Olivette Opens in Westport: Ultra Premium Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar

Ingredients Features

CTbites Team July 09, 2014

The olive oil craze continue with the announcement that Olivette is opening a second tasting room at 24 Railroad Place in Westport. Akin to its sister in Darien, the second location will also offer the freshest, ultra-premium, extra virgin olive oils from around the world and authentic balsamic vinegars from Modena.

The grand opening is scheduled for Thursday July 17^th from 4-7PM and guests can sample a wide variety of full line of olive oils and vinegars while enjoying light refreshments. “We are very proud to offer our customers exclusive products of superb quality. One of the many outstanding olive oils we carry was recently named one of the top 10 extra virgin olive oils in the world. It is a thrill to be able to offer such delicious, high quality products to our customers” said Alina Lawrence, owner of Olivette. The philosophy of Lawrence is to provide only the finest artisanal products that are never mass produced, and a “culinary experience that delivers unsurpassed sensory and health benefits to its customers.” Guests are always encouraged to taste before they buy and discuss food pairings and recipes with the staff.

Vegan/Vegetarian-Friendly Food Evolution Now Open in Ridgefield's Marketplace

Restaurant Ridgefield Vegetarian Vegan

Amy Kundrat July 09, 2014

Food Evolution, a gourmet plant-based café, has recently opened in Ridgefield's Marketplace located at Copps Hill Plaza, 109 Danbury Road, taking over the space formerly occupied by a vegan cafe.

The new owner of Food Evolution is Ridgefield resident Elizabeth Berney, a passionate vegan and elementary school teacher for the past 18 years. Berney and her omnivore husband purchased the restaurant from its original owner, a local real estate developer eager to sell the restaurant to owners dedicated to maintaining a plant-based menu.

Winvian in Litchfield Hills: Farm Dinner & A Little History

Hotel Litchfield Road Trip Travel

Cindy Hartog July 09, 2014

Ever since a friend mentioned to me his unforgettable experience visiting Winvian in Litchfield Hills, Connecticut, I have always kept it on my “to do” list. In fact, when my daughter and I perused the website, she prematurely decided that it was to be her future wedding venue. So, when I received an email announcing a farm dinner event, my daughter and I jumped at the opportunity. Arriving at Winvian on June 11, 2014 was reminiscent of the approach to a French chateau, along with the service, culture, and class that such an experience entails.

In 1775, Dr. Seth Bird, an eccentric but respected physician known for bringing a coffin along on his house calls, built a home for himself and his family in the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut. It was a white clapboard beauty, aproned with meadows and woods, and a comfort and sustenance for the generations.

In 1948, the Smith family bought the historic Bird estate and named it Win-Vian, a combination of the first names of Winthrop Smith and his wife Vivian. They raised a son, bounteous fruit and vegetables, and livestock on the property (today the luxury Spa stands where the pigpens once did but offers a rather nicer kind of mud treatment).

Crumbs Bake Shop Chain Closes Its Doors

CTbites Team July 08, 2014

Just in case you hadn't heard...Crumbs has closed all of its CT locations as of this Monday.

As reported in The Daily News as well as dozens of other publications, Crumbs Bake Shop, famous for its 600-calorie, 4-inch, frosting-topped sweets, notified employees Monday that the popular chain had run out of dough. The chain’s 48 stores across 10 states closed Monday, the same day employees were notified they were losing their jobs, the Wall Street Journal reported. Crumbs’ sales had been sinking for several years. Its 48 stores across 10 states closed for good this Monday — the same day employees were notified they were losing their jobs, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Crumbs had been touted at the world’s largest gourmet cupcake business with 70 stores globally — but its sales had been falling off for several years.

Uncle Leo's Not Just Coffee & Donuts in Redding

Restaurant Doughnuts Redding Breakfast Kid Friendly Dessert

Amy Kundrat July 08, 2014

A top secret doughnut recipe, a father and son business, and a dozen or so different types of doughnuts and New York-style bagels mean that mornings in Georgetown just got that much better, thanks to the arrival of Uncle Leo’s “Not Just” Coffee and Doughnuts.

