The Nook in Black Rock: Communal Private Dining...The Secret's Out Restaurant Black Rock Bridgeport Pop-Up Dinner Jessica Ryan July 12, 2016 Along came Carol, and then she opened The Nook, a private dining experience in Black Rock. The secret is about to get leaked. All who’ve visited The Nook can’t stop singing its praises - they’ll say how wonderful it is. What, exactly, is The Nook? And, if all these people have heard of The Nook, why hadn’t I? The concept was created by chef and caterer Carol Lentini and her husband and partner Mark Mojcher. Located in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport, it is best described as a communal private dining experience. The eatery features one community table set in the middle of a long room offering an artistic and whimsical air with walls painted in a cheery bright pink, on which hang large colorful paintings. More private dining room, less public restaurant, we felt like guests, not customers. While you wait for dinner you can mingle with the others and introduce yourself; you’ll meet your neighbor and maybe even become fast friends. Two things should be noted - This isn’t the place for a quiet romantic evening out, and it’s BYOB. Read More
CHRISMUKKAH IN JULY -- FORTINA-STYLE Lou Gorfain July 11, 2016 The Dog Days of Summer. Time to dream of sugar plums, dine on turkey and knishes, sip a hot toddy or two and maybe steal a kiss under the mistletoe. And it all happens at a one-of-a-kind summer party called “Chrismukkah in July,” a Merry Mish Mash that will make the real December holidays happier for a special group of local teens. The zany fundraiser, replete with crazy delicious eats and whimsical winter drinks, takes place July 20that Fortina Stamford. (For entry to a bash that only the Fortina boys could concoct, click the ticket link at the end of this article.) The party is being thrown by the Junior Board of Domus, a non-profit organization that serves struggling youth in the region. At their charter schools in Stamford and New Haven, Domus creates programs that allow vulnerable kids to forge a pathway to health, opportunity, and satisfying lives. This year, Domus seniors achieved a 100% high school graduation rate. (Click http://domuskids.org/ to learn more of their amazing success stories.) Domus has always enjoyed a productive partnership with the food community. In the past, their Trafigura Work and Learn program has sold garden and greenhouse produce at local farmers markets and to restaurants like The Whelk in Westport and Columbus Park Trattoria in Stamford as well as David’s Catering. Read More
Pizza Excellence and More at Mondo in Middletown Hope Simmons July 10, 2016 Growing up, we had no shortage of good pizza in Middletown. Not surprising, given the number of Italians who call this city home. But over time, many of the old favorites I loved as a kid—Marino's, Giovanni's, D&S (for scacciata)—were no more. Then Mondo came to town in 2010. “Great, another Italian place,” I thought. And apparently, I wasn’t alone. I recently met with Keith Vibert, owner of Mondo. “Before we were even open, a woman stuck her head in and asked, What kind of restaurant is this going to be? When we told her it was going to be an Italian/pizza place, she threw her hands in the air and walked out.” But once we had a taste, we were sold. From creative salads and appetizers to panini and pizza, Mondo offers something for everyone. There are no bad choices here. And though it just happens to be my pizza home away from home, people come from everywhere to enjoy a meal with friends and family—or on a date. That’s pretty much what Mondo is all about. Read More
New Haven's Historic Bar Reopens: Welcome Back Anchor Spa Restaurant Cocktails New Haven Amy Kundrat July 08, 2016 It's back. Anchor Spa, one of New Haven's most iconic drinking establishments has been brought back to life thanks to Yale alumnus and restauranteur Karl Franz Williams (67 Orange Street, Solomon & Kuff). Renovated with an emphasis on evoking the 1930's spirit of the original Anchor Spa while infusing the space with thoughtful modern touches, Anchor Spa is poised to take its place among Connecticut's most stylish and storied bars. Read More
Three Mason Jar Layered Salad Cups via Marcia Selden Catering CTbites Team July 08, 2016 Photo credit - Robin Selden for Marcia Selden Catering This is an anything-but-boring (and super easy!) way to serve a salad on the go. Perfect for picnics or beach BBQ’s. Buy a case of inexpensive mason jars at the grocery store and start layering with your favorite ingredients and dressings! Kale Shrimp Caesar Yield: 6 Mason Jars Ingredients 9 C Shredded Kale (1.5 C per Jar) 3 C Shaved Parmesan (1/2 C per Jar) 3 C Croutons (1/2 C per Jar) 24 21/25 Shrimp, Tail Off (4 per Jar) 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced 4 T Lemon Juice 8 T EVOO 3 T Parsley, Chopped 3 T Chives, Thinly Sliced Salt & Pepper Caesar Dressing Read More
