Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings for Week of Oct 16-23 Restaurant Events News Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 13, 2016 Nom-eez is on the road, delivering anywhere within a 5 mile radius. That includes all of Fairfield, Bridgeport, and a bit of Westport! Call them 7 nights a week as well as Monday- Friday from 11- 2:30. Menu online www.nom-eez.com. Call 203-923-8686 with your order. A catering menu is available for groups of 6 or more as well. On Tuesday October 18, Fleisher’s Craft Butchery in Westport will teach you all about “Goat & Lamb 101.” Learn about the anatomy, techniques for preparing the meat, where it comes from, and more. It lasts from 7-9pm and costs $100 per person. Buy tickets in advance online. Thread City Hopfest: Oktoberfest unfolds at Willimantic Brewing Company on October 20 from 6-9pm. A Cupcake for Later, Cafemantic, and Willimantic Brewing Company will prepare Oktoberfest inspired dishes will the brewery pours seasonal brews. Tickets are $30 in advance of $40 at the gate. Admission includes a commemorative Oktoberfest stein, and 4 half pours. Additional beer can be purchased. The Stamford Ferguson Library’s Friends Literary Pub Crawl takes place on October 18. Read More
Harvest Hootenanny @ Black Rock Farmers' Market Oct. 29th Restaurant Black Rock Farmers Market Holiday CTbites Team October 13, 2016 The growth of the Black Rock Farmers' Market this year was tremendous and the enthusiasm for more things local has been contagious. After our market season ends on Saturday, October 15th, we will gather on the field once more to celebrate our third season (crazy, I know!) The Harvest Hootenanny will be held on Saturday, October 29th from 1-5 pm. This family-friendly event will, of course, be chock-full of local chefs, breweries and music-makers. Walrus and Carpenter will be tempting our tastebuds again with a pig roast, poutine, and popcorn. For a special treat, BRFM veteran Whisk & Brush will be filling our bellies with their delicious doughnut creations. In addition, there will be 10 local breweries and oodles of great stuff like a haunted house to scare your pants off, plus our annual corn hole tournament. Hitch and The Giddy Up and Grit Rhythm will be laying down our musical soundtrack for the day. To get into the seasonal spirit of the month, Halloween attire and dancing will be most welcome (you know you want to). Read More
Photo Recap: 1st Inaugural Taste of Fairfield, A Food Lovers Paradise Jessica Ryan October 12, 2016 Despite the torrential rains they came – They came in droves to the first inaugural Taste of Fairfield which was held at The Delamar Hotel in Southport. Guests – young and old alike – enjoyed delicious fare, beautiful cocktails and artisanal wines from over two dozen popular restaurants and specialty markets from the Fairfield County area. Read More
Elm Hosts Community Table & Millwright's for 100% Vegan Night Restaurant Pop-Up Dinner Vegetarian Vegan Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger October 11, 2016 My name is Jeff and I am a carnivore. When I saw the announcement that Elm Restaurant in New Canaan was hosting four of the best chefs in Connecticut were gathering in the kitchen to serve a completely vegan menu I was curious. Elm’s chef Luke Venner arranged for chefs Mazen Mustafa, formerly of The Elm restaurant in Brooklyn, Marcell Davidson, from Community Table in Washington, CT, and Tyler Anderson, from Millwright’s in Simsbury. Would these four chefs create a meal this self-professed carnivore would enjoy? The answer is YES. Read More
Chef Arik Bensimon Returns at Cafe 47 in Greenwich Restaurant American French Greenwich Lunch Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger October 09, 2016 Many of us felt a sense of loss when Le Farm closed and Chef Arik Bensimon decided to pursue his other passion and create beautiful wood bowls. His brilliance in the kitchen, combining ingredients and textures as only great chefs can do, would be missed. Quietly and with no fanfare, Chef Arik has re-entered the Fairfield County food scene, at a small café in The Perfect Provenance in Greenwich, where his latest venture again proves his culinary talents in an environment dedicated to luxury and charity. When we spoke to him after the meal we asked him about this intimate space versus some of the larger restaurants he has worked in. He stated that he wanted this size, a place to serve the foods from his past. The Perfect Provenance is the brainchild of Greenwich resident Lisa Lori, whose personal mission is to ensure every child can smile. All three of her sons were born with a rare condition, one of the prevented them from smiling. Numerous surgeries eventually corrected each and now Lori’s Three Little Bears project donates a percentage of the proceeds from T-shirts and bags to Operation Smile. These products are featured throughout the Perfect Provenance and have raised over $1 million to Operation Smile. The store is a perfect place for luxurious products and cuisine. Read More
Fresh Vegan Pumpkin Custard Recipe via the Westport Farmers’ Market Recipe Special Dietary Needs Lynn Felici-Gallant October 07, 2016 October is pumpkin season and whether you are into carving or cooking with these emblems of autumn, there is no shortage of DIY recipes. A quick Pinterest search will have you drowning in drinks or challenging your creativity, but fortunately for foodies in the Westport area, we have Sue Smith, owner of Prime Health Style, to keep us grounded. Sue’s recipe below for vegan pumpkin custard is simply divine. And what better place to pick up your pumpkins than at the Westport Farmers’ Market? Open from 10 to 2 this Thursday at 50 Imperial Avenue, stop by to pick up items for Sue’s recipe, visit with nearly 40 vendors, and stay for the chef demo and other activities (listed after Sue’s recipe). Read More
White House Honors New Haven Sushi Chef, Bun Lai of Maya's Sushi, for Sustainable Seafood CTbites Team October 07, 2016
Sneak Peek - Peaches Pub & Juke Joint Opens in Norwalk Restaurant Live Music Norwalk Pub CTbites Team October 06, 2016 The latest incarnation of Mama’s Boy and Peaches, debuts this week as Greer Fredericks opens Peaches Pub and Juke Joint in Norwalk. Located at 7 Wall Street, this newest venture combines Peach’s, a first floor restaurant, with an upstairs “juke joint.” Overseeing the kitchen is Paul Failla, who previously worked at Bar Sugo, The Whelk and Saltwater Grill. The vision is laid back, kick off your shoes environment that serves some good old fashioned southern cooking at reasonable prices. The space is open and allows for both seating in couches, easy chairs, at tables or at the long bar. The upstairs offers more seating plus access to the water view terrace. The walls will be adorned with artwork from New Orleans’ artist Dr. Bob and features many of his works from the “be nice or leave” series. The opening menu include appetizers such as Chicken Liver Spread on Ritz crackers, Country Fair Bacon, Fried Green Tomatoes, Uncle Leon’s Mussels with Jambalaya broth and Andouille sausage, Chicken-Fried Chicken livers and Dark and Stormy Ribs. Save room for Supper, which includes Panhandle Shrimp and Grits, a Bucket o’ Chicken for two, Sunburst Trout, a Big By Burger and “The Thigh High” buttermilk fried chicken. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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 Read More
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 Read More
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. Read More
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... Read More
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. Read More
