Recap: Mohegan Sun's Winefest 2015...Good Times! Ingredients Wine Chat Wine Tasting Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 11, 2015 2015 marked the 12th year of Mohegan Sun’s popular WineFest. The format continued as it has in years past, with a Friday night bourbon tasting, Grand Tastings on Saturday and Sunday, an Elite Cru tasting, and a Celebrity Chef Dine Around on Saturday night. The event also featured many celebrity chefs beloved from previous years like William Kovel, Todd English, Michele Ragussis, Govind Armstrong, Manouschka Guerrier, and Betty Fraser. Yet, 2015 managed to stand apart with new additions and changing trends. This year, I attended the Sunday Grand Tasting rather than staying the span of the weekend. Sunday is slightly less attended, but still provides ample opportunity to see creative chef demonstrations and sample the offerings. Read More
GIVEAWAY!! Kawa Ni Hosts 6 Cocktail Competitions & YOU Can Win a Seat Stephanie Webster March 10, 2015 Jeff Marron, Beverage/Bar Manager and master of all things cocktails for Kawa Ni, The Whelk & Le Farm, has cooked up a little friendly competition for your drinking pleasure. 6 craft cocktail contests will be held, each with a different group of celebrity competitors (see rules below), where master mixologists will go head to head to create some of the best drinks in Fairfield County. Each event will feature 6 judges, and only 30 guests. Small bites and hors d’oeurves will be provided by LeFarm, The Whelk and/or Kawa NI. CTbites is giving away 6 seats to ATTEND or JUDGE one of these exclusive events. How can YOU score a seat? Come up with a name for cocktail in the photo above. We will select our top 6 names for the 1st event on March 24th! Ingredients: Tito's Vodka, Thai Chili infused Merlet, Creme de Cassis, Contratto Bianco, Vermouth, Fresh Lime Topped with Club Soda Lemon peel garnish Read More
CT Chef Silvia Baldini to Compete on Food Network’s ‘Chopped’ CTbites Team March 10, 2015 Local chef battles for a chance to win a three-course cooking competition using mystery ingredients Chef Silvia Baldini, Founder of New Canaan, CT.-based culinary group Strawberry and Sage, and one of Jamie Oliver’s food revolution ambassadors, will be a contestant on Chopped, the Food Network’s hit series. On March 31st at 10 pm, Baldini will go head-to head with three chefs who are challenged to prepare an appetizer, entrée and dessert in 30 minutes while using unconventional ingredients from a mystery basket. The end result is of course a secret! “When I was cast for Chopped on the Food Network, I was nervous and scared, but I decided to just go for it” says Baldini. “Once I walked into the Chopped kitchen, I relaxed, stuck with recipes I knew by heart, and presented all my food beautifully.” Read More
Bobby Q’s Pit Stop in Old Greenwich: BBQ & Comfort Food Restaurant BBQ Greenwich Comfort Food Take Out Lunch Kid Friendly ellen bowen March 08, 2015 We all know Westport’s funky back alley BBQ stop, Bobby Q’s, as a casual place for authentic Kansas City BBQ ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and burnt ends. But did you know that a little over 2 years ago, owner Bob LeRose along with his cousin and Pitmaster/Chef, Joey Boucher, felt the burning desire to open a “grab and go” outpost in Old Greenwich on Putnam Ave (aka Route 1/Boston Post Road) called Bobby Q’s Pit Stop? It was 14 degrees when I pulled into the narrow storefront parking lot, and the unmistakable smell of BBQ hit me the minute I walked through the door. The open kitchen, high top tables and counter felt welcoming and comfortable. Sort of like a diner in the south. But Pit Stop is really not about BBQ, although one whole page on the menu features Bobby Q’s signature BBQ rib and meat combos, baby back ribs, and BBQ Plates and BBQ sandwiches. Read More
Upcoming Classes at 109 Cheese & Wine in Ridgefield Restaurant Ridgefield CTbites Team March 06, 2015 Cooking Class with Sarah and Bernard - $90March 11, 2015 "Easy Entertaining – 5 ingredients or less Join Bernard & Sarah in their upstairs classroom – they will teach you how do pull together a fabulous buffet – 5 ingredients or less!" Italy: The lesser know Grapes, Cheese and Wine with Artisan Wines - $65March 14, 2015 "This is an in-depth discussion and tasting of some Italy’s lesser-known grape varietals like Vermentino, Aglianico, Bombino Bianco, Pelaverga, and Timorasso. Taste the wines and regional cheeses with rock star, Jim Morrison and take the journey. Fall in love with Italy all over again." A Look into Burgundy with wines from Rosenthal Wines - $75March 21, 2015 Read More
