Napa & Company Gets a New Chef: Adam Truelove at the Helm Restaurant American Italian Stamford Lunch Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger March 20, 2014 Since opening in 2006, Napa & Co. has received numerous accolades as one of the best restaurants in Connecticut with a creative and inventive menu. Co-Owner Mary Schaffer told CTbites that her vision from the start has been the “wine country cuisine of Northern California…flavorful, fresh, simply prepared food with its roots based from the European influence of wine growers coming to the area from Spain, France and Italy over the last 100 years.” The restaurant prides itself on “blend(ing) the cultures” of various cuisines. Schaffer also has a keen eye for culinary talent and last year she hired and handed oversight of the kitchen to Executive Chef Adam Truelove. Chef Adam earned a degree in Mathematics before following his culinary passion and enrolled at the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan. After graduation, he honed his skills at Town and Esca Restaurants before returning to the FCI as a Chef Instructor. He relocated to the Fairfield County area as the opening Sous Chef at Tarry Lodge in Port Chester, the Executive Chef at Pine Social in New Canaan and eleven 14 Kitchen in Greenwich as the Chef du Cuisine. Last year Napa & Co. reached out to Chef Adam and asked him to join its team to oversee the kitchen as Executive Chef. Read More
Jane and Michael Stern's 'Roadfood' to Star in New Haven Event Connecticut Magazine March 19, 2014 From Rhode Island to Oregon, and North Dakota to Texas, Jane and Michael Stern have been everywhere and they’ve tried everything. On March 26, they're even going to try letting community college students take a crack at some classic roadfood recipes, for a good cause (details below). Their 36-year journey to find the best “roadfood” in the country has taken them to best tiny diners and local haunts, many of them easily overlooked if not pointed out. And that was the goal from the beginning; to show other travelers where the best food is, no matter how humble the location may be. Over the last three decades, the former couple—they were married and got divorced but continue to be writing partners—has released 10 books and launched the interactive website Roadfood.com to chronicle the journey. Every cheeseburger, gumbo, bread pudding and milkshake from coast to coast have been documented through intelligent prose and tempting photographs. The ninth edition of “Roadfood: The Coast-to-Coast Guide to 900 of the Best Barbecue Joints, Lobster Shacks, Ice Cream Parlors, Highway Diners, and Much, Much More,” was recently released. The culinary students at Gateway Community College in New Haven are going to try their hands at some classic “roadfood” recipes at the school’s next “Chefs of Our Kitchen” (C.O.O.K.) event on March 26, and Jane and Michael will be on hand to talk about their adventures and sign books. The event begins at 6 p.m.in Gateway's Cafe Vincenzo. Tickets cost $95, with the proceeds going toward funding scholarships for Gateway students and providing professional development opportunities for the college’s faculty and staff. Read The Full Article at ConnecticutMag.com Read More
Little Pub Gets Ready to Open in Cos Cob: Sneak Peek Restaurant Cos Cob Greenwich Pub Bar Kid Friendly Stephanie Webster March 18, 2014 The Little Pub you know from Ridgefield and Wilton is opening its third location down south in Cos Cob, and CTbites received a sneak peek at the interior and plans for this new venture, now under construction. When Little Pub opened its doors in Ridgefield back in 2009 with its cozy feel of an alpine lodge meeting an English pub, it rapidly became the go-to spot for casual family friendly pub fare with a beer list that rivaled any bar around.. Fireplaces and rough wood beams graced the white plastered walls, and in a town filled with higher end chef-driven restaurants, Little Pub sets itself apart with a simple, well executed comfort food menu that appeals to both kids and adults. When CTbites asked Owner, Doug Grabe, and Operations Manager, Lars Anderson why Cos Cob, , both said “the people asked for it.” Turns out, restaurant owners do read those Comment Cards, and the cards at Little Pub said “we need you in Greenwich,” specifically Cos Cob whose demographics skew heavily towards families. Read More
