Stamford's @Bar Rosso v2.0 Redux Restaurant Cocktails Italian Pizza Stamford Lunch Kid Friendly Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger May 06, 2012 It has been a roller coaster first year for @Bar Rosso in Stamford. Given the renewed level of excitement for this stylish Italian food and wine bar, I decided to return and investigate the buzz. And I am glad that I did. The totally revamped menu, designed by the new operating managers Giovanni Gentile and Rosario Procino, presents more casual and traditional Italian selections. More importantly, the new management team has brought in a supremely talented pizza maestro, Giuseppe Quattromini, a trained Italian baker from the Puglia region of Italy, and he is serving one of the best pizza crusts I have ever tasted. It was thin, yet crispy and strong enough to hold the toppings without folding; soft, light, and airy in texture, baked in a traditional 750-degree wood burning oven. The end result was outstanding. Read More
Sun BBQ Fest 2012: June 1 - 3 @ Mohegan Sun Road Trip Restaurant BBQ Amy Kundrat May 04, 2012 Mohegan Sun’s first annual BBQ Fest will be held June 1 - 3, 2012 in the Winter Parking Lot in Uncasville, CT. Headlining this event will be plenty of BBQ, cooking demonstrations, live music and host Mike Petit of NESN’s Grillseekers, as emcee for the three day event. Tickets are $30 per day including 8 food tickets and go on-sale Monday, April 16th at 10am through Ticketmaster.com or at Mohegan Sun’s Box Office. Kids 10 and under get in free (does not include food tickets). The weekend will include loads of BBQ including ribs, pulled pork and classic BBQ chicken from the nation’s best barbeque experts and vendors. Guests will be able to visit the Farmer’s Market featuring Sardilli Produce & Dairy. Competitive Eating Champion Joey “Jaws” Chestnut (famous for his hot dog championship titles) will appear in a rib eating contest on Saturday, June 2 at 4 p.m. Read More
Amuse Bouche: Food News for May 3, 2012 Restaurant News James Gribbon May 03, 2012 We're trying out a new feature on CTBites wherein we'll offer up small servings of news, happenings, and other ephemera for your delectation. Some of these may be followed up with longer reviews, others will fade into memory. - Website Lifehacker teaches occasional tricks for foodies: http://lifehacker.com/cooking-hacks- We hear The Ginger Man, Greenwich, has welcomed a new Executive Chef, Gerald Alcin. Chef Alcin comes to The Ginger Man from Lexington Square Cafe in Mt. Kisco. - Bar Rosso in Stamford has a new Italian pizzaioli, and he is putting out some mighty fine pies. - Tiny newcomer Relic Brewing opens to the public this Fri/Sat: https://twitter.com/#!/RelicBrewing/status/197473696313647106 Read More
Sweet & Simple® Cookies...Baked Locally, With Love Features Restaurant Local Artisan Fairfield Kid Friendly Dessert Margie Treisman May 03, 2012 Cookies are, by definition, hard to resist. Fairfield resident Michelle Jaffee has made resistance even more difficult with her new line of cookies, Sweet & Simple, adorable in their individual cellophane wrappers, brown and white labels and retro daisy logo. What’s more, the label proclaims, they’re “baked with love.” We at CTBites like to support the local, entrepreneurial spirit. (Plus – let’s face it -- we don’t hate eating cookies.) So we set out to sample the sweets. Read More
Beach Burger’s "Create Your Own" Burger & Milk Shake Contest Ingredients Giveaway Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger May 02, 2012 CTbites and Beach Burger of Norwalk are proud to announce the 2012 “Create-a-Burger & Milkshake” Contest. CTbites readers will have the unique opportunity to design 2 new items on Beach Burger’s menu: The signature "2012 CTbites Hamburger & CTbites Milk Shake. The winning combos in each category will be included on the Beach Burger menu, and the two winners will be treated to four combo burgers and any 4 milkshakes from the Beach Burger. The rules are pretty simple… 1. Choose the toppings that you believe would make the ultimate combination using Beach Burger’s all natural beef patty OR 2. Design a new combination milk shake 3. Post your burger and/or milk shake combos below. Read More
Holbrook Farm Dinner with Chef Michael Bick Restaurant Bethel Farm Dinner Farm to Table Amy Kundrat May 02, 2012 Holbrook Farm and Chef Michael Bick of Some Things Fishy Catering are hosting a BYOB farm-to-table dinner on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at Holbrook Farm in Bethel, CT. The event is $55 per person. To make reservations, email or call 914.572.5648 to make reservations. "John, Lynn, and I have been good friends for over 5 years coming to my events and often speaking about the importance of local and sustainable food sources. It just seemed like a natural thing to have dinner right on the farm where I get my produce," said Michael Bick. Holbrook Farm is a family farm run by John and Lynn Holbrook. They have lived on the 13-acre property for 34 years. "Holbrook Farm has been clean of pesticides and herbicides for at least the last 30 years that we have owned the land. We don't spray with pesticides, we try to use beneficial insects and companion plants," John Holbrook says, "and we don't use herbicides. Weeds have a place in the ecological mix as long as they are controlled." Read More
