Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings for Week of Oct 9th - 16th

Restaurant Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 06, 2016

Napa & Company has announced the schedule for its popular Fall Wine Class Series. It kicks off on Monday October 10 with a “Fall Wine & Food Pairing Guide.” It costs $45 per person, plus tax and tip. Classes start at 6:30pm and typically include 6 wines paired with 3 small plates.

On Wednesday October 12, Chef Prasad and INDIA New Canaan will host Black Hog Brewing Company for a 5 course beer dinner. Tom Sobocinsk, the brewery owner, will guide you through the beers and how they complement the dishes. 7-9pm and costs $60 per person, plus tax and tip.

Ghost Tour meets pub crawl on Wednesday October 12. “Pints 2 Poltergeists” includes a ghost tour of Mystic, CT, 3 stops for a beer along the way, and take home treats from Two Roads Brewery. It costs $35 per person.

The New London Food Stroll takes place on Wednesday October 12 from 5:30-8:30pm. A $30 ticket gives you the opportunity to stroll through downtown sampling bite size samples and drinks from popular restaurants in the area. There will be live entertainment as well.

Bring the Outside In for the Perfect Al Fresco Meal via The Local Vault (sponsored)

Recipe Design Outdoor Dining

CTbites Team October 06, 2016

Every year we eagerly anticipate the joy of great summer weather and dining al fresco but considering some of the complications that come with the territory (irritating insects, aggressive bees and the heat!) it comes as no surprise that the term ‘al fresco’ is borrowed from Italian and actually means "in the cool air." And what better time to dine in the cool air than during the fall season?

Here at The Local Vault we have paired up with CTbites to trade tips on the best way to enjoy the rest of the crisp fall air before we all head inside for the winter. So grab your cashmere sweater and a glass of Chianti and follow along!

In the world of interior design the term “bring the outside in” is well known and well advised in order to create a beautiful and serene home.

Brick + Wood’s Mobile Wood-Fired Pizza Oven

Restaurant Recipe Catering Entertaining Fairfield Pizza

CTbites Team October 05, 2016

There's a new pizza "truck" in town, one with built-in street creds. Brick + Wood Pizza in Fairfield has set its pizza making in motion with a mobile wood-fired pizza oven, custom designed by acclaimed fourth generation pizza artisans, Acunto Forni, and imported from Naples, Italy.

The mobile Acunto pizza oven mirrors the wood-burning one in-house, ensuring the same tasty pizza is available no matter where it is prepared. The oven reaches over 1,000 degrees in temperature in a short period of time with an overhead flame cooking the pizzas in 90 seconds or less. The surface is made of volcanic brick, which is more porous and prevents the crust from burning.

Mecha Noodle Bar Opens in Downtown New Haven

Restaurant Asian Japanese Noodles Vietnamese New Haven

CTbites Team October 04, 2016

Mecha Noodle Bar, which opened its first restaurant in Fairfield in 2013 and later its second site in South Norwalk in 2015, opens its third location in the heart of downtown New Haven. Located at 201 Crown Street, this 2000-square-foot spot will offer the ultimate comfort food in New Haven appealing to students, residents, business people and families alike with its menu of Asian comfort food options at affordable price points.

For those not already familiar with the menu at Mecha Noodle Bar, the menu features signature dishes such as ramen and pho as well as other flavorful selections such as steamed baos and a well curated selection of Asian plates borrowing from Vietnamese, Korean and Chinese traditions. The menu has been created to soothe, nourish, sustain and inspire – at a modest price. 80% of the core menu in New Haven will be similar to its sister locations with the remainder of the menu debuting new dishes with a Mecha twist. And of course, “Slurping is encouraged” as clearly stated on the menu.

5 Things You Should Know About Bees & Honey via Red Bee's Marina Marchese

Education Local Farm Specialty Market

Marina Marchese October 04, 2016

With cooler weather around the corner and Rosh Hashanah just past, it’s time to reach for your honey pot. If your summer was full of honey-themed cocktails and BBQ’s, it’s quite possibly still on the kitchen counter but if you enjoy honey “only in my tea when I’m not feeling well” it might be in the darkest corner of your cupboard most likely crystallized. No, it is not spoiled and you don’t have to throw it out. Right now, honey is having a moment as the next artisanal food superstar. Partly because bees are disappearing – you’ve heard about colony collapse sparking a beekeeping craze and partly because honey is believed by many to relieve symptoms of colds and seasonally allergies.

Honey is the only food made by an insect that humans consume and although it was found in the tombs of the Pharaohs, honey can last forever if stored properly – in a cool, dry place, yet it will loose its delicate flavors and health benefits over time. Most people think that honey is honey is honey but it’s not. I’m going to help demystify the flavorful world of honey so that you can be an informed honey connoisseur and navigate your way around the delicious and diverse world of natures oldest and only raw sweetener.

