Taste of the Nation Hartford Features Celebrity Chefs to Raise $$ for No Kid Hungry CTbites Team October 23, 2015 Share Our Strength’s 27th Annual Taste of the Nation Hartford will be held at The Riverview, 10 Winslow Place, Simsbury, CT. The event will take place from 6:30 – 11:00 PM on Oct 29, 2015. General Admission tickets are $150. The event now featured a new format with a cocktail and dessert reception and a multi-course SEATED dinner prepared tableside by some of New England and NY’s best chefs. Featured Chefs and Restaurants are Jacques Pepin, Author and Cooking Legend; Tyler Anderson, Millwrights Restaurant; Billy Grant, Grants | Bricco; Jamie Bisonette, Toro NYC | Toro Boston | Coppa; Bill Taibe, Le Farm | The Whelk | Kawani; Jeff Lizotte; On20 and Scott Miller | Hunter Morton, Max Restaurant Group. There will also be a silent auction and live entertainment. Tickets can be purchased here. Read More
Junzi Kitchen Opens in New Haven Features Restaurant Asian Chinese New Haven Lunch Amy Kundrat October 23, 2015 Photo: Reed Immer, Junzi Kitchen A chun-bing (spring-pancake), is traditionally eaten to celebrate the arrival of spring in chinese culture. Its origins as a humble culinary tradition are tied to the Qin dynasty (265 - 240 ad), when chun-bing was prepared with fresh spring ingredients to signal the spring harvest and a return to the land. It’s become a year-round staple in northern China where you can find it in street carts, restaurants, and on sunday dinner tables. And now on 21 Broadway in New Haven at Junzi Kitchen which opened this week. Junzi co-founders Ming Bai, Wanting Zhang, and Yong Zhao grew up in a transitional time in northeast China when the population was experiencing many modernizations. Instead of growing food on their own, supermarkets became a predominant food source for families out of convenience, but it was clear that something special was being lost in the process. Nostalgia for the spring flavors of home led the fellow Yale grad students to launch Junzi Kitchen. "I wanted to show people that Chinese food can be simple, healthy, and satisfying, something you can eat every day," said co-founder Yong Zhao. The result is an experience that challenges the way you think about Chinese food. Read More
Cask Republic Is Now Open in Downtown South Norwalk CTbites Team October 23, 2015 Cask Republic has now opened its third Connecticut location in the heart of downtown South Norwalk serving globally inspired, chef-crafted American fare in a welcoming, warm and lively atmosphere. Located at 99 Washington Street, the restaurant offers local residents and visitors a great place to enjoy casual but well executed fare, a superior selection of beer, wine and craft cocktails. Cask Republic eclectic interior is inviting with hardwood floors, intimate lounges, and expansive floor to ceiling windows which creates a casual yet welcoming aesthetic. A full length oak bar takes center stage in the main dining room set below television screens and surrounded by booths and communal tables seating upwards of 100 guests, perfect for after work and weekend gatherings with colleagues and friends. You will also be able to catch your favorite sporting events on the two large-screen televisions. In the Spring, the 60-seat outdoor patio will be available for dining alfresco in a garden-like oasis featuring a fountain, cozy couches and lush plantings. Read More
Weekly Nibble: Halloween Parties, Pub Crawls, A Martini Masquerade + Chili Challenges Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 22, 2015 Join Carissa from Stand Juice Co. for a Zero Waste Cooking Class on Wednesday October 28 from 7-8:30pm. Learn how to make the most of your ingredients, and prepare vegan and gluten-free recipes. RSVP at any Stand Juice Co. location or at info@thestandjuice.com. Two Roads Brewing and Ghost Tours of New Haven are teaming up for a haunted Halloween bar crawl in New Haven. The event, called “Pints 2 Poltergeist,” is Wednesday October 28 from 7:30-9pm. Walk to Ordinary, Cask Republic and Tavern for Two Roads beer. Along the way, hear ghost stories about New Haven. $33. New Haven’s Olea Restaurant and Amity Wine are uniting for a Spanish wine dinner on Thursday October 29. A reception will be followed by a four course meal featuring dishes like monk fish a la plancha and braised lamb shank. It is $85 all inclusive. RSVP to Jim Boyrer at jimb@amitywines.net or 203-387-6725. On Friday October 30, Branford's Stony Creek Brewery will have its first "Dia de Reposado Party." They'll release a “Reposado Negro” Tequilla Barrel Aged Black Wheat Wine. The Black Rock Farmers Market will end its season with a Harvest Hootenanny on Halloween. From 9-1, enjoy a beer tasting by Two Roads, a pig roast from Walrus + Carpenter, and much more. Read More
Stamford Chili Cookoff To Benefit The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County CTbites Team October 22, 2015
