10 Questions w/ The Whelk's Chef Anthony Kostelis

Interview Chef Chef Talk

CTbites Team March 15, 2016

You eat at their restaurants, you love their food, but what do you know about the chefs who work to bring you culinary pleasure? Here are 10 Questions with The Whelk's Chef Anthony Kostelis. Find out what inspires him, his favorite chef, most memorable meal and more...Get to know your chef.

What made you decide to be a chef?

I had always been involved in restaurants in some form. My father had his own food distribution company. My first jobs were working a few shifts in the kitchens at one of his customer's restaurants. I moved on to the front of house when I was 18 or so. That landed me at Scoozzi in New Haven for a few years. It was there, that I decided to pursue cooking. I remember looking at my class schedule when I was enrolled at Southern Connecticut State University; I was totally uninspired by my class list. I just happened to have dinner later that day at my favorite restaurant at the time when I realized that food is what I am passionate about.

Zakarian's "Ugly Burger" at The National in Greenwich is a Beautiful Thing

Restaurant Celebrity Chef Greenwich Burgers

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger March 13, 2016

There is a new King of the Hill of hamburgers in Greenwich.

Since celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian opened The National several months ago at the lower end of Greenwich Avenue, I have received numerous emails telling me about its burger. On a sunny day I ventured to Greenwich, grabbed a table and ordered “THE NATIONAL UGLY BURGER” which includes Cabot Cheddar cheese, crispy Shallots, Ntl Sauce, and served with malt vinegar chips. I ordered it medium-rare.

The burger arrived and it was served on a wooden cutting board, with a pickle speared through the top of the bun. The melted cheese was oozing around the edges, dripping towards the serving board. The sautéed shallots were peeking from under the cheese, partnered with the edges of a single lettuce leaf. If the taste was as good as the presentation, this would be a great burger. The burger was accompanied by the chips that were vertically arranged in a separate metal vase.

Baked and Sauced: Vintage Food Truck Serving Craft Cocktails & Dessert

Restaurant Recipe Bakery Catering Cocktails Food Truck Dessert

April Guilbault March 13, 2016

Approaching this gleaming 1968 Airstream, one is met by the two welcoming, smiling souls who commandeer this shining new-fangled-but-vintage food truck. You also can’t help but remember a particular (vintage?) REM song...Shiny Happy People! Or at least, that’s what stuck in my head (and I believe I just showed my age)-how could it not?

Waiting to find just the right Airstream and then taking the better part of a year to refurbish it themselves with ol’ fashioned grit and many a YouTube instructional video, Kathy and Michael McGovern have launched Baked and Sauced, a food truck like none other in our fair state. This once shag-rugged, pleather-filled Airstream has now been lovingly strung with sparkling lights, adorned with sweet flowers in Mason jars that sit upon the serving window, and a charming seating area that serves as a lounge for guests. Picture your ultimate grown-up clubhouse and you get the picture. Add to this charm the fact that this Airstream has...a liquor license.

Serving saucy desserts and craft cocktails, this truck is serving to the over 21 crowd (and bring I.D., they card)!

Edible Nutmeg to Launch Spring Issue with Event at Back 40 Kitchen in Greenwich

Restaurant Events Litchfield Washington

CTbites Team March 11, 2016

Back 40 Kitchen will celebrate the release of Edible Nutmeg’s spring issue by hosting an afternoon launch event on March 24 from 11 am to 1 pm, a day before the issue’s official release date for a 'meet & greet' with Dana Jackson, Editor and Publisher, Edible Nutmeg and Bill and Lesley King, Owners, Back 40 Farm Group. Guests are invited to pick up a free copy of the new issue and enjoy organic light bites provided Back 40 Kitchen. Back 40 and Edible Nutmeg share a mission of appreciation of regional food, farming, and sustainability.