Recap: First Ever CT Beer Summit w/ Live Recording via "Welcome to CT" Podcast Ingredients CT Beer Beer James Gribbon March 06, 2015 What happens when you get the owners and brewers of five Connecticut breweries in the same room at the same time and ask them pointed questions? There's a scene in The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou where Bill Murray, as Zissou, explains documentary filmmaking by saying "Nobody knows what's going to happen. And then we film it. That's the whole concept." I kept on thinking about that line as guests filed into a room at the Two Roads brewery in Stratford and watched Tony Pellino of OEC Brewing, Clement Pellani of Two Roads Brewery, Tyler Jones of Black Hog Brewing, Rich Visco of Shebeen Brewing and Conor Horrigan of Half Full Brewery take their seats in front of live mics. Whatever went down, it would all happen on the record. On the record, in this case, means the proceedings would be recorded live for Ken Tuccio's Welcome To Connecticut podcast. The weekly podcast highlights businesses and personalities making an impact here in the Constitution State, and has previously broadcast with guests like Jerry Springer, Aaron Sanchez, Oh, Cassius!, the Nutmeg Curling Club, Miss Connecticut, and Anthony Bourdain's Russian sidekick, Zamir Gotta, among many others. The audio of the beer summit will go live on Thursday, March 19 on WelcomeCT.com, but CTBites was right there to bring you a first look. Read More
Weekly Nibble: St. Patty's, Kids Cooking, Whiskey Tasting, Breakfast for Dinner + More Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 05, 2015 Napa and Co continues its Winter Wine Series on Monday March 9. This session is entitled “Barolo Madness” and costs $85 per person. Tigin Irish Pub in Stamford is counting down to St. Patrick’s Day! On Tuesday March 10 at 8pm, participate in a “Super Paddy’s Day Pub Quiz” all about Irish heritage. Special prizes will be given all night. It’s always free to play and new teams are welcome! On the 2nd Tuesday of every month, Plan B Burgers will host a bourbon cocktail competition. Each month, the showdown will take place at a different Plan B location and feature a new bourbon and a new secret ingredient. The first round will take place Tuesday, March 10 at Plan B West Hartford. On Wednesday March 11, join Bernard and Sarah at 109 Cheese & Wine for a special cooking class.They will teach you how to pull together a fabulous buffet – using 5 ingredients or less! There will even be wine pairings by 109 Cheese & Wine. $90 per person, 7pm. Harry’s of Fairfield will host a Turkish Wine Class on Wednesday March 11. Read More
Bounty Food Truck & Lobstercraft Join To Feature Surf'n'Turf Catering Features Restaurant Seafood Burgers James Gribbon March 04, 2015 A snowy night found guests piled into the close confines of 284 Tokeneke Rd. in Darien to sample offerings from the combined menus of Lobstercraft and Bounty food truck. The two outfits have come together to expand their catering services for private parties, weddings and both special events, and we have your first look. "We thought the surf and turf idea between the best lobster and the best burger would make a great combo," Captain Mike Harden of Lobstercraft told CTBites. "We are working on bringing Bounty under the same roof so you can come to one place and get whatever you like." Read More
New Haven Restaurant Week: March 22 - 27, 2015 CTbites Team March 04, 2015 A destination with one of the Northeast’s hottest and growing culinary scenes, New Haven will host the spring edition of its bi-annual NEW HAVEN RESTAURANT WEEK from March 22 – 27, 2015. This twice-a-year celebration of New Haven’s cuisine culture is an opportunity for diners to experience limited-time, discounted menus at some of the city’s most celebrated eateries. 32 New Haven restaurants will offer special three-course, prix fixe menus for both lunch and dinner. The menus include an appetizer, entrée and dessert for lunch ($18 per person) and dinner ($32 per person). Prices do not include beverages, tax or gratuity (some restrictions may apply). Regular menus will also be offered in addition to the limited-time prix fixe options. Guests are strongly recommended to make reservations in advance. Read More
15 Places for Great BBQ in Connecticut Restaurant BBQ Comfort Food Best of CT Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 03, 2015 Don’t let the subzero temperatures discourage you… CT restaurants are bringing the heat with mouth-watering finger-lickin’ delicious barbeque! From Kansas-City style to meats fresh out of the smoker, these restaurants have a variety of menu items for you to enjoy. Bear’s BBQ, Windsor Wilson’s, Fairfield Smoke Box BBQ, Hamden Bar BQ, Stamford Wire Mill BBQ, West Redding Bobby Q’s BBQ, Westport Dinosaur BBQ, Stamford Walrus + Carpenter, Bridgeport Q’s Restaurant, Norwalk Vinny’s Backyard, Stamford Uncle Willie’s BBQ, West Haven & Seymour Billy’s BBQ, Bethel Johnny Utah’s, South Norwalk Drumstick BBQ, Bridgeport The Boatyard at Smokey Joe’s, Stamford Read More
