No Reservations: An Evening with Anthony Bourdain Events Amy Kundrat September 04, 2010 Anthony Bourdain, the internationally acclaimed chef, author and host of Travel Channel's “No Reservations,” will be speaking at Symphony Hall in Springfield, MA on September 24 at 8 pm. Yes, you read that correctly. Massachusetts, as in the next state over. I reckon if Bourdain can travel to the farthest reaches of the globe to share his food adventures with us, I can drive over the border to try to meet the man himself and hear an F-bomb or two in person. And if his presence was not enough to make the special trek north, Symphony Hall is offering a special discount for CTbites readers. Purchase your tickets this Labor Day weekend from September 2 through 6th and receive a $10 discount on level two, three, & four tickets. When you checkout, please use code "TONY" in the promotions and special offers box. Read More
Red Lulu Opens in South Norwalk Restaurant Events Opening Amy Kundrat September 03, 2010 South Norwalk can add another notch to it’s ample dining belt with newcomer Red Lulu. A sister restaurant to the vibrant scene that is Lolita Cocina in Byram, Red Lulu opened last night with an over-the-top party introducing this “Mexican speakeasy with a luxe twist” to the well-dressed masses. The menu strikes some very familiar notes to Lolita’s inspired Mexican: bbq ribs with a coffee, chocolate and orange glaze; flautas; blackened grouper tacos; and carnitas to name just a few eye-catching bites. Staying true to its SoNo address, the bar and lounge are front and center, housing impressive collection of tequilas Read More
Advertisement: Sweet Rexie's Candy & Ice Cream Ingredients Advertisement Stephanie Webster September 02, 2010 I don't know about you but when I need that bulk bin candy fix, there is only one place to go…Sweet Rexie’s. Voted Best Candy Store in Fairfield County for 2010, this kid-friendly haven will satisfy any sweet tooth, but did you know that Sweet Rexie's is actually much more than just a candy store? Sweet Rexie's serves up great events, including kids birthdays, cooking classes and Hershey's Premium ice cream, just right for an after school treat. With 16 great flavors the likes of "Cookies vs. Peanut Butter," "Playdough," and "Cotton Candy," every child (or adult) will walk away a happy camper. Need a gift? Sweet Rexie's has a unique selection of toys, apparel, and baby gifts. Plus, if you don't have time to get to the store, Sweet Rexie's offers local delivery & nationwide shipping. Special Offer for CT Bites Readers - $50 off a birthday party if booked by Sept 30, 2010. Read More
Burger Stock '10: FREE Burgers & Beer @ Burger Bar Restaurant Events Norwalk Burgers Stephanie Webster September 02, 2010
Rosh Hashanah Recipes from Tabouli Grill Features Holiday Mediterranean Middle Eastern Recipe Stephanie Webster September 01, 2010 The Jewish holidays are around the corner, and with the kids just barely back to school, it seemed as though we could all use a little assist with the Rosh Hashanah menu this year. Next week? Really? Judy Roll of Tabouli Grill in Stamford has come to the rescue with three great recipes to fill out your holiday table. Here's what's on the menu: Cumin Roasted Cauliflower with Yellow Raisins and Toasted Pine Nuts, Bubbe’s Brisket, and Kasha Varnishke. If you really just don't feel like cooking, Tabouli Grill is also happy to do the work for you as you can see in their Rosh Hashanah Package below. Read More
Bernard's: Tapas, Paella & Wine Dinner Restaurant Events Wine Dinners Stephanie Webster August 31, 2010 Don't miss the unique opportunity to try out one of CT's top restaurants, Bernard's in Ridgefield, at their end of summer "Tapas, Paella & Wine Dinner." Inspired by a recent trip to Barcelona, Bernard and his wife Sarah (of Sarah's Wine Bar at the same location) are teaming up with local wine merchant Cellar XV to offer up this very special evening. The event will feature sangria, Spanish wines, and tapas galore served (if weather permits) in their beautiful garden. If you haven't eaten at Bernard's, this is a great way to sample this very special restaurant. Sunday, September 12th at 6:00 – In the Garden Read More
