A Guide To Pickling: Preserve The Summer Harvest via Marcia Selden Catering Marcia Selden Catering August 05, 2015 Pickling is a great way to preserve in-season, farmer’s market vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, beets, onions tomatoes and cauliflower. Yummy, crunchy and with endless flavor variations, pickling can be tons of fun too! We want to demystify the process, since it’s actually quite easy. We guarantee that your friends will be very impressed if you bring a jar of homemade pickles as a hostess gift. Get your Pickling Game on! Pickling Do’s & Don’ts -DO invest in a canning kit that includes jar tongs and a wide funnel to make the process easier. We like this one from Ball ($10) -DON’T cut corners. The jar and lid sterilization process is vital as well as the amount of vinegar used in order to get the perfect, crunchy pickle you desire. Read More
Good2Gourmet - New Meal Delivery Service in New Canaan & Darien Features Darien Delivery Service Home Delivery New Canaan CTbites Team August 04, 2015 Tired of cooking? Looking for something less expensive than take-out from a restaurant? Then a new venture on Vitti Street in New Canaan, GOOD2GOURMET, may be an alternative. The brainchild of local resident and mother of four, Lisa Strupp, GOOD2GOURMET offers a variety of soups, salads, and entrées for families to enjoy. Teaming with business partner Kevin Schmudde, the two enlisted the culinary skills of Executive Chef Eric Ulbrich to create a menu that includes soups, salads, pastas, and entrées. Customers go to the website (they do not take telephone orders), place their order, choose a 1-hour delivery window (curbside pick-up at the store is also available) and the food will be on the front stoop as requested. Alternatively, customers can visit and purchase a selection of items at the store. Read More
Hoodoo Brown BBQ in Ridgefield: Gluttonous Carnivorianism Restaurant American BBQ Ridgefield Take Out Kid Friendly Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger August 02, 2015 The heck with “Veni, vidi, vici,” my return visit to Hoodoo Brown BBQ in Ridgefield was more we came, we saw, we ordered and man we tried. And when I say we tried…we tried EVERY meat on the menu and we tried to eat every ounce of meat on numerous trays. If this was a gunfight with Hoodoo Brown in the 1870s we would be full of holes, he won. Armed with a reservation for the “BBQ Room,” twelve of us ventured to Hoodoo Brown. As our group congregated, I placed the initial appetizer order plus a round of beers, sodas and lemonades. To warm up our appetites, this initial order included two large BBQ Nachos (one with chopped brisket and the other with pulled pork), a dozen Bourbon Teriyaki Wings and a couple of Strawberry and Arugula salads. As we waited, super Pitmaster Nestor Laracuente wandered into the room to offer his humble thanks to all of us for coming and wished us a great meal. He was heading back to Queens for the evening before beginning the return voyage the following morning at 4AM. Read More
Weekly Nibble: County Fairs, Iron Bartender, Clambakes, Potluck Picnics + More! Emma Jane-Doody Stetson August 02, 2015 Cask Republic New Haven will host another installation of their famous Iron Bartender Competition on Monday August 2. It starts at 6pm. Fairfield Wine and Cheese wants to introduce you to incredible local cheeses. Join them for “The Northeast: Choices In Our Backyard” to learn about them and taste them. It takes place at the Fairfield location on Tuesday August 4 from 7-9pm and in Greenwich on Thursday August 6 from 7-9pm. The cost is $45 per person. Take a journey to the Mediterranean on Wednesday August 5 at Amarante’s Sea Cliff in New Haven. The walk around tasting features wine and a buffet centering on that theme. It takes place right on the seaside so guests can enjoy views of the harbor. It goes from 6:30-9pm and costs $50 per person. On Thursday nights through September 17, take a ferry to the Sheffield Island Lighthouse for a clambake. The evening unfolds in a tented pavilion on the lighthouse lawn. It starts at $69 per person, with a tour of the lighthouse included in the charge. The Tolland County 4-H Fair takes place August 7-9 in Vernon, CT. http://www.tollandcounty4-hct.org/ Read More
