Post 154 Opens in Westport in Old Post Office Building Restaurant Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger November 03, 2013 CTbites recently attended a press dinner at Post 154 in Westport to sample numerous selections from its award winning Chef Alex Rosado's introductory menu. Overall the dishes were visually artistic in their construct and many presented delicious flavors. All reviews of Post 154 must include a little history of the building. The 1935 cornerstone outside the entrance commemorates the site’s original purpose as the Westport Post Office, constructed under The New Deal during the Great Depression. Architect Lansing Colton Holden Jr., a World War I flying ace who was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, designed the building upon his return from battle. The building’s new ownership redesigned the spacious interior with a combination of wood paneling, flowing drapes and relics from the early 1900’s surrounding the tables. A large U-Shaped bar, with over 250 seats, occupies the entire left side and leads to an inviting patio that allows for al fresco dining in warmer weather. Read More
WIN Tickets!! Craft Butchery Hosts PORKTOBERFEST November 10th CTbites Team November 02, 2013 WIN Tickets to Craft Butchery's PORKTOBERFEST November 10th. Enter to WIN by telling us why you NEED to go to PORKTOBERFEST below. We've got 3 pairs of tickets to give away. Winner will be announced Nov. 8. Nothing welcomes autumn like two Berkshire pigs roasting on an open fire. On November 10th, Craft Butchery is building on last year's Pig on the Plaza tradition with PORKTOBERFEST at Saugatuck Center, a celebration of pork, beer, music, and more pork. Music will be provided by Norwalk's own Austrian Boys Band, and German attire is strongly encouraged. All-inclusive tickets are $35 for adults (21+) and $25 for children (under 21), available for purchase at craftbutchery.com/porktoberfest. Read More
The Westport Farmers' Market Moves Indoors for Winter CTbites Team November 01, 2013 This just in from The Westport Farmers' Market... Westport Farmers’ Market Moves To A Saturday Winter Market on November 16th, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm As the temperatures start to dip and winter approaches we must bid a fond farewell to what has been a phenomenally successful summer season. However, we are thrilled to announce the start of the Winter Westport Farmers’ Market which will officially begin on Saturday, November 16 at 10:00am. The market will return for our fourth season at Gilbertie’s Herb Garden on Sylvan Lane in Westport. We’ve listened to you and we value your opinion and this is why The Westport Farmers’ Market will be held on Saturday mornings. Bring the entire family as you shop from your favorite vendors and explore new tastes. Read More
The Skinny on Thinscotti: Wafer Thin + Gluten-Free Option Features Special Dietary Needs Kid Friendly Dessert CTbites Team November 01, 2013 Milla Pospisil won’t say how she gets her biscotti wafers so thin! All she’ll say is that it’s a family recipe she learned from her Ukrainian grandmother – a secret technique that allows her to slice them paper-thin and turn them into what she and her business partner Carissa Gulyas call Thinscotti. These “deliciously addictive” (that’s the warning on the packaging) baked treats have been on the market since January, but have been baked in Milla’s family for generations. Now the duo, who both call Connecticut their home, have taken space at a commercial kitchen in Westport and are mixing and baking and slicing and packaging them up for local stores and coffee shops in Fairfield county. Because they’re made with only a handful of ingredients – all natural, and no preservatives - there is something a little nostalgic about Milla’s Thinscotti. They taste a little like the cookies your own grandma would have made, just a little crunchier, a little nuttier, a LOT thinner, and just as more-ish. And because they’re sliced so thin – “the thinnest on the market,” Carissa says, each piece packs a mere seven calories, so you can go ahead and eat half the package – and you ‘ll only have 110 calories to enter into your calorie counting app. Thinscotti comes two flavors, Toasted Almond and Dark Chocolate Almond, with plans for a Toasted Pecan Thinscotti in the works. Both flavors come in both regular and gluten-free wafers. It’s hard to tell the difference between the two! Read More
United We Mo: CTBites Joins Half Full Brewery For Movember Charity James Gribbon November 01, 2013 I'm the first to admit it: there have been times when I have lamented my luxurious pelt. I was patchy at 14 years of age, manly at 18, and, at 25, evolutionarily questionable. What kind of cruel universe imbues a man with sense capable of vanity, then steals the hair from his head while growing a thatch capable of roosting fowl on his chest? It is a sorry lot, indeed. My existential torment, "drop by drop upon the heart" as Aeschylus said, may have found its moment of grace: it is with unusually hirsute pride that I announce I have joined the Movember Foundation with Team Captain Conor Horrigan and the Half Full Beerds as we put our whiskers to work this November. Please read on to find out just how ridiculous we are willing to look to fight against prostate and testicular cancers, and help mental health challenges. Read More
