Where To Eat Warm Lobster Rolls In Connecticut, 2017 Edition

Restaurant Seafood Lobster Road Trip Mystic Best of CT New London Noank Milford West Haven Delicious Dives Homepage

CTbites Team June 15, 2017

To celebrate National Lobster day on June 15 — the perfect kickoff to summer — we’ve highlighted our top picks for hot lobster rolls that we’ve tried and tested over the years. The simple yet perfect dish of buttery lobster meat stuffed in a bun is best eaten in its classic presentation — with a side of melted butter, cole slaw and possibly even French fries.

The 2017 edition features all of our past favorites plus new additions from southeastern Connecticut where views of the Long Island Sound enjoyed with your meal add to the summertime ambiance.

Bartaco's Signature Libelula Tequila Now Available in CT + Margarita Recipe

Ingredients Features Cocktails Ingredients Mexican

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson June 14, 2017

If you love Bartaco’s signature margarita we have great news… the tequila used to make their cocktail is now available for purchase in liquor stores across Connecticut! Libelula tequila made its official debut in the Connecticut market in January 2017, but as the summer months approach it’s becoming more and more visible on shelves throughout the state.

“This is the exact tequila used to make Bartaco’s world famous margaritas!” says Curt Goldman, the Executive Importer of CNI Brands, longtime partner of Bartaco group. “No change whatsoever!”

Dough Girls Wood Fired Pizza Truck

Restaurant Food Truck Greenwich Stamford Pizza

Peter Dunay June 13, 2017

I come from Italian blood, and I have eaten my fair share of pizza, pasta, and pastries throughout my life. I have had pizza in Pisa and Parmesan in Parma, and it was all lovely. However, may I say, watch out grandma’s worldwide, Dough Girls Pizza Truck is coming for you because these pizzas are epic. Their custom outfitted food truck is packing a blazing hot wood fire oven which they use to crank out personal sized pizzas on the spot. Dough Girls Pizza Truck is based out of Greenwich, CT and sometimes make appearances in Stamford during lunch hours.

Top Ten Burgers In Southwest CT: 2017 Edition

Restaurant Best of CT Comfort Food Stamford Greenwich Westport Norwalk SONO Homepage Burgers

Lou Gorfain June 11, 2017

2017 was a good year for burger lovers in Southwest CT. A closing (Fleisher's Craft Kitchen) and a fire (The National) have sadly removed two of 2016’s winning burgers from contention in our 2017 edition of Top Ten Burgers in Southwest CT. Nonetheless, the local burger scene remains vibrant, inventive, and ever evolving. So we happily welcome three new, mouthwatering iterations to our 2017 Top Ten Burgers list.

We sampled over 75 burgers to arrive at this list. Our rankings this year are focused exclusively on the sandwich and its ingredients alone, not the accompanying sides.

Herewith, the Winners….

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of June 12-18

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson June 10, 2017

Wine bingo is a thing! On Tuesday June 13, give the game your best shot at Ballou's Restaurant & Wine Bar in Guilford from 5:30-8pm. Your $25 ticket gets you a seat at the game plus a glass of wine. Food and beverage will be available to purchase also.

New Haven’s Caseus Fromagerie Bistro will offer a Rose and Cheese Pairing class on Tuesday June 13 from 6-7:30pm. Taste an assortment of international roses with complementary cheeses. Tickets are available online for $45.

S tamford Magazine’s 5th Annual Best Bartender Contest goes down on Wednesday June 14! Local bartenders will compete to wine over the crowd with their best original cocktail recipes. The event also features summer dishes and calypso music. Tickets are $30 in advance online and $35 at the door.

What Can You Do with a Convection Steam Oven? Mini Carrot Cakes Recipe via Clarke (sponsored post)

Recipe Features Recipe

CTbites Team June 09, 2017

Every week at Clarke, New England's Official Sub-Zero & Wolf Showroom and Test Kitchen in South Norwalk, the staff exemplifies how these extraordinary appliances can enhance your life. The Wolf Convection Steam Oven offers features that can only be appreciated by actually cooking on it. Here's a recipe for Mini Carrot Cakes with Cream Cheese Frosting, which was recently prepared by Chef John Craig at Clarke SoNo to illustrate some of the hidden features (convection humid mode) of this extraordinary appliance. If you own a convection steam oven...do try this at home!

Black Rock Farmers Market Kicks Off 4th Season, Saturdays in Bridgeport

Features Farmers Market Bridgeport farm fresh Local Farm Local Artisan

Stephanie Webster June 09, 2017

The Black Rock Farmers' Market is back, Saturdays, June 10 -October 7th 9am to 1pm at 481 Brewster Street in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport CT. The season will kick off during Black Rock Day Weekend, an event that serves as a community initiative to promote projects that enhance the quality of life for residents and business in the area.

