Hoodoo Brown BBQ Introduces Tex-Mex Tuesdays Restaurant BBQ Tacos Mexican Ridgefield Andrew Dominick January 27, 2020 Every now and then Hoodoo Brown BBQ goes off their standard menu for special smoked meat theme days. Occasional Whole Hog Sundays, Prime Rib Thursdays (and French Dip Fridays if there are leftovers), and Taco Tuesdays are just some of the drool-inducing days the Hoodoo Crew has come up with over the years. From Taco Tuesday, though, something else was born…Tex-Mex Tuesday. “We did Taco Tuesday for three months with one special taco on the menu to get our creativity flowing,” says Hoodoo general manager Chris Sexton. “It felt like an afterthought because people would get one or two tacos, and we’d maybe sell 10-15 the whole night, but we know that we do things better when we do them bigger.” Read More
Nordic Fish Opens in Fairfield: The Freshest of Fish, Poke Bar, Sushi Donuts & Prepared Food! Restaurant Ingredients Specialty Market Fish Fish Market Fairfield Seasonal Sushi Poke Catering Clambake Lobster Bake Opening April Guilbault January 15, 2020 I have two words for you: Sushi Cake. And two more words for you: Sushi Donut. Hold on, two more: Sushi Burrito. Wait! Three more words! (so many words).Knowledge. Sustainability. Heritage.How on earth do all of these, plus a fresh Nordic wind, connect? They intersect on the Post Road in Fairfield at the Nordic Fish market. Read More
Experience the New TASTING Series at Prime Stamford (sponsored post) Features Restaurant Pop-Up Dinner Stamford Chef Talk Chef's Tasting Jessica Ryan January 11, 2020 Earlier this week a few of us from the CTBites team made our now seasonal pilgrimage to Prime in Stamford. This time to experience the restaurant’s new TASTING menu.The summit of cuisine at Prime, the TASTING series is a re-imagined experience in dining. Small tastes are presented in a unique rhythm and play to Chef’s sensibilities on a weekly basis. In what feels like a restaurant within a restaurant, TASTING places you in the inner sanctum of the kitchen, with the Chef as your guide. The four course TASTING menu is a truly unique table experience. Read More
La Taqueria Opens in Greenwich: Killer Tacos & More Restaurant Mexican Greenwich Tacos Lunch Fast Casual Opening Andrew Dominick January 05, 2020 If you turn onto Greenwich Avenue and blink, there’s a chance you blew right by La Taqueria, one of the street’s newest additions where tacos are front-and-center. Before we dive into the stellar tacos at La Taqueria, you should get to know some of its backstory. That all starts with chef/owner Dennis Lake, who, like his restaurant, is a newcomer to Greenwich as a resident, but not as a stranger entirely. Years ago, he was a sous chef at Restaurant 64 before it was The Ginger Man. Read More
Dough & Co. Cafe & Bakeshop: Georgetown Just Got a Whole Lot Sweeter Restaurant Bakery Cookies Dessert Lunch Breakfast Georgetown Gluten-Free Special Dietary Needs Natalie Levitt January 02, 2020 The journey to Dough & Co. Cafe & Bakeshop and Georgetown has been an adventurous one. After taking a brief break to welcome her son into the world, Christina heard that a Baking Company in Rowayton, CT was looking for a pastry chef. To date, her background had been focused specifically in savory, however she knew that with her passion and creativity, she could translate her skills to pastry and she said YES YES YES to the job! She tapped into the foundational courses she had taken, the internet, books, and Food Network shows to learn how to make pastries like french macaroons and fancy chocolates. The Baking Company in Rowayton started out as a baked goods and healthy salads eatery and eventually became Dough & Co. in 2008 with a rebranding in 2014. Read More
