Save the Date: Dine with Design 2012 @ The Glass House Restaurant Events New Canaan CTbites Team April 23, 2012 The Philip Johnson Glass House, a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, invites the community to attend the second annual Dine with Design. The epicurean event, to be held at the Glass House on Saturday, June 9, offers two ways to experience the historic site. From 12pm to 3pm, the Modern Picnic provides an opportunity to sample savory dishes prepared by six award-winning chefs and ten talented artisans while exploring the buildings, grounds and art collections located on the 49-acre site. Beginning at 6:30pm, The Food Film Festival™ makes its first appearance outside of New York City and Chicago. The theater-style experience delights audiences as it offers the chance to taste what they see on the screen. Read More
Behind the Scenes @ Isabelle et Vincent Bakery in Fairfield Restaurant Bakery Fairfield French Breakfast Kid Friendly Dessert Melissa Roberts April 22, 2012 It’s 8am on a Friday and we’re here to observe the inner workings at Isabelle et Vincent, aka The French Bakery in Fairfield. Eight a.m. is nowhere near the dark morning hours one would associate with a baker’s schedule, and yet there’s plenty going on even at this “late” hour. In one corner of the kitchen, a wide galley space behind the counter lined with ovens, a gigantic standing mixer, and speed racks of measured flour and finished pastries, strawberry tarts are being assembled. The scent of fresh berries, an enormous pile of ruby red, hit us before we even laid eyes on them. In fact, the entire space is a feast for the senses. Piles of baguettes, stacks of macarons in a rainbow of color, glistening apple tarts, fondant covered eclairs, and savory quiches...close your eyes and just imagine a symphony of freshly baked bread, butter, sugar, fruit, and chocolate. It’s incredible. Read More
Upcoming Workshops at Millstone Farm in Wilton Education Events Local Artisan Local Farm Wilton Stephanie Webster April 20, 2012 Millstone Farm has just announced a few more workshops going on at their beautiful 75-acre working farm in Wilton, CT. For those unfamiliar with Millstone, heir focus is on rebuilding our food community through small scale agriculture, educational activities, and events. Millstone raises pastured heirloom breed sheep, pigs, and poultry, and grow vegetables for their CSA, local chefs, and family owned markets. They do wonderful events and workshops with top chefs and guest speakers. Here is the spring lineup including "Backyard Composting" and "Foraging & Cooking with Wild Edibles." Read More
Women Entrepreneurs Share Their Recipes for Success CTbites Team April 19, 2012 After listening to three incredibly accomplished women dish about their culinary success, one thing became perfectly clear—although their individual paths differed greatly, all shared the same passion and personal commitment to what ultimately goes on the plate. Food feeds their souls and fuels their creativity. More than 110 attendees gathered at The Jewish Community Center in Woodbridge, CT last month to attend, “Let’s Dish: Entrepreneurs Serve up Their Recipes for Success.” The event presented a panel of esteemed chefs and food entrepreneurs: Cynthia R. Bigelow, President, Bigelow Tea Company, Carole Peck, owner of Good News Café in Woodbury; and Missy Robbins, Executive Chef at A Voce (NYC). Syndicated columnist, blogger, consultant, and culinary talent agent, Bonnie Leblang expertly moderated. In addition to spilling secrets of their culinary success, these ladies divulged how they managed to navigate, chop, slice, dice and eventually prove themselves in this mostly male-dominated industry. Here’s how they accomplished this. Read More
Beer Talk: The Basics of Aging Beer w/ The Ginger Man Ingredients Education Beer CTbites Team April 19, 2012 Andrew Hoenig is the Beverage Director at the Ginger Man, located in Norwalk CT. So winter came and went. Actually, it never really got here, did it? And I bet you’ve got a few “big” bottles of winter beer left over. What to do, what to do…I have a suggestion that involves not drinking that leftover beer. There are many beers out there that will last for years to come, some improving with age, much like a fine wine. So start a vintage beer collection! Let’s clear up any confusion about when in the life cycle is the best time to drink your beers. Truth is, it entirely depends on the style of beer. Lagers and Pilsners demand freshness, as do any light bodied and low alcohol ales. Traditionally you are encouraged to drink these beers within the first 3 months of their life. Most hoppy beers will lose their best bright citrusy aroma and bitter flavor characteristics over time, yielding a relatively flat tasting beer behind. So, if you get your hands on some Ithaca Flower Power IPA bottles, drink ‘em up! Read More
