14 Places For Cinco de Mayo in CT: 2017 Edition

Features Holiday Events Mexican Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Uno, dos, tres… the countdown is on to Cinco de Mayo!  On Friday May 5, Connecticut restaurants like Bodega, Taco Loco, and Bartaco will put on fabulous fiestas featuring food specials, live music, tequila, signature cocktails, and more.  There is even a cinco inspired cupcake making class and a benefit to support Dollars for Scholars.

  1. Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant, East Hartford & Mystic: Through May 4, Margaritas Mexican Restaurant will host Cinco Days of Goodwill, where 20% goes to Goodwill Industries. Plus, visit them for $5 specials as part of the countdown to Cinco de Mayo.
  2. Geronimo Tequila Bar & Southwest Grill, Fairfield and New Haven: Geronimo will have celebrations at both locations. In Fairfield, an outdoor pig roast starts at 11:30am and an outdoor Taco Cart hits the streets at 5pm. The New Haven location will also have a pig roast, and later a street party complete with a donkey!
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Products We Love: SmashMallows Found At Balducci's

Ingredients Features Dessert Kid Friendly Kids Ingredients Homepage

Stephanie Webster

I'll admit, I'm late to the party on these 100% organic, all natural, crazy town delicious marshmallows. I stumbled upon SmashMallows at Balducci's today, but as it turns out, they have been written up by In Style, Cooking Light and even People Magazine, They are quite simply, the "Dom Perignon of marshmallows." Balducci's is currently carrying them in Mint Chocolate Chi, Toasted Coconut Pineapple, Strawberry & Cream, and Cinnamon Churo.  However, if you look online, there are three additional flavors worth an order: Root Beer Float, Meyer Lemon Chia, and Espresso Bean. 

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The Outdoor Beer Garden at Shippan Landing, Stamford, Opens May 18

Restaurant Features Beer Garden CT Beer Beer Outdoor Dining Kid Friendly Stamford

Hey Stamford!

This in from Hey Stamford!

The Beer Garden in Shippan Landing is just weeks away from opening for the season!

Imian Partners, owners of the 15,000 square foot waterfront oasis plan to roll up their doors on Thursday May 18th and run through mid-October (weather permitting).  The hours of operation are Wednesdays & Thursdays from  4:00pm – 11:00pm; Friday:  3:00pm – 12:00am and Saturday & Sundays 2:00pm – 12:00am.

Throughout the Summer you can expect a variety of special events, including: Country Fest, A Food Truck Mash-up, Burger Throwdown, Yoga Fest and more! And, of course they’ll be opening as only they know how… a weekend long celebration to include cold beer, delicious food, amazing sunsets, live music and more!!  As more details become available we’ll be certain to share.  

Read the complete article on Hey Stamford.

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Nibble: CT Food Events for April 24-30

Features Events Wine Dinners Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Bar Sugo presents a meatball class on Saturday April 29 at noon.  It is $45 per person, plus tax, tip, and beverages.  Call 203-956-7134 to reserve your space.

Cask Republic in Stamford presents a 5-course whiskey dinner on April 25 at 7pm.  The evening will feature beloved hard to find whiskies like Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year, WhistlePig Boss Hog Third Edition, Four Roses Elliot's Select Single Barrel Limited Edition, Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20 Year, and Glenmorangie 18 Year Extremely Rare.  Dishes will include Veal Heart Tartar, Maple Bourbon Pork Belly, and more.  Seating is limited.  Reservations required and can be made by calling 203-348-2275.

Grab The Tasty Yolk’s April special while you still can!  "The Mad Batter" consists of a Maple bacon cheddar waffle covered with 2 eggs. Check their current locations on their facebook page. 

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The 10 Best Farmers Markets in Connecticut

Features Ingredients Farmers Market far farm fresh CT Farms Local Farm Local Artisan

CTbites Team

We felt this list of farmers' markets was pretty spot on. Check out Best of Connecticut's list of the 10 Best Farmers' Markets in CT. 

Connecticut has organized its best local offerings into “trails” that visitors can easily follow to enjoy the best of the best. One such trail is the Farmers Markets of Connecticut trail, which highlights local markets across the state. At each market, you’ll find freshly picked local produce, delicious baked goods, coffee roasted in Connecticut, and other products to allow you to prepare the freshest most delicious locally-sourced meal for you and your family.

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Killer B Opens in South Norwalk w/ Beer, Bourbon, Bacon and Burgers (+ Decadent Milkshakes)

Restaurant Comfort Food SONO Norwalk Cocktails Lunch Kid Friendly Bar Homepage Burgers

Jessica Ryan

There are those who say pigs don’t fly…. They’ve never had Killer B’s Bacon Flight where thick cut strips of bacon arrive attached to a clothing wire, juices dripping, only to come flying immediately off. I really intended to have just one bite…

Killer B recently opened in South Norwalk, and stands for Beer, Bourbon, Bacon and Burgers – and with that I will tell you that this bacon, offered in such flavors as bourbon, butterscotch, fire, honey and orange, was indeed “killer.”  Take a bite and you soon realize this ain’t no grocery store bacon.