Big News @ Stamford's Harbor Point: Chopped Co-Star, Aaron Sanchez Opening & Beer Garden Closing! Lou Gorfain October 31, 2013 The food scene continues to soar (along with rising skyscrapers) at Harbor Point, Stamford’s new 3.5 billion dollar “city within a city.” CTBites has just learned that celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez, restaurateur and co-star of Chopped and Heat Seekers, is bringing his Mexican magic to a new home in Waterfront Square. ALEGRE, a sexy, high end restaurant, cocktail and wine lounge, will occupy the 6,000 square foot glass building that has housed the Beer Garden, which is closing. Alegre’s is sponsored by the owners of Frankie and Johnnie’s Steakhouses and famed mixologist and competitive sommelier, Olie Berlic, who is to wine and spirits what Sanchez is to Latin food. According to Jon Sabrowski, leasing director at Harbor Point, Aaron’s Stamford outpost should open sometime next Spring or Summer. Alegre’s concept will be similar to that of the Mexican Melting Pot menu at Mestizo, Aaron’s acclaimed Kansas City restaurant. (In addition to Sanchez’s cookbooks and television appearances in both North and South America, he also sets the culinary vision for Crossroads at the House of Blues nationwide and Tacombi Tacqueria in New York City.) As for the crowds who flocked to the old Beer Garden this past summer, they need not weep in their brews. Next spring, a new 4200 square foot World of Beer will open just steps away on Waterfront Square. Pouring selected and seasonal craft brews from around the globe, this national franchise will offer one of the widest selections of suds and spirits in Connecticut, along with tavern food fare. Sabrowski confirmed that Bareburger, New York City’s award winning organic beef and meat restaurant has now chosen Harbor Point as its Stamford home. Opening next year, they will be also be located on Waterfront square. We have also learned that Harbor Point is close to sealing deals that could bring two more exciting dining additions to the South End. Stay with CTBites for updates. Read More
Comings and Goings in New Canaan's Restaurant Scene Restaurant New Canaan Lunch CTbites Team October 31, 2013 There is tremendous activity in the town of New Canaan recently and CTbites wanted to give our readers an update: Bistro Bonne Nuit closed after providing some of the best French food in Fairfield County. We wish Roe and all of the staff best of luck in their future endeavors; Farmer’s Table will relocate to the space formerly occupied by Bistro Bonne Nuit. In addition to a larger space, the new location will allow for outdoor dining and the potential for a liquor license; Picador restaurant has changed ownership and the new chef, Corey Falcone, is working on modifying the menu to include recipes from his Italian heritage; Locali Pizza Bar and Kitchen is set to open at the corner of Forest and Locust in the space that formerly housed Kouzina. Chef Mogan Anderson from Village Social in Mt. Kisco is currently devising the opening menu; Baldanza Natural Market and Café opened at 17 Elm St. in the space that formerly housed Reid’s; An Italian Trattoria under ownership of local restaurateurs and chef will open in the space that formerly housed Tuscan Restaurant; New Canaan Olive Oil opened at 98 Elm Street, in the former Dunkin’ Donuts; Eclectic, a take-out, catering and deli opened on Vitti Street; ginger bitz bakery and cafe will open at 155 Elm St. in the former Caroline's Creperie location; Caroline’s Creperie is closed and Crumbs is scheduled to close. Read More
Pizza Mecca, Colony Grill, Offers First Ever Salad Pizza!! Fairfield Pizza Stamford healthy Lunch Kid Friendly Margie Treisman October 30, 2013 For decades, Colony Grill has offered pizza. Pizza (with a capital P) and only pizza. Delicious pizza, to be sure, with a unique thin crust and lots of available toppings (including the legendary hot oil). But with the exception of veg toppings -- fresh mushrooms, onions, black olives and peppers (stingers and cherry) -- there was no greenery to be found. Veg-avores rejoice! Colony Grill is now offering a Salad Pizza. The signature Colony crust comes topped with fresh mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and carrots tossed with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Clean and simple. As it says on the menu, No Cheese, No Sauce. Yep, it’s healthy. Good for folks training for the 3rd Annual Colony Grill “Hot Oil” 5K on November 10. (Until then, $1 for each salad pizza sold will go to race proceeds, which benefit local police and fire department initiatives.) For those who like clean eating (and we definitely do), this salad pizza is a welcomed addition to the Colony menu board. As diligent tasters, we felt we needed more data. Read More
