Farm to Shaker - Connecticut Bartender Challenge in Coventry Road Trip Restaurant Cocktails Amy Kundrat August 06, 2013 Farm-To-Shaker Bartender Challenge is this Sunday, August 11 at the Coventry Farmers' Market. The second annual benefit for the Market is also a competition as the area's best bar chefs compete to turn locally-grown ingredients into great cocktails. For $25 per person (21 and over only) you'll enjoy an afternoon of food and drink in the market barn with emcee WNPR's Chion Wolf and snacks from A Thyme to Cook, music by PORK CHOP EXPRESS. The event is sponsored by Onyx Spirits Company, RIPE Craft Bar Juice, and A Thyme to Cook. Proceeds from this event benefit the Coventry Regional Farmers' Market. To purchase tickets, visit Farm to Shaker. For more information about the Market, visit Coventry Farmers' Market. Read More
The Spread in SoNo 2.0…Enter Chef Carlos Baez Restaurant Chef Talk Norwalk SONO American Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger August 04, 2013 Twelve years of apprenticeships and hard work are now benefiting Carlos Baez, the newly appointed Executive Chef at The Spread in SONO. Baez started his career at the age of 19 and gained his culinary experience through diverse roles including a sushi chef; he smiled as he told CTbites, “I was the only Mexican sushi chef in the restaurant”. He worked as a line cook in two top-rated local restaurants, Le Panetiere (Rye, NY) and Napa and Company (Stamford) before arriving at The Spread as one of its opening chefs. After a few months in his new role of Executive Chef, CTbites spent an afternoon with Chef Carlos to sample a few of his newly introduced additions to the menu. The menu has a varied approach to the cuisine, with influences from American, French, Italian and Spanish cuisines while adhering to The Spread’s philosophy of offering high quality, locally sourced options, with entrées priced less than $25. I enjoyed many of the dishes but found many of the presentations a little over- or under-seasoned. Read More
Green & Tonic Opens in Greenwich: Raw, Vegan, Gluten-Free Restaurant Going Green Greenwich Juice Cleanse Organic healthy CTbites Team August 02, 2013 Green & Tonic Opens Second Location In Greenwich with foods that find their power in both taste and healing. As a California native who has spent the last 17 years living in Connecticut, I know health food in its many forms. I also know junk food disguised as health food. I’ve eaten my share of overpriced twigs and sprouts on tiny plates, overcooked veggies flavored with too much salt and oil, “natural” juices loaded with sugar and calories, and ingredients I couldn’t pronounce. In other words, you can’t fool me, baby. But when I walked into Green & Tonic after it opened its second location in Greenwich, my doubts quickly vanished. This place walks the walk on healthy food. Oh, and it tastes good too. Co-owner Jeffrey Pandolfino, a Johnson & Wales graduate with vast experience in the restaurant business, who ran his own operation for many years and also spent time at Pret A Manger, was motivated to serve healthy, organic food for another reason – he knew the healing power of food. Read More
Gazpacho Recipe: South End In New Canaan Features Chef Talk Recipe CTbites Team August 01, 2013 Gazpacho is one of those summer treats that allows a chef to combine vibrant seasonal flavors with a unique personal touch. Every bowl of gazpacho is different, and Chef Nick Martschenko of South End in New Canaaan does a wonderful job marrying texture, taste and a little heat. This sweet and spicy version combines the sweetness of the tomatoes with a little spiciness from finely diced jalepeno peppers. He then finishes this delectable recipe with grilled shrimp. Enjoy! Read More
Underground Dinner: Plum Luv Foods Pops Up at Butcher’s Best Restaurant Chef Talk Newtown Underground Dinner Jeanette Chen July 31, 2013 This past Sunday, a group of us were six of the lucky 40 folks to nab tickets to a "hip" six course menu put on by Plum Luv Foods at Butcher's Best in Newtown, CT, showcasing sustainable local produce, seafood and grassfed meats. This was a sold-out event, even after adding ten more tickets than had been sold at previous dinners. For the past few months, Chef Plum and Sous Chef Kern have been hosting Underground Dinner ("pop-up dinners") in Connecticut, where they take over a space for the evening, and prepare dinner in a casual, local setting. No one in our group had ever been to a pop-up dinner, but we knew we were in for a fun night when we were greeted with a glass of bubbly champagne with local blueberries as soon as we walked in the door. Take a peek at the menu ~ this particular evening, Chef Plum showcased grass-fed meats from Shiregate Family Farm (carried by Butcher's Best), local grown produce (from Farming 101 and Holbrook Farm), and fresh fish and oysters caught right off the Connecticut shoreline. Read More
