Filtering by Tag: Cookbooks,Pub

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.

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."

The New Milks: Dairy-Free Recipes by Local Author Dina Cheney

Cookbooks

CTbites Team May 04, 2016

Copyright © 2016 by Dina Cheney from THE NEW MILKS: 100-Plus Dairy-Free Recipes for Making and Cooking with Soy, Nut, Seed, Grain, and Coconut Milks, published by Atria Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.The New Milks, a new book just released from local author Dina Cheney, is the first comprehensive resource about plant-based, vegan, or alternative milks. The book includes 113 recipes dairy-free and kosher recipes, and most are wholesome (many are vegan). The New Milks is a great resource for those who are lactose-intolerant, have dairy allergies, or who follow vegan, paleo, kosher, low-cholesterol, hormone-free, or low-sugar diets. From familiar varieties, such as almond, soy, and coconut, to exotic types, like pistachio, millet, and tiger nut, readers will learn about the full range of incredible plant-based milks.

Brew Pub Planned for Former Bethel Train Station

Restaurant Bethel Brewery Pub

CTbites Team April 29, 2016

Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media

We are VERY excited about this week's Bethel food news covered by our friends Hearst Connecticut:

Several local entrepreneurs hope to open a brew pub in the former train station, which they believe will bring a new demographic to downtown [Bethel].

Lisa Tassone, owner of La Zingara on P.T. Barnum Square, and several partners have been discussing a brew pub when space at the station became available. Bethel Cycle closed last fall after operating in the building for about five years. “As soon as we walked into the space we knew it was a perfect fit,” said Tassone, who opened La Zingara about 13 years ago. Chris Sanzeni, an experienced brewer, said the historic building and the artistic nature of making beer is a perfect fit — adding Smirnoff vodka was produced for the first time in the building next door.

Little Pub Opening in Fairfield on Black Rock Turnpike @ Dolan's Corner

Restaurant Beer Openings Pub Comfort Food Burgers

CTbites Team April 07, 2016

If the "EXPECT BIG THINGS" train station platform signs or the Little Pub "adopt a highway" sign by exit 23 weren't enough of a hint, Owner, Doug Grabe, is happy to confirm that Little Pub is in fact coming to Fairfield's Dolan's Corner this summer.

Located at the intersection of Stillson Avenue and Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield, "Dolan's Corner" was the original hub of Black Rock Turnpike's thriving business district and home to various incarnations of the Angus restaurant for almost 70 years. Grabe told CTbites,

"It's a cute and cozy building in a perfect neighborhood for Little Pub and we’re really looking forward to serving the community. And besides, how could an iconic Fairfield address known as "Dolan's Corner" not have a neighborhood pub?"

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. "We have some really great stuff planned and of course, fun is mandatory," Says Grabe.

Stay tuned for interior photos and opening news as the renovation gets underway.

An Interview with Cookbook Author and Baking Expert Abby Dodge

Interview Author Book Cookbooks

Amy Kundrat December 16, 2015

Classically trained pastry chef, baking expert, cookbook author, and baking instructor Abby Dodge is a Fairfield, CT native on a mission to “bake the world a better place one recipe at a time.” She is a long-time contributing editor to Fine Cooking magazine, founding its test kitchen. In addition to her contributions in print, Abby is also leads a baking boot camp called “Cakes and Pies” you can enroll in on Craftsy.com, and an avid blogger where she hosts the online community #baketogether..

I had the pleasure of interviewing Abby on the occasion of the release of her tenth and latest cookbook called The Everyday Baker. You won’t want to miss her advice for home cooks on baking during the holiday season (advice I am promising myself to heed this year!), which is transcends baking and is really applicable to all things in life.

If you have questions for Abby, she has graciously agreed to answer your baking questions left in the comments section below.

Lost Restaurants of Fairfield: A History & Cookbook By Patti Woods

Recipe Book Cookbooks

CTbites Team December 15, 2015

Looking for a great locally inspired holiday gift? Author, Patti Woods has written a book, featuring stunning images and recipes, outlining the culinary history of Fairfield, Connecticut, Lost Restaurants of Fairfield.