Match in South Norwalk to Reopen This Week: Opening Cocktail Party Thursday Restaurant Norwalk SONO Amy Kundrat and Stephanie Webster March 16, 2014 After months of planning and a sleight of hand two week renovation, Match restaurant in South Norwalk is poised to reopen this week with a blow-out opening cocktail party celebrating the new Match on Thursday, March 20 at 5 pm. Beginning Thursday at 7:30 pm, reservations will be accepted for dinner with business as usual for SoNo’s beloved restaurant. Match opened up its still very dusty doors to CTbites over the weekend before the reopening, giving us a behind the scenes look at what to expect from the new Match, from its décor (purple!), new brand (relaxed and modern), to its new menu (more is more) and glimpses of a handful of reimagined and darn good looking dishes. A steady fixture in the Fairfield County dining scene with chef/owner Matt Storch at the helm for the past fourteen years, Match has built a loyal following and a menu of popular dishes along the way. In fact, when Match first announced it would close temporarily for renovations, many people reacted with equal parts fear and excitement, worried they would lose their beloved dishes such as Carpetbaggers and Wasabi Tuna (or was that just us?), but also looking forward to the restaurant’s facelift. Here's what to expect... Read More
Restaurant Scene Explodes @ Stamford's Harbor Point Restaurant Deli Frozen Yogurt Stamford Latin American Burgers Lou Gorfain March 14, 2014 Hard to believe, but spring beckons. It’s just a few days away. And along with hyacinths and daffodils, a number of new eateries will soon be blossoming at Stamford's Harbor Point -- just in time for those hazey lazey dayz. (Yes Virginia, there is a Summer) At the spectacular 6000 square foot Glass Garden on the waterfront, Aaron Sanchez is now shooting for a Cinco de Mayo opening for his new latin themed resto. As CTBites first reported last year, Sanchez will be working his spanish sorcery in a sexy, high end dining, cocktail and wine lounge space. But there's a name change: “Alegre” has become “Poloma” According to Jon Sabrowski, Harbor Point's Leasing Director, a bouquet of other new eateries are targeting a Memorial Day opening. Among them is an American grill from South End Hospitality, whose pedigree includes Black Bear, Darien Social, Bobby Q's and McFadden’s. The tap house will feature a rooftop bar, offering a panoramic view of the harbor and the Sound beyond. (Yes Virginia, there are sea breezes.) The restaurant faces the 22 story twin towered apartment complex currently under construction (We can report that the 242 unit complex will not be the hotel-condo once envisioned.) Read More
Plan B Throws "Iron Bar" Gala w/ Willett Distillery, NPR's Faith Middleton & Millwright's Tyler Anderson Restaurant Celebrity Chef Events Bar CTbites Team March 13, 2014 This just in from Plan B Burger Bar..... You think Bobby Flay and Michael Symon got anything on us? Those Iron Chef's may know how to cook but this is Iron Bar - time to put that work where it matters, getting our drink on. Hanging with Faith Middleton, Tyler Anderson and Drew Kulsveen sipping some cocktails and chowing on some beef fat fries. Yes, I did just say WNPR's Faith Middleton and Chopped Winner Tyler Anderson will both be there. Don't worry we've got more fab celebs for you to party with. This is your one and only chance to select this year's Iron Bar Champion. Read More
GIVEAWAY: Tix to 4B Festival... Beer, Bourbon, Bacon & BBQ for All CTbites Team March 13, 2014 The 4B Festival, the area’s first of its kind festival of specially curated beer, bourbon, barbecue and bacon is around the corner on March 22nd...but it's ALL SOLD OUT!! DO YOU WANT TIX TO The 4B Festival? We can help! CTbites is GIVING AWAY 5 pairs of tickets to the "Regular Admission Session 2" on Saturday March 22nd, 5:30pm-9:30pm. Each pair of tix is a $150 value!! TO WIN TICKETS, YOU MUST BE A CTBITES FACEBOOK FRIEND & POST A COMMENT BELOW AS TO WHY YOU DESERVE TO GET THAT PAIR OF TICKETS. 5 LUCKY WINNERS. GOOD LUCK! Read More
