Barcelona SoNo Moving to Waypointe After 20 Years Restaurant Norwalk Spanish Opening Emma Jane-Doody Stetson January 17, 2016
The Winners of The Beat The Winter Blues Cocktail Party Are... CTbites Team January 17, 2016 It is time to announce the winners of The Beat The Winter Blues cocktail party contest, hosted by Watson's Catering and Event Planning & CTbites. 10 lucky CTbites readers will enjoy an evening of cocktail luges, delectable nibbles, and general merry making. The winners were selected by the folks at Watson's based on their responses to regarding their favorite catered events. Winners have been contacted via email but are listed below for good measure. Each winner may bring a +1. Winners: Ken, Jen, Steven D, Lisa, Deejaydubya, Erika, Nancy, Catherine, Tim, & Liz. Read More
Harlan Publick in South Norwalk Hosts Honig Wine Dinner January 26th CTbites Team January 16, 2016 Harlan Publick is hosting a “NAPA COMES TO SOUTH NORWALK” dinner on Tuesday January 26th. Join Michael Honig of Honig Wine for a one-of-a-kind dinner and learn about the nuances of the wines of the Napa Valley and enjoy hors d'oeuvres and wine during the "Meet & Greet" reception followed by a 4-course wine-paired dinner prepared by Chefs Stephen Lewandowski & Kamal Rose. View complete menu below. Read More
Friday Froth: Brewer Variants from Victory Brewing, Two Roads & Rodenbach James Gribbon January 15, 2016 One of the principle joys of live music is hearing familiar songs played in unfamiliar ways. An extended improvisation, a song's slow dissolve as band members explore different chords and reconnect through the voices of their instruments, the pure truth of an imperfect voice, the energy of a band and crowd playing off one another until every molecule in a room hums with energy... living, breathing creation. This is why we go, and why most artists aren't content to play the same songs over and over again the same way. Brewers are also creators and, once they have a formula down, start looking for a new way to express it. A new song is a new song, but what happens when you play with what you already have? What might evolve from here?At this point, many of you reading this are already familiar with variants of existing beers like Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin, Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout, even NEBCO Zapata-Bot (Gandhi-Bot aged in tequila barrels). This week we're going to take a look at a very few of the ways brewers are riffing on their beers, and what the results can be. Read More
South End Uncorked / Mura Ramen Pop Up Dinner January 31st Pop-Up Dinner CTbites Team January 14, 2016 Two of our favorite local chefs, Chef Nick Martschenko of the South End Restaurant Group and Chef Mogan Anthony of Mura Ramen Gastropub & (Locali) are joining forces to host a pop-up dinner at SEUncorked on Sun, 1/31. There will be two seatings: 6pm and 8pm and *reservations are required.* Guests can make reservations by calling SEUncorked at 203-920-1212. VIEW COMPLETE MENU BELOW. Michelle Mauro of the South End Restaurant group will create beverage pairings as well as having their full bar open. - $36/person (CASH ONLY) plus gratuity - Beverage pairing is additional $24/person.- Beverages charged upon consumption Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings January 18-31 Emma Jane-Doody Stetson January 14, 2016 Craft 260 hosts their anticipated home brewer’s competition on Monday January 18. Contestants will bring their homemade concoctions to be judged by guests from Sierra Nevada, Two Roads Brewery, and more. Come by to see who wins! If one of your resolutions involves honing your culinary skills, you might consider joining the Cookbook Club in New Milford. This week, they’ll focus on one pot wonders from Martha Stewart Living. Meet at the Candlewood Valley Country Club on January 18 from 7-8:30pm. There is no cost involved. Fleisher’s Westport presents “Pork Butchery 101” on Tuesday January 19. Learn about where pork comes from, different cuts, and cooking techniques with expert butchers. Tickets are $100 per person. On Wednesday January 20, The Stamford Innovation Center will be the venue for “Making Products People Want: The Nothin’ But Granola Story.” Jerri Graham started the business in her home, and turned it into a national brand. Learn about how they did that and try some samples! It begins at 6:30pm and tickets start at about $17. Walrus + Carpenter in Bridgeport hosts a special edition of their Brewgrass and Whole Pig Roast on Thursday January 21. Read More
