Invites: 4 Course Italian Wine Dinner @ Da Pietro's Restaurant - $85 CTbites Invites CTbites Team July 26, 2012
Amuse Bouche: The All Beverage Issue Ingredients News Wine Tasting Beer James Gribbon July 26, 2012 Stew Leonard’s Wines is getting into the Olympic spirit. They will also be hosting a “Wide World of Spirits” on Friday, July 27 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 28 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. featuring four drinks from four continents. Westport's new wine shop, BottleRocket will host several events this weekend. If you haven't stopped by yet, this top notch wine haven is worth a taste. Thurs, July 26: Magic Hat Elder Betty beer (seasonal, weiss-style and super refreshing), 4-7pm: Fri, July 27:Mer Soleil Chardonnay from California, 4-7pm & Sat, July 28: Laxas Albarino (refreshing summer sipper from Spain), 1-4pm Hartford's City Steam brew pub, already distributing their Naughty Nurse pale ale in bottles at retail, is rolling out bottles of their Innocence IPA in the coming weeks. We've asked, and we'll update you when we know Ffld. Co. locations. Read More
Grassroots: A Wakeman Town Farm Dinner on September 15 Restaurant Farm Dinner CTbites Team July 25, 2012 Save the Date! Wakeman Town Farm is thrilled to announce our first Farm-to-Table dinner with chefs serving their finest fare on Saturday, September 15. "Grassroots" will be a decadent extravaganza, using the fresh seasonal vegetables, made possible by the generous contributions of local farmers. Presenting the star chefs for this special evening: Jason Sobocinski of Caseus, New HavenJohn Naughright of LeFarm, WestportFrederic Kieffer of Artisan, SouthportJohn Barricelli, Sono Bakery, Norwalk & Westport Read More
Road Trip: 116 Crown in Downtown New Haven Restaurant American Cocktails New Haven Lunch Ralph Kantrowitz July 25, 2012 116 Crown (“One-Sixteen,” as its known to loyal patrons) arrived on the downtown New Haven scene in 2007 with little fanfare, but its impact was immediate and resounding. Nothing quite so chic, so stylish, had been seen in the Elm City. With its lit up green onyx bar easily visible from the street, 116 stood out as a beacon of alternative dining and nightlife, easily distinguishable from the loud clubs and Irish pubs on nearby blocks. A sophisticated crowd sought out the modestly sized space in search of haute mixology creations – extraordinary cocktails containing exotic ingredients – and worldly small plates to nibble on. The perfectly pitched décor, highlighted by impressive design touches like an iconic bright blue Bang & Olufsen phone at the hostess stand and foot pedal-operated sinks by the bathrooms, and an undeniably hip ambiance perpetuated by a fantastic of-the-moment musical playlist, kept the cool kids coming back. Read More
Respect for Source: The Ritual of Pasta Making at Pasta Nostra in South Norwalk Restaurant Italian Norwalk Pasta Amy Kundrat July 24, 2012 Joe Bruno’s formula for Pasta Nostra in South Norwalk is simple. Fresh pasta, high quality ingredients, and respect for source. This meticulous attention to detail and devotion to perfection has kept it a Fairfield County mainstay for well over two decades. To understand how Chef Bruno can maintain this vigilance, we visited on several occasions, spending time in the upstairs kitchen, a basement prep area, in the dining room and even peering into a few cave-like basement rooms where the Italian olive oil and cases of wine are stored. But to truly grasp the soul of this place, we spent most of our time there with an Italian pasta machine in a basement prep area, where the restaurant’s fresh pasta is prepared with care. Read More
The CTbites and 109 Cheese & Wine Road Trip Giveaway Restaurant Cheese Giveaway Ridgefield Road Trip CTbites Team July 24, 2012 From the coast of Maine, to the island of Nantucket, to the beaches of Long Island ... who doesn’t love a great summer road trip? As we downshift into the slower and warmer final weeks of summer, CTbites wants to know, what are some of your favorite road trip destinations? Comment on this post sharing one or more of your favorite summer road trip destinations for a chance to win a picnic basket from 109 Cheese and Wine filled with cheese, wine and charcuterie from the Ridgefield wine shop. Read More
