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VanChetta Rolling Rotisserie Food Truck: Outstanding Porchetta Sandwich

Restaurant Food Truck

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

The food truck craze has officially invaded Fairfield County.

Until last year there were less than a handful of colorful food trucks gracing the streets and parking lots of Fairfield County. Last year, the circular driveway outside the Beer Garden at Harbor Point became their go-to location, the choices expanded and lines confirmed that people finally accepted the fact that great food can be both prepared and served from a rolling kitchen. Traditionally limited to a griddle or grill in food preparation, I was intrigued to learn that one housed a rotisserie and excited when I discovered that they served porchetta, one of my favorites.

Enter VanChetta Rolling Rotisserie...

I checked their Facebook page for their location. Was there fire behind all of this rotisserie smoke? As I approached the brightly colored truck with its bold “VanChetta” adorning the sides and “?YRGNUH” emblazoned on the front, I had a good feeling. The line was several deep and others were already enjoying a variety of Chef/Owner Andy Dolan’s creations at surrounding picnic tables.


Doughnut Day: Best Doughnuts in Fairfield County & Beyond

Restaurant Bakery Kids Breakfast Best of CT Kid Friendly Dessert

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Friday June 6 is National Donut Day! Yes, it's an actual holiday... it started in 1938 and has been celebrated on the first Friday in June ever since.  Back then, making doughnuts proved a complicated ordeal, with people resorting to wine bottles as rolling pins and metal tins as cutting edges.  Today, however, several CT restaurants have made doughnuts an art form.

As a Stamford resident, I constantly heard people talk about the legendary donuts at the Lakeside Diner.  Their rounds are neither ornate nor revolutionary.  Instead, the old-fashioned donuts taste just like something Grandma would have pulled out of the oven.  The classic cake recipe has a dusting of granulated sugar that pleases children and adults alike.

On the other side of the spectrum, Orangeside of New Haven eschews tradition and bakes up SQUARE donuts.  It started out as an exercise in frugality; traditional round cutters proved expensive and the square shaped reduced the amount of scrap dough.  However, the original design became an instant hit, even recognized by Saveur Magazine as one of the top 50 donuts in the United States.


LobsterCraft Food Truck Opening Brick & Mortar Shop in Darien

Restaurant Food Truck

CTbites Team

LobsterCraft, in collaboration with Imian Hospitality, announces the first brick-and-mortar location of the popular gourmet food truck of the same name. LobsterCraft Darien developed out of a relationship formed last summer at Imian’s wildly successful pop-up, The Beer Garden at Harbor Point.

The LobsterCraft food truck spent many bustling nights at The Beer Garden, cultivating a loyal following of lobster lovers who track the truck using the full range of social media outlets. LobsterCraft, founded in 2012 by Norwalk-based lobsterman and Coast Guard Captain, Michael Harden, and chef-partner, Trond Fletcher, takes the traditional Connecticut Style lobster roll to the “next level.” The duo’s commitment to perfecting Connecticut’s official state sandwich has earned LobsterCraft a number of awards and accolades, including best food truck and best lobster roll in the state.

LobsterCraft rolls are simple, yet elegant combinations of fresh, hot-buttered lobster meat mixed with a pinch of a proprietary 12-ingredient seasoning blend


CTbites' Best Restaurant Burgers in Fairfield County: 2014 Edition

Restaurant Fairfield Norwalk SONO Stamford Westport New Canaan Best of CT Burgers

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

National Burger Month draws to a close.

What better way to celebrate the conclusion of an entire month of enjoying some incredible hamburgers than announcing the 2014 CTbites' winners of the Best Restaurant Burgers of Fairfield County. More burgers challenged last year’s winners and three were successful, Olio, Mama’s Boy and Bar Sugo.

For the second year in a row, the winner is: 

The Whelk– 2014 Best Restaurant Burger in Fairfield County

1 - The Whelk (Westport) – The Whelk Burger combines a blend rich flavored meat, sweet pickles, cry baby Swiss cheese, two varieties of bacon, crisped onions and onion mayo on a brioche bun. The dry aged blend of short rib, brisket and chuck from Craft Saugatuck Butchery was fantastic. The cheese covered, thick patty sat atop two different varieties of bacon that added saltiness and smokiness, while slices of sweet pickles, a slice of frisée and the onion accented mayo brought additional flavors and textures. Sitting atop the plump patty was a handful of crisped onions.