Happy Hour at Elm City Social in New Haven Features Restaurant Happy Hour Editor's Pick Bar New Haven Amy Kundrat October 21, 2015 Elm City Social has entered New Haven’s burgeoning craft cocktail scene with an exhaustive and inventive array of cocktails and a variety dining options from mid-day to late night. Venturing into the Elm City Social bar during Happy Hour, I had but a simple mission – to quickly refuel with a cocktail and a few snacks before an evening event. I knew I had come to the right place when I noticed the cocktail menu was equal to, if not greater than, the dining options. So first, those cocktails. The Rubber Ducky is a shaken cocktail made from a combination of a citra hop-infused New Amsterdam Gin, basil, grapefruit, lemon, with sparkling water. First sip, my eyes quickly narrowing, I found myself put off (turned on?) by the hoppy notes. Second sip, a bit of offense but also wonderment, “how did an IPA get in my cocktail?” From that point until my last sip, I was impressed by the equal parts confusion and compulsion on my palate. Well done. Also, there is an actual rubber ducky floating in your drink. Bonus points for cheekiness. Read More
The Stand Juice Company Opens 3rd Location in Westport Restaurant Juice Bar Juice Cleanse Westport healthy Jessica Ryan October 21, 2015 Vegetarians and vegans and clean eaters rejoice, The Stand Juice Company has opened its 3rd location and is now open in Westport. Carissa and Mike Hvizdo are passionate about what they do and passionate about the plant based juices, snacks, sandwiches and baked goods they serve at The Stand. Their commitment to “providing good food and a better earth using the land to do so,” has paved the way to their newest and 3rd location. Mike and Carissa met at a farmer’s market. They will tell you that their connection was profound - brought together by her passion for living life off the land and Mike’s first-hand experience with conquering a rare blood disease through natural healing methods, which ultimately led to him earning his holistic educator certification and his work with the Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach, FL. Read More
Breaking News: Fortina in Stamford Opening This Week Restaurant Italian Pizza Stamford Lunch Opening Lou Gorfain October 20, 2015 Grazie a Dio. The long wait (and drive to Westchester) is over. Fortina is ready to rock in Stamford’s Harbor Point. Luigi Bianco Pizza, welcome to Connecticut! Expecting to begin serving any day (as soon as they get their Certificate of Occupancy), partners John Nealon, Christian Petroni, and Rob Krauss invited CTBites to stop by for a sneak peek before the official opening. Actually that debut won’t be so formal. Nothing soft. No Friends and Family. Not even a ribbon cutting. Just a sigh of relief. “When we open the doors, we’re open,” Nealon told us. That’s because everything is set, the menu (almost identical to Armonk), the staff (many from Rye Brook and Armonk), the kitchen (the same wood fired ovens from Naples and charcoal grill from Spain) the playlist (specialized for Stamford’s millennials and empty nesters), and yes, hundreds of those familiar San Marzano cans just waiting to boost their pizza trays with a luscious Luigi Bianco. The whimsy is waiting. Read More
Porktoberfest is Back! Fleisher's Craft Butchery Hosts Annual Homage to The Piggie CTbites Team October 19, 2015 Dust off your lederhosen and get ready for pork! On Sunday, October 25th, Fleishers Craft Butchery puts on the 4th Annual Porktoberfest, a day of whole-roasted pigs, flowing beer, housemade sausages, live music and more. This is a family friendly event, with plenty of non-alcoholic cider, s’mores and games for kids. Admission, Beer & Food details: The Big Piggie: $50 includes ADVANCED admission, all-you-can-eat pork, our Porktoberfest beer mug and 1 free beer ticket. The Little Piggie: $25 includes advanced admission, our Porktoberfest beer mug and 1 free beer ticket. Day-of only: $30 includes admission, our Porktoberfest beer mug and 1 free beer ticket. Read More
Holiday Catering Guide: 14 Fairfield County Caterers Who Do It All Features Catering Entertaining Holiday Best of CT April Guilbault October 18, 2015 Holiday party for 4…10…50…100? It all takes effort to entertain well and create a memorable and delicious event for your guests. So, as we embark on another lively holiday season, get a little help. Ok, a lot of help (you’ll be sooo much happier for it!). Have that party catered! Lucky for you, we have assembled a delightful list of area caterers and restaurants that will, literally, bring something amazing to the table. So make the call, invite the guests, and enjoy your holiday season’s get-togethers right along with everyone else. It is our gift to you. We bring you our Holiday Catering Guide: 14 Fairfield County Caterers Who Do It All! Read More