Veg-Centric Dinner Series at ROÌA in New Haven: Heirloom Tomatoes

Restaurant Farm to Table Vegetarian New Haven

Hope Simmons October 02, 2016

Up the steps off the city streets of New Haven, you may feel transported to another time and place. A space that somehow manages to feel elegant, yet contemporary and welcoming at the same time. This could only be ROÌA, where its elaborate high ceilings and attention to a bygone era’s architectural detail make a striking first impression. But they only set the stage for you to be further impressed with the sights and flavors about to arrive at the table.

CTbites first visited ROÌA for its grand opening back in 2013—grand being a most fitting descriptor. We were thrilled to return and experience a dinner featuring summer’s bounty of the local heirloom tomato, in one interesting configuration after another. And just one in the “veg-centric dinner series” Chef Avi Szapiro has offered since last year, when they first showcased asparagus, followed by summer squash, then tomato.

Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings for Week of Oct 2-9

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 30, 2016

Westport Restaurant week returns from Sunday October 2 to October 16! Popular restaurants like Matsu Sushi, Little Barn, Rive Bistro, Artisan, and more are offering special prix fixe menus. Lunches cost $15, $20, or $25 while dinners cost $25, $30, or $35. Some restaurants are also offering brunch.

Milford Restaurant Week takes place this week, too. Join them from October 3-9 for prix fixe lunches and dinners. Participating restaurants include Archie Moore’s, Bridge House, Bin 100, Stonebridge, and more. Prix fixe dinners will be $20.95 or $27.85 while a prix fixe lunch menu will be offered at $14.95.

Get ready for a Compin' and Stompin' Jazz Jam at Walrus + Carpenter on Tuesday October 4. Ian Tait, Scott Packham and Ted Morcaldi will team up to play a mix of swing, modern and fusion from 7:30-10:30pm.

The 7th Annual Drink Pink for a Cause takes place at Bernard’s & Sarah’s Wine Bar on Wednesday October 5 from 6-8pm.

Butternut Squash Bruschetta with Pomegranate Recipe via Marcia Selden

Recipe Catering Recipe

Marcia Selden Catering September 30, 2016

Nothing screams fall more than butternut squash! Try our new twist on bruschetta featuring the delicious flavors of this fall favorite. #YUM

Celebrate National Coffee Day! 25 Spots For Great Coffee in CT

Restaurant Coffee Tea And Coffee Best of CT

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 29, 2016

Have you heard the “buzz”? Tuesday September 29 is National Coffee Day, and CT is home to some great local coffee spots where you can celebrate. There's a lot of coffee in this state so we've divided our list into Fairfield County & Beyond FC.

Here are 25 places that serve some of CT’s best java. One might even say they’re more than just your average “joe….”

Fairfeld County Coffee

Buzz Truck, Fairfield County
Espresso Neat, Darien and Westport
Lorca, Stamford
Redding Roasters, Bethel
Zumbachs Coffee, New Canaan
Coffee Barn, Wilton
Tusk & Cup, Ridgefield

It's The Challah-Days at Garelick and Herbs (sponsored post)

Ingredients Recipe

CTbites Team September 28, 2016

Garelick & Herbs is the place to go for all holiday celebrations.

For Rosh Hashanah we have our family recipes of Briskets, Our Chicken Soups are made with organic chickens, and simmered with organic vegetables. Served of course with our fluffy matzoh balls and all the sides that you need. We have traditional holiday foods such as Gefilte Fish and Chopped Liver, and have lightened up the classics with our Turkey Stuffed Cabbage with our golden raisin sweet sauce.

We are known for our Potato Pancakes and make a wonderful Sweet Potato Pancake as well

Our philosophy is to celebrate deliciously and our goal is to make your holidays special and easy.

Photo Recap: Greenwich Wine + Food Festival 2016

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger September 28, 2016

The 2016 Greenwich Wine & Food Festival featured a ton of vendors offering samples of foods…cupcakes, ice cream, chocolates, breads, poke, meatballs, steak, tuna, whole hogs, burgers, grilled cheese, lots of tacos and a slew of beers and wine to wash it all down. The notable standouts were the meatballs from Meatball & Co., the cakes from Sweet Lisa’s, any of the chocolates from Blue Tulip, the poke from Fjord, the cheeses from Fairfield & Greenwich Cheese Shops, the chocolate muffins from Le Pain Quotidien, a variety of dishes from Teff, and the Apple and Bacon Bowl from B. Good.

For a break, CTbites hosted its annual blogger lounge, where some of the best chefs in the area gave their views on the current state of restaurants in CT. A few released some great news on expansions, others described the hot topics in the industry, like farm fresh and non-tipping policies, while others gave their predictions on the next hot product.

