Friday Froth: It's Porter Season...Here's What To Drink Recipe Beer CT Beer James Gribbon December 04, 2015 I won't be mad if you tell me you don't like porters, but I will be disappointed. This is mainly because it robs me of the opportunity to order taster samples of this imperial, and that oatmeal version, and - oh man, you have to try this sour Baltic one... until you are half drunk from slamming six two ounce servings of 9% alcohol beer in four minutes, and the bartender hates us both. I am enthusiastic in my love for porter beers, and I want to share that joy. Being a pasty Irish dude, I am a natural ally of the darker, colder months, and the necessary extra layers of clothing work well in disguising the extra layers of me which come from downing 500-calorie pints two at a time. You may notice something funny going on with the names of several of the beers we're looking at this week, after that intro so, first, a quick bit of knowledge: all stouts are porters, but not all porters are stouts. If you'd like to do a deep dive on the subject, you can do worse than this. Read More
Weekly Nibble: Holiday Events, Beer Conn, Pub Crawls, Ugliest Sweaters & Wine Dinners Emma Jane-Doody Stetson December 04, 2015 The Kenny G Holiday Show comes to the Ridgefield Playhouse on Tuesday December 8. 109 Wine & Cheese will hold a complimentary wine tasting in the lobby prior to the show at 7:15pm. Gallo Ristorante offering complimentary glass of house wine or beer if you dine there pre-show w/ a ticket to the event. Tre Scalini in New Haven invites you to A Feast of the Seven Fishes, an Italian holiday tradition, on Tuesday December 8. From 6:30-9:30pm, sit down to a five course dinner, complete with wine pairings. It costs $85 per person. Brasitas in Stamford invites will host a five course dinner featuring Chilean wines from Lapostolle on Wednesday December 9. The cost is $65 and reservations are required. Please email stamford@brasitas.com or call 203-323-3176. Start your holiday season with Blackstone’s Steakhouse and the Greenwich Wine Society on Wednesday December 9. There will be hors d’oeuvres, wine, and time to mingle. Admission is $45 now and $50 at the door. please Visit www.GreenwichWineSociety.com or call 203.629.1261. Stonington Vineyards is hosting a very special event on Thursday December 10: A vertical tasting and evening with their winemaker. Read More
Holiday Recipe: Fleisher’s Hanukkah Brisket Ryan Fibiger December 03, 2015 Nobody knows Brisket better than Fleisher's Craft Butcher, and while brisket is traditional Hanukkah fare, there really is never a bad time for birsket. This recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for a cold winter night. Enjoy Fleisher's Hanukkah Brisket recipe and happy Hanukkah! Read More
Basso Café Restaurant in Norwalk Adds Wine Bar + New Menu Restaurant Italian New Canaan Norwalk Venezuelan Wine Bar Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger December 02, 2015 Several years ago CTbites visited Basso Café Restaurant on New Canaan Avenue in Norwalk and was very impressed with many of the dishes created by Owner / Chef Renato Donzelli. Since that time Chef Renato has maintained his vision of creating a wine bar to complement the food, and that is now a reality as Basso Café Restaurant is now Basso Café Restaurant Wine Bar. The interior has been updated with large, vibrant paintings along one wall, smaller modern pieces along the other wall overseeing the 60 seat dining area. The lighting is soft and inviting and acoustical tiles have been installed to reduce the noise level. After the recent receipt of a full liquor license, guests can now benefit from Chef Renato’s pairing of wines to balance the vibrant flavors of his cuisine and the rear of the restaurant now showcases the bar area with a selection of personally selected spirits, including organic vodkas. Read More
Shout Out: What's Your Most Essential Kitchen Gadget? Recipe CTbites Shout Out Kitchen Gear CTbites Team December 02, 2015 Whether you're a chef or a home cook, I'm sure you have an arsenal of kitchen tools and gadgets you simply can't live without. Alton Brown favors multi-taskers. Some favor a broader approach of single use gadgets (my favorite being the cherry pitter). We've posted some of our favorites over in our Gadget Guru section, but we want to hear from you. What is the one kitchen gadget you can't live without? Post your comment below! [This shout out was first posted in 2010. A lot has changed in 5 years...or perhaps not so much.] Read More
Sufganiyot (Cream Filled Doughnuts) Hanukkah Recipe from Roia Restaurant Recipe Holiday Recipe Stephanie Webster December 01, 2015 The first night of Hanukkah is December 6th. The miracle of Hanukkah is that only one vial of oil was found with just enough oil for one day, and yet it lasted for 8 full days. And so, we celebrate the holiday by paying homage to an ingredient no cook can do without...oil. Roia Restaraunt in New Haven has shared a wonderful recipe to enhance any true Hanukkah celebration Sufganiyot (Cream Filled Doughnuts). Pay tribute to the oil that lasted 8 days while enjoying one of America's favorite desserts. Happy Hanukkah! Read More
