WIN FREE TIX! Bar Sugo Hosts "Sugo Social," Pig Roast & Stand Up Comedy Event CTbites Team May 12, 2016 WIN 2 FREE TIX to "SUGO SOCIAL," a family style pig roast/stand-up comedy event, hosted by Ken Tuccio and Pat Pascarella of Bar Sugo on June 26th. To Win: Tell us why YOU NEED to attend this event in the Comments section below. (make sure you leave your email address) This event will feature a full roasted pig and all the fixins, a stand-up comedy performance featuring 3 of Connecticut’s most well known stand-up comedians, as well as exclusive beer on tap from Hamden CT’s No Worries Brewing Company. This event will also feature 2 culinary demonstrations from Chef Pat Pascarella, where you can participate and work with Pat while he prepares the roasted pig and side dishes he will be serving that day. Read More
Ultimate Guide To Berry Picking in CT (2016 Edition) Ingredients CT Farms Local Farm Pick Your Own kids activity Anna Bendiksen May 11, 2016 “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, dear,” my maternal grandmother told me over and over again when I was growing up in the Midwest. Grandma, may she rest in peace, always had berry patches in her backyard for pies to please the most hard-hearted male guest, but if she could have seen the scale and abundance of Connecticut berry farms, she would probably, as we used to say, have fainted dead away. Prairies are not made for berries; woodlands are. Since it’s true that the way to a woman’s heart is through her stomach, too, I’ve developed a passion for the annual ritual of visiting local pick-your-own farms for strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. The argument for going to pick-your-own farms, when one has the time, is unassailable. It does not get more local than this, unless, like my Grandma, you want to grow your own (another unassailable idea but beyond the scope of this article). Berries in season are at their peak of freshness and nadir of price, and one also has the satisfaction of knowing that one is supporting farmers in one’s community. Read More
A New Era for Bethel’s Holbrook Farm Ingredients CT Farms Farmers Market Local Farm Specialty Market farm fresh Jessica Ryan May 11, 2016 Founded by John and Lynn Holbrook, Holbrook Farm in Bethel has been family run and operated for the past 40 years. The farm is small by most people’s standards. Although it is situated on 12 acres only two are used for production. From these two acres yield an abundance of produce. While not certified organic, the land is clean of pesticides and herbicides, using plants that attract beneficial insects. Weeds have a special place in the ecological mix as well. Last week I took a trip up to the farm to meet with Jess Wong, the new manager who gave me a tour of the property. Wong was brought on to manage the property and grow the farm to a new level of productivity. A Skidmore graduate, she dabbled in marketing for a while before realizing that she missed being outdoors and working with her hands. Wong started volunteering at the farm assisting the former manager, handling minor projects and social media Last December John told her that he wanted to retire and asked if she would run the farm and the market. Wong was elated. She had big plans for the farm which included a new greenhouse and renovating the store. But greenhouses are expensive. Enter Tony Pham and Richard Reyes of Mecha Noodle Bar, and Mezon, and their new program, Eat Justice, a movement of restaurants on a mission to transform taste and tradition to pride and progress. Read More
The Tasty Yolk Food Truck Rolls Into Fairfield w/ Gourmet Breakfast Sandwicheses Restaurant Fairfield Food Truck Breakfast Lunch Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 10, 2016 Two chefs and a banker walk into a bar… It sounds like the start of a joke, but it’s actually the start of a “yolk!” Chefs Eric Felitto and Jason Cade of The Chelsea teamed up with their friend and banker, Michael Bertanza to create The Tasty Yolk food truck located at 4700 Park Avenue in Bridgeport. Despite the rain, the truck made its debut on Thursday May 5 to lots of customers eager to try their gourmet twists on breakfast sandwiches. “Every year, we try to figure out how we’re going to make our fortune,” jokes Felitto. “We finally decided to use our skills and make a food truck.” The trio makes for the perfect team. Felitto, Chef at The Chelsea, can coordinate with Sous Chef Cade so that someone can attend to the truck while continuing to work at the restaurant. Meanwhile, Bertanza works just across the street at Fairfield Bank. It’s easy for them to come together. Read More
Entertaining Al Fresco at Your Beach House via The Local Vault (sponsored) CTbites Team May 10, 2016 There are few things better than dining al fresco on a warm summer night, surrounded by friends, family, and good food. Except, of course, when you’re doing it at your beach house. There’s something about being at your home away from home that elevates just about any experience into an event. Get set for a season of memory making in style with our tips and picks for creating an outdoor entertaining oasis at your vacation home. Treat it like the special place it is. Beach houses are dream homes, places designed for enjoying the finer things in life. So, while we’re all in favor of plastic cups and melamine plates for a lunchtime barbecue, keep a fancier set of china (or at least porcelain!) and crystal on hand for nights when the good company is in town, the good wine is out, and the good times are rolling. If something breaks, you know the evening was a success! Read More
Dinner & Craft Cocktails At Sugar & Olives in Norwalk: New Spring Menu Restaurant Brunch Cocktails Farm to Table Norwalk Organic Lunch Dessert Jessica Ryan May 08, 2016 Recently some members of The CTBites team and I had the opportunity to revisit and sit together at Sugar and Olives in Norwalk to try out the new springtime menu. For those of you who have not yet visited (what are you waiting for?!) Sugar and Olives was established by Westport resident, Jennifer Balin, in 2008. Her goal was, and remains, to educate diners and cultivate the relationship between farms and families. She is committed to serving local food, and nearly all the items on the generous menu come from within the state, including milk, cheese, eggs, fruit, vegetables, beef, pork, poultry and fish, as well as wine, beer and spirits. This three star Certified Green Restaurant serves brunch five days a week and dinner three nights a week. Read More
MilkCraft Nitrogen-Churned Ice Cream Opens May 9th in Fairfield Restaurant Fairfield ice cream Kid Friendly Dessert Stephanie Webster May 07, 2016 It's official. Fairfield just became the luckiest town in all of CT. On May 9th, MilkCraft will be opening at 1215 Post Road in the Brick Walk area of Fairfield, selling the creamiest ice cream in the universe. Why you ask? Milkcraft serves Nitrogen-churned ice cream, a process that freezes the cream so quickly that those pesky ice crystals that can form when the ice cream freezes slowly, never materialize. The end result is simply the smoothest creamiest ice cream you've ever tasted, with a mouthfeel like no other frozen confection. But wait...it gets better. Milkcraft will be serving their nitrogen- churned dessert in Instagram ready "Creameebun" donut sandwiches, and Hong Kong-inspired "Bubblecones." More details on Milkcraft coming soon. Get excited CT. Read More
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!] Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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." Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