Ridgefield's BBQ Throwdown on Sunday, August 4 CTbites Team July 30, 2013 Join 109 Cheese & Wine this Sunday, August 4 @ 4pm for a Wine vs. Beer Throw Down with some amazing BBQ from Ridgefield Prime's CodyQ "Smok'in Good BBQ." Cody just returned from an intense BBQ boot camp learning from the most awarded man in BBQ, Myron Mixon, and he's got a greeat menu planned for the big day. 109 Cheese & Wine will pair 4 BBQ centric wines (selected by wine pairing fanatic Monica) vs. 4 craft beers (selected by beer guru Patty). Menu:- Prime Big Texas Brisket (Oak smoked)- Smokey & Sweet Carolina Pulled Pork (apple wood smoked)- Georgia style Baby Back Ribs- Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage- Pit Beans-Locally grown tomatoes and buratta salad Weather permitting this will all go down outside. Cody will have his smoker out front and will bring the very best beef, and pork cuts from Ridgefield Prime. Read More
Preserving the Harvest Canning Workshop @ Wakeman Farm Ingredients Cooking Classes Education Local Farm CTbites Team July 30, 2013 Wondering what to do with all those extra vegetables from the garden? Don't let them go to waste. Instead, come to the Wakeman Town Farm on August 10th and learn how to can and preserve your harvest. During this 2 hour workshop, you'll learn the basics of canning as you make delicious homemade jam, tomato sauce, and salsa. There will be tastings, and participants can take home a jar of their choice! The Preserving the Harvest Canning Workshop will take place on Saturday August 10th, 10am - 12pm. Fee: $25 When: Saturday, August 10, 2013 Time: 10:00am - 12pm Location: Wakeman Town Farm, 134 Cross Highway, Westport Ages: Open to all Email wakemantownfarm@gmail.com to reserve your spot! Read More
Delicious Dives: Los Poblanos, Mexican in Norwalk Restaurant Delicious Dives Norwalk Mexican Comfort Food Kid Friendly Elizabeth Keyser July 28, 2013 One bite into the tacos al pastor at Los Poblanos, and my husband and I looked up at one another in amazement. Whoa, this is really good. Tender plump bites of orange-hued pork shoulder, coated with ground chiles and herbs, mixed with bits of sweet, juicy pineapple. The flavors melded, cooked together to just the right moment. Warm, soft homemade corn tortillas. The pork topped with minced fresh raw onions and cilantro. The exterior didn’t prepare us for food made with such care. I mean, I love discovering a little Mexican hole-in-the-wall. When I noticed a handmade sign for Los Poblanos hanging outside what was still at that point Hubba Luncheonette, in a dingy little strip mall in Norwalk (cattycorner to Penzy’s), I took a quick left turn. The transformation from American breakfast place and luncheonette to Mexican, in terms of décor, at that point was shiny tourist posters of the Puebla region of Mexico. Since then it’s brightened up. The walls are painted cheerful contrasting colors, orange, green and red. The place is small and simple, with four booths, and a couple tables for two. Read More
Friday Froth: GermaNY Beer James Gribbon July 26, 2013 NPR recently had a piece by Joel Rose about the booming booze business in New York, focusing partially on one of my favorite distillers, Tuthilltown Spirits. Their rye (as experienced in Manhattan form) has gotten me through the darker portions of several recent winters. The gist of the piece is the birth of craft distillation after the industry's wrongful execution by the dullard proponents of the Volstead Act. The second coming of legal hooch in America, post-Prohibition, had a tremendous amount to do with first generation immigrants, especially Germans, who brought old-world recipes to a thirsty nation. The foundations they laid have paired beautifully with the American penchant for ignoring inconvenient rules, and the two together have produced our current boom in craft distillation and craft beer, which has begun (somewhat ironically) to echo in Europe. Let's take a look at some of the excellent brews, New Yorker, German, or otherwise, with which we may satiate our parched palettes this summer. Read More
Best Places to Grab a Picnic or To-Go Meal in Fairfield County CT Features Restaurant Picnic April Guilbault July 25, 2013 A tisket, a tasket...a lovely picnic basket. Or possibly just a simple, perfect, brown bag lunch. A lunch wrapped to eat by the seashore (sand not included), one to eat while lounging on a blanket in the grass listening to an outdoor, evening concert or one stuffed into a backpack for your long, summer hike. What is it about eating en plein air that is so fabulously enjoyable? Whatever your destination, here are a few suggestions for acquiring the perfect to-go meal.... Share your favorite To-Go spots by leaving a comment below: Read More
