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TravelBites: Heading to Miami, Florida? Don't Miss MC Kitchen

Restaurant Miami Road Trip TRAVELBites

ellen bowen

By request….CTBites is trying out a new column, TravelBites, for our readers heading out of the great state of CT. These articles will feature popular vacation/business travel destinations for local CT residents, but if you have a suggestion for a TRAVELbites, contact us. 

Our first article features Chef Dena Marino and MC Kitchen in sunny Miami….one of the fastest growing “foodie” hubs in the US.  

Hot culinary spots are opening in hotel restaurants like SLS South Beach with Katsuya or The Bazaar by Jose Andres as well as Soho transplant, Lure Fishbar in the Loews. Funky hipster dining options are popping up practically daily in the emerging fashion and art neighborhoods like in the Design District , Midtown and Wynwood…Miami and Miami Beach has something for everyone.

MC Kitchen, opened a little over a year ago, is the passionate creation of Chef Dena Marino and her friend, Brandy Coletta  Hence, the M and C ).  Chef Dena, who actually hails originally from northern New Jersey, moved to Miami a little over three years from her executive chef position at Ajax Tavern in Aspen to head up the kitchen at the now defunct Danny Devito’s restaurant, Devitos. 


Foodie Road Trip: Mystic, CT for Seafood & Sweets

Restaurant Mystic Road Trip

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

“Cute Connecticut Day Trips.”  Search. Labor Day had left me with an unexpected day off from work, and I’d turned to Google to help decide what to do with the time.  The results came in with a definitive winner: Mystic, Connecticut.  Between an aquarium, a historical seaport, and seaside shops, the town seemed like the perfect destination.

And perfect it was.  In addition to its attractions, Mystic also holds an array of amazing restaurants overflowing with fresh seafood.  After a morning at the aquarium, my friend and I chose a place called “Go Fish” for a late lunch.  It is located in Old Mistick Village, an area of small shops and boutiques meant to feel like a colonial New England town.  We walked into a space adorned with large sea inspired murals painted in vibrant colors- almost Warhol-esque.  There was a beautiful large bar accentuated with rows of shiny glassware.  Even though it was three in the afternoon, several people were enjoying a meal or a drink at the bar.

Go Fish specializes in fresh seafood; ideal for the person wanting to appreciate the coastal milieu.  Specials included an assortment of local raw oysters and jumbo crab legs.  Guests can choose from an array of appetizers, sandwiches, soups, and entrees.  My favorite feature was that full entrees could be ordered as small plates as well.  I decided on a small plate version of their Steamed Littleneck Clams with grilled chorizo


Six Main: Elegant Raw & Vegetarian in Chester CT

Restaurant Gluten-Free Road Trip Special Dietary Needs Vegetarian Vegan

Amy Kundrat

Six Main will close their doors as of September 27, 2014. From their website announcement: "Thank you to all of our loyal customers for a wonderful 2 1/2 years, and most of all we would like to thank our farmer, Baylee Drown and her team at Upper Pond Farm for providing us with such inspiring food."


Elegantly prepared, nuanced preparations of vegetarian, vegan and raw food dishes are the expert domain of Six Main Restaurant in Chester, CT. Housed in the former Chester Savings Bank, a stately 100-year old landmark situated at the center of this quaint central Connecticut town, Six Main helps to usher in the slow momentum of “contemporary plant-based gourmet cuisine” into the state.  

Open since summer 2012, Six Main is the result of a serendipitous collaboration between owner Bill de Jonge and award-winning raw chef Rachel Carr. Looking for a chef who would hold the same passion for healthy food, de Jonge hired Carr who happened to find herself in the Northeast after many years on the West coast at the helm of the well known Los Angeles raw vegan outpost, Cru. Their partnership also led to the cultivation of de Jonge's Old Lyme home, Upper Pond Farm, for produce specifically raised for the restaurant they were building.


The Pantry in Fairfield: Market & Catering for Food-Lovers sponsored post

Ingredients Features Bakery Butcher Catering Entertaining Fairfield Specialty Market pantry Advertisement Lunch

Sarah Green

You won't believe what's in our PANTRY! Located at 1580 Post Road in Fairfield, Ct, The Pantry is much more than a food shop - it is Mecca for foodies as well as a one-stop-shop for busy consumers. Established in 2003 through the collaborative effort of chefs & food lovers, The Pantry has blossomed into a bustling marketplace stocked with an array of products and services for today's savvy clientele.  What have they got? Top quality butchered meats & seafood (delivered daily from various New York markets), award winning desserts and pastries (the bakery has received "Best Desserts in Fairfield County" from Fairfield Weekly for 9 consecutive years), restaurant quality prepared foods & catering services, a full deli and salad bar, groceries, produce and floral & customized gift baskets. Whether you are looking for a freshly tossed salad,  pan seared salmon with citrus, basil & olive oil or a chocolate chip cookie - The Pantry is the place to shop. This Pantry is stocked!!