Wine Tasting & Live African Music for a Good Cause Amy Kundrat August 31, 2010 We interrupt these regular food-centric posts to bring you news of a wine-filled cultural event in support of a very good cause. The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield will host a wine tasting for the charity Turning Wine Into Water this Thursday at 6:30 pm at the Museum. The eighteen wines available to taste include Diemersdal Wine Estate Reserve Chardonnay, Grangehurst Vineyards Pinotage, Penner Ash Pinot Noir, La Rioja Alta Vina Alberdi, Blackburn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, and Edge Cabernet Sauvignon donated by Nicholas Roberts Group. Hors d’oeuvres provided by Nicholas Roberts Gourmet Bistro will include pancetta, olive & caramelized onion focaccia, ceviche tacos with roasted cherry pepper mango salsa, and parmesan tuilles with grilled tenderloin. All proceeds from the door as well as 10% of all sales generated from the evening will benefit Turning Wine Into Water Read More
An Evening @ New Haven's Food & Wine Festival Restaurant Events New Haven Amy Kundrat August 30, 2010
Lake Zoar Drive-In: Burgers & Dogs With a View Restaurant Delicious Dives Monroe Comfort Food Kid Friendly Burgers Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger August 29, 2010 Photos: c/o Michael Stern, Roadfood.comThe Lake Zoar Drive-In is located on Route 34 in Monroe (many Navigation systems do not recognize the website town of Stevenson) slightly less than 7 miles east of I-84. This stand-alone burger and dog shack has occupied this same stretch of beach overlooking Lake Zoar for over 20 years and the current owners have been grilling burgers and dogs for over 17 years; they must be doing something right. That something is a burger with plenty of toppings, some of the best French Fries in Connecticut plus a soda...all for under $10. Read More
What's New @ The Westport Farmers Market Events Liz Rueven August 29, 2010 Lisa Storch and Glen Colello, chef/owners of Catch a Healthy Habit Cafe in Fairfield, will present samples of their fare at the Westport Farmers’ Market on September 2. If you are interested in learning more about organic, vegan, raw or gluten free preparations you don’t want to miss tasting their offerings. Boston Lettuce Salad will be presented in bite size wraps to hungry shoppers. They source crisp, freshly picked lettuce from Two Guys From Woodbridge and combine with raw, finely grated, fuchsia beets from Riverbank or Fort Hill Farms. A sweet and simple dressing of honey (Red Bee Apiary) with mustard and herbs, moisten this salad. Candied pecans and nut “cheese,” made with a base of ground cashew nuts, rounds out the filling of these crunchy and delicious wraps. For those seeking a densely nutritious liquid punch, taste the Green-Ya-Colada. The blenders will be whirling as deep green,local and organic spinach is combined with banana, orange, pineapple juices and coconut oil. Read More
Get Cooking With Aux Delices Ingredients Features Cooking Classes Stamford Liz Rueven August 27, 2010 Summer Comfort Food was the theme of the class I recently attended at Aux Delices’ Cooking School in their commissary kitchen in Stamford. As we are smack in the middle of this steaming season, I was happy to be invited to relax, observe and learn something new about how to prepare summer dishes, utilizing the season’s bounty. Aux Delices has retail store locations, all with seating, in Darien, Riverside and Greenwich. The shops offer owner/Chef Debra Ponzek’s culinary creations of prepared foods and a unique collection of specialty food items. Their name translates as “all the delicious food in life,” and considering their choices of scrumptious take out items, private and corporate catering offerings, and classes at their cooking school, the name is certainly apt. Read More
Last Chance For That New England Crab Boil Features Seafood Michael von August 24, 2010 Photo of kids: c/o Mike Von Wahlde, mvwstudio.comRecently, a CTbites reader, Mike Von Wahlde, commented on our Beach Picnic Shoutout, posting this hilarious and informative rant/recipe extolling the pros and cons of the Classic New England Crab Boil. It was too good not to repost, and with the summer winding down, why not celebrate our last days of outdoor cooking with this quintessential culinary experience? Nothing says “I live in the North East” like mollusks and crustaceans swimming in a boiling pot in the yard or on the beach. The classic New England boil is the best thing going for large group gatherings if your picnic area allows for propane. You say "Of course, they're great, but..." But what? Why you gotta be so afraid of everything? Let's look at the pros and cons. Read More