Plan B Burger Bar Opens in Fairfield CT James Gribbon July 31, 2015 Burgers, beer, and bourbon are all girders in the framework of the American soul. Melting pot, mixed salad, however you'd like to characterize who we are as a nation, there aren't many spots on the map where our divisions don't disappear at the three Bs. Now that Plan B Burger Bar has officially come to Fairfield, there are fewer areas in Connecticut where all three of these cornerstones can't be had in the same place. CTBites was there a night before the official opening to bring you your first look. Fairfield's is located at 1262 Post Road, in a 4,600sq. ft. building which used to be a post office. Read More
Q & A With Christy Colasurdo - Author of "The Connecticut Farm Table Cookbook"- CTbites Team July 29, 2015 CTbites contributor Christy Colasurdo recently wrote The Connecticut Farm Table Cookbook, and we caught up with her to get the scoop about the book she calls “a celebration of food and farms”. CTbites So, first of all, your new cookbook is beautiful. As a photographer, I have to say that I was impressed by the images. CC Thanks! Coming from you, that is high praise! We were lucky in that Tracey, my co-author, had written the first book in the series, The Vermont Farm Table Cookbook, and she was able to tap into a talented young photographer named Oliver Parini to shoot for this book as well. In addition, we struck gold when we met Winter Caplanson, executive director of the Coventry Regional Farmers’ Market (and a darned good photographer herself). Winter created a contest where photographers went out and shot at various Connecticut farms and fisheries in hopes of landing a photograph in the book. Read More
The WattyMelon Flip Flop Cocktail c/o Watsons Catering Ingredients Features Cocktails CTbites Team July 28, 2015 Summer means cocktails – preferably accompanied by fresh fruit, flip flops and a not a care in the world. Watson’s Catering has a refreshing take utilizing RIPE, one of our favorite craft juices, called the Watty Melon Flip Flop that is sure to become one of your summer evening staples. The WattyMelon Flip Flop Cocktail Yield: 1 cocktail Ingredients: ½ shot glass of Tito’s vodka 1 shot RIPE margarita mix (lime sour) Read More
Rothbard Ale + Larder, European Beer Bar, To Open In Westport (By Walrus + Carpenter Team) Restaurant Beer Garden German Westport Beer Opening Stephanie Webster July 28, 2015 Walrus + Carpenter owners, Adam Roytman and Joseph Farrell, are teaming up again with a new restaurant concept in downtown Westport. This new venture, housed in the cozy subterranean dining space that was once Tierrra, will maintain the casual neighborhood vibe diners have grown accustomed to at Walrus, but this duo will leave the BBQ in Black Rock and head to Europe for a completely different approach to comfort food. Westport has its first European Beer Bar (right by Old Town Hall). Rothbard Ale + Larder will open this fall with a menu focused on Central European fare. Rothbard will draw inspiration from the cuisines of Alsace, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland, with a little Northern Italy thrown in for good measure. A preview of the menu in progress reveals specialties including Spatzle, Mussels, Rabbit Goulash, Steak Frites (Fleisher’s), housemade Jagershnitzel and Raclette, (a Swiss cheese, melted table side and draped over potatoes, bacon and onions). Hearty fare will be complimented by more delicate salads and fish entrees. “There will be something for everyone” says Roytman. Farrell and Roytman are particularly enthusiastic about the “For The Table,” section of the menu where diners can order entrees for 4, in the communal spirit of a true beer hall. Read More
Best Warm Lobster Rolls On The Connecticut Coast: 2015 Update Restaurant Delicious Dives Lobster Seafood Lunch Lou Gorfain July 26, 2015 Welcome to the end of July, summer’s center point. The perfect time for our annual quest to find the best of Connecticut's official pleasure of summer: warm, buttery lobster rolls. At the suggestion of readers, chefs, CTBites staff and a food critic or two, we've added an array of food trucks, pounds, shacks, and even a high end restaurant to our previous portfolio (see 2014 edition here). So take a ride up the balmy Connecticut coastline. We start in the southwest and head northeast, as CTBites forages the best warm lobster rolls in America. Read More
