The Stand Roadside BBQ & Market in Branford: Your New Favorite Summer Spot

Restaurant Branford BBQ Comfort Food Specialty Market Lunch Brunch Kid Friendly Homepage

Samantha Grasso May 07, 2017

While the rest of us were hibernating this winter, Justin Kingsley, Pit Master at The Stand in Branford, was up daily at the crack of dawn, cleaning and firing up the restaurant’s duel smokers in the pitch black. “Anyone can BBQ in September,” he quips as he opens one of the smokers to reveal shelves of pork shoulder and chicken slow-cooking for that night’s dinner. They look like perfection – rubbed with love and house-made spice blends he’s developed through trial and error with co-owner Eamon Roche. Justin tells me, to get the best flavors, they “draw inspiration from everywhere, see what works, and then make it our own.”

The Spread Opening 2nd Location In Greenwich CT

Restaurant Greenwich Norwalk Homepage Opening

Stephanie Webster May 05, 2017

CTbites has some exciting breaking food news regarding the ever expanding Greenwich restaurant scene. The Spread in Sono has just told CTbites that they have signed the lease for the old Barcelona spot in Greenwich CT at 18 W Putnam Ave. They hope to be open in fall of 2017.

The Spread has been awarded many accolades for Chef Carlos Baez' inventive American menu with strong global influences. The Greenwich food lineup will look and feel much like that of The Spread in South Norwalk, and will adhere to The Spread’s philosophy of offering high quality, locally sourced ingredients. Expect to see classics such as Seared Foie Gras, Hamachi Crudo, Braised Octopus, Veal & Ricotta Meatballs and Beef Tongue Bruschetta alongside seasonally inspired specials.

Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of May 7- 14

Features Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 05, 2017

The Hickories, an organic farm in Ridgefield, is now selling its community-supported agriculture shares (CSAs) for the 2017 growing season. Once a week, shareholders can come to pick up freshly harvested organic vegetables and fruits. To learn more, visit their website.

Bistro Basque in Milford invites you to a 6 Course Early Summer Wine Dinner on Tuesday May 9. From rose to Pinot Noir, seafood to suckling pig, there will be offerings for every palate. It costs $65 per person, inclusive.

Alforno restaurant in Old Saybrook will also have a wine dinner on May 9. Guest speaker will be Mike Wylie, state manager of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. Founded in 1385, Antinori is one of Italy’s leading wine producers. The dinner costs $68 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For reservations, contact Ben Zemmel at ben@alforno.net or call 860-399-4166.

Tommy Juliano Returns to CT Culinary Scene as Executive Pastry Chef at ON20 in Hartford

Restaurant Dessert Hartford

Amy Kundrat May 04, 2017

Since first experiencing Tommy Juliano's pastry program at Community Table, we have been enamored with his bold and edgy approach to dessert. We are thrilled to hear that the chef has returned to the Connecticut culinary scene as Executive Pastry Chef at ON20 in Hartford.

Westport Farmers’ Market Enters Its 12th Year: Vendor List for 2017

Features Ingredients Farmers Market Westport Local Farm Local Artisan

Stephanie Webster May 03, 2017

Mark your calendars for opening day of the Westport Farmers’ Market, Thursday, May 18th, from 10 to 2 at 50 Imperial Avenue. (View the complete market vendor list below.)

Chefs from area restaurants will return this year to provide a source of inspiration to area shoppers. Each week they will create easy, healthful, delicious meals using fresh, local products found at the market. These seasonal recipes and others from top chefs throughout the area will be distributed each week at the market and available on the WFM website.

Westchester Magazine Announces Tickets On Sale for 7th Annual Wine & Food Festival

Stephanie Webster May 03, 2017

Westchester Magazine’s Annual Wine & Food Festival is back for lucky number year seven! This year’s event will take place from Tuesday, June 6th – through Sunday, June 11th throughout Westchester County. Guests will love popular favorites like the Burger & Beer Blast and the Grand Tasting Village and new events like Salute! A Wine Tasting Tour of Italy, Taste & Style at Savor Westchester and Jr. Chef Experience.

The festival, which draws more than 6,500 people from across the New York Metro area including New York City, Westchester County, Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut, will feature 100 top restaurants and a selection of world-class wines.

