Filtering by Tag: Greek,Deli

The Halal Guys Opens in New Haven on The Green

Restaurant Food Truck Greek New Haven Lunch

CTbites Team

The iconic New York City food cart turned brick-and-mortar restaurant is open for business at 906 Chapel Street, New Haven

The Halal Guys, which originally started as a hot dog cart in 1990, gained worldwide recognition for its twist on traditional Middle Eastern cuisine.  Known for its secret white sauce and lip-tingling, explosive hot sauce, The Halal Guys has become a staple of New York City street fare.  Those with big appetites can plan on hearty portions of chicken and gyro over rice with salad, consistent with those served in New York City.  All ingredients are delivered and prepared fresh daily.  In addition to the world-famous platters, the New Haven location will be dishing up sandwiches, hummus, fries, and, for desert, baklava.

Drawing from the success of the original, the founders of The Halal Guys decided to open “brick and mortar” restaurants around the nation.  The Chapel Street restaurant is the first in Connecticut.  At least one other is in the preliminary planning stage for an undetermined location in the Stamford area.


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

Restaurant Bakery Brazilian Bridgeport Butcher Deli Lunch Dessert

Steve Urena

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. 


Getting to Know FRESKOS Modern Greek Food in Hamden

Restaurant Greek Hamden Mediterranean

Amy Kundrat

During my first job out of college, I frequented a diner for what became a weekly Greek salad lunch ritual. That may have been over ten years ago, but it inspired a life-long love affair with the dish. So when a friend suggested trying out newly opened FRESKOS in Hamden, I jumped at the chance to try their greek salad and was happily met with a heaping bowl filled with romaine lettuce and topped with chopped cucumbers, sliced tomatoes, stuffed grape leaves, and a big block of feta. Served with warm pita, and greek dressing, I have finally found my local antidote to that Greek salad craving.  

FRESKOS is a modern Greek fast casual restaurant, that leans towards light and fresh Greek dishes such as souvlaki and gyro sandwiches which are served with warm pita, red onion, tomato, tzaziki, and dill. In addition to sandwiches, FRESKOS focuses on seasonal salads and soups, such as the avgolemono soup, a traditional Greek soup with a chicken broth base filled with lemon, egg and rice. A FRESKOS original is a Greek Pita Pizza, which struck me as an apt Greek interpretation to its pizza-loving location just a stone's throw from New Haven.


Lithos Restaurant in Darien: New Greek in Town

Restaurant Darien Greek Homepage

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

Lithos Restaurant opened in April serving an array of Greek specialties from a house made hummus to individually prepared crocks of Moussaka to a full selection of dinner entrées including fish, meats and chicken. Located at the eastern edge of Darien in the building that formerly housed Anthony's coal fired pizza, Lithos redecorated the interior to a lighter feel with blues, taupes and fixtures to inspire a Mediterrean softness. There is a long bar in the rear of the dining area, tables, booths and a large dining table that seats 10-12 to the right of the space that can be secluded by a sliding curtain. This month the restaurant commenced lunch service with a fixed price ($16 on my visit) 3-course special that includes an appetizer sampler, a choice of entrées and a dessert of yogurt, honey and fruit.

Restaurant Scene Explodes @ Stamford's Harbor Point

Restaurant Deli Frozen Yogurt Stamford Latin American Burgers

Lou Gorfain

Hard to believe, but spring beckons.  It’s just a few days away. And along with hyacinths and daffodils, a number of new eateries will soon be blossoming at Stamford's Harbor Point -- just in time for those hazey lazey dayz.  (Yes Virginia, there is a Summer)  

At the spectacular 6000 square foot Glass Garden on the waterfront, Aaron Sanchez is now shooting for a Cinco de Mayo opening for his new latin themed resto.   As CTBites first reported last year, Sanchez will be working his spanish sorcery in a sexy, high end dining, cocktail and wine lounge space.  But there's a name change:  “Alegre”  has become “Poloma”

According to Jon Sabrowski, Harbor Point's Leasing Director, a bouquet of other new eateries are targeting a Memorial Day opening.   Among them is an American grill from South End Hospitality, whose pedigree includes Black Bear, Darien Social, Bobby Q's and McFadden’s. The tap house will feature a rooftop bar, offering a panoramic view of the harbor and the Sound beyond.  (Yes Virginia, there are sea breezes.)  The restaurant faces the 22 story twin towered apartment complex currently under construction  (We can report that the 242 unit complex will not be the hotel-condo once envisioned.)


