New Canaan Restaurant Week Starts August 24 Restaurant New Canaan CTbites Team August 15, 2012 After a successful premiere last year, New Canaan Restaurant Week is on tap to run from Friday, August 24th to Thursday, August 30th. Thirteen New Canaan restaurants will feature Restaurant Week prix fixe menus -- providing diners a chance to sample their cuisines at attractive prices. Already known as a destination for great food, New Canaan’s upcoming promotional week promises to draw restaurant-goers into town, just as the summer is winding down and the new school year starts. The list of restaurant participants reflects the full array of New Canaan cuisines: Boulevard 18 Bistro & Wine Bar; Carpe Diem; Cava Wine Bar & Restaurant; Gates Restaurant; elm; New Canaan Diner; Plum Tree Restaurant; Rosie; Sole Ristorante; Thali Regional Cuisine of India – New Canaan; The Tuscan Osteria-Mercato and Silvermine Market. Participating restaurants have a choice of two price points for the featured two-course luncheon menus and three-course dinner menus. Pricing is as follows: Lunch $10.12 or $15.12; and dinner $20.12 or $29.12. Read More
Chef Matt Storch@ The Westport Farmers' Market Aug. 16 CTbites Team August 14, 2012 This Thursday, August 16th, Matt Storch, Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Match in South Norwalk, will be bringing his new American cuisine to the Westport Farmers’ Market Have you ever been to Match? Have you had the pleasure of visiting this hip little spot situated in the middle of SoNo? Been served up Storch’s Asain inspired American cooking and enjoyed the restaurant named the “Best Overall Restaurant and Best Service in Fairfield County” in 2010? If you just smiled or nodded yes to yourself, my job is done. I can stop this article here. Let’s just plan on meeting up Thursday at the Market (or better yet, dinner tonight?). Yet, for the few of you who have not yet had the opportunity to make it to Match…Thursday is approaching and my advice to you… seize the day! Read More
What's in Season: Blueberries Ingredients Seasonal Farm Fresh Tina Rupp August 14, 2012 CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE TO LAUNCH PHOTO GALLERY Tina Rupp is a professional food photographer who works with Food & Wine Magazine and Weight Watchers and also photographs many cookbooks and national print ads. She is inspired by the changing colors and textures of seasonal ingredients both as a foil for her her camera, as well as inspiration for her baking endeavors in her Old Saybrook home. She shoots with Canon and Hassleblad cameras Blueberries. You can get them practically year round in any grocery store in the country. We all know that they are often mealy and tasteless. Yet we still buy them, perhaps for their antioxidant power. But blueberry season is a whole different world. Outside of strawberries, blueberries are the fruit I look forward to the most in summer. The sweet yet tart delicious little nugget of flavor is such an amazing berry to eat straight off the bush, in a pie or cake or crumble, or right out of the freezer and into Sunday morning pancakes. Read More
John Barricelli's "The Seasonal Baker" Cookbook in Stores August 21 Features Bakery Chef Talk Cookbooks Recipe Deanna Foster August 14, 2012 The most appealing aspect of John Barricelli’s new cookbook “The Seasonal Baker: Easy Recipes From My Home Kitchen to Make Year-Round” is the reassuring conversational tone of his introductions and tips, which are not just sprinkled, but dolloped throughout the book. The title is a mouthful, but accurate, with the emphasis on the home kitchen. If you want to recreate the multi-layered Chocolate Ganache Cake or Crème Brulee Tartlets from the Sono Baking Company’s repertoire, go to John’s first cookbook of the same name. The Seasonal Baker is a go-to resource of thoughtfully selected and approachable recipes, both sweet and savory, meant to be prepared in a home kitchen. They will dazzle the diners, and not daunt the baker. The book is well organized, dividing its 135 recipes into 9 clear sections from Muffins, Quick Breads and Breakfast Treats through Crisps, Cobblers and Other Fruit Spoon Desserts to the savory Tarts, Quiches, Pastas and More, and finally Focaccia and Pizza on the Grill. With few exceptions, the recipes are designed for everyday baking and John’s heartfelt introduction sets you up for all you will encounter in the book, essentially a mash-up of food and family. Read More
Beaver Beer...It All Began In Westport, CT Ingredients Beer CTbites Team August 13, 2012 "If it wasn't for beaver, none of us would be here," Bill O'Brien, one of the three founders of Beaver Beer tells me over their delicious Big Red brew. Turns out he's not talking about our meeting at the bar, though. Bill gives me a quick history lesson and tells me that the Dutch were among the first to come to this country, and they were hunters looking for beaver pelts! It's one of the many stories that Beaver Beer brings out, and Bill lovingly refers to Beaver Beer as "a conversation in a bottle." The conversation that led to Beaver Beer occurred when three friends from Westport were camping and became inspired to create the perfect craft brew. After watching the nearby hard working, hard-playing beavers, they knew the beaver was the perfect mascot for their brand. Read More
