Peaches on the Waterfront Opening Thursday in Norwalk: Live Music & Lots of Fun Norwalk Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger April 18, 2016 After opening the highly successful Mama’s Boy and Jax & Co. in SoNo, Greer Fredericks’ new project, Peaches on the Waterfront, opens this Thursday on Wall Street in Norwalk. The new bar is located directly above Apricot Bar and Grill and will offer a much different vibe than her previous restaurants, plus a large deck that overlooks the water. Greer told CTbites in an exclusive interview that the idea has been in her back pocket for years and when the opportunity for the “pop-up” was presented, she jumped at the opportunity. She enlisted a few of her favorite employees from Mama’s Boy, started the redesign of the space and developed the opening menu for cocktails and music. Read More
Serena & Lily Celebrates New Design Shop in Westport with Three Days of Food, Giveaways and Activities (sponsored) CTbites Team April 18, 2016 The perfect dinner party needs a beautiful presentation and there are few companies who can inspire a gorgeous table setting like California-based home and lifestyle brand, Serena & Lily. That’s why we were thrilled to hear the retailer will be opening its fourth retail location right here in Fairfield County on April 29th at the newly restored Kemper-Gunn House, 35 Elm Street, Westport. Serena & Lily is celebrating the Grand Opening with three days of food, giveaways and activities from Friday, April 29th through Sunday May 1st. Coffee and breakfast treats like brioche donuts, mini quiches and croissants from local favorite SoNo Bakery will be served each morning. Greenwich-based Italian gelato maker La Fenice will serve fresh-made gelato each afternoon in classic Italian flavors like cioccolato, stracciatella, limone sorbetto and caffe. On Friday, April 29th Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe and Serena & Lily co-founders Serena Dugan and Lily Kanter invite the public to join at 9:30am for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to officially welcome the company to its new location. The first 50 visitors to the new Design Shop will receive a $100 Gift Card to spend on anything in the store. In addition, Serena & Lily signature tote bags will be handed out to all store visitors throughout the weekend. Balloons and face painting will be available for kids in the top-level Kidshop area. Read More
Millwrights & Elm Pop Up This Wednesday in New Canaan CTbites Team April 18, 2016 Two of the premier chefs in Connecticut, Chef Luke Venner of Elm in New Canaan and Tyler Anderson of Millwright’s in Simsbury, will be sharing stoves again at Elm Restaurant on Wednesday, April 20th in a reunion pop-up event. The two chefs, who met in 2007, will be sharing stoves again as they did for years prior to Chef Venner joining Elm last year. Venner worked under Anderson as the chef de cuisine at the critically acclaimed Millwright’s restaurant in Simsbury. The menu (see below) is light hearted and features several dishes influenced by California where both chefs cut their teeth working in the San Francisco Bay Area. The menu will be divided into a section of smaller dishes (all priced at $15) and a section of larger dishes (priced at $25), which are designed for sharing. Dishes include strawberries with burrata and green almond, Smoked Wagyu Tri tip, and a double patty dry aged burger served “animal style”- a nod to the cult fast food chain In & Out Burger. Call 203.920.4994 for reservations Read More
Nom-Eez Opens in Bridgeport: Vietnamese (With a Side of Donuts) Restaurant Asian Black Rock Bridgeport Vietnamese Breakfast Lunch Take Out Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger April 17, 2016 The official opening of Nom-Eez, Chef Matt Storch’s new Vietnamese street food storefront, in the Blackrock section of Bridgeport occurs today. As reported by CTbites, joining Storch for this new project are his partners from Match, Jason Wojnarowski (owner of the epically delicious Donut Crazy), and Susan McConnell. CTbites was invited to a sneak peek preview to sample some of the menu and a few donuts. The menu is divided into three sections, “snacks,” “noodles” and “a bit larger.” The space is small in size, with only eight brightly colored red stools, and the flavors are equally bold and bright and engulf you in the traditional cuisine of Vietnam. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Event & Happenings for April 16 - 24th Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 16, 2016 On April 16th 1-3pm, meet the peeps from Rosenthal Wine, AL FRANTOIO DI ALDO ARMATO and Miele Mario Bianco @ 109 Cheese & Wine in Ridgefield. They will be showing the most recent vintages of their Olive Oil & Honeys. On April 20th Chefs Luke Venner of elm and Tyler Anderson of Millwright's will host reunion pop-up dinner at elm restaurant. Call or reserve online. Tickets are on sale now for CLASP Homes of Westport’s 12th Annual Taste of Westport. Harvest, Pane e Bene, Rive Bistro, Matsu Sushi, and other restaurants will serve specialty dishes. There will also be samples of wine, beer, and cocktails. $75 in advance, or $85 at the door. CLASP is a 34 year old nonprofit providing homes and opportunities for people with autism and other developmental disabilities. Purchase tickets online. On Tuesday April 19, Cask Republic Stamford will team up with Founders for a beer dinner. It will feature the coveted 2015 and 2016 KBS along with other brews. The five course menu (plus amuse) includes venison two ways and roasted monkfish. Tickets are $90 per person. Read More
Friday Froth: A First Look At The Hops Company in Derby Restaurant Beer Brewery Derby Burgers James Gribbon April 15, 2016 I was running late early on a Sunday afternoon when the obligatory traffic jam on I-95 caught me like doomed comet streaking toward the Sun and sudden annihilation. It took the sight of a wrecked Ferrari to remind me I'd forgotten my car. I was driving, yes, but the car I'd forgotten - like the aforementioned comet - was set in motion by gravity, not gasoline. Jack's Abby was hosting a pine car derby at The Hops Company in (quelle apropos), Derby, and I'd planned on making the campaign of my old car from Cub Scouts the B-story to this column. The lapse in memory had left me momentarily enraged until I remembered I'd just seen someone's red F430 Spider completely taco'd by the rear bumper of an 18-wheeler. Score one for perspective. The Hops Company is the work of Umberto Morale, who spent his early life in his native Rome before coming to the U.S. and bouncing between the restaurant scene, college, and Wall Street. He had the vision of an inclusive, German style beer hall in his head, and looked at properties all over the state before seeing the location in Derby and signing immediately. Read More
Pizza Surf Club is Coming to Fortina Stamford’s Rooftop Restaurant Cocktails Outdoor Dining Pizza Stamford Comfort Food Andrew Dominick April 14, 2016 There's a new roof top in town. Andrew Dominick of Food Dudes reports on Fortina's new Stamford "Pizza Surf Club." Remember when Fortina Stamford opened and they were supposed to open that sick rooftop that overlooks the harbor, but then it never happened? We do too. And it hurt, bad. Dreams of eating pizza while overlooking the water at sunset while thinking about life were shattered… but WAIT!!!!! Something is happening and it’s happening soon! The food will be different, and if you paid attention to their Instagram feed you may have noticed some eclectic items like hot dog tacos and stuff like bags of Doritos with jicama, carrots, cucumbers, candied peanuts, gummy bears, pickled pork skin, hot sauce, crema fresca, avocado, the obligatory Parmesan, sesame, and lime. That's a mouthful, and perfect drunk food. We've also heard whispers that they'll be whipping up fish sticks, Kobe beef corn dogs, and other super creative grub.That rooftop space will be Fortina Surf Club, basically a concept within (or on top of?) a concept, and it's going to be lit, homies. And with a name like "Surf Club," it's probably what you think it is...Tiki-style cocktails complete with little umbrellas? Yes. The opening party at Pizza Surf Club goes down at Fortina Stamford (120 Washington Blvd.) on Sunday, April 17 at noon. Take note: Pizza Surf Club will be open daily from 12 p.m. - Close after this Sunday, weather permitting. Read the full article on Food Dudes. Read More