Amore Cucina & Bar Opens in Stamford w/ World Pizza Champion at Helm Restaurant Italian Pizza Stamford Take Out Jessica Ryan March 01, 2015 I recently had the opportunity to visit the newly redesigned Amore Cucina & Bar on Hope Street in Stamford for a blogger dinner. The restaurant interior boasts a warm rustic atmosphere with its combination of exposed brick and distressed wood. The large bar area accommodates thirty people and offers a well thought out wine list with a concentration on Italian varietals, creative cocktails and craft beer. Sixty seats are set up in a casual trattoria style, and during warmer weather a large patio will welcome diners. The real news here is Owner Bruno DiFabio, a six-time World Pizza Champion, Restaurateur and Television Personality. With eleven restaurants in the US and new ones scheduled to open in London, I assure you that he knows pizza. Read More
Battle of the Chefs to Feature Chefs Silvia Bianco, Bernard Bouissou, and Prasad Chirnomula Restaurant Fundraiser Amy Kundrat and Stephanie Webster February 28, 2015 Chefs Bernard Bouissou (Bernard’s), Silvia Bianco (formerly of Biscotti) and Prasad Chirnomula ( Thali) Battle of the Chefs returns to Founders Hall on Sunday, May 17, 4 – 7pm. In a culinary showdown similar to Top Chef and Chopped, three chefs will compete for the benefit of Founders Hall. Chefs Silvia Bianco, formerly of Biscotti, Bernard Bouissou of Bernard’s, and Prasad Chirnomula of Thali will compete to create an entree from a basket of surprise ingredients in front of a live audience. A panel of judges, including food critic and writer Jane Stern and wine/cheese connoisseur and business owner Monica Brown of No. 109 Cheese and Wine, will judge the chefs on their creativity, craftsmanship and culinary results. Hosts Amy Kundrat and Stephanie Webster (yours truly) of CTbites, will emcee. Read More
Harlan Publick & Two Roads Brewing Host "Road Hog Dinner" March 3rd Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger February 27, 2015 What’s better than a four course pork dinner? A five course pork extravaganza. And that is what Harlan Publick and Two Roads Brewing Company are hosting with their ROAD HOG DINNER this Tuesday March 3. Starting at 630...nuzzle up to the bar for a beer reception and then starting at 715 the festivities begin. Owner / Chef Steve Lewandowski and his team will serve five courses of pork including Mongolian Pork Bahn Mi, Crispy Pig Ear Salad, Moroccan Braised Pork Belly, Pok Pok Smoked Ribs, Mangalista Pork Pancetta and a few other surprises. All of the dishes will be paired with special beers from Two Roads Brewing. Read More
Plan B Burgers Presents "Iron Bourbon" Cocktail Competition...Anyone Can Enter! CTbites Team February 27, 2015 You’ve heard of Iron Chef? Make way for Iron Bourbon - all the drama, all the emotion, all the suspense but with bourbon and with you as a judge. On the 2nd Tuesday of every month Plan B Burgers will be hosting a bourbon cocktail competition at a different Plan B location, each month featuring a new bourbon and a new secret ingredient. First Round: Tuesday, March 10Plan B West Hartford 138 Park Road. Want to play? Come as a competitor - the bourbon for March is Knob Creek Rye. Come up with some cool cocktail ideas but leave room for the secret ingredient which will be unveiled at the competition and come and make your drink OR come as a judge and watch the competitors - try all their drinks and pick the one you like the best. Read More
Maple Sugar Festival @ Stamford Nature Center: Teen Chefs Compete, Tree Tapping, Food, & Fun CTbites Team February 27, 2015 FIRST COUNTY BANK presents MAPLE SUGAR FESTIVAL WEEKEND SATURDAY, MARCH 7 & SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2015 11 AM to 3 PM. Celebrate the sweetness of the maple sugaring season as this annual family favorite returns to the Stamford Museum & Nature Center. Visit the little red sugarhouse on Heckscher Farm and see firsthand how sap is turned into maple syrup. Witness how trees are tapped, see how sap is collected, make a maple-themed craft, go on a scavenger hunt, have your face painted, and sing and dance to live music with Jay and Ray. Additionally, Heckscher WILD!, a new, interactive live exotic animal exhibit on Heckscher Farm, will celebrate its grand opening. On Saturday, watch teen chefs create delicious dishes using SM&NC maple syrup and vote for your favorite in the First County Bank Teen Chefs Challenge from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. Read More
