Recap: Community Plates 2016 "Food For All" Fundraiser

Events

April Guilbault May 06, 2016

The skies were gray and rainy and the weather was cool and unseasonal on the evening of May 4th. But inside The Loading Dock in Stamford, home to Abigail Kirsch Catering events space, the space was glowing with a warmth and buzzing with activity and enthusiasm. This was the night for supporters, caterers, and restaurants to come together, raise funds, and celebrate the accomplishments of Community Plates, the Fairfield County nonprofit organization that works to ease food insecurity for so many of its residents. Via a technology fueled, direct-transfer system, their team of 315 volunteers (“runners”) regularly pick up and dispatch surplus food from over 46 donors and they have provided more than 8 million meals since its founding in 2011.

This premier strolling culinary evening highlighted new restaurants, markets and cocktail bars in the Fairfield County area. From lobster and dumplings, to doughnuts, soul food, and craft cocktails, supporters tasted and mingled for a great cause.

[Photography courtesy of Andrew Dominick & Hey Stamford!]

Friday Froth: Two Roads Nor'yeaster Preview + "Junk Food" Pairing via Marcia Selden Catering

Beer Beer Dinner CT Beer

James Gribbon May 06, 2016

Flowers are popping up everywhere this spring, even in our beer. Tomorrow, May 7th, will see a special bottle release at Two Roads Brewing Co. in Stratford, featuring their newest creation, Roads Garden. The spring Nor'yeaster event will also include limited supplies of Framboise Noir, a black raspberry lambic, and Road 2 Rouen, the brewery's "wild, Franco-Belgian IPA," based on Road 2 Ruin DIPA.

A sold-out, ticketed preview event was held this past Monday, when the brewery's tasting room is regularly closed, and CTBites was able to taste several of Two Roads' smaller production run beers, paired with "re-imagined junk food," via event partner Marcia Selden catering.

The Westport Farmers' Market Opens May 19 for 2016 Summer Season!

Ingredients Farmers Market

CTbites Team May 05, 2016

Thursday, May 19, the Westport Farmers’ Market (WFM) will kick off the 2016 summer season, celebrating fresh, local food and the community that supports us.

WFM cultivates community, nurtures an appreciation of real food and the work that goes into growing it.

WFM has blossomed into a market that boasts 45 vendors, food trucks, chef demos, yoga, organic eats, children’s programming and even a pizza truck. Thanks to thousands of shoppers from all over Fairfield Country, WFM’s Thursday market is a destination not to be missed.

What do we have in store for 2016? Plenty of old friends, along with some new faces. Look for integrated chef involvement, expanded children’s programming, and some gorgeous new Friends of the Market bags and offsite fun and educational events. Join the market at 12:00, high noon, to toast local food with organic green juice donated by The Stand.

Don’t miss the opening day festivities, Thursday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The WFM is located at 50 Imperial Avenue, in Westport.

Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings for May 9-15

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 05, 2016

The Jamie Oliver New Canaan Food Revolution returns to the Pop Up Park for the third year running with 18 FOOD STOPS on Saturday, May 14th between 10am – 12.30pm. This year, the event will be hosted by Food Network star Chef Plum & Chopped Teen champ Hunter Zampa. Particpants include Baldanza, elm, Locali, South End, Uncorked, Fjord Fish Market, Green & Tonic, and more. The day focuses on promoting health and bringing families together through food.

Barcelona Stamford is teaching us how to up our “grilling game!” On May 11 at 7pm, they’ll showcase marinades, slow cooking, and smoking techniques. It costs $35 plus tax and gratuity. Please call for reservations.

Ordinary in New Haven is celebrating rosé season. Every week, they’ll feature a new rosé. The offerings will cover a range of regions and styles.

Harry’s Wine & Liquor market in Fairfield is also celebrating rose. Harry's Wine School presents “Rose Explosion! 2015 Vintage: the Best Year Ever!" on May 11. It costs $35.00 per person.

Why should Mother's Day end on Sunday? The Local Vault thinks moms deserve a break everyday. That's why TLV is giving CTBites readers a coupon to shop. Offer expires on July 1st. Use "CTBITES10' at check out and receive 10% off your entire order.

Recap: Paleo + Plate Pop Up Event

Recipe Special Dietary Needs

CTbites Team May 04, 2016

Westport realtor Judy Michaelis launched her Pop-Up Chef Series with a cocktail party at a listing in Wilton, CT last week, highlighting Chef Danielle Hartog's new Paleo friendly personal chef & catering service Paleo + Plate.

Chef Hartog developed a special menu for the evening, focusing on fresh ingredients and innovative Paleo preparation. Guest mingled throughout the space while the hors d’oeuvres offered in the open plan kitchen included: 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 surprised many guests -- “Are these Paleo?” while Paleo brownies and cookies rounded out the evening.

