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Rothbard Ale + Larder's Patty Melt Extraordinaire: Find It In Westport

Restaurant Westport Comfort Food Burgers

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger March 22, 2016

The patty melt was introduced at Tiny Naylors in California in the late 1940s and since its debut, it has experienced an intense and loyal following throughout the country. Described by some as the love child of the grilled cheese and the hamburger, it is, at its essence a pair of beef patties, melted Swiss cheese, grilled onions, all served between slices of buttered-griddled rye bread.

The Patty Melt at Rothbard Ale + Larder is a traditional interpretation with a few nuances. Two small patties were grilled and served between slices of buttered and griddled rye bread with caramelized onions, bacon, and melted Jarlsberg cheese. The bread was cut on the diagonal, and nestled inside each half was a mini-patty, smothered in its accompaniments. The thin patties were cooked to medium, still maintained a pink interior and were rich in flavor. The Jarlsberg cheese was thick, beautifully melted and delivered a wonderful level of creaminess and a deep, rich nuttiness. The caramelized onions were outstanding, sweet and soft from their low and slow preparation and when it intertwined with the mildly salty bacon delivered an incredible balance. People nervous about the bread versus bun…no need to worry, the buttered and griddled bread added great crunch and a delicious salty-butter flavor.

Pho 170 Opens in Middletown: Vietnamese + Thai Cuisine Gets Top Marks

Restaurant Asian Middletown Noodles Thai Vietnamese Homepage

Hope Simmons March 20, 2016

“That’s it,” I overheard a man say with a smile, holding his takeout order as he joked about having come in four days in a row. The word is out downtown...Pho 170, M’town’s newest/latest, is busy. The service is friendly and attentive, showing this new kid on the block is already in the groove, cranking out fresh and delicious dishes—both Vietnamese and Thai.

It’s not been quite three weeks since Viengthong Charonesuk opened the doors to her newest restaurant. And, unlike so many other spots when they first get started, everything’s well under control. Even on a night when they were one person short on the waitstaff, they pulled everything off without a hitch. Vieng hails most recently from Bann Thai in Cheshire, and she’s run restaurants in other locations across the state as well. Little things, like making sure you have extra plates when you share a dish, aren’t overlooked. And it’s always a nice touch when your water glass is refilled before you even need to ask.

Taco Loco Launches New Menu in Bridgeport's Black Rock Neighborhood

Restaurant Bridgeport Cocktails Tacos Mexican

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 18, 2016

It’s time for a bit of trivia! What was Bridgeport’s first Mexican restaurant? What was the first Mexican food truck in the state?

The answer to both questions is the same and it might surprise you: Taco Loco! The restaurant, which now lies on Fairfield Avenue in Black Rock, opened its doors in 1982 by bothers Miguel and Louis Tomasio. Originally, Taco Loco functioned as a small taco shop located on Main Street. It served inexpensive Mexican Food late into the night. As demand grew, the business transformed from counter service to a full scale restaurant. In 1985 Miguel added a food truck and they moved to their present-day location in 1989. Taco Loco currently seats 100 guests, has a four season patio, and a coveted food truck.

Now, in 2016, Taco Loco is about to undergo another evolution! Miguel, along with his son Zachary Tomasio, are releasing a brand new menu aimed at “authenticity and quality.” With a background in marketing and a fresh perspective, Zachary is ready to explore the latest trends and additional avenues of business.

Zakarian's "Ugly Burger" at The National in Greenwich is a Beautiful Thing

Restaurant Celebrity Chef Greenwich Burgers

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger March 13, 2016

There is a new King of the Hill of hamburgers in Greenwich.

Since celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian opened The National several months ago at the lower end of Greenwich Avenue, I have received numerous emails telling me about its burger. On a sunny day I ventured to Greenwich, grabbed a table and ordered “THE NATIONAL UGLY BURGER” which includes Cabot Cheddar cheese, crispy Shallots, Ntl Sauce, and served with malt vinegar chips. I ordered it medium-rare.