Millwright's & Bear’s Smokehouse Opening "The Cook and The Bear" Restaurant in West Hartford Restaurant BBQ West Hartford Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 14, 2016 They say “birds of a feather flock together.” Chef Tyler Anderson of Millwright's in Simsbury and Jamie McDonald of Bear’s Smokehouse are proving that isn’t always the case. In August, the two will come together to open The Cook and The Bear in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square. The restaurant will make for an interesting meeting of the minds; Millwright’s is known for its farm-to-table cuisine while Bear’s Smokehouse serves classic finger-lickin’ Kansas City-style barbeque. “It’s a fun concept,” says AJ Aurrichio, Millwrights’ Operations Manager. “We’re taking traditional barbeque and putting a chef’s perspective on it.” They first started testing the idea of a merger in August 2015. Every Monday night, they offered pop-up dinners with dishes representative of what the new restaurant could entail. Diners were very receptive and they moved forward. “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!” laughs Aurrichio. Anderson and McDonald gave guests a sneak peek of the new concept at Savor’s Grand Tasting event, which took place in Hartford on April 7 and 8. They presented a “Smoked Pork Kimchi Pancake with Gochujang BBQ.” It was the perfect fusion of both elements- BBQ reimagined with gourmet view. The softer, starchier pancake balanced out the strong spice from the pork. Meanwhile, green onion on top added crunch. CTBites will keep you updated as details unfold! In the meantime, enjoy Millwright’s and Bear’s Smokehouse! Read More
Community Plates "Food For All" Fundraiser May 4th, To Showcase Local Restaurants: Tix On Sale! Stephanie Webster April 13, 2016 COMMUNITY PLATES’ FOOD FOR ALL 2016 is May 4th! Get your tickets now for one of the best parties in Fairfield County. Food For All Showcases Fairfield County’s Newest Restaurants and Craft Cocktail Bars in a benefit to End Food Insecurity in Fairfield County. (View the complete list of participating restaurants below) Community Plates is a technology-fueled, direct-transfer food rescue organization dedicated to ending food insecurity in America. Since launching in 2011 Community Plates Fairfield County has already picked up and delivered over 8 million meals at a value of over $13 million to local food insecure people. This means over 12 million pounds of food has been kept out of landfill and gone to where it’s needed most. Participating Restaurants nom-eez, Fortina, El Segundo, b.good, Blind Rhino, Boothbay Lobster Co., Lithos, Chez Vous, Del Frisco's Grille, Franklin Street Works Café, Judy’s Bar & Kitchen, Noir Stamford, Old Greenwich Social Club, Tavern 489, WUJI, Harbor Point Stamford, Paloma, Sign of the Whale Read More
Top 20 Food Trucks in Fairfield County CT : 2016 Edition Restaurant Recipe Catering Entertaining Food Truck Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 13, 2016 Fairfield County residents know that the area rocks… and it also “rolls”! Fairfield County hosts a number of outstanding food trucks that serve an array of cuisines. Meatballs, crepes, tacos, potatoes, Carribean… It’s all available right on the city streets or even in your backyard! Here are 20 delicious food trucks you can visit or hire for your next event. Hapa: Based in Stamford, Hapa serves three types of tacos: Korean short rib, Philippine chicken adobo and Nonny’s sweet peppers, burgers, both beef and Ahi, plus bowls of poke and chicken adobo. The Poutine King: The Poutine King prides itself on being "the first food truck in the north east United States" to offer Poutine, a Canadian dish. Those wanting a classic version can order the traditional poutine. More adventurous eaters can enjoy the Sweet Potato Poutine or the Poutine Burger. Skinny Pines: The Skinny Pines pizza truck sells wood fired pizzas. It makes use of local ingredients by sourcing its toppings from area farms. The menu changes with the season, but past pizzas have been topped with fresh sun gold tomatoes, zucchini, scapes, garlic, and eggplant, to name a few. Taco Loco Party Truck: Taco Loco is recognized as the first Mexican food truck in CT! The restaurant is based in Bridgeport. Read More
CT Chef & Chopped Champion Silvia Baldini Competes Again On Food Network’s ‘Chopped Champion Celebrity Chef Chef Chef Talk CTbites Team April 12, 2016 Chef Silvia Baldini, Founder of New Canaan, CT based culinary group Strawberry and Sage, will compete again on Chopped Champion, the Food Network’s hit series. On April 19st at 10 pm, Baldini will be one of the 16 returning champions chosen to battle it out for a chance to earn the Chopped Champion title and $50,000 in prize money. Four preliminary rounds will determine who gets a spot in the finale. But only one chef from among the four finalists will be named the winner. Read More
