Friday Froth: Take Your Own Advice (Southern Tier, Two Roads & Victory Breweries) CT Beer Friday Froth Beer James Gribbon September 25, 2015 Ernest Hemingway told us to always do sober what we said we'd do drunk. "That will teach you to keep your mouth shut," was his lesson. I don't get space here on Fridays for keeping my metaphorical mouth shut, and a few weeks ago I could be found pleading with you to hold off on All Pumpkin Errthang, and take the limited time we have at summer's end to enjoy the brief grunion-run of harvest ales. The same day Froth published, I went out, slapped my modest gains on a counter, and walked out, brown bottles with orange labels in my hands. I've found some good ones for you, so here's a sampler. Southern Tier Harvest special ale is an Extra Special Bitter, and pours with a golden ruby color. Decent head foams up at first and settles into thickish ring. The first whiff is bready malt, bouncing with hops. Rich and bitter, but mellow, Harvest is a hedge fund divorcee on xanax. It is also terrifically easy to drink, which means the robust 6.7%ABV tends to sneak up on you. The world is not exactly full of beers which aren't heavy, or beset with fruits or lactose, and still manage to feel like a treat, but Harvest is the exact recipe. It is decadent despite a deceptively simple formula, and a prototypical autumn beer. Read More
Meet Doom Noodle, New Haven's Ramen Pop-up Restaurant Restaurant Asian Japanese Noodles New Haven Comfort Food Amy Kundrat September 24, 2015 Doom Noodle, a weekly ramen pop-up restaurant will launch this Sunday, September 27 at Firehouse 12 in New Haven. The pop-up's weekly core menu will offer two options for ramen, a weekly bao offering, and shrimp chips, available as eat-in or take-out. Drinks will be available separately from the Firehouse 12 cocktail menu. Dinner starts on Sundays at 6 pm until they sell out. The duo behind Doom Noodle, Jordan Waters and Molly Kennedy, are recent New Haven transplants who enjoyed participating in a weekly supper club. Jordan, who assumes the cooking responsibilities, and Molly, the creative who will run the front of house, see Doom Noodle as an evolution of their club and a reflection of what they like to eat. Read More
The Fez in Stamford Re-Opens w/ Expanded Bar, Menu & Music Space Restaurant Live Music Middle Eastern Stamford Bar Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 24, 2015 New York chic meets laid back cool at The Fez, a Middle Eastern eatery located in Stamford. The restaurant, located on Summer Street, is unobtrusive from the outside. The inside, however, is alive! Wine flows and aromatic Mediterranean cuisine comes out of the kitchen. Patrons flock to hear live music and conversation echoes throughout the intimate space. On June 1, 2015, the Fez shut its doors to undergo a renovation. After a few busy months, they are proud to announce their grand reopening. Lunch and dinner service has resumed, as well as live music. The same team behind the original Fez will see it into its new age. Greenwich native Eric Monte, who has a self-professed “love of food and wine,” partnered with Jay Patel, who comes from a family of restaurateurs. Chef Shelby prepares the delicious cuisine. Originally Monte had hired a French chef, but Chef Shelby and his Indian background wound up being the perfect match for the restaurant. Fred Laist manages the business aspect. He has a rich history in corporate catering and Monte calls him “brilliant in food service.” Read More
Weekly Nibble: Smoke in the Valley, Oktoberfest, Farm Tours, Harvest Festival, Norm Bloom & Son Oyster Talk & More! Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 23, 2015 On Monday September 28, Sen. Tony Hwang and The Buzz Truck are teaming up to bring free coffee to commuters! The event is honor of National Coffee Day, which takes place on the 29. Sen. Look for Hwang and The Buzz Truck in the parking lot side of the station (northbound) from 6-8am. Even Fairfield Cheese Company is getting into the Oktoberfest spirit! On Tuesday September 29, their typical cheese class will be replaced with a five-course meal paired with Oktoberfest brews. It costs $100 per person and will take place at the Fairfield location from 7-11pm. Smoke in the Valley returns to Seymour, CT on October 3 and 4. There will be live music, food trucks, local vendors, beer and wine tastings, and more. New for this year: a food truck challenge where attendees can vote for their favorite! Tickets are $45 pp. Pies and Pints, located in Waterbury, CT, has the next installation of its monthly beer dinner program on Wednesday September 30. Attendees can mingle during the welcome social from 6-6:30 and then sit down to a three course dinner with beer pairings. Reservations required: triburyct@gmail.com or call 203.573.1743. Match Restaurant continues its birthday celebrations with “The Reunion Dinner Service” on Wednesday September 30. Former staff members will return to dine with guests. All gratuities will benefit CDSC and Fiona’s Firefighters. The Spread in South Norwalk invites you to an Oktoberfest beer dinner on Thursday October 1. The five course meal includes autumn inspired fare like a sausage and sauerkraut fritter, pork shank, and pumpkin bread pudding. Each dish is paired with a delicious Oktoberfest beer. Reservations are required. Read More