The burger arrived and it was served on a wooden cutting board, with a pickle speared through the top of the bun. The melted cheese was oozing around the edges, dripping towards the serving board. The sautéed shallots were peeking from under the cheese, partnered with the edges of a single lettuce leaf. If the taste was as good as the presentation, this would be a great burger. The burger was accompanied by the chips that were vertically arranged in a separate metal vase.

Baked and Sauced: Vintage Food Truck Serving Craft Cocktails & Dessert

Restaurant Recipe Bakery Catering Cocktails Food Truck Dessert

April Guilbault March 13, 2016

Approaching this gleaming 1968 Airstream, one is met by the two welcoming, smiling souls who commandeer this shining new-fangled-but-vintage food truck. You also can’t help but remember a particular (vintage?) REM song...Shiny Happy People! Or at least, that’s what stuck in my head (and I believe I just showed my age)-how could it not?

Waiting to find just the right Airstream and then taking the better part of a year to refurbish it themselves with ol’ fashioned grit and many a YouTube instructional video, Kathy and Michael McGovern have launched Baked and Sauced, a food truck like none other in our fair state. This once shag-rugged, pleather-filled Airstream has now been lovingly strung with sparkling lights, adorned with sweet flowers in Mason jars that sit upon the serving window, and a charming seating area that serves as a lounge for guests. Picture your ultimate grown-up clubhouse and you get the picture. Add to this charm the fact that this Airstream has...a liquor license.

Serving saucy desserts and craft cocktails, this truck is serving to the over 21 crowd (and bring I.D., they card)!

Edible Nutmeg to Launch Spring Issue with Event at Back 40 Kitchen in Greenwich

Restaurant Events Litchfield Washington

CTbites Team March 11, 2016

Back 40 Kitchen will celebrate the release of Edible Nutmeg’s spring issue by hosting an afternoon launch event on March 24 from 11 am to 1 pm, a day before the issue’s official release date for a 'meet & greet' with Dana Jackson, Editor and Publisher, Edible Nutmeg and Bill and Lesley King, Owners, Back 40 Farm Group. Guests are invited to pick up a free copy of the new issue and enjoy organic light bites provided Back 40 Kitchen. Back 40 and Edible Nutmeg share a mission of appreciation of regional food, farming, and sustainability.

The Back 40 Farm Group is closely aligned with Edible Nutmeg’s vision, which is helping their readers engage the Connecticut food community. We have long appreciated this publication and are happy to provide the venue to launch the issue that officially ‘kicks-off’ the 2016 agricultural season. – Bill King

Back 40 Kitchen is a farm-to-table restaurant dedicated to using the highest quality organic ingredients in all of its dishes. Back 40 Kitchen is also committed to sourcing local by partnering with CT farmers and vendors including sourcing from its own organic Back 40 Farm in Litchfield County.

14 Places for St. Patrick’s Day Parties in CT (2016 Edition)

Restaurant Holiday

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 08, 2016

It doesn’t matter which candidate you support… on Thursday March 17 everyone can be a part of the green party! Of course we’re talking about St. Patrick’s Day! A number of restaurants will be throwing parties and serving specials in honor of the occasion.

Here are 14 great spots for St. Patty's day parties and special events in CT.

Tigin Irish Pub, Stamford: Tigin Irish Pub in Stamford is a must visit St. Patty's destination. They'll have specials all day.
Walrus + Carpenter, Bridgeport: Walrus + Carpenter in Bridgeport invites you to their St. Patrick’s Van Morrison Night with a NEBCO Tap Takeover.
Playwright’s Irish Pub, Hamden: Playwright Irish Pub will have Irish dancers, Irish music, food specials, and festivities all throughout the day.
The Blind Rhino, Norwalk: Blind Rhino is putting their own twist on the holiday with St. Madness Day! Doors open at 11am.
Redding Roadhouse, Redding: Redding Roadhouse is serving up a Celtic festival from Feb 22nd - March 17th (St. Patty's Day) with drink specials, bag pipers and a full celtic menu.