The Back 40 Farm Group is closely aligned with Edible Nutmeg’s vision, which is helping their readers engage the Connecticut food community. We have long appreciated this publication and are happy to provide the venue to launch the issue that officially ‘kicks-off’ the 2016 agricultural season. – Bill King

Back 40 Kitchen is a farm-to-table restaurant dedicated to using the highest quality organic ingredients in all of its dishes. Back 40 Kitchen is also committed to sourcing local by partnering with CT farmers and vendors including sourcing from its own organic Back 40 Farm in Litchfield County.

Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings For March 14th-21st

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 11, 2016

Yoga meets beer at Broad Brook Brewing on Monday March 14. Sean Lanning will lead an hour long yoga class. Then, have a couple of pints. Ticket are $25 and space is limited. Tickets can be purchased at the brewery.

Also on March 14, Artisan in Southport hosts a wine dinner with Belle Pente Vineyards from Oregon. Oysters, Crudo, Cavatelli, Scottish Salmon & Duck are on the menu. $125 pp 7pm. To reserve seats call 203.307.0222.

Pearl at Longshore will be open for lunch daily at 11:30 am beginning March 14th. (Just in time for Spring!)

There’s still a chance to check out the Greater Norwich Area’s Winter Restaurant Week! It lasts through March 20. For details and participating restaurants, visit:

Every Tuesday The Spread offers fresh oysters for only $1 each. Join them again on for music by Matt McNulty & Friends from 8-11pm.

Rita’s Italian Ice is celebrating the first day of spring- Sunday March 20. All guests who visit a Rita’s location on that day will receive a free Italian Ice in a limited-edition First Day of Spring cup. See all of their CT locations here.

Connecticut Chefs Invade James Beard House April 12

Celebrity Chef

Christy Colasurdo March 10, 2016

Five of Connecticut’s hottest culinary talents take on Manhattan with a regional wine dinner inspired by Connecticut’s waterways, fields and cheese cave

Move over, Vermont. Food critics, gourmands and locavores are buzzing about Connecticut’s white-hot farm table food scene. The James Beard House is bringing five of the Nutmeg State’s leading culinary talents to Manhattan for a regional Farm Table Feast on April 12.

From tender spring lamb to impossibly creamy burrata, leading chefs know that fresh local ingredients are the key to memorable meals. To showcase the region’s culinary riches, the Connecticut Farm Table Cookbook hand-picked five stars of Connecticut’s culinary scene to collaborate on a killer, multicourse feast. (With wine pairings!)

Chef Lineup:

Geoff Lazlo (Mill Street Bar & Table), Dan Magill (Arethusa al Tavolo), Nick Martschenko (South End and South End Uncorked), Pat Pascarella (Bar Sugo), James Wayman (Oyster Club), Pastry Chef Caryn Stabinsky (Mill Street Bar & Table)

Kids Bites: My Top 10 Gluten Free Products

Maizy Boosin March 10, 2016

Follow 13 year old Maizy Boosin on Instagram for great gluten free products and cooking tips @glutenfreein203.

Hi! I’m Maizy, and I have Celiac Disease. When I was a toddler my parents noticed that I was eating obscene quantities of food, but not gaining any weight or getting any taller as the months went on, so they took me to the doctor. The doctor tested me for celiac, and the results came back positive. One endoscopy later, it was confirmed. I had celiac. Going 100% gluten free was a challenge at first, but it all turned out for the better! I have tried many delicious gluten free snacks, but also many that taste like cardboard or dirt.

Here are my Top 10 Gluten Free Products.

Guide To Allergy Friendly Bakeries & Dessert Companies in CT

April Guilbault March 09, 2016

At CTBites, we believe in the utter and blissful enjoyment of food, but we also realize that food allergies are a very serious and trying issue for so many people, adults and kids alike. Due to that, we set out to find allergy-friendly bakeries and dessert companies so that everyone at your party can relax, feel included and can be in on the fun. With so many lovely spring holidays coming up, we want you to be ready for your celebrations! At the bottom of this roundup, we also list two very important organizations that may help you navigate the world of food allergies, whatever the dietary restriction. We at CTBites hope you...every one of you...can eat well and enjoy every bite. Let’s all have our cake and eat it, too!