MOM 100 Cookbook Author @ Westport Public Library Features Author Cookbooks Education Kid Friendly CTbites Team April 18, 2012 Katie Workman, author of the new hit cookbook The Mom 100 Cookbook is coming to the Westport Public Library on Thursday, May 10 at 10:00 a.m. Katie Workman is the founding editor in chief of Cookstr.com and a mother of two. In The Mom 100 Cookbook she delivers solutions to the 20 most common cooking dilemmas that every modern mom faces, providing recipes and tips for parents who are so baffled by their kids’ food preferences that mealtime has become a minefield. Katie Workman will talk about her new cookbook The Mom 100 Cookbook, answer questions from the audience, and give a book signing. Ok mothers...here's what people are saying about this new compendium: “One of the best cookbook authors of her generation.” — BOBBY FLAY “These are the 100 recipes everyone needs!” — INA GARTEN Read More
Dolce Cubano Rum Bar & Restaurant Coming to Stamford Waterfront Restaurant Cocktails Stamford Latin American OmNomCT April 18, 2012 The waterfront dining scene in Stamford is about to get a whole lot spicier, and OmNomCT has the scoop on a new restaurant concept from a familiar team. If you’re familiar with Stamford restaurants by the water, you’ve probably had some food and drink down at Paradise Grill (next to The Crab Shell). And if you’re familiar with what really great food is, then you were probably disappointed. With such a great spot, it could’ve been so much more! Well, it will be because Paradise Grill is gone and a new kind of paradise is taking over from Nick Racanelli Sr. & Jr., owners of the beloved Pizzeria Molto Wine Bar in Fairfield and Zaza Italian Gastrobar in Stamford. Yup, the new restaurant is called Dolce Cubano Restaurant and Rum Bar. Oh heck yeah. When’s the last time (if ever) you hit up a rum bar and you weren’t at some sort of tropical destination? And, in addition to a ton of rum drinks, there will be wine, beer, mixed drinks and dishes of Cuban meets Italian cuisine. -- via OmNomCT Read full story here. Read More
10 Questions w/ Dressing Room's Chef Jon Vaast Interview Chef Talk Stephanie Webster April 17, 2012 Jon Vaast is the talented chef at Dressing Room in Westport. He may be young but he has been in the kitchen for most of his adult life. Here are a few things you likely didn't know about this Fairfield County chef. If you had unexpected guests arriving at your home for dinner in 1 hour, what would you whip up? I would run to the store and grab some strip steaks, some vegetables in season, got to make some mashed potatoes either roasted garlic or caraway, along with a few bombers of craft beer. What is the last dish you cooked for yourself? Made some duck ragout with spinach linguine after lunch service today. What are your guilty pleasures in terms of food? I’m a sucker for a burger and fries. What ingredient could you not live without? Farm fresh eggs Read More
Chipotle in Greenwich Now Open: Free Tacos April 16 Restaurant Greenwich Mexican Amy Kundrat April 16, 2012 The Mexican-inspired food trend is at a fever pitch with the opening of the third Chipotle in Fairfield County today on Greenwich Avenue in Greenwich, CT. The tenth location in Connecticut and third in Fairfield County, their soft opening is tonight, April 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. They will be offering patrons the entire menu and fountain drinks at no charge for today only. A liquor license is pending. Chipotle is now open at 49 Greenwich Avenue in Greenwich, CT. Hours are Monday through Sunday, 11 am to 10 pm, tel: 203.625.5394. Read More
