Belgique Chocolatier To Close Both Locations Restaurant Chocolate CTbites Team August 12, 2012 Belgique Chocolatier, with locations in Kent and New Canaan, CT, will be closing the doors to both locations at the end of October and customers with gift certificates are encouraged to redeem them. Read More
IKEA Swedish Summer Crayfish Party, August 17 Restaurant Seafood New Haven CTbites Team August 10, 2012 Celebrate Summer with IKEA Swedish Crayfish Party, for Only $9.99, Kids 12 and Under Eat for Only $2.49It’s the time of the year again for enjoying time with family and friends under the setting sun, amidst mild summer weather. IKEA, the Life Improvement Store, invites customer to enjoy the IKEA Crayfish Party—a late summer smorgasbord that will be hosted in the restaurant IKEA New Haven on Friday, August 17. For only $9.99 per person or $2.49 for kids 12 and under, guests can enjoy a Swedish summer meal of crayfish, cheese pie, cucumber salad, and more.Crayfish parties date back to the 1800s when lakes in Sweden were full of crayfish. In order to protect crayfish populations, the fishing season was limited to August and September, which is why—today—Swedish crayfish parties are still traditionally held in August. Read More
New Haven Food & Wine Festival Grand Tasting on August 22 Restaurant Events New Haven CTbites Team August 09, 2012 The New Haven Food & Wine Festival returns this year kicking off with a Grand Tasting as part of the New Haven Open Tennis Tournament on August 22 from 5 to 7:30 pm. The $125 ticket includes admission to the tasting and box seats for that evening's session 7. Read More
Craft Beer & Chili Challenge in East Hartford, August 12 Restaurant East Hartford Beer Comfort Food CTbites Team August 08, 2012 Chefs are always talking about wine pairings, but for all of you who prefer a cold one to a glass of vino, here's your chance for sample some of the best beer CT has to offer. The Craft Beer & Chili Challenge will be held at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT on Sunday, August 12th from 12-4 p.m. What's better than 100's of beers & dozens of chilis? Really, nothing, but if you require added appeal, attendees will get to vote for their favorites as they crown the best official beers and chilies in Connecticut. Chili will range from from hearty and meaty, to hot and spicy, to vegetarian, and everything in between, so there's something for every eater. For one flat admission price of $62.50, attendees can sample dozens of different chilis prepared by area restaurants and hundreds of craft beers from around the state and around the world. In addition, there will be vendors and crafters from around the Northeast displaying and selling their work, as well as a DJ providing a rocking soundtrack of music for the event. Read More
Plan B Burger Opens in Stamford: Burgers, Bourbon & Beer Restaurant Stamford Comfort Food Lunch Kid Friendly Burgers Lou Gorfain August 05, 2012 The B's in “Plan B Burger” are Burgers, Bourbon, and Beer. Add another for “Big”. The huge Stamford branch of this high concept Connecticut restaurant franchise opened this week in the Town Center, and the spectacular interior of the vast 4500 square foot space immediately announces "This Ain't Five Guys." No peanut shells here. And a far more high end burger. Reclaimed wood walls. Blown glass lights. High tin celings. Meat hook lamps. A wrap around bar, brimming with beer and booze. Plan B transports an old-fashioned American saloon into the 21st Century. Walk in and you know some two-fisted eatin' and drinkin' could happen here. All that's missing are sarsaparilla and swinging doors. The eats and drinks.... by the B's. Read More
Stanziato's Dinner @ Holbrook Farm Restaurant Farm to Table Pizza Amy Kundrat August 05, 2012 Get excited. Stanziato's Pizza in Danbury is teaming up with Holbrook Farm for the Danbury pizzeria's first farm-to-table event held on the Bethel farm, Sunday, September 16, 2012 from 4 to 7pm. Each $60 ticket includes soup, salads, appetizers (plated), wood-fired pizza from Stanziato's new truck (served family style) as well as non-alcoholic beverages and local beer/wine,. Virtually all of the ingredients will be sourced from the farm. You can also count on live music to round out this late summer evening. Stanziato's has accumulated a cult following of pizza lovers across northern Fairfield County who know its Neapolitan-inspired pizza menu of white and red pies by heart. If we've ever spoken about pizza, chances are you have heard me swoon about the Soppressata and Chilies pizza that stole my heart. The CIA-trained Chef Stanczak's talents don't stop at the wood-fired ovens, his salads and soups have their own fan club as well, a perfect foil for an evening dinner on the farm. Tickets are limited so grab some friends and be sure to get yours soon. Where: Holbrook Farm – 45 Turkey Plain Road, Bethel, CT 06801 Time: 4-7pm Tickets: $60 per person, purchase online at http://stanziatos.com/farm-to-table-event/ Questions: Call Stanziato's at 203.885.1057 or email info@stanziatos.com Read More
