Meet the Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream Team at Barrett Bookstore in Darien on July 11 Restaurant Events ice cream Homepage Amy Kundrat June 28, 2015 Laura O'Neill and Connecticut natives Ben and Pete Van Leeuwen started Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream in 2008 with pair of buttercup yellow ice cream trucks and a mission to revitalize traditional ice cream making by using only whole, natural ingredients. Less than a decade later the business has grown to include several bricks and mortar shops, a fleet of trucks, and a gorgeous new cookbook with 100 classic and new ice cream recipes. Barrett Bookstore in Darien will be hosting a talk with authors Ben and Laura on Saturday, July 11 at 12 pm with a Q/A session, book signing, and of course, an ice cream tasting. Read More
Pho Hong Thom: A Must Eat Vietnamese Gem in Bridgeport Restaurant Asian Bridgeport Delicious Dives Vietnamese Sarah Green June 28, 2015 Here’s a little secret...SHHHH!!! We got a tip from those in the know - and by that I mean some of Fairfield County’s finest chefs - that the place “around town” for truly authentic Vietnamese Pho is PHO HONG THOM on Wood Ave in Bridgeport. Naturally, we FORCED ourselves to give it a try. Tiny, unpretentious, even down-right plain, patrons come here for the food, not the decor. But they come. Empty when we arrived at 11:30 but jam packed by noon, PHO HONG THOM draws ‘em in and keeps ‘em coming back for more. Here’s why: PHO HONG THOM gets its name from Hong and Thom Nguyen, owners of this family-run establishment in the heart of Bridgeport. Originally from a tiny village near Hanoi, the Nguyen family are “all in” with sons and a daughter helping out whenever possible. This is family cooking at its best and you get a hint of that as a mosaic of flavors greet your nose upon arrival. Broth is at the heart of this menu - and I’ll tell you what Pho.. Read More
Back 40 Kitchen: Modern Farmhouse with Organic Mission to Open in Greenwich this July Restaurant Farm to Table Greenwich CTbites Team June 21, 2015 The Back 40 Farm Group will open Back 40 Kitchen this July on Greenwich Avenue, a modern take on organic farmhouse cuisine. Back 40 Kitchen will be a haven for those seeking healthy, organic food without sacrificing sophistication. The restaurant will source the majority of its produce from Back 40 Farm, an 85-acre family-owned organically managed farm in Washington, CT, as well as other regional organic and sustainable farms and purveyors. Read More
CTbites Invites You! New Canaan Taste Tours Food Event CTbites Team June 21, 2015 New Canaan Taste Tours returns after last years sold out series to offer a self-guided food tour beginning Tuesday June 30 and continuing throughout the summer every Tuesday and Wednesday until August 25th. Enjoy three of the top restaurants in New Canaan for $55 pp ( tax and tip included). Purchase Tickets here.The 2015 Taste Tour will focus on an easy walking tour starting on Elm Street and ending on Forest Street featuring restaurants: elm, Baldanza Natural Market and Cafe, and Cava Wine Bar & Restaurant. What's On The Menu Read More
Friday Froth: Beers At The Beach With Beer'd Brewing Ingredients CT Beer Events Beer James Gribbon June 20, 2015 The first ever Beers At The Beach micro-fest went down at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk earlier this month, and CTBites was there to give you a look. The party's host, Ken Tuccio of the Welcome To Connecticut podcast, created the event to showcase in-state breweries which don't have large distributions, and give people a chance to try the beers and meet the people who make them. The guest of honor on June 11th was Beer'd Brewing of Stonington. Burgers and hot dogs were provided by Ripka's Beach Cafe as part of the party, and shrimp, clams and oysters were also on ice for bites al fresco. Beer'd took the opportunity to launch their new imperial amber, Get To The Choppa! Read More
