Weekly Nibble: James Beard Awards, Cooking Classes, Meatball Challenge + More Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 31, 2014 New Haven Restaurant Week lasts from Sunday November 2- Friday November 7. Enjoy $18 lunch and $32 dinner prix fixe menus from 36 of New Haven’s most popular restaurants, including Oaxaca Kitchen, Thali, Zinc, and more. Monday November 3, Barcelona Fairfield invites you to a “Basic Knife Techniques & Tapas Class.” Chef Ian will teach you to prepare food in an efficient yet safe way. Then, use the techniques you’ve learned to make tapas. $30 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Please bring your knives. To make a reservation, please call 203.255.0800. Also on Nov 3, Napa & Co celebrates its 8th year with a special 4 course $65 prix fixe dinner on Friday & Saturday nights. You can also try it with wine pairings for $80. The first-ever Meatball Challenge of New Haven County will take place on November 5 from 6 to 9 pm and will feature some of New Haven County's favorite restaurants including Barcelona Wine Bar, Cask Republic, Consiglio’s, Home, Have a Ball, Gateway Community College, Melt Mobile, and Thali. A portion of the net proceeds will be donated to the Hospitality Management Program at Gateway Community College. Also on Wednesday November 5, Tutto Pasta partners with Harry’s Wine & Liquor for “Fresh Pasta Plus More, & Italian Wine . . . Bellissima!” Read More
CT Food Bank's Thanksgiving Virtual Food Drive Stephanie Webster October 30, 2014 CT Food Bank is getting a jump on the holiday this year, as the need for Thanksgiving meals will be at an all-time high. That's why Connecticut Food Bank has started a Thanksgiving Early Bird "virtual" food drive. Please help them ensure that no one goes without a holiday meal this year. Last year with everyone's help, we were able to provide nearly 600,000 meals for people in need of food assistance. With just a $10 donation, you can feed a person for an entire week! This year, they anticipate an unprecedented need, as demand on our food-assistance network is continuing to rise. In Connecticut, there are nearly 500,000 people who are struggling with hunger, and one in five children in Connecticut doesn't always know where their next meal is coming from. Can you help make sure no one goes without a holiday meal this year? Read More
1st ever Greenwich Restaurant Week 2014 CTbites Team October 30, 2014 Plans for the inaugural Greenwich Restaurant Week (GRW) have been announced with events taking place from Nov. 12th through Nov. 19th. Foodies will enjoy a week of delicious food and drinks from the finest restaurants in Greenwich. Throughout the week, 35 Greenwich restaurants will be offering dining specials. There will be special events taking place at participating restaurants throughout the week including wine tastings, corporate dinners, cocktail parties and menu tastings. Participating restaurants include: Applausi, Beach House Café, Bella Nonna, Bistro Latino, Bistro Versailles & Patisserie, Blackstones, Bobby Q's, Char Restaurant, Coast Seafood Restaurant, Crew, Douro Restaurant, Eatalian, Elm Street Oyster House, Famous Greek Kitchen, Gabriele's Italian Steakhouse, Gingerman, Golden View Firenze, Harvest, Le Penguin, l'escale, Leafline Salad Co., Little Luigis Pizza, Little Pub, Mark’s Quality Meats & Gourmet Seafood, Mediterraneo, Morello Italian Bistro, Organic Planet, Polpo Restaurant and Saloon, Sweet Peas Baking Company, Tengda, Terra, The Cos Cobber, The Drawing Room, The Jhouse Restaurant and The Mumbai Times. The events planned are as follows: Read More
Game Dinner @ Bar Sugo in Norwalk: Rabbit, Quail, Deer, Boar + More CTbites Team October 29, 2014 View Complete Game Dinner Menu Below: Pomegranate Glazed Quail- carrot puree, baby carrots, pumpkin seeds, lime crema Chicken Fried Rabbit- blue cheese, pickled celery, smoked Salt Homemade Cavatelli- duck ragu, olives, arugula, black pepper, fig compote Wild Boar Meatballs- bacon jam, ricotta, pickled pink peppercorns Pheasant alla Milanese- patti’s lettuce, marinated red onion, oven roasted tomatoes, black truffle, shaved pecorino crotonese Roasted Venison Loin- broccoli rabe, chorizo, heirloom potatoes, fiore di latte, burnt honey, toasted farro Read More