CTbites Staff Picks for Top Eats of 2019 Restaurant Best of CT Homepage Stephanie Webster December 27, 2019 2019...Ah, what a year. As we welcome in the roaring 20’s, full of promise, and hopefully, less national division and drama, it is important to celebrate the restaurants, chefs, dishes, and dining experiences that helped shape the 2019 CT dining scene (and kept us sane). 2019 heralded some great openings from both chefs we know and love, as well as some newcomers. Here's our list of Top Eats for 2019 from the CTbites staff. Every team member and contributor has chosen their own unique way to throw down their favorites. This is NOT a “Best Of” list as writer, Andrew Dominick states. These are the meals and culinary experiences we remember most fondly from 2019. Enjoy, and start making your reservations for 2020. Read More
Brunch at Barcelona Wine Bar Norwalk: The Secret Is Out Restaurant Brunch Breakfast Spanish Tapas Norwalk New Haven West Hartford Stephanie Webster December 25, 2019 This review has been a long time coming. For the past year, my family has had a standing reservation either Saturday or Sunday morning at Barcelona Wine Bar’s Waypoint location. We have been regulars at their evening Tapas service, truly enjoying Chef Kaline Capps’ ever evolving but consistently well executed menu. However, the morning we walked in for Brunch, our weekend breakfast game was forever changed. Barcelona serves a 12 piece curated Brunch menu that knocks the socks off of most local breakfast menus, and the prices…well…there is only one item on the menu over $8. Scrambled Egg Montadito with Manchego and Serrano ham will run you $4.50. Migas Verduras with Brussel Sprouts, Cauliflower, and Aioli sets you back $6.50, and the incredibly delicious Chorizo Breakfast Bowl can be yours for $7.50. Every time we stagger out the door, full of cured Spanish meat and perfectly cooked eggs, we have reverse sticker shock. The menu features ingredients you know, each with a delightful Spanish twist. Now, I’ve shared my little secret. You know where to find me on the weekends. And I haven’t even gotten to the pancakes… Read More
Tiger Belly Noodle Bar in Granby: Slow-Cooked Ramen Perfection (via CT Magazine) Restaurant Granby Ramen Asian Japanese Noodles Comfort Food Connecticut Magazine December 18, 2019 The first sip of steaming broth at Tiger Belly Noodle Bar in Granby tells me all I need to know.The tonkotsu (pork bone) broth is so dense and savory that it seems like it could cure a cold. Although my ramen bowl arrives a few minutes after I order it, the process of its creation clearly began much earlier. It’s easy to tell this soup was slow-cooked. The broth cooks for 20 to 25 hours, I’ll later learn.“We slow-stew it overnight and then we blast it with high heat the next day when we come into work,” chef and owner Ki’yen Yeung says. “We get it down to the point where the bones melt into the broth. Read More
Bruxelles Brasserie’s European Flavors Infuse the South Norwalk Restaurant Scene Restaurant SONO South Norwalk Norwalk European Hungarian French Comfort Food Brunch Lunch Homepage Opening Jessica Ryan December 15, 2019 Bruxelles Brasserie recently opened its doors on Main Street in the space formerly occupied by Barcelona Wine Bar. The setting is hip - a SoHo vibe in SoNo – the flavors are somewhat more traditional. Chef Roland Olah describes his cuisine as simple, though I beg to differ. While there is a familiarity with every dish, nearly everything we tried also had an element of surprise. At Bruxelles Brasseries, you might find that the expected meets the unexpected. Read More
40+ Restaurants for Christmas Eve & Christmas in CT: 2019 Edition Restaurant Christmas Holiday Christmas Eve Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson December 11, 2019 Thanksgiving has passed and snow is on the ground… it’s almost time for Christmas! It’s a festive time of year, but also a busy one full of shopping, cleaning, decorating, baking, and travelling. Why not save some time on the cooking? These 40+ CT restaurants are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas with special menus, festive cocktails, and more. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from your friends at CTBites! Read More