Friday Froth: Crossing The Line To Find Some Rare Beer James Gribbon October 16, 2015 We can't always get what we want in Connecticut. Somewhere in the stone paved and torch-lit corners of our state's liquor legislation sit musty arcana which chased my beloved Avery brewing out of state, banned Festbier for two inexplicable years, and didn't allow Yeungling into town until at least fifteen years too late. It was the second decade of the 21st century before Connecticut blue laws - enacted circa 1655, and the scourge of mid-90s Jon Favreau - allowed Sunday sales, and package stores were allowed to stay open later than 8pm, in fear of a man who got the electric chair in 1960. "Steady habits," indeed.When we couldn't get what we wanted, we took part in the grand American tradition of law-skirting, and just drove to New York. After all it's, like, right there. I was on no such quest when I found myself in midtown Manhattan a few weeks back with two hours to spare, and two blocks from The Ginger Man in the lower 30s. You want Hill Farmstead? They have Hill Farmstead. Read More
Weekly Nibble: Bacon Week, Butchery Class, Halloween Parties, Live Music & More! Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 16, 2015 Starting on Monday October 19, Bacon Week returns to Plan B Burger Bar! On Wednesday October 21, Brasitas in Norwalk will host a 5 course wine tasting dinner featuring Nieto Senetiner Wines from Argentina. Try a Torrontes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and more at their first wine dinner of the season. It begins at 6:30 and costs $65 per person. RSVP required. Fleisher’s Craft Butchery is now offering cooking classes. On October 24, take “Beef Butchery 101,” where one of their expert butcher’s will guide you through a whole steer. Learn about basic anatomy, knife skills, sustainability, and of course partake in samples. It lasts from 7-9pm and costs $100 per person. The Connecticut and Farm Table Cookbook and William Sonoma Westport invite you to a cocktail-style event on Thursday October 22. Guests can speak to author, Christy Colasurdo, purchase signed copies of the book, and try food from the book. 7-9pm, $55 per person. RSVPs required (203) 221-8667. If you’re hoping to enjoy some great food and live music, visit Walrus + Carpenter on Thursday October 22 for music by the Wagon Riders. Read More
The Spread Team Opening El Segundo in South Norwalk Featuring Street Food From Around The Globe Restaurant Asian Norwalk SONO Seafood Mexican Kid Friendly Stephanie Webster October 15, 2015 After 3 successful years in South Norwalk, the team from The Spread has just announced that they have signed a lease in the SoNo Ironworks complex. In early 2016 an exciting new restaurant concept will be coming to CT diners. The name is El Segundo and the idea is simple. Spread owners Christpher Hickey, Christopher Rasile, Andrey Cortes, and Shawn Longyear alongside Chef Carlos Baez have created a menu that features street food from around the globe that everyone loves to eat: tacos, arepas, ceviche, Asian bao, light salads and a little comfort food thrown in for good measure. The setting is casual and fun, with a price point that will make diners in South Norwalk smile. And the bar? Let’s just say these guys know a thing or two about bartending. Directly across from Harlan Publick, El Segundo is poised to deliver a uniquely fun dining experience to Fairfield County. The restaurant features an open kitchen with bar seating, allowing diners to watch Chef Carlos as he re-creates dishes from his childhood, including his father’s recipe for Tacos Al Pastor. Large windows make this space light and airy and garage doors will open up to the Ironworks courtyard in the warmer months. Read More
Recap: Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 15, 2015 Wednesday September 23 marked the official start of autumn, but one never would have known at this year’s Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival. Summer seemed unwilling to leave. The day was clear and sunshine beamed down on guests. Crisp white tents stood out against the shimmering blue water. As the day wore on, people congregated along the water’s edge to dance to oldies, bask in the sun, and nurse glasses of white wine. It was a picture perfect day. I had the chance to attend Sunday’s Grand Tasting, which had the impressive Marble House as its backdrop. About two dozen restaurants and 75 wineries gathered on the sprawling grounds to serve samples of their signature products. The event also included celebrity chef demonstrations, book signings, and a silent auction. Celebrity chef and TV personality Martha Stewart kicked off the book signings where excited fans clutched copies of her newest book, Martha Stewart's Appetizers: 200 Recipes for Dips, Spreads, Snacks, Small Plates, and Other Delicious Hors d'Oeuvres, Plus 30 Cocktails. Culinary legend Chef Jacques Pepin united with his daughter Claudine for the day’s headlining cooking demonstration. Read More
Recap: The Spread Hosts Oktoberfest James Gribbon October 14, 2015 Photography c/o Mike LauterbornIn America, the days of Oktoberfest are coming to a middle. The actual dates don't really matter to most of us, or anyway less than the communal enjoyment of Bavarian-inspired food and drink. The communal point may actually be the best part, I think, which is how I ended up sitting at The Spread in SoNo for their sechs gängeOktoberfest dinner on October 1st.Those two be-umlauted words just mean "six course," as Chef Carlos Baez turned his attention to the blue checkerboard of Bavarian tradition for the open, ticketed event. Oktoberfest menus often include beer by the liter and schnitzel sandwiches the size of the plate they're served on, but the reasonable portion sizes of the tasting menu meant I didn't have to rent a surrogate stomach. An Oktoberfest event without bratwurst is like a night without stars Read More