Norwalk residents Leo Spinelli III (age 22) and his father Leo Spinelli, Jr., recently opened Uncle Leo's in the heart of Georgetown, at 19 Main Street, in the former Swirl Ice Cream location. The shop is a second coming for the father and son and the familiar Spinelli surname, who previously owned Spinelli’s Not Just Bagels in Norwalk that closed in 2009.

TIERRA Opens in Westport: Locally Sourced, Latin-American Gem

Farm to Table Mexican Latin American

Sarah Green July 06, 2014

Desperately seeking authentic Latin inspired cuisine with a strong Mexican flair and some cocktails that can render you “muy feliz?” TIERRA could be the place for you. Deep, down (way down, under SPRUCE on the Post Road) in the heart of Westport is the new TIERRA, love child of married chefs Sue Torres and Darren Carbone. Torres - previously chef in such notable jaunts as La Grenouille, The 21 Club and former owner of Suenos in lower Manhattan -and hubby Carbone (Rosa Mexicano and Alma De Cuba in PA) have created a cozy and inviting restaurant that has Westport diners in a chile infused tizzy. Complete with outside seating for 30 (perhaps not the greatest view but who cares, it’s summer!) and indoor seating for at least 45 - including a beautiful private dining room for 16 or so, TIERRA lures you in and treats you right.

Chef Carbone is always on duty and on our first visit, showed us around his well appointed kitchen and dining room. The cast iron, homemade tortilla press - a rarity - is in plain view and sous chef Mario was busy breaking down lobster and fresh Bronzini for the evening’s freshest picks.

Blue Lemon's Bryan Malcarney to Guest Chef @ Westport Farmers' Market July 10th

CTbites Team July 05, 2014

Executive Chef Bryan Malcarney will be the "Guest Chef" at The Westport Farmers' Market on July 10th. Chef Malcarney is the creative force behind Blue Lemon in Westport and Rory's in Darien. Chef Malcarney was classically trained at New York’s French Culinary Institute and Blue Lemon has earned rave reviews from both the New York Times and Zagat's.

This Thursday, Chef Bryan will be demo'ing a wonderful summer recipe for Crudo of Wild Striped Bass (view recipe below). Don't worry...you get to taste it too. Samples will be available after the recipe demonstration.

Friday Froth: New Beers From Jack's Abbey And OEC Brewing

Ingredients Brewery Friday Froth Beer

James Gribbon July 04, 2014

Few sensations enliven the mind like eye-catching novelty. Our minds have evolved such a predilection to find the next new thing, it's a compulsion. This is why slot machines are addictive even though they're so repetitive: there's something new every time. The new glass house is made of screens. Status, tweet, pin... tap, tap, tap.

It's easy to read about how this river of information which flows to us has made Americans indistinguishable from the couches which we permanently inhabit, but I think this is losing sight of the fact that rivers are also a means of transport. Ideas are hardly stationary. This week, let's take a look at a few novelties which have arrived on the Connecticut beer scene, and see if we can get some wheels turning.

Jack's Abbey launched just three years ago up in Massachusetts and has seemingly been winning awards ever since. The company is run by Jack, Eric and Sam Hendler, scions of an ice manufacturing family, whose Hendler Farms supplies man of the ingredients found in their beers. The brand name comes from Jack (who earned a degree in brewing in '07) and his wife, Abbey - whose name worked out pretty well as a reference to monkish beer brewing traditions. I started off with their Mass Rising Imperial Pils.