Strawberry Salad with Feta, Avocado and Toasted Almonds c/o Watson's Catering Recipe Eating In Ingredients Recipe CTbites Team June 19, 2015 Strawberry Salad with Feta, Avocado and Toasted AlmondsIt's strawberry season here in New England, which means a full-on strawberry frenzy in the kitchen for us here at CTbites. Watson's Catering and Events has created this easy and delicious summer salad. If you still have a quart of strawberries leftover from your strawberry-picking adventures, this is where you'll want to put them to work. Read More
Boothbay Lobster Company Opening in Stamford's Harbor Point: Wicked Fresh Maine Seafood Restaurant Seafood Stamford Opening Lou Gorfain June 18, 2015 It’s official. The Boothbay Lobster Company will be opening its first restaurant in early 2016 at Harbor Point in Stamford. In fact, owner David Galin had just finished hanging up the announcement sign in the window of the new location, when we asked about his plans. Since Boothbay is Lobster Haven in Maine, our first question had to be, “Connecticut Lobster Roll or New England Lobster Roll?” “Both,” Galin said, grinning. “And either way, we’ll serve tail, knuckle and claw meat in a really good bun.” The restaurant concept is so fresh that Galin and his somewhat silent business partner are still refining the details, but “fresh” is the operant theme: seafood plucked directly from the cold waters of Maine immediately trucked to Harbor Point. When the concept is further embellished, Galin promised to give CTBites readers a very early preview. This we can leak. Read More
Weekly Nibble: Outdoor Dining, Whisky Tasting, Beer Dinners, Summer Cooking Classes + More! Emma Jane-Doody Stetson June 18, 2015 Southport Brewing Company, with locations in Southport and Milford, has opened their patios! Come enjoy some drinks and food outdoors. Monday June 22, Stamford’s Bar Rosso will hold a 4 course Pio Cesare wine dinner. All of the cuisine is inspired by Piedmont, Italy. It costs $75 per person and begins at 7pm. Call for reservations at 203.388.8640 or email Beer Monday June 22 Cask Republic Stamford will hold a Captain Lawrence Beer Dinner. Crew members at Cask had the opportunity to brew a double dry hopped session IPA with them that will be featured at the dinner. It is 7pm, $75 ticket (inclusive of tax/tip). Every Tuesday night, Harlan Publick’s bar and patio will be open and serving sample-sized treats for $2. You can choose from Harlan Angus Beef Sliders, Peekytoe Crab Fritters, Jamaican Jerk Chicken Tacos, Korean Fried Chicken, Pok Pok Style Pork Ribs & More. There will be select $3 beers as well. Wednesday, June 24th, Walrus + Carpenter is celebrating their 2 year anniversary with an all you can eat pig roast buffet, live music and O.G. cocktails! Read More
“Pretty in Pink” Margarita Recipe: Grapefruit, Blood Orange & Hibiscus Features Cocktails Recipe Jennifer Spaide June 17, 2015 One of our favorite local foodies, Jen Spaide, is a mother, chef, writer and natural food & health advocate. She also does recipe development for Barcelona/ Bartaco and makes a darn fine cocktail. Tis that time of year, when all should be drinking margaritas. Fresh, bright and summery, with just a little bite, this "Pretty In Pink" Margarita recipe is a keeper. Enjoy! Read More
Black Rock Farmers' Market Opens June 20th: Honey Tastings, Michel Nischan & Food Demos! Features Restaurant Bridgeport Farmers Market Local Farm CTbites Team June 16, 2015 The Black Rock Farmer’s Market (BRFM) is back and better than ever! Now in its second season, the market will be held every Saturday from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm on the field next to St. Ann Church on 481 Brewster Street. The mission of BRFM is to serve as a community gathering place where local and organic farmers, producers and artisans can offer fresh agricultural and related locally sourced products to the Black Rock community and surrounding area. With a strong focus on sustainability, BRFM educates people on the importance of good health and creates business opportunities for local vendors. This year will host a variety of local vendors including Sport Hill Farm of Easton, Aradia Farm of Southbury, K is for Cookies of Black Rock, Jane’s Good Food of Westport and more. There are many new and exciting experiences for market attendees, including more local farms, food demos and educational programs. The last Saturday of every month, visitors can shop for unique and creative items in the Artisan Market. New this year there will also be a lecture series beginning on June 27th featuring Michel Nischan, CEO, President and Co-Founder of Wholesome Wave in Bridgeport. Nischan was recently named Humanitarian of the Year by the James Beard Foundation. Read More
