Autumn Apple Cherry Crisp Recipe via Westport Farmers’ Market

Recipe Recipe Dessert

Lynn Felici-Gallant September 20, 2016

Apples are the darlings of autumn, and this year we especially cherish them. For while peaches and nectarines and even some pears succumbed to the cruelty of a late frost, most of Connecticut’s apple crop emerged relatively unscathed. And this week Westport Farmers’ Market shoppers are in for treat: the tables of Woodland Farm and Rose’s Berry Farm will be full of this tasty harbinger of fall.

Fortunately, Elise Meyers is also right on schedule with a recipe for apple crisp you won’t want to miss. As Elise notes, “fall means apples, and apples mean apple crisp.” Her crisp recipe below is, according to Elise, “the best I have ever tried. The addition of dried cherries (or cranberries or apricots, if you prefer) makes it unique.” Savor it alone, with a scoop of Nutty Bunny vanilla frozen dessert, or fresh cream from your favorite vendor.

Autumn Apple Cherry Crisp

Winfield Street Deli - Italian Sandwiches & More in Norwalk

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger September 18, 2016

Growing up in NJ, corner delis were everywhere. The biggest decision was whether to go to an Italian deli for a huge meatball, sausage and pepper or chicken parm sub (that is what we called them) or a Jewish deli for corned beef or pastrami (maybe a combo). I first heard of Winfield Street Deli from Chris Hickey at The Spread, they recently changed the roll on their burger from a potato roll to a brioche from Winfield and it was outstanding. Bread this delicious from an Italian deli in the area required a visit and see if they were delivering great sandwiches.

CTbites Hosts Chef & Blogger Lounge @ Greenwich Wine + Food Festival

CTbites Team September 17, 2016

JOIN CTbites at The Greenwich Wine + Food Festival on Saturday September 24^th as we host the Blogger Lounge open to ALL festival attendees including foodies, bloggers and instagrammers. We will host a full afternoon of “Chef Talks” featuring unscripted interviews moderated by Chef Matt Storch of Match and Nom-eez. (View the lineup of chefs below.) NEAT Coffee will be providing espresso & Donut Crazy will be serving up artisan donuts. We will have charging stations to keep you in the loop on all social media.

Current Chef Talks Schedule

(Times subject to change) Please check final lineup at event as we will be adding more chefs.

12:00 PM Robin Selden: Marcia Selden Catering & Events

12:30 PM Darren Carbone: Barcelona

1:00 PM Steve Lewandowski Harlan Social; Harlan Publick 1PM

1:30 PM Christian Petroni: Fortina

2:00 PM Geoff Lazlo: Mill Street Bar & Table

3:00 PM Bill Taibe Kawa Ni, The Whelk

TBD Ziggy Marley talks about his new cookbook Ziggy Marley and Family Cookbook

15 Foodie Places for Oktoberfest Events & Festivals in CT

Restaurant Events Holiday Oktoberfest

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 16, 2016

Autumn means pumpkin flavored everything, falling leaves, apple cider donuts… and of course Oktoberfest! CT restaurants are celebrating with German inspired fare, seasonal brews, and festivals. From Redding Roadhouse to Rothbard Ale + Larder to Vespa, here are 10 places where you can raise a stein this fall.

Redding Roadhouse, Redding: Through October 31, Redding Roadhouse will be their 31st annual Oktoberfest. There will be authentic German cuisine, 1 liter bier steins, and a live OOmpah band from 4-8pm every Sunday.
Rothbard Ale + Larder, Westport: Rothbard Ale + Larder will have their first ever Oktoberfest on Saturday September 24 from 1:30-8pm. There will be authentic German beers and food, games, and music all day long.
The Hops Company., Derby: T.H.C. (The Hops Company) will celebrate Oktoberfest every Sunday through October 23. Visit them from 3-7pm for free admission, German bands, Oktoberfest inspired fare, and beer.
Norwich Oktoberfest Pub Crawl, Norwich: On October 1, go on an Oktoberfest pub crawl in downtown Norwich. Visit places like Harp & Dragon, These Guys Brewing, and La Stella Pizzeria.
Harlan Publick, Norwalk: Harlan Publick will have an Oktoberfest party on Saturday September 24

Friday Froth: Half Full Brewery, Oktoberfest & Other Fall Beers

Ingredients Recipe Beer Brewery CT Beer Friday Froth

James Gribbon September 16, 2016

You may have noticed we've been playing around with the structure of Friday Froth for the past several months. This space has been everything from event coverage, to brewpub openings, to a travel diary, but this week we're going back to something more like a classic Froth. I began writing this column way back in ye olden days of 2009 with the idea of expressing a renaissance.

