A Guide to Gluten-Free Goods: Jeanette's Healthy Living Ingredients Gluten-Free Special Dietary Needs Specialty Market CTbites Team February 15, 2012 The following Gluten-Free Guide was first published in Jeanette's Healthy Living blog. About a year ago, I discovered my youngest son was allergic to wheat, and I have been on a journey ever since to learn how to cook and bake gluten-free. There are times, however, when I don’t have the time to bake. Also, when we travel, I pack a whole suitcase full of gluten-free bread, bagels, cereal and snacks since I never know what will be available nearby. Compared to ten years ago, there are so many more gluten-free products on the market, some healthier than others. Gluten-free products can be expensive, and we’ve had our share of buying some products that ended up in the trash, so I’m hoping this list provides a starting point for anyone new to the gluten-free diet. Read More
Discover Bethel Restaurant Week Restaurant Bethel Events Amy Kundrat February 15, 2012 Bethel is where in Connecticut? Fairfield County? Yes and yes. The Bethel Chamber of Commerce is hosting their first-ever Discover Bethel Restaurant week from February 27 through March 4 with participating restaurants offering prix-fixe specials for breakfast, lunch, dinner and take-out. Menus and participating eateries can be found on the Bethel Chamber of Commerce website. This tiny town sandwiched between Redding, Newtown and Danbury boasts a few great places we've written about such as The Sycamore and Pizzeria Lauretano, as well as a few others firmly on our to-do list. So if you find your passport and make your way up to Bethel (for the record, I'm allowed to make this joke because this is my 'hood) my recommendations are: pizzas at Pizzeria Lauretano; La Zingara for one of the best Northern Italian meals in Fairfield County; soups at Wah Lah Soups, especially the Chicken pot pie; and my go-to train snack is always a scone and a cup of Redding Roasters coffee at Daily Fare. And although it's not officially on the list of participating restaurants, you'd be remiss if you didn't stop by The Sycamore on your way home for their thin French-style burgers and a root beer float. You'll need to sustenance to return home after your long journey, after all. Read More
Top Fairfield County Chefs @ The James Beard House Restaurant Events Road Trip Stephanie Webster February 14, 2012 Get ready to grab the phone. On May 23rd, six of CT's top chefs have come together to create a meal highlighting some of the best cooking Fairfield County has to offer. The prestigious James Beard House in New York City will play host to this ensemble featuring a 6 course dinner with paired wines and a cocktail reception to start. You wont want to miss this. Let's take a moment to run through the roster: Matt Storch (Match), Bill Taibe (Le Farm & The Whelk), Arik Bensimon (Napa & Co), Tim Labant (Schoolhouse at Cannondale), Lisa Storch (Catch a Healthy Habit), and Fritz Knipschildt (Knipschildt Chocolate and Chocopolgie), with wine and cocktails provided by Saugatuck Grain and Grape. The price is $130 for James Beard members and $170 per person for non-beard members. Please contact the James Beard House for reservations. 212-627-2308. Read More
Jason Sobocinski of The Big Cheese @ Fairfield Cheese Co. Stephanie Webster February 14, 2012 TV personality, restaurant owner and cookbook author Jason Sobocinski will be appearing at Fairfield Cheese Company on Saturday, March 3rd. Sobocinski, who has recently authored his first book, CASEUS FROMAGERIE BISTRO COOKBOOK, will be on hand between 1:00 and 3:00 pm for a book signing and macaroni and cheese sampling. Overflowing with signature recipes, mouthwatering photos, and tons of personality, this visually stimulating cookbook showcases a hot young chef’s zealous pursuit of pleasure through artisanally produced products. Jason Sobocinski’s landmark New Haven, Connecticut, bistro is known for its cheese-oriented menu with a classic French twist; a funky atmosphere with an educated palate. Read More
