Filtering by Tag: Tacos,Cooking Classes

Weekly Nibble: Upcoming Food News & Events

Restaurant Holiday Italian Tacos Vineyard Wine Dinners Wine Tasting

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Monday April 28, Napa & Co of Stamford presents FAVORITE WINES OF SPAIN.  Explore the dusty, dirty and sultry wines of this HOT region from Priorat, Campo de Borja and Rioja. There will be 6 wines to experience. $50/person (exclusive of tax and gratuity). 

Also on Monday the 28th, Barcelona West Hartford presents “Paella 101.” Join Chef Eric in this class dedicated to the Spanish classic – Paella! Learn how to make this delicious dish and a popular Barcelona favorite. For reservations please call the restaurant at 860.218.2100. $29 per person, plus tax and gratuity. 7pm.

Golden View Firenze Ristorante and Continental Fine Wine & Spirits will team up for a 5 course Tuscan Wine Dinner of Tuesday April 29.  5 dishes will be paired with 5 different Italian wines.  $70pp plus tax and gratuity.  Call 203-869-0865 to reserve.

Tuesday April 29, New Canaan Wine Merchants invites you to raid their reserve room!  Between 7 and 8:30pm, guests can select 3 high end wines to open, talk about, and taste.  Free event.

April 29 is also the 6th Annual Glenlivet/Cigar Dinner @ Max Fish in Glastonbury.  It features cigars from "The Tobacco Shop" on Pratt Street  in Hartford, CT, food, and Glenlivet pairings. $125 per person, not including tax & gratuity. Space is limited, so call for reservations today. 860.652.3474. 6-9pm.


Celebrating Cinco De Mayo in Fairfield County CT

Restaurant Cocktails Holiday Tacos Mexican

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

It is said that Cinco de Mayo originated when Mexican-American communities wanted to commemorate freedom during the first years of the American Civil War.  Now you can commemorate freedom from winter with these awesome Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Here's what's going on at Bartaco, Bodega, Baró, Taco Loco, and more. Ole! 

The Cinco de Mayo celebration lasts for 5 days at Taco Loco in Bridgeport!

Thursday May 1: Get competitive with a taco eating contest at 7pm and a guest bartending mixology showdown at 7:30.  You can sign up for the events on facebook.

Friday May 2: Free tequila tasting from 6-9pm featuring over 15 tequilas. 


The Weekly Nibble: Upcoming Food News & Events

Ingredients Restaurant Beer Dinner Cooking Classes Events Wine Shop Wine Tasting

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Monday March 24, Plan B in Stamford presents “Distill it with Willett.”  Five courses will be paired with bourbon and bourbon cocktails… and they’ll use bourbon in every single course!  6 pm.  $75pp, tax and tip included.

Also on the 24th, Napa & Co in Stamford presents “A look at Sauvignon Blanc the hot white grape!”  They’ll guide you through a global look at the varietal in New Zealand, Sancerre, Russian River, Napa Valley, South Africa and Washington!  $45pp.  6:30pm.  

Brewery Ommegang comes to Harlan Social on Tuesday, March 25th for a 5-course menu paired with their beers. $70 plus tax and tip.  6:30- 9:30pm. Call 203.883.8000 to reserve seats. Event Menu:

Tuesday March 25, Barcelona in West Hartford presents “New England Beers & Tapas.”  In celebration of March Madness, Chef Eric is going to prepare some savory tapas to pair with some of New England’s thirst-quenching beers.  $29 per person, plus tax and gratuity.  Reservations: 860.218.2100

March 25 is “Good Meats!  An Evening with Charcuterie” at Fairfield Cheese Co. 7-9pm.  Call 203.292.8194 for more information.

Wednesday March 26 is the “Iron Bar Gala” at Plan B Burger Bar in Milford. 


Bodega Hits The Road w/ The Bodega Food Truck Catering

Features Restaurant Food Truck Tacos Mexican

CTbites Team

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.


Rincon Taqueria in Norwalk- A Hidden Gem in Plain Sight

Restaurant Delicious Dives Norwalk Tacos Mexican Comfort Food Kid Friendly

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

Rincon Taqueria is the epitome of a hidden gem.

The exterior is fairly non-descript and the interior is one large, open space, but the food is delicious. As you enter there are tables for twenty patrons to the left and behind these tables is a long glass deli case containing large baskets and bowls filled with several varieties of chili peppers. Along the right wall are three six-foot tall refrigerators with bottles of soda, home-canned items and take-away containers, including homemade apple sauce, beef and vegetable soup, cassoulet with duck and pork, duck confit. Taqueria?