Guide To Great Mother's Day Restaurants In CT

Restaurant Best of CT Brunch Holiday Events Breakfast

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 02, 2017

Sunday May 14 is all about Mom! Connecticut restaurants are helping us celebrate the mothers in our lives with prix fixe menus, special a la carte items, buffets, and more. Here are over 25 great restaurants serving Mother’s Day meals.

Bernard’s, Ridgefield will offer Mother's Day brunch and dinner. Brunch runs from 11:00am-12:30pm and costs $55 for adults and $35 for kids. Dinner runs from 1:30-6:30pm and costs $85 for adults and $45 for kids.Harbor Lights, Norwalk
The Cottage, Westport: Chef Brian Lewis's The Cottage, located at 256 Post Road East in Westport, will be offering a prix-fixe menu from 11am-7pm. $45 per guest; children’s menu available, 11:00am - 7:00pm.
L'Escale, Greenwich will be serving a brunch buffet from 11-4 pm on May 14th. $80 for adults and $25 fFor children under 12. They will also feature outdoor lounges for lingering with family before or after dining.

Amis Trattoria Opens in Westport: Chef Marc Vetri's First Restaurant in Fairfield County

Restaurant Westport Italian Lunch Brunch Comfort Food Noodles

Andrew Dominick April 29, 2017

Imagine my delight when I heard about the Urban Outfitters deal that would eventually bring one of my favorite Philly chefs, Marc Vetri, to Westport, to open Amis Trattoria. Amis is part of the critically acclaimed Vetri Family Restaurant Group, and the Westport location is lucky enough to have two-time James Beard nominee, Chef/Partner Brad Spence, at the helm. When Amis officially opened on March 31, and 2 ½ hours closer than the Philly location, it was with great anticipation when I stopped in for a meal.

M.EAT Organic Beef & Provisions Butchery Opening In Westport w/ A Custom Burger Bar

Features Ingredients Butcher Westport

Jessica Ryan April 28, 2017

This spring downtown Westport will see the opening of M.EAT Organic Beef and Provisions, an old school meat market with new school fundamentals. Founded by Beto Esteves and Rodrigo Echeverrigaray, the business partners saw the need for a boutique organic meat shop.

I sat down with the two in their Southport offices, eager to learn more about this concept. “There is no one in the US market involved with both the importing and the retailing organic meat, explained Beto. Generally, it’s a process that involves many, the importers, distributors and suppliers. So by the time the organic product hits the shelf the prices are astronomical. We have the unique ability to source meat from Uruguay, Australia and New Zealand, directly from the producers. We decided that we wanted to be able to offer these products in the States. The partners decided to take this concept one step further and have a dedicated retail space specifically designed around these organic meats, a unique concept here in the states. The first of these locations is scheduled to open in Westport at the beginning of June.

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of April 30 - May 6

Features Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 27, 2017

To celebrate National Burger Month (May), b Restaurants has debuted the “Burger and Beer Community Combo-tition!” Each participating location has partnered with a local foodie celebrity, selected a beer from one of their favorite breweries, and designated a local charity. The celebrities will all compete to create the best burger and from April 26 to May 7, 10% of each location’s burger and beer pairing will be donated to their chosen charity.

On Monday May 1, enjoy an evening in Vienna… in Cheshire, CT! The Watch Factory presents an evening with Vienna-inspired dishes and wine pairings. It begins at 6:30pm and costs $86 per person.

Liberty Rock Tavern in Milford presents its first ever Tequila Dinner on May 2 from 7-9pm. The five course meal includes dishes like shrimp ceviche and hangar steak paired with specialty tequilas like Centenario and Tequila Ocho.

Where Do Local Chefs Eat Out? Chef Dan Kardos of Liberty Tavern

Features Interview Chef Talk

Jessica Ryan April 26, 2017

I've always wondered where the chefs from our favorite local restaurants eat when they finally get some time away from their busy schedules. What are some of their favorite places, locally and beyond? This column is on ongoing feature. Past chefs featured have included: Chris Gonzalez of Hapa Food Truck, Cody Brown of Hoodoo BBQ, Matt Storch of Match & Nom Eez, & Christian Petroni of Fortina Pizza. This week we speak with Chef Dan Kardos of Liberty Tavern.