Acuario Peruvian Seafood Restaurant Opens in Stamford Restaurant CTbites Lunch Events Peruvian Seafood Stamford Sarah Green April 10, 2016 There’s a new Latin pulse beating on West Park Place in Stamford and it goes by the name ACUARIO (Aquarium, in Spanish.) Funky, warm and charming, the new Peruvian jaunt is the latest culinary jewel from the treasure box of Saida and Nicolas Oshiro, who opened the original ACUARIO in Port Chester in the 1980s. This new ACUARIO is in the worthy hands of Oshiro offspring, Eduardo, and his wife, Beth, and they know what’s cookin’. We’ve dined at ACUARIO twice and each time the restaurant has been packed, with many patrons speaking Spanish - ALWAYS a good sign. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings For April 10-17 Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 08, 2016 Every Sunday and Monday is half priced wines at The Spread! All bottles $100 and under are 50% off. Fleisher's Craft Kitchen's Butchers Meat Brewers dinner series continues Wednesday, April 13th with a four-course dinner featuring Relic Brewing Co. If you’re in the agricultural business, or interested in learning more about it, you can participate in a “One-on-One: Free Professional Agricultural Advising Session” @ Rockville High School in Vernon, CT 9am - 3:30pm on Wednesday April 13. Sit down with an agri-business professional for up to one hour to discuss farm related questions, concerns, and techniques. On Tuesday April 12, Chefs 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), and Pastry Chef Caryn Stabinsky (Mill Street Bar & Table) will takeover The James Beard House for a Farm to Table Feast. The evening showcases fresh, local ingredients. View the full menu, learn more, and buy tickets here. Learn how to “Cook to Impress” at the Hartford Public Library on Monday April 12. Read More
Little Pub Opening in Fairfield on Black Rock Turnpike @ Dolan's Corner Restaurant Beer Pub Comfort Food Burgers Opening CTbites Team April 07, 2016 If the "EXPECT BIG THINGS" train station platform signs or the Little Pub "adopt a highway" sign by exit 23 weren't enough of a hint, Owner, Doug Grabe, is happy to confirm that Little Pub is in fact coming to Fairfield's Dolan's Corner this summer. Located at the intersection of Stillson Avenue and Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield, "Dolan's Corner" was the original hub of Black Rock Turnpike's thriving business district and home to various incarnations of the Angus restaurant for almost 70 years. Grabe told CTbites, "It's a cute and cozy building in a perfect neighborhood for Little Pub and we’re really looking forward to serving the community. And besides, how could an iconic Fairfield address known as "Dolan's Corner" not have a neighborhood pub?" Little Pub Fairfield will share the traditional old world charm of our other little pubs with thick plaster walls, hand hewn beams, and antique iron light fixtures. "We have some really great stuff planned and of course, fun is mandatory," Says Grabe. Stay tuned for interior photos and opening news as the renovation gets underway. Read More
Free & Company Kitchen: Saving the World One Brownie at a Time (Gluten, Dairy & Refined Sugar Free) Ingredients Recipe Bakery Gluten-Free Special Dietary Needs Kid Friendly Dessert Jessica Ryan April 06, 2016 What do brownies and superfoods have in common? Some of you might jump up and shout, “Why chocolate, of course!” while the rest of you might scratch your heads and wonder. What if I told you that the Free & Company Kitchen’s incredible baked goods are all super-food based? Additionally, every one of their items is gluten, dairy and refined sugar-free, sweetened only with organic maple syrup. Some of their products are also egg and nut-free. For those of you with food sensitivities or who have children who do, this small, newly launched company should be on your radar. It should also be noted that these edibles aren’t for just vegetarians, vegans or celiac patients; they’re truly for everyone. Founded on the premise that snacks can be familiar and comforting and still good for you, Chef Lynne Pasquale sets out to prove this possible one brownie at a time. She has, so far, won over even the most discerning of palates, myself included. I met with Chef Pasquale at her bakery last week where we had a chance to chat. Read More