The culinary history of Fairfield, Connecticut, brims with bygone and beloved eateries and watering holes. Discover some of these lost classics, from the Sun Tavern—where George Washington enjoyed a few victuals—to the Scenario, where local celebrities always had a seat reserved at the bar. The best doughnuts in town were at the corner of Post and Beaumont at Devore’s, while Art Green served up his famous chocolate cream pies at the Pie Plate.

SE Uncorked Opens in New Canaan: Snacks & Taps + A Great Vibe

Restaurant American Pub New Canaan Beer Bar

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger August 30, 2015

Chef Nick Martschenko’s (South End) newest venture, SE Uncorked, is already creating an incredible buzz throughout New Canaan for its great food and great vibe. Inspired by the speakeasies of the Prohibition era and taverns in the UK and Australia, Chef Nick told CTbites that his vision is for “guests to be comfortable and relaxed in a heavily beverage, comfortable environment with foods designed for a pub versus restaurant theme.”

Located at 15 Elm Street, both the exterior and interior have been completely redesigned. The brick-faced exterior features a drop-down wood shelf, windows at eye-level and a wood carved sign announcing “Uncorked” with the familiar South End circle-logo with the additional prelude... “Snacks & Taps.”

Some Mighty Tasty Wings @ Archie Moore's in Fairfield

Restaurant Fairfield Pub Bar Comfort Food

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger January 08, 2015

As my search for great burgers in CT continues, I always appreciate the opportunity to combine this pursuit with other culinary options. When I found myself in Fairfield, I decided to stop into Archie Moore’s Bar and Restaurant and sample its Bar Burger and while I was there, why not begin the meal with an order of wings, which are consistently voted some of the best in the state.

Bowls of Love Cookbook by Stamford Resident, Ali Rakowski: Paleo & Gluten Free

Cookbooks Special Dietary Needs healthy

CTbites Team January 07, 2015

One of the first Paleo soup cookbooks to hit the stands, Bowls of Love by Ali Rakowski is a seasonal soup cookbook with dozens of fresh, healthy recipes that are 100% Paleo, gluten-free and dairy-free.

Bowls of Love takes the concept of holistic health from the stove to your bowl, combining vegetables, locally sourced meat and homemade stock to create a plethora of soups that are both healthy and delicious. Based on the Paleo Diet, the recipes in this cookbook consist of lean meats, fruits, vegetables, healthy oils, nuts and seeds.

Unlike other Paleo cookbooks on the market, Bowls of Love has one main distinction – it focuses on the fact that every food we eat has a story. Each meal has a memory attached to it, and every plate and bowl holds those stories.

Cookbook Author Terry Walters at Stamford's Deane Inc on January 15

Restaurant Cookbooks Events Stamford

CTbites Team January 06, 2015

Deane Inc. & Elm Street Books are hosting an evening with bestselling cookbook author Terry Walters at the Stamford location of DEANE Inc. on January 15th, 2014 at 6pm. Terry Walters will be discussing and preparing recipes from her new book and copies will be available for purchase and signing.

Deane Inc is located at 1267 East Main Street in Stamford, CT. For more information or to RSVP, email staff@imagesanddetails.com or call 203.966.8203.

"Future Chefs," A New Cookbook by Westport Author, Ramin Ganeshram

Features Chef Talk Cookbooks Recipe

Jessica Ryan October 24, 2014

This is not a kid cookbook – well, of course it is, but it’s not the type of cookbook you’d expect from a bunch of kids. This is a book to be gifted, passed on and shared, especially among children and teenagers. It’s inspiring and thought-provoking. Future Chefs: Recipes by Tomorrow’s Cooks Across the Nation and the World is the brainchild of chef, food writer and author, Ramin Ganeshram. Future Chefs is a remarkable collection of stories and recipes from extraordinary children world-wide. Some of the recipes are quite complex, others couldn’t be more simple, but the messages about the food and around the food are what inspires.

