Local Female Farmer Lecture Series at WCSU

CTbites Team March 21, 2016

Ashley Kenney, the manager of the Jane Goodall Permaculture Garden on the Midtown campus of Western Connecticut State University, will host a series of lectures in April featuring local female farmers. The Jane Goodall garden is still in its first full year, and as of last Fall it donated hundreds of pounds of its organically grown produce to local food pantries in Danbury, as well as to the students of Western Connecticut State University.

The lectures will take place every Wednesday evening in April and are called "Farm For Yourself" when local female farmers will talk about different areas of their respective expertise. This series is FREE and open to the public and will be held in the lovely Science building on WCSU's campus (right next to the garden!). In addition to introducing the guests to the permaculture garden, the series will also recognize the work the team is performing in urban, community gardening.

Pho 170 Opens in Middletown: Vietnamese + Thai Cuisine Gets Top Marks

Restaurant Asian Middletown Noodles Thai Vietnamese Homepage

Hope Simmons March 20, 2016

“That’s it,” I overheard a man say with a smile, holding his takeout order as he joked about having come in four days in a row. The word is out downtown...Pho 170, M’town’s newest/latest, is busy. The service is friendly and attentive, showing this new kid on the block is already in the groove, cranking out fresh and delicious dishes—both Vietnamese and Thai.

It’s not been quite three weeks since Viengthong Charonesuk opened the doors to her newest restaurant. And, unlike so many other spots when they first get started, everything’s well under control. Even on a night when they were one person short on the waitstaff, they pulled everything off without a hitch. Vieng hails most recently from Bann Thai in Cheshire, and she’s run restaurants in other locations across the state as well. Little things, like making sure you have extra plates when you share a dish, aren’t overlooked. And it’s always a nice touch when your water glass is refilled before you even need to ask.

Taco Loco Launches New Menu in Bridgeport's Black Rock Neighborhood

Restaurant Bridgeport Cocktails Tacos Mexican

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 18, 2016

It’s time for a bit of trivia! What was Bridgeport’s first Mexican restaurant? What was the first Mexican food truck in the state?

The answer to both questions is the same and it might surprise you: Taco Loco! The restaurant, which now lies on Fairfield Avenue in Black Rock, opened its doors in 1982 by bothers Miguel and Louis Tomasio. Originally, Taco Loco functioned as a small taco shop located on Main Street. It served inexpensive Mexican Food late into the night. As demand grew, the business transformed from counter service to a full scale restaurant. In 1985 Miguel added a food truck and they moved to their present-day location in 1989. Taco Loco currently seats 100 guests, has a four season patio, and a coveted food truck.

Now, in 2016, Taco Loco is about to undergo another evolution! Miguel, along with his son Zachary Tomasio, are releasing a brand new menu aimed at “authenticity and quality.” With a background in marketing and a fresh perspective, Zachary is ready to explore the latest trends and additional avenues of business.

Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings for March 21-27th

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 18, 2016

PEARL at Longshore in Westport is now open for lunch and brunch on Saturdays & Sundays 11-3pm. Mediterraneo in Norwalk opens for brunch March 27th, Sundays 11-3 with $10 bottomless mimosas!

Frank Pepe Pizzeria is celebrating the 10th year of its Fairfield location this March. To celebrate, they are teaming up with the Susan G. Komen Southern New England in the fight against breast cancer. For donations of $100 or more, Pepe’s will be giving away a free large pizza.

If you’re eager to learn more about the “History of Food and Wine in Connecticut,” head down to the Milford Public Library on March 21. Authors Eric Lehman and Amy Nawrocki will tell you the story of food in the state and have copies of their new book for sale. The event is free and open to the public.

On Monday March 21, Napa and Company in Stamford invites you to “Taste the Dirt!” Don’t worry… the experience is a pleasant one, focusing on wines from Oregon. The class includes 6 wines and 3 small plates for $55 per person, plus tax and gratuity. The night starts at 6:30pm. http://www.napaandcompany.com/

The Greenwich location of the Fairfield Greenwich Cheese Company will teach you all about charcuterie on Tuesday March 22. Explore their meet offerings and learn the origins of the processes behind them. It costs $50 per person and runs from 7-9pm.