napa & co 2015 Fall Wine Series CTbites Team September 23, 2015 The new Fall Wine appreciation classes have been announced at napa & company in Stamford. These highly regarded introductions to the art of pairing wines with fine foods kicks off on October 12th with Not "KJ" that will feature six New World Chardonnays. The courses continue with a focus on other varieties including Beaujolais, South African and vintages perfect for the Thanksgiving Dinner. Each of the classes will pair these wines with three small courses. Read More
Ciao Milford! 'Milford Restaurant Week' Coming October 5th to 11th CTbites Team September 22, 2015 The third annual Milford Restaurant Week – Ciao Milford! – will take place Monday, October 5 to Sunday, October 11. Twenty-four restaurants will be offering affordable dining choices via special multicourse prixe fixe fare – most will be offered at $24.95 pp. The 24 participating restaurants include Aldario's Restaurant, Archie Moore's Restaurant & Bar, Bar 3 Thirty-three, Bella Napoli Pizza, Bin 100 Restaurant, Bridge House Restaurant, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Colony Grill, Curry Leaves, Eli's Tavern on Daniel Street, Fratelli's Italian Restaurant, Gusto Trattoria/Italian Restaurant, Jeffrey's Restaurant by Claudio, La Famiglia Vincenzo Ristorante, Mama Teresa's Italian Restaurant & Pizza, Michael Anthony's Tuscan Grill, Milford Green Pizza & Restaurant, Oscar's Bistro & Bar, Rainbow Gardens, Reggiano's Pizza & Pasta House, SBC Restaurant and Brewery, Scribner's Restaurant, Stonebridge Restaurant, and Tengda Asian Bistro & Hibachi. Read More
Winners of Our Greenwich Wine + Food Festival Ticket Giveaway Are.... Stephanie Webster September 21, 2015 These lucky readers have been given a pair of tickets to The Greenwich Wine + Food Festival for use on Saturday Septmerb 26th. Winners have been notified via email. Congrats and enjoy! See you there, and don't forget to visit the Celebrity Green Room where CTbites will be moderating a Chef Panel in the afternoon. Jackie Madwed Chris Hildebrand Christina CT Read More
Del Frisco's Grille in Stamford - Stick with the Meats Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger September 20, 2015 CTbites was invited to a lunch at Del Frisco’s Grille in Stamford, the pubbier version of the nationwide steak house, representing the twenty-second Grille opening and its first location in Connecticut. The single, main dining area is extremely open and airy, with a soaring ceiling, reclaimed woods, large murals, and light fixtures giving an industrial-hip, NYC vibe. Seating includes tables, banquettes, and a long bar, all with leather backed seats and bar stools. The large open kitchen is situated in the rear of the dining room. Read More
CTbites Hosts Chef Panel @ Greenwich Wine + Food Festival Saturday, September 26th CTbites Team September 20, 2015 Coming up this weekend is the 5th Annual Greenwich Wine + Food Festival presented by Serendipity, a four day festival September 23- 26th, celebrating top chefs and mixologists. A special new feature this year includes the Hole In The Wall Gang Celebrity Green Room. Open to the public, the Green Room will be hosting a number of interviews with celebrity chefs, mixologists and musicians throughout Saturday and will include a CTbites Chef Panel with CT chefs, moderated by Matt Storch of Match Sono, and The Chelsea in Fairfield. Chef Storch will talk food trends, shop and get saucey with Nick Martschenko from South End and UnCorked in New Canaan, Pat Pascarella from Bar Sugo in Norwalk, Christian Petroni from Fortina, Armonk and Rye Brook (and coming soon to Stamford) and Bill Taibe from Le Farm, The Whelk, and KawaNi in Westport. The Chef Panel will be from 2:30-3:00 PM. Read More
Wave Hill Breads Turns 10: An Interview with the Bakers of Some Seriously Great Bread Bakery Stephanie Webster September 18, 2015 Wave Hill Breads turns 10 this year. We sat down with Mitch Rapoport and Margaret Sapir to talk about 10 years in the bread biz. What made you decide to launch Wave Hill Breads? Having observed that there was so little outstanding bread between New York and Boston, we recognized an unmet need. After we tasted remarkable bread at a restaurant in Stowe, Vermont, we tracked down the French baker, apprenticed to him, and brought authentic French bread-making techniques Connecticut. Has the business of baking changed in the past 10 year? How? Our business has changed since we moved to Norwalk from Wilton. We expanded our product line and now offer a wider variety of breads, croissants, and pastries. We opened a Café which won Best Bistro on the Gold Coast from Moffly Media but it distracted from our core wholesale business. We also participated in the short-lived Sono Marketplace. With so many restaurant and store clients, we automated our delivery and production tracking. But we still shape every loaf, croissant, and cookie by hand. Read More
