Upside-Down Pear + Ginger Cake Recipe from Westport Farmers' Market

Lynn Felici-Gallant September 02, 2016

Nothing says autumn more than the fragrance of dessert baking in the oven. And this autumn-lover can think of no better dessert to usher in cooler temperatures than Silvia Baldini’s Upside-Down Pear and Ginger Cake. This year, Westport Farmers’ Market goers are in for a special treat – Fort Hill Farm has fresh ginger!

Fort Hill Farm of New Milford, is a 20-acre farm operating on land leased from The Nature Conservancy/Sunny Valley Preserve. Paul Bucciaglia and Rebecca Batchie operate Fort Hill Farm, which has been certified organic by Baystate Organic Certifiers since 2003 and adheres to the NOFA Farmers’ Pledge manifesto.

First Taste: El Segundo Opens in Sono Starring The Spread's Carlos Baez

Restaurant American Cocktails Norwalk SONO Venezuelan Mexican Indian Latin American

Lou Gorfain September 02, 2016

Recently the CTbites team previewed the menu at El Segundo in South Norwalk, the newest restaurant from the talented partners who created The Spread just up the block. The concept: Eat the Street. Intersect some of the world’s tastiest street food at the corner of Washington and North Water in SONO.

What began as a tasting quickly turned into a party ... a coming out party for Carlos Baez, Executive Chef of The Spread, one of the region’s most versatile, yet unheralded, chefs.

The menu flaunts Baez’ extraordinary range -- a gastronomic tour de force featuring over 3 dozen dishes curated from the boulevards and back allies of 27 countries on all seven continents, including barren Antarctica. (More about that selection later)

Wakeman Town Farm Annual Harvest Fest is Sept. 24th

CTbites Team September 01, 2016

Wakeman Town Farm Sustainability Center's annual Harvest Fest is on Sat. Sept. 24, a fundraiser to support farm programming.

The evening kicks off with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by dinner and dessert by stellar local chefs (like Gus Christman III of Harvest Wine Bar and Restaurant, Carlos Baez of The Spread, Jon Vaast of Rothbard Ale + Larder, Pietro Scotti of Da Pietro's Restaurant, Alison Milwe Grace of AMG Catering and Events, tapas by Barcelona Fairfield, cheeses by Fairfield Cheese Company, and dessert by Saugatuck Sweets), as well as wonderful wines, a live auction, a great band, and more. It's all to raise funds for Westport's Town Farm! Tickets: www.wakemantownfarm.org. $150 per person.

Eastern CT Beer Sampler: A Trip to Beer'd, Outer Light Brewing & Moxie

Ingredients Restaurant Beer Beer Garden CT Beer

James Gribbon August 31, 2016

Last Friday, around the time the afternoon crowd was clicking on last week's column, I was overflowing with the desire to get out of town. A neighbor of mine, a semi-recent immigrant from eastern Europe, was heading home. In the years of our acquaintance I'd only known him to go two places: his day job as a carpenter, and his back yard. His whole idea of Connecticut, his entire concept of the U.S., for all I know, would be worksites, the highway, and a quarter acre of manicured grass. He was utterly unconcerned, but I was tragedy stricken - and determined to get out and do... something.

Just like in a movie script, that's when the phone rang.

"Sorry this is last minute, man," the caps lock Wisconsin accent told me who it was immediately. "But I need a trip to the casino. I got the room paid for, you just bring your liver."

I didn't really have the money to play with, it was Friday rush hour on I-95, and I try to avoid casinos in general.

"Sure. Let me pack." Let's see what happens, I thought. I am a leaf on the wind.

Although the end results were largely indistinguishable, the casino was marginally more entertaining than feeding those same $20 bills to sea gulls. I was neither keen to go back the next day, nor on the prospect of a two hour, day-wasting drive home. It was my turn to provide the inspiration:

"Let's hit a brewery I know."

Odyssey Greek Festival Sept 2-4: An Invitation to Share Greek Cuisine & Community

Anna Bendiksen August 30, 2016

If there’s one thing that the Greeks are known for, it’s warm hospitality. The ancients, believing that the gods walked among us, saw this as a practical matter; the lowliest beggar could be Zeus or Athena in disguise, and so was given a lavish welcome.

For Greek-Americans today, faith and tradition still make hospitality a priority. Just ask the members of St. Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church in Orange, CT, as they prepare to welcome guests to their 36th annual “Odyssey” festival this Labor Day weekend.

The Odyssey Festival takes place at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 480 Racebrook Road, Orange, CT, 06477. Hours are 12 noon to 10 PM on Friday through Sunday, September 2nd through 4th, and 12 noon to 7 PM on Monday, September 5th, 2016.