Christophe's Crepe Truck in Fairfield: Ooh La La! Restaurant Fairfield Food Truck Lunch Kid Friendly Dessert CTbites Team February 12, 2012 Food trucks have been a growing trend for the last few years. The L.A. Times reported on one of the first food trucks to gain massive popularity, a fusion of Korean, Mexican, and barbecue back in 2009. And a recent article from USA Today about food trends in the U.S. hailed the food truck, what was once the “roach coaches” for construction workers at lunch time, as the hot new thing. But the street-side vendor is certainly nothing new. New York City has been rife with dirty water dogs. And, you can’t turn a corner without bumping into a falafel stand. Roam the urban alleyways from India to Vietnam and some of the tastiest foods can be had from street vendors. Although, be sure to bring your Pepto-Bismol with you. Here in Connecticut, we’ve got coffee trucks, cupcake trucks, even a cheese truck. Quel surprise! Fairfield is now home to a freshly made crepe and waffle truck., Christophe's Crepes Read More
Chocolate Inspired Dinner w/ Chef Knipschildt of Chocopologie CTbites Invites CTbites Team February 12, 2012 Join Fritz Knipschildt of Chocopologie, and CTbites on March 13 as we indulge the master chocolatier and chef in realizing his vision for a perfectly decadent meal. Inspired by Valentines Day, this intimate dinner will feature five courses infused and/or influenced by Fritz's passion for chocolate. Each course will be paired with wine or spirits and will conclude with a tour of his SoNo chocolate factory. This event will be held privately at Chocopologie Cafe's SoNo location on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 and is $80 per person. View the complete menu below OR Purchase now and surprise your loved one as a Valentines Day gift. Read More
CTbites Pizza Contest: Design Pizzeria Rosso's 2012 Pie Restaurant Norwalk Pizza CTbites Team February 11, 2012 What were they thinking? I can do better than that? Why didn’t they use sausage? You wanna put pineapple on that pizza? What is Thai pizza anyway? These are typical statements that spark debate on the perfect combination of ingredients to place on a pizza. And now the readers of CTbites will have the opportunity to create the CTbites 2012 Pie that will be featured on Pizzeria Rosso’s menu. So welcome to: DESIGN PIZZERIA ROSSO’S “CTBITES 2012 PIE COMBO.” The rules are pretty simple. Submit the toppings that you think will create the primo, perfect, over the top pizza pie. At midnight on February 27th the entries will close and a small team of pizza lovers will choose the five finalists. (Try to be as specific as possible as the Editors of CTbites have told me these judges are not the sharpest knives in the drawer.) These final five combinations will compete in a “Pizza Throwdown” at Pizzeria Rosso (Exact Date will be posted when the Finalists are announced). The winning pie will go up on Pizzeria Rosso's menu as the "CTBites 2012 Pie Combo. So get those ideas submitted and have the chance to see one of the best pizza makers in Fairfield County turn your idea into reality and a chance to see your name next to the CTBites 2012 Pie Combo. Read More
Olivette: EVOO Tasting Room & Retail in Darien Ingredients Darien Specialty Market Deanna Foster February 10, 2012 Alina Lawrence opened her wonderful olive oil tasting room and retail shop, Olivette, in Darien days before the New Year, resolving to bring freshly pressed, single varietal Extra Virgin Olive Oils and brilliantly flavored vinegars to Fairfield County. I recently spent a delightful 2 ½ hours sipping and slurping my way around the room, grateful for her resolution. If you are looking for true Extra Virgin Olive Oil, with all its health and culinary benefits, the grocery aisle is a convenient place to shop, but may not be the best place to find what you are seeking. Tom Mueller, has written extensively on the perils of purchasing olive oil, and recently published Extra Virginity, The Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil. To sum up his work briefly, the oil industry is fraught with fraud, and we are not always getting what we expect in the bottles we purchase. Read More
Prasad Chirnomula Recreates James Beard House Dinner Amy Kundrat February 09, 2012 Chef Prasad Chirnomula is bringing his James Beard House dinner to The Clarke Culinary Center in South Norwalk, CT on Thursday, March 15, 2012. From Mole to Masala, Chef Prasad's menu weaves together the cuisines of India and Mexico reflecting his Connecticut restaurants, Thali and Oaxaca, providing a unique opportunity to taste the ingredients, spices and spirit of both Mexico and India. This event is $200 per person and pre-registration is required. "We are very excited about this unique and intimate evening," said Marco Barallon, manager of The Clarke Culinary Center and Clarke showroom in South Norwalk, CT. "This is going to be a wine dinner like nothing you've ever experienced." In this Clarke event entitled, "Journeys of Cultures from the James Beard House," Chef Prasad is recreating the dinner he prepared when he was invited to cook for an audience at the site of the James Beard Foundation in New York. Seating is limited and preregistration is required online at ClarkeCorp or by calling 800.842.5275. Read More