BRFM is a producer-only market featuring locally farmed vegetables, fruit, cheese, eggs (with a real life rooster), bread, meats, jams pickles and so much more. Their local artisan selection varies from vintage finds to natural beauty care products. Market visitors have the opportunity to start their day with a 10:30AM yoga class in the field and enjoy their weekly produce shopping accompanied by live local musicians.

Nutty Bunny Non-Dairy Gluten-Free Frozen Dessert, Made in CT

Features ice cream Dessert Ingredients

Renee Weisz June 09, 2017

When Pamela Aflalo decided to create a non-dairy, gluten-free, frozen dessert product, her idea was innovative, health-aware, and maybe a little nutty like her brand name Nutty Bunny. After her daughter, Sophie, developed a severe dairy reaction, Pamela’s culinary experience at the National Gourmet Institute and love for kitchen experimentation, especially for “vegan-izing” recipes, combined to establish her current full-time business.

CT Spots To Celebrate Father’s Day 2017

Restaurant Holiday Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson June 08, 2017

Fire up the grill… Father’s Day is Sunday June 18! Of course, if you’d like to take Dad for a special meal out, Connecticut restaurants are offering their own twists on BBQ, brunch, dinner, and more. These Connecticut restaurants special have festivities fit for fathers, but we know there are more out there! If we missed a spot, please add your suggestion to the comments section below.

Redding Roadhouse, Redding: Celebrate Father's Day in style with a good ole fashioned pig roast at Redding Roadhouse! Join them from 1-7pm.
Plan b, Milford, Fairfield, Glastonbury: In honor of Father's Day, plan b will have a special brunch menu complete with enormous "Manly Marys."
Mill Street Bar & Table, Greenwich: Mill Street Bar & Table will have both Father's Day brunch and dinner on June 18.

10 Questions w/ Chef Manuel Romero of Olea in New Haven

Features Chef Talk New Haven

Amy Kundrat June 07, 2017

Born in Spain, Chef Manuel Romero of Olea in New Haven, was raised in a family that loved cooking traditional and tasty food. When he was a child, his family moved to the United States, and he developed a passion for cooking by watching, helping, and learning alongside his mother. He moved up the culinary ladder, and in 2014, Chef Romero opened Olea restaurant offering guests his innovative interpretation of Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. His menu is masterful and his dishes are stunning. We spoke with Chef Romero about his hobbies, worst kitchen nightmare, and his guilty pleasures.

Nit Noi Provisions: Sustainable Thai Style Soups & Provisions

Restaurant Asian Thai Noodles Soups

Jessica Ryan June 06, 2017

It’s all about the broth, North Shutsharawan told me when I met him at Nit Noi Provision’s pop-up location at Bar Bucha in Westport last week. Inspired by the Thai street food scene and the healthy foods available for lunch, North had the idea to replicate his grandmother’s recipe with the hopes of selling it both in Connecticut and in Colorado. Nit Noi which literally means “a little bit” is based on a simple soup he ate as a child purchased from vendors at the market called Guay Tiew Kwa Gay. At the market each vendor had his own specialty dish, just one, North explained to me.

Tasty Road Trip Along Southeastern Connecticut’s Shoreline: Niantic, New London, Mystic & Stonington

Restaurant Niantic Stonington New London Mystic Road Trip Homepage

CTbites Team June 04, 2017

Hugging Connecticut’s southeastern shoreline along I-95, southeastern Connecticut is my stomping ground. I’ve dined out so many times in East Lyme, New London, Mystic, Stonington Borough, and other inland locales that there are only a few restaurants I’ve not yet had the chance to taste. But if you’re not a local, these beautiful shoreline towns feature great sightseeing and more importantly, excellent dining experiences.

Fairfield Farmers Market Returns for Second Season June 11

Features Farmers Market Farm Fresh CT Farms Fairfield

Stephanie Webster June 02, 2017

It's that time of year, and Sundays in downtown Fairfield are about to become even more fun. The Fairfield Farmers Market returns for its second season starting Sunday, June 11. The market will be every Sunday 10-2, rain or shine, until Oct 1st on the historic Sherman Green in downtown Fairfield. Over 20 farms and food producers will have everything you need for beach picnics, Sunday dinner, even your weekly shopping. [View complete vendor list below]

Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of June 4-11

Features Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson June 02, 2017

Rothbard Ale & Larder will put on an Austrian Wine Dinner on Wednesday June 7. Feast on a five-course dinner with wine pairings by Gabe Cleary, Portfolio Director of Terry Theise Estate Selections. White Asparagus Soup with Truffle, Pork Terrine, and Confit Roasted Suckling Pig are all on the menu!

