Gretchen Thomas of Barcelona Restaurant Group Talks Wine Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 09, 2012 In a seemingly ordinary brick building nestled between the South Norwalk seaside and the Lililan August Warehouse store, an entire secret world is at work. Winding staircases and labyrinth-like halls lead to the headquarters of Barcelona, acclaimed wine and tapas bar. The space is an eclectic a mix between a mad scientist’s lab and a gourmet kitchen. Plates, beakers, and ingredients are piled on counters and tabletops while photographs of enticing dishes hang on the walls. Tucked amidst wine glasses and bottles, Gretchen Thomas is hard at work. Thomas oversees the wine and spirits program at Barcelona Restaurant Group. Read More
Octoberfest On The Meadow & Harvest Fest @ Stamford Museum Kids Bites Restaurant Beer Kid Friendly CTbites Team October 09, 2012 A fall family tradition returns to the Stamford Museum & Nature Center on Saturday, October 20 and Sunday, October 21 with the 35th Annual Harvest Festival Weekend. This year, the weekend will be kicked off with a new event for adults-only – Octoberfest On The Meadow at 6:30 pm on Friday, October 19 @ 6:30 PM with proceeds supporting the Stamford Museum & Nature Center. The evening will feature seasonal Oktoberfest brews, as well as Octoberfest favorites including kielbasa with sauerkraut and cherry beer roasted pork shoulder. Guests will be entertained by live music from The Bavarian Boys. The weekend will continue with the Harvest Festival Weekend, an annual family event celebrating the fall season, from 11 am to 3 pm both Saturday and Sunday. Read More
Re-visiting Brasitas Latin American Cuisine in Norwalk Restaurant Columbian Norwalk Stamford Latin American ellen bowen October 07, 2012 Just as the crisp Fall air reminds us that winter is around the corner, Brasitas in Norwalk (and the original location in Stamford) transports us to the warm Caribbean or to sunny South America. Colorful in tropical hues of marine blue, coral and yellow, the decor of Brasitas feels very much like a Caribbean beach front café…as authentic native art from Colombia, hand picked by owner Jaime Guerrero and his wife, Nubia, adorn the walls, and brightly colored embroidered pillows line the banquettes. Two to three times a year the husband and wife travel to their native Colombia in search of new recipes and native art. The Norwalk location, opened in 2008, is managed by Jaime’s nephew, Fabio Rojas, and has a loyal following among lovers of authentically prepared and beautifully presented Pan-Latin cuisine. Read More
Le Roue Elayne at Cobb's Mill Inn in Weston CTbites Team October 07, 2012 Elizabeth Fuller is the Playwright for the Off Broadway play "Me & Jezebel." She is also the author of ten published books and Op-Ed contributor to New York Times. Good news! Cobb’s Mill Inn is no longer just your Aunt Tilly’s favorite restaurant. Opened on Mother’s Day, the fully renovated pre-revolutionary inn, with an eye level view of its magnificent waterfall through the massive dining room windows, smacks of excitement and the promise of romantic culinary adventure. And now, for the first time in decades, so does the menu. The visionary new owners, Drew Friedman and Elayne Cassara, know a restaurant’s ambiance, mallards shooting across 20 foot cascading falls, is not enough of a draw for the savvy Fairfield County patron who has a ridiculously wide array of great restaurants from which to choose. We all know that food trumps view. So what did the new owners do to counteract years of Cobb’s Mill’s famous mediocrity and bump them into the competitive Foodie scene? They set out with the same gusto with which they renovated the 1740 inn to hunt down a chef who would bring their vision of the ultimate dining experience home to Weston, Connecticut’s only restaurant, other than for a local luncheonette. Read More
Chef Experience Auction to Support Community Plates Stephanie Webster October 05, 2012 In support of Fall Ball 2012, these four generous Fairfield County area chefs have donated four unique food experiences to benefit Community Plates march toward ending American food insecurity. Check these four different packages out and bid here! Brian Lewis - Elm Restaurant, New CanaanInteractive cooking demonstration at Elm and three course tasting menu for 10 to 12 guestsMatt Storch - Match Restaurant, SonoOne on one in the kitchen with Matt in Match's kitchen and an 8 course tasting menu for 2 guestsMichael Lucente - Barcelona Wine Bar and RestaurantPrivate tapas party at the location of your choice for up to 8 guestsShawn Russell - Cinch Gourmet Meal Market FairfieldSurf and turf meal interactively prepared and served in Cinch's beautiful kitchen for up to 10 guests Read More