Sono Baking Company is Open in Darien: Breakfast, Lunch & To-Go Restaurant Bakery Darien Prepared Food Breakfast Lunch Kid Friendly Dessert Stephanie Webster October 29, 2014 Sono Baking Company is officially open for business at their new Darien outpost. Guests can drop in and sample John Barricelli’s expansive baked goods menu, or sit down after ordering counter side and dig into both breakfast and lunch. I know what you’re thinking…yes, he remembered the espresso machine. Excited? We are. Conveniently located on 49 Tokeneke Road right across from the Darien train station, Sono Baking Co. is the perfect spot to grab an impeccably baked croissant or egg sandwich and a quick latte on the way to the train. Open 7AM to 7PM, this beautiful sun soaked interior also offers guests comfortable seating where one can relax and order from their menu of soups, paninis, quiche or special weekend pancakes. Read More
New Haven Restaurant Week: November 2 - 7, 2014 Features Restaurant Week New Haven CTbites Team October 28, 2014 The semiannual New Haven Restaurant Week kicks-off on Sunday, November 2 and runs through Saturday, November 7, 2014 featuring prix fixe 3 course menus for lunch and dinner, $18 and $32 respectively, at 36 restaurants at last count. Participating restaurants include, 116 Crown, Barcelona Wine Bar, Caseus, Heirloom, L'Orcio, Oaxaca Kitchen, and Roia. For information on participating restaurants and menus, visit: http://infonewhaven.com/restaurantweek Read More
Hana Tokyo Opens in Fairfield CT @ The Brick Walk Restaurant Asian Fairfield Japanese kids activity Sushi Kid Friendly Jessica Ryan October 28, 2014 Hana Tokyo opened in Fairfield’s Brick Walk Plaza just a few weeks ago, and locals seem to be embracing the new restaurant with open arms. Owner Alan Wu recently relocated from Alexandria, Virginia to be closer to his family. Born and raised in China, he came to the US in his mid-20s and landed in New York City where he immersed himself in the world of gourmet sushi, learning everything possible about the trade. In 2002 he opened the original Hana Tokyo and after 13 successful years as the busiest Japanese restaurant in town, Wu and his restaurant now come to us. Wu prides himself on using only the freshest available ingredients, making everything in-house, and offering unparalleled service. The new restaurant (which many will recognize as the former Tomba) has a contemporary, earthy feel. As one enters the restaurant, a large mural of a Japanese woman in a kimono, painted by renowned local artist, Suzanne Bellehumeur, greets you as you enter the facility and a small sushi bar constructed from reclaimed wood is to the right. Contemporary and traditional Japanese décor are combined to give the space a look that is modern yet traditional. The main dining area has 8 hibachi tables, a sushi bar, a lounge, plus 20 outside seats. Read More
Guide To Great Caterers in Fairfield County: Holiday Catering Made Easy Features Catering Entertaining Special Dietary Needs April Guilbault October 26, 2014 A stack of gifts. Cards with cute holiday stamps. Family parties. Work parties. Kids’ parties. Cocktail parties. Concerts. Shopping. Even more shopping. And now you want me to host a party of my own or host eighteen relatives?? Your holiday to-do list is quickly making the song “The 12 Days of Christmas” look like a lullaby with all the items that are mentioned-that partridge atop that pear tree has nothin’ on you and your list. So...save yourself some gray hairs and a freak-out by booking one of these delightful, highly capable, and creative caterers to take over the food-portion of your entertaining obligations this season. They will do you proud and you can actually relax and enjoy an evening before you have to wrap that 200th gift. And with that, may there be peace on earth. + CTbites readers get special discounts. See below. Here is our Guide To 9 Great Caterers in Fairfield County: Read More