Weekly Nibble: Jazz Jam, Craft Brew Races, Gin Tasting, Farm Potlucks & More! Emma Jane-Doody Stetson July 24, 2015 Walrus + Carpenter in Bridgeport hosts a “Compin and Stompin Jam Session” on Tuesday July 28. Try some of their delicious BBQ while listening to a mix of swing, modern, and fusion. New England Brewing Company is taking over the taps at Prime 16 in New Haven on Wednesday July 29. Enjoy their classics while also witnessing the release of some new beers. It starts at 4pm. Wednesday July 28 6-8pm, learn about (and sample!) Brooklyn's Ginsmiths’ Gins at the Center Street Public House in Darien. Center Street Public House also invites softball teams to the pub after their weekend games for $2 off draughts, house wines, and appetizers. Ancona’s Wines & Liquors wants to teach you the art of wine and food pairing Thursday July 30 at 6:45pm. Try 5 wines alongside 5 summer dishes, $30 per person. Reserve your place (203)544-8958 or monique@anconaswines.com. The New CT Farmer Alliance has a summer potluck series. Read More
Friday Froth: 3 Cold Beers For A Hot Day Ingredients CT Beer Friday Froth Beer James Gribbon July 24, 2015 No. Just no, NYC commissioner of the Department of Health, Mary Bassett - I will not avoid drinking beer on scorching hot summer days. Yes, I will drink some water, because I am not an idiot, but you can take a cold beer from my (still mostly warm), dead hand. Thankfully, this is 'murica, where many a dilapidated package store is hung with signs advertising the coldest beer in town (following Strong Bad's motto: "A One That Isn't Cold Is Scarcely A One At All"), thus saving us all from aloe vera vitamin drinks and the resultant loss of will to live. A crisp beer on a hot day is a joy forever, as the poet probably said, so this week we're going to check out three hot weather beers, canned for your lawn mower riding, golf bag stuffing, back yard sitting pleasure. Read More
Downtown Milford Farmers' Market Kids Day on August 1 Restaurant Farmers Market Milford CTbites Team July 24, 2015 The Downtown Milford Farmer's Market will be hosting a Kid's Day featuring the characters Anna and Elsa from the animated movie Frozen, sponsored by Sensitive Care Pediatrics Dentistry in Milford, CT. When: Saturday, August 1st Where: Downtown Milford Farmer's Market 58 River Street, Milford, CT What: Carnival-like experience for kids of all ages - Live appearance from Disney's Anna and Elsa - Face Painting - Balloon Animals - Games and Raffles - Kid's Clothing and Accessories Market begins at 9am - 1pm Kids activities begin at 9:30 -1 Read More
Crazy Taco-Mex Food Truck: Great Carnitas Taco Restaurant Food Truck Tacos Mexican Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger July 23, 2015 The food truck craze continues and I visited Crazy Taco-Mex. The simply decorated truck includes a Sombrero with the rim in the shape of a handlebar moustache. The menu includes Tacos ($3.50) Quesadillas ($6), and Burritos ($7). I was interested in Tacos and ordered three, a steak, a carnitas and a chicken. The menu states that each is topped with onions, cilantro and salsa verde. Read More
Not Your Nona’s Panzanella Salad Recipes via Marcia Selden Catering Catering Recipe Marcia Selden Catering July 22, 2015 Panzanella is a great way to use up day-old bread and turn it into something tasty. You might remember your Grandmother making the traditional tomato/bread version--but if the thought of making the same ol’ seems uninspiring, check out these fun twists from our friends at Marcia Selden Catering. Enjoy these great recipes for Greek Panzanella and Tex Mex Panzanella. Read More
Annabelle's Natural Ice Cream Now Being Sold @ Gingerbitz in New Canaan Ingredients Restaurant ice cream Ingredients Kid Friendly Dessert Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger July 22, 2015 In a town that offers the best gelato in Fairfield County, New Canaan has been void of the same quality ice cream. That has now changed as Gingerbitz on Elm Street is now selling scoops of Annabelle’s Ice Cream from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. When I heard the news I headed straight to Gingerbitz to sample. Nestled alongside the cakes, pastries, woopie pies and the Stumptown coffee, Gingerbitz offers four rotating varieties. With the scorching temperature this past weekend, there were several people lined up to order a cone or a cup of the current selections; Triple Chocolate, New Hampshire Pure Maple Walnut, Raspberry Chocolate Chip and Salty Caramel. A quick look on Annabelle’s website describes the ice cream a “super premium, 16% butter fat, kosher®, natural ice cream with NO additives or artificial colors.” Each of them were extra-creamy, dense and full of great flavors. The chocolate was my favorite. The richness of the chocolate was elevated by chocolate chunks and a dark fudge. Read More