The Winners of The Food Truck Rodeo Giveaway Are... Stephanie Webster June 16, 2015 We recently offered up 3 sets of tix to the Food Truck Rodeo in Stamford, going down this weekend in Mill River Park. We are pleased to announce the winners of the giveaway. Please step forward and claim your prize! Tamara, Ebonie & Robin G are the lucky winners. To all who attend the event, have fun and eat something delicious on our behalf. Read More
What is the Gourmet Mode in the Wolf Convection Steam Oven? (sponsored post) Features Kitchen Gear CTbites Team June 16, 2015 It seems that the Chinese have been cooking with steam for more than 3,000 years. And the "combi oven" (steam and convection combined) is a fixture in the finest European restaurants, bakeries and home kitchens. For the past several years in the U.S., many have been talking about steam ovens and how this is such a healthy way to cook. People bandy about the terms "Steam Oven," "Combi Oven," "Convection Steam Oven" and we're here to talk about the one option that is leading the pack in features, performance and number of models available. With the Wolf Convection Steam Oven you enjoy exactly the right mix of heat and humidity for any dish - crispy or flaky on the outside, moist and tender on the inside. You have ten cooking modes at your command: Steam, Auto Steam Bake, Convection, Convection Humid, Convection Steam, Gourmet, Slow Roast, Reheat, Recipes and Keep Warm. Read More
The White Hart Inn in Salisbury Led by Chef Annie Wayte Restaurant Litchfield Road Trip Douglas P Clement June 14, 2015 Scallop Crudo. Photo: Julie Bidwell With British chef Annie Wayte at the helm, fellow Englishman Paul Pearson cooking alongside her, and pastry chef Gabby Rios sculpting gorgeous desserts, The Dining Room at The White Hart in Salisbury is as brilliant as it is new, and instantly one of the best restaurants in Connecticut. Wayte, who opened fashion designer Nicole Farhi’s namesake restaurant and 202 Café in London and New York City, also worked with Sally Clarke — the Alice Waters of England — and she’s passionate about cooking with the best local and seasonal ingredients produced sustainably. Pearson “has a very high style of cooking,” Wayte says, and the results of their collaboration are dishes with lush, painterly artistry that embody purity and integrity and taste amazing. Read More
Bar Sugo's Pat Pascarella Shares Recipe for Fiore di Zucca Modo Mio (Fried Zucchini Blossoms) CTbites Team June 14, 2015 Chef Pat Pascarella, of Bar Sugo in Norwalk, will be the Guest Chef at The Westport Farmers' Market next week, Thursday June 25th. He will be demonstrating and sharing his delicious recipe for Fiore di Zucca Modo Mio, or fried zucchini flowers filled with goat cheese. Um...who doesn't like that? These delicate nibbles are seasonal and not to be missed. Read More
Friday Froth: 10 Rare Beers You Should Be Drinking Now James Gribbon June 12, 2015 I've seen some pretty lazy beer writing on the internet in the last few years. It's sort of a natural outgrowth of macrobrewers and the mainstream media gradually rising from Cthulu-esque slumber and training a gummy eye on what the kids are up to with this whole ($19.6 billion) craft beer fad. Suits being suits, they've tried to jump on the wagon by inventing fake micros, denigrating craft beer drinkers, and generally trying to rastafy their corporate reputation by ten percent. I can abide - and laugh at - Dominos launching an "artisan pizza" line, as it affects me precisely none percent. I'll join others in opening mocking a list of 50 top New England breweries which managed to quarantine the entire state of Connecticut, but when Esquire's beer writer leaves this "turd" on the doorstep, I'm just barely miffed enough to write about it. You deserve better, dammit, so I'm offering a different kind of top ten this week. Here are ten beers you should be drinking now: Read More