Summer Grilling Tips from Saugatuck Craft Butchery

Ingredients Features Butcher Chef Talk Education Grilling

Ryan Fibiger July 03, 2014

Craft Butchery is an old-fashioned shop with modern-day ideals (not to mention beautiful new digs). It carries only pasture-raised, organic meat from small farms located within a 150-mile radius of Westport. They sell premium beef, pork, lamb and poultry from animals that have never been given antibiotics, hormones, steroids or animal by-products. These guys know a thing or two...or three...(well, actually Ryan has 5 tips here), about grilling.

Owner and head butcher Ryan Fibiger helps us make the most of his offerings with tips on grilling perfectly.

1. Keep it simple. When it comes to grilling high-quality, pasture-raised meats, less is more. Stick with just a salt rub on our steaks and burgers. Pepper, garlic, spice rubs and oils can burn, so use only if you’re cooking at a lower temperature.

New Canaan "Taste Tours" Dining Experience Start July 15th

CTbites Team July 02, 2014

Join the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce as it partners with Taste Tours and CTbites to offer special culinary evenings at four of New Canaan’s favorite restaurants. These special evenings begin on Tuesday July 15^th and continue for four weeks offering special menus each Tuesday and Wednesday with either a 6:30 or 7:30 start time.

The first in the series of New Canaan Taste Tours will begin with three of Elm Street’s favorite restaurants; elm, Picador, and Chef Luis before finishing the evening at South End.

Your special evening begins at elm Restaurant at either 6:30 or 7:30 and enjoy the creative cuisine of Chef Brian Lewis as he dazzles the guests with several selections that are “inspired by the seasons.” Stroll to Picador where Chef Corey Falcone serves Iberian-inspired appetizers before taking a leisurely walk to Chef Luis, where the ebullient Chef Luis Lopez tantalizes your palate with his Latin interpretation of traditional southern cuisine. The evening continues with a short walk to South End where Chef Nick Martschenko creates a delectable dessert plus house-made ice cream to enjoy with after-dinner drinks and coffee.

Weekly Nibble: Upcoming Food News & Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson July 02, 2014

Love chocolate? How about wine? If so, Sunset Meadow Vineyards has a treat for you! On Monday July 7, they’ll pair 5 of their estate wines with 5 delectable chocolates. 11am-5pm. Details here

Sugar and Olives of Norwalk will teach you how to make “hors d’oeuvres in a pinch” on Wednesday July 9. From flatbread to quinoa galettes to beef sliders, you’ll learn how to make platters perfect for entertaining.

Wine & Dine Wednesdays continue at Darien Social. Enjoy your Choice of Porterhouse, NY Strip or Filet… and 1/2 OFF on Select Bottles of Wine!

The Darien Farmers Market continues from 11-4 on Wednesdays.

Thursday July 10, Chef Brian Lewis brings the tables of elm to Millstone Farm. Millstone’s beautiful landscape will set the stage for a 4-course feast of seasonally-driven cuisine on Thursday nights throughout the summer. Each event will begin at 6 p.m. with small bites, lawn games, live music and farm tours for the entire family. Tickets are $35 per child and $135 per adult, BYOB, tax and gratuity included. Limited family-style seating. For more information, please visit the event page at www.elmrestaurant.com.

My Signature Dish: Chef Tony Pham of Mecha Noodle Bar, Fairfield Talks Ramen

Restaurant Asian Fairfield Japanese Kid Friendly

Lou Gorfain July 01, 2014

MY SLURPY SIGNATURE DISH

Ramen Shops in Japan are as plentiful as hamburger joints over here. Every street boasts a shop. Yet none are exactly alike, mainly because each is distinguished by the owner’s unique signature dish, his personal autograph. In that tradition, Tony Pham has created his own signature dish for Mecha Noodle Bar: a unique interpretation of traditional Miso Ramen. Here’s the story behind it.

Tony likes to play with contrasts. And not just the culinary kind.

Case in point. Before trying his signature dish, Miso Ramen, take a look overhead at his futuristic Mecha Noodle Bar. Dangling from the ceiling, an arsenal of over three hundred vertical 2x4’s seem to be aimed directly at every table in the room. Alien, threatening.