Sneak Peek at INDIA in New Canaan: Chef Chirnomula's Newest Restaurant

Restaurant New Canaan Indian Opening

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger March 08, 2016

The news that Chef Prasad Chirnomula was moving across Main Street to the building that formerly housed Boulevard 18 in New Canaan spread like wildfire throughout the culinary underground in Fairfield County. Locals who enjoyed his cuisine at Thali would once again enjoy the chef’s traditional and inventive Indian creations. What concept would the new restaurant entail? Would it duplicate the feel and cuisine of Thali.

In an exclusive interview with CTbites, the celebrity chef gave his insight into his vision of the new restaurant, INDIA, from the new concept for the cuisine and the vibe to the exciting collaboration on the cocktails with mixologist Jessica Spector. With an anticipated opening date in mid-April, the chef is already developing a different feel for INDIA.

When Chirnomula announced the closing of Thali, his landmark Connecticut restaurant, he was quick to mention that he was not leaving New Canaan, but was looking for a smaller, more intimate location. The neighboring space at 62 Main was a perfect location and he spoke with the owners of Boulevard 18, who wanted to concentrate on their sister restaurant, Strada 18 in South Norwalk…the timing was perfect. This free-standing building dates back almost 150 years and has housed several outstanding restaurants including L’Abbée and Aloi, prior to Boulevard 18.

Barrel House in Stamford: Pizza, Beer and Burgers

Restaurant Beer Pizza Stamford Burgers

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger March 06, 2016

What is the result of combining an incredible selection of local beers, a wide choice of meats and vegetables to join delicious Mozzarella and red sauce atop a great pizza crust, with an atmosphere that is simultaneously relaxed and exciting? Barrel House in Stamford.

Barrel House opened last December in the space that formerly housed Market and Patrizia's restaurants with a focus on pizza, burgers and and a vast array of local small brewed beers. The second restaurant by the owners of Cotto Wine Bar down the street, Claudio and Silvy Ridolfi, designed a very different atmosphere and menu. Silvy told CTbites, “We wanted people to come to Barrel House and enjoy pizza and burgers with friends.” From the moment you walk through the door, you know this will be a lively and fun-filled experience.

Recap: Kent Falls Brewing Visits Little Pub in Ridgefield

Restaurant Beer Beer Dinner CT Beer

James Gribbon March 02, 2016

This March only marks a year since Kent Falls Brewing Company released their first beer, and somehow it doesn't feel too early to call them "renowned." The Litchfield County operation has already become one of Connecticut's most productive, releasing 37 different beers and variants in their first ten months. That level of output is preposterous, and all the more remarkable not just due to the high volume of recipes, but for their excellence. Small wonder then, that Little Pub in Ridgefield chose to host the Kent Falls crew for a rare beer pairing dinner event early this February.

Ada’s Kitchen + Coffee (The Old Ada’s Variety Store) Opens in Riverside, Greenwich

Restaurant Coffee Greenwich Organic Riverside Lunch Dessert

Jessica Ryan March 01, 2016

Occupying the old Riverside post office, Ada’s Variety Store was a local favorite. For many generations Ada was lovingly referred to as the old lady who sold penny candy to neighborhood kids; she was a pillar of the community. She has since passed away, but her legacy lives on. Her family remains involved with the little store’s brand new future, keeping her memory alive for many more generations to come.

The shop, now called Ada’s Kitchen + Coffee, is located near the Riverside train station and has been newly renovated by Ada’s nieces and nephews. With the help of friend and local interior designer, Katie Watson, the new Ada’s Kitchen + Coffee has been transformed into a bright, inviting space, melding the old with the new.

Pearl at Longshore Splashes Onto The Westport Restaurant Scene

Restaurant American Seafood Westport

Jessica Ryan February 28, 2016

After a great deal of anticipation, the newest restaurant to grace The Inn at Longshore, Pearl, opened its doors last Monday. The restaurant’s cosmopolitan appearance isn’t what one might expect in a seaside community. There are coastal elements of course, repurposed bleached wood lines the wall behind the bar which also houses a recycled glass countertop that’s very much reminiscent of sea glass. But Pearl will never be mistaken for a casual seasonal, seaside eatery; it’s much too stylish for such. The atmosphere perfectly reflects the personality of the town, sophisticated without being overly formal. Beyond the clean lines of the interior lies the magnificent view of the Long Island Sound. If you’re lucky enough to be there at sunset be prepared to have your breath taken away.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Chef Michael Hazen on a quiet Thursday afternoon. If his name rings a bell, the innovative chef launched the concept for the Bartaco restaurants. At Pearl he sets out to create a menu that is inspirational and reflective of today’s lifestyle, clean and simple with a modern approach. He offers food that is familiar while pushing the envelope just slightly to offer an element of surprise. Chef stressed the importance offering items that are local and seasonal.