Chowdafest 2015 Winners Are Announced... CTbites Team October 13, 2015 Here are some highlights from 2015: Pike Place Chowder came from Seattle and won best New England clam chowder (got an extra seat for the trophy for their flight home) Dunville's won the Traditional category (just for Manhattan and Rhode Island chowders), for the 2nd time, beating Manhattan's Soup Spot at their own game Read More
Video: CTbites Chef Panel w/ Fortina, The Whelk, South End, Bar Sugo, Match, Douro & Fleisher's @ Greenwich Wine + Food Festival Chef Talk Stephanie Webster October 13, 2015 CTbites sat down with some of CT's top chefs and restaurant owners at The Greenwich Wine + Food Festival to talk about food trends in CT, their inspiration, favorite foods, the farm-to-table trend, and what their mamas taught them. Chefs included Christian Petroni, Bill Taibe, Matt Storch (as moderator), Nick Martschenko, Pat Pascarella, Ryan Fibiger, & Rui Correia. (See if you can tell which one of these chefs had a rough night prior to our interview.) This video originally aired via Periscope. Make sure you don't miss upcoming CTbites Periscope content, download Periscope here. https://appsto.re/us/TXw_5.i Read More
Mill Street Bar & Table Opens in Greenwich: Celebrating The American Bounty Restaurant Byram Farm to Table Greenwich Local Farm Lou Gorfain October 11, 2015 The dream began in a sandbox…..where five year old Geoff Lazlo planted his first garden. Since then, he has tended, harvested, and cooked with the likes of Alice Waters at Chez Panisse, Michael Anthony at Gramercy Tavern, Dan Barber at Stone Barns, and Bill Taibe at The Whelk. “What a pedigree!” we said to Lazlo, now the Managing Partner and Executive Chef of the newly opened Mill Street Table and Bar in Greenwich. “Your takeaway?” "That a seasonal cook has to react like a top athlete," he told us. “Fresh ingredients are in constant motion. Early asparagus is very different than late asparagus, so you're always adjusting to a fast, ever changing game." Geoff's garden isn't Madison Square, but his own herb and vegetable plots at Greenwich Community Gardens, and, of course, Back 40 Farm. That’s the family acreage in Washington Depot run by his partners at Mill Street, Bill and Leslie King, who head up the organic-centric Back 40 Group. What Lazlo doesn't pick from there, he sources locally: whether it be oysters farmed off the Greenwich shore, milk, cream and butter churned at Arethusa Dairy Farm in Litchfield, even Byram River Rum, distilled down the road in Post Chester. Mill Street represents the fulfilment of Geoff’s dream to establish his own place, an “American Restaurant,” celebrating family, community and local bounty. Read More
Blackrock Farmers' Market Halloween Hootenanny Ingredients Events Farmers Market CTbites Team October 11, 2015 Black Rock Farmers Market (BRFM) presents a hoot of a party to celebrate the closing of our 2nd season. Join them for an afternoon of corn hole games, barn dancing, beer tastings, a pig roast by Walrus + Carpenter, local eats, and live music, from 1-5pm. Proceeds will directly benefit our 2016 season. The event will be family-friendly and include a haunted house. Come in costume to trick or treat through the market. Halloween Hootenanny Lineup Beer tasting with Two Roads Brewing Company and other local breweries Pig roast by Walrus + Carpenter Corn hole tournament from 1-3pm – REGISTER HERE Live music from KC Sisters, G Rockwell & The Still River Ramblers Barn dancing led by Bill Fischer, the Dance Caller from 3-5pm Haunted house Lounge area & bonfire Read More
Weekly Nibble: NHV Craft Beer Week, Restaurant Weeks, Oktoberfest Events + More! Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 09, 2015 Fairfield Restaurant Week starts on Sunday October 11 and goes through the 18. Over 30 restaurants are featuring special prix fixe menus. Westport Restaurant Week continues through Sunday October 18. 29 restaurants are offering special prix fixe menus. New Haven Craft Beer Week starts Monday October 12 and continues through the 17. Cask Republic, Ordinary, Prime 16, Pacific Standard, and Three Sheets team up to offer beer specials and events all week long. Visit their facebook page for announcements on the schedule. On Saturday October 17, Harlan Publick in South Norwalk invites you to their first ever Oktoberfest party on the patio (rain day October 18). A $50 entrance fee is all inclusive. Enjoy access to all German beers on top, a suckling pig, and German inspired fare. It goes from 12-4pm. The 4th annual Harbor Brew Fest will take place at the ballpark at Harbor Yard on Saturday October 17. Read More