Gold's Delicatessen In Westport: Real New York Style Deli Since 1958

Ingredients Restaurant Westport Deli Delicious Dives Breakfast Lunch

CTbites Team

Jarret Liotta is a veteran freelance writer whose articles and essays have appeared in over 75 different publications, including The New York Times & National Geographic. He is a native of Westport, Connecticut.

I was browsing CTbites recently and was surprised and thrilled to find no contributor had yet posted a review of Gold’s Delicatessen in Westport, because now I get to do it.

In a nutshell, if you taste a hot corned beef sandwich from Gold’s, you will be in Hebraic heaven. This is a real New York style Jewish deli, and as fine a one as I’ve ever found in New York or Miami.

In one of the rarer gifts by today’s deli experience, Gold’s makes its own corned beefas they make their own brisket. Both are excellent and, if you’re lucky—stay with me here—you’ll get a slightly fattier serving that is just astounding for its flavor and the kind of grand indulgent satisfaction you won’t find with the store-bought stuff served in most places. 


EOS Greek Cuisine in Stamford Revamps Menu

Restaurant Greek Mediterranean Stamford Lunch

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

EOS, the Greek goddess of the dawn, signifies the beginning of a new day. EOS Greek Cuisine, an upscale Greek restaurant in Stamford owned by the Glekas family, recently introduced its new menu and invited CTbites (along with several other bloggers for what we nicknamed "Bloggers' Row") for a tasting of several of these items. All of the dishes are based on family recipes with slight modifications to modernize the dishes while maintaining their Greek roots.


Picador Opens in New Canaan: Tapas

Restaurant French Greek Spanish Tapas New Canaan

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

The culinary landscape of New Canaan now includes the vibrant cuisine of the Iberian Peninsula with the opening of Picador, the second restaurant of owner Alan Basaran. Located on Elm Street in the space formerly occupied by Harvest Supper, the interior’s décor offers a warm and inviting environment as backdrop to the region’s vibrant cuisine. Copper-topped tables and a wrap-around leather-covered banquette fill the entire back and side walls with additional copper-topped tables with dark leather chairs occupying the remainder of the space. The walls are adorned with plates, mirrors and sconces; reminiscent of the region.


Seasons Eats: Stamford's Hidden Gem in Plain Sight

Restaurant Deli Delicious Dives Diner Stamford Lunch Kid Friendly

Lou Gorfain

What to call it?

By all outward appearances, Seasons Eats looks like your typical lunch takeout storefront. Looking through the window, you witness chaotic swarms of downtown types picking up a salad or sandwich to take back to their desks. But peer a little closer and discover a culinary gem that defies categorization.   

"We're not a deli. We're not a sandwich shop," says Phil Costas, a New York Times Three Star chef, who with his wife Liz, runs the place. “Maybe we're a cafe. I don’t know. We keep evolving.”

That’s why the Costas have just changed the name from Katie’s Gourmet to Seasons Eats. What started as a gourmet specialty shop 16 years ago, an offshoot  of their highly successful American restaurant Kathleen’s, has become a… I don’t know, maybe the best word for it is indeed  “Eats.” In this tiny 1300 square foot storefront, Phil and his five elves serve nearly 1400 delightfully inventive breakfasts, lunches and dinners a week.


Estia Restaurant Brings Greek Cuisine to SoNo

Restaurant Greek Norwalk SONO Lunch

Nancy Kleeger

Gavrielides Restaurant Group, the family behind Harbor Lights, Eastside Café, and Overtons, all located in Norwalk, have added yet another egg to their already full basket of food establishments.

Recently opened “Estia”, which shows off the Gavrielides family’s Greek roots, is a welcome addition to SONO’s Washington Street.  It’s official:  This tiny block now proudly boasts a veritable potpourri of cuisine, and with Greek cuisine now on offer, it is fast becoming a diners paradise. Let’s hope Estia, along with its’ neighboring partners in crime can live up to the increasing demand for quality, sophisticated food, so SONO can continue to thrive. 


Pontos Taverna: Authentic Greek in Norwalk

Restaurant Greek Norwalk Lunch

Nancy Kleeger

A well-executed movie night in Fairfield County, which includes eating out before or after the flick, usually requires some skill.  You have to factor in the length of the movie and the distance to the restaurant and hope that there isn’t any traffic along Post Road so you don’t miss the coming attractions or your reservation.

Good news foodies and movie lovers, I have found the antidote to that little problem right in the heart of Norwalk.  I introduce to you, Pontos Taverna (cue the Greek music), serving Authentic Greek Cuisine right next to Garden Cinema.  Next to Garden Cinema you ask? I know, I’ve said it before myself, “What Greek restaurant next to the cinema?”