Valencia Luncheria Pig Roast & Art of the Cocktail Seminar Oct 24 Stephanie Webster October 05, 2012 Valencia Luncheria, Classic & Vintage Artisinal Spirits & Harry's Wine & Liquor Market are joining forces to bring you: A Venezuelan Pig Roast on the Beach & Cocktail Seminar on Wednesday October 24th @ 7PM. Guest speaker Michael Knipp C.S.W. will give guests an in depth look at the Classic & Vintage Artisanal Spirits Portfolio and the Art of the Cocktail. This unique event is $65 per person, all-inclusive, and includes a spectacular lineup of Tapas, Cocktails, Pig, tasty sides and dessert. Find out what makes a "Buzzing Black Buck" or an "Afternoon in Milano" perfect pairings for this beach side evening, and learn how to make them. You can check out the full menu below. This is one not to miss. Read More
Amuse Bouche: Food News for October 5Th CTbites Team October 05, 2012 Do you know about Green & Tonic, the provider of nutrient rich, plant based food & juices in Greenwich CT? You can sample some of their signature dishes at the 2012 Harvest Fest at the Stone Barns, alongside vendors such as: Balthazar Bakery, Luke's Lobster, and Mile End Deli. Valencia Luncheria, Classic & Vintage Artisinal Spirits & Harry's Wine & Liquor Market are joining forces to bring you: A Venezuelan Pig Roast on the Beach & Cocktail Seminar on Wednesday October 24th @ 7PM. If you HOME-BREW beer, or are just interested in learning more about that stuff you love to drink, keep October 8TH open! Coalhouse Pizza in Stamford is teaming up with B. United International to create a satellite classroom once a month beginning October 8th. The first class is entitled "HOPSTACLE" - a discussion on the 5 major hop growing regions of the world and the different flavors & aromas their hops can impart on beer while tasting 5 different beers that use those hops. Contact Coalhouse to sign up. Read More
New Haven Land Trust 30th Anniversary Gala CTbites Team October 04, 2012 Will Allen, Founder and CEO of Growing Power and author of The Good Food Revolution: Growing Healthy Food, People, and Communities, is going to be giving the keynote address on local food at The New Haven Land Trust 30thAnniversary Celebration Dinner on Friday, October 12th at 6:00 p.m. at Yale Commons, 168 Grove St, New Haven, CT. Purchase tickets to the NHLT 30th Anniversary Dinner here. Read More
Food Porn: Apple Tart Recipe Ingredients Features Cookbooks Food Porn Recipe Tina Rupp October 04, 2012 CLICK ON IMAGE ABOVE 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. Today just after this tart came out of the oven, I FINALLY realized why I bake and don’t really cook. I burned applesauce. Who does that? The running joke between me and my husband is that I can burn just about anything I cook: eggs, toast, fishies for my daughters and then today it was applesauce made from all of the extra apples I sliced for the shoot. It finally hit me. When I bake, I have a timer! When I cook on the stovetop, no timer! Eureka moment for sure. Thankfully, my husband is an amazing cook, beef bourguignon, the works. Nice balance with all the baking I do and fortunately I can also make a mean salad. No timer needed. Read More
Canning Demo w/ Author Sherri Brooks Vinton of "Put 'em Up!" CTbites Team October 04, 2012 For those who have been meaning to get to Sherri Brooks Vinton's canning classes, but haven't yet made it, here is your chance. On Thursday, October 11th, Author Sherri Brooks will be speaking about "The How's and Why's to Canning" as well as signing books @ Catch A Healthy Habit in Fairfield, 6:30pm. Canning is a great way to store away seasonal flavors and support local agriculture. In this class, Sherri Brooks Vinton, author of the home food preservation how-to, “Put ‘em Up!” will walk people through all the basic info needed to safely and confidently create our own “canned” goods. Sherri will demonstrate the Boiling Water Method, the basic method used for making jams, jellies, salsas, chutneys, pickles. Sign up today and you’ll be ready to “preserve local agriculture” at this demo and book signing. The cost is $10.00. Sign up HERE. Read More