Take a look at the gallery and enjoy. Here are the list of winner...

Bedford 234 Burger - Not Bad for a Sunday Brunch

Restaurant Bedford Comfort Food Burgers

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger September 28, 2016

A beautiful Sunday, a leisurely 10-mile bike ride…time to re-charge. Where to eat between Yorktown Heights and New Canaan. I used to love the burger at Meetinghouse in Bedford and have heard some pretty good things about the new incarnation, Bedford 234, so we decided to grab lunch.

It is located right off the square, next to the Bedford Playhouse. When we arrived, tables were set up outside, with a family enjoying their brunch, but a few too many flies and bees forced us into the re-decorated interior. The space is still very Americana with paintings and posters of animals next to the American flag, the small bar area upon entering still has the single TV with the Jets game in full force, and the main dining room was 25% occupied.

West Yarmouth Cocktail Recipe via The Whelk's Jeff Marron

Recipe Cocktails Bourbon

Jeff Marron September 27, 2016

When I was a kid, my family had a vacation home in West Yarmouth, Cape Cod. Just east of Hyannis, West Yarmouth is a small town on the south shore of the Cape. It was only about four hours from where we grew up in Connecticut. So, it was an easy trip to make if we wanted to just zip up there for the weekend. My brother and I had a small group of 10-15 friends all around our age that all seemed to go to the Cape the same weeks every year. Sometimes, we all used to sneak out at night to go sit on the beach and look for satellites or shooting stars. When we got a little bit older, maybe there was a beer or two involved. But, I beg of you, don't tell my mother. She'll ground me for a week!

There was a large overgrown field with a radio station tower in our neighborhood. Well, just as kids do, we explored it. During one of our reconnaissance missions, we stumbled upon someone's secret stash of liquor. I can only assume it was some kids from other weeks in the summer that we had not met yet. Here is where I had my first taste of Bourbon. Again, don't tell my mother, please.

Our Favorite Jewish Holiday Recipes: Brisket, Veggies, An Apple Tart & Honey Cake

Restaurant Recipe

Liz Rueven September 27, 2016

Photo: Tami WeiserJust as the evening temps begin to cool and farmers’ markets are bursting with bright mounds of apples and pears, Jewish cooks shift their focus to preparing meals for Rosh HaShanah, the New Year celebrations. This year, the holiday begins at sunset on October 2 and ends on the eve of October 4.

There are plenty of symbolic ingredients associated with the holiday, making menu planning a fun and meaningful challenge. Seasonal ingredients (apples, pears, squashes, potatoes, zucchini) reign supreme. Flavors traditionally lean towards sweet, referencing hopes for a joyful and healthy year ahead. Symbols of plenty, like lentils, beans and pomegranates, are also included and refer to fertility and wishes for an abundance of all positive things.

Here are some recipe suggestions to get you in gear for Jewish holiday cooking.

14 Farms For Pick-Your-Own Pumpkins in CT

Ingredients Local Farm Pick Your Own kids activity Kid Friendly

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 26, 2016

Autumn is here and Connecticut Farms have delicious seasonal produce ready to be harvested! Last week, CTBites told you where you can pick your own apples. While apples are delicious, pumpkins truly epitomize the fall. From jack-o-lanterns to pies to pumpkin flavored everything, the gourd has many uses. Here are 12 places that offer pick your own pumpkins! Be sure to call ahead to confirm availability.

Harris Hill Farm, New Milford: On weekends during the month of October, Harris Hill Farm in New Milford opens the farm and its pick-your-own pumpkin patch to the community.
Castle Hill Farm, Newtown: Castle Hill Farm in Newtown has a 4 acre pumpkin patch. They also have hay rides and a corn maze.
Lyman Orchards, Middlefield: Lyman Orchards in Middlefield has a 24 hour hotline so that you can get updates on the crops and conditions.
Bishop's Orchards, Guilford: Great picking of all kinds at Bishop's + a corn Maze on the weekends from 10-5.
Holmberg Orchards, Gales Ferry: Pumpkins are in season from September-October at Holmberg Orchards in Gales Ferry. On weekends, enjoy a corn maze, tractor rides, cider donuts, and a wine

Hidden Gem: Ki Delicia Brazilian Bakery / Deli in Bridgeport Is All Delicious

Restaurant Bakery Brazilian Bridgeport Butcher Deli Lunch Dessert

Steve Urena September 25, 2016

Beginning her journey as a chef in Switzerland, Ki Delicia’s owner Fernanda Ferreira had the drive and determination to turn her dreams into a reality by coming to America with nothing but a suitcase and two sets of clothes. Fast forward to 2016, and her customer base has grown exponentially with people traveling from all parts of Connecticut just to get a taste of her incredible edibles. Upon visiting this hidden gem, I witnessed customers lining up around the block in their cars just to get their breakfast essentials. As a family run business both her son and her daughter, Clara Gaspar, help out with the intention of helping Ki Delicia thrive. “I think it’s still a hidden gem to many,” says Clara Gaspar daughter of owner Fernanda Ferrara.