Art's Deli: An Old Classic Returns to Westport

Ingredients Restaurant Deli Italian Specialty Market Westport Kid Friendly

CTbites Team

Having been in Westport for almost eight years, I am definitely enjoying all the hip, new restaurants popping up like wild mushrooms, from California fusion to country chic. I love the innovative foods, inventive cocktails, the trendy decor and the chance to hang out with people who are far more interesting than I am. But sometimes I crave a little old school, mom-and-pop, and a diversion from my mostly vegetarian ways. After driving past Art’s Deli on the Post Road, I finally went in, and discovered a wonderful new, old place. It seems that in spite of all that has changed, what’s old has become new again. But this time, it’s better than ever.


Kouzina: New Greek / Mediterranean in New Canaan

Restaurant Greek Mediterranean New Canaan Lunch

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

Brian Herlihy and Gina Douvas followed their passion for cooking by opening Kouzina, a Greek/Mediterranean restaurant in New Canaan featuring the best of their family recipes.  This husband and wife team were raised in households where large family meals were a regular event (Gina in Astoria, Queens and Brian in Katonah), and each developed a love for cooking at an early age.  After numerous trips to Greece with Gina, Brian fell in love with the cuisine and their vision took shape. After Brian retired from the Pound Ridge Police department their dream became a reality and in June the couple opened Kouzina on Forest Street in New Canaan. Originally envisaged as a specialty food store and market that would sell olives, olive oils (from Gina’s family farm in Patras, Greece), cheeses, artisanal breads and prepared foods; the project expanded and now features a restaurant.


Crossing the River: Jordan's Restaurant in Westport

Restaurant Greek Home Delivery Pizza Westport Lunch Kid Friendly

Sarah Green

There is a powerfully moving gospel song about crossing the River Jordan, but the fact that Jordan's of Norwalk recently crossed the River Saugatuck into Westport is what makes my wayward soul call out "Hallelujah!" Jordan's Restaurant and Pizza is a tried and true Greek/Italian establishment with FAMILY RUN written all over it. Pappa Nikos (Nick) and Mama Haroula (Carol) Ouzounidis came from their tiny town of Agios Loukas in Greece to Connecticut in the 70's and bought the original Jordan's at 369 Westport Ave in Norwalk. Now, with three locations to oversee, the three Ouzounidis children are taking over at the helm to keep things running smoothly, And with that honor, there is a dish named for each child - there's John's (Ionnis) Bread (with ricotta, melted mozzerella and marinara sauce), Lazaros (Larry) Chicken (sauteed with tomato, feta and garlic), and my drug of choice, the Kitsa Pella Salad (which you can read about in detail in my Colossal Salad review from last year.)


Kids Review: Rye Ridge Deli in Stamford

Kids Bites Deli Stamford Comfort Food Kid Friendly

CTbites Team

Carly Monson is our roving 10 yrs old food critic. She hopes to get Fairfield County kids excited about eating in new venues like this one...

Are you starving for some classic deli food?  Then get in the car and head on down to Rye Ridge Deli in Stamford, CT.  As soon as I got there I knew exactly what I was going to order, Matzo Ball Soup and half a sandwich of corn beef and half a sandwich of pastrami on white bread. Before the waiter even came to take my order we got two bowls of pickles one bowl had half sour pickles the other had sour pickles.


It's All Greek To Me @ Steve's Market in Norwalk

Ingredients Greek Norwalk Specialty Market

Jenny Vynerib

When I decided to throw a Greek-themed dinner party, I wasn’t sure if  I would be able to find my stuffed grape leaves, taramasalata, and fresh feta in Fairfield County. Ye of little faith.  After doing a little research, I found a place that sounded promising on Main Street in Norwalk called Steve’s Market. Filled with imported Greek produced specialty grocery items, prepared foods, religious relics and wonderful baked goods – Steve’s couldn’t be more authentic. It was like walking into a little shop on a side street in Athens, Greece. Little did I know that after one visit to Steve’s, it would become one of the stores on my “weekly visit” list.


EOS: Sophisticated Greek in Stamford

Restaurant Greek Stamford Lunch

CTbites Team

If you live in Fairfield County, or anywhere in the New York Metro area for that matter, going out for Greek typically conjures up an image of a large diner, heavily laden in chrome and formica, with menus the size of VW windshields. Yes, you can order souvlaki , gyros and feta omelets at these establishments, and you might just sit beneath a picture of the Parthenon, but the accent remains heavy on fast, gut stuffing, American standards. One meal at EOS, a relative newcomer to Stamford, will forever change your association with Greek food, and have you going back for more.