Geoffrey Zakarian Eyeing Greenwich Location...As Reported by NYPost.com CTbites Team October 25, 2014 Zakarian @ The CTbites Blogger Lounge at Greenwich Wine+Food Fest 2014As reported on NYPost.com..... Chef Geoffrey Zakarian is eyeing an expansion to Greenwich, Conn., in 2015. The Lambs Club and “Iron Chef America” toque hosted VIPs to preview the Palm Court — which he’s relaunched at the Plaza Hotel in a space designed by Thierry Despont that includes a new afternoon tea menu. Spotted surveying the new setup were fellow chefs Bobby Flay, Marc Murphy, Anne Burrell and Marcus Samuelsson. A spy said Zakarian was overheard telling friends and colleagues about expanding to Greenwich next year. A foodie boomlet’s been going on in Fairfield County, with restaurants including Bill Taibe’s the Whelk and Antoine Blech and Anshu Vidyarthi’s popular Le Penguin. Read More
Weekly Nibble: Bo Ssam, Halloween Parties, Pancakes & More Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 24, 2014 On Tuesday October 28, Harlan Social presents a New World vs. Old World Wine Dinner. Called their “largest event to date,” it will feature a custom 5-course menu paired with 12 premium wines. There will be a 7:00pm reception followed by dinner. $178pp all-inclusive. There will be a Halloween Party at South End in New Canaan starting at 9pm on Wednesday October 29. $42 gets you unlimited beer, wine, specialty cocktails, and snacks. Enjoy live music while you party. Walrus+Carpenter and Mecha Noodle Bar partner on Thursday October 30 for a “BO SSäM Dinner.” The mission is to bring together East Asian flavors with Western smoking techniques for one incredible evening, inspired by cult film, "Way of The Dragon," starring the high kicking, fast punching Lee and Norris. 7pm $100 pp. On Thursday October 30, B.J. Ryan’s in Norwalk will hold a 6 course beer dinner. It begins at 7pm and reservations are required. For more information and to get your seat, call (203) 866-RYAN or email. Barcelona SoNo is teaming up with The Spread for a Second Annual Halloween Party. The event starts at 9 PM on Halloween, Friday, October 31st. There will be DJs, drink specials, and a costume contest with fabulous prizes! Joe Bastianich will come to Stew Leonard’s Wines in Norwalk on Saturday November 1. Read More
"Future Chefs," A New Cookbook by Westport Author, Ramin Ganeshram Features Chef Talk Cookbooks Recipe Jessica Ryan October 24, 2014 This is not a kid cookbook – well, of course it is, but it’s not the type of cookbook you’d expect from a bunch of kids. This is a book to be gifted, passed on and shared, especially among children and teenagers. It’s inspiring and thought-provoking. Future Chefs: Recipes by Tomorrow’s Cooks Across the Nation and the World is the brainchild of chef, food writer and author, Ramin Ganeshram. Future Chefs is a remarkable collection of stories and recipes from extraordinary children world-wide. Some of the recipes are quite complex, others couldn’t be more simple, but the messages about the food and around the food are what inspires. We are introduced to a new generation of chefs, foodies and tastemakers and we see the ever changing world of food through their eyes. Today’s children are smart and savvy. They are aware of all that lies around them. Many of these children are keenly aware of health and nutrition, the importance of fresh, wholesome ingredients, supporting local businesses and farms and using organic ingredients. In Future Chefs you will meet all sorts of children from a wide array of socio-economic backgrounds – some are privileged, others are not, and many have remarkable stories to share. These children, are focused and determined. Collectively they have published recipes, have food blogs, have been invited to the White House as guests of Mrs. Obama, and have made appearances on The Today Show, The Tonight Show, NPR, and Chopped. Read More