The Stand Juice Company Opens 3rd Location in Westport, CT Features Restaurant Juice Bar Juice Cleanse Westport healthy CTbites Team September 17, 2015 The Stand Juice Company, whose mantra is, Life, Fueled by Plants, is about to open its third location in Westport, CT. Carissa and Mike Hvizdo, are the life force behind Fairfield County’s feel-good The Stand Juice Company. The Stand has been serving up plant based juices, snacks, sandwiches and baked goods since 2005. The business has flourished over the last 10 years and the duo’s standing within the local sustainable food community is palpable among industry jocks, farmers, and loyal consumers. The excitement surrounding The Stand Juice Company’s newest location at 1200 Post Road East in Westport only further celebrates the enjoyment and healthful benefits people have been experiencing since Carissa and Mike first made their mark in the organic juice world in 2005 with their original location on Wall Street in Norwalk. Read More
Weekly Nibble: Oktoberfest Events, Greenwich Wine + Food Festival, Burger Night, Cooking Classes & Lots O' Wine Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 17, 2015 Monday nights at elm in New Canaan are the place to be! Try their signature burger along with a draft beer for just $15. Chef Luke will be serving up some bites perfect for football as well, such as Short Rib Chili, Smoked Pork Sliders, and Korean BBQ Wings. AMG Catering’s Fall Adult Cooking Classes are officially underway! The season begins with “Thirty Minute Meals” on Tuesday September 22. Learn how to make 3 entrees- chicken, beef, and fish- along with side dishes in under 2 hours. The class costs $90 per person and goes from 7-9pm. Buy tickets here: Max Restaurant Group has two exciting events this week. Tuesday Sept. 22: Avion Tequila & Cocktail Dinner at Max Fish in Glastonbury, CT. Thursday Sept 24: Pigs & Pinot Tasting at Max Downtown in Hartford, CT The Mark Twain House in Hartford hosts “Tapping into Twain” Oktoberfest 9/25 from 5:30-9:30. $45 in advance ($40 for members). Read More
The Redding Roadhouse, 30 Years & Counting (sponsored post) CTbites Team September 15, 2015 After 30 years, memories are still being made at the Redding Roadhouse. Located in central Redding, aka where “all roads meet in the middle of nowhere”, The Roadhouse has hosted hundreds of weddings, graduations and holiday parties, and thousands of first dates and rowdy and rockin’ Saturday nights. Happily, some things do stay the same! After several years during which ownership passed outside the family, Jordan Wright, the current operator and nephew of founder Mac “Mackenzie” Groetzinger, has restored much of the original character of this iconic eatery. Drawing on his experience as a builder and his deep personal affection for the business, Wright undertook a major renovation in the fall of 2014. Rather than change the country ambiance, he made subtle changes and upgrades to improve the overall dining experience. Aging kitchen equipment was replaced, the custom mahogany bar in the Tap Room was extended, the bocce court was rebuilt and a stone fire pit was added to the patio. Read More
Claire’s Corner Copia in New Haven Celebrates 40th Anniversary Restaurant New Haven Amy Kundrat September 15, 2015 Photo c/o Claire's Corner Copia One of New Haven’s most venerated eateries, Claire’s Corner Copia, celebrates its 40th anniversary this week with a series of events during a two-day celebration on September 16 - 17, giving back to the community that has supported them for four decades. "New Haven is a great city for so many reasons: Yale (and, my favorite art gallery), the Shubert Theater, and other wonderful attractions. But, the best reason I love this city is because it's filled with many people who make a difference in the lives of others every day," said owner Claire Criscuolo. When asked about what they have in store for the next forty years, Claire explained: Starting after a little break for a week (we need a break after all the excitement of our anniversary), we are going to work on two main things: helping more people to eat healthier and lobbying to expand job opportunities here in our city through manufacturing. For this week, though, we'll be wearing party hats and eating birthday cake. And most importantly, saying ‘Thank You’ for all the wonderful people who made it possible for this ‘crazy experiment’ of bringing delicious vegetarian foods and kindness to our community become a dream come true for us. Read More