Sono Baking Co & Caseus at Barnes & Noble May 6th Restaurant Cheese Cookbooks Events Christy Colasurdo May 01, 2012 If you’re a sucker for hand-baked bread and artisanal cheese and seasonal farm fare (and who isn’t?) you'll want to head over to Barnes & Noble in Westport this Sunday, May 6 at 11 a.m. for a book signing, foodie and children’s event in support of Westport's Wakeman Town Farm. Jason Sobocinski of New Haven's Caseus restaurant and host of “The Big Cheese” will join SoNo Bakery's John Barricelli, host of "Everyday Baking," to offer tastes and sign copies of their beautiful cookbooks, Caseus Fromagerie Bistro Cookbook and the SoNo Baking Company Cookbook as part of a Bookfair Fundraiser for Wakeman Farm. Not only will you get to meet the authors and peruse their new books, but Caseus is bringing its famed Cheese Truck to the event. The Cheese Truck is a mobile kitchen that drives the streets of New Haven selling to-die-for grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup, daily sausages, salads and more! Read More
Fairfield County Eats Fundraiser Recap: Woman Eats Herself Silly CTbites Team May 01, 2012 As I am drive home from my big night out at Fairfield County Eats, a tasting event to benefit the Food Bank of Lower FC, I am feeling so stuffed I can hardly breathe. Or see straight. Yes, not only is the rain slapping against my windshield taking away my visibility, but the fact that I have just eaten ten times my body mass in chocolate. This was serious fun. As if just released from solitary confinement, I have eaten myself silly. Here is how it happened. Read More
Bistro 88 Asian Cuisine Opens in Westport w/ Delivery & Variety Restaurant Asian Delivery Service Japanese Vietnamese korean Nancy Kleeger April 29, 2012 With a stellar location in Westport on the Saugatuck, and a Taiwanese chef, trained in Japanese cuisine with more than 20 years in the restaurant business, Westporters have something to be hopeful about in a new local take out and delivery place. Bistro 88, a family run restaurant, is dishing up food from several Asian destinations including China, Japan, Korea, Thailand and even Indonesia, in the form of traditional Sambal. Lucky for us that points of political contention hasn’t gotten in the way of allowing us to choose freely from this flowing menu of Asian delights. Looming largely as a take out and delivery business, this tiny joint also has limited seating with service for those who prefer to eat there. Plus, the menu is so extensive (reading like a Bible for Asian food), there is surely something for everyone. Read More
Red Lulu's Cinco De Mayo All Day Block Party Restaurant Norwalk Mexican Stephanie Webster April 28, 2012 The countdown to Cinco De Mayo has begun, and Red Lulu is taking over Sono for a Cinco De Mayo block party. Eat, drink and dance all day with no cover charge at this Cinco celebration, complete with live bands, Mexican eats, and of course...tequila! The parking lot across the street from Red Lulu will be shut down for the day for maximum festivity. Here are the details: Read More
Cooking Demo & Lunch w/ Chef Malcarney of Blue Lemon Restaurant CTbites Invites CTbites Team April 27, 2012 Join CTbites & Blue Lemon chef/owner, Bryan Malcarney, for a cooking demo and lunch on the beautiful patio in Sconset Square, Westport. For easy scheduling, we've got two dates from which to choose; Thursday May 17 or Friday May 18 from 11:30- 1 pm. Reserve Your Seat Now. This three course lunch will include: Golden beet gazpacho; Chef Bryan's award winning grilled baby squid (complete with recipe demo) over arugula & endive salad with bleu cheese, celeriac, caramelized walnuts and cider vinaigrette...voted Best by Connecticut Magazine! Read More
Friday Froth: Draft Day Gems Ingredients Beer James Gribbon April 27, 2012 You never know where you might find your next exiting pint, the next star in your personal rotation. You will see some familiar, trusted brands while scanning the shelves during a trip to the adult candy store, but the familiar can become the routine, and routine can become stagnant - a word we try to avoid in the pursuance of Life Well-Lived. Our taste buds are continually regenerating, so let's go ahead and give those new recruits a chance to shine. The NFL draft started last night and continues today and tomorrow, so I thought we'd choose a few draft picks of our own this week. Enough with the set up: the first pick in the inaugural CTBites Beer Draft 2012 is: Magic Hat Encore. Read More
First Annual Wakeman Town Farm Chicken Coop Tour Kids Bites Education Local Artisan Local Farm CTbites Team April 27, 2012 Wakeman Town Farm is giving local backyard chicken fans something to cluck about! Announcing the First Annual Wakeman Town Farm Chicken Coop Tour, in which local chicken coop owners in Westport and lower Weston will open their unique henhouses to the public. Wakeman Town Farm threw down the gauntlet to local chicken-keeping aficionados. We asked: Who wants bragging rights for building the Hautest Henhouse...the Cadillac of Chicken Shacks...the Coop De Ville? The result is Wakeman Town Farm's First Annual Chicken Coop Tour, Saturday, May 5 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., a fun-filled afternoon touring approximately 15 chicken coops in Westport and Weston and enjoying a casual After-Tour Sundae back at the farm, with ice cream generously provided by The Farmer's Cow! Read More