Locali Bar & Pizza Kitchen in New Canaan Rolls Out New Fall Menu...And It's Good Restaurant Italian Pizza New Canaan Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger October 23, 2014 Executive Chef Mogan Anthony of Locali restaurant in New Canaan rolled out his fall menu, inspired by the fresh autumn ingredients, and invited CTbites to stop in and sample a few of his new culinary creations. My favorite of the Small Plates was the “Shaved Local Cauliflower.” The thinly sliced raw cauliflower was tossed with pieces of Medjool dates, cashews, and drizzled with white Balsamic. The earthiness of the crispy cauliflower was beautifully complemented by the sweetness in the dates and the slightly tart balsamic. The cashews added additional earthiness and a delightful crunch. Read More
Recipe for Coleslaw from TRUCK Chef Features Recipe CTbites Team October 23, 2014 This Thursday, October 30th, at the Westport Farmers' Market, chef/owner of TRUCK restaurant, Nancy Roper, will be demonstrating their house coleslaw. Stop by and try a mini green chile cheeseburger topped with TRUCK coleslaw. TRUCK Coleslaw 1/2 head medium sized farmers' market white cabbage, thinly sliced 1/4 head medium sized farmers' market red cabbage, thinly sliced 1/2 lemon juice and zest 3 carrots shredded 1/4 red onion, finely chopped 1 cup parsley, chopped 1 cup mayonnaise (add more or less depending on house saucy you like your coleslaw) freshly ground black pepper to tastefinish with Maldon salt Gently mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Read More
16 Fall Recipes from Our Local CT Chefs Features Chef Talk Recipe Video Recipe Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 22, 2014 Temperatures have started dipping and a fall chill is in the air! CTBites has collected recipes from local chefs and popular restaurants that embody the seasonal harvest. We've compiled some of our favorites below- and included three new fall inspired recipes. Try Chef Frederic Kieffer's Acorn Squash Cappuccino Soup, Chef Matt Storch's Quince and Hazelnut Torte, and Cask Republic's Harvest Vegetable Medley. Autumn Harvest Apple Contorno, The Boathouse Curried Butternut Squash Soup, Chef Nicole Cider Braised Turkey Legs, le Farm Prosecco Apple Fizz, Sugar & Olives Baby Pumpkin, Bernard's Spiced Dark Chocolate & Pumpkin Seed Bark with Sea Salt, Katie Vitucci Homemade Apple Fashioned Cocktail, Luxe Wine Bar Pecan Pie, Leticia Schwartz Apple Tart, Tina Rupp Read More
Spotlight on The "Local Burger" @ Local Kitchen & Beer Bar in Sono... Delicious Restaurant Norwalk SONO Burgers Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger October 21, 2014 In my continuous and unending search for great hamburgers in Fairfield County, I returned to SONO to sample Chef Dan Kardos’ latest version at LOCAL Kitchen and Beer Bar. Kardos is no stranger to my “Best of” list with previous version from both Harvest Supper in New Canaan and NOLA (at this same location) earning a spot. The interior of the restaurant has been transformed, with more woods and lights plus the rear room (never my favorite) was converted into a Bourbon Bar. The new décor gives a much hipper and fun feel. Chef Dan’s latest version is named “THE LOCAL BURGER” and includes all natural, humanely raised beef, sautéed wild mushrooms, bacon, Swiss cheese, fronions and black pepper mayo, encased in a Wave Hill bun…served with French fries and a pickle. Read More
Jax & Co. Opens in Sono, from the Owners of Mama's Boy: Breakfast, Lunch & To-Go Dinner Restaurant Norwalk Prepared Food SONO Southern Breakfast Lunch Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger October 19, 2014 Whenever the owner of a restaurant that serves great food announces a second location, I am excited to see where this second venture will lead. After hearing that Greer Fredericks, the co-owner of Mama’s Boy in SONO, was opening JAX around the corner on North Main, I couldn’t wait for my first visit. JAX opened a few weeks ago and currently serves a wide range of breakfast options, plus a tremendous selection of creative sandwiches at lunch. It is also placing the final touches to its soon to be released take-away dinners, and awaiting the delivery of its ice cream machine.Located just south of the SONO theatre, the interior is completely redesigned, accented with a red painted art nouveau ceiling and lots of wood throughout…it is definitely the sister restaurant to Mama’s Boy. Read More