Weekly Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings For July 10-16 Emma Jane-Doody Stetson July 07, 2016 Stonebridge Restaurant and Wines and More Milford are teaming up for a 6-Course Wine Dinner on Tuesday July 12. Dishes include local cheeses, charcuterie, and pine nut pesto salmon. Some of the wine selections are Mionetto Gran Rosé, Château Les Tourelles de Longueville Pauillac, and Orin Swift Abstract. It costs $75 per person (tax and gratuity included). For the full menu, wine list, and details, please see: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ecqxzoouaac61956&llr=lmve7pkab Fleishers Craft Butchery in Westport is pleased to announce a new Summer Grilling Series! Each class includes an explanation about cuts of meat, a hands-on burger making tutorial, a look at seasonings and sauces, and of course… eating! You’ll even enjoy a summer beer. The first class takes place on Tuesday July 12 at 7pm. It costs $100 and tickets are available online: https://fleishers.yapsody.com/event/book/42829/207112 Wednesday July 13 is National Yoga Day. Celebrate with Half Full Brewery in Stamford at their “Yoga for Hoptimists” evening. A $16 ticket includes a 50 minute yoga class and open beer taps. Bonus: Some proceeds will go to help NGO AFESIP Cambodia start a yoga program for women and girls. http://halffullbrewery.com/event-calendar/ Read More
CTbites Invites: Happy Hour on the Kawa Ni Rooftop for $39 Restaurant CTbites Invites ellen bowen July 06, 2016 Are you still kicking yourself for missing the CTbites Happy Hour on the Patio at Artisan last month? No worries… CTbites is excited to offer a second chance to celebrate Summer 2016, this time on the wonderful outdoor rooftop patio of Kawa Ni Westport on Wednesday July 13th from 5:30-7:30 pm ( Raindate Thursday July 14th ) Buy your tickets here http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2566107 Overlooking the Saugatuck River, and watching the boats, kayaks and paddleboarders drift by is a special bonus to the evening which for $39 includes Chef Jeff Taibe's creative and delicious appetizers and two beverages of your choice. Enhancing the patio experience are two familiar faces, Carissa and Maddy, from The Stand Juice Bar. They bring with them both their sparkling personalities, as well as some of The Stands juices and a specialty cocktail blend called "Pick Your Poison", to enjoy while nibbling Kawa Ni's Izakaya appetizers like : Pork Spring Rolls Mini Tofu Pockets Peekytoe Crab Rangoon Ebi Sticks Kani Salad Broccoli Salad Read More
Prime Opens in Stamford - A First Look Emma Jane-Doody Stetson July 05, 2016 On Saturday July 3, bursts of fireworks illuminated the Stamford sky in honor of the Fourth of July. Stamford residents also had something else to celebrate; the opening of Prime restaurant. CTbites reported in January that the Huntington, NY restaurant had secured a second location in Stamford. Now, five months later, Prime is bringing its steak, seafood, sushi, and signature dishes to Connecticut. The Fourth of July is a fitting time for Prime to open its doors. The holiday embodies summer sun and surf. Those same elements lie at the heart of Prime. The flagship Huntington, NY restaurant boasts harbor views, dock space, and outdoor seating. The new Stamford location promises the same. Situated in the waterfront space that once housed Dolce Cubano, Prime Stamford is embracing everything that Long Island Sound has to offer. “Boating will be a big factor for us,” says Michael Bohlsen of Bohlsen Restaurant Group, the team behind Prime. He revealed that the Stamford location obtained ten dock slips. Boaters can make a reservation (separate fee may apply) and bring their vessels directly to Prime. They also hired a dock master to oversee the boats. Bohlsen Restaurant Group believes in exceptional service and crafting a fine dining experience. As a result, they are taking their time to ensure that every aspect of the restaurant runs smoothly. Their Stamford debut has taken the form of a series of soft openings so that they can perfect their approach. They gave a sneak peek to the community with a cocktail party for local neighbors and members of the Chamber of Commerce. They followed up with two days of friends and family dining, for guests of the staff. Prime’s first dinner service took place on Wednesday June 29. Until July 13, Prime will give diners 50% of what they spend (pre-tax and pre-gratuity) on a gift card that can be redeemed in the fall. “We recognize that it’s only a first or second week. There are a lot of moving pieces and it’s not yet perfect,” says Bohlsen. “The people coming now are a lot of the local people. This is a way to introduce ourselves.” Read More