Tap-a-Tree Maple Syrup Program @ Ambler Farm Ingredients CT Farms Local Farm kids cooking party CTbites Team January 13, 2016 It's that time of year again. Sign up for Ambler Farms immensely popular, Maple Syrup Tap-a-Tree program. Sign up quickly...these classes fill up fast. Learn the science and history of maple syruping by being a hands-on part of the process at Ambler Farm in Wilton. Training Sessions: Saturday, February 6th at 10am or 1pm Learn the science and history of maple syruping by being a hands-on part of the process. There will be two training sessions offered (February 6th at 10am or 1pm); only ONE session is required for training. On that day, participants will choose a tree and hang their bucket that will collect sap. Ambler Farm will send regular updates on the running of the sap so families can come to the Farm to collect sap from their trees. Sap will be boiled down in the Farm’s sugar shack and each family will go home with their very own bottle of Ambler Farm maple syrup. Read More
[OINK] Pop-Up Dinner Inspired by Italy @ The Whelk in Westport CTbites Team January 12, 2016 "[oink] pop-ups travel down to Westport to transform the beloved American Seafood restaurant The Whelk into a tasting of Italy called il Arbitrario - translation: the Arbitrary. An arbitrary word that states we cook Italian food. Be there January 31st for the 7 course, $85 tasting which includes 3 wine pairings. Ticket sales only! Buy them here today! They will go fast... [oink] is the first step of truly sustainable food in CT. [goal]: to educate our community, via small dinner parties and restaurant pop ups, all about "local." Read More
GIVEAWAY! WIN TIX to 8th Annual Chocolate, Dessert & Wine Lover’s Evening CTbites Team January 12, 2016 WIN 2 FREE TIX to the 8th Annual Chocolate, Dessert & Wine Lover’s Evening–a Stamford Valentine tradition. Just Tell us Why You Feel YOU should win. Post your comment below. Read More
Sayulita: Standout Mexican in South Glastonbury Restaurant Cocktails South Glastonbury Tacos Mexican Hope Simmons January 10, 2016 Step through the door at Sayulita in South Glastonbury, and, right away, you’ll see: this is no ordinary Mexican restaurant. Clean and simple, with lots of wood and natural light, Sayulita features what’s fresh and local from the farms of South Glastonbury to the shores of Stonington. A poster of a surfing contest with a sugar skull, a thick turquoise glass bottle for the water that’s brought to your table. On my last visit, ’50s music played in the background. It’s casual. It’s comfortable. It’s a departure from most Mexican you’ve ever had before. Named after the seaside surfing town north of Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita is the most recent restaurant endeavor of Adam and Bill Driggs, owners of 2Hopewell and Birch Hill Tavern. With Chef Van Hurd, of Hell’s Kitchen fame, at the helm, you’re in for a uniquely tasty adventure here. Sometimes the most excellent feasts can be found at the beginning and end of the menu—appetizers and desserts. Add quality cocktails and out-of-the-ordinary tacos to round it out and what you’ve got is my favorite way to enjoy a meal at Sayulita. Read More
Two Roads Hosts Igor’s Dream Dessert & Beer Pairing Jan 25th w/ Nora Cupcake, Donut Crazy + CTbites Team January 09, 2016 Two Roads Brewing is hosting their first-ever Igor's Dream dessert pairing event. 7pm-9pm on January 25th there will be a very unique collaboration of delectable desserts and a sneak preview of the 2016 Igor's Dream beer lineup. They've paired four of our limited and brewery only beers with four local CT desserts to create a tasty combination of mouth-watering goodness. Dessert pairings include Tipsy Cones, Donut Crazy, NORA Cupcake and Cannoli's on the Run. Read More