Spiga - Old World Meets New Italian in New Canaan

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger August 28, 2016

Spiga Wine Bar opened quietly in New Canaan a few weeks ago, offering a menu that combines old world Italian red sauce cuisine with modern interpretations of classic dishes. As reported in the CTbites Sneak Peek, the new owners redesigned the interior to offer a family focus for early guests followed by a hip environment as the evening progresses. During its opening weekend, my wife and I visited after a movie and then again with friends for a late lunch. On both occasions we were all impressed with the cuisine, but were a little taken aback by the noise. CTbites was subsequently invited by the owners to visit one afternoon to sample additional items, discuss the changes envisioned to the menu and how the owners are addressing the desire of guests to enjoy conversation with friends and family.

Small Name, Big Flavor from Nit Noi Provisions' Chicken Recipe via Westport Farmers' Market

Lynn Felici-Gallant August 26, 2016

In Thai, “nit noi” is defined as small or tiny. But there is nothing small about the flavor of Nit Noi Provision’s food. Founded by Jill and North Shutsharawan, Nit Noi Provisions of Westport delivers enormous flavor in every dish and seasoning crafted by this relative newcomer on the food scene. From Thai noodle soups, to broths and condiments, Nit Noi uses fresh, local, and sustainably sourced ingredients that explode with exotic yet accessible flavor. A weekly vendor at the Westport Farmers’ Market, Nit Noi proffered samples of its popular KMG dish at a recent happy hour at Patagonia. They share their recipe below.

Tix on Sale! Kitchen Crawl Culinary Fundraiser: 5 Fabulous Chefs + 4 Designer Kitchens

Stephanie Webster August 25, 2016

Join CTbites, Moffly Media’s AtHome Magazine, and realtors Judy Michaelis & David Vynerib of CCO Habitats for Fairfield County's first ever, “KITCHEN CRAWL,” a culinary tour to benefit Community Plates.

Here's how the Kitchen Crawl works... Guests will purchase a $45 ticket and proceed to 4 different Westport houses, where chefs from The Spread, The Pearl at Longshore, Nom Eez, Rothbard's & Vespa will be cooking just for you. Cooking demos and specially prepared bites will be enjoyed alongside wine and beer provided by Stew's Wines...all in spectacular designer kitchens.

Purchase Tickets to Kitchen Crawl here.

Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings for Week Of August 28 to Sept 4

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson August 25, 2016

Stamford Summer Restaurant week returns! Through September 4, select restaurants will offer special prix fixe lunches and dinners, starting at $10.16 and $15.16 respectively. Participants include popular eateries like Cask Republic, EOS, The Fez, and many many more! For menus, prices, and details, visit:

PARTY LIKE THE SUMMER’S NOT OVER!!!! Match Restaurant is switching up its regular menu for one night only and teaming up with Norm & Jimmy Bloom from Copps Island Oysters & Lobsters to bring you seafood fresh seafood from Long Island Sound! Special drinks alongside a full beer and cocktail menu. Monday August 29. See the menu here.

Fleishers Craft Butchery in Westport will have another installation of Beef Butchery 101 on Tuesday August 30 at 7pm. The night covers Craft Butchery philosophies on sourcing and sustainability, butchering knife skills, basic animal anatomy, demonstrations by a Craft Butchery master butcher, and tasting of samples.

Get your tickets now for a screening of “At The Fork” on September 8 at 7:30. Filmmaker John Papola, and his wife Lisa provide unbiased look at how farm animals are raised for our consumption.

Summer Corn Chowder with Grilled Vegetable Confetti via Marcia Selden

Recipe Recipe Soups healthy

CTbites Team August 24, 2016

It's that time of year, the time when fresh sweet corn is at its best. This is the season for homemade corn chowder, and Marcia Selden makes it easy. Go swing by your local farmers' market and grab some corn.

Summer Corn Chowder with Grilled Vegetable Confetti

Taberna Mediterranean Tapas and Wine Bar in Fairfield's Brick Walk

Restaurant Fairfield Italian Mediterranean Spanish Tapas

Jessica Ryan August 21, 2016

I have an affinity for those underexplored sweet spots that are slightly off the beaten path, tucked away, or unheard of. For whatever reason, Taberna, a Mediterranean tapas and wine bar located in the Brick Walk in downtown Fairfield hasn’t been widely discovered. Although I hadn’t heard of it many have, and those who have sing its praises.