Harts Gallery Benefit Featuring Food by Chef Joel Viehland CTbites Team November 30, 2015 A benefit for the Harts Gallery Children’s Art Program in New Milford will take place on Saturday, December 12 from 5 to 8 p.m., with food & wine tastings by Chef Joel Viehland, former executive chef at Community Table. The food will be a preview for the Viehland's forthcoming restaurant concept opening soon in Kent, Connecticut. Advance tickets are $40 per person; $50 at the door. Evan Abramson and Carmen Elsa Lopez Ambramson run the artist-run space, and explained the impetus for the event: Read More
2015 CT Food Lover's Holiday Gift Guide Restaurant Recipe Gift Guide Holiday Kitchen Gear Specialty Market April Guilbault November 29, 2015 “At the end of the day, people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.” said the incomparable Maya Angelou. Well, we couldn’t agree more! So this holiday season, we know that when you give some of these gifts that we have found (along with a wide smile, a big hug and happy greetings!), the lucky recipients will surely be feeling the love. Happy them, happy you. Happy holidays, everyone! Here are 16 creative and delicious local CT gifts for the food lover in your life. Read More
Weekly Nibble: Cookie Crawl, Happy Hours, Holiday Markets, Cooking Classes + More! Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 28, 2015 On Wednesday December 2, elm restaurant invites you to a wine dinner featuring wine from The Withers. 5 courses, i.e. Smoked Pork Collar with red carrot and salsa verde, will be served alongside select wines. Dinner begins at 7pm and costs $85 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Also on Wednesday, Harry’s in Fairfield will hold a high-end wines class from 7-9pm. They have chosen wine from their top shelves that are age-worthy and high quality. It costs $70 per person. Troegs Brewing and Walrus + Carpenter are hosting a Mad Elf and ugly sweater party on Thursday December 3! It includes a Troegs tap takeover and live music starting at 6:30pm. Don’t forget your ugly sweater! The SoNo Holiday Bazaar will pop up at the Iron Works at 1 North Water Street in SoNo featuring local vendors selling jewelry, apparel & accessories, kitchen gifts, home décor + DJ’s and entertainment for your shopping pleasure. Food vendors include: Bar Sugo's fresh pasta, Dorset Maple Syrup, Calcutta Kitchen & rotating small batch cookie companies You’ve heard of a pub crawl… but what about a cookie crawl? On Friday December 4, collect over a dozen cookies by visiting local shops and eateries. All of the cookies are made by the Gateway Community College Culinary Department in New Haven’s 9th square. Tickets are $10. Celebrate the repeal of Prohibition in New Haven! On Saturday December 5, Ordinary is hosting its 2nd annual Repeal Day Party with $8 prohibition inspired cocktails from 5-9pm. Costumes are encouraged! Read More
Giving Back: Fighting Hunger in Connecticut on #GivingTuesday and Beyond Fundraiser Hartford Norwalk Amy Kundrat November 26, 2015 Photo c/o Community Plates Giving Tuesday has become a global day dedicated to giving back. This year it takes place on Tuesday, December 1, neatly positioned after our national day of thanks and a weekend of retail mayhem. If you’re planning on giving this holiday season around #GivingTuesday, why not consider supporting Connecticut-based charities that benefit the hungry? These charities are near and dear to our hearts at CTbites because while we celebrate food, we also understand that for too many, food insecurity is a major issue. And in our country, and certainly in Connecticut, that doesn’t feel right. If you’re planning on giving back this holiday season, and especially on Tuesday, December 1, here are a few hunger-related charities making an impact across the state. We know there are many terrific agencies and non profits not listed below, please share additional organizations that we should highlight by adding them in the comments section: Read More
Great Cakes & Cupcakes at Forever Sweet Bakery Ingredients Recipe Bakery Catering Kid Friendly Dessert CTbites Team November 24, 2015 Forever Sweet Bakery is celebrating its third anniversary as one of the most creative bakeries for cupcakes, cake pops, and special occasion themed cakes. Located off the beaten path in a strip mall on New Canaan Avenue in Norwalk, CTbites visited on opening day several years ago and over the last three years the bakery has received numerous accolades including the 2014 & 2015 Best of the Gold Coast Cupcakes. CTbites recently returned to Forever Sweet to confirm the original impression and taste the expanded offerings of cupcakes that owners Sky and Frances Mercede have created. Over the years, their cakes have been featured at many political victory parties and charity events including the Connecticut Food Bank, the Westport Little League and the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Sky and Frances believe in giving back to the community as often as possible. Read More
Holiday Recipe: Autumn Old Fashioned by La Zingara in Bethel Recipe Cocktails Holiday Recipe CTbites Team November 24, 2015 Although we all love the Thanksgiving holiday, there comes a time in any family gathering where one simply requires a cocktail or two. La Zingara in Bethel is here to help you in your time of need with a classic drink. Their Autumn Old Fashioned cocktail recipe will drown out any trying relative, and just make the dinner that much better. Read More