By design.

Now try Pham’s dramatic interpretation of a classical Ramen. No, don’t taste it, slurp it. Breath in its steamy aromatic bouquet. Savor the deep, contrasting flavors: mushrooms and miso redolent of the earth, noodles that invoke wheat fields, a succulent pork belly that also warms and welcomes, counterpointed by the lively spice and heat of scallion and chili oil. It’s Japanese comfort food,a perfect contrast after a playful scare.

Local CT Resident, Emma Frisch is Next "Food Network Star!"

Jessica Ryan July 01, 2014

Is there any coincidence that one of this season’s “Food Network Star” contestants grew up in a state known as the Nutmeg State? Emma Frisch is a 1^st generation American who grew up in Wilton to an Italian mother and a British father. I had the privilege of talking with this bubbly, energetic and talented contestant last week.

Her non-traditional, non-American upbringing would influence Emma both in and out of the kitchen. Her mother cooked everything from scratch and embraced home-grown when few in this country did. There were no processed or ‘kid-friendly’ foods in Emma’s childhood home, instead, esoteric items like tripe and sardine sandwiches were commonplace.

Emma’s love of food and cooking was passed down from her mother who focused on making food the centerpiece of the home. Emma explains “There was once a great farming culture in Wilton as evidenced by all the stone walls. My mom had a way of finding the local gardeners and farm stands, and I was so embarrassed because other people’s parents didn’t do this!”

Romanacci Cafe in Norwalk: A Slice of Roma with a Casual Flair

Restaurant Italian Norwalk Pizza Lunch Kid Friendly Dessert

ellen bowen June 29, 2014

It is a unique place that can transform itself from a casual, family friendly lunch and dinner spot to a young and hip late night stop after a dinner of popcorn at the movies. Romanacci Cafe (which translates as “From Rome”) on the Norwalk-Westport border is such a place, offering Artisan pizzas, salads, Focaccia paninis, crepes and freshly made Italian pastries.

Tucked into a strip center on the Post Road, Romanacci is the handiwork of two brothers, Graziano and Maurizio Ricci. Both hail from Rome, where they attended culinary school and worked alongside their parents as well as in other family-run restaurants.

Graziano migrated to the US almost 18 years ago and eventually oversaw the kitchen in New Haven’s Hot Tomatoes. He subsequently convinced his younger brother, Maurizio, to join him as its maître d’, and they finally chased their dream of owning a restaurant. When the owner of Norwalk’s Osteria Romana decided to sell his business, the brothers decided to purchase the restaurant with the intention of bringing a younger attitude and clientele to complement Graziano’s fresh pastas, breads, and sauces. Osteria Romana continues to thrive with a loyal and regular crowd, outdoor seating and a cozy bar area.

Chef Elizabeth Falkner Dazzles Napa's Guests with Grilled Pizza

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger June 28, 2014

Valencia Luncheria's Carlo Arepa Recipe c/o Fairfield County Chef's Table

Features Norwalk Venezuelan

Amy Kundrat and Stephanie Webster June 27, 2014

If you thought arepa's were our of your reach in your own kitchen, think again. This week we are bringing you a recipe from one of the our reader favorite spots—Valencia Luncheria in Norwalk, featured in Fairfield County Chef's Table—featuring one of their most popular dishes, the Carlo Arepa.

Valencia Luncheria
164 Main Street, Norwalk, CT 06851 | (203) 846-8009 | valencialuncheria.com

Carlo Arepa (serves 4)

For the chicken filling:

1 (31/2-pound) whole chicken
1 large white onion, julienned
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 poblano pepper, julienned

Weekly Nibble: Upcoming Food News & Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson June 27, 2014

Cask Republic presents a 5-course New England Brewing Company Beer Dinner on Monday June 30! Dishes like oysters 2 ways, grilled black bass, and peking quail will be paired with delicious brews… including the famous Gandhi-Bot! Tickets are $75/person (tax and gratuity included) and it starts at 7:00PM. More details and the menu here.