New Canaan to Receive Artisan Marketplace Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger February 27, 2015 As announced in The New Canaanite, New Canaan’s local news website, Pine Street is about to receive a new artisan marketplace at 75 Pine Street, the site that previously housed New Canaan Cleaners. The area currently offers some of the best coffee in Fairfield County at Zumbach’s and two outstanding sandwich shops, Tony’s and the Connecticut Sandwich Co. According to The New Canaanite, the owner of the property, Peter Lane of NCLC, would like to build a marketplace similar to that found in New York’s Grand Central Station. He hopes that the merchants will include a butcher, a baker and a cheesemaker, all of who would create their unique specialty foods. In addition the space will include a few seats and fireplace to relax and enjoy the foods of the artisans. While no renderings are available at this time, the plan is to demolish and replace the structure with a new one and a half story building and be remain within the current footprint. Read More
Weekly Nibble: Oysters, CT Beer Summit, Cooking Classes, Stamford Restaurant Week + More Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 26, 2015 Stamford’s Winter Restaurant week begins Monday March 2 and runs through March 16. Over 30 Downtown Stamford restaurants will offer special prix fixe options. Participating restaurants include places like Barcelona, Cask Republic, Tengda Asian Bistro, and more. Please call ahead to confirm pricing and the dates offered. Head over to The Spread in South Norwalk Tuesday March 2 and help raise money for the “Sheffield Island Lighthouse Education Program.” Starting at 430PM Chef Carlos will prepare oysters fourteen different ways. In conjunction with Copps Island Oysters, The Spread team will host an evening filled with Oyster Shooters, Poached Oysters. Oysters Casino, Oyster sliders and their famous BBQ grilled Oysters. Tuesday March 3, you have your pick of great cooking classes: Chef Pat Pascarella of Bar Sugo in Norwalk continues his new series of cooking classes with “The Art of Braising” on Tuesday March 3 at 7pm. Read More
Holbrook Farm Home Gardening Seminar Amy Kundrat February 26, 2015 Holbrook Farm in Bethel will be hosting "How To Start Your Home Garden," a home gardening seminar on Saturday, March 21 at 9:30 to 11:30 am at the farm, located at 45 Turkey Plain Road in Bethel, CT. Tickets are $30 per person. The seminar, led by John and Jess at Holbrook Farm, includes best growing practices, and tackling common questions such as: how to amend soils, when to start what plants, how to plan for succession planting, do I start from seed or plants, when can I start planting my garden outside, raised beds or no, and more. A Q & A session will follow. Read More
NOFA Winter Conference Celebrates Local Food, Organic Farms & Sustainable Living March 7 CTbites Team February 26, 2015 Just in from NOFA Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut welcomes gardeners, food lovers, farmers, families, environmentalists, and cooks to our annual celebration of local food, organic farms, and all things sustainable at the 33nd annual Winter Conference on March 7, 2015. This is our largest event of the year which last year attracted 900+ participants passionate about organic farming, food, gardening and land care. Read More
Plum Foods Hosts "Dinner Underground" March 8th Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger February 25, 2015 Chef Plum of Plum Luv Foods is at it again with the first 2015 Dinner Underground installment entitled “DINNER UNDERGROUND: EDMOND TOWN HALL TAKEOVER.” On Sunday, March 8, 2015 from 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM Chef Plum will host the event at 45 Main Street in downtown Newtown, offering food, frolic and fun. The current menu that Chef Plum has designed is incredibly eclectic and diverse. The first course includes three sliders of “Land Sea and Air” and features elk, fried Copps Island Oysters and foie gras. Head south for the second course and enjoy frogs’ legs with Anson Mills grits and braised kale. Transport yourself to the Asia and enjoy a pork belly Ramen bowl with togarashi and egg for course number three. The fourth course brings the guests to the Caribbean with prawns with a coconut cloud and lemon parsnip puree. And finish the evening with a Southwest cannoli with candied pepper and sweet tostones. Read More