Weekly Nibble: Martha Stewart; Harvest Festivals; Foragers Feast; Cooking Classes + More Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 17, 2014 Monday October 20, Craft 260 in Fairfield teams up with Stone Brewing Co. for the 4th time. The beer dinner is $90 per person, tax and gratuity included. Limited seating. Also on Monday, Napa and Co continues its Fall Wine Series with the “Spanish Inquisition.” The exceptionally deep wines of Rioja will be the centerpiece of the evening. Enjoy 6 wines and 3 small plates. $50pp (plus tax and gratuity). The Westport location of Fjord Fisheries (1835 Post Road East) will be having two "Sushi Sampling Days" on Wednesday October 22 and Thursday 23. Anyone who stops into the store from 11:30 on can enjoy an array of delicious rolls available to taste. All will be expertly rolled by their Sushi Masters, David and Ken. Celebrate The Spread’s 2nd Anniversary on Thursday October 23. From 5-7pm, they’ll serve special hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Also on Thursday October 23, you can participate in a "Foragers Feast" to benefit the Garden Education Center in Greenwich. The farm dinner party will be hosted and prepared by Chef Geoff Lazlo. It will include purveyors such as Mike's Organic, Greenwich Cheese Shop, and Green and Tonic. Read More
Friday Froth Beer Scoop! OEC Brunneis & Something Gneiss James Gribbon October 17, 2014 Beer scoops are the best scoops, and I have a great one for you today. This is the first ever review of Brunneis, the newest beer from OEC Brewing, and it goes on sale at the brewery in Oxford tomorrow, from noon to 7p.m. We're also going to take a figurative look at two more beers: one from this coast that's hard to come by, and one from the North Coast out west which has been all over Connecticut lately. Craft beer's funny like that.Brunneis is an Oud Bruin-style beer, and has been blended from batches of OEC's strong altbier, a heavy German ale, a brown Belgian-style strong ale, and a rauchbier, or "smoked beer." These beers are then aged in barrels which variously and formerly held whiskeys, zinfandel and fortified wine. Blended together, they result in a double fermented, bottle conditioned, 9%abv ale that presents like a Flemish red, but darker.The bottles ($13) are 1 pint, 9.4oz., and sport labels which tell their blend number (currently number one), suggested serving temperature and glassware (52º F, snifter), and date of blending (9/29/14 on mine). The baroque artwork on each is (outside as well as in) the work of brewmaster Ben Neidhart. Read More
Black Rock Farmers Market Throws a HARVEST HOOTENANNY Oct. 25th Ingredients Restaurant Bridgeport Farmers Market Stephanie Webster October 16, 2014 The Black Rock Farmers' Market is throwing a party to celebrate the closing of the market for the 2014 season. Go shop the market on October 25th from 9-1pm, and then stay for an afternoon of celebration at their Harvest Hootenanny featuring local food, local breweries, and live music, from 1-5pm. Musical guest will be Black Rock's own Oh, Cassius! Hootenanny Event Schedule Pig Roast (sponsored by Walrus + Carpenter) Beer Tasting for Charity (Two Roads Brewery and other local breweries) Lounge Area (sponsored by B:Hive) Bonfire Bouncy Obstacle Course Dunk Tank (sponsored by Stoked Progressive Smoke Shop) Haunted House (sponsored by St. Ann Academy) "Corn Hole" Bag Toss Game (sponsored by B:Hive) Live Music from Bedlam Brothers Square Dancing led by Bill Fischer, the Dance Caller Read More
An Interview w/ Adam Richman via CTbites' & Serendipity Blogger Lounge Interview Celebrity Chef Chef Talk Greenwich Wine + Food Festival Stephanie Webster October 15, 2014 Good times were had at this year's Greenwich Wine + Food Festival as National and local celebrity chefs sat down with Chef Matt Storch and Serendipity Editor, Danielle Manion at the CTbites & Serendipity Blogger Lounge. Here is the first installment, our interview with the formidable Adam Richman, made famous with his hit show "Man V. Food" on The Travel Channel. Adam even has some great local restaurant recommendations! Read More