ChowdaQuest is ON! Vote for Your Favorite Soups & Restaurants CTbites Team October 29, 2013 Chowdafest, presented by Stop & Shop, has announced a two-month program called ChowdaQuest allowing chefs/restaurants the ability to earn their way into the annual competition. Chowdafest is limited to 28 restaurants. Seven (7) spots in four categories: Classic New England Clam Chowder, Traditional Chowder (Manhattan & Rhode Island Clam Chowders only), Creative Chowder and Soup/Bisque. Restaurants who finished in the top 3 places last year in each category automatically qualify to compete again. A total of 12 spots can be earned through ChowdaQuest (three (3) in each category) with a remaining category spot reserved for “at-large” bids by the Chowdafest committee. During the month of October through Thanksgiving, restaurants competing in ChowdaQuest are offering a soup sampler appetizer where customers use their smart phone to vote for which soup or chowder they think the restaurant should enter. Restaurants with the most votes will fill the remaining slots. ChowdaQuest is sponsored by CTBites.com and Sierra Nevada Beer who will also be the exclusive beer at Chowdafest as the event will now offer beer sampling to compliment the competition. Read More
Fairway Market “Hosting the Holiday” Events Nov 2-3 CTbites Team October 28, 2013 Fairway Market stores throughout the Tri-State area, (including the Stamford location), are holding their annual “Hosting the Holiday” event in which shoppers can sample main courses, side dishes, baked goods and more from the extensive Thanksgiving catering menu and receive 10% off catering orders placed that day. “Hosting the Holiday” takes place on Saturday, November 2, 2013 and on Sunday, November 3, 2013 between 11 AM– 2 PM at twelve Fairway Market locations (excluding the Upper East Side and Upper West Side stores). Items available for tasting include autumn vegetable puree soup, butternut squash soup, roasted Fairway ABF turkey served with turkey gravy, roasted butternut squash, candied sweet potatoes, savory sausage stuffing, classic cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and Fairway’s own apple, pumpkin and sweet potato pies. Read More
Bailey's Backyard Farm Dinner November 5 Restaurant Farm to Table Events CTbites Team October 28, 2013 Ridgefield's farm-to-table restaurant Bailey’s Backyard will be hosting a seven-course farm-to-table dinner on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The dinner will celebrate Connecticut ingredients and the farmers who cultivate them. The cost for the upcoming dinner is $95 per person with wine pairings and $75 per person without. Seating is limited. For reservations call 203-431-0796. For reservations call 203-431-0796. Read More
CHAR Opens in Byram, Greenwich: A Menu Built to Please Restaurant Byram Greenwich Lunch ellen bowen October 27, 2013 Westchesterites and Nutmeggers...CHAR in Byram is open! In the crazy scene that was this year’s Culinary Village at The Greenwich Wine+Food Festival there were a few major culinary stand outs…and one was a Grilled Octopus with Garlic Confit prepared by CHAR. From that single bite I knew that a visit to this Greenwich newcomer was required. Situated along the river in Byram on the NY border, CHAR is owned by experienced GM, Jimmy Rucova, and his two brothers who also run Dolphin and Cafe Hudson, both in Yonkers. CHAR has a warm, but "cool" interior, with multiple dining spaces all outfitted with beautiful reclaimed wood. The wall coverings are former floor joists from old buildings in Brooklyn and the flooring is water-logged white oak from Alabama. A stone fireplace provides the focal point in the main dining room and antique brass fixtures dot the faux-tin ceiling to provide a casually hip environment. But the food is the real news at CHAR. Read More
Recap: Final Fork It Over "Brunch" Fundraiser With Chef Jeff Taibe Restaurant Events Farmers Market CTbites Team October 25, 2013 CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE TO LAUNCH PHOTO GALLERY On Sunday, the final Fork It Over event to raise money for The Westport Farmers' Market, was held at the Norfield Grange in Weston. Jeff Taibe from Oak & Almond charmed us with an afternoon of Southern fare that left everyone licking their fingers and wanting to know what else this talented chef has up his sleeve. To top it off, John Barricelli from Sono Baking Company did not leave a sweet tooth in the house untouched. Please see below for the full menu and recipe. These events were a group effort with the talents of Saugatuck Grain & Grape, Lauren Kreter and Something Borrowed and an amazing staff. VIEW PHOTO GALLERY HERE c/o Liz Dorney. Read More