Summer Cocktails from Luxe Modern: Ginger Smash Cocktails CTbites Team July 24, 2013 LUXE Modern Wine & Cocktails in Westport has been serving up a curated selection of over 45 wines and inventive Craft cocktails since January of 2012. Under the keen direction of owner Robert Reilly, Luxe has established itself as a go-to spot for beverage aficionados in Fairfield County and beyond. We recently swung by Luxe and asked Robert to whip up a few of his favorite summer cocktails. CTbites will be running a series of these recipes, the first of which is the beautiful Ginger Smash, (seen above). Try one of these out for your next party..they are sure to be an instant hit. Read More
Steam Coffee Bar Opening at Greens Farms Station in Westport Restaurant CTbites Team July 23, 2013 It’s full steam ahead for Briana Pennell and Chris Barrett, who are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their La Marzocco espresso machine, as they plan the opening of their first location of Steam Coffee Bar at Greens Farms Train Station at the end of the month. Steam will exclusively brew the locally renowned Raus Coffee and take iced coffee to a new level, serving drinks such as “Cold Roman, Roman Navel and Roman Kiss.” The new shop will also serve Arogya tea, an organic tea vendor based in Westport, and a variety of local baked goods and breakfast items from the area, including several gluten-free choices. Fresh-pressed, organic juices from The Stand and local Connecticut milk from The Farmer’s Cow are among the other area favorites on the menu. “We pride ourselves on using only the freshest ingredients and highest quality products,” said Pennell. “We love supporting the small business community and we’re very excited about sharing the best of what’s around locally with the commuters and our neighbors in the Green's Farms area.” Read More
BONDA Takes Dinner Outside: En Plein Air Recap Restaurant ellen bowen July 23, 2013 “En Plein Air” is a French expression which means "in the open air"…and on July 10th and 11th, BONDA Chef/Owner Jamie Cooper braved the threat of thunderstorms and hosted two dinners at the Greenfield Hill Grange #133 in Fairfield, one of only five Granges left in Fairfield County. The evenings, both sold out events, featured not only Jamie’s signature style of preparing unique dishes using local ingredients and creative seasonings and pairings, but also the 120-year-old Greenfield Hill Grange, a historic nod to the days when local farmers met to trade or sell their produce and livestock. The Grange, or officially, The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, is a fraternal organization in the United States which encourages families to band together to promote the economic and political well being of the community and agriculture, was truly the “original” Farmers Market! Read More
Walrus and Carpenter Opens in Bridgeport w/ Killer BBQ & Elegant Sides Restaurant BBQ Bridgeport Beer Comfort Food Kid Friendly Dessert Sarah Green July 21, 2013 Certainly, the food scene in Bridgeport is getting "curiouser and curiouser." And that's a very good thing. No need for a trip down the rabbit hole, however, to experience the marvelous and weirdly wonderful creations at the new Walrus and Carpenter at 2895 Fairfield Ave. The concept (brain child of proprietor Joe Farrell) is this - a slow cook BBQ house that offers haute cuisine sides and a first class beer menu where everything (except for the tequila and the pit master) is made in America. Usually, American BBQ restaurants offer excellent meats but boring, less than note-worthy accompaniments. Here, the offerings are mostly Texas style -where the meat is slow cooked and fall-off-the-bone tender -and the main courses are paired with elegant slaws, exquisite collards and house made pickle platters. Food is plated, not just put on the plate, and that adds to the special experience. And to elevate your dining further, a fabulous selection of Craft beers by the glass or by the growler. (Some choices include Green Flash Imperial IPA and Brooklyn Brewery Sorachi Ace.) The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Paul DiMaria formerly of Community Table in Washington, CT and the food is first class yet at the same time finger-licking delicious. Simply put - it works. Read More
Bodega Taco Bar Celebrates National Tequila Day w/ Freebies For All! CTbites Team July 19, 2013 Bodega Taco Bar is celebrating our Best of Gold Coast Win and National Tequila Day at both the Fairfield and Darien locations. Here's what they've got going on... Wednesday, July 24th is National Tequila Day. Come by this evening and try a sample of paQui' - the newest addition to our high end Tequila offerings. paQui' means " to be happy" in ancient Aztec tongue. "paQui + Bodega means "very happy." Thursday, July 25 is National Tequila Hangover Day (we made this up). The perfect cure... 2 for 1 breakfast tacos all day & night. The party continues on Saturday night in both Darien and Fairfield. Come by for a complimentary "Shave Ice" on the sidewalk Mexico City Style. Toppings include Homemade Strawberry, Tamarind and Mango Marmalades and Hibiscus, Watermelon, Lime and Dulce de Leche Syrups. Adults can "spike it" with a drizzle of paQui tequila. What is "Shave Ice"? Come and find out Saturday from 5pm until meltdown. Read More
