Friday Froth: Recap of Sourcopia w/ Chef Plum & Two Roads Brewing Co. Restaurant CT Beer Beer James Gribbon November 07, 2014 OK, ok: I know I've gone all 2Roads2Furious on you, but I did say these events arrive in pairs. Connecticut Beer Week ended as it began this October, with me sitting at a table and listening to brewmaster Phil Markowski explain his newest beers, this time beside Chef Plum, of Plum Luv Foods and The Taste. The event, Sourcopia, was the pre-release party for Two Roads' new collection of sour beers, a kriek, a gueuze, and the concoction 2R calls "Philsamic" against - it should be noted - the wishes of one Phil. He was pretty, pret-tay clear on that last part. This was a beer dinner, but the portion sizes Chef Plum provided were more akin to a tasting menu. I appreciated this, since I've walked out of some previous pairing events in dire jeopardy of tipping over like a one legged T. Rex. I'm not sure if this was the plan all along, or it was a result of Chef Plum et al. having to work in an ad hoc kitchen on site. Read More
Bailey's Backyard in Ridgefield Hosts "An Evening in the Berkshires" with Berkshire Mountain Distillers and 109 Cheese & Wine Restaurant Dinner Events Amy Kundrat November 06, 2014 Bailey's Backyard in Ridgefield will be hosting, An Evening in the Berkshires, a fall-themed spirits dnner on Thursday, November 13, 2014, with Berkshire Mountain Distillers and 109 Cheese and Wine. Hand-crafted cocktails will be paired with a four course tasting menu alongside guest speaker and distiller Michael Sharry. Bailey's chief mixologist, Bryan Walsh, has compiled an impressive lineup of cocktails paired with Executive Chef Forrest Pasternack's locally-minded menu. Price is $75 per person plus gratuity. Read More
Mozzarella Making Workshop w/ Chef Pietro Scotti @ Wakeman Town Farm Nov. 15 Restaurant Cooking Classes Christy Colasurdo November 06, 2014 Mild and milky, smooth and silky: any way one stretches it, people love fresh mozzarella! And in this hands-on crash course, participants will learn to make it at home. On November 15th, from 10:30 -noon, Chef Pietro will explain coagulation as how milk turns from fluid to firm curds. Then, participants will roll up their sleeves to turn curds into the beautiful balls that are known as fresh mozzarella. Taste several samples of fresh cheeses (think mozzarella, burrata!). Local Chef Pietro Scotti, of DaPietro's in Westport will teach the ins and outs tof making fresh mozzarella and burrata in this Saturday Cheese-Making Workshop at Wakeman Town Farm. To register, simply email wakemantownfarm@gmail.com and provide the name and number of people in your party. Class is $45 per person, and limited to 12. Respondents will be notified of acceptance into the workshop and will pay at the door. Read More
CT Beer Week Recap, Part 1: Two Roads Brewing & Cask Republic Talk Beer & Eat Good Food Restaurant Beer Dinner CT Beer Stamford Beer James Gribbon November 05, 2014 Sometimes, when it comes to beer, I envy starfish. Nature can tear the humble sea star in half and it just returns with backup, like a teeny Lernaean Hydra. The creature that is "Connecticut Beer Week" underwent a similar duplication for 2014 - with one week in May and another in October - and, after trying to be everywhere at once, I failed, regenerated, and present the first in this three part recap. Starfish likewise have the remarkable ability to turn inside out to eat. I like to think this would give them infinite eating capacity, which would be handy at your average multi-course beer pairing dinner. Fittingly, beer pairing events with Two Roads appear to be binate: the first of which was held at The Cask Republic in Stamford to kick off Connecticut Beer Week: The Revenge, this October.The hosts for the night were Two Roads Brewmaster Phil Markowski, who was debuting his Unothrodox Russian Imperial Stout, and Executive Chef Carl Carrion, whom I've mentioned before. Read More
Chef Michael White Opening Campagna at Bedford Post Inn Restaurant Bedford Celebrity Chef Hotel Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger November 05, 2014 News from Campagna Restaurant at the Bedford Post Inn...it is partnering with the Altamarea Group and Michelin-starred Chef Michael White. Joining Chef White at Campagna are Executive Chef PJ Calapa, the former chef of Ai Fiori and Costata and Chef di Cuisine Devin Bozkaya, whose experience includes the outstanding Inn at Little Washington in Virginia. The upscale sister to The Barn, the menu will focus on Chef White’s world renowned Italian cuisine with a few American twists to adhere to the surroundings of the 19th Century Bedford Post Inn. The menu features incredible options including pork shoulder ravioli with cacio e pepe; risotto with Barolo, short rib, and bone marrow; pan seared halibut with sunchokes, caponata, artichokes and salsa verde and a filet of beef with bone marrow crust, pomme puree and porcini sugo. Campagna at the Bedford Post Inn 954 Old Post Road, Bedford, NY 914-234-6386 Read More
