Aux Delices Opens in Westport: Great Food for Busy People Features Restaurant Prepared Food Specialty Market Westport Breakfast Take Out Lunch Kid Friendly CTbites Team June 17, 2012 Back in Greenwich it was more than 10 years ago that I first walked into Greg Addonizio and Debra Ponzek’s tiny yellow-and-blue striped jewel of a café, Aux Delices. I went there almost every day, unable to resist their lemony ginger tea, inspiring desserts and gourmet take-out items. After I moved to Westport, I literally dreamed about their unbelievably decadent chocolate cake. Now, at long last, my dreams have come true. Aux Delices, which in French means “all the delicious food in life,” has opened a new location...in Westport, centrally located at 1035 Post Road East. With an airy, relaxed French brasserie ambience of copper fixtures, colorful chalkboard menus, and an outdoor patio, it’s the perfect instant getaway. And, while the service is quick and easy, the food however, is anything but fast food-like. With the exception of a few imported specialty items, drinks and cheeses, all foods and pastries are baked on-site, prepared by culinary institute-trained chef Ponzek, who describes her own cooking as “quality, healthy food for busy people.” Read More
Saugatuck Grain & Grape Gets Greenlight for Wine Bar Cocktails Opening Amy Kundrat June 15, 2012 Saugatuck Grain and Grape in Westport has been approved for the construction of a wine bar, c2h6o, at their existing 40 Railroad Place address by the town’s Planning & Zoning Board of Appeals. Their plans include transforming half of their existing retail space into a separate stand-alone wine bar in the burgeoning Saugatuck neighborhood.With the plans a year in the making, owners Mimi McLaughin and Jeff Marron are ecstatic their project has the green light to move forward. "I feel like I just gave birth to a teenager, this thing's been incubating for so long!" said McLaughlin this morning less than 12 hours after plans were approved, "We're really excited that it's actually becoming a reality now. Jeff has done quite a bit of research to develop a cocktail program that is both sophisticated and educational. He plans to really focus on vintage cocktails and the cocktail culture trends of the late 19th century." Read More
Taste and See Cupcakes in Milford Features Restaurant Bakery Milford Kid Friendly Dessert Cindy Hartog June 14, 2012 Is Taste and See Gourmet Cupcakes in Milford worth a 30-minute drive from Westport? The answer is a resounding “yes”! Recently, I’ve diagnosed myself as cupcake obsessed. There are worse obsessions, right? Through mail order, vacation excursions, and day trips, I estimate I’ve tried more than 50 cupcake purveyors. With complete honesty, Taste and See is my winner. Read More
Amuse Bouche: Food News for June 13 CTbites Team June 13, 2012 Curious about the sand outside of Valencia Luncheria? Their outdoor patio seating is coming soon. The Venezuelan beach theme is now complete. If you haven't heard, Le Pain Quotidien has opened in Stamford across from Fairway Market. The organic Belgian bakery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and serves a great latte. Beach Burger/ Mr Frosty's is also officially OPEN for business at Harbor Point in Stamford. Get all the delicious burger and frozen dessert action at their new convenient location. From the people who brought you Bobby Q's, Bar Q BBQ restaurant & bar is open in Stamford. Come for the dry rub, stay for the drinks @15 Clark Street at Main Street. The grand opening of Fro-Yo World in Westport is June 30th @ 11:30AM. Swing by for self serve frozen yogurt with 10 rotating flavors and 45 toppings. First 400 customers receive a FREE t-shirt @ 361 Post Road West. Read More
