goods for over sixty years. Each Saturday and Sunday in the summer, Ted Powaleny delivers about 125 dozen doughnuts from a kitchen in Clinton to the Shoreline Community Center in Old Lyme, just two blocks from Sound View Beach. From 7 to 10:30 am (or until they sell out), volunteers sell “Beach Donuts” hand-over-fist, with proceeds from the $1 doughnuts, benefitting the Community Center.

Open House @ Thomas Hooker with NoRA Cupcake Truck

Road Trip Restaurant Bloomfield Hartford County Beer

Amy Kundrat July 06, 2012

The Thomas Hooker Brewery (home to that refreshing summer seasonal, Watermelon Ale) has invited NoRA Cupcake Truck to their twice-monthly Friday Open House, July 6, 2012. The Brewery hosts these events on the 1st and 3rd Friday each month from 5 to 8pm. $10 for pint glass, tasting, and tour (Portion of proceeds go to The Village For Families and Children).

Thomas Hooker Brewey is located at Tobey Road in Bloomfield, CT. For more information, visit hookerbeer.com.

South End to Open in New Canaan

Restaurant New Canaan Opening

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger July 05, 2012

The expanding number of New Canaan restaurants continues with the announcement of the newest addition, South End, which will open prior to Labor Day on Pine Street next to New Canaan Wine Merchants and feature the culinary creations of Chef Nicholas Martschenko. He is joined at South End by his business partner Keith Siskind, the former General Manager of Tarry Lodge in Port Chester, who will oversee the front of the house.