We are introduced to a new generation of chefs, foodies and tastemakers and we see the ever changing world of food through their eyes. Today’s children are smart and savvy. They are aware of all that lies around them. Many of these children are keenly aware of health and nutrition, the importance of fresh, wholesome ingredients, supporting local businesses and farms and using organic ingredients. In Future Chefs you will meet all sorts of children from a wide array of socio-economic backgrounds – some are privileged, others are not, and many have remarkable stories to share. These children, are focused and determined. Collectively they have published recipes, have food blogs, have been invited to the White House as guests of Mrs. Obama, and have made appearances on The Today Show, The Tonight Show, NPR, and Chopped.

Book Signing w/ Amy & Stephanie @ Westport Farmers' Market August 28

Cookbooks

CTbites Team August 20, 2014

The Westport Farmers’ Market (WFM) invites you to meet the chefs & authors behind Fairfield County Chefs Table on August 28. They will be signing books and meeting readers from 11 to 1 pm at the Westport Farmers’ Market Thursday location at 50 Imperial Avenue, Westport. The Market runs from 10 am to 2 pm.

Amy Kundrat and Stephanie Webster, the author and photographer of the book Fairfield County Chef's Table, will be at the August 28 market from 10:00 – 2:00 to sell and sign copies of their new book. The two women behind CTbites.com embarked on this book project with over 50 participating chefs to profile the region's favorite restaurants and share some of its most beloved recipes. They will be joined by several chefs who are profiled in their book, including Bill Taibe of leFarm and Whelk, Matt Storch of Match and Chelsea Restaurant, and Glen Collelo of Catch a Healthy Habit, who will be on hand to sign the book and meet market visitors. More information at www.fairfieldcountychefstable.com.

For more information www.westportfarmersmarket.com or email director@westportfarmersmarket.com.

New Eli's Tavern in Milford Dazzles With Gastropub Delights via Connecticut Magazine

Restaurant Milford Pub Comfort Food Lunch

Douglas P Clement July 23, 2014

Westport Barnes & Noble Book Signing May 17th: Come Meet Amy & Stephanie

Chef Talk Cookbooks Local Artisan

Stephanie Webster May 10, 2014

We hate to shamelessly promote ourselves, but we would be remiss if we failed to mention our upcoming book signing at Westport Barnes & Noble on May 17th.

Come meet CTbites Founders, Amy Kundrat and Stephanie Webster @ Barnes & Noble in Westport on Saturday, May 17th @ 1PM.

If you haven't heard the news, check out our post on our recently published book featuring over 50 of the best restaurants and chefs in Fairfield County.

BONUS: Chef Jon Vaast from Sugar & Olives will be with us serving up their recipe from the book.

Little Pub New England Brewery Dinner

Restaurant Beer Dinner Pub Beer

CTbites Team March 24, 2014

Join us on April 1st @ Little Pub Ridgefield for a New England Brewing Company beer dinner hosted by New England Brewing Company’s partner/head brewer Matt Westfall. The evening will boast a five course beer pairing menu (view full menu below with pairings), a little education, and some general merry making.

Matt Westfall will discuss the flavor profile, ingredients, and brewing process for each beer while also sharing stories about New England Brewing Company’s journey to becoming one of the region’s most respected and beloved craft brewers.

Our own beer expert, James Gribbon will be on hand to answer any questions about his Friday Froth column or beer in general.

Little Pub Gets Ready to Open in Cos Cob: Sneak Peek

Restaurant Cos Cob Greenwich Pub Bar Kid Friendly

Stephanie Webster March 18, 2014

The Little Pub you know from Ridgefield and Wilton is opening its third location down south in Cos Cob, and CTbites received a sneak peek at the interior and plans for this new venture, now under construction. When Little Pub opened its doors in Ridgefield back in 2009 with its cozy feel of an alpine lodge meeting an English pub, it rapidly became the go-to spot for casual family friendly pub fare with a beer list that rivaled any bar around.. Fireplaces and rough wood beams graced the white plastered walls, and in a town filled with higher end chef-driven restaurants, Little Pub sets itself apart with a simple, well executed comfort food menu that appeals to both kids and adults.