Don Carmelo's Mexican Grill Opens in Norwalk Restaurant Norwalk Mexican Comfort Food Lunch Kid Friendly Kimberly Vigier April 15, 2012 Please welcome Kimberly Vigier & her first contribution to CTbites. You'll see her experience at Don Carmelo's was a mixed bag, but taste for yourself and let us know what you think. Nestled next to the East Norwalk train station sits Don Carmelo’s Mexican Grill, the next restaurant venture from area restauranteur, Luis Solis of Norwalk Pizza & Pasta. The restaurant touts itself as a Mexican grill and tequila bar, which drew a full crowd on a Thursday night with not an empty table to be found. The space itself is non-descript and with the exception of the mariachi band playing, one would never guess you were in a Mexican restaurant. Upon being seated, a basket of housemade warm multicolored tortilla chips was promptly presented with a trio of accompaniments: a traditional pico de gallo, a chipotle salsa and a salad of pickled vegetables. The pico was your basic chopped tomato, onion and cilantro mix with a bit too much acidity but was more balanced when enjoyed with a chip. While the flavor of the pickled vegetables was spot on, the mix of carrots, zucchini, onions and garlic would have felt more at home on an antipasti platter, perhaps an ode to the owner’s Italian roots? The chipotle salsa was smooth, smokey and packed a nice punch of heat, the most enjoyable of the three. Read More
Win Dinner w/ Colman Andrews @ Library Fundraiser Restaurant Chef Talk Events CTbites Team April 13, 2012 Despite our obsession with restaurants, what could be better than a fabulous dinner at home? How about a dinner for six prepared by renown chef, author and restaurant critic Colman Andrews, Co-founder and former editor-in-chief of Saveur magazine, restaurant critic for Gourmet magazine, current editorial director of The Daily Meal? This rare opportunity is available at The Ferguson Library's benefit in Stamford, A Novel Affair, on May 3 from 6-9 pm, when Colman will be offering this unique package as an auction item. Assisted by Stamford native and fellow restaurant editor at The Daily Meal, Molly Aronica, as his sous chef, Colman will work his magic in your kitchen. Read More
Little Pub & Berkshire Brewery Team up for Beer Dinner Restaurant Beer Dinner Beer Comfort Food CTbites Team April 12, 2012 Like beer? Like to learn about beer? You'll want to know about Little Pub's Berkshire Brewery Beer dinner hosted by Berkshire Brewing Co. co-founder Gary Bogoff, on April 24th. Gary will explain the flavor profile, ingredients, and special brewing process for each beer served while you enjoy a five course little pub dinner paired with six different berkshire beers. He’ll also share stories about Berkshire’s journey from a couple of home brewers to one of the regions largest craft brewers still brewing beer the old fashioned way: unfiltered, unpasteurized, free of any chemicals or preservatives, and delivered fresh every week. you can even try beer the old fashioned way because we’ll have a a hand drawn cask of extra hopped lost sailor ipa (and maybe a few other surprises too). Menu is below: Read More
Video: Napa's Chef Arik Bensimon Demos Roasted Sea Bass w/ Polenta & Mushrooms Features Chef Talk Entertaining Recipe Video Seafood Recipe CTbites Team April 12, 2012
CTbites Readers Create New Pies for Pizzeria Rosso Restaurant Bridgeport Greenwich Norwalk Pizza Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger April 11, 2012 Add this to the CTBites’ mantra - Sharing seven different and unique pizzas is a great way to spend an evening. Several of us performed the enviable task of judging six of the great pizza combinations that readers submitted to determine which would be included on the menu of Pizzeria Rosso’s new location in Greenwich and the combination that will earn the title of “CTBites 2012 Pie Combo.” And true to the mission of CTBites of guiding our readers to delicious food, all of them were so fantastic that Owner / Chef Pat Pascarella agreed that ALL OF THEM will be included on the Greenwich menu. So congratulations to each of these winning combinations: Read More