The Weekly Nibble: Upcoming Food News & Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 13, 2014 This weekend, Fountainhead/Fat Cat Pie Co. in Norwalk will offer complimentary tastings of wine from the Southern Rhône. Fairway Market has its own house-baked Beer Bread! It’s made with local Blue Point Brewing Co. Hoptical Illusion IPA and is a combination of wheat, rye and sourdough. It has a strong essence and smell of hops and can be included in any type of meal of the day! Stop by to pick yours up- great for St. Patty’s! Artisan Restaurant has a brand new prix fixe lunch menu. On weekdays, enjoy an appetizer, entrée, and coffee or tea for just $19. See the menu here. The luck ‘o the Irish is giving you even more delicious choices to enjoy at Rodizio Brazilian Steakhouse in Stamford. They are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with some traditional and not-so-traditional additions to the menu: Corned Beef and Cabbage, Parsley Potatoes, Shamrock Brazilian Limeade, Leprechaun Limeade, Green Beer, Shamrock Coffees, Shamrock Cremes. Through the 17th. Strada 18 in SoNo is celebrating St. Patty's with a $29 prix fixe including Chef David's Famous House-Made Corned Beef, Irish Stew, Irish Soda Bread Guinness Stout & Irish Whiskey Specials Guinness Stout Gelato! Read More
New Haven May Be Home to Another Tarry Lodge CTbites Team March 12, 2014 Connecticut may be home to another Tarry Lodge Enoteca and Pizzeria, due to arrive in New Haven as early as this summer, according to recent news reports by The New Haven Independent who covered the recent Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on Tuesday evening: The Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group intends to open a Tarry Lodge restaurant at 278 Park St., according to Lauren Zucker, Yale’s director of New Haven affairs. Yale holds a long-term lease on the property, which is owned by St. Thomas More. The Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group already have successful locations in Port Chester, NY and Westport, CT, led by Joe Bastianich, chef Andy Nusser, and general manager Nancy Selzer. Read More
Pig Carving Workshop & Growing Mushrooms @ Millstone Farm Education Local Farm CTbites Team March 12, 2014 Millstone Farm in Wilton has a few workshops coming up that you may not want to miss. These events range from Pig Carving 101 with Chef Tim LaBant of The Schoolhouse including lunch & cocktails to a three-hour workshop on Mushroom Cultivation. Can you think of a better way to spend your afternoon? I think not. Details are below... Read More
Outstanding In The Field Tix Go On Sale March 20th Stephanie Webster March 11, 2014 Mark your calendars. On Wednesday, March 20th, the first day of spring, tickets will go on sale for the 2014 season of Outstanding In The Field. On September 4th Bill Taibe of The Whelk & le Farm and on September 5th Chef Wirt Cook of the Redding Roadhouse will be hosting dinners @ The Hickories Farm in Ridgefield. "Outstanding in the Field is a roving culinary adventure – literally a restaurant without walls." Their mission is to re-connect diners to the land and the origins of their food, and to honor the local farmers and food artisans who cultivate it. The other meaning of Outstanding in the Field is outstanding as in the best. Last year’s first-time event at The Hickories was so wonderful we decided to do two this year. Host farmer Dina Brewster left a big-city teaching/poetry career to become a farmer. Chef Bill Taibe and crew were a pleasure to work with and we’re thrilled to be doing it again -- and again. Plus, this year, there will be a second date with Chef Wirt Cook of the Redding Roadhouse. --Outstanding in the Field Thursday September 4, 2014The Hickories, Ridgefield, CTPRICE: $235.00HOST FARMER: Dina Brewster, The HickoriesGUEST CHEF: Bill Taibe, LeFarm & The Whelk, WestportTIME: 3 pm Read More
NyHaven in New Haven: A New Nordic Pop-Up Restaurant Chef Talk New Nordic Underground Dinner New Haven Amy Kundrat and Stephanie Webster March 11, 2014 NyHaven, a one-time pop-up new Nordic dinner in New Haven on March 3, blew away a couple dozen diners lucky enough to purchase seats to the 15-course dining experience showcasing some of the most daring and inventive food in Connecticut. Conceived by Chef Simon Marcell Davidsen with fellow Community Table chef Tommy Juliano, they teamed up with John Ginnetti of 116 Crown, who not only generously offered the kitchen and dining space for NyHaven, but also paired each snack and course with an appropriate "cocktail." An indelible evening marked by a provocative menu, curious cocktails, and a house filled with appreciate gourmands, we attempted to capture the meal in not just words, but an interview with Chef Simon Marcel Davidsen, photos of each course, and 116 Crown's video of the NyHaven experience: Read More
