Weekly Nibble: Autism Bites, Paella 101, Easter Dinners, Breweries & More

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 27, 2015

On Tuesday March 31, Barcelona West Hartford invites you to “Paella 101.” Chef Eric will demonstrate how to make this classic Spanish dish at 7pm. The class is $29 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

Also on Tuesday, Blue Lemon in Westport will hold a six-course wine dinner featuring wines from Rioja. Chef Bryan Malcarney will prepare his twist on Spanish cuisine and wine pairings from the region. 7pm, $78 per person.

Autism Bites! Starting April 2 (World Autism Awareness Day), popular Fairfield County restaurants will donate a percentage all food/beverage sales to Autism Speaks during the month of April.

There will be a Two Roads beer dinner at Tavern 1757 at 6:30pm. The restaurant is located at 318 Roosevelt Ave in Seymour, CT.

La Zingara in Bethel Launches a New Cocktail Program

Restaurant Bethel Cocktails

Amy Kundrat March 26, 2015

Photo: La ZingaraLa Zingara in Bethel will launch a new cocktail program beginning April 1 with a menu spanning classic cocktails to their own crafted creations. The backbone of the new menu will be rooted in house made ingredients, including syrups, grenadine, fresh-squeezed juices, and (a handful of) bitters. In addition to the new cocktail program, Ecco Rooftop Eatery & Bar (located just above La Zingara) will reopen on April 1 as well.

"We are finally bringing La Zingara up to par on the cocktails that we have been doing on the [Ecco] rooftop for a while now. We are looking to bring the same quality that we bring to our food. Clean, simple drinks that utilize what is in season. Twists on the classics," said Lisa Tassone, La Zingara and Ecco owner.

Bistro Mediterranean Opens in Norwalk: Tapas With Bold, Rich Flavors via Connecticut Magazine

Restaurant Mediterranean Norwalk Spanish Tapas

Douglas P Clement March 26, 2015

Christian Petroni of Fortina Pizza Shares Mom's Easter Pie Recipe

Features Holiday Italian Recipe Comfort Food

Stephanie Webster March 25, 2015

When we asked Fortina's Christian Petroni to share an Easter recipe, he turned to an Italian classic...his mother. Much of Petroni's culinary inspiration is derived from a richly food-centric childhood just outside of Naples, and this Easter recipe is no exception. Christian's mother's cooking can often be spotted on the menus of Fortina Pizza (Armonk, Ryebrook & Stamford coming soon), and now on CTbites. Thanks to Fiorella & Christian Petroni for sharing a little bit of their holiday with this ultimate comfort food Recipe for Easter Pie. What type of "pie" you ask. This recipe features: salami, sweet provolone, ricotta and eggs...enough said.

Autism Bites Comes to Fairfield County April 2nd

CTbites Team March 24, 2015

As if you needed an excuse to eat out, starting April 2nd (World Autism Awareness Day), and running ALL month long, the following restaurants will donate a percentage all food/beverage sales to Autism Speaks! YOU DO NOT NEED TO GO TO EVERY RESTAURANT! (Just pick four: breakfast… lunch… dinner… and après drinks.) Your appetite supports Autism Speaks! Eat out all month and help children and adults with Autism.

Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism.

View the complete list of participating restaurants below.

Passover Dessert Shopping Guide via Kosher Like Me Blog

Features Holiday Kosher

Stephanie Webster March 24, 2015

This incredible guide to all things Passover dessert comes from one of our fellow writers, Liz Rueven, of Kosher Like Me. This is the uber guide for those who wish to BUY, not cook their Passover sweets. Amen.

I love it when my readers tell me what they need! So when M. phoned to ask where oh where should she buy her Passover desserts, we took the challenge and got to work looking for the best of the best.

For those strictly kosher or not so much, those on the west side or the west coast, we’ve got your freshly baked, professionally made Passover dessert options covered.

Read the complete article: Leave the Passover Baking to the Experts.

Washington Prime 2.0 - Chef Howard McCall Jr. Brings Comfort Food to SONO

Restaurant American Chef Talk Norwalk SONO

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger March 22, 2015

Patrons of Washington Prime will find comfort in the cuisine of its new Executive Chef Howard McCall Jr. This unassuming chef is not new to SoNo nor the kitchen at Washington Prime; he started in the kitchen at Barcelona twenty years ago and was the opening Sous Chef at Washington Prime last summer. Prior to joining Washington Prime he oversaw the kitchen at Mint restaurant in North Carolina which influenced his new Southern style cuisine.

CTbites was invited to meet the chef and sample some of his new additions to the menu. Chef Howard exudes a soft personality, allowing his culinary talents to speak. His recent changes to the new menu range from a creative American Soul Rolls to a Braised Lamb Shank, plus modifications of previous favorites. Each maintained the focus on the main ingredient with delightful accompaniments…more akin to Southern comfort food.