Bidding Farewell to Blue Lemon: Chef Bryan Malcarney Moves On

ellen bowen March 17, 2016

This week, the local food scene was surprised and saddened to hear of the end April closing of Westport’s Blue Lemon. A long time fixture in Westport’s dining scene, Blue Lemon opened in 2003 joining the then limited restaurant scene anchored by Da Pietro’s , The Mansion Clam House and Tavern On Main. Back then, Chef/Owner Bryan Malcarney, having lived in Connecticut most of his life, had just returned from a two year stint as Chef de Cuisine at The Straw Hat on the Caribbean island of Anguilla, and jumped at the chance to open his own restaurant.

I caught up with Bryan on the eve before St Patrick’s Day, while he worked lunch service at his other restaurant, Rory’s in Darien.

Over a simmering 15 lb. Corned Beef Brisket, Bryan and I talked about his decision to close Blue Lemon and shared with me how life has changed for him and for the local restaurant scene.

Restaurants To Celebrate Easter in CT: Make Your Rez Now! (2016 Edition)

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 17, 2016

It’s time to “hop to it and make reservations! The Easter bunny is coming on Sunday March 27 and a number of Connecticut restaurants are serving delicious Easter meals. Here are 17 places to celebrate the holiday.

Redding Roadhouse, Redding: Redding Roadhouse has seatings for its Easter buffet at 10:30, 12:30, 2:30, 4:30, and 6:30. Adults are $38.95 while kids are $19.95. Please note there is no dinner service.
Norwich Inn, Norwich: The Norwich Inn will present an Easter brunch buffet complete with a carving station, omelet station, raw bar, and more.
Match, Norwalk: Doughnut Muffins! Wood Roasted Organic Chicken & Fried Waffles! Seared Wasabi and Sesame Rubbed Tuna! All of this and more is on the menu for Match's Easter brunch.
The Cottage, Westport: Join Chef Brian Lewis for his first Easter brunch at his new restaurant, The Cottage, in Westport. From brunch dishes like Buttered Maine Lobster Eggs Benedict to traditional plates like Lamb Roasted with Garlic & Rosemary, there's something for everyone.
Dinosaur BBQ, Stamford: Dinosaur BBQ in Stamford has Easter Packages should you want to have the meal catered. Get their Pit Smoked Ham along with sides of your choice.
Artisan, Fairfield: Artisan Restaurant in Fairfield is known for its delicious Easter brunch. This year, try dishes like Stonington Jumbo Sea Scallops, Prime Omaha Hangar Steak, and Mandarin Creme Brulee. There are options for adults, young adults, and children.

Butchers Meat Brewers Recap: Stubborn Beauty Brewing At Fleisher's Westport

James Gribbon March 16, 2016

I was using a sort of ornate hacksaw to part a hip ligament at the time, on my way to removing the whole leg.It was November of 2012, and I was taking a class in how to butcher a pig at what was then Saugatuck Craft Butchery. Owner Ryan Fibiger was making swift, clean cuts, demonstrating exactly what to do, his hands seemingly working on their own while his speech flowed. He was talking about the locally sourced Duroc cross-breed, common 40 years ago, but now made scarce in the quest for leaner protein; the importance of the way they were treated, the flavor which resulted from the pigs being free to forage. The terroir of meat.

"Everything we sell," he said at the time. "Comes from within a 50-mile radius of Westport."

This principle of local quality followed when the butchery became Fleishers Westport, and extends to their new Butchers Meat Brewers dinner series, which starred Stubborn Beauty Brewing Company for one night in February.

“Fresh” Décor Ideas for Spring via The Local Vault Luxury Consignor (sponsored post)

Recipe Design

CTbites Team March 15, 2016

The Local Vault is an online luxury consignor of home décor and furniture offering easy access to a curated collection of high-end furnishings, bridges the gap between brick and mortar and online shopping with its personalized service, it’s like shopping with your best friend.

Eating “in-season” is a major movement in food right now, and it completely makes sense. Why would you want to eat last season’s previously-frozen produce if you can have something picked fresh from the garden instead?

The same principal applies to home décor. There’s a seasonality to it, meaning that certain styles just aren’t right for certain seasons, like wool throw blankets in the summer, for example, or linen when it’s -5 outside. The solution: Think about your home the way you think about your salad bowl (yep, we just made that comparison!). You want to fill it with what feels fresh now.

Here, a few examples to help you fill your home with life this season.

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.