Tuscan Kale Caesar Slaw Recipe via Marcia Selden Catering Recipe Catering Entertaining Recipe CTbites Team April 05, 2016 Tuscan Kale Caesar Slaw with Garlic Bread Croutons & Parmesan Frico Eating clean, healthy and minimally processed foods are better for you and for our environment. You’ll eat fewer chemicals and there will be less fuel used to transport packaged foods. This yummy slaw makes it easy (and delicious) to eat your greens for Earth Day and every day! Read More
Chef Brian Lewis' The Cottage Receives Highest NY Times Rating CTbites Team April 04, 2016 The NY Times reviewed The Cottage in Westport this past weekend and honored Chef Brian Lewis’ newest restaurant with its highest “Excellent” rating. The reviewer, Patricia Brooks, began her discussion of the cuisine with “There were too many high points at dinner to mention them all,” and continued her praise on dish after dish. The review included her visit for dinner where she and her guests enjoyed several appetizers, salads, pastas entrees and desserts, each garnering exceptional compliments. Her return for Sunday brunch was equally well received. Read More
Old Greenwich Social Club - A Watering Hole Re-Opens Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger April 03, 2016 Old Greenwich Social Club opened last November, replacing an area icon, Mackenzie’s Bar and Grill, on Sound Beach Avenue overlooking the Old Greenwich train station. The location is convenient for a drink with colleagues at the end of the commute, a relaxing meal with the family, dinner with friends or just relaxing at the bar. The brainchild of local Jed Simon, this newly reopened watering hole presents an atmosphere reminiscent of “Cheers.” The wooden double-door entrance leads directly into the large bar area dominated by a U-Shaped bar. On one side, numerous taps offer a wide selection of beers including Bronx “Uptown Rye,” Jack’s Abby Express, Alagash “White,” Thirsty Dog, Omnipollo “Shilkmake” and Two Roads “Session IPA.” To the right of the bar is the main dining area with booths, a long wood-topped table plus others covered with retro-vinyl. Adorning the walls are photos from years past and sports memorabilia. During the summer months, guests can enjoy their meals on the patio to the left of the bar. This is definitely a local-oriented restaurant. Read More
You're Invited! Judy Michaelis Pop-Up Chef Series Goes Paleo (sponsored) CTbites Team April 03, 2016 Having a Pop-Up Chef, prepare and serve at a cocktail party, might be the most luxe thing going. Hosts love hosting, chefs love cooking and the guests, milling about, sipping on cocktails, nibbling on tasty hors d’oeuvres, in a beautifully designed kitchen are entertained by all the activity – after all, who doesn’t love to see a trained chef in action, preparing and serving delicious food in a perfect setting? On Saturday April 30th, from 5 to 8 pm, Judy will launch her Pop-Up Chef Series, hosting Chef Danielle Hartog, of Paleo + Plate at one of Judy’s special listings in Wilton, CT. Danielle will prepare a beautiful selection of tasty bites and will be casually demo-ing her prep and presentation in a stunning chef’s kitchen designed by Deane. Menu includes: Asian Meatballs in a Cashew Sesame Sauce, Deconstructed Shrimp Guacamole, Grilled Vegetable Lollipops, Bacon-Wrapped Avocado with fresh aioli, Pistachio Chicken Skewer with a strawberry glaze and Spring Gazpacho Shooters. Paleo Watermelon + Cucumber margaritas, wines and flavored waters will round out the bar. Read More
Interview w/ Chef Zac Young, Executive Pastry Chef @ David Burke Restaurants Interview Celebrity Chef Chef Chef Talk Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 02, 2016 We recently gave you a sneak peek at Savor: A Celebration of Wine, Food, & Spirits, that will unfold in Hartford from April 7-9. The event’s Grand Tasting will give guests the chance to try hundreds of wine, spirits, and beers, indulge in dishes from area restaurants, and watch celebrity chef demonstrations. Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine will headline the event while proceeds go toward the Robert Irvine foundation. A few weeks ago, he spoke with CTBites and told us about the foundation, upcoming Food Network shows, his varied food projects, and what to expect this year. Savor just announced another addition to its celebrity chef line-up: Chef Zac Young. Fun, gregarious, and whimsical, Young currently works as the Executive Pastry Chef for the David Burke Restaurants. I became a fan of his when I watched him compete on Top Chef: Just Desserts. This past holiday season, his Thanksgiving “PieCaken” became a bona fide sensation. Read More