Harlan Social Opens in Stamford's Harbor Point Restaurant American Stamford Lou Gorfain August 03, 2012 Steven Lewandowski knows something about breaking new ground. He worked at Montrachet, Drew Nieporant’s’s transformative French restaurant that ignited a dining renaissance in once grim Lower Manhattan. "I think we can change the game here, too," Lewandowski told CTBites during a recent preview of his new Harlan Social at Harbor Point, the amazing redevelopment project now bourgeoning on Stamford's South Side. "When we first checked the area, it was a bit desolate. Like Tribeca when my friend Drew came in there. But when I saw that Fairway was here, I just knew this would be a good home for us, too. Fade Out. Fade In. One year later. Harbor Point is booming and Lewandowski is about to find out if his multimillion dollar bet was on the money.. On August 7th, Harlan Social opens its doors, the first high end restaurant in HP. ("Harlan" is his son's first name, "Social" because the restaurant will be a gathering place for the thousands of people who will soon live, work, play ... and, yes, EAT ... in Harbor Point.) Read More
Invites Recap: "Happy Hour" @ Dressing Room Restaurant CTbites Invites Westport Nic Barbera July 31, 2012 As you enter Dressing Room, it is the perfect combination of elegance and charm that attracts you. When you sit down, it is the warmth that settles you in. After you have eaten, it is the substance and quality that relaxes you into a food inspired ‘coma.’ Once you have left, it is the overall magnanimity of the Dressing Room restaurant that will entice you back. Recently, CT Bites sponsored an event at the Dressing Room, known as “Happy Hour on the DR Patio.” The evening was used to promote that which head chef/owner Michel Nischan has set as his restaurants overarching ideal, comfort. From the specialty cocktails, to the stunningly made hors d’oeuvres, this is the type of happy hour that I would be a regular at. Read More
Behind the Scenes: Napa and Company's New Chef Marino Restaurant American Chef Talk Italian Stamford Lunch Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger July 29, 2012 Napa and Company in Stamford has a new, very talented chef overseeing its award-winning kitchen. Chef Leonardo Marino is slowly modifying the menu to showcase his commitment of using exceptional ingredients to highlight their natural flavors. Three weeks after assuming Napa’s Executive Chef position, CTbites sat with Chef Leo for this “Behind the Scenes,” review, discussed his passion for food and sampled several of his recently premiered dishes. Chef Leo’s devotion to cooking started at an early age as he assisted his mother and aunt in the kitchen; they inspired him to pursue a culinary education. After attending the Culinary Institute of America, his philosophy of accentuating the natural flavors was further influenced in the kitchens of some of America’s greatest chefs. While working as the Lead Sous Chef for Eric Ripert at Le Bernardin, Ripert asked him to relocate to Washington DC to take the reins of Chef de Cuisine at Westend Bistro by Eric Ripert. Chef Leo returned to New York in 2009 and joined David Bouley at both Bouley and as the Chef of Bouley Upstairs. Read More
Great news for fans of Cortina Pizzeria, Norwalk! Restaurant Home Delivery Norwalk Pizza Lunch Kid Friendly Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger July 27, 2012 Chef/ owner Pat Pascarella of Cortina Pizzeria (the former Pizzeria Rosso) told CTbites that he is relocating from the current New Canaan Avenue location and re-opening on Wall Street in Norwalk with a larger menu and plenty of seats. During the relocation the New Canaan Avenue location will close on July 29th with the new Wall Street full-service restaurant scheduled to open in September. The menu at the new restaurant will feature more than Chef Pat’s delicious pizzas (yes, he will feature the CTbites Pizza). He shared a sneak peak of some of the items he is considering and they include various meatballs, (including a meatball sampler plate), a variety of appetizers and salumi, salads including house-made mozzarella and burrata plus an assortment of pasta dishes. When CTbites spoke with Pascarella, he stated, "I am excited about opening the new location where I can expand the menu and offer more choices to my customers. I also want to price the menu so everyone can come to the restaurant and enjoy some great food at reasonable prices. Read More
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 HavenJohn Naughright of LeFarm, WestportFrederic Kieffer of Artisan, SouthportJohn Barricelli, Sono Bakery, Norwalk & Westport Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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! Read More
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. Read More
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: SoNo Chef Shootout featuring Fritz Knipschildt and Matt Storch Making Chocolate Truffles with Knipschildt Chocolatier A Chocolate-Inspired Dinner with Fritz Knipschildt Read More
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. Read More