Some of you might be familiar with the name, thinking it’s not in Fairfield, it’s in Bridgeport! And you would be correct, sort of... Prior to opening the Fairfield location, Chef Daniel Lopez and his brother Jaime owned and operated the Bridgeport restaurant for 8 years. Upon hearing that it was closing, longtime diners were happy to follow to the new larger venue with light-filled dining area, large bar and outdoor patio.

I was able to sit down and chat with Chef Lopez who was born and raised in Ecuador who revealed to me that he had been enamored with the flavors and cuisines of the Mediterranean since he was a child. In 1994 he and his brother emigrated to the states and immediately began working in the restaurant industry - for many well-known Fairfield County favorites.

Back to School with Kohlrabi & Radish Salad from The Whelk and Westport Farmers’ Market

Recipe Recipe

Lynn Felici-Gallant August 19, 2016

It might be back-to-school season, but it’s still summer at the Westport Farmers’ Market. Thirty vendors plus guests, including many favorites and a few new faces, brave every sort of weather each week to bring us the very best in fresh vegetables, cheese, meat, fruit and berries, coffee, tea, pasta, pet food, flowers, prepared foods, and artisan crafts. Before saying so-long to the kids for the season, stop by the market to stock up on fresh ingredients for hearty breakfasts and healthful lunches. Anthony Kostelis of The Whelk, offers this refreshing salad to pack in the kiddo’s box or serve at dinner.

Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings for Week of August 21-28

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson August 18, 2016

Mill Street Bar + Table and Jessica Wong of Holbrook Farm are joining together to support the farm and highlight local ingredients. On Sunday August 21, Chef Lazlo will prepare a special meal of appetizers, salads, dinner entrees, and dessert while Jessica details the farm’s new projects. It runs from 5-8pm and costs $100 per person. Purchase tickets here.

Enjoy a wine tour with the Greenwich Wine Society on Friday August 26. A bus will leave Riverside shopping center at 9am. From there, visit two wineries and have lunch at the Griswold Inn in Essex, CT. The tour ends at 8pm. Tickets are $125 per person.

On Sunday, August 21, enjoy a Tomato Tasting at Ambler Farm where you can explore the world of tomatoes. Guests are encouraged to bring a tomato-based dish for sharing at the event and a tomato from home- the largest wins a prize! It costs $20 per family up to 6 people.

The Bronx Brewery is making its Connecticut debut! Welcome them to the state with a launch party at Barcade in New Haven from noon to midnight on Thursday August 25.

Little Pub Opens Today in Fairfield on Black Rock Turnpike

Restaurant Beer Fairfield Pub Comfort Food Kid Friendly Burgers

Stephanie Webster August 18, 2016

The Little Pub you know from Ridgefield, Wilton and Cos Cob is opening its fourth location in Fairfield at the intersection of Stillson Avenue and Black Rock Turnpike. This spot has some history as it housed the Angus restaurant for over 70 years. Owner, Doug Grabe says "It's a cute and cozy building in a perfect neighborhood for Little Pub and we’re really looking forward to serving the Fairfield community."

"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," says Grabe. In fact, the team re-purposed over 80 vintage beams from their Cos Cob renovation. A massive stone fireplace serves as the focal point for the main dining room, alongside some wonderful pub decor, including a vintage telephone booth.

What is unique to Fairfield is its size. The dining room is over 50% bigger than Wilton, with 130 seats. Grabe says "The bar alone is bigger than our entire Ridgefield footprint."

Brewport Brewing Co. Brings New Haven Pizza To Bridgeport CT

Restaurant Beer Brewery Bridgeport CT Beer Pizza

James Gribbon August 17, 2016

A lot of the time, when you write about food and beer, you realize the compelling truths in a story start with the people. Case in point, Brewport Brewing Co. If you've driven on I-95 through Bridgeport any time in the past several months, you have probably seen eye-searing electronic billboards announce its impending arrival as part of their scroll. The waiting is over, and the entire month of August has been designated a public "sneak preview" of the pizza-centric brewpub. I dropped by unannounced to get a taste of what we have in store. Here's your first look.

Brewport started out as an idea in the mind of its president, Bruce Barrett, of Barrett Outdoor Communications, hence the billboards. (You may also recognize his IWagePeace.org billboards.) The brewpub is located directly off exit 27 on 95N, below one of Barrett's billboards, and roughly at the radiant point in the center of the giant loop made by the exit 27A connector. The easy access, and the huge mural of brewing equipment painted on the building's side, make it hard to miss. Bruce and his brother John purchased the building in 2000, and it continued its life as a distribution center for the Fairfield County News for years before they contacted their longtime friend - and brewery manager at BAR New Haven - Jeff Browning.

