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Kids & Adult Cooking Classes @ Aux Delices

Features Cooking Classes Education Kids kids activity kids cooking party

CTbites Team

Aux Delices' 2015 Winter/Spring Kids & Adult Cooking Class Schedule has just been announced. Aux Délices offers cooking classes for adults and children at their professional catering kitchen in Stamford. Classes are generally held on Wednesday evenings for adults and Sunday afternoons for children. Classes are hands-on for children and both participation and demonstration for adults. 

Their focus is to teach easy, interesting and seasonal food preparation, utilizing a variety of cooking techniques. The chef instructors are from Aux Délices, as well as from well-known restaurants in Fairfield County and New York City. Lynn Manheim, the Cooking School Director does an incredible job engaging and challenging both children and adults, while teaching students the basics of cooking along the way.  

View the complete schedule below...For more information, click here. 


Greenwich Cheese Company Opens in Cos Cob, via Owners of Fairfield Cheese Co

Ingredients Features Cheese Cos Cob Greenwich Specialty Market

CTbites Team

Laura Downey and Chris Palumbo, co-owners of Fairfield Cheese Company, will open Greenwich Cheese Company at 154 East Putnam Avenue in the Cos Cob section of Greenwich, CT, December 11, 2014.

Building on the success of Laura and Chris’ popular Fairfield Cheese Company, which opened in 2009, the new location will carry on the tradition of offering the area’s best selection of cut-to-order from larger wheels, artisanal and farmstead cheese from around the world and artisanal cheeses from here in the US, in addition to an array of small batch handmade charcuterie and specialty food accompaniments.

Laura and Chris take their craft seriously and are both the only retail owners in Connecticut to be American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professionals (ACS CCP), a certification that only a few hundred people have nationwide.  Adding to the talented team is Greenwich store manager Kevin DeFreitas who brings 15 years of cheesemongering experience to this new endeavor and has worked with such industry pros as Ken Skovron from the Darien Cheese Shop.


Napa & Co. Offers Fall Wine Series

Restaurant Education Wine Dinners Wine Tasting

CTbites Team

Napa & Co. continues its Fall Wine Series, offering overviews of several distinct regions of the world from California to South Africa. The brainchild of Sommelier and Owner Mary Schaffer, the series will feature guest speakers, wine tastings plus a few selections by Chef Adam Truelove.  To reserve your spot to any, or all, of these events contact Napa & Co. at 203-353-3319 or e-mail them at info@napaandcompany.com

Monday, October 6th - A TREK THROUGH SOUTH AFRICA. Enjoy exceptional selections from producers Hamilton Russel, Boekenhoutskloof, Stark Conde, Spice Route, Southern Right and Kanonkop paired with 3 small plates. $55pp (plus tax and gratuity) 

Monday, October 20th - 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).


Chef Speaker Lineup Announced for the 2014 CTbites & Serendipity Blogger Lounge at Greenwich Wine + Food Festival

Restaurant Greenwich Greenwich Wine + Food Festival

CTbites Team

CTbites is pleased to announce the schedule for the CTbites & Serendipity Blogger Lounge at the Greenwich Wine+Food Festival on Saturday, September 27, 2014, co-hosted with the event's presenting sponsor, Serendipity magazine. The lounge will host the CTbites & Serendipity Chef Speaker Series, a schedule of 13 regionally and nationally recognized chefs who will take part in a Q & A with editors from Serendipity and CTbites. Food bloggers, writers, and photographers are welcome to visit the tent, meet the chefs, and listen to the guest speakers. Speakers will be interviewed by CTbites' honarary team member Chef Matt Storch.  

CTbites Chef Speaker Series

12:15 pm Aaron Sanchez

12:45 pm Anne Burrell

1:15 pm Adam Richman

1:45 pm Geoffrey Zakarian

2:15 pm Christian Petroni

2:45 pm Fritz Knipschildt

3:00 pm Geoff Lazlo

3:15 pm Joel Viehland

3:30 pm Michael Young

3:45 pm Bill Taibe

4:00 pm Jean-Georges Vongerichten

4:30 pm Mixology Panel: Gretchen Thomas, Jeff Marron, Adam Patrick


Fairfield Cheese Company Fall Class Schedule

Restaurant Cheese Cooking Classes Education Wine Tasting

CTbites Team

Fairfield Cheese Company classes are back in session and school has never been this delicious. Whether you are a cheese novice looking for a anintroduction to the basics, or a cheese-aficionado seeking to expand your knowledge on a specific variety, they've got the class for you. 

I jumped at the chance to attend one of these sessions back in October and spent some time with owners Laura and Christopher who lead these entertaining and informative evenings. If you would like some background on Fairfield Cheese Company, check out our review, "Cheese 101."

With wine pairings from Harry's Wine & Liquor, this is the perfect way to break out of that dinner-and-a-movie date night rut. 