When CTbites asked Owner, Doug Grabe, and Operations Manager, Lars Anderson why Cos Cob, , both said “the people asked for it.” Turns out, restaurant owners do read those Comment Cards, and the cards at Little Pub said “we need you in Greenwich,” specifically Cos Cob whose demographics skew heavily towards families.

"American Craft Beer Cookbook" Beer Food Pairing Seminar @ Mohegan Sun

Features Recipe Cookbooks

CTbites Team January 21, 2014

Based on recipes from the recently released American Craft Beer Cookbook, the seminar will lead attendees through a five course tasting and pairing event featuring a Grafton Village Cheese Course, three selections from sea, farm & field, and dessert. This event will take place on Friday, January 24th, Mohegan Sun Resort, 7:00pm-8:30pm Led by industry veterans Dave Hartmann & John Holl, the seminar is designed to enlighten on how the primary and broad ranging flavors in craft beer complement, contrast with and accentuate what we dine on – whether from a wide variety of hops, malt, yeast, special ingredients or even the water used in brewing itself. At least five different Long Trail beers will be in the seminar – some easy to find, some uncommon, some never before released. Attendees will also receive a fine quality Spiegelau crystal tulip tasting glass to further enhance their tasting experience.

"Small, Sweet, and Italian" from Sweet Maria's (Waterbury Bakery)

Features Bakery Cookbooks Recipe Dessert

Douglas P Clement December 27, 2013

The arrival of the holiday season gives rise to lots of thoughts. Plans for Christmas, and wish lists for gift-giving and receiving rank high at the moment, and interwoven with those is another shared, defining theme—food, as in feasts, finer and heartier fare than in fairer weather and a seasonal amnesty from sweet-treat restrictions.

That’s where Maria Bruscino Sanchez—aka Sweet Maria—comes in.

The owner and baker for nearly 24 years at Sweet Maria’s in Waterbury, a Connecticut destination bakery for cakes, cookies, biscotti and more, Bruscino Sanchez recently released her latest cookbook, and it’s a perfect one both for this time of year and for how we like to live, and eat, now.

In Small, Sweet and Italian, with 75 recipes and simple, straightforward instructions, “The mini sweet trend takes an Italian holiday with recipes like Cappuccino Hazelnut Cupcakes, tiny Torta Caprese, mini Italian cream horns, cannoli, Bellini and Limoncello cupcakes.”

The word “mini” is the key here; these are small bites that are far more delicious and satisfying than they are filling—meaning you can sample a variety without guilt.

“Mini everything has taken hold of the entire bakery industry,” Bruscino Sanchez writes at the beginning of the book, which, before digging into the recipes, offers an ingredients/pantry section, notes on the necessary equipment, helpful mini primers on baking techniques and even a section on pairing desserts with dessert wines.

“I grew up in a family where small portions meant a meal to serve twelve!” she writes in an opening section of the new book entitled La Dolce Vita means “The Sweet Life.” “Many of us love keeping up traditions, yet our lifestyles have changed to eat smaller and lighter. By baking minis, you can have it all: flavor, tradition, and variety.”

Read the full article on ConnecticutMagazine.com.

First Look: The Cask Republic Opens In Stamford

Restaurant CT Beer Cocktails Pub Stamford Beer Bar

James Gribbon December 20, 2013

Fans of craft beer and elevated pub grub have a home in Stamford at the new Cask Republic on Summer Street. Lines of draft beer stretch down the bar in the dozens, awaiting pairing with menu items created and overseen by executive chef Carl Carrion.

The Cask Republic's first, and only other, location is in New Haven, so there shouldn't be too much competition for customers with its second pied-à-terre next to The Fez and across from Buffalo Wild Wings in Stamford. Walk into the new Cask and you'll see a large front room in which a good many tables and chairs are ringed by cushioned booths and myriad framed photographs, with a long black bar dominating the right hand wall.

The bar, one of two in The Cask Republic, is clearly meant to be the center of both attention and action in this future hub of Stamford nightlife, and features 51 taps poking their way through sheets of copper. Illuminated liquor bottles flank the taps, with gas lamps and Edison bulbs lighting the entire expanse.