The young lady behind the counter asked if I needed assistance. I looked at the wall behind her and saw two large hand-written chalkboard menus with more traditional taqueria fare…Huevas Rancheros, Burritos, Chilaquiles, Tacos, Empanadas, Tamales and a Chicken Quesadilla. I ordered a trio of tacos…a fried fish, a beef and a pork. As it turns out the young lady is one of the owners, Maria Munoz Del Castillo.

As I waited, Maria brought a plate of Frijoles con Arroz. In addition to the slightly spicey rice and black beans, the dish contained a few green beans, corn, scallions, diced red onions and cilantro. It was a very pleasant way to wait for my meal.


The Weekly Nibble: Upcoming Food News & Events

Restaurant Cooking Classes Wine Tasting Beer Lunch

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

The Whelk in Westport will start serving LUNCH on January 15th! Lunch will be served Wednesday, Thursdays, and Fridays 12pm-2:30.

Saturday January 11 is Step Out at Stepping Stones Museum.  The wine and food tasting supports the museum’s educational initiatives. It includes the Melting Pot, Nicholas Roberts Fine Wines, The Brewhouse, and more.  7-9:30pm.  $40 and up per person. More info here. 

Mohegan Sun’s Restaurant Week begins Sunday January 12th and goes through the 17thVisit the website to see what the casino’s renowned eateries are offering.

Sundays are ½ off bottles of select wines at many local restaurants, including The Spread, Bar Sugo, and Bistro Latino.

On Tuesday January 14, learn how to braise at Barcelona Fairfield.  Join Chef Helton and learn the art of braising and complementing it with a few vegetable side dishes. 4-7pm. $35pp plus tax and gratuity. http://www.barcelonawinebar.com/calendar.htm 

Also on Tuesday, Caseus Fromagerie in New Haven is offering a class called “Relishing the Rind.”  The class will explore categorizing cheese by types of rind. You will get to taste bloomy, ash, wash-rind cheeses ...and more! 6-7:30pm. Approx $37pp. Buy Tix Here.


Maple Syrup Tap A Tree Program @ Ambler Farm

Ingredients Features Education Cooking Classes Local Farm Local Artisan

CTbites Team

It's that time of year again. Sign up for Ambler Farms immensely popular, Maple Syrup Tap-a-Tree program. Sign up quickly...these classes fill up fast. 

Maple Syrup Tap-a-Tree program 
Training sessions (choose only ONE): Sat., Feb. 8th at either 10-11am or 1-2pm.
Learn the science and history of maple syruping by being a hands-on part of the process.   We will send regular updates on the running of the sap so you can come to the Farm to collect sap from your tree. We will boil down the sap in our sugar shack and send each family home with their very own bottle of Ambler Farm maple syrup.

The season runs from early February to mid-March (a typical season is five weeks long). If you are traveling during February or March, we will collect sap for you.  Contact Kevin Meehan

Enrollment Limited to 110 families. This program sold out quickly in previous years, so please do not wait to sign up.  The number of trees at the Farm is limited, so we are unable to accommodate late requests or wait lists. 
 
$65 per non-member family/$60 per member family.


The Weekly Nibble: Upcoming Food News & Events

Ingredients Features Restaurant Cooking Classes Education Wine Tasting

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

On Friday December 6, join 109 Cheese and Wine and Jim Morrison from Artisan Wines for some exceptional Italian red wines including Barolo, Brunello, and a few others.  The event will take place in Ridgefield, CT and costs $55pp. 7-9pm. http://www.localwineevents.com/events/detail/507053 

Saturday December 7 from 4:30– 6:30pm Amity Wines and the CT Craft Brew Guild will have a beer tasting.  It will include Down East Appe Cider, Breckenridge Regal Pilsner, Green Flash Saison, Wachusett Larry IPA, Six Pints Global Warmer, Andechs Dopplebock, and more.  Please RSVP to Kim or Tony directly at 203-387-6725 or tony@amitywines.net.  Amity Wines Tasting Room: 65 Amity Rd, New Haven, CT 06515. http://www.amitywines.net/events/ 

Bishops Orchards in Guilford, CT conducts wine tours every Saturday this month at 2:00pm.  Tasting and Tour combo for $10pp. http://www.bishopsorchards.com/index.php 