Food & Wine Picks "Story & Soil" in Hartford as One of The Best Coffee Shops in America: 2019 Restaurant Coffee Hartford Hartford County Homepage CTbites Team December 10, 2019 Food & Wine writer, David Landsel, has spent 2 years traveling the United States, studying the American coffee culture. His list of nearly 100 of the most essential cafes, coffee shops, and espresso bars in the United States, includes one very special spot in the Nutmeg state, Story and Soil, located in Hartford CT. Congrats on making the cut, and check out the full article in Food & Wine. Read More
Chicken Piri Piri Authentic Portuguese BBQ Opens in Stratford Restaurant Stratford BBQ Portuguese Delicious Dives To-Go Take Out Lunch Homepage James Gribbon December 08, 2019 "Piri piri" just means "pepper" in the related languages of sub-Saharan Africa, and you may have had piri piri sauce from a bottle, or used the specific variety under its English name, Bird's Eye Peppers, but the Portuguese found it in Mozambique. The flavor-cultural export found its way into the culinary world of Portugal and took hold the way curries have permeated the U.K. The Vilarinho family of restaurateurs from Porto Cancais outside Lisbon saw an opportunity here, and opened their first Chicken Piri Piri in America about ten years ago. Their newest location is a little storefront by Paradise Green in Stratford. CTBites recently stopped by for lunch, and here's what we found at Chicken Piri Piri Portuguese BBQ. Read More
Raw, Vegan & Gluten-Free Food Done Right: Catch a Healthy Habit Cafe Turns 10! Restaurant Vegan Special Dietary Needs Gluten-Free Vegetarian Raw Fairfield healthy Organic Lunch Smoothies Breakfast Bakery Stephanie Webster November 29, 2019 When Catch A Healthy Habit opened its doors 10 years ago, this raw, vegan, gluten-free cafe was one of the first of its kind in CT, and certainly the first in Fairfield County. Owners Lisa Storch (yes, she is related to Matt Storch) and Glen Colello did a wonderful job creating an extensive healthy and delicious menu of items you can’t believe taste so darn good given everything that’s NOT included in the ingredients list. Storch, is a CIA trained chef and has always made everything from scratch, including their almond milk, cashew cheese, and coconut whipped cream (which is divine). They have also managed to source the single best gluten-free bread I’ve found in the fine state of CT. And now they’re 10 years old! To celebrate they will giving all their loyal guests 10% off everything in the store (including their juice cleanses) on Nov 30th, Small Business Day. Read More
Taco Co. Tequila Cantina Opens in Shelton Restaurant Shelton Mexican Tacos Breakfast Lunch Brunch Cocktails Catering Opening Stephanie Webster November 26, 2019 Taco Co Tequila Cantina opened last week in Shelton, bringing a little bit of Mexico City to our fair state of CT. Owner, Kurt A. Popick (also owns Prime One Eleven), inspired by a trip to Cabo, rounded up a culinary team to bring that Mexican street food vibe to life in Taco Co. With the help of Chef Matt Storch, who consulted on Taco Co.’s menu development, the vibe is playful, tasty and well…boozy. With over 90 types of Tequila, hand crafted cocktails, and their signature Frozé Cuervo, Taco Co. is definitely a party. What are we especially excited about? Taco Co. is making their corn tortillas fresh in house daily, and Storch’s taco list, which includes all the classics, is rounded out with some truly creative takes on the ultimate Mexican wrap. We’re talking about Chicken & Waffle tacos, Lobster, The Greek (with ground lamb & feta), NY Strip with chimichurri, and crispy Peking Duck, to name a few. Mhmm. Pair your tacos with a platter of sizzling Fajitas, Cheesy Road Corn or Cabo-Style Ceviche, and you’re in for a good night. Read More