Here are 12 CT Allergy Friendly Bakeries & Dessert Companies. Did we miss one of your favorites? Post a comment below.

Bobby Q's To Open Norwalk Location This Summer at New Waypointe District

Norwalk Opening

CTbites Team March 08, 2016

Bob LeRose, co-owner of Bobby Q’s Bodacious BBQ & Grill in Westport and Bobby Q’s Pit Stop in Greenwich, today announced that their newest venture will be opening this summer in Norwalk at the new Waypointe District, located at 11 Merwin Street. The new 4,300 square foot location, which will accommodate 80-100 diners and include an outdoor dining area, will feature a new twist on old favorites from the Westport location.

“We’re excited to launch this new venture in this vibrant, up-and-coming area of Norwalk and make friends in our new community,” said LeRose. “While we are still working on the name of the restaurant and our menu, expect to continue enjoying our ‘pit to plate’ promise of the freshest BBQ, cooked daily, including traditional big plates of BBQ meats and sides, as well as some fresh dishes and new concepts. This will be in addition to an innovative cocktail menu, expanded craft beer offerings and a great line-up of bands to continue our commitment to offering the best local, live music in Fairfield County.”

14 Places for St. Patrick’s Day Parties in CT (2016 Edition)

Restaurant Holiday

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 08, 2016

It doesn’t matter which candidate you support… on Thursday March 17 everyone can be a part of the green party! Of course we’re talking about St. Patrick’s Day! A number of restaurants will be throwing parties and serving specials in honor of the occasion.

Here are 14 great spots for St. Patty's day parties and special events in CT.

Tigin Irish Pub, Stamford: Tigin Irish Pub in Stamford is a must visit St. Patty's destination. They'll have specials all day.
Walrus + Carpenter, Bridgeport: Walrus + Carpenter in Bridgeport invites you to their St. Patrick’s Van Morrison Night with a NEBCO Tap Takeover.
Playwright’s Irish Pub, Hamden: Playwright Irish Pub will have Irish dancers, Irish music, food specials, and festivities all throughout the day.
The Blind Rhino, Norwalk: Blind Rhino is putting their own twist on the holiday with St. Madness Day! Doors open at 11am.
Redding Roadhouse, Redding: Redding Roadhouse is serving up a Celtic festival from Feb 22nd - March 17th (St. Patty's Day) with drink specials, bag pipers and a full celtic menu.

Sneak Peek at INDIA in New Canaan: Chef Chirnomula's Newest Restaurant

Restaurant New Canaan Indian Opening

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger March 08, 2016

The news that Chef Prasad Chirnomula was moving across Main Street to the building that formerly housed Boulevard 18 in New Canaan spread like wildfire throughout the culinary underground in Fairfield County. Locals who enjoyed his cuisine at Thali would once again enjoy the chef’s traditional and inventive Indian creations. What concept would the new restaurant entail? Would it duplicate the feel and cuisine of Thali.

In an exclusive interview with CTbites, the celebrity chef gave his insight into his vision of the new restaurant, INDIA, from the new concept for the cuisine and the vibe to the exciting collaboration on the cocktails with mixologist Jessica Spector. With an anticipated opening date in mid-April, the chef is already developing a different feel for INDIA.

When Chirnomula announced the closing of Thali, his landmark Connecticut restaurant, he was quick to mention that he was not leaving New Canaan, but was looking for a smaller, more intimate location. The neighboring space at 62 Main was a perfect location and he spoke with the owners of Boulevard 18, who wanted to concentrate on their sister restaurant, Strada 18 in South Norwalk…the timing was perfect. This free-standing building dates back almost 150 years and has housed several outstanding restaurants including L’Abbée and Aloi, prior to Boulevard 18.

Watson's Catering & Events: Creating The Perfect Event, Start to Finish (sponsored post)

Watson's Catering March 07, 2016

What separates Watson's Catering & Events from the competition is that we offer so much more than simply the ability to provide incredibly delicious food for any occasion; we plan and coordinate every detail from event conception to execution. With so much going on in today’s world, why not let us?