2012 Guest Chef Lineup @ The Westport Farmers' Market Ingredients Farm to Table Farmers Market Stephanie Webster June 12, 2012 You've waited all Winter. You've been patient. You've eaten produce flown in from countries far away, and had daydreams involving fresh blueberries. But now, your wait is over. It's time to rejoice with fresh local farm fare. The Farmers' Markets are back in session. And there's more good news. The Westport Farmers' Market is hosting 24 guest chefs this season, who will demo seasonal recipes and prepare tasting samples for Market guests. Wait till you see the lineup: Elm, The Boathouse, le Farm, Match, Sugar & Olives, Barcelona & more. CTbites will bring you continued coverage on the upcoming market chefs. and you can view the complete schedule below: Read More
Nighttime at Silvermine Market in New Canaan Restaurant Italian Specialty Market New Canaan Comfort Food Elizabeth Keyser June 10, 2012 The Silvermine Market is kind of like a neighborhood clubhouse. Make that town hall, says Scott Kaluczky, chef and co-owner of the gourmet deli. “Silvermine has a rich history and a strong sense of community,” he says. The quaint area along the Silvermine River strattles the border of New Canaan, Wilton and Norwalk. The Market is an off-the-beaten path place to have a business breakfast, or lunch after a visit to the Silvermine Art Center’s classes and shows. But the Silvermine Market also holds a well-kept secret: on Friday and Saturday evenings, it transforms into a candlelit, table-clothed restaurant serving Italian-American and American fare. It’s called Nighttime at Silvermine. Read More
Invite: 6 Course Italian Wine Dinner at Rizzuto's w/ Owner Bill Rizzuto Restaurant CTbites Invites CTbites Team June 10, 2012 Fresh from a research trip throughout the vineyards of the Italian countryside, Rizzuto's Restaurant and Bar owner Bill Rizzuto will host an all-inclusive 6-course Italian Wine Dinner on Monday, June 25 from 7 to 9 pm for $55 at Rizzutos's newest location in Stamford. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE. CTbites readers are invited to share in this playful multi-course Italian meal paired with wine varietals of the Donnachiara Winery in Avellino, Italy. The 6-course menu begins with Rizzuto's signature antipasti reception. The following courses include a yellow fin tuna crudo, asparagus panna cotta with crispy fried rock shrimp and black truffle vinaigrette, followed by an artichoke confit ravioli, and a 24-hour braised lamb, fresh mint, English peas, and oven-roasted tomatoes. Finishing the savory with a main course of grilled veal sirloin, with sheep's milk ricotta roman "gnocchi," and braised cavolo nero with rosemary fig jus. Read More
Friday Froth: Some New Brews News Friday Froth News Beer James Gribbon June 08, 2012 The American Brewers Association hit a milestone at the end of April when it registered its 2,000th member in the American craft beer family. This is an achievement, considering membership first hit 1,500 in '99 and then didn't touch so high a mark again until 2008. The American public has spoken, and we want fresh ingredients in all our foods, thankyouverymuch. I hope Gordon Knight is smiling from some other plane of existence right now, because craft beer is in the midst of a boom. Sunday beer sales aren't the only thing to smile about in the Constitution State, either: beers from Clown Shoes, Green Flash and Sixpoint breweries hit the shelves just last weekend. Read More
Video: Matt Storch Demos Pea Carbonara w/ Poached Egg Features Chef Talk Entertaining Recipe Video Recipe CTbites Team June 08, 2012 When eggs and bacon come together with pasta, it's all good. When Chef Matt Storch of Match Restaurant demos said dish, it's even better. This is exactly what went down during a recent video shoot, where Storch did a trial run for his entree selection at the CT Chefs' dinner at the James Beard House. Storch's carbonara has a seasonal twist that sets it apart from the classic dish. Instead of mixing the eggs into the pasta, he uses fresh peas and pea shoots to create a puree that serves as the sauce, while gently resting a poached egg atop before serving. This is a great entree to make at home. Watch and learn... Read More