Monday December 9 at 7pm, Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market, 55 degrees Restaurant, and Vias Imports present a “Piedmont Holiday Wine Dinner” with guest host Michael Petrizzo, Northeast Brand Manager.  $89 plus tax and tip.  5 courses with wine pairings. http://www.localwineevents.com/events/detail/508378 

Tuesday December 10, Barcelona New Haven will hold a “Spanish Holiday Dishes” cooking class.  Guests can join Chef Frank as he demonstrates how to prepare Barcelona-inspired holiday and New Year’s dishes.  7pm, $25pp. http://www.barcelonawinebar.com/calendar.htm 


Tacos El Azteca Truck in Norwalk

Restaurant Food Truck Tacos Norwalk Delicious Dives Mexican

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

The Scene – Sitting at a red light at the intersection of Cross Street (Route 1) and Main Street (Route 123) in Norwalk. One of my favorite lunch spots, Nicholas Roberts sits vacant over my left shoulder. On the northeast corner a converted Meineke Shop with a hand-made sign indicating it was now a CT Inspection site (I thought we did away with those). But there was something calling me into the lot, a brightly painted food truck…and a good number of customers eating and ordering at its side window.

The Decision - Sometimes you just gotta go with your gut and give into temptation. So I pulled in, approached the truck and looked at the menu…Tacos, Quesadillas, Burritos and Tortas. I looked at all of the plates that the others were enjoying and they were overwhelmingly tacos, and it appeared that four occupied each plate. Go with the flow... so I ordered beef, pork, tongue and head, all for $7. Included in the price were a small container of green sauce, a few lime wedges and a whole Jalapeño pepper.


Barcelona Restaurant Cooking Classes @ ALL Locations!

Restaurant Cooking Classes Education

CTbites Team

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: Stamford
When: 10/26/13 @ 2:00 PM
Fall Vegetables Cooking Class
$45 per person, plus tax and gratuity

Enjoy 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!


CTbites' Chef Demo Tent Returns to Westport's Blues & BBQ Festival

Restaurant BBQ Chef Talk Cooking Classes Education

CTbites Team

Listen up food lovers. CTbites has rounded up some of the area's top chefs for two full afternoons of live cooking demonstrations, recipe tasting and general good times. Last year's CTbites Chef Demo Tent was such a success we've added a second day!

On Saturday, August 31st & Sunday September 1st from 11:30-5pm come on down to Westport's Blues Views & BBQ Festival to meet:

Chef Matt Storch of MatchPietro Scotti of Da Pietro's ; Fritz Knipschidlt of Café Chocopologie; Chef Rob Troilo of Nicholas RobertsHelton DaSilva of Barcelona RestaurantPat Pascarella of Bar Sugo; Mark Hepperman of Saugatuck Craft Butchery; Jamie Cooper of BONDA; Carlos Baez of The Spread;  Judy Roll of Tabouli Grill; and Bar Q/Bobby Q's PitStop's own Tim Doherty.

Come get schooled while you enjoy samples from 11 talented local chefs View the full schedule below...


Thali's Chef Prasad: A Lesson in Spice @ Clarke Culinary Center

Features Restaurant Cooking Classes Education Kitchen Gear

Sarah Green

A lesson in spice, a lesson in life - a cooking class with Prasad Chirnomula is both. Purely charming and ridiculously modest, Chef Prasad (of the Indian restaurants THALI and THALI TOO and of the former Oaxaca in Westport) recently taught a group of eager foodies some very important secrets regarding the art of cooking Indian at Norwalk's prestigious Clarke Culinary CenterClarke offers the best in high end kitchens and top quality appliances as well as wonderful cooking classes where top notch chef Gods let a small groups of mortals watch and learn. So we came, we saw, we watched and we ate. But it wasn't just food that Chef Prasad cooked up- it was more like the creation of a warm, breezy sunset. Chef Prasad created a palate of color. 


Preserving the Harvest Canning Workshop @ Wakeman Farm

Ingredients Cooking Classes Education Local Farm

CTbites Team

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!


Summer School @ 109 Cheese & Wine in Ridgefield

Ingredients Restaurant Cheese Cooking Classes Education Wine Chat Wine Tasting

CTbites Team

Ridgefield's best source for artisinal cheese and wine, 109 Cheese & Wine has recently expanded its footprint and education offerings. The shop, located at Ridgefield's Marketplace, has posted an impressive and fun line-up of events throughout the summer. Classes include: Red Bee Honey Pairing, Home Brewing and a Bar B Cue,  The Champagne Diet, East Coast Craft Brews and Artisan Cheese & A BBQ Throw Down Wine vs. Beer. See complete listings below. Advance reservations are recommended as class size is limited, call 203-438-5757.