20+ Places For Great Holiday Pies in CT (2019 Edition) Restaurant Best of CT Pie Dessert Holiday Bakery Homepage April Guilbault November 12, 2019 Holiday season is heeeere, with its feasts and parties, and let’s be honest, you can’t really have too much pie, now can you? Note: with the brief exception of a kooky aunt who, after a post-Thanksgiving bout on the tread mill, did wearily proclaim “Too....Much....Pie!” but that’s another story for another time. So where to go for the best pies with the flakiest crusts, sweetest streusel toppings and the most flavorful fillings? We’ll be happy to tell you. Get those dessert plates ready and, um...you might want to loosen that belt.Here are 20+ places to buy great holiday pies in CT. Read More
Brooklyn's Famed Ignazio's Pizza Opens in Westport CT Restaurant open Westport Pizza Lunch Kid Friendly Homepage Stephanie Webster November 10, 2019 Last February, we reported on the famed Brooklyn based Ignazio’s Pizza and their upcoming opening on the Post Road in Westport. We are very pleased to announce that it’s go time! Ignazio’s will be opening their doors, and their pizza ovens, on Monday, November 11th, and we couldn’t be more excited for their signature thin crust pies. CTbites had the pleasure of speaking with owner Louis Termini, who, as it turns out, has strong pizza ties to Connecticut, and big plans for the new Westport digs. Read More
Playa Bowls Opening In West Hartford w/ Bowls & Smoothies Galore Restaurant Smoothies Acai Bowl healthy open Breakfast lunch CTbites Team November 07, 2019 West Hartford, Connecticut is about to get a bowl full of sunshine with the opening of PLAYA BOWLS in Blue Back Square this November. Serving up bowls and smoothies made from açaí, pitaya, coconut, greens, chia, banana, and oatmeal, Playa Bowls uses the freshest high-quality ingredients, with sustainability and community in mind.Furthermore, on Opening Day (exact date and time to be announced in the coming weeks on instagram at @playabowlsweha), the first 50 people in line will get a FREE bowl or smoothie of their choice! Read More
Chef's Tasting at The Spread Greenwich with Chef Carlos Baez Restaurant Chef Pop-Up Dinner Chef's Tasting Greenwich Stephanie Webster November 06, 2019 Let’s be real. Dining out is always a treat. You don’t have to clean up afterwards, and if you’re like me, the menu at almost ANY restaurant is going to surpass what’s going on in my own kitchen. However, if you’re a diner who appreciates experiencing the mind of chef who is executing dishes that are inspired by the season, an “aha” moment, or a desire to experiment, a Chef’s Tasting is the way to take dining to the next level. It was with this in mind, that I attended Chef Carlos Baez’ monthly Chef’s Table Tasting Dinner, held on the last Thursday of every month at The Spread’s Greenwich location. Read More
Winfield Street Coffee Opens in Downtown Stamford at The Ferguson Library Restaurant Coffee Stamford Breakfast Lunch Sandwich Opening Andrew Dominick November 05, 2019 Downtown Stamford just received a jolt of caffeination with the grand opening of Winfield Street Coffee at The Ferguson Library. This third branch of Winfield Street—Westport and Croton-on-Hudson are the other two—will serve up the goods that the brand has become known for under owner Breno Donatti, starting with expertly made lattes, cortados, espressos, cappuccinos, and high-quality drip using Counter Culture Coffee. Other fanciness comes in the form of turmeric, charcoal, or matcha lattes, house-made strawberry oat or chocolate almonds “mylks,” healthy smoothies, or you can treat yourself to a cup of hot cocoa T.M.F. style with a heaping scoop of toasted marshmallow fluff on top. Read More
Sneak Peek: Taco Daddy Set to Open in Stamford Restaurant Tacos Stamford Homepage Opening Andrew Dominick November 03, 2019 Fans of @dallasthewalpig’s Instagram account may have noticed that Dallas, a half Shar-Pei, half bulldog puppy signed a lease for a new taco joint in Stamford. Umm…what?!Then the account switched over to @tacodaddystamford and fans, both locally and from afar, were undoubtedly confused. What’s there to be confused about? If a dog opened a taco joint, you’d go, right? That’s not what’s actually happening but that is the joke at Taco Daddy, a fresh idea by John Nealon, who you likely know from Fortina, and his fiancée Morgan Machette. Read More