Update: The Mission to Save King’s Kitchen In Southport Restaurant Gina Cunsolo July 19, 2013 Independence Day – the one day a year when this nation of immigrants pays homage to our founding fathers by flocking to beaches; burger and beer in hand. Unfortunately, the three King brothers, owners of King’s Kitchen - known for serving Southport sustainable beachside fare - spent this July 4th battling to save their business. Last summer, King’s Kitchen made their debut on the Southport shore, serving locally grown and sourced beach food. The menu features about five items and changes daily – items ranging from lobster rolls and quesadilla with a fennel and caper Russian remoulade, to ox hollow grass-fed burgers and short rib tacos. The brothers also offer an assortment of chips, and a variety of organic juices, including refreshing watermelon lemonade. Signs reading “Save the Shack!” cover the cabin that once served as King’s Kitchen headquarters for all food preparation, cooking, and serving. This blue-gray building, located at 1505 Pequot Avenue in Fairfield, was built in 1946. It is both a “historic landmark” and “childhood memory”, according to Hunter King, one of the King’s brothers and partners. Read More
The Best Ice Cream Shoppes in CT: The Full Scoop Restaurant ice cream Kid Friendly Dessert Lou Gorfain July 18, 2013 In our recent roundup of supermarket ice cream, we found ourselves invoking adjectives like "Sinful," "Addictive," "Decadent.." etc. ... as if confessing to indulging in craven pleasures by the pint-full. But then, who gives a lick? Especially when an Ice Cream Shoppe offers even greater temptations than any Stop and Shop. Simply put, the ice cream hand churned on site is usually fresher, creamier, denser, richer and, yes, far more seductive than its commercial cousins. In addition, these family owned shops serve a wider spectrum of original flavors, most sourced locally, than you’ll find on the freezer aisle. Plus, is there any place in Connecticut more kid friendly than a scoop shop -- especially for the child inside you? So, for you and your family’s summer pleasures, be they guilty or innocent, CTBites has chosen the best local ice cream emporia. We bring you The Best Ice Cream Shoppes in CT. Read More
Sono Baking Co's French Blueberry Tartlets Features Bakery Chef Talk Recipe Dessert CTbites Team July 18, 2013 Welcome to Throwback Thursday...We brought this recipe out of the archives right in time for blueberry season. Enjoy! Sweet! Berries are back in season and we've got the perfect way to celebrate the booming berry harvest: fresh fruit tarts. We asked John Barricelli of Sono Baking Company for his favorite recipe as he knows a few things about tarts. Piled high with fresh blueberries, these individual fruit tarts offer a sweet, creamy custard surprise in the center. Try making these with raspberries or strawberries, or an assortment of berries. Each tartlet uses very little pastry cream, so you’ll have some left over, which can be used as a garnish and served alongside the tarts. Read More
New Italian Opening in Westport's National Hall via WestportNow.com CTbites Team July 17, 2013 This just in from WestportNow.com... Westport’s west bank of the Saugatuck River, already hopping with new restaurants Bar Tacco and Cafe Moja, will soon add a new 120-seat restaurant in National Hall, by the end of the year, according to Westporter Mark Coe, property development consultant for Greenfield Partners. The ground floor of National Hall will be the location of an Italian restaurant by the end of the year. Coe said the 4,685-square foot space will have seating for 120 and will feature a bar, cafe and white tablecloth sections. According to Bobby Werhane, founder of Experience Hospitality and owner of the new establishment, “the name of the restaurant has not yet been determined but definitely will not be called Spasso,” an Italian restaurant he owns at 551 Hudson St, New York. He said the Westport restaurant “will have a rustic design and feature non-traditional Italian-inspired Mediterranean regional cuisine. Read the full article on WestportNow.com Read More
le Farm's Summer Market Salad Recipe Features Farm to Table Local Farm Recipe Farm Fresh CTbites Team July 16, 2013 Chef Arik Bensimon of le Farm embraces the summer growing season with this simple recipe inspired by a recent trip to the local farmers' market. Thinly shaved vegetables with varying weights and texture are drizzled with a light take on a classic Caesar dressing. (You'll want to save this recipe for use year round.) Chef Bensimon has left off the quantities on the main ingredients as there are no wrong answers here, and he recommends any raw vegetable that is to your liking as the summer harvest rotates through. Enjoy this wonderful Summer Market Salad Recipe from le Farm. Read More