Joe Bruno Closes Pasta Nostra and Opens Audacious Bruculino in South Norwalk Restaurant Italian Norwalk SONO Lou Gorfain September 13, 2015 With the debut of the sleek and sexy bruculino in South Norwalk, Joe Bruno finally presides over a true restaurant. "Pasta Nostra was never meant to be more than a lunch spot," he says of the venerable store front that served as the anchor of the Sono culinary scene for 30 years. The place was getting old; Bruno wasn’t getting younger; it was time for something youthful, vibrant, and new. bruculino (Italian slang for “Brooklyn dude” – as in the person of Joe Bruno) is certainly all that -- and more. Imagined by renowned Westport architect Roger Ferris, the glassy new space at 20 North Main is dominated by a fetching forty foot terrazzo bar that is flanked by 23 neon-red Lucite seats, all staged in what was once a furniture store. For now, the bar is a lavoro in corso (still under construction), but Bruno will soon be mixing an array of spirits and craft cocktails in addition to the well curated wine list he brought over from Washington Street. He also brought his entire staff from PN, both the back and front of the house. Read More
GIVEAWAY: WIN FREE TIX to Greenwich Wine + Food Festival Sept 24-26 Stephanie Webster September 11, 2015 It's that time of year! The fifth annual GREENWICH WINE+FOOD FESTIVAL, presented by Serendipity magazine (www.greenwichwineandfood.com) and benefits Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and The Greenwich Department of Parks and Recreation, will be taking place Thursday, September 24– Saturday, September 26 at the Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich, Conn. CTbites is giving away 3 pairs of general admission tickets for Saturday September 26th. This includes The Grand Tasting Tent, Chef Demos, Burger Battle with Adam Richman, Bartender Showdown + more. TO WIN tell us why you deserve a pair of free tickets be emailing us your entry here. Winners will be announced September 21st. Read More
Friday Froth: Love The Harvest Ingredients CT Beer Friday Froth Beer James Gribbon September 11, 2015 Screw pumpkin beer and the sell sheet it rode in on. Screw it in September, and double-dog screw it in August, when I first start seeing it in stores. The fact I wasn't arrested for petty vandalism last month is a minor miracle. If you complain about summer being over to soon while ordering a late fall seasonal I hope you step in something wet while wearing socks. Such are the depths of my disdain. I say all this, even though I don't dislike pumpkin beers as such, because the end of summer and early fall are excellent times for beer. Hops and grain are both being harvested this time of year, and I encourage you to take full advantage of the brilliant little season between light, summer beers, and the heavy, spiced beers of winter, because that middleground is fertile, delicious,and short-lived. Let's do this. Read More
Weekly Nibble: Food Truck Festival, Ok2berfest, Oyster Night at The Spread, Farm to Table Dinners + More Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 11, 2015 On Tuesday September 15, Nicholas Roberts Fine Wines and Vespa Westport will host Robin Shay, Export Manager from Allegrini Wines, for a 5 course wine dinner. 10% of all wine sales taken during the evening will benefit Turning Wine into Water. The reception starts at 6:30, dinner at 7. $125 per guest, plus tax and gratuity. Info here. Also on Tuesday September 15, Post 154 is encouraging wine enthusiasts to meet and mingle with a wine social from 6-9pm. Guests will try wines from Buena Vista, and have the chance to meet the Count of Buena Vista, Agoston Haraszthy. $39.99 pp. “Food Trucks in the Valley” returns to Shelton, CT on Thursday September 17. This year there will be over 25 trucks, which is 10 more than last year! All of the details are on their facebook page: Two Roads Brewery will hold its highly anticipated “Ok2berfest” Saturday September 19 and Sunday September 20. Read More
Recap: CTbites Chef Demo Tent Rocks the Blues, View & BBQ Festival 2015 BBQ Chef Talk Festival Stephanie Webster September 10, 2015 Top Chefs from all around Fairfield County gathered at the CTbites Chef Demo Tent to delight guests at the Blues, Views & BBQ Festival this past weekend in Westport. They grilled, demoed recipes, and served up some great eats to thousands of eager fans. Was it fun? Heck yeah. The chefs you see above hail from: Match, Walrus + Carpenter, The Spread, Fleishers Craft Butchery, Bobby Q’s, Vespa, Can Tiin & NEAT, as well as Da Pietro's. They made brisket, pork buns, sliders, pork belly, and every other cut of every meat imaginable. Good times were had by all. Check out the pics! Read More
Hosting a Kids Cooking Party: Tips & Kid-Friendly Recipes via Marcia Selden Catering Kids Bites Features Kids kids activity Recipe Kid Friendly Marcia Selden Catering September 10, 2015 Marcia Selden Catering & Event Planning, a top caterer in Stamford, CT, loves kids and enjoys teaching them all about food. They host cooking parties for kids and adults in their commercial kitchen space and they know a thing or two about cooking and partying at the same time. Kids cooking parties have become a super popular birthday party theme, and it’s easy to see why. Children love to be part of the action especially when they get to ‘help out’ in the kitchen. Food is one of life’s pleasures, and preparing it is tons of fun too. Here are some of their top tips for having a fun, interactive party for kids between 6-12 that won’t leave your kitchen looking like a war-zone. Read More