Chef Hartog holds monthly Paleo dinners at her studio in Westport and offers private chef service in-home as well. Her concept is centered around the Paleo style of eating and she describes her food as “bold on taste and high on health; food that is whole, unprocessed, seasonal, nourishing and exciting."

Cafe Dolce in Norwalk: Exceptional European Desserts, Coffee & Lunch

Restaurant Bakery Coffee Pasta Tea And Coffee Lunch Take Out Dessert

April Guilbault May 04, 2016

Some cups of coffee begin in Africa. Others in South America. This cup of coffee began, so to speak, in...Hungary. Norbert Dudas and Zoltan Bona, two friends who were hospitality and culinary students back in the day, eventually made their way to the United States. They pinpointed Fairfield County in particular, looking for a place to set up shop and show people what they could do. The result is the convivial, welcoming Cafe Dolce in Norwalk with its decidedly European atmosphere.

Said one regular customer on my recent trip there “It’s the best kept secret...but not for long, I’m sure!”. At that, she threw her hands in the air, cradled and shook her head as she embarked on her snacking quandary (oh, the peril!)...which treat to enjoy?

This cafe, with its steaming cup and rolling pin logo (a nod to their coffee and baked goods, of course), has “hand-crafted” written all over it.

The New Milks: Dairy-Free Recipes by Local Author Dina Cheney

Cookbooks

CTbites Team May 04, 2016

Copyright © 2016 by Dina Cheney from THE NEW MILKS: 100-Plus Dairy-Free Recipes for Making and Cooking with Soy, Nut, Seed, Grain, and Coconut Milks, published by Atria Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.The New Milks, a new book just released from local author Dina Cheney, is the first comprehensive resource about plant-based, vegan, or alternative milks. The book includes 113 recipes dairy-free and kosher recipes, and most are wholesome (many are vegan). The New Milks is a great resource for those who are lactose-intolerant, have dairy allergies, or who follow vegan, paleo, kosher, low-cholesterol, hormone-free, or low-sugar diets. From familiar varieties, such as almond, soy, and coconut, to exotic types, like pistachio, millet, and tiger nut, readers will learn about the full range of incredible plant-based milks.

HAPA Burger is Creative, Bold and Delicious

Restaurant Food Truck Burgers

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger May 03, 2016

Almost a year ago I visited Hapa Food truck and ordered three tacos. Little did I know that the smiling face of owner Chris Gonzales, who prepared those delicious tacos was hiding an incredible talent of delivering bold, balanced and creative cuisine. After I finished the tacos he told me I needed to try the burger. I was too full at the time and told him I would come back. Shame on me for waiting a year. Since that time Hapa has developed quite a following and Chris recently opened Miro Kitchen in Fairfield, and a colleague who visited Miro told me it was fantastic.

Well…fast forward and I recently returned to Hapa for the burger. The smiling face of Chris was replaced by an equally smiling and friendly face of his wife, Nicole. I ordered the HAPA burger with fries and she asked if I liked Brussels sprouts, of course I do.

The HAPA burger consists of grass-fed beef topped with pork belly, Vermont cheddar, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, house aioli, encased in HAPA’s signature ube bun.

Latte Art Throwdown at NEAT Westport. And The Winner Is…

Ingredients Coffee Tea And Coffee

ellen bowen May 03, 2016

I had no idea. Like most people, I enjoy a good cup of coffee. My personal preference being a latte, the Americanized version of a cappuccino, but with a more densely foamed steamed milk.

So when I was invited to represent CTbites as one of three judges at this past weeks Latte Art Throwdown at NEAT Westport, frankly I envisioned a couple local baristas serving up some prettily topped lattes. Hearts, Flowers, Tulips, etc.

Little did I know, but being a barista has taken on a new respect in the coffee world. Third Wave coffee, Single origin, specialty coffee, French Press, pour overs and simple are words that have crept into our vocabulary as true coffee aficionados seek out the best baristas in local independent coffee houses.

NEAT is one of the original boutique coffee houses in CT, opening its first location in Darien, and in the last year coming to Westport in the former Vigilante Fire House on Riverside Ave.

This past week, they hosted their first Latte Art Throwdown, a judged bracket style competition not for the faint of heart barista.

The Seehund German Pub & Restaurant: New London’s Coastal Culinary Treasure

Hope Simmons May 01, 2016

When Ryan Benoit and Jon Turgeon first met as freshmen at St. Bernard’s, they didn’t even like each other. But through a mutual love of sports and food—and being forced to car pool—they wound up being best friends. Now they’re business partners at The Seehund German Pub & Restaurant in New London.