Blu Parrot: Music, Food & Fun Opens in Westport Today CTbites Team October 03, 2012 A new food and music venue has opened in Westport today in the Saugatuck neighborhood...The Blu Parrot. With the team from The Georgetown Saloon at the helm, The Blue Parrot is poised for some good times in the old Jasmine location. With nibbles like Duck Confit Knish, Blistered Sheshito Peppers, and Oyster Po' Boys on the menu, and one of the best Kids Menus I've seen in the area, this may be a place to watch. Here is their story. (SEE VIDEO ABOVE) Let us know what you think if you check them out. Read More
Wakeman Town Farm Pancake Breakfast Oct. 14th CTbites Team October 03, 2012 Got kids? Like pancakes? And bacon? And all things farm-y and fun? Did you miss last's year's hugely successful event? Come on down to an old-fashioned “Pancake Breakfast & Pop Up Farmers' Market," a family event at Wakeman Town Farm (134 Cross Hwy, Westport) on Sunday, October 14th from 9 a.m.-noon. It's a fun, fall $8 Pancake Breakfast (Rain or shine.) Pancakes & maple syrup, bacon & all the fixins, plus juice & coffee will be served. This event is SPONSORED by CHRISTIE'S COUNTRY MARKET. Read More
Bar Sugo Opening Brings Killer Pizza to Norwalk...Again! Restaurant Italian Norwalk Pizza Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger October 03, 2012 For those who have longed for one of Chef Pat Pascarella memorable pizzas at Cortina Pizzeria in Norwalk, the wait is almost over. This weekend, Pascarella's newest venture, Bar Sugo opens at 104 Wall Street in Norwalk with more combinations of one of the best pizzas in CT. Over the last two months, Pascarella and his partners have been busy redesigning the new location to give that little bit of Italy feel. The floors were converted to a traditional red and white checkerboard, the beautiful new bar was installed and the kitchen is now ready for the guests to enjoy both pizzas and many other delicious Italian options. Since pizza was the cornerstone of Cortina, Bar Sugo will serve numerous pizza combinations, from a simple Burrata or a Margherita to the wonderful flavor combinations of the 2012 CTbites winning braised short rib topped with several roasted eggs. But the pizza is just the beginning of the cuisine. Read More
The Spread to Open in S. Norwalk w/ Local Celeb Bartenders & Arik Bensimon Restaurant Chef Talk Cocktails Norwalk SONO Stephanie Webster October 02, 2012 “The SoNo scene has lost a bit of luster and we'd like to help bring some flavor back downtown,” says Chris Hickey, Co-Owner of The Spread opening October 2012. Mr. Hickey, and his partners, Christopher Rasile, Andrey Cortes, and Shawn Longyear may be just the men for the job. With strong backgrounds in hospitality and almost legendary careers managing Bar at Barcelona’s SoNo and Greenwich locations, these four partners are poised to create some dining buzz in Michael Young's former Habana location. But, despite boasting one of the largest bars in Fairfield County, The Spread is not just about creative cocktails. Enter the talented Chef Arik Bensimon, most recently the Executive Chef at Napa & Co., and now you’ve got yourself some serious culinary street cred to compliment the talent behind the bar. Read More
Tokeneke 2012 Pumpkin Carnival CTbites Team October 01, 2012 The Tokeneke 2012 Pumpkin Carnival Will Take Place Saturday, October 13th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m at the Tokeneke Elementary School; Rain Date: Sunday, October 14th Each year, hundreds of children and their parents take part in a Fall celebration in Darien known as the Tokeneke Pumpkin Carnival. An annual tradition for over forty years, the 2012 The Pumpkin Carnival features attractions for all ages, including a haunted house, amusement park rides and games, rock climbing, a giant inflatable slide, a bake sale and raffle prizes. Carnival participants will also enjoy a wide array of tasty foods and beverages from local Darien restaurants such as Heights Pizza, Burgers Shakes and Fries and Upper Crust Bakery and Cafe. Read More
South End: A Modern Tavern Opens in New Canaan Restaurant American New Canaan Beer Comfort Food Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger September 30, 2012 In early July CTbites previewed the opening of South End, the newest addition to the New Canaan restaurant scene. Nearly two months of frenzied activity has confirmed the local appreciation that the creative cuisine of Chef Nicholas Martschenko is alive on Pine Street. Overseeing the front of the house is Keith Siskind, his business partner, and the duo redesigned the interior at South End to create a relaxing atmosphere by intertwining rustic charm with modern comfort. The tables are carefully arranged to allow for pleasant conversation and the overall noise level creates a vibrant buzz without overwhelming intrusion. With upwards of 85 seats, 30 of which are contained around the energetic bar area, South End offers pleasant ambience to enjoy the wonderful cuisine that emerges from the kitchen. The duo’s ambition to create the “Modern Tavern” is a rousing success. Siskind developed an excellent relationship with two local breweries, New Canaan’s Charter Oak and Stamford’s Half Full (Bright Ale) and both are prominently displayed on the taps overlooking the bar. Read More