Tour India with Thali's Prasad Chirnomula

Road Trip Road Trip Indian

CTbites Team

Indian Master Chefs Prasad Chirnomula and Maneet Chauhan, along with Culinary Instructor Jody Eddy have meticulously planned a gastronomic and cultural journey to India, December 1 - 13, 2012.

One way to reach India's heart is through its stomach. Centuries of applied epicurean experimentation have led to several regional centers of India such as the regal Rajasthan. Through formal and informal discussions throughout this journey, Prasad and Maneet will provide invaluable insights of their homeland and guide you through one of the greatest gourmet spice journeys you will ever experience.

From the bustling metropolis of Delhi to the serene natural quiet of the Thar Desert, you will explore India and celebrate the tastes and the sights and the sounds, while meeting the people that give India its name and its fame.

For a detailed itinerary, pricing and more information about registration, visit www.jhcbh.com.


Ad: What's In Season @ Walter Stewart's Market

Ingredients Local Artisan Local Farm Specialty Market Advertisement

CTbites Team

With summer in full swing there are even more reasons to shop Walter Stewart's Market, a fixture in downtown New Canaan since 1907. This family run grocer features not only outstanding customer service and a great selection of everyday needs for your family, but also local producers and hard to find specialty goods in every aisle.  

Can't get to the farmers' market? Browse through Walter Stewart's produce section where local CT farmers from Wagner Farm in East Windsor, Millstone Farm in Wilton, and Dzen Farm in South Windsor, are delivering the very best of the CT harvest. What's in season right now? Here is the lineup: corn, yellow and green squash, green beans, blueberries, apricots, sugar plums, and green cabbage. Beautiful beefsteak tomatoes will be coming soon. 


The CTbites and 109 Cheese & Wine Road Trip Giveaway

Restaurant Cheese Giveaway Ridgefield Road Trip

CTbites Team

From the coast of Maine, to the island of Nantucket, to the beaches of Long Island ... who doesn’t love a great summer road trip? As we downshift into the slower and warmer final weeks of summer, CTbites wants to know, what are some of your favorite road trip destinations?

Comment on this post sharing one or more of your favorite summer road trip destinations for a chance to win a picnic basket from 109 Cheese and Wine filled with cheese, wine and charcuterie from the Ridgefield wine shop. 


Foodie Road Trip: Three Days in Cape Cod

Restaurant Cape Cod Road Trip Seafood

Elizabeth Keyser

Cape Cod is the perfect summer road trip destination for busy people.  About a three-hour drive from Fairfield, Connecticut, the towns of Woods Hole and Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, hold good news for food lovers.  On a recent three-day getaway, my husband and I sought casual-but-good waterfront places where shorts fit the dress code. We discovered inspired and classic renditions of New England fare.

Woods Hole is where the ferry leaves for Martha’s Vineyard, but it’s a destination in itself. The quaint gray-shingled town rests on a spit of land, where on a recent idyllic summer day, sunlight sparkled on the water, and breezes blew stress away.  Ah, vacation.


Ad: Tasti D-Lite, Healthy & Delicious for 20 Years

Restaurant kids activity Advertisement Kid Friendly Dessert

CTbites Team

Tasti D-Lite opened in NYC 20 years ago as a low-calorie alternative to ice cream and quickly snowballed into a frozen dessert mecca with a cult-like following. At their Fairfield location, Tasti D-Lite is bringing their 100+ flavors and all natural ingredients to our community offering health-conscious individuals a dessert that is indescribably delicious. Made with the finest ingredients including real dairy and no artificial sweeteners, Tasti D-Lite is lower in calories, sodium, carbs and sugar than ice cream and leading frozen yogurt brands. 

What makes Tast D-Lite such a guilt-free indulgence? Here's the scoop:


Ad: Great Finds at Walter Stewart's Market in New Canaan

Advertisement

CTbites Team

Local Strawberry Season is here! One of our favorite signs of summer is the arrival of fresh-picked local strawberries from Pell Farms in Somers, CT. Some featured new products: Laura Chenel's Chevre, Whole G Artisan Breads (New Haven), Dave's Gourmet All Natural and Organic Pasta Sauces, Fresh Pastabilities Local Artisan Pastas and Sauces, Cornelia's Confections Nut Brittles (made locally), and we have some wonderful recent arrival Rosés, craft brews and hard ciders in Stewart's Spirits. 

Walter Stewart's Market has been a fixture in downtown New Canaan since 1907. With its reputation for impeccable customer service, a personal greeting is not uncommon as your walk through their front doors, but this family run grocer is much more than just your friendly neighborhood market. With a devotion to stocking local as well as unusual or hard to find produce,  a beer selection that would impress any serious aficionado, and some very special artisan products, it's time to take a second look at Walter Stewart's Market. Join us as we walk down the aisles. Whether you're looking for fresh figs, Whole G bread (New Haven), Jeni's Splendid small batch ice cream, or Millstone Farm's fresh eggs, Walter Stewart's Market is full of culinary surprises…and it's right around the corner. 