Dutch Henry Winery Wine Dinner @ Dressing Room Restaurant Wine Dinners Wine Tasting CTbites Team April 11, 2012 Dressing Room in Westport is hosting a few events this Spring that are worth that cost of that baby sitter. The first is a special wine dinner with Dutch Henry Winery on Wed April 18th featuring guest speaker Deborah Bazzano-Banhos of DoValle Wines. Dutch Henry Winery specializes in small lots of Handcrafted wines producing 5,000 cases annually, and was named one of the “top five” wineries to visit while in Napa by the Wall Street Journal. These wine dinners are informative and the pairings are impeccable. Check out the delicious menu below courtesy of Chef Jon Vaast: Read More
Fairfield County Eats Tasting Event to Raise $$ for The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County Restaurant Stephanie Webster April 11, 2012 SAVE THE DATE!! Join us at Fairfield County Eats on Thursday, April 26th for an evening of outstanding food, beer and wine...for a very good cause. This unique tasting event will take place at The Italian Center in Stamford with all proceeds directly supporting The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County's efforts to help end hunger in our community. The list of restaurants, caterers, and beverage purveyors participating in this event will surely make you salivate. @ $45 a person this is an event not to be missed. Check out the complete list of tasty vendors below: Read More
Giveaway! Win Dinner for 2 at elm Restaurant Giveaway Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger April 10, 2012 For those of you who missed this exciting CTbites Giveaway at the bottom of our review of opening night at elm Restaurant in New Canaan: One lucky CTbites readers will win a complimentary dinner for two guests (excluding gratuity and alcohol) at elm Restaurant exclusively from CTbites! Just follow these simple steps: STEP 1: First “Like” the elm Restaurant Facebook Page. STEP 2: “Like” or “Comment” on our elm Restaurant review posted on the CTbites Facebook Page. Contest end at midnight this Friday April 20th, 2012 Read More
Bodega Taco Bar Celebrates One Year Cinco de Mayo Style Restaurant Fairfield Mexican Stephanie Webster April 10, 2012 Bodega Taco Bar is celebrating its first anniversary with a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. On Saturday, May 5th beginning at 12 noon Bodega will be serving up their popular "Hand Slapped Guacamole," Tasty Tacos and other signature dishes under the Bodega Big Top. Other highlights of the day will include a Pig Roast prepared in a custom built La Caja China Roasting Box and a “guacamole slapping” demo. Festivities lasting into the evening hours include tequila tastings, cocktail specials, live music and dancing. Read More
Invites: Sunday Brunch @ The Ginger Man Greenwich CTbites Team April 09, 2012 Join the talented chefs and mixologists at The Ginger Man Greenwich for a special Sunday Brunch on Sunday April 29th from 12- 3, $30 per person. Start your morning with a tasting event highlighting Lambic / fruit beers. These unique libations offer an interesting alternative to your classic ales, stouts and lagers. Thencelebrate The Ginger Man's new signature cocktail, "The Tipsy Tiger Lily," named by a CTbites reader in our recent cocktail naming contest. This refreshing blend of St Germain, white cranberry juice , pineapple juice and sparkling Prosecco, will accompany a delicious brunch menu. Brunch includes light starters, choice of brunch entrée, pastries and dessert for the table and a glass of the featured cocktail, or optional Mimosa or Bloody Mary. RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW. Read More
The Spotted Horse Tavern: A Thoroughbred in Westport Restaurant Cocktails Westport Comfort Food Kid Friendly Burgers Sarah Green April 08, 2012 Last week I covered the opening bash at The Spotted Horse Tavern, Westport's new must-eat-at establishment. I perused the grounds, sampled the passed offerings and thoroughly appreciated the urban-chic decor at this latest love child of restaurateurs Kevin McHugh, Pete Mennona and Tommy Febbraio. I tried to go back on Monday to review but the restaurant had such a phenomenal opening weekend, they literally ran out of food and closed for lunch to stock up. It's good to be a Spotted Horse. When a group of CTBiters and I returned that Wednesday, the place was packed to the gills and the wait staff was on good form. Polite, helpful and incredibly well informed, the saddle was secure and we were off for a good ride. With a table by the window for some excellent photo ops, we were settled, excited and ready to eat. Read More