Even in their younger days, they thought someday they’d have their own restaurant. But someday came sooner than anticipated when The Seehund’s previous owner moved out of state to be closer to family. At the time, Jon was already executive chef and Ryan was a fry cook. “He kind of pitched it as a joke to us—you wouldn’t want to buy this from me, would you, HA HA HA?” And no kidding, that’s exactly what they did. Ryan’s since taken over the front of the house while Jon continues his executive chef role in the kitchen.

Whether you choose lunch, dinner, a bite from the pub menu, or breakfast on the weekend, you’re in for a treat and won’t leave hungry.

Brew Pub Planned for Former Bethel Train Station

Restaurant Bethel Brewery Pub

CTbites Team April 29, 2016

Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media

We are VERY excited about this week's Bethel food news covered by our friends Hearst Connecticut:

Several local entrepreneurs hope to open a brew pub in the former train station, which they believe will bring a new demographic to downtown [Bethel].

Lisa Tassone, owner of La Zingara on P.T. Barnum Square, and several partners have been discussing a brew pub when space at the station became available. Bethel Cycle closed last fall after operating in the building for about five years. “As soon as we walked into the space we knew it was a perfect fit,” said Tassone, who opened La Zingara about 13 years ago. Chris Sanzeni, an experienced brewer, said the historic building and the artistic nature of making beer is a perfect fit — adding Smirnoff vodka was produced for the first time in the building next door.

Donut Crazy Doughnuts Now Available in Bridgeport's Black Rock Neighborhood

Ingredients Restaurant Bridgeport Doughnuts Breakfast Take Out Kid Friendly Dessert

Jessica Ryan April 29, 2016

I recently headed over to Donut Crazy’s newest location in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport with Jessica Grutkowski, owner of the Buzz Truck, who shared that she will be adding this local vendor to her offerings. While I fully admit I have never met a donut I didn’t like, these aren’t your typical donuts; they’re indulgent and decadent, and enormous!

As you step inside you’ll notice how physically different this donut joint is. Most don’t share a space with a Vietnamese restaurant, which in this case is the recently opened Nom Eez. So I asked Jason Wojnarowski, founder of Donut Crazy about this curious new home and this most unusual pairing, because as I saw it, Pho and donuts don’t necessarily go hand in hand. Wojnarowski, a builder by profession, was hired by Matt Storch (owner of Nom Eez) to renovate Match a couple of years ago. What resulted was not only a friendship but the current Pho-Donut partnership.

Crabby-Cado + Plantain Chips Recipes

Recipe Recipe

Marcia Selden Catering April 28, 2016

Chips + guacamole go together like lime and tequila! We’ve kicked our guac up with fresh crabmeat. It’s guaranteed to be a hit at your Cinco de Mayo party. Make sure to taste it because you won’t have leftovers for this recipe. Check out the full recipes for Crabby-Cado and Plaintain Chips below.

CRABBY-CADO

Ingredients

3 ripe avocados

3 t fresh lime juice

½ C chopped cilantro leaves

1 T minced jalapeno

Top 25 CT Food Trucks: New Haven & Beyond (2016 Edition) Available For Catering All Over CT

Restaurant Recipe Catering Food Truck

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 27, 2016

We recently told you about the array of food trucks travelling the streets of Fairfield County and bringing delicious food straight to you (view Top 20 Fairfield County Food Trucks here). New Haven, and its surrounding areas, is also a hub for some truly excellent food trucks! They also have a bevy of food carts. From sweet cupcakes to aromatic java to finger-lickin’ good barbeque, there is a diverse assortment of mobile cuisine to savor.

Here are 25 Food Trucks & Carts in New Haven and beyond worth visiting.

The Cheese Truck, New Haven: The Cheese Truck brings grilled cheese sandwiches, soup, sausages, salads, and more to the streets of New Haven. It comes from the team behind Caseus, the popular New Haven bistro.
The Little Red Seafood Truck, Shelton & New Haven: Nothing captures summertime in New England more than fresh seafood. The Little Red Seafood Truck is an offshoot of Szabo's Seafood, located in Shelton. They have seafood sandwiches like the scallop roll, lobster roll, and salmon burger. They also have soups and salads.
Farm Belly, New Haven: The Farm Belly food truck and caterer brings farm-fresh food to the streets of New Haven. They visit local farms and farmers’ markets to find produce, meat, and dairy. One of their signature items is the egg-and-cheese sandwich, made with local eggs and farmstead cheese. They even make their own ketchup and hot sauce.
Cowabunga, CT: The Cowabunga Food Truck has soft serve ice cream and grilled selections. They use pasture raised, grass fed beef. Try one of their tasty burgers, like their signature Cowabunga Burger. It comes with pepper jack, bacon, grilled onions and peppers. Book the truck for an event, or select their Backyard BBQ package.