2 Hours @ The Craft Beer & Chili Challenge Ingredients Events Beer Comfort Food Stephanie Webster August 24, 2010 Last Sunday thousands of beer and chili loving CT residents descended upon Mohegan Sun for the Craft Beer and Chili Challenge. Thirteen restaurants traveled from across the state to throw down their winning recipe for the great American classic. There was enough heat to keep you warm through winter and the sweet smell of cumin wafted all the way up to the slot machines. And what to wash down this fiery feast? Certainly water was not the proper pairing. 40 breweries with over 100 beers were present to quench our thirst, some local, some National, but all pouring. Here are some of the highlights: Read More
Great Deals @ Westport Restaurant Week Restaurant Events Stephanie Webster August 23, 2010 Celebrate Westport's thriving food scene and get some great deals on dining at Westport Restaurant Week. From Sunday, August 29 through Saturday, September 4th participating restaurants (including Da Pietro's Manolo, and Thali) will offer a special prix fixe lunch and dinner menu. With prices this reasonable, eating out could easily become a daily habit (and that's just fine with me). $10.10 or $15.10 – Lunch for One OR $20.10 – Lunch for Two $20.10 or $30.10 – Dinner for One Note: The number of courses and inclusion of beverages may vary. (excludes tax and gratuity) “Thali is really looking forward to introducing our restaurant to more people, “says Chef/Owner Prasad Chirnomula,” We’ve put together a very special menu for Restaurant Week.” Read More
Old School Charm @ Sycamore Drive-In Diner Restaurant Bethel Delicious Dives Comfort Food Kid Friendly Burgers Amy Kundrat August 22, 2010 Many things have changed over the last fifty years, but don't bother mentioning that to the Sycamore. The diner and carhop in Bethel, CT has been serving the same burgers, root beer floats and fries since 1948. While our dining habits have ebbed and flowed from those early carhop days, from TV dinners, chinese take-out and sushi rolls to today's preoccupation with farm-to-table dining, the Sycamore has been steadfast in their devotion to the diner. Read More
Shout Out: What's Your Most Essential Kitchen Gadget? Features CTbites Shout Out Kitchen Gear Stephanie Webster August 21, 2010
New Haven Food & Wine Festival Restaurant Events New Haven Amy Kundrat August 21, 2010 Food, wine and tennis are on the menu this week at New Haven's third annual Food & Wine Festival on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 from 5 – 7:30pm. The Festival will feature twenty restaurants serving up some of their most well-known dishes as well as a chance to meet renowned chef and author Jacques Pepin. The event is held at the 2010 Pilot Pen Tennis tournament at Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale. Participating restaurants include: 116 Crown (Small Plates), Barcelona (Spanish), Basta Trattoria (Southern Italian), Bentara (Spicy Malaysian), Bespoke (Modern American), Caseus (Fromagerie/Bistro), Central Steakhouse (Steak/Seafood), Claire’s Corner Copia (Vegetarian), Foster’s (Modern American), Geronimo (Southwestern), Ibiza (Creative Spanish) Read More
Labor Day @ A Taste of The Litchfield Hills Restaurant Events Amy Kundrat August 19, 2010 For many of us, Labor Day weekend signals the end of summer, the start of the daily school grind, and a reluctant sayonara to lazy summer weekends. It is also this time of year, we should look to our fellow gear heads who celebrate this painful transition in style with A Taste of The Litchfield Hills during the Rolex Vintage Festival at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, CT.Part car show, part vintage car race and all food festival, A Taste of Litchfield Hills celebrates its 25th anniversary as Connecticut's oldest food and wine festival with oustanding food, wine, live entertainment and shopping featuring local restaurants, purveyors from Litchfield County including wine from its sponsors Hopkins Vineyard, Miranda Vineyard and White Silo Winery. Read More