The Winter Tasting Menu at Community Table

Restaurant Washington

Amy Kundrat February 26, 2016

Community Table’s Executive Chef Marcel Davidsen has crafted a transcendent winter menu that is an appropriately hearty take on the restaurant’s sustainably-driven roots. The menu has always borne a Nordic edge, and Davidsen often mines his Danish heritage heightening this influence. Unlikely yet harmonious pairings (white chocolate, sunchokes and oysters, anyone?) and distinct plating are also the restaurant's signatures.

"My Danish roots plays a strong role in the thought process of developing a new dish, sometimes it can be the Scandinavian simplicity in presentation other times it can be the flavor profile, or a childhood memory," said Davidsen.

Community Table's dishes and its atmosphere are the unique result of a team effort. "Everybody plays an important role in developing a dish, I encourage my cooks to test and research as much as possible. We have some really great talent which I'm forever thankful for," said Davidsen.

Parker Mansion in Westport Opens: Burger Review

Restaurant Westport Burgers

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger February 23, 2016

Parker Mansion opened recently in the Saugatuck section of Westport and I received several emails telling me I needed to visit and try their burger. With the weather more aligned with a good burger versus a hot bowl of soup I decided to see if the buzz was justified.

Located amongst Fleischer’s, Kawa Ni, Rainbow Thai, Rizzuto's, and The Whelk, Parker Mansion is the latest opening in the burgeoning Saugatuck restaurant scene. The free-standing building has a few parking spots in the rear (careful in the rain as it is unpaved) and the entrance is along the right side of the building. When you enter, the bar is located to the left and if you continue down the hallway there are stairs leading to the second floor dining room. The bar has eight stools with three TVs broadcasting CNN, ESPN and MSNBC. In the middle of the room is a high-top table for six, plus additional seating for fourteen at traditional tables. The upstairs dining room seats approximately 30 guests, with a balcony overlooking the Saugatuck River. The atmosphere is open with clean lines to the décor. I chose a table in the bar area and was promptly greeted by the server, who was excellent throughout my visit.

Jitter Bus Coffee Truck: Now Rolling in New Haven

Restaurant New Haven

Amy Kundrat February 21, 2016

I happen to think you can’t have enough coffee options. Helping me test this hypothesis is the city of New Haven, and newcomer, Jitter Bus Coffee. Unlike its bricks and mortar competitors, Jitter Bus is a bus serving serving single origin coffee solely from Connecticut roasters with a selection Whole G baked goods.

Like its name proclaims, the business is housed within a former (and slightly aging) school bus painted jet black and retrofitted with an espresso maker, all of which can best be described as “appropriately grungy,” led by a young trio of seasoned barristas: Dan Barletta, Paul Crosby, and Andrew Mesioiris.

Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings for February 22-30

Restaurant

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 18, 2016

Chefs Craig Hutchinson and Alex Lischynsky have started [oink] pop-up dinners to showcase local, seasonal ingredients. Main Street Grill in Watertown will be the next setting on Sunday February 28. This time, The Cocktail Chemist, Dimitrios Zahariadis, will be there to create cocktail pairings. The menu includes salt sturgeon, risotto, and more! $75 pp.