Top Fairfield County Chefs @ The James Beard House

Restaurant Events Road Trip

Stephanie Webster

Get ready to grab the phone. On May 23rd, six of CT's top chefs have come together to create a meal highlighting some of the best cooking Fairfield County has to offer. The prestigious James Beard House in New York City will play host to this ensemble featuring a 6 course dinner with paired wines and a cocktail reception to start. You wont want to miss this. 

Let's take a moment to run through the roster: Matt Storch (Match), Bill Taibe (Le Farm & The Whelk), Arik Bensimon (Napa & Co), Tim Labant (Schoolhouse at Cannondale), Lisa Storch (Catch a Healthy Habit), and Fritz Knipschildt (Knipschildt Chocolate and Chocopolgie), with wine and cocktails provided by Saugatuck Grain and Grape. 

The price is $130 for James Beard members and $170 per person for non-beard members.   Please contact the James Beard House for reservations.  212-627-2308.


Ad: Cheesecake Factory & Brio Open @ Danbury Fair Mall

Restaurant American Danbury Italian Advertisement Kid Friendly

CTbites Team

Danbury Fair has made shopping more appetizing this winter with the addition of popular restaurants, The Cheesecake Factory® and BRIO Tuscan Grille. These great new dining options bring affordable upscale dining to Danbury Fair and will provide the perfect rest stop during the upcoming holiday shopping frenzy. The Cheesecake Factory®'s award winning family friendly menu with over 40 decadent desserts promises something tasty for everyone while BRIO brings authentic, Northern Italian cuisine to Danbury CT.  


Road Trip: Ballo Italian Restaurant & Club @ Mohegan Sun

Road Trip Restaurant Italian Road Trip

Andrew Dominick

A month ago I contributed an article about John Tunney’s latest creation, Ballo Italian Restaurant & Social Club. Now, I am pleased to bring you a sneak peek at not just the décor, not just a menu preview, but of the reason we are all here, for the food. 

But first, let me take you on a brief tour of this restaurant/bar/dance club/lounge. Remember that preview article? All that construction and the pictures of what it will look like? Seeing those photos is one thing, seeing this place in person is another. The wraparound marble bar, the sphere-like hanging lamps, the giant lanterns, and the fireplaces, give Ballo a glow unlike any other restaurant in Mohegan Sun Casino.

 


Road Trip: Stone Barns Harvest Festival

Restaurant Road Trip

Amy Kundrat

The Stone Barns 8th Annual Harvest Festivities will take place on October 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Pocantico Hills, New York. Worth the short road-trip just over the border, this day will feature a mouth-watering line-up of food vendors including Skinny Pines pizza, Balthazar Bakery, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, and Stone Barns/Blue Hill at Stone Barns pork sandwiches; live music featuring Dan Zanes & Friends and Spuyten Duyvil; a Farmers Market with delicious food from local purveyors; workshops on food and farming; and more! See below for a complete list of vendors and more information. 


Friday Froth: Bats, Balls, Pils and Hops

Ingredients Friday Froth Road Trip Beer

James Gribbon

Does everyone still have all their fingers after Monday's festivities? You do? Great, because we should really play some catch. Baseball's midsummer classic is coming up, and those of us so inclined are by now completely engrossed in America's pastime. Even those who don't like the game can't escape the news of Derek Jeter's impending 3,000th hit, and everyone should go to Cooperstown: home of the baseball hall of fame and Brewery Ommegang. 

Ommegang is an American brewery which specializes in Belgian style beers. They're pretty damn good at it, too, having taken top awards from Belgian brewers in Belgian beer contests in Belgium.

Fairfield County Reports: The El Bulli Experience

Restaurant Road Trip

Multiple Eaters

Poised to close at the end of the season, El Bulli has been fielding millions of reservation requests for the relative few coveted tables that remain to experience Chef Ferran Adria's operatic meals in Roses, Spain. This mecca for molecular gastronomy has been in the sights of two regular CTbites readers, a professional chef, Matt Storch of Match Restaurant in Sono, and a professional eater, Chris Grimm, who recently visited El Bulli and have graciously shared their experiences with us. 


Friday Froth: The Cask Republic in New Haven

Restaurant Road Trip Beer New Haven

James Gribbon

How about a little food with our beer this week? After all: drinking on an empty stomach, while entertaining in a "hide the women and children" kind of way, is generally not recommended. So let's travel outside of Fairfield County this week (gasp!), and take a road trip to The Cask Republic in New Haven.   

"The Cask Republic" may sound like early 18th century Tortuga, but owner Christian Burns has forgone rum, anarchy and pirates in favor of more refined surroundings. This point should come as no surprise from the man who also owns The Ginger Man in South Norwalk. The space is mostly wood and leather - a large bar, communal cocktail tables, and booths encourage an atmosphere of fellowship - and then there are the taps. Fifty-three pleasure dispensers line the left wall behind the bar. Fifty-three, plus one cask engine for dispensing cask-conditioned brews and over eighty bottled beers. That gets all six hands of Vishnu clapping furiously.