AMG Catering continues their adult cooking classes with a “Bring Your Chianti Class - Tuscan dinner party menu” class. Learn to make assorted spring bruscettas, Chicken, pancetta and bean stew with sage, Tagliatelle with field mushrooms, lemon and tarragon, and Strawberry and mascarpone trifle. It costs $90 per person and runs from 7-9pm.

Chop Shop Cooking School presents a “Fiesta Party” class on Wednesday June 7.

Donut Crazy Flavor Contest! YOU Create the Next Donut Crazy Doughnut +WIN BIG

Features Giveaway Homepage

Stephanie Webster June 01, 2017

Do you sit around at night dreaming of the perfect Donut Crazy fantasy flavor? This is your chance to make it a reality!

Donut Crazy and CTbites are giving YOU the chance to create the most wildly delicious donut flavor combo you can think of. The winner will take home more than just bragging rights.

If your Donut Crazy flavor is selected as the winner, you will win a FREE DOZEN DOUGHNUTS every month for a year + DONUT CRAZY WILL SELL FOR A LIMITED TIME, YOUR VERY OWN SIGNATURE DOUGHNUT!!

SHARE YOUR DONUT CRAZY FLAVOR COMBO BELOW. (Make sure you include your email address)

Village Beer Garden Opens in Port Chester's Metro North Station w/ Ales, Lagers, Schnitzel and Bratwurst

Restaurant Beer Garden Beer Lunch Bar Opening

Stephanie Webster May 31, 2017

The Village Beer Garden makes its debut this weekend at the Metro-North Train Station in Port Chester. Our House Hospitality, whose eating and drinking establishments include the Rye House in Manhattan and Port Chester, and Sala One Nine, Tapas Bar & Restaurant in the Flatiron District of New York, has created an open-air urban retreat reminiscent of a German Biergarten – only now with the whistle and hum of a north and south bound locomotive in the background.

Best Food Trucks in CT: New Haven, Hartford, Milford & Beyond (2017 Edition)

Restaurant Food Truck Catering New Haven Hartford Milford Bethel

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 31, 2017

We don't have to be behind the wheel for food trucks to drive us crazy! Mobile eateries continue to take the state by storm, offering curbside versions of favorite restaurant dishes and original creations from talented chefs who would rather take their cuisine on the road. We told you about food trucks worth the visit in Fairfield County. Now, CTBites presents our annual list of outstanding food trucks (and carts!) in New Haven, Hartford and beyond.

Best Food Trucks in Fairfield County CT : 2017 Edition

Restaurant Food Truck Stamford Norwalk Bridgeport Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 30, 2017

Food trucks are on a roll! As the Fairfield County culinary scene evolves, mobile eateries continue to rise in popularity with scores of trucks hitting our streets everyday. This past year saw the debut of new trucks, like The Tasty Yolk, and the expansion of favorites, like Taco Loco's third party truck. You can also find food from your favorite restaurants while out and about- Bodega, Valencia, Boothbay Lobster Company, and more all take their show on the road. Here is CTBite's annual guide to the best food trucks in Fairfield County.

Riley’s Hot Dog and Burger Gourmet

Restaurant Hot Dogs New Britain Kid Friendly Comfort Food Lunch Homepage Burgers

Hope Simmons May 28, 2017

Tucked down a side street in downtown Hard Hittin’ (New Britain), Riley’s Hot Dog and Burger Gourmet is turning out some of the most creative dogs and burgers around. From the Nacho Poppa Dog to wild creations brimming with mac ‘n cheese, you’ll find combinations you never dreamed of. But this little “mom and pop” shop isn’t run by a husband and wife team. Rick Charamut and Deb Dalena are two friends, now business partners, who once worked together in a sign shop. “We both kind of needed a change of pace,” Rick says.

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of May 31-June 4

Features Events News Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 26, 2017

Bartaco Westport is letting you help them pick their next summer drink with their “Sip + Tell” event on Wednesday March 31. Spanish winemakers from La Sueca will be there and guests will get to sample Bartaco’s new summer sangria recipes and vote for their favorite.

For the fourth year in a row, CTbites has partnered with Chef Frederic Kieffer and Artisan at the Delamar Hotel Southport for an outdoor Happy Hour on their gorgeous patio and bar. On Wednesday May 31 from 5:30-7:30pm, we’ll kick off al fresco dining with assorted light bites and cocktails. Priced at $40, the Happy Hour includes a specialty cocktail and a second drink of wine or beer and assorted appetizers.

New Haven’s ZINC will host Master Beekeeper Bill Hesbach, Broken Arrow Nursery, and Barr Hill Gin for a four-course dinner called “The Buzz About Bees and Flowers.” On June 1, learn about bees and pollination via a fun dinner inspired by honey and served with wine and cocktails. Tickets are $85, all inclusive. Seating is limited and reservations are recommended.