Little Pub Opening Second Location in Wilton Restaurant Wilton Beer Comfort Food Burgers Jessica Ryan November 28, 2012
SoNo Market Place Opens December 1st in Norwalk Ingredients Restaurant Bakery Chocolate Coffee Norwalk Pizza Specialty Market Wine Dinners Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger November 26, 2012 A week prior to the official opening on Saturday December 1st, SoNo Market Place decided to sponsor a soft opening on November 23rd and I decided that tasting some good local food was a whole lot better than fighting the crowds at the mall. All of the food purveyors were in full test-mode and my first stop was Flat White Coffee to taste the coffee described to CTbites by owner, John Palino, back in September. This was a creamy blend of rich coffee and steamed milk, a brand brought over from New Zealand, and one that should meet with great success in CT. But it's not just about coffee at SoNo Market Place. With over 20 food vendors and eateries, this European style market is poised to be a foodie destination. Guests lined up at Wise Guys Pizza for New Haven style pies; Norm Bloom served up fresh oysters and clams straight from the Norwalk waters, and Fish & Chips were on the menu from Gotta Nibble. Caterering company, Festivities, has a permananet spot here with their take-out biz, "Party Express." Local specialty purveyors and well known brands such as Knipschildt Chocolatier, Wave Hill Breads, and Nothin' But Granola have also opened shop at the market. Read More
Six Main: Elegant Raw & Vegetarian in Chester CT Restaurant Gluten-Free Road Trip Special Dietary Needs Vegetarian Vegan Amy Kundrat November 25, 2012 Six Main will close their doors as of September 27, 2014. From their website announcement: "Thank you to all of our loyal customers for a wonderful 2 1/2 years, and most of all we would like to thank our farmer, Baylee Drown and her team at Upper Pond Farm for providing us with such inspiring food." Elegantly prepared, nuanced preparations of vegetarian, vegan and raw food dishes are the expert domain of Six Main Restaurant in Chester, CT. Housed in the former Chester Savings Bank, a stately 100-year old landmark situated at the center of this quaint central Connecticut town, Six Main helps to usher in the slow momentum of “contemporary plant-based gourmet cuisine” into the state. Open since summer 2012, Six Main is the result of a serendipitous collaboration between owner Bill de Jonge and award-winning raw chef Rachel Carr. Looking for a chef who would hold the same passion for healthy food, de Jonge hired Carr who happened to find herself in the Northeast after many years on the West coast at the helm of the well known Los Angeles raw vegan outpost, Cru. Their partnership also led to the cultivation of de Jonge's Old Lyme home, Upper Pond Farm, for produce specifically raised for the restaurant they were building. Read More
Invites: Hurricane Sandy Benefit Dinner @ Oaxaca Kitchen Restaurant CTbites Invites Mexican CTbites Team November 24, 2012 Join CTbites and Oaxaca Kitchen in Westport for a special evening on Thursday 11/29 7:30-9:30 to benefit Connecticut Food Bank for $55. A special 5 course menu presented personally by Chef Prasad Chirnomula includes signature OMG Margarita and Sangria & $20 of each ticket will be donated to Connecticut Food Bank's Hurricane Sandy Virtual Food Drive. Chef Prasad will be on hand to explain the inspiration for both of his top rated restaurant concepts, Thali and Oaxaca. He will discuss his methedology and use of authentic spices as well as the similarities between his Mexican and Indian influences. Read More
Dinosaur BBQ Preview: Opening Soon in Stamford Restaurant BBQ Stamford Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger November 20, 2012 “Did you ever in your wildest dreams think that when you cut a 55-gallon drum in half, filled one side with wood and grilled meats at a Harley Davidson Rally in 1983 that you would be standing in your sixth restaurant in Stamford, Connecticut almost thirty years later?” John Stage, the founder of Dinosaur BBQ, slowly shook his head and smiled ever so slightly as he scanned the interior of his new location and uttered a single word that so beautifully summed it up, “Never.” This soft spoken BBQ master was kind enough to give CTbites an exclusive tour of the almost completed Dinosaur BBQ (named after his partner Dino) in Stamford and we were overwhelmed by the space. Read More
Basso Cafe: Venezuela & Italy Meet in Norwalk Restaurant Italian Norwalk Venezuelan New Canaan Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger November 18, 2012 When you enter Basso Café you feel transported to a warmer climate with the vibrant colors and art of the Mediterranean. The green walls are adorned with large colorful paintings depicting various culinary delights and the dark wood tables are inviting and offer a calming respite from the hustle and bustle of the day. At the helm of the Basso Café is Owner / Chef Renato Donzelli, who is proud that his dream still thrives after opening at the worst possible time at the beginning of the financial crisis in September 2007. A loyal following and favorable word of mouth allowed him to weather the crisis, and his strong menu has given him continued success. Born in Venezuela and raised in Naples, Italy, Chef Renato’s cuisine focuses primarily on Mediterranean flavors with a Venezuelan influence. Read More
White Truffle Wine Dinner @ Bar Sugo in Norwalk Restaurant Italian Norwalk Wine Dinners CTbites Team November 16, 2012
The Story Behind Fat Cat Pie Co. in Norwalk CT Ingredients Restaurant Pizza Wine Bar Wine Chat Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 15, 2012 As an English enthusiast, I am always looking for meaningful ways to explain the concept of “irony.” It is perhaps the most misunderstood word in the English language. Although Alanis Morisette’s single “Ironic” proved catchy, it helped propagate the phony notion that irony must be linked to coincidence or misfortune. Irony is actually a simple “incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs.” Examples include a traffic officer avoiding parking tickets or the demise of “unsinkable” Titanic. But the best embodiment of the term is certainly the Fat Cat Pie Company. This venture, led by Mark Ancona, Anthony Ancona, Suzanne Ancona, and Mike Pelletier, is a dazzling display of all things unexpected. Read More
Connecticut Burgers Go National via “A Hamburger Today” Restaurant Westport Comfort Food Kid Friendly Burgers Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger November 14, 2012 For those who love hamburgers, The Spotted Horse Tavern in Westport offers two pre-designed alternatives. The Saugatuck Craft Butchery Burger is a simple hamburger with lettuce and tomato with additional toppings available (major recommendation is the bacon) and the Black Truffle Burger includes one of my new favorite additions, a fried egg. Both offer incredibly delicious meat from Westport’s own Saugatuck Craft Butchery. Now the “Hamburgers of Fairfield County,” as well as Connecticut, will receive justifiable attention nationally in America’s most widely read hamburger review site, A Hamburger Today. My first review focused on a long-standing favorite in New Canaan, Cherry Street East and my most recent entry presented Westport’s new entrant, The Spotted Horse, where guests can enjoy hamburgers in a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere. “The highlight of the burgers is the incredible meat; it's one of the most flavorful patties I've ever tasted; Read More
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