And the Winners of Chowdafest 2012.... CTbites Team February 08, 2012 Congrats to all the winners of the 2012 Chowdafest. A great time was had by all and 2012 set records for both attendance and donations. If you missed it or simply didn't hear who won, compare these top picks with your taste buds. Classic New England 1st: Mansion Clam House (first to repeat in the same category) 2nd: Rory's (their first top 3 finish) 3rd: O'Neill's (their first top 3 finish) Creative Chowder 1st: Ginger Man (a two time champion now plus a 2nd for same entry) Read More
Travel to Tuscany for the Week w/ Chef Pietro Scotti CTbites Team February 07, 2012 Join Westport's beloved chef, Pietro Scotti, for a unique, hands-on cooking experience in the magical region of Tuscany Italy on Friday April 27- Friday May 4, 2012. We’ll supply the aprons, just bring your culinary curiosity, appetite and love for Italy for a very special 8 day/7 night culinary and cultural adventure. This intimate journey will be limited to a maximum of only 14 participants. Whether your preference is to spend time creating in the kitchen with Chef Pietro and/or to have unique access for exploring the secrets of Tuscany, this is your dream journey. Read More
Spring Workshops at Millstone Farm Education Wilton CTbites Team February 06, 2012 This just in from The Fairfield Green Food Guide: Millstone Farm's spring workshops series has been announced. These events range from Pig Carving 101 with Chef Tim LaBant of The Schoolhouse to Raising Backyard Chickens with Millstone’s Master Farmer, Annie Farrell. You'll want to check these out. Pig Carving 101 Saturday, March 17: 12pm – 2pm Tim LaBant, Chef and owner of The Schoolhouse at Cannondale Restaurant provides a comprehensive how-to on carving a full pig. We’ll also discuss benefits of the different cuts of meat, and how best to prep and cook them. Read More
Hunan Pavilion: Chinese in Fairfield for 22 Years Restaurant Chinese Fairfield Lunch Kid Friendly Melissa Roberts February 05, 2012 I’d been lamenting the lack of good Chinese food in Fairfield County, a complaint I’ve shared with quite a few food lovers here, including a friend who’s a Westport transplant from Singapore. To stop my whining, said friend took me to her family’s favorite Chinese restaurant in Fairfield, Hunan Pavilion. Ever since, I haven’t been deprived of good Chinese nearby, and now neither will you. Hunan Pavilion has been in the same Post Road location in Fairfield for 22 years and it’s very good. But to insure a truly exceptional experience, skip over the conventional menu and jump right to the Shanghai Bund Select (or Shanghai New Menu), an edited list of house specialties and an eclectic mix of Shanghai, Szechuan, and Hunan cuisines. Also ask for the menu in Chinese, even if you don’t speak a word of any dialect. The Chinese menu isn’t overly extensive, and if you aren’t shy about it, the staff will patiently translate, and this is where the hidden treasures can be found. Read More
The Ginger Man Cocktail Naming Contest Restaurant Cocktails CTbites Team February 04, 2012 WIN a FREE BRUNCH for TWO at The Ginger Man in Greenwich. Here's how.. Back by popular demand, CTbites has found a cocktail in need of a name. Go grab yourself a drink, study the ingredienrs below, and get ready for some branding. If your Cocktail name is selected, it will be featured on their new menu & you will receive a FREE BRUNCH FOR TWO @ The Ginger Man (complete with cocktails). "Your Name Here" Cocktail Recipe: 1.5 oz St Germain 1 oz Pineapple Juice 1 oz White Cranberry Juice 2 oz Prosecco Shake the first 3 ingredients over ice and pour into champagne flute., Top the drink off with Prosecco., Garnish with an orange wedge Post your submission below (include email) , or if you're shy, feel free to send it to us directly. We welcome input from readers. If you see a name you like...post your vote! Cocktail names must be submitted by February 14th. Read More