The growth of American craft brewing was every bit as compelling as the culinary scene in terms of new ideas, personalities, and dedication to ingredients and flavors, but most people were still pretty lost when it came to picking out something new to try. Glance at the patrons in front of the craft case at the rare well stocked liquor store at the time, and they'd be wearing expressions like someone at MoMA trying to decide if what they were looking at was the intentional work of an artist, or construction debris. I started Froth just to give people a heads up. So, without going on too long I hope, that's what we're doing today.

Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings for Sept 18-25

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 15, 2016

Vespa in Westport will host an Oktoberfest celebration from September 18 to October 2 as a nod to Executive Chef David White’s German ancestry. There will be a German inspired a la carte menu, and a team up with Two Roads on September 21 for an Oktoberfest beer dinner. For reservations, call 203-557-9057 or email events@vespawestport.com.

Green & Tonic has launched a "Wellness Speaker Series" at their Westport location. The series takes place on Thursdays from 6-7pm. On September 22, Ashley and John Watson, psychotherapists and transformational coaches, will teach you to “Manifest Your Soulmate.”

Mill Street Bar + Table continues its “Speaker Series” on Thursday September 22 with Bill King of Back 40 Farm Group. Join them for a 3-course lunch, discussion, and Q&A. It starts at 12pm and costs $65 per person including tax and gratuity. Reservations required, please visit MillStreetCT.com or call 203.813.3323.

OPTIMUS Health Care kicks off the 6th Annual Connecticut Chef’s Challenge on Thursday, September at Aitoro's Appliance and Electronics in Norwalk, Connecticut. Ten Connecticut chefs will compete for the 2016 Connecticut Chef’s Challenge Championship Title. Chef Plum of Plum Luv Foods will emcee. Tickets start at $75.

Friday September 23rd and Saturday September 24th is the sixth annual GREENWICH WINE+FOOD FESTIVAL, presented by Serendipity magazine and benefitting Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, Wholesome Wave and The Greenwich Department of Parks and Recreation.

CT Farm to Chef Week Starts Sept. 18 Showcasing CT Chefs & Growers

CTbites Team September 15, 2016

Taste of Fairfield Featuring Over 20 Restaurants is October 9th

CTbites Team September 14, 2016

The Fairfield dining scene is a booming and vibrant one. In fact, there’s so much talent and great food that TownVibe and Fairfield Magazine have decided to celebrate the many and varied restaurants in town by organizing the Taste of Fairfield. Last year, for its 10th Anniversary celebration, Fairfield Magazine partnered with the Fairfield Public Library for a mini tasting event, and it was such a success they decided to expand on the idea. This year’s Taste of Fairfield will be held on Sunday, October 9, 2016, from 1pm to 5pm, at the Delamar Hotel in Southport.

While the list of participants is not yet complete, you can expect to nosh on some great bites from the following: Artisan, Aspetuck Brew Lab, B.Good, Brick & Wood, The Cakebox, Donut Crazy, Fairfield Cheese Company, Freshii Fairfield, Flipside Burger Bar, Geronimo Tequila Bar, Joe’s American Bar & Grill, Little Goose, The Little Pub, NOM-EEZ, Old Post Tavern, Quattro Pazzi, Mecha Noodle Bar, Lobster Post, Sweet & Simple Bake Shop, Taberna Tapas, The Chelsea, Toto, and The Whelk/Kawa Ni. Together, these restaurants create an array of delicious and diverse options and really represent what Fairfield has to offer. In addition to the food, guests will enjoy craft cocktails and beer, artisanal wine and sweets.

Clarke Introduces Wolf Induction Range for the Quickest Way to Delicious (sponsored)

Recipe Kitchen Gear

CTbites Team September 13, 2016

There's a whole new alternative to gas in a high-performance range and you can explore it at Clarke, your Sub-Zero & Wolf Showroom and Test Kitchen in South Norwalk. The new Wolf Induction Range (which will be available in Clarke's authorized dealers later this fall) gives you a cooktop with incredible speed, control and energy efficiency. It boils water faster than gas (really - with almost instantaneous temperature response!) It gives you precise high end to low end control. Imagine control steady enough to simmer sauces and melt chocolate without scorching. A Wolf Induction Cooktop also means you'll never have to worry about children burning themselves on a flame or about forgetting to turn off the cooktop (when you remove the pot or pan all you're left with is a cool surface.)