Guide To Cooking Classes in Connecticut

Ingredients Kids Bites Restaurant Cooking Classes Education kids cooking party

April Guilbault

Give a man a fish and he eats for one day, but TEACH him to how to bone, saute and dress up that fish, well, that’s another story. The school year has come to a close for our under-21s but we know that you hunger (pun totally intended) to learn something new...in the kitchen. Cooking classes abound in our area; some will teach you how to make the perfect french macaron (not to be confused with the American macaroon with two “o’s”), cooling summer soups or regional delights that transport you without standing in pesky security lines. Don your best apron, raise a spatula and proclaim this the summer that you learn some rockin’ cooking skills and new recipes! Summer school has never looked so good.

Here is CTbites' Guide To Cooking Classes For Adults & Kids for 2013...


Bartaco Opens Today in Westport: Video Walk Through

Restaurant Tacos Westport Kid Friendly

Stephanie Webster

The highly anticipated taco hot spot, Bartaco, will officially open their doors in Westport at 4PM tonight for dinner service. CTbites got inside early to check out the new styling dining room on Westport's Saugatuck River at 20 Wilton Road. This location will feature an outdoor patio, alongside their signature design elements and the now familiar just walked off the beach casual vibe. However, this new location is truly unique. Over the past year Bartaco has been researching Westport's archives, and guests will be delighted to find historic images seen throughout the restaurant, harkening back to Co-Owner Sasa's childhood in yes...Westport.

In conjunction with this launch, diners will find some exciting new taco options on the menu. Taco additions include: Falafel, Fried Oyster, Curry Shrimp, Wild Boar and Sesame Ribeye.  Check out the video for more information and a full tour of Bartaco Westport. 


Classes at Ridgefield's 109 Cheese & Wine

Restaurant Cooking Classes Education Ridgefield Wine Tasting

Amy Kundrat

Ridgefield's best source for artisinal cheese and wine, 109 Cheese & Wine has recently expanded its footprint and education offerings. The shop, located at Ridgefield's Marketplace, has posted an impressive and fun line-up of events throughout the summer. Advance reservations are recommended as class size is limited, call 203-438-5757.

Exploration into Italy: Cheese and Wine 

Friday, May 17 @ 7pm, $55
Explore a great evening of Italian Cheese and Wine, their relationship and how to pair them. Class will start with some wonderful small bites and a glass of Prosecco, then continue with a tasting and comparison of 5 cheeses and wines. Something sweet will end this evening.

Sarah Wine Bar & 109 Cheese and Wine Dinner Sunday 

May 19 2013 at 5:30 pm
Special Guest Henryk Teraszkiewicz, Director of the Woodcock Nature Center
Menu


Six Main in Chester: Mother's Day Brunch Class & More

Restaurant Cooking Classes Shoreline East Vegetarian Vegan

Amy Kundrat

From macrobiotics to cooking the perfect brunch for Mom, Six Main restaurant in Chester has announced their class line-up for the month of April. Each class is $65 per person and includes recipes, demonstration by the chef instructor, and tasty samples of everything made in class. Call 860-322-4212 to reserve your seat, reservations are required.

Asian Fusion
Wednesday April 10th 11am-2pm

The menu and recipes you'll learn for this class, includes: Spicy Mushroom Spring Roll, Veggie Pad Thai with crispy tofu, and Ginger Green Tea Ice Cream.

Intro to Macrobiotics
Wednesday April 24th 11am-2pm


Spring Workshops at Millstone Farm in Wilton

Ingredients Features Cooking Classes Education

CTbites Team

Millstone Farm's spring workshops series has been announced. These events range from Pig Carving 101 with Chef Tim LaBant of The Schoolhouse to Raising Backyard Chickens with Millstone’s Master Farmer, Annie Farrell. You'll want to check these out. 

Pig Carving 101 with Chef Tim LaBant

Saturday, March 23:  12pm – 3pm 

Cost: $50, RSVP to f2f@schoolhouseatcannondale.co 

Back by popular demand! Join us for a hearty lunch and an up close and personal workshop on how to carve a whole pig, lead by Chef Tim LaBant of The Schoolhouse at Cannondale. Read more...

Raising Backyard Chickens

Saturday, April 6:  1pm – 4pm