Don't Miss "Bacon Week" at Plan B Burger in Milford Restaurant Milford Comfort Food Kid Friendly Burgers CTbites Team August 22, 2012 Plan B Burger knows that everything is better with bacon. Hence, in celebration of their one Year Anniversary, Plan B Milford presents “Bacon Week,” Monday September 10-Sunday September 16th. This bacon bounty includes a full menu of bacon inspired savory and sweet treats including everything from “The Divine Swine” aka “Drop Dead Burger,” (100% ground bacon burger topped w/ thick sliced bacon, bacon aioli, bourbon bacon red onion jam, and a fried egg all sandwiched in between a grilled cheese) to Bacon Candy Bars and Bacon infused Bourbon cocktails. Did I mention the Bacon Cotton Candy? There's one for the ages. The full menu is below, but if you love pork like I love pork, I'd say make your way over to Milford. Read More
It's Hatch Chile Season! Celebrate with Stew Leonards. Ingredients Restaurant Norwalk CTbites Team August 22, 2012 If you can't make it to the annual Hatch Chile Festival in New Mexico in early September, this weekend in Norwalk may be a close second. Stew Leonard’s in Norwalk is partnering with a family-owned New Mexico Green Chile Company to host a Hatch Chile Roasting demo and tasting for customers on Thursday, August 23 through Sunday, August 26, 2012. Stew's will be selling their fire-roasted or unroasted Hatch chiles, as well as offering samples of fresh salsa made with Hatch chiles. For more information, visit Stew Leonards website or better yet, stop on by this weekend. Read More
Pontos Taverna: Authentic Greek in Norwalk Restaurant Greek Norwalk Lunch Nancy Kleeger August 19, 2012 A well-executed movie night in Fairfield County, which includes eating out before or after the flick, usually requires some skill. You have to factor in the length of the movie and the distance to the restaurant and hope that there isn’t any traffic along Post Road so you don’t miss the coming attractions or your reservation. Good news foodies and movie lovers, I have found the antidote to that little problem right in the heart of Norwalk. I introduce to you, Pontos Taverna (cue the Greek music), serving Authentic Greek Cuisine right next to Garden Cinema. Next to Garden Cinema you ask? I know, I’ve said it before myself, “What Greek restaurant next to the cinema?” Read More
Chef Demo Tent Lineup @ 2012 Blues & BBQ Festival Restaurant BBQ Chef Talk Events CTbites Team August 19, 2012 Listen up food lovers. CTbites has rounded up some of the area's top chefs for an afternoon of live cooking demonstrations, recipe tasting and general good times. On Saturday, September 1st from 11:30-5pm come on down to the CTbites Chef Demo Tent at Westport's Blues Views & BBQ Festival to meet: Chef Matt Storch of Match Restaurant in Sono; Pietro Scotti of Da Pietro's in Westport; Chef Rob Troilo of Nicholas Roberts in Norwalk; Chef Joe Wolfson of Terrain in Westport; Chef Helton DaSilva of Barcelona Restaurant; Festivities Catering and Chef Judy Roll of Tabouli Grill. Chef Demo Schedule 11:30 Festivities Catering (Nicole Straight) 12:15 Matt Storch, The Chelsea/Match 1:00 Helton DaSilva, Barcelona 1:45 Rob Troilo, Nicholas Roberts 2:30 Joe Wolfson, Terrain 3:15 Pietro Scotti, Da Pietro's 4:00 Judy Roll, Tabouli Grill Read More
The Winners of the Beach Burger Contest... Restaurant Burgers jfood August 17, 2012 A mouthwatering hamburger is one of life’s simple pleasures. And when you can elevate this 100+ year old culinary delight to another level, it makes for great eating. Schedules finally allowed for the tasting and voting for Beach Burger’s CTbites’ Burger and it was a night filled with serious eating, drinking and some tough decisions on which of the entries would win. All of the combinations were brilliantly conceived and each brought a different combination of flavors. There were Italian, Latin, Southeast Asian and good old fashioned Southern combinations in the hamburger finalists plus Caribbean and childhood memories in the milk shakes recipes. After sampling five excellent hamburgers and three delicious milk shakes, the judges were torn between two in each category. But contests are made for winners, so CTbites is pleased to announce that the new additions to Beach Burger’s menu are: Read More
Tour India with Thali's Prasad Chirnomula Road Trip Road Trip Indian CTbites Team August 16, 2012 Indian Master Chefs Prasad Chirnomula and Maneet Chauhan, along with Culinary Instructor Jody Eddy have meticulously planned a gastronomic and cultural journey to India, December 1 - 13, 2012. One way to reach India's heart is through its stomach. Centuries of applied epicurean experimentation have led to several regional centers of India such as the regal Rajasthan. Through formal and informal discussions throughout this journey, Prasad and Maneet will provide invaluable insights of their homeland and guide you through one of the greatest gourmet spice journeys you will ever experience. From the bustling metropolis of Delhi to the serene natural quiet of the Thar Desert, you will explore India and celebrate the tastes and the sights and the sounds, while meeting the people that give India its name and its fame. For a detailed itinerary, pricing and more information about registration, visit www.jhcbh.com. Read More
New Canaan Restaurant Week Starts August 24 Restaurant New Canaan CTbites Team August 15, 2012 After a successful premiere last year, New Canaan Restaurant Week is on tap to run from Friday, August 24th to Thursday, August 30th. Thirteen New Canaan restaurants will feature Restaurant Week prix fixe menus -- providing diners a chance to sample their cuisines at attractive prices. Already known as a destination for great food, New Canaan’s upcoming promotional week promises to draw restaurant-goers into town, just as the summer is winding down and the new school year starts. The list of restaurant participants reflects the full array of New Canaan cuisines: Boulevard 18 Bistro & Wine Bar; Carpe Diem; Cava Wine Bar & Restaurant; Gates Restaurant; elm; New Canaan Diner; Plum Tree Restaurant; Rosie; Sole Ristorante; Thali Regional Cuisine of India – New Canaan; The Tuscan Osteria-Mercato and Silvermine Market. Participating restaurants have a choice of two price points for the featured two-course luncheon menus and three-course dinner menus. Pricing is as follows: Lunch $10.12 or $15.12; and dinner $20.12 or $29.12. Read More
Scena Wine Bar & Restaurant in Darien Restaurant Darien Italian Lunch Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger August 12, 2012 Scena Wine Bar & Restaurant in Darien has been serving top notch, modern interpretations of Italian cuisine under the direction of Executive Chef Eben Leonard for close to 3 years. It is one of three restaurants owned by brothers Vicente and Kleber Siguenza (a fourth is schedule to open in Greenwich later this year) including Cava Wine Bar in New Canaan and 55 Degrees Wine Bar and Restaurant in Fairfield. Chef Leonard traces his culinary passion to his early childhood in Chatham, New York when he prepared monthly dinner menus for his mother. As a teenager, Chef Leonard met his first mentor, Chef Urs Bieri, at the Elm Court Inn in Massachusetts, when Bieri hired him to work as a “chef” at the age of fifteen, Read More
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