Friday Froth Recap: Maine Beer Co. Dinner @ Little Pub

James Gribbon March 20, 2015

One of the best moments of my year, every year, is dusk on spring evening when I first hear peepers. Spring seems - perpetually and annoyingly - to be just around the corner until those tiny frogs let me know it has officially arrived, and winter is finally at its end. We're not quite there yet, not that I've heard, anyhow, so sitting fireside at Little Pub with a snifter of fresh Peeper from Maine Beer Company is about as close as I'm going to get.

Last Sunday I took a drive up Route 7, but not that far up Rt. 7, to attend the event at Little Pub's middle location in Wilton, roughly between their newest outpost in Cos Cob and their home base in Ridgefield. The reason was an evening of beer and food pairing hosted in conjunction with Maine Beer Co., of Freeport, and emceed by Little Pub personnel Dave "Mr. Beer" Newman and Tim "Fuzzy" Foley. MBC's motto is "Do What's Right" and 1% of the night's proceeds would be donated back to the brewery for use in their philanthropic outreach but, again, I was focused on that Peeper.

Passover Brisket w/ Beet & Bone Marrow Pureé Recipe c/o Chef Arik of Le Farm

Features Holiday Recipe

CTbites Team March 19, 2015

When CTbites asked Chef Arik Bensimon of le Farm to create a Passover recipe for our readers, he truly embraced both the request and the holiday. Not only has Arik reinvented the classic Passover Brisket (sorry Nana), but has orchestrated a dish that uses almost all of the ingredients found on the traditional Passover Seder plate. The roasted bone, horseradish, bitter herbs...they're all in there. He has even found a culinary use for the oh-so-sweet Manischewitz wine.

Whatever holiday you celebrate this spring, add this recipe for Brisket with Beet & Bone Marrow Pureé to your library. It's simply delicious.

Outstanding In The Field Tickets Go On Sale Friday March 20th

Restaurant Farm Dinner Farm to Table Local Farm

Stephanie Webster March 18, 2015

Mark your calendars. On Wednesday, March 20th, the first day of spring, tickets will go on sale for the 2015 season of Outstanding In The Field. Buy tickets here and do it fast! These go quickly.

CT will host 3 events this year. The Hickories will host Chef Jennifer Balin of Sugar & Olives on Sept. 8th as well as Chefs Holly Michaud & Scott Ostrander of Mama’s Boy on Sept. 9th. Day 3 will be at Waldingfield Farm with Jason Sobocinski of Casseus Fromagerie & Bistro.

"Outstanding in the Field is a roving culinary adventure – literally a restaurant without walls." Their mission is to re-connect diners to the land and the origins of their food, and to honor the local farmers and food artisans who cultivate it. The other meaning of Outstanding in the Field is outstanding as in the best.

Weekly Nibble: Cheese Making, The Meat Truck, Max Burger, Cask Republic Founder's Night + More

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 18, 2015

Monday March 23 Carol Lake of Simple Cheese Making and Alina Lawrence of Olivette present a Cheese Making Class at Olivette in Darien. 6-8:30pm. $60 per person which includes wine, a cheese making demo, and tastes of the 3 cheeses made throughout the evening.

Monday March 23 is Founder’s Night at Cask Republic Stamford. Beginning at 6pm, they’ll serve 20 Founders beers, including some limited brews.

Paint Nite Greenwich takes place at Gingerman Greenwich on Tuesday March 24 from 7-10pm. The evening will be filled with food, drink, and painting.

Walrus + Carpenter hosts “Arts + Craft Beers” at 7:30 on Tuesday March 24. A group of Black Rock crafters will be make no-tangle headphones, paint-swatch bookmarks, and gift hang-tags over brews. Email afarrell@walruscarpenterct.com for more info.

Barcelona Restaurants have several cooking events to choose from on Tuesday March 24:

Savor: A Celebration of Wine, Foods & Spirits @ Foxwoods Casino w/ Chef Robert Irvine, April 10-11

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 17, 2015

As Connecticut continues to stake its claim as a culinary powerhouse, Savor- a celebration of wine, food, and spirits- will make its debut in Hartford on April 10 and 11. Foxwoods Casino and celebrity chef Robert Irvine will join forces to celebrate local talent while raising money for important causes. On Tuesday March 10, select trade and press received an exclusive sneak peak of what the new festival has to offer. A floor of the Hartford Convention Center served as an impressive backdrop for the event.

The Winners of The Kawa Ni Cocktail Contest Are....

Stephanie Webster March 17, 2015

Winners have been chosen for Kawa Ni's exclusive Bartender Compeition event March 24th @ Kawa Ni in Westport. Winners have been notified via email.

The 6 runners up get seats to attend the event and "'etta" will be given a spot as one of the judges in the mixology competition. Here they are...