CTbites' Chef Demo Tent @ The 9th Annual Blues, Views & BBQ Festival

Restaurant Chef Events

ellen bowen August 16, 2016

The 9th annual Blues, Views & BBQ Festival will be held in Westport CT on September 3 & 4 at the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts and the grounds of the Westport Library.

CTbites will once again play host to the area's top chefs as they grill up some of their favorite dishes and offer up samples for attendees of the festival.

CTbites Chef Line-up for 2016 includes:

Saturday 9/3 12-4 pm

12:00- Rothbard's- Chef Jon Vaast

1:00- Match/Nom Eez- Chef Match Storch

2:00- Da Pietro's- Chef Pietro Scotti

3:00- The Spread / El Segundo- Chef Carlos Baez

4:00- Pearl at Longshore- Chef Michael Hazen

Nosh Hound Food Truck Rolls into Stamford: Global Cuisine with Deliciously, Bold Combinations

Restaurant Food Truck Stamford Comfort Food

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger August 14, 2016

Nosh Hound Eatery is the newest entry to the Stamford Food Truck scene. When I saw the post by my buddy over at Hey Stamford, I was curious. When I read his praise and a menu that really intrigued me, it had potential, and I decided to drive to Stamford and give it a shot.

Nosh Hound is the brainchild of owners Sam Ralbovsky and Maycie Maringer. After graduating from the Culinary program at Johnson & Wales University and a three-month cross country food inspired road trip, they returned to Sam’s hometown of Stamford, CT. The two young cooks became enamored by the diverse cooking styles they encuntered on their cross country adventure and wanted to show their passion with a menu of “global cuisine experienced through the medium of sandwiches, snacks, and small bites.”

Zucchini Overload? Try This Westport Farmers’ Market Recipe for Stuffed Zucchini

Ingredients Recipe healthy

Lynn Felici-Gallant August 12, 2016

A guy walks into a doctor’s office with a zucchini in one ear, a cucumber in the other, and a carrot stuck in his nostril. The man says, “Doc, this is awful. What’s wrong with me?” The doctor sits him down and says, “First of all, you need to start eating sensibly.”

To many at this time of year, zucchini is no laughing matter. In fact, this fruit of summer is so abundant some dare say they are sick of it. The good news is twofold: firstly, an abundance of any fruit in the Curcubita pepo family (which includes zucchini, summer squash, pumpkin, and cucumbers) is a sign of healthy bee pollination. While zucchini is easy to grow, it depends on plentiful bee activity for an abundant crop (or dedicated farmers who hand-pollinate). Assuming your favorite growers at the Westport Farmers’ Market haven’t been pollinating by hand, a bountiful crop of this summer staple means bees are happy. And when bees are happy. . .

Hello Kitty Cafe Truck Rolls into Stamford August 27th

Restaurant

Stephanie Webster August 11, 2016

While this may not be breaking news for serious food lovers, those of us nostalgic for our lost Hello Kitty years will be delighted to hear that the Hello Kitty Cafe Truck will be making its first appearance in Stamford on Saturday, August 27th at the Stamford Town Center.

The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is a mobile vehicle of cuteness that offers a tasty array of Hello Kitty sweets and special goodies to fans of all ages; it has been rolling up to festivals & events across the U.S. since its official debut at Hello Kitty Con in October 2014.

The yummy treats on board the Hello Kitty Cafe Truck will include a 3-piece Hello Kitty cookie set, a rainbow macaron box that includes a surprise Sanrio character design, a 4-pack of mini cakes, and bow-shaped bottles of water.

Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings for Week of August 14th-21st

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson August 11, 2016

Nom-eez in Bridgeport has debuted “EEZ Wake Up Wednesdays.” Stop in every Wednesday until 11:30am to get a classic breakfast sandwich, coffee, and a donut for just $5! It has us saying “Pl-EEZ, we want it!”

This week, Max's Chef to Farm Dinner series is all about "Cigars, Bourbon & Steak.” Head over to the Connecticut Valley Tobacco Museum on Thursday August 18 at 6:30pm for a reception, hors d’oeuvres, a multi-course meal, wines and beer, a museum tour, select cigars, and live music. It costs approximately $188 per person.

The 42nd annual Milford Oyster Festival takes place on Saturday August 20 starting at 10am. The festival boasts over 35,000 oysters, crafts, food, rides, and more. This year, Blue Oyster Cult and the Marshall Tucker Band will perform.

Black Rock has announced its first ever Black Rock Porchfest on Saturday August 20. The day celebrates the “music, people, and place” that make up the community. The day features live music on porches throughout the neighborhood. Black Rock is also home to a plethora of dynamic restaurants and food trucks- both established and new.