Guide To The Best Dive Bars In Southwest Connecticut c. 2016 Restaurant Delicious Dives Bar Lou Gorfain July 03, 2016 Dive Bars aren’t necessarily dives. Take Casey’s Tavern in Stamford. Secluded on a dead end side street just off downtown, its windows are veiled, its entrance shadowy. What’s behind the curtains? Well, step inside and be amazed. The crowd is convivial, the decor beguiling, and the joint jumping. A song blasts on the juke, but it’s buried under the laughter and yak. Behind a highly polished hardwood bar, mirrors and bottles glisten. Out the back door, a sun-splashed patio beckons. And on each table – there’s an extensive menu to ponder. So is Casey’s a dive? “No, no,” Seamus Costigan tells us. ”We don’t attract trouble.” He should know. Costigan is not only the guy behind the stick, but the affable owner of this Irish pub. It is said once Seamus meets you, he never forgets your name or your drink. These days the term “Dive Bar” doesn’t imply bikers, broken bottles and bloody bathrooms. Rather, a true Dive serves as a neighborhood gathering place, where regulars can dive in*, grab a quick (or long) one at an affordable price, shoot pool or darts, argue sports and politics, or just b,s. about life and love. No one comes in to be lonely … or leaves broke. When you belly up to the bar, there’s no need to order. The ‘keep is already pouring. Seamus nods and grins. “I guess we’re a dive bar, then. I know exactly what time my regulars come in, their drink, and what they eat.” In a modern Dive, the food is as much a draw as the liquor and the laughter. So forget about microwaved burgers and dogs, stale chips, or soggy Slices. The new breed Dive caters to customers who aren’t just thirsty, but hungry for a tasty meal without breaking the bank. Gourmet dining? At times. Complexity, not really. But solid eats, definitely. In fact, some dishes are farm fresh and healthy. Herewith, we curate the best eats we found at some selected SW Connecticut Dives … Read More
Instabites: Brunch in Niantic, Fleisher's Burger, Kent Falls Brewing, Fairfield Farmers' Market, Bill's Seafood Restaurant Fairfield Kent Niantic Shoreline East Westport Amy Kundrat June 30, 2016 A few of our recent snackable moments from Instagram: What a gem! Niantic's @labelleaurorect is a terrific farm-to-table find (brunch to dinner) if you're on the Connecticut shoreline. (Pictured is their smores French toast but I also highly recommend the farm fresh vegetable hash). #ctbites #farmtotable #niantic #brunch A photo posted by CTbites (@ctbites) on Jun 26, 2016 at 10:01am PDT #lamb #burger @fleisherscraftkitchen #lambburger #burgers #comfortfood #summer #craftbutchery #butcher #photobomb Read More
Guide To Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in CT Restaurant Organic Vegetarian healthy Vegan April Guilbault June 26, 2016 Summer is here and that means road trips! Day trips! Exploring this great state of ours with its interesting nooks and crannies! You know, there is always one Big Kahuna of a question when out-and-about (besides, of course, “Where is there a good public restroom?”) and that would be: ”Where can we eat??!”. Aaaaannnd the answer goes on to get a bit more complicated when there’s a vegetarian or vegan in your traveling band of explorers. But thankfully, we have you and your veggie-eaters covered. Great spots all over the state to dine in a delightfully meat-free fashion. Many of these eateries even cater to gluten-free diners, too. Check the websites ahead of your travel time and you are good to go! Be off, young men and women! p.s.-You might be interested in taking a detour through Hamden on July 23rd for their Compassion Fest. It’s a gathering to promote the ideas of kindness, equity, and compassion AND there will be lots of vegan food there. Here are 16 delicious vegetarian & vegan Restaurants in CT. Read More
Burger Review: Prime Burger in South Norwalk Restaurant Norwalk SONO Burgers Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger June 24, 2016 Are you looking for an inexpensive burger for lunch? Maybe some fries and a soda to join the burger? If they are all offered as a lunch special, even better. With my obsession with burgers, and my annual Best “10” burgers in southwest Connecticut behind me, I decided to try the moderately priced, newly opened Prime Burger in SoNo. Located next to The Spread, one of my Best “10” burgers, the SoNo location is the second in the area, after the original opened in Ridgefield several years ago. Prime Burger offers beef, salmon, turkey, chicken and veggie burgers from $6.50-$8.00 with free (sauces, onion, lettuce, tomato, etc.) and $1.00 toppings (cheese, chili bacon, etc.), a la 5-Guys. The menu also includes hot dogs, grilled cheese, chicken tenders and salads (you can add a patty or grilled chicken). If you enter from the street your journey begins near the rear, where you place your order. I ordered the $10 lunch special, which included a cheeseburger, fries and a beverage. Read More