Johnny Utah's in South Norwalk - A Fun Time with a Side of Food

Restaurant Cocktails Delicious Dives Norwalk SONO Bar Comfort Food

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger September 11, 2016

Fairfield County has some great bars with good old fashioned bar food…wings, burgers, fries, onion rings, cheesesteaks, with a wide variety of beers. Recently, many have expanded the menu to include tacos, chili, ribs, chicken and other down and dirty delicacies. When I received an invitation to join a media event at Johnny Utah’s in SoNo I was curious, since this bar also features a mechanical bull (spoiler…not happenin’).

20 Places to Watch NFL Football in CT

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 10, 2016

The 2016 Olympics may be over, but don't despair sports fans! Football season is starting! Get out your jerseys and prepare to cheer on your teams. Here are 20 Connecticut restaurants and bars with TVs and game day specials so you can enjoy all the showdowns.

The Blind Rhino, Norwalk
Brother Jimmy's, Stamford
Crave, Fairfield
Johnny Utah's, Norwalk
Sign of the Whale, Stamford
T.H.C., Derby
189 Sports Café, Brookfield
BarBQ, Stamford

WIN 2 FREE TIX to Greenwich Wine + Food Festival 2016

CTbites Team September 09, 2016

Friday September 23rd and Saturday September 24^th is the sixth annual GREENWICH WINE+FOOD FESTIVAL, presented by Serendipity magazine (www.serendipitysocial.com) and benefitting Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang Camp,Wholesome Wave and The Greenwich Department of Parks and Recreation.

Saturday’s events include the Grand Tasting Tent, hosting more than 150 food and beverage vendors. The Saturday All-Day Pass, priced at $150 includes admission to the Grand Tasting Tent, cooking demonstrations, celebrity bookstore, Top Bartender Showdown, Burger Battle, Grill Master Tent, Taco Party and lawn seating to co-headliners Ziggy Marley and Old Crow Medicine Show.

CONTEST: Enter to win TWO free Saturday All-Day passes by commenting below why you want to go and who you will take as your guest.

Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings for Week of Sept 11-18

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 09, 2016

Garelick & Herbs new dream home is ready for prime time. The purveyors of all things delicious is officially open at 3611 Post Road Southport.

50 food trucks are throwing down in Thomas’ Breakfast Battle, a competition to see who can make the best breakfast dish with Thomas’ English muffins and bagels. One of Connecticut’s own, The Whey Station, is participating. Fans of the truck can start voting online beginning September 12 at ThomasBreakfastBattle.com. Voting is open for one week before the list of contestants goes from 50 to 25.

Food Trucks in the Valley takes place in Shelton on Thursday September 15 from 4-8pm. The celebration includes over 25 food trucks, music, craft beer, a car show, kids’ activities, local celebrities, and more. Admission is free (though food and beverages will be purchased inside).

The 2^nd Annual Jazz on the Rocks in Harbor Point comes to Stamford on Thursday September 15. In addition to the music, a general admission ticket includes a whiskey, wine, and craft beer tasting as well as samples from area restaurants. VIP packages are available too.

Taste of New Haven presents Apizza & Eats on Friday September 16. During the second annual New Haven Grand Prix, a national circuit bicycle race, College Street will boast dozens of food vendors, New Haven style pizza, beer, entertainment, and more. The fun takes place from 4-10pm.

Photo Recap: CTbites' Chef Demo Tent @ Blues View BBQ

Andrew Dominick September 09, 2016

Tropical Storm Hermine brought mid-70s temperatures, a few clouds, and soothing gusts of wind to Connecticut, that made for a picture perfect weekend at the Blues, Views, & BBQ Festival in Westport.

The 9^th edition of this meat-and-music-centric fair featured grilled and smoked food from area restaurants and food trucks but the real action was at the CTbites Demo Tent where 5 chefs rocked it out and dished out crowd pleasing, meat-heavy samples.

This year’s lineup was kicked off by Pietro Scotti (Da Pietro’s) who made juicy milk-fed chicken marinated in a blend of citrus and “secret spices,” grilled with orange and lemon slices and fresh sprigs of rosemary. Then it got REALLY meat heavy when Matt Storch (Match, Nom-Eez) served a trio of Vietnamese grilled meats, followed by Jonathan Vaast (Walrus + Carpenter, Rothbard) with homemade curry bratwurst, and Carlos Baez (The Spread, El Segundo) who skewered tender pieces of ribeye, marinated in ginger and lemongrass, grilled mid-rare, and topped with a green chili sauce.