Chef Cosentino, Iron Chef & Author @ William Sonoma Restaurant Chef Talk Cookbooks Events Specialty Market CTbites Team June 07, 2012 Chris Cosentino: Chef/Partner of Incanto, Boccalone and Pigg, former Iron Chef, and author of the new cookbook, Beginnings: My Way To Start a Meal is the featured chef partner this season at Williams-Sonoma. With his inspired interpretations of Italian dishes and innovative whole animal cooking, Cosentino has proven he’s someone to watch in the culinary world. On June 13, 5-7 pm you can join him at William Sonoma for an evening of Chris’s seasonal, Italian-Style first courses. These simple, rustic recipes reflect the chef’s love of cooking – both at home and in the kitchen of his San Francisco restaurant, Incanto and artisan salumeria, Boccalone. COST: $75 includes 2-hour demo, a signed copy of the book and dinner! Please call the store at 203-221-8667 for more information. Read More
Napa & Co. in Stamford Offers Early Bird 3 Course Prix Fixe Restaurant Farm to Table Stamford Stephanie Webster June 06, 2012 Napa & Co in Stamford is offering a great program this summer for diners who like to eat on the early side. For reservation or walk ins seated before 6:30PM, Napa has created a 3 course menu paired with some excellent wines that can be enjoyed for $53/pp. The menu will change throughout the summer based on what's in season, but this is a great way to sample everything Napa & Co. has to offer at a very attractive price. We've included their current menu below to whet your appetite. Read More
Dine With Design: Chef Menu Update CTbites Team June 06, 2012 The 2012 Dine With Design "Modern Picnic" at The Philip Johnson Glass House is just days away and the chefs have their menus ready to go for the event which will take place on Saturday, June 9th from 12pm to 3pm. This epicurean 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. If you haven't already done so, you can still purchase tickets for this event, but first take a look at the drool-worthy menus below: Read More
Strawberry Season Starts June 7 @ Bishop's Orchards CTbites Team June 06, 2012 This just in from Bishop's Orchards... "The 2012 Pick Your Own Season is OFFICIALLY here. Our first day for PYO Strawberries is Thursday June 7, from 8:30 am - 1 pm. The Strawberry crop looks great this year and they are absolutely delicious and so sweet. Remember, our Strawberry season is only a few weeks long, so don't miss your chance to pick and enjoy the freshest local strawberries! We hope to be open most mornings thru late June, but weather conditions and the plentiful availability of ripe berries determines our daily schedule, so call in daily for our schedule. 203.458.PICK We hope to see you in the fields!" Read More
SoNo Restaurant Week is Back: June 17-22nd Stephanie Webster June 06, 2012 Sono Restaurant Week is back with very attractive dining opportunities during the week of June 17th - 22nd. Come for lunch or dinner for great deals at all your favorite Sono restaurants including: Bacchus, Barcelona, Coromandel, Match, Red Lulu, Sono Baking Co and Strada 18. View the complete list of participating venues below: Read More
Cocktail Naming Contest: Dressing Room Ingredients Cocktails CTbites Team June 05, 2012 Game on! We're back with another cocktail naming contest. WIN a FREE Lunch for 2 @ The Dressing Room. Here's How... The Dressing Room has a new summer sipper in need of a name. This cocktail features craft made spirits from New York and Connecticut. If your Cocktail name is selected, it will be featured on their new menu & you will receive a FREE LUNCH FOR TWO @ The Dressing Room. Here are the ingredients: "Your Name Here" Cocktail Recipe 2.0 oz Rime Vodka (CT distilled by Westford Hills ) 1.0 oz American Fruits Pear Liquer (Produced in Warwick NY) 0.5 oz Massener's Ginger Liquer Post your submission below (include email) , or if you're shy, feel free to send it to us directly. May the best namer win!! Good luck. Read More