CTbites Invites Recap: Artisan Happy Hour 2015 CTbites Invites Invites CTbites Team June 12, 2015 Last Friday, as the skies cleared up and the temps warmed up, over 60 attendees at CTbites Invites “Kickoff of Summer” Happy Hour on The Patio at Artisan enjoyed the gorgeous setting, the plentiful Margaritas and Chef Frederic Kieffer’s grilled hors d-oeuvres. The theme of the Happy Hour was to introduce the new outdoor grill, recently acquired from The Lone Star state and even the Margaritas featured a grilled lime garnish. The cozy patio bar was a buzz as the servers circulated with platters of prosciutto and mint wrapped grilled cantaloupe, grilled sesame salmon, grilled pineapple and shrimp skewers, baby lamb chops with mint yogurt and grilled vegetable and fruit skewers. Read More
Brick + Wood Pizza in Fairfield Announces Guest Chef Lineup Fairfield Pizza CTbites Team June 11, 2015 Early in 2015, Brick + Wood in Fairfield, launched a Guest Chef Series inviting local Chefs to collaborate with Chef/Owner Paolo Cavalli on a special pizza to be offered once a month. Each Chef in the previous lineup enjoyed bringing their culinary spin to the traditional Neapolitan pie including Poutine Pizza by Chef Howard McCall of Washington Prime, a Charred Octopus Pizza by Chef Matt Storch of Match, and a Pork Belly and Short Rib Chorizo Pizza by Chef Tim Scott of Geronimo Tequilla Bar and Southwest Grill. Each Guest Chef evening often sells out of the special pie with nearly 45+ served each night. Who's Next?? Here is the lineup from June through December. Plan your pizza nights now! Next In Line June 10 - Fliesher’s Craft Butchery, Ryan Fibiger July 8 – The Granola Bar, Jes Bengtson August 5 - Bobby Qs, Bob LaRose September 2 - Thali, Prasad Chirnomula Read More
Weekly Nibble: Barnum Festival, Food Truck Festivals, Farm Tours, Brew Fests + More! Emma Jane-Doody Stetson June 10, 2015 Wednesday June 17, New Haven’s Prime 16 Tap House + Burgers will host a “Foolproof” beer release with owner Nick Garrison. Try some of his best brews, including a Ginger & Lemongrass Saison, Raincloud Vanilla Porter on Nitro, a vintaged Revery Stout, and more. Gingerman Greenwich and the Greenwich Wine Society invite you to a special tasting of French wines on Wednesday June 17. Guests start in the Gingerman's private party room, followed by a sit-down tasting. Wine author Paul DeBary will be on hand. $55 per person, all inclusive ($60 at the door). More information & registration here or call 203.629.1261. New Haven’s Elm City Market will host chefs from nearby Soul de Cuba Café on Thursday June 18. They’ll demonstrate how to make Cuban and African dishes… and you can taste them too! The Summer Solstice Food Truck Festival in Hamden is back this year at Hamden Town Center Park on June 19 from 4:30 to 9 pm. There will be over 40 vendors, a kids play zone, a DJ Dance Party and more. The only thing you have to pay for is your food and drink! Friday June 19, enjoy a community pub crawl in Bridgeport with the Barnum Festival. Read More
LisaMarie's Food Truck: Paradise Lost, Then Found Off The Beaten Path in CT Restaurant Catering Danbury Food Truck Lunch Lou Gorfain June 09, 2015 Lisamarie Ault was flying high. For twenty years she had served as the personal Chef to Edgar Bronfman, Sr., the billionaire magnate of the Seagram’s empire, preparing the best of everything for a man who demanded world-class excellence. That's exactly what he got from a devoted chef who was trained at CIA and cooked at restaurants from Switzerland to Hawaii. Lisamarie led a rarefied life in her own culinary paradise. But then she suddenly fell back to earth. In December of 2013, Bronfman abruptly died, and his family no longer had need for a personal cook. Lisamarie was out of a job … and a dear friend. “Mr. B”, as she calls him, had become the father she lost days before she took the position two decades earlier. “In March of last year, I had no idea what I was going to do next,” she recalls. “Suddenly, out of the blue, I learned that Mr. Bronfman had included me in his will.” On an impulse, Lisamarie decided to buy an old food truck, and take it on the road under the banner of "PARADISE FOODS.” Read More