King's Kitchen Cooks The Westport Farmer's Mkt July 26 Restaurant Events Farm Fresh CTbites Team July 23, 2012 This Thursday, July 26th, Hunter King of King's Kitchen in Southport Beach will be the guest Chef at The Westport Farmers’ Market. Hunter will be dishing out a seasonal favorite, tomato gazpacho, made with tomatoes from Riverbank Farm and served with a dollop of cucumber sorbet. In addition to this summer staple, Hunter will be making a fun twist on a classic, with Kings Kitchen Grilled Cheese Panini Fries. Made with Wave Hill Ciabatta, these fries are just as addicting as they sound, delicious, gooey, strips of grilled cheese heaven, cut to resemble a French fry! Read More
Carpe Diem Owner to Open Tapas Restaurant in New Canaan Restaurant News Spanish New Canaan Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger July 23, 2012
Fiesta Atlantic: Authentic Peruvian Fare in Stamfor Restaurant Delicious Dives Peruvian Stamford Lunch Kid Friendly CTbites Team July 22, 2012 I’ve enjoyed food from many different countries over the years but funny enough, never from Peru. So with three friends in tow, I decided to try Fiesta Atlantic, a Peruvian restaurant in Stamford. Having eaten Venezuelan and Mexican, I expected a fusion of both. It turns out Peruvian food is indeed a melting pot of different cultures but surprisingly, the food is notable for its Italian and Chinese influences. In the 18th century, Lima was the financial center of a vast Spanish Viceroyalty. Chinese laborers and Italian settlers washed up on its South Pacific shores bringing their own spices and cooking techniques. Read More
Chocopologie Café to Open in Stamford Restaurant Chocolate Stamford Opening Amy Kundrat July 20, 2012 Life in downtown Stamford is about to get a whole lot sweeter. Chocopologie Café, the sweet and savory domain of Master Chocolatier Fritz Knipschildt, will be opening its fourth location at 211 Main Street in Stamford in late summer, roughly six weeks. The original cafe and factory in South Norwalk has been open since 2005 andnew outposts have opened in New Haven and Greenwich in the last two years. Related posts: SoNo Chef Shootout featuring Fritz Knipschildt and Matt Storch Making Chocolate Truffles with Knipschildt Chocolatier A Chocolate-Inspired Dinner with Fritz Knipschildt Read More
Chef Arik Bensimon Leaves Napa & Co in Stamford...Who's Coming In? Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger July 19, 2012
The Sheffield Island Clambake & Boatride Restaurant Norwalk Picnic Seafood CTbites Team July 19, 2012 Every summer, from June through September, The Norwalk Seaport Association provides an escape from the rush of city life and the exhaustion of a grueling workday. They transport you to the shores of idyllic Sheffield Island, a sanctuary on the sea, truly taking you back to the way summer should be. The Sheffield Island Clambake got it’s start a little over 10 years ago and has become a much anticipated summer tradition for many families. The Norwalk Seaport Association is a non-profit organization that has owned, restored, and maintained the Sheffield Island Lighthouse since 1986. Sheffield Island opens its dock to visitors May through September, inviting them to tour the 142 year old light house, have a picnic, or look for shells along the beach. Read More
Bobby Flay is Looking for America's Best HOME COOK! CTbites Team July 18, 2012 BOBBY FLAY is Looking for America's Best HOME COOK! In Bobby Flay's exciting new series, teams of two will be given the opportunity to show BOBBY FLAY that they have what it takes to be crowned: America's Best Home Cook. Flay's casting team is looking for the best home cook duos in Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Philadelphia, New York/New Jersey. Is your house always filled with guests who are craving your amazing meals? Do you throw the best dinner parties in town? Are people always asking for your recipes? Maybe you and your spouse make an awesome team in the kitchen Or....Your sister is the only other person you trust with a spatula! "If you are fiercely competitive, fantastically creative and truly believe you are the best home cooks around, then we want we want to hear from you." Here's how to apply. Read More