Scena Wine Bar & Restaurant in Darien Restaurant Darien Italian Lunch Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger August 12, 2012 Scena Wine Bar & Restaurant in Darien has been serving top notch, modern interpretations of Italian cuisine under the direction of Executive Chef Eben Leonard for close to 3 years. It is one of three restaurants owned by brothers Vicente and Kleber Siguenza (a fourth is schedule to open in Greenwich later this year) including Cava Wine Bar in New Canaan and 55 Degrees Wine Bar and Restaurant in Fairfield. Chef Leonard traces his culinary passion to his early childhood in Chatham, New York when he prepared monthly dinner menus for his mother. As a teenager, Chef Leonard met his first mentor, Chef Urs Bieri, at the Elm Court Inn in Massachusetts, when Bieri hired him to work as a “chef” at the age of fifteen, Read More
Belgique Chocolatier To Close Both Locations Restaurant Chocolate CTbites Team August 12, 2012 Belgique Chocolatier, with locations in Kent and New Canaan, CT, will be closing the doors to both locations at the end of October and customers with gift certificates are encouraged to redeem them. Read More
IKEA Swedish Summer Crayfish Party, August 17 Restaurant Seafood New Haven CTbites Team August 10, 2012 Celebrate Summer with IKEA Swedish Crayfish Party, for Only $9.99, Kids 12 and Under Eat for Only $2.49It’s the time of the year again for enjoying time with family and friends under the setting sun, amidst mild summer weather. IKEA, the Life Improvement Store, invites customer to enjoy the IKEA Crayfish Party—a late summer smorgasbord that will be hosted in the restaurant IKEA New Haven on Friday, August 17. For only $9.99 per person or $2.49 for kids 12 and under, guests can enjoy a Swedish summer meal of crayfish, cheese pie, cucumber salad, and more.Crayfish parties date back to the 1800s when lakes in Sweden were full of crayfish. In order to protect crayfish populations, the fishing season was limited to August and September, which is why—today—Swedish crayfish parties are still traditionally held in August. Read More
Get Close to the Source: Easton Farm Tour is August 11 CTbites Team August 09, 2012 Citizens For Easton (CFE) is pleased to announce the 4th annual Easton Farm Tour. This celebration of Easton, a local farming community within Fairfield County CT, is a self-guided tour of Easton farms. Easton Farm Tour 2012 will be held August 11 from 10am to 3pm. This free event begins at the Easton Firehouse Green, One Center Road, Easton, CT 06612. At this location, visitors will receive a copy of the road map, passes to events and incentives offered by farmers and community organizations at the different locations throughout day. Please enjoy the many farming delights that Easton has to offer while you and your family learn where your food comes from. Enjoy food tastings, antiques farm tools, pony rides, a petting zoo, greenhouse tours, fruits and vegetables from the farm and pick your own. Participating farms and local landmarks will include: Aspetuck Valley Apple Barn, Buttonwood Farm, Dave’s Honey, Gilbertie’s Herb Gardens, Historic Bradley Hubbell House Barn and Gardens, J&L Orchids, Lion Hill Farm, Sherwood Farm, Silverman’s Farm, and Sport Hill Farm. Read More
New Haven Food & Wine Festival Grand Tasting on August 22 Restaurant Events New Haven CTbites Team August 09, 2012 The New Haven Food & Wine Festival returns this year kicking off with a Grand Tasting as part of the New Haven Open Tennis Tournament on August 22 from 5 to 7:30 pm. The $125 ticket includes admission to the tasting and box seats for that evening's session 7. Read More
Craft Beer & Chili Challenge in East Hartford, August 12 Restaurant East Hartford Beer Comfort Food CTbites Team August 08, 2012 Chefs are always talking about wine pairings, but for all of you who prefer a cold one to a glass of vino, here's your chance for sample some of the best beer CT has to offer. The Craft Beer & Chili Challenge will be held at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT on Sunday, August 12th from 12-4 p.m. What's better than 100's of beers & dozens of chilis? Really, nothing, but if you require added appeal, attendees will get to vote for their favorites as they crown the best official beers and chilies in Connecticut. Chili will range from from hearty and meaty, to hot and spicy, to vegetarian, and everything in between, so there's something for every eater. For one flat admission price of $62.50, attendees can sample dozens of different chilis prepared by area restaurants and hundreds of craft beers from around the state and around the world. In addition, there will be vendors and crafters from around the Northeast displaying and selling their work, as well as a DJ providing a rocking soundtrack of music for the event. Read More
Sono Baking Co: 5 Tips for Perfect Pie Dough Ingredients Features Bakery Norwalk Recipe Dessert Stephanie Webster August 07, 2012 Pie baking is a both a science and an art, and John Barricelli of Sono Baking Company knows all the tricks. John has been baking the old fashioned way at Sono Baking Company since the very beginning, no short cuts, just fresh ingredients and skill that comes from a lifetime covered in flour. As part of our Invites program, John Barricelli hosted two "Pie & Dough Making" classes for aspiring bakers. Guests arrived donning aprons and toting rolling pins. Here's what we learned: 5 Tips for Perfect Pie Dough Tip #1: Calibrate your oven's temperate & make sure that your oven is level. Read More