Tikkaway Grill Opens Second Location in New Haven Restaurant New Haven Indian Amy Kundrat November 04, 2014 Tikkaway has opened a second location at 2 Howe Street in New Haven, in addition to their original location at 135 Orange Street, serving the same fast casual and healthy Indian menu. This article was originally posted on September 1, 2013. Enjoy! There is a movement underway in New Haven that may change the way Americans view Indian food. Often the domain of full-service restaurants, Indian cuisine has yet to enter the category of ‘fast casual.’ This scarcity is what some would call an opportunity. Tikkaway Grill is the brainchild of businessman Gopinath (Gopi) Nair, a chef with the rare combination of a culinary degree and an MBA. Gopi may be a familiar face to Indian food lovers in Fairfield County as a former managing partner of Coromandel, spending much of his time in its South Norwalk location. His passion for Indian cuisine, combined with an unfailing dedication to customer service, has inspired Tikkaway’s central tenants--a fresh, healthy, and informal take on Indian food. A pared down menu, casual setting and approachable price point, seeks to demystify while at the same time celebrating, the south asian spice-loving cuisine for the masses. Read More
Green & Tonic Expands Their Plant Based Dine On-The-Go Empire Restaurant Going Green Juice Cleanse healthy Vegan CTbites Team November 03, 2014 Owners Jeffrey and Cai Pandolfino have taken Green & Tonic from a delivery service to a plant-based dine on-the-go favorite with three Fairfield County locations and now a fourth location in downtown New Canaan location at 5 Burtis Avenue. Green & Tonic will offer their unique brand of organic cold-pressed juices, nutritional cleanse programs, meal plans, superfood smoothies, as well as a full menu of prepared foods including salads, side salads, wraps and soups all made fresh daily. The New Canaan store will also debut the new expanded breakfast menu, healthy kid-friendly snacks and a new store design. Green & Tonic hopes to engage the community in discussions about health & wellness "healthy happy hours", bringing in health professionals to address topics like nutrition strategies, natural remedies, sports nutrition, children’s health, and integrative health therapies. Read More
The Goose in Darien Delivers a Pretty Tasty Bar Burger Restaurant Burgers Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger November 02, 2014 I am constantly asked when the subject turns to burgers... “Have you tried The Goose…have you tried The Goose…have you tried The Goose?” With all of that positive energy guiding me to downtown Darien and a plaque commemorating The Goose’s “2014 Best of...” greeting me as I approached the front door...my hopes were pretty high that The Goose's burger would knock my socks off. I decided to grab one of the high top tables in the bar. The bar area had a fantastic vibe with its high top tables in front of a long wood bar that dominated the entire length of the room, behind the bar a full wall displaying a wide array of liquors, and TV’s airing ESPN, Sports World, Baseball World, all things wood and sports, a great pub feel. The menu included two beef burgers; the basic BLACK ANGUS BURGER, where you can build your own combination, and THE GOOSE BURGER, which included bacon, blue cheese, crispy onions and horseradish cream (definitely a pub-creation). Read More
Tarry Lodge New Haven Opens this Weekend Restaurant New Haven Take Out Pizza CTbites Team October 31, 2014 Tarry Lodge opens their newest outpost in New Haven this weekend and will be participating in New Haven's restaurant week beginning on Sunday. Tarry Lodge New Haven is located at 278 Park Street in New Haven. The Yale Daily News reported its opening today, noting its smaller footprint and more student-friendly focus: Read More