When walking into Ki Delicia Bakery and Deli, you are drawn in by the welcoming aroma of Brazilian delights. Travel a few steps more into the building and it feels like home. Almost immediately, I was greeted by Ferreira and her staff who welcomed me into the establishment with a warm and welcoming presence like a mother who invites guests into her humble abode.

Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings for Week of Sept. 25-Oct. 2nd

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 23, 2016

The Big E festival continues through October 2. The Connecticut Tent is bigger and better than ever with over 60 Connecticut companies from BBQ restaurants to fresh apples to cigars. The Craft Beer Garden will also feature Connecticut breweries like Stony Creek, City Steam, and Two Roads.

Saturday October 1, the Stamford Nature Center hosts a Farm to Table dinner with Chef Forrest Pasternack. The night starts out with cocktails and a tour of the Nature Center’s latest exhibit: The Art of Lolita Valderamma Savage: The Nature of Tuscany, Stamford & Beyond. It continues with dinner. Tickets start at $100 per person.

The Collective Arts Brewing Team is a new craft brewery looking to expand into New England. On September 27, they are giving us the chance to sample 5 of their beers with a tap takeover at The Outer Space in Hamden, CT. It starts at 5pm.

Smoke in the Valley arrives in Seymour once again this weekend. The kickoff party on Friday September 30 will feature food trucks, a New Belgium beer tent, and live entertainment. On Saturday, the 6th Annual SITV Beer Fest starts at 12:30pm. It includes a home brew competition, beer tastings, food trucks, and more.

Chef Brian Lewis' The Cottage in Westport Announces Expansion Plans!

Restaurant Westport

CTbites Team September 22, 2016

It's about to get a little bit easier to get a reservation at Chef Brian Lewis' The Cottage. Today, he officially announced expansion plans for his restaurant in Westport, Connecticut. Adding 800 square feet to his existing 1500 square feet, the space next door has broken ground this week to include an expanded bar and additional seating.

The Cottage will maintain its existing entrance and vestibule area, giving guests the option of entering the existing dining room to the left or this new area to the right. In addition to the large bar, which will be the centerpiece of this open floorplan, there will be several tables to accommodate additional diners or be combined for larger parties, as well as a window seat banquette that will seat up to 10.

“I could not be more grateful for the love and support the town of Westport and all of Fairfield County and beyond has given to us since we opened nearly a year ago,” said Lewis. “While we have big plans for this additional space, our number one priority is to continue to offer the same comfortable atmosphere, delicious cuisine and warm hospitality that we are proud to be known for. Our bar is growing up and being given the new stage it so deserves, allowing Adam, our Head Bar Keep, to dig into his creativity and happily expand our craft cocktail offerings, wine and spirits program, as well as interact more with our guests relaxing in this expanded space.”

Sugar & Olives Hosts Harvest Dinner to Support CT Farmland Trust

Events

CTbites Team September 22, 2016

What’s the perfect way to send off this harvest season of farm food and the local bounty? A Harvest Dinner at Sugar & Olives in support of the Connecticut Farmland Trust. The Connecticut Farmland Trusts Annual Harvest Dinner is a fundraiser for the only statewide private conservation organization dedicated solely to the protection of agricultural land. Since its founding in 2002, Connecticut Farmland Trust has permanently protected over 2,690 acres of our state’s most valuable farmland.

WIN FREE TIX to Anthony Bourdain @ Foxwoods Resort

Giveaway

CTbites Team September 21, 2016

Oh yeah! Anthony Bourdain's "The Hunger" is coming to Foxwoods October 8th and we've got 4 pairs of tickets to give away!

WIN FREE TIX to see Anthony Bourdain! To win, tell us why you NEED to go to see the man, the myth...the legend.

Chef, author, and raconteur Anthony Bourdain is best known for traveling the globe on his stomach, on his TV show Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. He has established himself as a professional gadfly, bête noir, advocate, social critic, and pork enthusiast, recognized for his caustic sense of humor worldwide. He is as unsparing of those things he hates as he is evangelical about his passions. The Hunger serves audiences an all new live show featuring an unyielding, brutally honest monologue reflecting on diverse culture, street cuisine and his travels to lesser-known locations around the world, followed by an open Q&A session. Currently filming the hit CNN original series Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown (season seven premiered Sunday, April 24; 9pm ET/PT), Bourdain will bring audiences a menu loaded with lots of laughs, serious discussions and unapologetic irreverence.