Parallel Post Hosts 3rd Annual Farm-To-Trumbull dinner ellen bowen July 21, 2015 Farm to Table is a word we in CT try not to take too lightly. The current food movement encourages both chefs and diners to choose fresh produce, seasonal vegetables and fruits and locally sourced meat and fish. Parallel Post, in the Trumbull Marriott, and helmed by James Beard nominated chef James Dean Max, believes in strengthening the farming community and engages local purveyors for a majority of it’s ingredients- seafood from Norm Bloom & Sons in Norwalk, CT, Foley Fish in Boston, meats from Ox Hollow Farm in Roxbury, CT, dairy from Farmer’s Cow in Lebanon, CT and greens from Gilberties Herb Gardens in Easton and Westport, CT. Read More
Lugano Wine Bar & Salumeria Opens in Greenwich Restaurant Greenwich Italian Salumeria Tapas Wine Bar Bar Emma Jane-Doody Stetson July 19, 2015 Going out for a meal can be an incredibly rewarding experience. There is a reason restaurants are a popular spot for a night out and a number of people proudly refer to themselves as “foodies.” However, it can also be a downright chore. Do I brave the downtown traffic? Where do I park my car? How do I get there? Will there be a table for me? Lugano Wine Bar and Salumeria, newly opened in Greenwich, alleviates all of those hassles. The Italian inspired restaurant sits just off of exit 6 from I-95 on East Putnam Avenue in Riverside, far removed from the droves of people downtown. It has its own lot next to the restaurant for easy parking as well as a valet service. Indoors, the space is approachable, yet impressive. When you walk through the front doors, you enter a spacious bar with plenty of seating and room to stand and mingle. Wine glasses elegantly line the bar’s counter, as if inviting patrons in for a drink. Just off of the bar to the right is a large dining room with high ceilings and a dome that serves as a skylight. It is light and open, lined with large windows. Lugano even boasts a private dining room for special functions, or for guests who prefer a quiet dining experience. The lovely space was the impetus for the restaurant. Read More
Friday Froth: Kent Falls Shower Beer and Wild Beer Evolver Beer James Gribbon July 19, 2015 The freshest beer news, delivered weekly, is one of my goals with Friday Froth. Tender, green shoots of hop aroma and flavor, seeded by the brewer, come to full fruition the moment you crack a young IPA, and tend to wilt when left to languish on a shelf. The hop plant is like knowledge that way, reaching its true potential when you use it to water yourself. Bursting through the dewy soil of Connecticut's beer scene this week was a new leaf in the form of Shower Beer from Kent Falls Brewery. How new are we talking? The five gallon pilot batch sampled by myself and others at the latest Beers At The Beach event in Norwalk was the only one in existence, for now. Read More
Weekly Nibble: "Blues On The Beach," Crawfish Boils, CT Wine Festival + More! Emma Jane-Doody Stetson July 16, 2015 On Tuesday July 21, The Weekend Kitchen in Essex presents “Chill’n and Grill’n” with Chef Jenn Magrey. From 6:30-10pm, learn dishes like grilled Succo-Squash salad, planked captain Cod filets with herb lemon butter sauce, and Greek chicken. It costs $75 per person. On Tuesday nights, bring your own bottle of wine to accompany a Chef’s tasting menu at Morello Italian Bistro in Greenwich. There will be no corkage fee for guests enjoying the special menu (guests not ordering it will be charged a $25 corkage fee.) Starting July 23, City Limits Diner is bringing BBQ to Westchester with a special menu including dry-rubbed ribs, sides such as braised greens, and homemade desserts. The summer specials last until August 6. Thursday July 23 is Uinta Night at Cask Republic New Haven. Read More
Guide to CT Wine & Spirit Shops for Summer 2015 Ingredients Features CT Beer Cocktails Specialty Market Wine Shop April Guilbault July 15, 2015 If there is one sound that can make you think of a hot summer day, it is the clink of ice in a big, tall glass. Ka-chink, clink, clink. Does a fizzy sound follow on the heels of those ka-chinks? Is there a ker-plop of a citrus wedge tumbling into that cool pool of refreshing, fizzy goodness? Ahhhh...and this is the sound that follows all of those...Ahhhh. Hello, icy cold craft beer, hello tart and tingly gin and tonic, hello creamy pina. It’s so nice to see you again. To make you overflow with summer lovin’, we have found spirit shops around the state that will put the ka-chink-clink-clink in your future... Read More