Sneak Peek at Eclectic Luncheonette in New Canaan Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger October 24, 2013 A stop at the newly opened Eclectic Luncheonette and Catering on Vitti Street offered a glimpse into the cuisine that owner/chef Robert Milano will bring to the east end of downtown New Canaan. The periwinkle exterior adds a bright, southern feel to this residential-commercial street; an inviting beginning to any visit. The interior is more sterile, offering 22 seats and a long counter where orders are placed. The lunch menu consists of various salad combinations, sandwiches with melted cheese, soufflés and desserts. Most tend to include fried ingredients or cheese so be careful if you are looking for a lower caloric lunch; you can create your own salad from a list of a dozen ingredients. My lunch started with a cup of the house made “Tomato Bisque.” The tomato-ey flavor was rich and delicious, the texture was silky from the addition of cream, and the diced scallions added a nice crunch with just a touch of spiciness. Read More
Wine Highlights from The Greenwich Wine + Food Festival Wine Chat Winesday Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 24, 2013 How much can change in a year! Last year, I attended the Greenwich Wine & Food Festival as a CTBites contest winner. I was just a typical reader who had entered the website’s Facebook contest in the hopes of getting a ticket to the coveted annual event. Now, just a year later, I was standing under the CTBites tent, which was prominently stationed right at the entrance to the festival. After attending Greenwich Wine & Food last fall, I went on to write for the website and ultimately become their wine correspondent. And at that moment I was preparing to interview some food and wine heavyweights including Gretchen Thomas of Barcelona and Laurie Forster, “The Wine Coach.” 2013 marks the third year for the Greenwich Wine & Food Festival. Serendipity sponsors the event and a portion of the proceeds go toward Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Read More
Bodega Taco Bar presents Dia de Los Muertos Nov. 2nd CTbites Team October 23, 2013 Always one to throw a party, Bodega Taco Bar presents Dia de Los Muertos, "Day of the Dead", one of Mexico’s most important festivals since pre-Hispanic times. While it may sound a bit macabre, the day is actually met with great joy as families gather to welcome the souls of the departed on their annual visit home. Read More
Barcelona Restaurant Cooking Classes @ ALL Locations! Restaurant Cooking Classes Education CTbites Team October 23, 2013 Ever wondered how the chefs come up with the seasonal menus and specialty dishes at your local Barcelona Restaurant? The Barcelona Cooking Class series can shed some light on everything from "Seasonal Veggies" to "Spanish Stews,""Braises," and "Holiday cooking." These classes are held in the kitchens with Barcelona's Executive Chefs. Check out the great list of Cooking Classes at your favorite Barcelona Restaurant. Cooking classes make great gifts! Stamford Classes Where: StamfordWhen: 10/26/13 @ 2:00 PMFall Vegetables Cooking Class$45 per person, plus tax and gratuityEnjoy the beginning of Fall and join Chef Scott as he shows off some of his favorite ways to cook up the great vegetables that Connecticut has to offer! Read More
Michele's Pies New Cookbook, Perfect Pies & More, Available Today! Kids Bites Features Cookbooks CTbites Team October 22, 2013 One of the perks of living in Fairfield County is the proximity to Michele's Pies two locations in Norwalk and Westport. I've been around the block when it comes to pie, and Michele's are simply the best. When Michele Stuart first got into pie-making, she burned out three ovens in her ski condo in Vermont supplying local farmers’ markets with pies made with “love and fresh fruit. ”Those days are long gone. Now, with her second cookbook, and 27 National Pie Contest Championships, Michele is poised to take over the pie eating world. If you can't get to one of her stores, and would like to bring some of her culinary magic into your own kitchen, check out her new cookbook: Perfect Pies & More. After the success of Perfect Pies, Michele Stuart went back into the kitchen—the same kitchen in Vermont where she first dreamed up the award-winning creations that inspired her to open the popular Michele’s Pies shops. Read More
Recap: Friends of Boulder Knoll Dinner w/ Caseus Fromagerie & South End Wine Restaurant Cheese Wine Tasting Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 21, 2013 On Wednesday September 18, 2013, I had the opportunity to attend a farm-to-table dinner presented by the Friends of Boulder Knoll, a group focused on educating the local community about agriculture and sustainability. I was invited by Tim Crakes of South End Wine and Spirits, a boutique wine store in Cheshire, CT, that would be providing the beverages for the event. I wasn’t sure what to expect; in fact, that is a part of the state I seldom frequent. While I take Metro North into New York City on a regular basis, I have never stepped onto it in the opposite direction. What I found was a gorgeous small town and vibrant farming community. Both Tim and the Friends of Boulder Knoll provided me with total access to an evening of purity, totally untouched by the pace of the city and daily life. Read More