Cookies for Kids With Cancer: Danbury Bake Sale, June 8 at Danbury Square

Restaurant Fundraiser

Amy Kundrat

Cookies for Kids' Cancer will hold a bake sale on Sunday, June 8 at 10 am in Danbury Square in Danbury, CT.

“We are determined to raise as much as we can for childhood cancer research,” says the sale’s organizer (and Fine Cooking senior editor), Denise Mickelsen. “We invite everyone interested in volunteering, baking, or stopping by for some delicious treats to do so. Every dollar counts and we need your help!”

A national 501(c)3 non-profit, Cookies for Kids' Cancer is committed to raising funds for research to develop new, improved treatments for pediatric cancer, the #1 disease killer of children in the U.S. They provide inspiration and support for individuals, businesses and organizations to raise funds by hosting grassroots bake sales and other fundraising events.

The Danbury bake sale will have cookies and other baked goods, raffle prizes, balloons, and much more for the entire family.

For more information on the organization, visit the Cookies for Kids' Cancer website, and stay in touch locally at Danbury Cookies for Kids with Cancer on Facebook.


Recap: Chef Jeff Taibe's Rooftop Takeover at Ecco

Restaurant Bethel Bill Taibe Farm to Table

Amy Kundrat

Earlier this month, Chef Jeff Taibe led a one night kitchen takeover of the Ecco Rooftop in Bethel, located above La Zingara. The chef and his team prepared a five-course wood-fired feast in the intimate en plein air restaurant.

"We chose Ecco because I love the atmosphere. I love how casual it feels sitting on the patio. Another draw was working with the wood-fired oven," said Jeff Taibe. "Plus I wanted to bring some attention to upper Fairfield, there are a lot of hidden gems and great places to go and I feel Ecco is one of them."

About 25 people sat under the twinkling lights of the rooftop, enjoying Taibe's creations presented on vintage china from Borrowed, and paired with the evening's signature cocktail, the Paper Plane, a combination of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice, concocted by mixologist Jeff Marron.

Taibe will be the executive chef at brother Bill Taibe's newest restaurant in Westport.


Annual Sunset Picnic at Ambler Farm in Wilton is June 14

Restaurant Farm Dinner

CTbites Team

Ambler Farm has announced plans for their annual "Sunset Picnic – An Evening in the Garden" on Saturday, June 14 from 6 to 10 pm. The evening will be catered by Barcelona restaurant and tickets are $95 members / $110 non-member. Ambler Farm is located in Wilton at 257 Hurlbutt Street.

Registration is now open to members, and will open to the general public (space permitting, and tickets are going FAST) on May 15th. Register Here. 


Port Chester Hall & Beer Garden is Now Open!

Ingredients Restaurant Beer Garden Port Chester Beer

CTbites Team

 

This just in from the folks at PORT CHESTER HALL:

After undergoing a full renovation and transformation into the first ever food hall, beer pavilion and garden in one venue, Port Chester Railroad Station is proud to announce the opening of PORT CHESTER HALL & BEER GARDEN.

The Hall will be pouring 12 unique craft beer selections, created by Kelly Taylor, Director of Brewing for Port Chester Hall (in addition to Houston Hall and Flatiron Hall in Manhattan). These specialty beer styles include English, Belgian, German, and American, however all use mostly American ingredients. In addition to the proprietary beer selection, the Hall is serving imaginative cocktails by the in-house mixologist, as well as top shelf spirits and a variety of wines.

The station's historic architecture, originally designed in 1890, was preserved and retooled with vintage lighting, seating, and century-old murals.  The Pavilion combines the original railroad steel design with communal wood tables and a towering stone fireplace.  


Sono Restaurant Week is Back June 8-13th

Restaurant Restaurant Week

CTbites Team

Sono Restaurant Week is back this spring with almost 20 restaurants participating in prix fixe menus and great dining deals for lunch and dinner in downtown South Norwalk. Restaurant Week also gives diners the opportunity to check out some new venues in SoNo including: Quartino Trattoria Vineria, Johnny Utah’s (ride the bull while you're there), Sweet Lucy Lynn’s, as well as Dan Kardos' new Local Kitchen & Beer Bar.