10 Questions with Chef Arik Bensimon of Napa & Co. Interview Restaurant Chef Talk Stamford Stephanie Webster February 02, 2012 Chef Arik Bensimon started cooking at the age of 11 at his Aunt and Uncle's restaurant, Pasta Prego, on 45th and 5th Avenue in New York City. He has been in the kitchen ever since and there's no place he'd rather be (other than a yoga studio). As Napa and Company's Executive Chef he has created a menu that spans the culinary globe while staying close to the farm. Passionate and surprisingly understated, Chef Arik recently sat down with CTbites to answer a few questions about what makes him tick. If you had unexpected guests arriving at your home for dinner in 1 hour, what would you whip up? Pasta. I always have really good buccatini in the house and a can of really good tomatoes. I'd probably do a salad to go with it…with fresh greens and I love shaved fennel. What is the last dish you cooked for yourself? Whole grilled Bronzino with olive oil and lemon juice. I was cooking at my mother's house. What are your guilty pleasures in terms of food? Cereal. Kashi (any kind) with almond milk is da' bomb. Read More
Cocktails Aged Gracefully Ingredients Cocktails Entertaining Specialty Market Westport Amy Kundrat February 02, 2012 Barrel aged cocktails have arrived in Connecticut. And for a song, Saugatuck Grain & Grape in Westport will bring you one step closer to making your very own sixty day-old Manhattan, Negroni or any spirit-driven cocktail that your heart may desire. In a culture that typically prizes the fresh and made-to-order, aging cocktails may sound sacrilege. So what exactly is a barrel aged cocktail and why mess with a good thing? Read More
Cooking Demo & Lunch w/ Barcelona's Chef Helton: $35 Restaurant CTbites Invites CTbites Team February 02, 2012 Looking for some new cooking tips to expand your repertoire, or do you just love to eat? Join Executive Chef Helton DaSilva of Barcelona Restaurant and Wine Bar in Fairfield for a one hour cooking demonstration followed by a 3 course tasting lunch featuring: escarole with marinated white beans and sherry/bacon fat dressing, pan seared scallops with Meyer lemon sauce and applewood smoked bacon and roasted quail with arrope and figs.Bring a friend and enjoy Barcelona's famed sangria while Chef Helton leads you through a taste of Spain. Demo begins at 11:00 am followed by lunch at 12 Noon. CLICK HERE for more information. Read More
Fork it Over Westport Farmers' Mkt Fundraiser Recap Restaurant Events Farmers Market Westport Stephanie Webster February 01, 2012 The Westport Farmers' Market held their first ever gala fundraiser last weekend, Fork It Over, with 200 guests in attendance. Gilbertie's Greenhouse in Westport was transformed into a rusticly chic party space through the generous support of Lillian August. Even Martha Stewart was there...and she stayed all night. The chefs that stepped up to support the market brought their A game, and the result was a spectacular evening of innovative cooking and very serious grazing. Each chef prepared 4-5 dishes; guests were handed quaintly mis-matched fine china; after that it was all a delicious blur. The chef lineup included: Bill Taibe of leFarm/ The Whelk, Matt Storch of Match, Tim LaBant of The Schoolhouse at Cannondale, Michel Nischan of Dressing Room, John Barricelli of Sono Baking Company and Fountainhead Wines. Some of the evening's menu and flavors are pictured below. Read More
BONDA Invites Recap: Oh, What a Night! Fairfield County Foodie January 31, 2012 Tonight I found myself humming the famous song titled “Oh What A Night” by Four Seasons, all the way back home from yet another excellent event put together by CTBites in partnership with Chef Jamie Cooper of Bonda restaurant in Fairfield. It was a very exclusive tasting event presented by Chef Cooper showcasing some wonderful first course options that he is considering for his Winter 2012 menu. Our job was to try out his creations, and share some feedback. Tough job, I know … but someone had to do it. Read More
Darien Social is Officially Open for Business Restaurant Cocktails Darien Comfort Food Burgers Amy Kundrat January 31, 2012 Overlooking Darien's Metro North station, Executive Chef Nick Bilello has reappeared in the kitchen of Darien Social, a modern American "neighborhood bar and restaurant," set to open today. Having opened the original Burger Bar & Bistro in South Norwalk in 2006 and worked in the kitchens of Habana and Ocean Drive, Bilello adapted his style and approach to Darien, with a menu that will include “snacks and small plates” such as local oysters, pork belly “BLT sliders” and Swedish meatballs (with foie gravy). An organic beef “social burger” topped with caramelized onion, black pepper truffle mayo, and Shelburne cheddar should also figure prominently on the menu. Read More