Foodie Fest Unites Foodies in Westport Oct 26-28 CTbites Team September 30, 2012 CTbites in collaboration with the Westport Downtown Merchants Association is excited to present the first Downtown Westport Foodie Fest the weekend of October 26, 27, 28! All Foodie Fest events are venue driven, giving attendees a chance to come to the beautiful downtown area of Westport and savor over 15 events including: Sushi Making for Kids, a Biergarten on the Green, Happy Hour @ The Spotted Horse, and a screening of the ultimate foodie flick, “Jiro Dreams of Sushi" (to name a few). CTbites Invites, the very popular “insider access” foodie event program, will be offering a “menu” of over 10 dining experiences all day Saturday 10/27 including a Bloody Mary Demo and Brunch at Tavern on Main, Lunch with Chef Pietro Scotti of Da Pietro’s, Happy Hour at Spotted Horse, Mediterranean Wines and Appetizers at Acqua, a thrilling Champagne Saber demo and tasting at LUXE Modern Wine Bar, Bourbon, BBQ and Beer at Bobby Q’s and a special pre-theatre dinner at Blue Lemon. BUY Tickets here for these events & more. Read More
Westport & Weston Restaurant Week 2012 Starts Sept. 30th Events Weston Westport CTbites Team September 28, 2012 It's a fine time to eat out in Westport & Weston as Westport & Weston Restaurant Week returns September 30th through October 5th. Prix fixed menus include 3 courses for either lunch or dinner. In addition, the Westport Arts Center is sponsoring a “Dinner Doodle” Contest, encouraging diners to doodle on napkins provided by the restaurants. They will be entered into the doodle contest and featured at the Dinner Doodle Party on October 17th! Participating restaurants include: Arezzo Ristorante , Bistro 88 , Blue Lemon, Bobby Q’s , DaPietro’s , Dressing Room , Matsu Sushi , Oaxaca Kitchen , Pane e Bene , River House Tavern , Rizzuto’s , Tabouli Grill, Tarantino’s , Tarry Lodge, Tavern on Main , Terrain Garden Cafe , Villa del Sol Read More
Amuse Bouche: Food News for September 28 CTbites Team September 28, 2012 Bottlerocket Wine & Spirit (1790 Post Road East, Westport) Thursday, October 25th 7-8pm hosts a Whiskey & Bitters Happy Hour Class. Mix and match a variety of different bitters with two classic whiskey cocktails to see the big flavor impact just a few drops can make. Bottlerocket will open every bottle of bitters in the shop, allowing attendees to explore a wide range of flavor combinations.Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Coalhouse Pizza in Stamford is all grown up. Coalhouse will soon feature a dedicated bar & game room with darts, bar shuffleboard, karaoke, and the Golden Tee 2013 golf game; four large flatscreen televisions; and up to 60 new seats in a private setting. All Coalhouse Beer Club Members who book a Holiday Party at Coalhouse get 10% off (before tax & gratuity)! To kick off American Cheese Month Fairfield Cheese Company will host Chris Gray of Consider Bardwell Farm on Saturday October 6th from 1-4pm for a cheese tasting of their award winning American artisan cheeses. The ever popular Ambler Farm Day is THIS Sunday, September 12th from 12-4. Bring the family and enjoy this wonderful Fall Festival. This Saturday, September 29, Michael Stern (www.roadfood.com, NPR, Saveur magazine) will bring his Connecticut Eating Tour's 50 Foodies to Wave Hill Breads Bakery & Cafe at 30 High Street in Norwalk, CT. Read More
Sunday Talks & Tastings @ Yale Peabody Museum Restaurant Education New Haven Amy Kundrat September 27, 2012 The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History will host Talks and Tastings, three events in conjunction with the current exhibition Big Food: Health, Culture and the Evolution of Eating. These events, part presentation and part tasting, will be held on Sundays, September 30, October 28 and December 2. September 30: Spice of Life: Boosting Flavor Profiles and Healthy Eating October 28: Oncology Nutrition December 2: Nutrition for Young Children Admission to the Museum is free, but advance registration for these events is required. The Peabody Museum is located at 170 Whitney Avenue in New Haven, CT. Read More