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Food Network’s ‘Chopped’ Is Calling Out Connecticut Chefs, Butchers, Bakers and Adult Beverage Makers

Features

Stephanie Webster

If you’re a Connecticut chef, butcher, teacher, baker, student, mixologist, grill master, grandparent, etc., the TV Show Chopped on the Food Network is looking for you. Their casting website says they’re:

Seeking dynamic, outgoing, experienced chefs, Men and Women, any ethnicity and cooking specialty are encouraged to apply.

Even if you’re not a pro, head to the Specials page on the site, and find out about the shows they’re cookin’ up with everyday people, featuring contestants from all walks of life.

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Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of April 17- 23

Features News Events Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Mohegan Sun’s Sun WhiskeyFest takes place on Friday April 21 at 8pm.  General admission tickets are $85 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. 

April is National Grilled Cheese Month and Fairfield Greenwich Cheese Company will hold a “Grilled Cheese: Beyond Kraft Singles” class this week.  It will take place at the Fairfield location on Tuesday April 18 and the Greenwich location on Thursday April 20. 

Millwrights hosts a Stone Brewing and Maine Beer Company collaboration dinner on Tuesday April 18 at 7pm.  The evening will feature Main Lunch, Main Peeper, Stone Tangerine Express, and Stone Xocoveza Charred with paired dishes.  It costs $65 per person. 

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Aux Delices Takes Over SoNo Baking Company Spot in Downtown Westport

Restaurant Breakfast Lunch Prepared Food Take Out Bakery Dessert Kid Friendly

Stephanie Webster

In case you hadn't heard, SoNo Baking Company is giving up the keys to its downtown Westport location at 44 Church Lane, across from the new Bedford Square. Aux Delices will be taking over the space in the next few weeks. This will be Aux Delices' second location in Westport, and Aux Delices owner, Debra Ponzek, said "We had been eyeing this location for quite some time and were excited when the space became available."

Aux Delices,  means “all the delicious food in life,” and culinary institute-trained Debra Ponzek, describes her cooking as “quality, healthy food for busy people.”  If you have visited any of their other locations in Greenwich, Darien or Westport's Post Road, you will find quick and easy service, grab-n-go items, as well as a sit down cafe experience. For fans of Aux Delices, the menu at the new Westport location will be similar to you as well. 

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Layla's Falafel Opening in Westport w/ Delicious Authentic Middle Eastern Fare

Restaurant Middle Eastern Stamford Westport Fairfield Catering Delicious Dives Lunch Homepage

Stephanie Webster

Layla's Falafel, with their delicious and authentic Middle Eastern menu, is opening in Westport in late April. Offering a full menu of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, Layla’s (named for its owner) serves up well-priced, flavorful and fresh fare. Ideal for takeout, a quick lunch or a pre-movie pit-stop, it’s a solid alternative to your standard takeout repertoire. Previously only found on Black Rock Tpke, their new location will be across from Stop N Shop at 1537 Post Road East in Westport. 

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Where Do Local Chefs Eat Out: Christian Petroni of Fortina Pizza

Features Chef Talk Chef

Jessica Ryan

I've always wondered where the chefs from our favorite local restaurants eat when they finally get some time away from their busy schedules. Do they prefer to go home and relax? Or do they like to go out? If the latter, what are some of their favorite places, locally and beyond? This column will be on ongoing feature. Past chefs featured have been: Chris Gonzalez of Hapa Food Truck, Cody Brown of Hoodoo BBQ & Matt Storch of Match & Nom Eez. This week, we speak with Christian Petroni of Fortina Pizza.

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Dew Drop Inn in Derby: Adventures in Chicken Wings And More

Restaurant Bar Delicious Dives Comfort Food Lunch Derby Kid Friendly Beer Homepage Burgers

James Gribbon

"When I was first looking for a location, I didn't even want a place with a kitchen." It's not what you expect to hear from the owner of a bar which has become more famous for food than its drinks. When Bronx-native Jay Carlucci bought the Dew Drop Inn in 2006, "I just wanted a neighborhood bar, I wasn't even looking north of White Plains." One major reinvention and many smaller renovations later, the Dew Drop is a linchpin of both the restaurant and social scenes in Derby, and a regular top three finisher in every list of the best wing spots in Connecticut.

"It was rough then, but it was definitely a local hangout, a neighborhood bar." His vision was to take the concept and make it better. Within the first few months every light beer was taken off the menu, and Carlucci heard about it: 'You're crazy, you didn't make money in the valley selling new beers.'

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Embody Fitness Gourmet Opens New Location in Darien

Restaurant Darien healthy Juice Bar Juice Cleanse Take Out

Stephanie Webster

After nine years, EMBODY FITNESS GOURMET has a new location in Darien, at the Palmer’s Market Shopping Center (380 Heights Road). This is one of three Embody grab-n-go healthy organic locations; the others residing in New Canaan and Westport. 