Blue Lemon @ Westport Farmers' Mkt June 7 CTbites Team June 05, 2012 It’s official, the Westport Farmers’ Market is in full swing and you don’t want to miss a thing! School’s beginning to wind down, the days are getting longer, and summer is rapidly approaching. If your house is anything like mine, with the heat comes the challenge of finding something cool and refreshing for dinner. Look no further…. this Thursday, June 7th Bryan Malcarney, Chef and Owner of The Blue Lemon in Westport will be whipping up a cool Caribbean gazpacho for all to sample at the Westport Farmers’ Market. This cold soup is simple yet delicious and always a market favorite. Best of all, the majority, if not all of the ingredients, can be found at the market. Therefore, if you make your way to the Market this Thursday (which I highly recommend) you will not only leave with your taste buds singing, but with dinner practically done! Read More
Block Party on the Farm w/ CT NOFA CTbites Team June 04, 2012 CT NOFA (Northeast Organic Farming Association) is turning 30 this year, and to celebrate 30 years of great food, fun, and community, they're having a Block Party. On June 23rd, come meet, socialize and bond with your local farmers and Organic Land Care Professionals with a farm tour, food truck, wine tasting, live music, and talk by Bill Duesing, CT NOFA's Executive Director. Farmer Dina Brewster will host a guided farm tour of The beautiful Hickories Farm in Ridgefield, followed by a wine tasting courtesy of Cellar XV. The Taco Pacifico food truck will keep the mood festive and keep you full of tacos. Dessert will be provided by The Cake Box, along with local brewery samples from Southport Brewing Company. Organic teas will be supplied by steaz. Read More
Terrain Westport Garden Cafe: Farm to Table Fare Restaurant Farm to Table Westport Farm Fresh Lunch Melissa Roberts June 03, 2012 The construction of Terrain along the Westport Post Road sprouted up faster than a weed; but unlike a weed, Terrain was a welcome sight--desirable and beautiful. I’m unsure who frequents this store, billed as “a shop for eco-friendly growing supplies, home and garden décor” with its $100. terrariums and $2,000. wire tables, but I have noticed a lot of people are eating here. Terrain’s restaurant, the Westport Garden Cafe, with the look of a modern barn in all its refined rusticity--reclaimed wood tables adorned with potted flowers, bulbs suspended from above, and floor to ceiling glass windows--is bright and airy, completely lovely. To match decor, the menu itself is farm-to-table, boasting support for local farms such as Sport Hill, Holbrook, Oakview, The Hickories and Warrups. Alabama chef, Joe Wolfson, Food & Wine’s 2011 People’s Best New Chef from the Gulf Coast, does justice to his ingredients. Read More
Dressing Room Guest Chefs @ The Westport Farmers' Mkt Restaurant Chef Talk Farmers Market Local Farm CTbites Team June 02, 2012 Please welcome Conor Johnson, one of CTbites' summer interns, who will be covering the local Farmers' Markets throughout the 2012 season. This past Thursday at the Westport Farmers’ Market, the grilling, searing, and sautéing began as they kicked off the season with their first of the many scheduled guest chefs. The first chef featured was Jon Vasst, Executive Chef of The Dressing Room, who awed a sizeable audience as he worked his culinary magic before their hungry eyes. His first of two demos began at 11 am, the second at 1 pm, with upcoming market guest chefs Bill Taibe, of LeFarm and Arik Bensimon, of Napa & Co. in the audince to show their support. Read More
Friday Froth: Spring Things Ingredients Friday Froth Beer James Gribbon June 01, 2012 "The planet has needs for your deeds," read the bottle cap. I studied it as the beer's head made sizzling noises, bubbles popping in the glass. "Well," I thought, dropping the cap and producing a tinny rattle. "Obviously." I brought my eyes around to study the carbonation's wavering path as it rose through the brown fluid. A previous topper reading "It's later now than it has ever been before" stuck to my other hand as I put it down. I flicked the cap, and it skidded across the glass table, leaving a faint but traceable trail through the collected pollen. Weakening rays of early evening sun hit me on a slant as I closed my eyes and leaned back. Those beams wouldn't be much good for generating solar power, but they seemed to recharge my personal batteries just fine. Some sort of tiny insect crawled its way over the hills and valleys of my toes and back into the green grass. Ah, spring. Read More