Sign Up for Sport Hill & Stone Gardens Farms CSA's w/ Easy Pickup @ Wakeman Town Farm Ingredients Local Farm Farm Fresh CTbites Team March 11, 2014 Wakeman Farm CSA Pickups Thursday or Friday? Just pick your day! Wakeman is offering not one - but TWO - CSAs to provide you with fresh-picked produce all season long. One is from Sport Hill Farm in Easton, the other is from Stone Gardens Farm in Ridgefield. Both are for pickup at Wakeman Town Farm Choose your day! Organic Sport Hill Farm CSA is accepting applications through 3/31. Order now and receive weekly produce delivery every Friday at Wakeman Town Farm! To order, click here: Sport Hill Farm Organic CSA Friday Pickup A Note from Organic Farmer Patti Popp, of Sport Hill Farm in Easton: We have extended the 2014 CSA deadline until 3/31/14 for pick up at Wakeman Town Farm Sustainability Center on Friday afternoons 1-7 or at Black Rock Farmers Market Saturdays 9-1. Our CSA program runs twenty weeks. Usually begins the first week of June through mid-October. We are mainly a vegetable production farm, we grow watermelon and cantaloupes. Cooking is a must. Please e-mail me for an application if this seems like a good fit for you and your family.Farmgal596@gmail.com Read More
Bonnat & Pralus Venezuelan Chocolate Tasting Re-Cap Ingredients Dessert Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger March 10, 2014 Spending Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart is fantastic, tasting and learning about great chocolates with your sweetheart is even better. While many were eating at restaurants, enjoying romantic dinners at home, or enjoying a concert or sporting event, a group of chocolate novices and enthusiasts met at Olivette Oil in Darien and were educated on the finer points of high-end chocolates by Analiese Paik, trained chef, chocolate aficionado, and Editor of The Fairfield Green Food Guide. The table was pre-set with five different chocolates, a rating card and a flavor wheel. Normally, the chocolates would have disappeared in a nano-second but the group was instructed to sit and relax. Analiese presented an incredibly detailed and comprehensive overview of the process that converts the bean pods of the Theobroma cacao (“food of the Gods”) tree to chocolate. All of the chocolates that we would sample were from Venezuela and included Bonnat Puerto Caello, Bonnat Chuao, Bonnat Hacienda El Rosario, Pralus Venezuela, and Pralus Chuao. Read More
Barrique Bistro & Wine Bar: Top Notch French with a Twist in Stamford Restaurant French Italian Spanish Stamford Lunch Elizabeth Keyser March 09, 2014 It’s the corner where downtown Stamford’s sidewalk café scene began. Bedford and Spring streets. Barrique has the best location in downtown Stamford, in a quaint stone building a few steps from the Art Deco Avon Theatre (date night recommendation--an independent film and Barrique’s bistro food). In summer, Barrique’s large, wood doors fold open on both sides of the corner. For 14 years, it was Chez Jean-Pierre, and under new ownership since June, Barrique’s dining room has lost the humorous Renoir-esque mural of Jean-Pierre and his friends in favor of a subdued white and gray palette -- white-washed brick walls, café chairs, wrought iron chandeliers, and bare, dark wood tables. It’s a casual, relaxing atmosphere. And there’s a new bar room at the back of the restaurant, a cozy spot where jazz is played Wednesday evenings. Executive chef/co-owner Louis Barresi’s menu mostly focuses on France, with Italian, Spanish, Latin, Asian and Latin influences. Barresi is a co-owner of Doppio Artisan Pizza in Greenwich, New York City and Long Island. Manager and partner Danny Silver is the sommelier. Barrique means “barrel” in French, and if you have questions about the 41 wines served by the glass, ask him. He’s the former sommelier at A Voce in New York City. Read More