Embody is our go-to spot for protein shakes, juices, and salads. In Darien, they have also started serving Intelligentsia coffee--one of the top coffee roasters in the country. Embody's menu embraces all forms of lean proteins and nutrient dense vegetables and fruits in their menu creations, many of which pair well together allowing customers to mix and match items for an entire day's worth of nutrition. My personal favorite...The Almond Buzz, a perfect combination of almond butter, almond milk, bananas, cacao and protein powder. 

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Aperol Flip Recipe via Olives and Oil in New Haven

Features Recipe Cocktails Recipe Recipe Video New Haven Bar

Katharine Ortiz

What is “electric Italian?”  It is defined by well executed small plates, wood fired pizzas, and perfectly rendered cocktails, all to be found at Olives and Oil in New Haven.  The menu is overseen and curated daily by Executive Chef and recent ’40 under 40’ winner John Brennan, who cooks traditional Italian cuisine in a funky retro location.  Superb visuals, food, and of course cocktails await you.  Olives and Oil was gracious enough to invite me in to sample a few of their cocktails recently.

We enjoyed a perfect Aperol Flip (recipe and tutorial below) as well as a classic Negroni Sbagliato - with a house pressed ice cube for JUST that finishing touch. Bartenders don’t ALWAYS give up their cocktails secrets, so enjoy making this at home or try it the next time you’re in New Haven. 

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Easter Cooking: Wild Alaskan Halibut A La Cataplana Recipe c/o Chef Renato Donzelli of Basso Cafe       

Recipe Features Recipe Seafood Chef Talk Holiday healthy

Stephanie Webster

Cataplana is a Portuguese seafood dish originating in the southern region of Portugal in Algarve, and it is about as traditional a Portuguese dish as you can get. It uses a copper cooking device also called a Cataplana which unique to the Algarve region. If you don’t have this vessel you simply can use a pan with a lid.

This dish we are going to make is a variation using a fresh fish like Halibut, littleneck clams, and Spanish chorizo. Cataplana is perfect for making this dish because it efficiently contains the flavor and heat of the contents in the dish to provide a uniquely flavored and scented dish, simply without any fuss.

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Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of April 9 - 16

Features Events News Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

On Tuesday April 11, Kitchen ZINC in New Haven will host a fundraiser to benefit the Connecticut chapter of the ACLU.  Admission includes tastes of KZ Artisan Pizza, with beverages purchased upon consumption.  25% of sales will be donated. 

Millwrights and Bottle Stop Wine & Spirit Superstore are teaming up for a tapas style wine and food pairing on April 12, 2017.  Stay at the restaurant for dinner afterward and get 10% off your bill.  It runs from 6-7:30pm and costs $40 per person.  Call (860) 651-5500 to reserve.

Fresh Salt in Old Saybrook has debuted a new spring menu.  Under Chef d’ Cuisine Gese Rodriguez, they are using fresh seasonal ingredients to offer an assortment of new salads, sandwiches, soups, pastas, mains, and more.  Try the new dishes for lunch or dinner.  Reservations are recommended, and may be made by calling 860-395-2000.

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Donut Crazy Opening in West Hartford

Restaurant West Hartford Bakery Dessert Coffee Breakfast

Stephanie Webster

West Hartford is about to get their very own Donut Crazy. Let the gluttony begin! The latest location in the donut empire will be at 993 A Farmington Ave in West Hartford, right across from Bartaco. Renovation is currently in the works and they expect to open this summer. West Hartford will feel lighter and brighter than the clubby New Haven location, but will share most of the same features. 

This follows closely on the heels of their recent opening at the Westport Train Station. I'd say CT is digging their donuts. However, doughnuts aren't all Jason Wojnarowski, Donut Crazy founder, has to offer. They will also be serving ON TAP nitro coffee, cold-brew coffee, iced teas and chocolate milk using Arethusa Farm’s milk and Shearwater's fair trade Coffee. In addition, they will be serving made-to-order breakfast sandwiches, also available on a glazed donut if you dare! For folks who prefer something more savory, they will have bagels & lox and avocado toast. The bakery team also makes muffins and sconces from scratch and will continue to surprise guests with some really special confections.

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28 Places For Easter in CT: 2017 Edition

Restaurant Holiday Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Easter- one of the most egg-cellent holidays- is on Sunday April 16.  Restaurants across Connecticut are creating special Easter menus, from the traditional to the more festive.  Be sure to make your reservations soon so that you can celebrate with some-bunny special.

  1. Redding Roadhouse, Redding, will host an Easter buffet with a cold station, cheese and charcuterie display, pastries, an omelet station, waffle bar, hot buffet, and more. There will even be appearances by the Easter bunny.
  2. Norwich Inn, Norwich, presents an Easter brunch from 11am-3pm. The spread features pastries, an omelet station, a raw bar, carving station, dessert, kids' options, and more.
  3. Present Company, Simsbury, will serve Easter brunch starting at 10:30am.
  4. L’escale, Greenwich: L'escale's Easter brunch will include a raw bar, country table, an omelet station, a breakfast station, desserts, and more. Join them from 11am-4pm.
  5. Bernard’s, Ridgefield will serve Easter brunch and dinner on Sunday April 16. Brunch runs from 11-12:30pm while dinner runs from 1:30-6pm.
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