On the rare day or night you’re off from the restaurant where do you prefer to have dinner?( If home what is your meal or food of choice)?

Hartford Baking Company Opens in West Hartford

Restaurant Bakery Breakfast Lunch Dessert Hartford County West Hartford Coffee Tea And Coffee

CTbites Team April 25, 2017

Hartford Baking Company started small and local, with owner Scott Kluger’s mother baking scratch items for farmers’ markets. As her scones caught on, so did the buzz, and Scott saw an opportunity. Leaving a promising career on Wall Street, he returned to West Hartford and opened their first location on New Park Ave in 2010: offering artisanal bread, sandwiches, pastries, and a really excellent coffee program (more on that in a moment).

The new Hartford Baking Company location, on Farmington Avenue in West Hartford Center, has the same menu as New Park (which remains open) with a few exciting additions. Both locations are the perfect destination for fresh cake and seasonal catering orders, but West Hartford has expanded their offerings to include a vegan grain bowl, a gluten free breakfast burrito, and an authentic Cuban Sandwich. Fresh is better: the scratch baking process which occurs every night in their large baking facility in Bloomfield translates into a carb mecca of stunning fresh breads and baked goods.

2017 Spring/Summer Fairfield County Farmers Markets via FGFG

Ingredients Features Farmers Market CT Farms Local Artisan Farm Fresh Local Farm

CTbites Team April 25, 2017

Farmers’ markets in Fairfield County, CT will begin opening in May and early June and we will update the listings below (from 2016) with 2017 information as it becomes available. Here are the markets updated so far via our friends at Fairfield Green Food Guide.

New Canaan opened April 22
Shelton opens May 6
Norwalk Rainbow Plaza opens May 17
Westport opens May 18
Greenwich @ Arch & Horseneck Streets opens on May 20
Fairfield’s downtown market that launched last year opens June 11

Chef Mogan Anthony of Locali Pizza & Village Social To Cook James Beard House May 6

Features

Stephanie Webster April 24, 2017

Mogan Anthony and his team from Locali Pizza Bar & Kitchen in New Canaan, Village Social Kitchen + Bar in Mount Kisco, will be cooking the James Beard House on May 6th.

When a New York Times critic declares, “[I] wish I had discovered his cooking” earlier, you know the chef is up to something special. Counting Nobu Matsuhisa and Jean-Georges Vongerichten as mentors, Mogan Anthony infuses his classical training with his South Asian heritage for an eclectic and enticing cuisine that’s all his own.

View the complete menu below and purchase your tickets here.

Takumi Sushi, Ramen & Lounge in Branford

Restaurant Japanese Branford Lunch Home Delivery Take Out Noodles Sushi

Hope Simmons April 22, 2017

I heard it through the grapevine their ramen was simply divine, so off I went to check it out. Then, I sampled their sushi, and an ongoing dilemma emerged—what to eat today? Must I choose? Ideally, you’ll want to go with someone who loves both, so you can share and have the best of everything, all in one artfully presented meal. You’ll find it all under one roof at Takumi Sushi, Ramen & Lounge on Route 1 in Branford.

Shoreline locals talked up Hanami for years, so if you remember that spot, it’s now Takumi. And it’s fabulous. I’ve been making the trip to the shore just about every week to get my fix since December. A simple, contemporary space where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle and focus on dining deliciously.

14 Places For Cinco de Mayo in CT: 2017 Edition

Features Holiday Events Mexican Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 22, 2017

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.

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.
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!

Products We Love: SmashMallows Found At Balducci's

Ingredients Features Dessert Kid Friendly Kids Ingredients Homepage

Stephanie Webster April 21, 2017

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.

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! April 20, 2017

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.

Nibble: CT Food Events for April 24-30

Features Events Wine Dinners Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 20, 2017

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.

Tiki Tai Brulée Cocktail Recipe via Marcia Selden

Features Cocktails Recipe Entertaining Catering

Marcia Selden Catering April 19, 2017

Marcia Selden has created a great variation on the classic ‘mai tai’ cocktail. It’s perfect for spring and the bruléed top gives it a unique flavor profile. If you are sadly lacking a sterno brulée gun, and can't borrow one from your neighbor, feel free to drink this one straight up without the flourish.