Stamford Museum & Nature Center Hosts Farm to Table Supper w/ Chef Brian Lewis of elm restaurant

Dinner Events Education Farm to Table

CTbites Team

Join The Stamford Museum and Chef Brian Lewis of elm restaurant in New Canaan for an exceptional dining experience amidst the permanent collections of the Bendel Mansion Museum Galleries. On Saturday, September 20th, Chef Lewis, a fierce advocate for eating local, will be cooking works his magic for four courses of delicious seasonal foods, paired with a selection of exquisite wines. Seating is limited. Purchase tickets here

The evening will begin with farm-fresh hors d’ouvres and signature cocktails to be enjoyed with a special preview of the Stamford Museum’s new exhibition – The Smithsonian Institution’s The Way We Worked – with added selections from SM&NC’s historic Agricultural Tool Collection that served the farmers of North Stamford c. 1900. 


Sweet Pea’s Baking Company: Greenwich Bakery Serves Breakfast & Lunch w/ International Flair

Restaurant Bakery Coffee Greenwich Lunch Dessert

Jessica Ryan

Sweet Pea’s Baking Company is not just another small town bakery – it’s much more. Owners Rafael and Katjia Pita met as young students in Paris. There, on their first date, they shared their mutual dream of one day opening a bakery. Their journey brought them to Francisco, Paris, and Brazil, New York, and finally to Old Greenwich, Connecticut, where they decided to settle down with their 4 young children and finally pursue their dream.

Their storefront shop initially offered only artisanal breads, pastries and a few other select items along with their own in-house roasted coffee. In the year since they opened, they’ve transitioned from a small bake-shop to a café with an impressive offering of both prepared and made to order breakfast and lunch items. Katjia describes herself as the baker – loving the precision and exactness of it all, and refers to her husband, Rafael, as the creative one. Together their science and art created a winning combination. 

Whether you want a small treat and a cup of their wonderful coffee, or something a little more substantial you’re guaranteed to find something that fits your mood.


Summer Grilling Tips from Saugatuck Craft Butchery

Ingredients Features Butcher Chef Talk Education Grilling

Ryan Fibiger

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.


Guide to Kids Summer Cooking Camps & Classes in Connecticut

Kids Bites Features Restaurant Cooking Classes Education Kids kids activity kids cooking party

April Guilbault

Is May about the newly arriving crocuses (crocii?)? Or about the greening of our lawns after the longest winter ever? Nah. Let’s get down to business-it’s about finding camps for your kiddos before the summer hits and all of those spots are filled! The emails have begun flying and the scramble is beginning. What’s new? What’s fun? How about forgoing the traditional Camp Gitchigoomee canoes and bonfires and, instead, fan the flames of summer creativity in some area kitchens with cooking camps for kids! 

Here is a list of 8 Kids Cooking Classes & Summer Camps for 2014:


Fairfield County Chef's Table

Restaurant Bethel Darien Greenwich Norwalk Ridgefield Stamford Westport New Canaan

Amy Kundrat and Stephanie Webster

After several years of immersing ourselves in the Fairfield County dining scene as partners and editors of CTbites, we had the opportunity to trade pixels for print. We are very excited to announce the launch of our book, Fairfield County Chef's Table, featuring over 50 restaurants and recipes, now available at your local book store and online

The book, published by Globe Pequot Press, was written by Amy Kundrat (yours truly), the executive editor and partner at CTbites. The photography is by none other than CTbites founder and editor in chief Stephanie Webster. It is the culmination of the many years we have been writing about and photographing the Connecticut food scene. This two year project was a blast to work on, and we only wish we could have included 50 more of our favorite restaurants. For more information, please visit our website.

A special thank you to all the chefs, restaurant owners, farmers, friends, CTbites contributors, and CTbites readers who shared their time, expertise, and support. We hope you enjoy the book, experiment with the recipes from some of our favorite restaurants, and share it with your friends and family!

Book Signings

Barnes & Noble, Milford: April 27 @ 1 pm

Barnes & Noble, Westport: May 17 @ 1 pm


The NEW Versailles Bistro & Patisserie in Greenwich - From the Owners of Méli-Mélo

Restaurant Coffee French Greenwich Breakfast Lunch Dessert

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

Almost a year ago, without notice or forewarning, a “For Sale” sign appeared on the window of Versailles Restaurant in Greenwich. At 6:15AM the following morning, Marc Penvenne was driving his usual route down Greenwich Avenue to his restaurant Méli-Mélo when he saw the sign. A few months earlier he started looking at several locations to open a second restaurant and now Versailles was available; he now knew the perfect location. Twenty years earlier, Penvenne was the manager at Versailles and left to open Méli-Mélo with his wife, Evelyne. Now, Marc and Evelyne are the proud owners of both Méli-Mélo and the re-invented Versailles Bistro and Patisserie.

When you enter the reimagined restaurant, the front area is a patisserie, complete with white marble-topped tables, bistro chairs and glass display cases filled with tantalizing pastries. Behind these cases is a coffee bar, serving some of the best café au lait in Greenwich. In the rear, the patisserie opens to a restaurant with bistro style dark wood tables and chairs plus a long leather lined banquette. The walls are adorned with photos of Paris and framed French posters dating from the first half of the 20th century.