Participating Restaurants & Price Points Below:


gingerbitz Bakery Opens in New Canaan: A Sneak Peek

Restaurant Bakery Specialty Market New Canaan Kid Friendly Dessert

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

“gingerbitz” is opening its doors in what owners Andrew and Karen Zuckert call the store’s “dress rehearsal” and CTbites and Hearst Connecticut Media Group were invited for a sneak peek and sample several of Karen’s delicious creations.

Described as a bakery and café, gingerbitz is a welcome addition to New Canaan, which has yearned for a local bakery for many years. The longtime dream of New Canaan residents Andrew and Karen Zuckert, gingerbitz represents years of dedication. Karen is well known within Fairfield County for her amazing gingerbread houses that have graced many mantles, as well as featured at numerous holiday festivals. When the opportunity arose to open a bakery in town that would “broader showcase Karen’s talents,” the couple jumped at the opportunity. They painstakingly and meticulously renovated the location, developed relationships with vendors to provide organic products and Andrew embarked on his search for the perfect coffee.


109 Cheese & Wine's Perfect Grilled Cheese Recipe c/o Fairfield County Chef's Table

Features Restaurant Cheese Ridgefield Recipe

Amy Kundrat and Stephanie Webster

In our second week featuring recipes from Fairfield County Chef's Table, we looked no further than Ridgefield to feature 109 Cheese & Wine's excellent grilled cheese sandwich with wild mushrooms. In addition to trying your hand at the recipe below, the shop also makes made-to-order grilled cheese sandwiches in their shop. 109 Cheese & Wine will be hosting a free event with Bernard's Restaurant and Southwest Café at 11 am on May 31 in their upstairs classroom, complete with food from all three restaurants, bubbly and beverages, as well as copies of Fairfield County Chef's Table. Stop by for a snack, and have the chefs and author sign your book!

109 Cheese & Wine
109 Danbury Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877 | (203) 438-5757 | 109cheeseandwine.com
Owners: Monica and Todd Brown

Wild Mushroom Grilled Cheese Sandwich


Bounty Food Truck Rolls into Fairfield County with Grass Fed Gourmet Burgers & More

Restaurant Food Truck Burgers

Stephanie Webster

We just had a moment with a new food truck that has rolled into Fairfield County, Bounty Food Truck featuring "Gourmet Burgers & More." With two CIA trained chefs manning the grill, this "farm to mobile" kitchen has some serious legs...and some really tasty burgers. We sampled the "Bordelaise Burger" with caramelized onions, gruyere cheese, malbec butter and arugula. We asked for pink in the middle, and perfectly pink it was served. The burger was thick and juicy, caramelized onions deeply flavorful, with gruyere blanketing the beef, all softy nestled under a perfect brioche bun. We'd go back. 

Other selections today were a "Simple Burger" with lettuce, farm tomato and onion, as well as the " Bounty" with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle and "Bounty Spread." Intriguing...

All of their ground beef is 100% grass fed, hormone and antibiotic free and straight from Saugatuck Craft Butchery in Westport. Their produce and eggs are sourced from Holbrook Farm in Bethel as well as Gilbertie's Farm in Easton. The gorgeous brioche bun is made by Wave Hill Breads in Norwalk, CT


Guide to Kids Summer Cooking Camps & Classes in Connecticut

Kids Bites Features Restaurant Cooking Classes Education Kids kids activity kids cooking party

April Guilbault

Is May about the newly arriving crocuses (crocii?)? Or about the greening of our lawns after the longest winter ever? Nah. Let’s get down to business-it’s about finding camps for your kiddos before the summer hits and all of those spots are filled! The emails have begun flying and the scramble is beginning. What’s new? What’s fun? How about forgoing the traditional Camp Gitchigoomee canoes and bonfires and, instead, fan the flames of summer creativity in some area kitchens with cooking camps for kids! 

Here is a list of 8 Kids Cooking Classes & Summer Camps for 2014:


2014 Westport Farmers' Market Opening Day is Thursday May 22nd

Restaurant CT Farms Chef Farmers Market

CTbites Team

The Westport Farmers’ Market kicks off its ninth summer season on Thursday, May 22 and continues Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m through November 6 at 50 Imperial Avenue. They will kick-off the season with a green juice toast, by The Stand @12:00. Come early and enjoy the tasty treats Chef Cecily Ganz and the Staples High School Culinary team will be demonstrating from 10:15 - 11:00. 