Sono Baking Company is Open in Darien: Breakfast, Lunch & To-Go Restaurant Bakery Darien Prepared Food Breakfast Lunch Kid Friendly Dessert Stephanie Webster October 29, 2014 Sono Baking Company is officially open for business at their new Darien outpost. Guests can drop in and sample John Barricelli’s expansive baked goods menu, or sit down after ordering counter side and dig into both breakfast and lunch. I know what you’re thinking…yes, he remembered the espresso machine. Excited? We are. Conveniently located on 49 Tokeneke Road right across from the Darien train station, Sono Baking Co. is the perfect spot to grab an impeccably baked croissant or egg sandwich and a quick latte on the way to the train. Open 7AM to 7PM, this beautiful sun soaked interior also offers guests comfortable seating where one can relax and order from their menu of soups, paninis, quiche or special weekend pancakes. Read More
Hana Tokyo Opens in Fairfield CT @ The Brick Walk Restaurant Asian Fairfield Japanese kids activity Sushi Kid Friendly Jessica Ryan October 28, 2014 Hana Tokyo opened in Fairfield’s Brick Walk Plaza just a few weeks ago, and locals seem to be embracing the new restaurant with open arms. Owner Alan Wu recently relocated from Alexandria, Virginia to be closer to his family. Born and raised in China, he came to the US in his mid-20s and landed in New York City where he immersed himself in the world of gourmet sushi, learning everything possible about the trade. In 2002 he opened the original Hana Tokyo and after 13 successful years as the busiest Japanese restaurant in town, Wu and his restaurant now come to us. Wu prides himself on using only the freshest available ingredients, making everything in-house, and offering unparalleled service. The new restaurant (which many will recognize as the former Tomba) has a contemporary, earthy feel. As one enters the restaurant, a large mural of a Japanese woman in a kimono, painted by renowned local artist, Suzanne Bellehumeur, greets you as you enter the facility and a small sushi bar constructed from reclaimed wood is to the right. Contemporary and traditional Japanese décor are combined to give the space a look that is modern yet traditional. The main dining area has 8 hibachi tables, a sushi bar, a lounge, plus 20 outside seats. Read More
Locali Bar & Pizza Kitchen in New Canaan Rolls Out New Fall Menu...And It's Good Restaurant Italian Pizza New Canaan Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger October 23, 2014 Executive Chef Mogan Anthony of Locali restaurant in New Canaan rolled out his fall menu, inspired by the fresh autumn ingredients, and invited CTbites to stop in and sample a few of his new culinary creations. My favorite of the Small Plates was the “Shaved Local Cauliflower.” The thinly sliced raw cauliflower was tossed with pieces of Medjool dates, cashews, and drizzled with white Balsamic. The earthiness of the crispy cauliflower was beautifully complemented by the sweetness in the dates and the slightly tart balsamic. The cashews added additional earthiness and a delightful crunch. Read More
Spotlight on The "Local Burger" @ Local Kitchen & Beer Bar in Sono... Delicious Restaurant Norwalk SONO Burgers Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger October 21, 2014 In my continuous and unending search for great hamburgers in Fairfield County, I returned to SONO to sample Chef Dan Kardos’ latest version at LOCAL Kitchen and Beer Bar. Kardos is no stranger to my “Best of” list with previous version from both Harvest Supper in New Canaan and NOLA (at this same location) earning a spot. The interior of the restaurant has been transformed, with more woods and lights plus the rear room (never my favorite) was converted into a Bourbon Bar. The new décor gives a much hipper and fun feel. Chef Dan’s latest version is named “THE LOCAL BURGER” and includes all natural, humanely raised beef, sautéed wild mushrooms, bacon, Swiss cheese, fronions and black pepper mayo, encased in a Wave Hill bun…served with French fries and a pickle. Read More
Jax & Co. Opens in Sono, from the Owners of Mama's Boy: Breakfast, Lunch & To-Go Dinner Restaurant Norwalk Prepared Food SONO Southern Breakfast Lunch Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger October 19, 2014 Whenever the owner of a restaurant that serves great food announces a second location, I am excited to see where this second venture will lead. After hearing that Greer Fredericks, the co-owner of Mama’s Boy in SONO, was opening JAX around the corner on North Main, I couldn’t wait for my first visit. JAX opened a few weeks ago and currently serves a wide range of breakfast options, plus a tremendous selection of creative sandwiches at lunch. It is also placing the final touches to its soon to be released take-away dinners, and awaiting the delivery of its ice cream machine.Located just south of the SONO theatre, the interior is completely redesigned, accented with a red painted art nouveau ceiling and lots of wood throughout…it is definitely the sister restaurant to Mama’s Boy. Read More