Dessert lovers take note: Sugar and Olives of Norwalk will offer “Sweet and Lovely: A Crash Course in Dessert” on Wednesday July 2. They’ll teach you everything you’ve always wanted to know about chocolate, butter and heavy cream. Make three fabulous desserts—warm and gooey chocolate cake, sweet honey panna cotta, and a gâteau de crêpes. $80pp, 7-9pm.

The World Cup has arrived at City Limits, which has locations in White Plains and Stamford. Guests can enjoy a special globally inspired menu of small bites in the bar and lounge area from 4 p.m. to close every day until Sunday, July 13, 2014.

The Darien Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday from 11-3.

FJord Fish Market in New Canaan has put together a special "Waveny Summer Concert Picnic Dinner" available every Wednesday this summer through Aug. 27th.

CTbites Launches New Website to Focus on the Miami Food Scene

Stephanie Webster June 26, 2014

CTbites is very pleased to announce the expansion of its food community to Miami with the launch of MIAbites.com. The new site will be under the direction of managing director and editor, Ellen Bowen, who as a partner in CTbites launched the successful CTbites Invites program, offering “curated culinary experiences” exclusively to CTbites readers and subscribers.

MIAbites will follow the CTbites lead and share the best culinary experiences through restaurant profiles, chef Q & A’s, and unique culinary events paired with topnotch writing and photography.

“MIAbites will offer a local community voice to the fast growing Miami food scene,” said Ms. Bowen. “We hope to provide interesting chef profiles, reviews, news, and interviews with respect for the industry and with a balanced point of view and look forward to building it into the go-to resource for all things food in Miami,” she added.

Espresso Neat to Open 2nd Location in Westport: Coffee by Day, Craft Cocktails by Night

Restaurant Cocktails Coffee Westport Bar Breakfast

CTbites Team June 25, 2014

Coffee and cocktail drinkers unite at the latest hotspot in Westport, C.T. From the owner of Espresso NEAT in Darien comes NEAT, the collaborative concept experience where coffee enthusiasts can enjoy Connecticut’s finest during the day and cocktail drinkers can wind down at night. NEAT will be located at 6 Wilton Road in Westport as part of the National Hall re-development. The bar is expected to be open in early August from 7:00 a.m. -12:00 a.m.

Customers will receive the exceptional, distinctive coffees and popular offerings that they have come to expect from Espresso NEAT by day, as well as innovative breakfast and lunch offerings prepared in-house. By night, patrons will be able to enjoy well-tailored cocktails. Both coffee and cocktails will be crafted in the constant pursuit of excellence with regard to ingredients and skillful preparation.

The NEAT bar will have an innovative spirits program including artisanal beer featuring seasonal craft beers and carefully selected wines that allow patrons to “take a trip around the world” in order to expand their palate. A selection of simple and locally cultivated house crafted bar snacks will also be available with new takes on traditional bar food. There will be live music from local artists with a strong focus on Jazz, Bluegrass and Folk.

Azuca and Gastro Bar Open Tonight in Stamford

Restaurant Stamford Bar

CTbites Team June 25, 2014

The Grand Opening and celebration of the two newest additions to downtown Stamford occurs tonight as Azuca and Gastro Bar open their doors to the public at 5:30 pm with a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony Mayor David Martin.

The brainchildren of Mario Lopez, a co-owner of Wilton's Bianco Rosso, his wife Cristina Ramirez and several brothers, the side-by-side restaurants, Azuca and Gastro Bar are located at 78 West Park Place. The celebration begins at 5:30 pm; reservations for the Grand Opening are not necessary and admission is free.

The four Lopez brothers relocated to Connecticut from Ecuador two decades ago and worked their way up the ranks in the restaurant trade, most recently managing the sleek, Italian-style Bianco Rosso, which opened in 2012 and received a "Very Good" rating from the New York Times.