WFM will offer locally produced products from over 40 vendors including meats, dairy, breads, seafood and produce each week, as well as host cooking and educational demonstrations from chefs and artisans.


Themed "Pop-Up" Lunches Launch at Match in SoNo Wednesday-Friday

Restaurant Dinner Events Lunch

CTbites Team

Think Match is great for dinner? For the first time in their 14-year history, Match is launching Lunch, but not just any lunch. Match will be serving a pop-up style themed lunch. Each week Match will be transformed by putting aside the usual menu and letting their chefs get creative to keep your curiosity piqued.  What themes you ask...

Matt Storch writes, "Like tacos? We've got an ode to ‘Taco’s or What?’ coming your way. Crave our burgers? We'll transform into a classic roadside burger & dog joint. Love Italian? We'll pull out the red checkered tablecloths!"

Beginning tomorrow, Wednesday May 21, you can join Match three days a week, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 11:30 am – 2 pm. 

To find out what's on the menu, follow Match on Facebook and Twitter to see what's for lunch! Call or visit Opentable for reservations.


Green Grunion Food Truck: San Diego-style Burritos in Danbury

Restaurant Danbury Food Truck Tacos Beer Mexican

Amy Kundrat

The Green Grunion food truck is the brainchild of Paul Mannion, a Bethel native whose three year foray in San Diego served as inspiration for Danbury's San Diego-style burrito business on wheels. A restaurant industry veteran (you may remember his friendly face from behind the bar at Bethel’s La Zingara), Paul launched the business nearly a year ago in Danbury inspired by the burritos he came to know and love during his time in San Diego.

I finally tracked down the Green Grunion after many positive reader recommendations, and a fuzzy memory of Paul telling me his grandiose plans from behind the Zingara bar last year. But first, a quick burrito primer for the uninitiated East Coast-dwellers (read: you, me, and everyone we know, Connecticut).

Look up burrito in the dictionary and you'll likely conjure an image of the tightly-packed Mission style behemoths found in San Francisco's Mission District and interpreted loosely at a Chipotle near you.


Locali in New Canaan: New Patio...New Menu

Restaurant Italian Outdoor Dining Pizza New Canaan

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

Finally…the weather has changed…the farms are beginning to produce spring vegetables… and al fresco dining is in full swing. CTbites recently posted a round-up of over forty restaurants with al fresco dining including Locali in New Canaan and many readers added their favorites.

At the northern end of Forest Avenue, aka Restaurant Row, the patio of the newest restaurant addition, Locali, opened its patio, doubled the seating and Executive Chef Mogan Anthony has completely revamped the menu. The new spring offerings include nine predetermined pizza combinations and sixteen appetizers and salads, all for sharing, plus a smattering of pastas. All of these new culinary delights combine bold flavors and textures to highlight the seasonal bounty.


Win 2 Tickets to Battle of the Chefs in Ridgefield on June 1

Restaurant Ridgefield

CTbites Team

Who doesn't love a good old-fashioned throwdown?

The Battle of the Chefs returns to Ridgefield's Founders Hall on Sunday, June 1, 4 – 7 pm and you have the chance to be the lucky recipient of two stadium seat tickets to taste and experience an epic throwdown between Forrest Pasternack of Bailey’s Backyard in Ridgefield, Matt Storch of Match in Norwalk, and Jeff Taibe of The Whelk and LeFarm.

Here's what you need to do:

Comment on this post with your dream Battle of the Chef match-up, either fictional, celebrity or local, and we'll randomly select a winner by May 23!


Speakeasy Night at Walrus+Carpenter: CTbites Invites Recap

Restaurant BBQ CTbites Invites Events

ellen bowen

As the back door opened a crack, a tuxedoed man eyed me and said, “What’s the Password?”… “Bees' Knees” I hesitantly whispered, palms sweaty, and only then I was ushered into the Walrus + Carpenter back room “Speakeasy” for a Throwback Thursday CTbites Invites event on May 8, 2014, of Prohibition cocktails, silent films and the food and music of the Roaring 20’s. 

Owner Joe Farrell and GM Adam Roytman were on hand to greet the 30 attendees of this sold out evening, most who chose to follow the Invites suggestion of dressing for the period…every where I looked were Al Capone look-alikes dressed in pinstripe suits and fedoras…Fancy “molls” in fringe dresses, sequined headbands, multiple strands of pearls and fur boas.