Bobby Q's Bodacious BBQ To Close Doors in Westport: Celebrations & What's Next? CTbites Team January 08, 2016 While we were very sad to hear the following news regarding the close of Bobby Q's Bodacious BBQ in Westport, we know there will be another chapter for Bob Le Rose after the March 31st close. Read on for closing celebration events through the end of March. Bobby Q’s Bodacious BBQ & Grill in Westport is celebrating its successful 11 year run in town before closing its doors on March 31. Opened by Bob LeRose in the fall of 2004, the restaurant has become known as a local watering hole for families, couples and friends, all seeking award-winning BBQ, creative house drinks and the best live music in Fairfield County. “We’ve had an amazing run as a member of the Westport community for the past eleven years, establishing friendships and seeing kids grow up over the years,” commented owner Bob LeRose. “We are looking forward to celebrating with our friends and family over the next three months, remembering all of the good times that were had – birthday parties, family dinners, celebrations and more - and those that are still TO BE had at Bobby Q’s, before we fire up our smoker in Westport one last time at the end of March. While I’m sad that this chapter of my restaurant career is coming to an end, I’ll have some exciting news coming soon on my next chapter.” Read More
Friday Froth: The Tale Of The Commodore from Ballast Point Ingredients Beer Friday Froth James Gribbon January 08, 2016 Hello! Welcome back to Friday Froth, 2016 edition: the semi-weekly beer column eagerly awaited by literally tens of people. This week, as in most weeks, I will start off with discussion on a topic which has nothing at all to do with beer. Continue reading at your own peril. I have a friend who moved to Germany because of a girl. I think we can all agree emigrating from the country of your birth to one across a large ocean whose language you don't speak while relying on an intimate interpersonal relationship for success and happiness with no fall-back plan usually works out perfectly, and I'm sure you'll all be relieved to learn that has been precisely the case with him. If anything, he has more hair on his head than when he left - a fact about which we can all be magnanimous, and definitely not introduce small amounts of arsenic into the care packages of American peanut butter and bourbon whiskey we send him, because we are not envious monsters. Read More
Weekly Nibble: Mohegan Winefest, Beekeeping, Brunch, Cocktail & Cooking Classes, Home Brewing & More! Emma Jane-Doody Stetson January 07, 2016 Dinners At The Farm have released tickets for their 2016 season. More info here. Barcelona Stamford invites you to their “Cocktail Classroom” on Wednesday January 13. The night is all about tequila! Learn how to prepare tequila cocktails and enjoy bites that go with the spirit. It starts at 7pm and costs $35 per person. Fleishers Craft Kitchen in Westport is launching a brand new series of biweekly beer dinners with CT's best craft and micro brewers, titled "Butchers Meat Brewers." Napa and Company in Stamford has announced their winter wine classes! The series begins on Monday January 11 with “Call Me a Cab,” a blind tasting of 6 Cabernets from different regions. There will be 3 small plates as well. Reservations are required and the class costs $75 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Rothbard's European gastropub in Westport has launches Brunch every Saturday & Sunday starting at 11:30am. The Connecticut Vegetable & Small Fruit Grower’s Conference will take place on Monday January 11 at Maneeley’s Conference Center in South Windsor, CT. There will be a trade show as well as seminars and guest speakers throughout the day. Read More
Stuffed Ricotta and Spinach Agnolotti Recipe via Basso Cafe Recipe Chef Talk Pasta Recipe Comfort Food CTbites Team January 07, 2016 Let's be real people. When the cold weather rolls in, it's time to dig into some serious comfort food. For us, this generally means braised meat and carbs, preferably pasta. Chef Renato Donzelli of Basso Cafe in Norwalk makes beautiful housemade pasta for his guests, and now you can make it in your own house. Enjoy his recipe for Stuffed Ricotta and Spinach Agnolotti. Read More