Check out this 90 second time lapse video to view the entire day of preparation featuring a sit-down dinner for 300 guests to benefit P.O.T.S. held at SUNY Purchase. P.O.T.S (Part Of The Solution) is a ‘one-stop shop’ assisting individuals living in poverty on their journeys from crisis to stability and ultimately, self-sufficiency. We were honored to be associated with such a passionate and respectful organization.

Planning such a tremendous annual affair allowed us to showcase our ability to grasp all things event and service-oriented. Thanks to this magnificently insightful, hyperlapse video, we were able to capture every moment, minute and detail from the first table rolled on to the stage to the last chair removed at the end of the night.

Barrel House in Stamford: Pizza, Beer and Burgers

Restaurant Beer Pizza Stamford Burgers

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger March 06, 2016

What is the result of combining an incredible selection of local beers, a wide choice of meats and vegetables to join delicious Mozzarella and red sauce atop a great pizza crust, with an atmosphere that is simultaneously relaxed and exciting? Barrel House in Stamford.

Barrel House opened last December in the space that formerly housed Market and Patrizia's restaurants with a focus on pizza, burgers and and a vast array of local small brewed beers. The second restaurant by the owners of Cotto Wine Bar down the street, Claudio and Silvy Ridolfi, designed a very different atmosphere and menu. Silvy told CTbites, “We wanted people to come to Barrel House and enjoy pizza and burgers with friends.” From the moment you walk through the door, you know this will be a lively and fun-filled experience.

Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings for March 7th-16th

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 06, 2016

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut will hold its 34^th Annual Winter Conference on March 12 & 13 at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury. Connecticut’s largest organic farm, food, and garden conference includes a keynote speaker, classes, seminars, and a Saturday lunch sponsored by popular restaurants like Kawa Ni, The Whelk, Barcelona, Wave Hill, Mill Street Bar & Table, and more. Reserve online and get additional information by visiting ctnofa.org/winterconference.

Fortina's Christian Petroni and team take over The James Beard House March 19th to cook a St. Joseph’s Feast dinner. Petroni will bring his “exuberant take on tradition” to the Beard House kitchen for a flavor-packed homage to the beloved holiday. View menu here.

Wilton Restaurant Week runs from March 7-13. Visit popular restaurants like Little Pub, Cactus Rose, and Cielo will have specials all week long.

Saturday, March 12 join Vespa for a hands on pasta-making class and learn how to make their house made fettucine and cavatelli from scratch. 11:30am – 1:30pm $45 pp Limited seating and reservations are required by calling 203-557-9057

Girls "Pint" Out: An Afternoon of Beer & Burgers For The Ladies @ Fleisher's Craft Kitchen

Stephanie Webster March 04, 2016

Fleishers Craft Kitchen in Westport has just announced an event for the ladies- an afternoon of burgers and local craft beers by Black Hog Brewing, on March 13 from 3pm-5pm.

The event is a ladies only burger and beer gathering presented by Girls Pint Out CT, a craft beer organization for women. Tickets are $40 (tax and tip included) and include a choice of burger with fries or dressed greens and four 10 oz pours of local craft beer from Black Hog. The burger menu can be found below.

Pat's Hubba Hubba in Stamford Closing After 25 Years via HeyStamford!

Hey Stamford! March 04, 2016

Photo courtesy of HeyStamford!This just in from HeyStamford!

While the burger scene in Stamford seems to always be expanding, at the end of March we’ll be losing a legend. Pat’s Hubba Hubba, the iconic Cove Rd. burger spot, announced via their web site that they will close their doors at the end of March.

Pat Carta opened his first restaurant over 50 years ago in in Greenwich and the current Stamford location at 820 Cove Road for nearly 25 years. Here’s the announcement:

It is with mixed emotions that we announce the closing of Pat’s Hubba Hubba after almost 25 years. Our father, the late Pat Carta, founded Pat’s Hubba Hubba in Greenwich, CT over 50 years ago. He was known for his impeccable customer service, good humor, and passion for perfection.