If you love sausage, be sure to sign up for “Sausage Making 101” at Fleisher’s Craft Butchery’s Westport location. On Tuesday February 23 at 7pm, learn about basic anatomy, knife skills, and more before trying your hand at skills like butchering, twisting, and linking sausages. It costs $100 per person. https://www.fleishers.com/school/classes/

Chef Donatella Arpaia, judge on The Next Iron Chef and Iron Chef America, will speak at The Quick Center’s Open VISIONS Forum on Friday February 26 at 8pm. The Quick Center is located at Fairfield University, which Arpaia is an alumnus of, so it’s fitting that the talk is called “From Undergrad Stag to a Hotshot TV Foodie: How This Iron Chef and Restaurateur Followed Her Dream to Success.” Tckets are $45.

What happens at the Ice Bar stays at the Ice Bar! Rizzuto's in Westport is holding its Second Annual Ice Bar Party on Friday February 26 and Saturday February 27 from 6pm to midnight! The outdoor party includes New Amsterdam Cocktails and more.

New Tapas Restaurant ZARAGOZA Coming to New Milford

Restaurant Milford Tapas

CTbites Team February 12, 2016

Zaragoza, a new tapas and craft cocktail bar, is scheduled to open at 31 Bank Street in New Milford in the spring of 2016. Zaragoza represents the next adventure by Newtown resident Artie Praino, who previously owned the Newtown Deli, Sandy Hook Deli, Sideline Café, Woodbury Deli, and Bayside (NY) Salumeria.

Praino is following his passion for Spanish cuisine combined with small bites to be shared with friends and family. “Tapas are simple, but hearty and unpretentious food. Our ingredients and recipes will be fresh and robust, beautiful to look at, and mouthwatering to eat. Tapas to me means friends and family enjoying food and flavors on shared small plates -- a warm and familial dining experience.”

25 Spots For Great Oysters In Connecticut

Restaurant Oysters Seafood Best of CT

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 10, 2016

It’s no secret that oysters are a catalyst for romance. Ordering from the raw bar is adventurous, yet sexy: the perfect start for a date. With its proximity to Long Island Sound, 618 miles of coastline, and bustling culinary scene, Connecticut is the perfect place to dine on fresh seafood.

Here are 25 CT restaurants in the state that serve up delicious oysters.

MECHA Launches Late Night Menu in Sono

Restaurant Asian Noodles Norwalk SONO

Stephanie Webster February 10, 2016

MECHA in Sono is launching their Late Night Menu served Thu 10pm-12pm, Fri and Sat 10pm-1am.

The Late Night Menu will feature special snacks and Ramen as well as cocktails you can only get after hours. To celebrate, they will be introducing the menu and hosting a PARTY Thursday, February 11th at 10PM. Enjoy some special treats from the kitchen (even some complimentary chicken sandwiches) and some amazing cocktails from their late night market menu.

A few highlights from the Late Night Menu include: THIT BO KHO beef brisket jerky, SHOYU BREAKFAST RAMEN w/ brown butter, bacon, egg, and cheese; WONTON MI RAMEN w/ fried shallots, sesame, greens, pork & shrimp wontons $10.

Remember, slurping in encouraged.

Happy Hour at Basso Café in Norwalk

Restaurant Cocktails Norwalk Bar

Amy Kundrat February 05, 2016

Basso Café exudes an easy intimacy that comes with a chef-owned restaurant whose reassuring presence is felt both in and out of the kitchen. Chef Renato Donzelli has built a loyal following of customers at his Norwalk restaurant who come for both his creative Italian-meets-South American dishes, as well as his charming hospitality and boundless energy. And now, they are coming for a newly added bar menu and cocktail list.

During a recent renovation, Basso Café invested in a new bar area with seating for about twelve, and a special menu of cocktails and snacks, thanks to a hard-won liquor license after eight years in business. Although you can still BYOB, Chef Donzelli has crafted a happy hour menu that can be enjoyed Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 6 pm, as well as a mini happy hour from 11 to 12 noon each day for lunch.

A self-described “hot blooded Italian” who grew up in Venezuela, Donzelli focuses his creative energy on a menu that blurs the lines between dishes from those two countries, creating his own unique cuisine. “I start from the back,” is how Chef Donzelli explains his approach to his menu. The new cocktail and wine list are meant to compliment the food, and long-time diners will be rewarded with a solid selection of shaken and stirred, classic and contemporary cocktails, as well as wine and beer.