Black Rock Farmers Market Throws a HARVEST HOOTENANNY Oct. 25th Ingredients Restaurant Bridgeport Farmers Market Stephanie Webster October 16, 2014 The Black Rock Farmers' Market is throwing a party to celebrate the closing of the market for the 2014 season. Go shop the market on October 25th from 9-1pm, and then stay for an afternoon of celebration at their Harvest Hootenanny featuring local food, local breweries, and live music, from 1-5pm. Musical guest will be Black Rock's own Oh, Cassius! Hootenanny Event Schedule Pig Roast (sponsored by Walrus + Carpenter) Beer Tasting for Charity (Two Roads Brewery and other local breweries) Lounge Area (sponsored by B:Hive) Bonfire Bouncy Obstacle Course Dunk Tank (sponsored by Stoked Progressive Smoke Shop) Haunted House (sponsored by St. Ann Academy) "Corn Hole" Bag Toss Game (sponsored by B:Hive) Live Music from Bedlam Brothers Square Dancing led by Bill Fischer, the Dance Caller Read More
Restaurant Re-Boot: Bistro 7 In Wilton CT Restaurant American Farm to Table Wilton Lou Gorfain October 12, 2014 Seven is Breno Donatti’s lucky number. His restaurant, “ Bistro 7” is located on Highway 7 in Wilton. “Seven is God's favorite number,” he told us, “And I also got the inspiration for Bistro 7 in the 7th district of Paris in a place called ‘Cafe Central.’” Well, hopefully we won’t jinx anything by dubbing his re-programed farm–to-fork café in Wilton as “Bistro 7.1.” With a new chef, sous chef, general manager, and a reimagined food and beverage menu, Donatti has updated his operating system, and from what we tasted at a recent Grand Reopening, the app is not just new, but vastly improved: less complicated and well-priced. We began with a Roasted Root Veggie Bisque, blended with slow cooked carrots, butternut squash, parsnips, sweet potato, root spices, and garnished with a bacon chip. Breno claims it’s even better than his award winning Butternut Squash Bisque and we don’t disagree. Read More
Heirloom Hosts Gluten Free Dinner with Del Posto's Executive Chef Mark Ladner Restaurant Gluten-Free Pasta New Haven CTbites Team October 10, 2014 Heirloom in New Haven will be hosting a gluten free dinner with guest Chef Mark Ladner of Del Posto NYC and Iron Chef fame on Monday, October 13 at 7:30 pm. Seats are $125 per person, which includes food, wine, tax & gratuity. The evening has limited availability with only 34 seats, credit card reservtions are required. Please call 203-503-3919. Earlier in the day at 4 pm, Chef Ladner will be joining Pasta Flyer in New Haven for a talk at St. Anthony's Hall. Read More
2014 Greenwich Food & Wine Festival: Best Eats of Culinary Village Restaurant Greenwich Wine + Food Festival Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger October 07, 2014 This year’s Greenwich Food and Wine Festival was held from Thursday through Saturday, September 26-28, with the final day the beneficiary of a breathtaking location overlooking the harbor, temperatures in the 80s, and a cloudless sky. With the main tent offering liquid libations and food, other areas emitting smoke as the precursor to burgers, pork and ribs, a grass parking area for numerous food trucks and the CTbites' Blogger Lounge shadowing the main stage where Alabama would perform in the evening, it was ripe for a perfect culinary adventure. I arrived early to wander through the main tent, stopping at each of the booths to have a quick chat with the chef and sample their creations. From crudo to bisque to steak, some were delicious and deserve special mention. These were the favorites: Read More
Q's Restaurant: Vietnamese PHO & BBQ in Norwalk Restaurant Chinese Delicious Dives Norwalk Soups Vietnamese Sarah Green October 05, 2014 What's PHO lunch today? As autumn quietly slinks in, there's nothing like a truly authentic PHO to ease us into the chill that awaits. Head on over to Q's Restaurant at 172 Main Street in Norwalk (the old Valencia Luncheria spot) for the real McCoy. Recently opened (about 3 months and counting) and charmingly tiny, Q's is the love child of husband and wife duo Charles Eaton and XiaoNing Liu. Eaton, a Vietnam Vet, met Liu (a native of Old Nanking Province in China) while he was serving a tour of duty in Asia. Together, they have brought a small menu featuring Pho as well as other Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine to their wee, little kitchen. Read More