2016 Guide to Fairfield County Farmers Markets via Fairfield Green Food Guide

Ingredients CT Farms Farmers Market Local Farm farm fresh

CTbites Team April 26, 2016

Recap: Savor, A Celebration of Wine, Food & Spirits @ Foxwoods

Restaurant Events Fundraiser

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 26, 2016

What if I told you that you could feast on Hudson Valley Foie Gras Torchon, nurse a glass of Fess Parker Ashley’s Cuvee Pinot Noir, get cooking tips from Chef Mary Ann Esposito, and dance the night away with celebrity chefs- all while raising over $70,000 to help veterans and military families? That by indulging in a bite of Truffled Tenderloin Beef Tartare you could help a young girl receive a much-needed bone transplant?

Savor, now in its second year, makes all of that possible. Dishes from Connecticut’s best restaurants, wines, spirits, beer, and merchandise are all available under one roof. Proceeds from the celebration go toward the Robert Irvine Foundation.

CTBites was invited to both sessions of the walk-around Grand Tasting as well as the Savor In Style Charity Gala. Here all of the delicious details.

Restaurants for Mother’s Day in CT: 2016 Edition

Restaurant Brunch Events Holiday Best of CT

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 24, 2016

Sunday May 8 is all about Mom! Connecticut restaurants are helping us celebrate the mothers in our lives with prix fixe menus, special a la carte items, buffets, and more. Here are many places serving Mother’s Day meals. Please add more in your comments.

Bernard’s, Ridgefield: Bernard's, which can be found in Ridgefield, will serve Mother's Day brunch from 11am-12:30pm and dinner from 1:30-6pm.
Morello, Greenwich: On Sunday May 8, Morello Italian Bistro will offer Mother's Day brunch and dinner from 11am to 9pm.
Harbor Lights, Norwalk: In Norwalk, Harbor Lights will offer a 3 course prix fixe menu for $59.99 per person. Kids are welcome too. There is a children's menu for $25.99.
Millwrights, Simsbury: Millwright's in Simsbury has created a 3 course prix fixe menu for Mother's Day. Starters include dishes like a Baby Gem Salad and Smoked Salmon Rillette. Then, choose an entree and dessert.

New Menu Launched at Sign of the Whale

Restaurant Seafood Stamford Lunch

James Gribbon April 22, 2016

Stamford's Harbor Point is starting to give the appearance of a boomtown. The peninsula, jutting into the flat expanse of the Sound, now seemingly holds more high rise buildings than the city's downtown, and they're steadily filling with residents, retailers, and restaurants. Amidst this ever present change stands one constant: Sign Of The Whale. At 16 months old, and with the little-lamented demise of the beer garden at the current site of Paloma, the Whale stands in the amusing position of being the Point's most venerable institution. In keeping with the theme around them that nothing is quite good enough as it exists, Sign of The Whale has hired a new chef, and launched a new menu.

Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings For April 24 - May 1

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 21, 2016

Ambler Farm invites you to their “Spring Fling Pancake Breakfast” on Saturday April 30. Stop in between 11am and 12:30pm to feast on pancakes with Ambler Farm’s syrup. Guests can also visit with the farm animals, watch wool shearing, complete a spring craft, and take home a packet of seeds. It costs $15 per adult and $5 per child. Reservations are required.

The 3rd Annual Ridgefield Gone Country BBQ Festival returns on April 30th and May 1st to the historic Lounsbury House, at 316 Main Street in Ridgefield. The festival will feature two world-champion barbecue competitions, rides, games, and good eats for the entire family. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students, and free for children under 12 years old. For a more information visit www.RidgefieldBBQCT.com.

Thursday April 28th, 7 pm join top local Baristas as they compete in a bracket-style Latte Art Throwdown at NEAT Westport. $10 gets you in as a participant and drink ticket, but spectators are free. Food, cocktails and music. NEAT Westport 6 Wilton Rd. Westport. CT. (203) 557-8955.

Saturday April 30^th, 5 -8 pm, Westport-based broker, Judy Michaelis hosts Paleo + Plate cooking demo and tasting at one of her special listings in Wilton, CT. Watch Chef Danielle Hartog prepare a full Paleo menu.

Tawa Modern Classic Indian Moves To Glenbrook, Stamford

Restaurant Stamford Indian Lunch

Jessica Ryan April 20, 2016

Many of the best restaurants are unassumingly tucked into the landscape without fanfare or grand decor. Such is Tawa, newly relocated in the Glenbrook section of Stamford, where the simple and modest decor takes a back seat to the food. Admittedly I am no expert on Indian Cuisine but have eaten it enough to formulate my own theories about which restaurants stand out from the crowd. Tawa is such a place.

Chef Kausik Roy describes his restaurant as one that that embraces tradition but appeals to a variety of tastes. His cooking is modern, yet classically timeless. "Tawa is a very different type of Indian restaurant, one that draws on a deep respect of food tradition and a love for breaking food rules that emerged in me when I was very young.”