What's Cooking in Bridgeport May 14-20 Restaurant Bridgeport CTbites Team April 27, 2012 Bridgeport’s Restaurant and Entertainment Week Returns May 14-20 Experience Bridgeport’s growing and thriving restaurant and entertainment scene from Monday, May 14 to Sunday, May 20, 2012 during What's Cooking in Bridgeport. Two of CTbites' favorites, Bereket and MELT Market & Cafe are on board this year, so check them out. Restaurants participating in What’s Cooking in Bridgeport restaurant and entertainment week will be offering patrons a new fixed price menu. These restaurants include: Amici Miei Cafe, Bereket, Epernay Bistro, The Field, Barnum Publick House, Taco Loco, Fortuna's Italian Deli, MELT Market & Cafe, Miss Thelma's, Park City Grill, Toni's Tuscan Table @ Dish, and Too Boots Pizza. Read More
Home Brewing Basics Class @ espressoNEAT in Darien Ingredients Coffee Stephanie Webster April 26, 2012 I've said this before, but espressoNEAT, in my biased opinion, serves the best espresso in Fairfield County. Located in Darien, their baristas are well trained experts, and their devotion to their craft is obvious from the first sip of any of their coffee based beverages. Here's the info on their next home brewing class on Thursday May 31st. Do you like the coffee you get at NEAT? Did you know you could enjoy that coffee without even leaving your house? No, we’re not starting a delivery service, but we are relaunching an educational series that will equip you to make a stellar cup of coffee in the comfort of your own home and bathrobe. We’ll guide you in the fundamentals of buying, storing, grinding, and brewing and help you get the best at home as well as at NEAT. _________________________ Class size is limited to 8 people for maximum learning and tasting. Email education (at) espressoNEAT.com or ask someone NEAT to sign up. $10/person, includes 10% off whole bean coffee & Clever brewers after class. Check back here to find out about upcoming dates! Thursday, May 31 @ 7:00PM : Brew Methods Class Read More
Don't Miss The Taste of Westport on May 3rd Restaurant CTbites Team April 25, 2012 The 8th Annual Taste of Westport will be held on May 3rd at the Westport Inn. The Taste of Westport supports CLASP, a 30 year old Westport-based organization that provides group housing for 80 men and women with autism and related developmental disabilities. Your $75 entry fee ($80 at the door) gives you sampling rights to some of the Westport area’s finest dining spots, and you can support a great cause. Here's how the evening is going down: Begin with oysters or clams from Norm Bloom & Son, and then enjoy great restaurants, including Bobby Q’s, Blue Lemon, DaPietro’s, Matsu Sushi, Coromandel, Michele’s Pies, River House Tavern, Rizzuto’s, Tarantino’s, 55 Restaurant and Wine Bar and Rowayton Seafood. Read More
Foodie Fridays @ Sport Hill Farm in Easton Features Cooking Classes Easton Education Farm Fresh CTbites Team April 25, 2012
A Sneak Peek @ The NEW Valencia Luncheria in Norwalk Restaurant Norwalk Venezuelan Stephanie Webster April 24, 2012 We recently reported on Valencia Luncheria's highly anticipated expansion plan which has this Fairfield County arepa haven moving down the street to a significantly larger location at 164 Main Street in Norwalk. Regulars wondered if the new place would retain the just stepped off the Venezuelan beachside charm of Valencia 1.0, a tiny spot whose uniquely delicious menu has won over locals as well as Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Loyal patrons need not fear. Owner, Michael Young, recently toured CTbites around the new Valencia Luncheria, and all of the rustic and reclaimed touches, bright colors, and the signature wall of plantains, are still in the house. There are, however, some significant upgrades about which you'll want to know. Here's the rundown on what to look for in the new Valencia Luncheria, currently scheduled to open by the end of May. Read More
Food Network's Restaurant Impossible visits Stella's in Stratford via ctpost Stratford CTbites Team April 23, 2012 Looking for something fun to do next week? "Restaurant Impossible" will be filming at Stella's in Stratford. Here's the news from ctpost.com... "The Food Network's top rated show, "Restaurant Impossible," will be paying a visit to Stella's Restaurant next week. "Restaurant Impossible" is hosted by Chef Robert Irvine, who, according to the show's website, "faces a daunting new challenge: save America's most desperate restaurants from impending failure in just two days with only $10,000." Tucked in the corner of the Oronoque Shopping Plaza, Stella's is an Italian restaurant that has been serving homemade meals for 34 years. Decorated with black-and-white family photos and old photos of Stratford, Stella's, at 7365 Main St., is owned and operated by longtime restaurateur Michael Savoie. In 1998, Savoie took over Stella's. Read More