Party Tix Giveaway!! Winter Blues Cocktail Party Hosted by CTbites & Watson's Jan. 21st Stephanie Webster January 06, 2016 To combat the winter blues, the CTbites team decided to get together with our friends at Watson's Catering and Events and throw ourselves a party on January 21st. Jealous? Don't be, because YOU CAN JOIN US! 10 CTbites readers will WIN FREE TIX (a pair to be exact) to WATSON's WINTER HOLIDAY PARTY complete w/ cocktail luges and seriously good eats! HOW TO WIN: Tell us about your favorite catered event below We welcome any and all details regarding ambiance, food, drinks, location, and music. Read More
The Inn at Newtown Closes Its Doors After 17 Years Restaurant Newtown CTbites Team January 05, 2016 Photo: Life in Newtown The Inn at Newtown, a long time landmark on Newtown's historic Main Street, will be closing its doors on Sunday, January 10, reports the News Times. Announced on their Twitter account by proprietor Rob Ryder, the Inn at Newtown has been in operation for 17 years at 19 Main Street in the center of Newtown, CT. Read the full story on NewsTimes.com Read More
Best Restaurants in CT 2016: Experts' Picks via Connecticut Magazine Best of CT Connecticut Magazine January 05, 2016 Get ready to bite into the restaurants judged the best of the best in Connecticut by our “experts,” who range from veteran restaurant critics and food writers to contemporary bloggers who track the trends as well as the hottest, newest places. Joined by some food-savvy Connecticut Magazine editors, it’s a group for which dining is a passion—and dining at the best places is an art that takes constantly having a collective finger on the pulse of the Connecticut dining scene. Together, our Readers’ Choice and Experts’ Picks provide a comprehensive view of the state’s tastiest places to eat well. Best For Overall Excellence Union League Café, New Haven Max Downtown, Hartford The Restaurant at Winvian Farm, Morris South End, New Canaan Bailey’s Backyard, Ridgefield Thomas Henkelmann, Greenwich West Street Grill, Litchfield Arethusa al tavolo, Bantam Millwright’s, Simsbury Oyster Club, Mystic The Whelk, Westport Community Table, Washington Read the complete article at Connecticut Magazine Read More
15 Places to Eat Healthy in CT: Juice Bars, Restaurants, Organic Markets & Food Trucks (2016 Edition) Ingredients Restaurant Juice Bar Juice Cleanse Organic healthy Best of CT April Guilbault January 03, 2016 No partridges and pear trees in our version, but there were.... 12 Frosted Cookies...11 Drinks-a-Drunk...10 Dips-for-Dipping...9 Ice-Cold Cocktails...8 Trays of Hors d’oeuvres...7 Festive Brunches...6 Company Dinners...5 Cooooookie Traaaaays (everybody sing)!...4 Cheese Straws...3 Baked Hams...2 Yule Logs...and (finally)...1 Healthy Meal for MEEEEE!! Time to get back on that wagon, everyone. And thankfully, you have us to help you do it! Happy 2016 to you and may it be filled with good eats and good health! And ok, a good organic wine or beer now and then. Here are 15 Healthy Restaurants, Juice Bars, Organic Market & Food Trucks across the state of Connecticut. Read More
La Esquina Opens in Stamford: Authentic Latin Cuisine Just Around The Corner Restaurant Brazilian Delicious Dives Peruvian Stamford Latin American Sarah Green January 03, 2016 You know that little place, right around the corner? The one that serves just that dish you were craving? The one that serves food you just know comes from a parent or grandparent’s tried-and-true recipe? You know the place, your go-to joint, always reliable, where you don’t have to dress up and you don’t have to spend a fortune? Well, “La Esquina,” literally, “the corner,” is just THAT place, serving up authentic South American yummies with home-style flare and flavors that impress. La Esquina Latin Grill, right on “the corner” at 50 Hamilton Avenue in Stamford, is a labor of love for the young and extremely talented co-owner and head chef, Robert Monegro. Chef Robert grew up in Stamford with his Guatemalan mother and Dominican father, both chefs. He decided that after learning all he could by growing up in the kitchen of his parents’ restaurant, Flamboyant in Stamford, he would put his own mark on the culinary map of Fairfield County. And he is doing just that. Read More