Hapa to Leave Miro Kitchen and Focus on Expanding Hapa Brand

CTbites Team September 08, 2016

This exclusive release was just received by CTbites from Chris Gonzalez.

"HAPA Food Concepts, the Stamford-based hospitality company and force behind the wildly popular HAPA Food Truck, announces the end of its successful collaboration with Fairfield’s Miro Kitchen, which opened in early 2016.

With menu items such as Korean Short Rib Tacos and Gonzalez’s famous ube bread, chef and HAPA co-founder, Chris Gonzalez has cultivated a loyal following with his unique ability to fuse cultural flavors.

Gonzalez, his wife Nicole Samela-Gonzalez and partner George Calvar, are now turning their focus on the continued growth and expansion of the HAPA brand as they write the next chapter in HAPA’s culinary story.

Chowdafest 2016: 40 Chefs Compete on October 2nd

CTbites Team September 08, 2016

Award wining chefs from every New England state and thousands of discernible foodies from all over descend on Westport CT on the first Sunday in October to determine who has the best chowder, soup & bisque in New England.

Chowdafest will be held on Sunday October 2, 2106 at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport CT from 11AM to 3PM. The event will feature 40 restaurants from all over New England and as far away at Seattle. The festival features four categories of competition: Classic New England Clam Chowder, Traditional Chowder exclusively for Rhode Island (clear broth) and Manhattan Clam Chowders (tomato based), Creative Chowders and Soup & Bisque. Attendees receive a spoon, ballot and pencil when they arrive. They enjoy unlimited sampling and rate each entry on a scale from 7 to 10.5 with half point intervals. Restaurants with the highest overall average in their respective categories will be declared New England champions.

Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival Sept 22-25

CTbites Team September 07, 2016

Tickets are now on sale for festival events! The Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, one of the East Coast’s most sophisticated and anticipated events, returns for its 11^th year from September 22 – 25, 2016. Signature events include the Bordeaux Dinner on Thursday evening, the Wine & Rosecliff Gala on Friday evening, Grand Tastings on Saturday and Sunday, the Vintner Dinner on Saturday evening, Newport After Dark on Saturday evening, Jazz Brunch on Sunday and Seminars in The Breakers Stable and Carriage House throughout the weekend. Tickets are now on sale at www.NewportMansionsWineAndFood.org.

Chef Bill Taibe & Friends Host Millstone Farm Dinner To Fight Food Waste

CTbites Team September 07, 2016

Join CT Bites and Chef Bill Taibe for a inspiring evening of seasonal food and conversation at Millstone Farm, the area's leader in sustainable agriculture. You'll be inspired by the best chefs in our community while you enjoy a one time only menu to support a cause close to their hearts - fighting food waste and feeding food insecure people of Fairfield County. Tickets can be purchased here.

Sarah’s on Main in Portland CT: the “Cheers” of Breakfast

Restaurant Brunch Delicious Dives Diner Portland Breakfast Lunch

Hope Simmons September 04, 2016

On the corner Main and Commerce in Portland is a cozy place that’s the “Cheers” of breakfast, Sarah's On Main—“where everybody knows your name and you’re always glad you came.” If you’re from either side of the river, don’t be surprised if you bump into old friends—or make new ones. I do both each time I go. Whether you find a spot at the counter or grab a table, there’s fresh and local deliciousness with a spin of creativity, courtesy of Sarah Weeden.

What began as a quest for waffles grew into a steady habit of breakfast—and occasional lunch—at my newest home away from home.

Day one, I realized I’d stumbled into a little gem when I tried the BLT Bennie. Served on toasted brioche, it’s sheer perfection of a Benedict, drizzled with Hollandaise. The hash of the day was summer squash and zucchini, which I requested instead of home fries. Thumbs up all the way around.

Nibble: CT Food Event & Happenings for Week of Sept 4-11

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 03, 2016

Newly opened Aspetuck Brew Lab in Bridgeport will host a Stoked Flame Fest from 2pm til close in their parking lot on Saturday September 10.

Friday September 9 marks the Grand Opening of The Halal Guys in New Haven. Starting at 11am, 5 grand prize winners can wine free food for one month, the first 1000 guests will receive free swag, and everyone can celebrate the debut of the New Haven location. Find them at 906 Chapel Street.

Every Tuesday night, join Walrus + Carpenter for a Compin’ + Stompin’ Jazz Jam Session. The evening features featuring Ian Tait, Scott Packham and Ted Morcaldi playing a mix of swing, modern and fusion.

The 11^th Annual Brass City Brewfest comes to Waterbury on Saturday September 10.