Winner (Will Judge Event)

Thai Me Up - 'etta

Runner Up Winners (Will Attend Event)

Lava Lamp - Jessica

Lucy Takes a Tumble - SwankyCarpFace

Sono Baking Company Opens in Downtown Westport Tomorrow!

Bakery

Stephanie Webster March 16, 2015

Tomorrow, March 17th, SoNo Baking Company will open the doors to its newest location in downtown Westport at 44 Church Lane. Owner John Barricelli will breath new life into the spot that once housed Java Coffee with a full breakfast and lunch menu for local Westport guests and lovers of SoNo's baked good, breads and coffee.

What should diners and shoppers expect? The downtown location will mirror SoNo Baking Company's SONO menu and concept and will feature eggs and breakfast specialties including Belgian waffles and pancakes followed by soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch.

A 12 person communal table anchors the dining space, which seats 50, and the patio will open with an additional 20 seats as soon as weather permits.

Re-Cap: Oak + Almond's Four Roses Bourbon Dinner

Norwalk

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger March 16, 2015

CTbites was invited to Oak + Almond in Norwalk for its Four Roses Bourbon dinner to sample some of Chef Joseph Italiano’s creative cuisine paired with one of the country’s best bourbons. Working alongside Chef Italiano for this special event was Chef Chris Vacca, whom our readers know from serving one of the best burgers in Fairfield County from his food truck, Bounty. Chef Italiano has been at the helm for several months after stints at Bistro B in Westport and Bridgeport and with Chef Pat Pascarella at Bar Sugo.

"Nose To Tail" Dinner @ The Schoolhouse at Cannondale

Restaurant Butcher Wilton

Stephanie Webster March 13, 2015

The Schoolhouse at Cannondale, in Wilton, has decided to start a series of late Winter early Spring events at the Schoolhouse that will focus on ingredients, techniques, or themes we are into at the current moment.

Their first event will be on Tuesday, March 24th and will focus on nose to tail cooking. Chef Tim LeBant and his team will be creating four courses utilizing different cuts of pork. They will also have a selection of beers and bourbons to pair with the courses as well (at a separate cost) as well as our regular wine list. You can book a reservation online by clicking here and choosing a time and party size. Reservation are available from 5:30-8:30. The nose-to-tail dinner will be $60/person.

Weekly Nibble: Big Game Dinner, Sake Tasting, Makin' Ice Cream, Brunch + More!

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 12, 2015

New Haven will host the spring edition of its bi-annual restaurant week through March 27. 32 New Haven restaurants will offer special three-course, prix fixe menus for both lunch and dinner.

Dinosaur BBQ in Stamford will have smoked corn beef specials all day on Tuesday March 17- St. Patrick’s Day! In fact, many CT restaurants have celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day! Here are 16 to check out.

Wednesday March 18 is Rare Beer Night at Half Full Brewery in Stamford. Enjoy 4 specialty beers, brewed just for this night, along with food from Harlan Social. For information and tickets, visit:

Learn how to make ice cream at Sugar & Olives on Wednesday March 18. You’ll make a base, flavor it 3 ways, and spin it. Sorbet is also included.

Anna Liffey’s Fairfield has just launched a “Manhattan Style” Sunday brunch. On Sundays, enjoy special menu items like Bailey’s Irish Cream Pancakes, a build-your-own bloody mary bar, bottomless mimosas and more.

Big Game Dinner @ Terrain in Westport, March 20th

CTbites Team March 12, 2015

Terrain's Garden Café in Westport will hold a game dinner on Friday March 20 at 7pm. Chef Alissa Svorka will present four-courses of fresh, seasonal game dishes in the Garden café. Feast on dishes like wild hare roulade, venison loin, and more, alongside thoughtfully-selected wine pairings. $58 per person plus tax & gratuity. Please call (203) 226-2732 for reservations. View the complete menu below:

Sweet and Savory Quick Bread Recipes via Marcia Selden

Features Recipe Breakfast Dessert

Marcia Selden Catering March 12, 2015

We love a quick bread, they’re a breeze to throw together, freeze beautifully, and are a great activity if you are with your kids and looking for something to do.

Enjoy a slice with a bowl of soup or a steaming cup of tea, and you have all the trappings of a sweet perfect day. The folks at Marcia Selden Catering have shared their favorite sweet and savory quick bread recipes. Enjoy our recipes for: Earl Grey Zucchini Quick Bread; Almond Butter, Honey, Banana Quick Bread; Sundried Tomato and Pesto Quick Bread & Prosciutto & Gruyere Quick Bread. You’ll want to try them all!

16 CT Restaurants To Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2015

Restaurant Holiday

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 11, 2015

It’s not easy being green- unless it’s the month of March! St. Patrick’s Day is almost here and Connecticut pubs, restaurants, and hotspots are announcing an array of celebrations. From breakfasts to pub crawls to corned-beef dinners, here are the places with specials sure to keep yousham-rockin’ all night long.