Plan B Burger Opens in Stamford: Burgers, Bourbon & Beer Restaurant Stamford Comfort Food Lunch Kid Friendly Burgers Lou Gorfain August 05, 2012 The B's in “Plan B Burger” are Burgers, Bourbon, and Beer. Add another for “Big”. The huge Stamford branch of this high concept Connecticut restaurant franchise opened this week in the Town Center, and the spectacular interior of the vast 4500 square foot space immediately announces "This Ain't Five Guys." No peanut shells here. And a far more high end burger. Reclaimed wood walls. Blown glass lights. High tin celings. Meat hook lamps. A wrap around bar, brimming with beer and booze. Plan B transports an old-fashioned American saloon into the 21st Century. Walk in and you know some two-fisted eatin' and drinkin' could happen here. All that's missing are sarsaparilla and swinging doors. The eats and drinks.... by the B's. Read More
Stanziato's Dinner @ Holbrook Farm Restaurant Farm to Table Pizza Amy Kundrat August 05, 2012 Get excited. Stanziato's Pizza in Danbury is teaming up with Holbrook Farm for the Danbury pizzeria's first farm-to-table event held on the Bethel farm, Sunday, September 16, 2012 from 4 to 7pm. Each $60 ticket includes soup, salads, appetizers (plated), wood-fired pizza from Stanziato's new truck (served family style) as well as non-alcoholic beverages and local beer/wine,. Virtually all of the ingredients will be sourced from the farm. You can also count on live music to round out this late summer evening. Stanziato's has accumulated a cult following of pizza lovers across northern Fairfield County who know its Neapolitan-inspired pizza menu of white and red pies by heart. If we've ever spoken about pizza, chances are you have heard me swoon about the Soppressata and Chilies pizza that stole my heart. The CIA-trained Chef Stanczak's talents don't stop at the wood-fired ovens, his salads and soups have their own fan club as well, a perfect foil for an evening dinner on the farm. Tickets are limited so grab some friends and be sure to get yours soon. Where: Holbrook Farm – 45 Turkey Plain Road, Bethel, CT 06801 Time: 4-7pm Tickets: $60 per person, purchase online at http://stanziatos.com/farm-to-table-event/ Questions: Call Stanziato's at 203.885.1057 or email info@stanziatos.com Read More
Harlan Social Opens in Stamford's Harbor Point Restaurant American Stamford Lou Gorfain August 03, 2012 Steven Lewandowski knows something about breaking new ground. He worked at Montrachet, Drew Nieporant’s’s transformative French restaurant that ignited a dining renaissance in once grim Lower Manhattan. "I think we can change the game here, too," Lewandowski told CTBites during a recent preview of his new Harlan Social at Harbor Point, the amazing redevelopment project now bourgeoning on Stamford's South Side. "When we first checked the area, it was a bit desolate. Like Tribeca when my friend Drew came in there. But when I saw that Fairway was here, I just knew this would be a good home for us, too. Fade Out. Fade In. One year later. Harbor Point is booming and Lewandowski is about to find out if his multimillion dollar bet was on the money.. On August 7th, Harlan Social opens its doors, the first high end restaurant in HP. ("Harlan" is his son's first name, "Social" because the restaurant will be a gathering place for the thousands of people who will soon live, work, play ... and, yes, EAT ... in Harbor Point.) Read More
Barcelona Chef Proto: Hanger Steak w/ Truffle Vinaigrette Features Chef Talk Recipe Video Recipe CTbites Team August 02, 2012 Truffle fans, listen up. Barcelona Restaurant has begun importing the "good stuff." Teaming up with an international purveyor of this Italian culinary treasure, Barcelona is now offering private label white truffle oil and truffle shavings (slivers, packed in juice). Wondering what to do with these fabulous fungi? Frank Proto, Executive Chef at New Haven's Barcelona Restaurant has just the recipe: Truffle Vinaigrette, using black truffles and white truffle oil. This vinaigrette is delicious on hanger steak as presented in the recipe above, but really, what wouldn't truffle vinaigrette be good on? These exotic woodland delicacies are available to food enthusiasts through Barcelona’s already active “marketplace” on their web site. Read More
Invites Recap: "Happy Hour" @ Dressing Room Restaurant CTbites Invites Westport Nic Barbera July 31, 2012 As you enter Dressing Room, it is the perfect combination of elegance and charm that attracts you. When you sit down, it is the warmth that settles you in. After you have eaten, it is the substance and quality that relaxes you into a food inspired ‘coma.’ Once you have left, it is the overall magnanimity of the Dressing Room restaurant that will entice you back. Recently, CT Bites sponsored an event at the Dressing Room, known as “Happy Hour on the DR Patio.” The evening was used to promote that which head chef/owner Michel Nischan has set as his restaurants overarching ideal, comfort. From the specialty cocktails, to the stunningly made hors d’oeuvres, this is the type of happy hour that I would be a regular at. Read More