Parallel Post To Host 2nd Annual Farm-To-Trumbull Events CTbites Team March 06, 2014 Parallel Post will again host the first of four Farm-To-Trumbull dining experiences on Wednesday, April 2, at 7:00 p.m. Following on the success of last year’s event, Farm-To-Trumbull will be an annual culinary series designed to provide an intimate experience for 30 guests led by James Beard-nominated Chef, Dean James Max; Executive Chef, Chris Molyneux; and Chef de Cuisine, Ali Goss of Parallel Post. Guests will first warm their palates with a welcome cocktail and a sampling of small bites, followed by a family-style dinner ripe with the season’s finest local ingredients, wine pairings selected by Parallel Post’s resident mixologist, Greg Genias aka “Bootleg Greg,” and an all-you-can-indulge dessert bar. Read More
The Weekly Nibble: Upcoming Food News & Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 06, 2014 Stew Leonard’s will welcome local cookbook author Dina Cheney to sign copies of her new cookbook, Meatless All Day: Recipes for Inspired Vegetarian Meals, on Saturday, March 8 from 12-2. Dina Cheney has been the “Taste Test” columnist for Everyday with Rachael Ray for several years, is a regular contributor to Fine Cooking, and has written articles or developed recipes for more than 20 other publications. Cheney lives in Cos Cob, Connecticut. DC Brau beer is officially in CT! Come to Turnpike Wines in Fairfield to help celebrate the launch on Saturday March 8 from 1-5pm. Free event. For information on these delicious craft brews visit: It’s the 2nd Annual Great Wall of Stouts at The Ginger Man in Norwalk. 26 stoutly stouts will be on tap Monday, March 10 through Sunday, March 16. Monday March 10th, experience a “Cool and Fun Varietals” wine class at Napa & Co in Stamford. If you’re tired of Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, try this class to find varietals lesser known like Grenache Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Tannat, Pinot Meunier, Petit Verdot, and more. $45+ pp. Tuesday March 11 at 7pm, Barcelona in New Haven will present you with “Foods from Chef Frank’s Trip to Spain.” The trip provided some amazing culinary inspiration. Experience some of the dishes he brought back with him. $25 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Also on Tuesday, “Celebrity bartender” Linda Kavanagh of Max Exposure Media will put her culinary skills and knowledge to work in support of Community Plates at Bistro 7 in Wilton. Visit the link to see which guest bartenders will support different charitable causes throughout the month. Read More
Bodega Hits The Road w/ The Bodega Food Truck Catering Features Restaurant Food Truck Tacos Mexican CTbites Team March 05, 2014 Bodega Taco Bar continues to make its mark on Fairfield County with the addition of the Bodega Food Truck hittin’ the road this month. The rolling vibrant green mobile might as well be named the party bus as it already being booked for private parties, school functions and outdoor events – and the paint’s not even dry yet! Fans of Bodega’s innovative and edgy, while authentic and fresh cuisine, will now have the opportunity to follow their favorite cuisine to a street corner near them or grab a taco while partaking in a local event. This taqueria on wheels will also be the centerpiece of Bodega’s thriving catering business. The team has created a catering menu that straddles the line between “fine” and “fiery” with ease. From a Burrito Bar and Taco Party, to passed hors d’oeuvres of Tuna Tataki and Smoked Chicken Albondigas, party goers are assured to have a unique experience. Bowls of hand slapped guacamole, pico de gallo, and cucumber mango salsa with fresh corn tortilla chips are a true crowd pleaser, as are roasted veggies with poblano agave yogurt dip and ceviche bowls with vibrant citrus shrimp and scallops. That deli sandwich platter at the office lunch meeting is transformed with hearty “tortas” such as; Argentinian grilled hangar steak with chipotle aioli, greens and queso fresco; Grilled Chicken with black beans, goat cheese and pickled onions; Grilled Portabella with truffle red pepper aioli and crispy kale; and the Baja Fish Wrap with mango cucumber salsa. Read More