Sneak Peek - Washington Prime in Georgetown Opens Tonight CTbites Team June 23, 2016 For fans of Washington Prime who live in the Danbury area, good news is here. The second location of the SoNo hot spot opens in the Georgetown neighborhood tonight, serving the same steaks and creative cuisine that fans have enjoyed down route 7 on Washington Street. The brainchild of owners Marco Siguenza, Rob Moss and its newest partner Dave Studwell, Washington Prime Georgetown offers the same delicious cuisine in a relaxed environment. Read More
Guide to Kids Summer Cooking Camps & Classes in Connecticut: 2016 Edition Restaurant Cooking Classes Kids kids activity kids cooking party April Guilbault June 23, 2016 Kids and Summer vacation: No homework! No school! No tests! The beach! Playing with friends! Sleeping in! More friends! Camp! Baseball games! Swimming! Fun! Fun! Fun! Parents and Summer vacation: WHAT DO WE DO WITH THE KIDS?! Rest easy. Chill. We have some ideas that you will benefit from in more ways than one. Day classes, culinary camps, learning about where food comes from and then what the heck to do with it-you’re little (or big) foodie will be in their element. With any luck, junior will be able to make *you* a back-to-school breakfast by the end of the Summer. Ohhhh, yeahhhhh. AMG Catering Wilton www.amgcatering.com/kids-camp Choose your week, choose your cuisine. Proceed to cook and eat your way around the world. Well, in an almost-Anthony-Bourdain kind of way. At AMG Catering in Wilton, traveling the world is the theme for the summer cooking sessions that will introduce your “Chefs in Training” (CITs for those in-the-know) to a wide array of dishes. These hands-on classes will have the CITs working in a professional kitchen and learning cooking skills that will have them creating “Street Food”, “Regional Dishes” from across the U. S, and a variety of “Small Plates”. The junior chefs (ages 10-15) will top it all off with a cooking competition on the last day. Watch out, Food Network. A word of note: these kitchens are not allergy-free kitchens. Everything and anything (nuts, shellfish, dairy) is cooked here. Cost is $475 per week, $900 for two weeks, or $1350 or three weeks. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings for June 26 - July 3 Emma Jane-Doody Stetson June 22, 2016 Holbrook Farm in Bethel will be hosting a series of farm dinners this summer in collaboration with local chefs and farms. On Sunday June 26, Chef Jeff Taibe from Kawa Ni, Westport, will highlight the duck with dishes like Duck Soba, Strawberry and Rhubarb Toast, Napa Cabbage Wraps, Duck Bahn Mi, Favas and Strawberries with Radishes and Smoked Soy, and Tomatoes and Arugula with Barrel Aged Ponzu Sauce. Learn more here. The Artisanal Burger Company in Manchester will feature Back East Brewing Company in a beer dinner. There will be a reception, a 3 course dinner, and dessert. Guests can try brews like the Backeast Summer Ale, BoMo Dry Hopped Pilsner, Back East Ale, and Tony Goes Dancing Double IPA. It costs $60 per person. On Tuesday June 28, Tarry Lodge will host a RED Supper to help (RED) in the fight against AIDS. They’ll present a tasting menu along with wine pairings. It is $100 per person at the Port Chester location and $75 per person in New Haven and Westport. Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon is legendary… and now you can enjoy more wines from Caymus. CAVA Wine Bar invites you to a Caymus Wine Dinner on Tuesday June 28. Partake in dishes like soft shell crab, homemade fettuccini, and halibut alongside complementary wines. It costs $89 per person. Call 203-966-6946 to reserve. Got beef? Learn all about Beef Butchery basics at Fleishers Craft Butchery’s Greenwich location on Tuesday June 28. Read More
Solid Choices at Tavern 489 in Glenbrook, Stamford Restaurant Italian Stamford Lunch Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger June 21, 2016 The newest addition to the Glenbrook neighborhood is Tavern 489, located at 489 Glenbrook Road, sharing the building with the newly relocated and reopened Tawa Restaurant (reviewed here). The building has a long history in the neighborhood, it originally housed the Moosehead Bar decades ago (thank you “Hey Stamford”). The brainchild of owners Eric Monte and Partner/Executive Chef Regis Saget, Tavern 489 offers an eclectic menu, paired with various beer and wine selections in a rustic environment. The fully redesigned interior emphasizes wood and stone to create an setting reminiscent of an Adirondack mountain lodge, complete with exposed M-Trusses, a canoe dangling from the ceiling, a full front-to-back 18-seat wooden bar, additional wooden high-top tables plus a large wooden “picnic” table, all drawing focus to the imposing floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace in the rear. The walls are adorned with photos of Ernest Hemingway who, in addition to winning the Nobel Prize in Literature, was, according to Monte, the ultimate outdoorsman, a true man’s man, and his photos fit the rustic, outdoorsy feel that he was striving to achieve. Read More