Bren Smith, Founder of Ocean Farming Non-profit GreenWave, Awarded Buckminster Fuller Challenge Award Restaurant CT Farms New Haven Amy Kundrat November 24, 2015 Bren Smith, the founder of GreenWave and Thimble Island Oyster Farm, an ocean farming non profit based in New Haven, has been making headlines recently as the recent recipient of the prestigious Buckminster Fuller Challenge. The award recognizes GreenWave's design for the world’s first multi-species 3D ocean farms. The non profit's work aims to restore ocean ecosystems while creating jobs in coastal communities through restorative ocean farmers. In addition to the New Yorker's "Is Seaweed the Next Superfood?," listen to a recent story on NPR.org: Read More
Holiday Recipes: Scandinavian Caramelized Potatoes & Mushroom Toast via Community Table Recipe Holiday Recipe Thanksgiving CTbites Team November 23, 2015 One of our favorite Litchfield County restaurants, Community Table, has contributed these deceptively simple but absolutely delicious appetizers for the upcoming holidays. Chef Marcell Davidsen's recipes for Scandinavian Caramelized Potatoes & Mushroom toast will delight even the most discerning guest. You may want to add this one to your virtual recipe box. Read More
The National Opens in Greenwich: A Conversation with Chef, Restaurateur, & TV Host Geoffrey Zakarian Interview Restaurant Celebrity Chef Greenwich Opening Amy Kundrat November 21, 2015 The National, the newest restaurant from celebrated chef, restaurateur, TV host, author, and philanthropist Geoffrey Zakarian, is now open in the heart of downtown Greenwich, at 376 Greenwich Avenue. We were invited to sit down with the chef just 24 hours after he opened the doors to the public. Sitting in a corner banquette, our candid conversation spanned his 30-year career, including his love for Greenwich, formative culinary influences, and his advice for aspiring chefs. The National feels like an extension of Zakarian himself. They both exude a studied yet casual New York elegance, are utterly charming, and yet quite approachable. A former Greenwich resident, it is no surprise he chose to open the restaurant within this community he knows so well. The modern american bistro feels at home on the Avenue and inside, boasts the welcoming charm of a neighborhood café with a seasonal menu positioned to please. Read More
Holiday Recipe: Chef Carey Savona's Heirloom Kale Salad Recipe Holiday Recipe Thanksgiving CTbites Team November 21, 2015 "By far our most requested recipe (I get at least three a week) is for our kale salad. I know that kale has jumped the shark, but this recipe was featured in the CT Farm to Table Cookbook and it fits well on the holiday table; healthy, but still very flavor forward," says Chef Carey Savona of Heirloom in New Haven. Enjoy this recipe for Heirloom's Kale Salad. Read More
Weekly Nibble: SE Uncorked Serves Lunch, Thanksgiving Restaurants, Happy Hours & More! Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 20, 2015 Uncorked fans no longer have to get their fix during dinner. They're now open for lunch service Tue-Sat starting at 10:30am. You can still grub on some of their signature dishes as well as a few new seasonal lunch specials to enjoy as well. Fjord Fish Market’s Darien location is open! The fourth location is situated at 1015 Boston Post Road. They offer with sushi rolled daily on premise, a selection of hot soups, dips, lobster dinners to go, and a take-out menu. They pride themselves on their responsibly-sourced fish and seafood. (Please note there is no poke bar yet.) On Tuesday November 24, Barcelona West Hartford invites you to “Thanksgiving: Barcelona Style.” Chef Eric will teach you how to prepare Thanksgiving inspired tapas and a whole turkey. It costs $29, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 860.218.2100. The event starts at 7pm. Vespa in Westport is proud to announce two new promotions: a redone happy hour and Wine Wednesdays. Read More
Sexy Cocktails Debut @ NoMa Social Lounge in New Rochelle Restaurant Cocktails New Rochelle Bar Lou Gorfain November 20, 2015 For decades, the locally owned Radisson in New Rochelle has been a beloved pillar of the lower Westchester community. But sadly, the matriarch was getting a bit long in the tooth. So the family transformed her vibe from venerable to vogue, a Manhattan style Boutique Hotel. As one of the designers of that refurb, Colby Brock, the Food and Beverage manager, named the new restaurant and lounge NoMa Social (NoMa stands for “North of Manhattan” and bears no alliance with the renowned Noma in Copenhagen). Colby brought in highly regarded Executive Chef Bill Rosenberg, (f.i.sh., Barcelona) to upgrade the kitchen, and she recently hired 32 year old Mike DeFalco as the Bar and Nightlife Manager. A major mission: inject some hip to a ho-hum bar menu. NoMa’s splashy lounge – replete with zebra stripes and a funky, deep house/electro trance playlist -- has become a hot spot for a young, party and pick-up crowd. To add to the jump, DeFalco has set about creating a cavalcade of sexy craft cocktails. Read More