Read the full story on HeyStamford!

TIX GIVEAWAY!! Blind Rhino & Welcome To CT Podcast Host CT Blind Beer Awards

CTbites Team March 04, 2016

WIN 2 FREE TIX to the very first Connecticut Blind Beer Awards, hosted by Ken Tuccio. TO WIN, just post a comment below telling us why YOU deserve these tickets.

The Blind Rhino and Welcome To Connecticut Podcast are teaming up to bring you the very first Connecticut Blind Beer Awards, hosted by Ken Tuccio. This unique beer tasting event eliminates hype and bias and allows Connecticut beer drinkers to vote for what they like best based solely on the beer.

P.S. OUR OWN BEER COLUMNIST JAMES GRIBBON WILL BE ONE OF THE JUDGES!

The first Connecticut Blind Beer Awards goes down Saturday, April 23rd at 1pm at The Blind Rhino in Norwalk! The style category for the first event is IPA.

12 of Connecticut’s finest breweries have been invited to bring their best IPA to the Connecticut Blind Beer Awards. The beer from each brewery will be poured completely blind. Neither the names of the breweries, or information about the specific beer being poured, will be divulged.

Healthy Food Substitutions From The Granola Bar

Recipe Recipe healthy

The Granola Bar March 04, 2016

The foundation of eating ‘right’ is preparing food that will not only satisfy the parameters of a healthy diet but will also leave one feeling satisfied. A healthy diet is only as effective as the impetus to remain on said diet and the more satisfying the meal, the more likely one would be to continue the trend. So, how do we make satisfying food more ‘healthy’? The simple answer is building flavors. When you take away the reliance on sugars and fats to add richness and depth of flavor to a dish, it is important to pull flavors from more non-traditional roots. The Granola Bar in Westport (Greenwich coming soon) has some great tips for food substitutions that will enhance both the taste and health benefits of any dish.

MIRO Kitchen to Open on Black Rock Turnpike

CTbites Team March 03, 2016

This just in… MIRO Kitchen, a casual eatery, is set to open its doors on March 19^th at the former site of Tomato and Basil Café and Pizzeria on Black Rock Turnpike. Restaurateur Eugene Kabilnitsky in partnership with Hapa Hospitality, will offer a fresh, new food concept to Black Rock Turnpike. The menu will be inspired by destinations around the Pacific as varied as Hawaii, Korea, Japan, Philippines, and Hong Kong merged with American Classics.

Last summer Hapa Food Truck changed the Stamford food truck scene with its fresh, cross cultural, Pacific twists on conventional American eats, lead by chef/owner Chris Gonzalez and his wife/co-owner Nicole Samela. Gonzalez, born and raised in the Philippines, began his culinary voyage in Greenwich and eventually found his passion and inspiration through experimenting with flavors. He eventually worked in the award-winning kitchen of Washington Prime in South Norwalk while developing the food truck. After returning from a six week adventure in Asia sampling food throughout Asia, the Hapa team returned and opened Hapa Food Truck. Gonzalez will be joined in the kitchen by chef Howard McCall, previously of Washington Prime in South Norwalk and Barcelona Wine Bar (South Norwalk and Fairfield.)

Recap: Kent Falls Brewing Visits Little Pub in Ridgefield

Restaurant Beer Beer Dinner CT Beer

James Gribbon March 02, 2016

This March only marks a year since Kent Falls Brewing Company released their first beer, and somehow it doesn't feel too early to call them "renowned." The Litchfield County operation has already become one of Connecticut's most productive, releasing 37 different beers and variants in their first ten months. That level of output is preposterous, and all the more remarkable not just due to the high volume of recipes, but for their excellence. Small wonder then, that Little Pub in Ridgefield chose to host the Kent Falls crew for a rare beer pairing dinner event early this February.