Little Pub Gets Ready to Open in Cos Cob: Sneak Peek

Restaurant Cos Cob Greenwich Pub Bar Kid Friendly

Stephanie Webster

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. 


Morello Italian Bistro in Greenwich: Beautiful Food in an Exquisite Setting

Restaurant Greenwich Italian Lunch

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

Morello Italian Bistro is architecturally one of the most beautiful restaurants in Connecticut and offers equally fine cuisine. The exquisite interior of the landmark building on Greenwich Avenue was designed by Rafael Guastavino, Jr, whose father invented the golden amber tile vaulting system that grace the pillars, herringbone arches and ceilings. Art adorns the walls, and the soft, hand blown white tear-drop shaped glass chandeliers, descending from the ceiling create a beautifully romantic atmosphere for dinner. As we worked our way through appetizers, pastas, entrees and desserts General Manager Jimmy Branigan, Jr. was the perfect host, stopping by the table on several occasions to explain the composition of many of the courses and offer suggestions from the reasonably priced wine list.

While we leisurely perused the menu, we enjoyed the “Prosciutto & Parmesan Fritters.” The large fritters delivered complementary textures and flavors. The crisp exterior was offset by the marvelously smooth interior, which presented a delicious combination of prosciutto and Fontina cheese. The dish was finished with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese which added the perfect level of saltiness to the fried exterior. An order or two for the table is an excellent way to start the meal. 


"Passport Through Spain" Wine Class Series @ Barcelona Restaurant

Education

CTbites Team

Learn, Taste & Enjoy During Spanish Regional Wine & Food Pairing Series

Jet set through Spain in the best way imaginable with a glass (or several) of wine, expertly prepped tapas and the rustic, warm environment of Barcelona Wine Bar & Restaurant in Greenwich, CT.  Each one hour class in the series (there are four in total) will focus on a particular Spanish region, history behind the wines and the food that best accompanies them prepared by Chef Michael Lucente.  These wine classes are designed to enlighten and inspire both the novice and enthusiast. Wine Steward, Jose Valverde will guide you along the way, with tips and tricks for successfully pairing your wines with local food.

The series will take place each Wednesday during the month of March beginning on March 5th at 7:00pm. The first wine-pairing class covers the Rioja region best known for its Old World style and their well-aged red wines. The second covers Galicia (March 12th), a seaside region. The third class on March 19th covers Montsant/Priorat, known for its powerful, elegant and complex wines and the last class on March 26th  will focus on the Valencia region.

Attend one class or attend them all. With the first class you attend, you’ll receive a Barcelona Wine Bar & Restaurant passport. Each time you attend a class, your passport will be “stamped” and you receive a complimentary tapa token to redeem on your next visit. Attend all four classes in the series and receive a gift certificate for two people.  Each class is $35 per person (plus tax and gratuity) with a maximum of 20 people attending. Reservations can be made by contacting rsvp@barteca.com.


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.


Valbella: Old School Italian Elegance in Greenwich

Restaurant Bakery French Greenwich Italian Dessert

Sarah Green

I never go to Italian restaurants in Connecticut because I was lucky and spoiled enough to have eaten in Italy - a lot - and I always feel disappointed in the American version of Italian cuisine. So when a friend begged me to review VALBELLA in Greenwich, I was reluctant to say the least. The pastry chef, she claimed, was world renowned and his food art simply had to be reviewed. I did some research and decided to acquiesce. For more than 20 years, the stately, Victorian Valbella has been the archetype for excellent but old school Italian cuisine in the Greenwich/Riverside area, and has successful sister locations in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District and Midtown. And I can understand why. It is in no way funky or hip or cool but is extremely elegant and the food, though I am hesitant to admit it, was outstanding. 


WestportREADS Dining Series featuring “My Life In France,” by Julia Child

Education Underground Dinner

ellen bowen

Shortly after docking in Le Harve, Julia Child had the lunch that changed her life.  It was sole meuniere, and Julia said "It was the most exciting meal of my life. " Julia and Paul Child lived in Paris and Marseilles from 1948 to 1954, and it was during that time Julia developed the love of French food and the skills that made her famous.  Paul fell in love with Julia because she was always herself, and America fell in love with her for the same reason.  My Life in France tells the story of Julia Child's life:  how she came to be an expert on French cuisine, revolutionize the writing of cookbooks and become the world's first celebrity chef.

Each January, The Westport Library selects a book and an author to be celebrated by the entire community through their popular WestportREADS program. 

This year’s selection, the iconic autobiography , My Life in France, by Julia Child, tells the inspiring, and at times humorous story of a young woman’s discovery of  France, fine food, and a passion for cooking. 

In conjunction with this event, CTbites is holding a curated dinner series, “Dine Around Town With Julia,” offering the opportunity to dine and sample many of her most famous dishes; Boeuf Bourguignon, Coq Au Vin, Poisson Meuniere, and Cassoulet in a private setting with local chefs and in local restaurants in celebration of what would have been Julia Childs 100th year.   The dinners, priced at $100 pp, include 3 courses, 2 glasses of wine, tax and tip and are limited availability.  A portion of the proceeds benefits programming for the Westport Library. 


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