Dressing Room's Chef Vaast @ The James Beard House August 13th Events Stephanie Webster July 18, 2012 CT chefs have had a rather strong showing at New York City's prestigious James Beard House this summer and the good times just keep on coming. On Monday, August 13th @7PM, Chef Jon Vaast, Executive Chef at Dressing Room in Westport, will be delighting James Beard guests with a seasonal farm-to-table menu that looks exceptionally delicious. Roasted Littleneck Clams with Bacon and Duck Fat Beurre Blanc, Smoked Sunburst Trout Mousse with Trout Caviar, Corn Chowder with Skillet Corn Kernels, Caramelized Shallot Custard (also served at the recent CTbites happy hour event with great success), Grilled Eggplant with Jalapeño–Tomato Fondue, and Heritage Pork Duo are a few of the dishes to be presented during the course of the evening, each course thoughtfully paired with wine. This is an event not to be missed. View the complete menu below or get your tickets here. Read More
Join Barcelona & CTbites for a Harvest Happy Hour to Launch Farmigo Program CT Ingredients Delivery Service Farm to Table Local Farm CTbites Team July 18, 2012 Join Barcelona Wine Bar in Fairfield and CTbites on Tuesday on July 24 from 6 to 8 pm for a "Harvest Happy Hour" to welcome the new Farmigo CSA program to Connecticut. This casual and free event will take place in Barcelona's garden with a cooking demo by Chef Helton. Light bites made with ingredients from the Barcelona garden and local farms. Meet Farmigo representatives, local farmers and artisans partnering with the program. Read More
Foodie Road Trip: Three Days in Cape Cod Restaurant Cape Cod Road Trip Seafood Elizabeth Keyser July 17, 2012 Cape Cod is the perfect summer road trip destination for busy people. About a three-hour drive from Fairfield, Connecticut, the towns of Woods Hole and Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, hold good news for food lovers. On a recent three-day getaway, my husband and I sought casual-but-good waterfront places where shorts fit the dress code. We discovered inspired and classic renditions of New England fare. Woods Hole is where the ferry leaves for Martha’s Vineyard, but it’s a destination in itself. The quaint gray-shingled town rests on a spit of land, where on a recent idyllic summer day, sunlight sparkled on the water, and breezes blew stress away. Ah, vacation. Read More
Chef Demo: Barcelona's Chef Helton DaSilva @ WFM July 19 CTbites Team July 16, 2012 This Thursday, July 19th, a little bit of Spain is making its way down to Westport in the form of Executive Chef Helton DaSilva from Barcelona Wine Bar & Restaurant. Chef DaSilva, of Barcelona in Fairfield, will be keeping it cool as this heat wave passes, with two salads this Thursday. His first demonstration, a chilled green bean salad with almonds and olives is perfect alone or as an accoutrement to just about any summer dish. The second, a cucumber mint and cilantro salad, is crisp and light, sure to awaken your taste buds. With the exception of the almonds and olives, all of the vegetables in these salads are sourced locally, from Barcelona’s very own garden in Fairfield. Read More
Craft Butchery "Pig On The Plaza" Event July 22nd Stephanie Webster July 16, 2012 Join Craft Butchery on Sunday, July 22, 2012, from 5-7 pm for the First Annual Pig on the Plaza event, held in front of the shop. They will be cooking one pig in a traditional smoker, and roasting another in a “La Caja China” box. Beer and wine will be provided by Saugatuck Grain and Grape. Details Cost: $15 per person Advanced purchase required (see below) No cancellations, no cash back. Rain date: August 12th. In the event of very bad weather on July 22nd, we may need to postpone the event. If this happens, we will offer an exchange for merchandise in the shop should you be unable to attend. Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds. Tickets (online purchase available for July 22nd event only) Saugatuck Craft Butchery 575 Riverside Ave Westport, CT 06880 (203) 226-MEAT Read More
LeRose Tries A New Recipe At Bar Q in Stamford Restaurant BBQ Stamford Take Out Kid Friendly James Gribbon July 15, 2012 "We're trying to establish Connecticut barbeque," says Bob LeRose, adding wood to the smoker cooking our ribs. I'm peppering Bobby Q himself with questions while trying not to lose my footing on the floor of the kitchen at the new Bar Q and simultaneously avoiding the hustling form of chef Tom Doherty. LeRose's second restaurant, located at 15 Clark Street in Stamford behind Black Bear, is the latest in his slow-smoked outreach program to those of us on the Sound. "This isn't Bobby Q's," he's quick to point out. "This is its alter-ego." Read More
