Farmer Patti Popp of Sport Hill Farm Named Farmer of the Year by Farmers' Almanac

Features CT Farms Easton

Amy Kundrat September 12, 2017

Farmers' Almanac has named Easton farmer Patti Popp of Sport Hill Farm their 2018 Farmer of the Year.

Within its pages, the almanac honors the dedication, hard work and contributions farms make to the world and society. The Farmer of the Year award was created in an effort to recognize the farmers who do the hard work.

“The judging was tough,” Sandi Duncan Philom, managing editor, said.“We didn’t realize how genuinely inspired we would be by the stories of people who not only dedicate their lives to an occupation that’s often overlooked and overworked, but who also have such passion for growing and taking care of the animals and the land that feed the world.

Places To Celebrate Oktoberfest in CT: 2017 Edition

Features Events Oktoberfest

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 12, 2017

Oktoberfest is arriving early this year! Local restaurants and hotspots are celebrating the fall festival as early as September! From authentic German cuisine to live music to imported beers, here are places in Connecticut with upcoming Oktoberfest celebrations. Do you know of an event we missed? Share your Oktoberfest party below.

Two Roads, Stratford: The 5th Annual Two Roads Ok2berfest takes place September 16 and 17. There will be authentic German music, German-style beers, food, games and more.
Rothbard Ale & Larder, Westport: Their second annual Oktoberfest will take place on Saturday, September 23. Join them for authentic German beers, dishes, games, and live music all day long.
Half Full, Stamford: At Half Full Brewery, Octoberfest is “CanToberfest.” On September 30, enjoy a pop up beer garden, lawn games, a can stein hoist competition, food trucks, and more. The festival will support the Mill River Park Collaborative
Beer Garden at Shippan Landing, Stamford: On September 16 & 17, participate in Oktoberfest at The Beer Garden at Shippan Landing! The two day event features pumpkin and harvest beers, cocktails, live music, food trucks, contests and more!
The Seehund, New London: The Seehund German Pub & Restaurant will celebrate Oktoberfest from Join us October 6-10.

Present Company: Chef Jeffrey Lizotte Masters The Art Of The Unexpected

Restaurant Farm to Table Simsbury Celebrity Chef American Homepage

Lou Gorfain September 09, 2017

Simsbury, a bucolic community nestled in the Farmington Valley about 25 minutes north of bustling Hartford, has rarely been considered a culinary hotspot. But unexpectedly, this former mill town is now home to what many critics deem the best new restaurant in Connecticut: Present Company, a small, rustic eatery located in what was once a horse stable astride the Farmington River.

Here the unexpected comes as no surprise. Consider the auspices of its co-owner, Jeffrey Lizotte, the acclaimed former chef at Hartford’s lux On20. His resume includes stints at Eric Ripert’s Le Bernadin and David Bouley’s Danube in New York, and two of France’s highly regarded restaurants, La Rupina in Bordeaux and the Michelin-starred La Bastide St. Antoine in Grasse. After all those glittering dining rooms, what is an award winning chef doing at a relaxed 49 seat venue in what some might call “The Sticks”?

Bartaco's Ancho Steak Taco Recipe

Features Recipe Recipe Tacos

Stephanie Webster September 09, 2017

Ever wondered what makes that steak taco at Bartaco taste oh so good? We've got the word on the secret seasoning right here. Heat up those tortillas and get the grill going because this is the perfect end of summer dish. For best results, we encourage you to source your Pico ingredients at your local farmers' market.

Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of September 10-17

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 07, 2017

Match wants you to “Party Like The Summer’s Not Over!” Join them on Monday September 11 starting at 5pm for Cheap Lobsters, Oysters, Ribs, Sliders, Prime Rib, Corn, Tomatoes, and Delicious Libations from The Bar.

Artisanal Burger Co in Manchester invites you to a Grey Sail Beer Dinner on Monday September 11 from 6:60-9:30pm. The evening begins with a reception, followed by three courses and dessert paired with specifically chosen beers. It is $55 per person and tickets are available online.

Kids eat free every Monday in September at The Melting Pot. Purchase any Adult 4-Course from the menu and receive a complimentary Kids Fondue! (14 & Under).

The CT Chef's Challenge will be a culinary night to remember as Connecticut's Top Chef's battle it out to win the Championship Belt and Title!

Learn How to Make Your Own Wine w/ Southern Connecticut Wine Company Classes

Features Ingredients Education Cooking Classes Events

Stephanie Webster September 07, 2017

Wanna learn how to make your own wine? Wallingford’s Southern Connecticut Wine Company www.soconnwineco.com is Connecticut’s first micro winery and they have a few spots open in their fall SoConnWine CoOp. The CoOp kicks off on Saturday, September 16th with a full day of crushing grapes from 12pm - 4pm at SoConn. No barefeet required — the winery has machines for that Crushing will continue every Saturday through October 7th. CoOp members can come once, or come all four Saturdays. Lots of sips of wine are included at every CoOp event.

Rice & Beans Food Truck: Don't Miss This Outstanding Mobile Menu

Restaurant Food Truck Latin American Guatemalan Danbury Kid Friendly Lunch Homepage

Ramin Ganeshram September 06, 2017

Simple is usually best—particularly when it comes to food—an adage that proved itself more than true on my recent visit to Rice & Beans food truck, based out of Danbury.

The concept: Stewed meat or roasted veggies over black beans and rice m topped with fresh herbs, radish, pico de gallo, and guacamole served up in a bright yellow food truck. The eatery is the brainchild of chef/owner Jasson Arias and based on the traditional foods of his Guatemalan heritage.

“I grew up eating rice and beans,” says Arias, whose original career was bartending in Stamford. “I thought it would be the great basis for a quick, filling lunch sold from a food cart.”

Bar Zepoli Opening in Stamford in Napa & Co. Location

Restaurant Stamford Italian Lunch Opening

Hey Stamford! September 05, 2017

This in from Hey Stamford!

It was early 2017 when we announced Bar Zepoli would take over the space recently vacated by the just closed Napa & Co. Well, after months of renovations, Chef Antonio Greco is thrilled to announce the opening of his new restaurant, Bar Zepoli, in Stamford.

On the menu, you’ll find family favorites such as Nonna’s Meatballs and Gnocchi Puttanesca, alongside modern dishes such as Arctic Trout Crudo and Mint Crusted Rack of Lamb. Classic salads, such as the Caesar get a modern update with polenta croutons. More recent classics such as a Quinoa and Baby Kale salad are also offered.

Bobby Q’s Cue & Co. Opens at Norwalk's Waypointe

Restaurant BBQ Norwalk Lunch Comfort Food Kid Friendly Bar Homepage

ellen bowen September 03, 2017

In 2004, Bob LeRose, a CT native whose wife, Kelley has Kansas City roots, decided that Connecticut was ready for the smoky, saucy, ribs, pulled pork and burnt ends he was missing from his father-in-law’s hometown, and opened Bobby Q’s Bodacious BBQ just off Main Street in Westport. Bobby Q’s quickly became known as a local watering hole for families, couples and friends, all seeking award-winning BBQ, creative house drinks and the best live music in Fairfield County.

But in March of 2016, sadly Bobby Q’s closed but Bob LeRose teased us with news of a planned new spot to enjoy his BBQ recipes and creative cocktails. And SOMETHING new.

The wait is over, as last month, Bobby Q’s Cue & Co. opened in the spanking new Waypointe complex on Merwin Street and a block over from the new Barcelona and Colony Pizza.

Wings Over Fairfield Opens w/ Serious Wings Menu, Ribs, Milkshakes & More

Restaurant Fairfield Comfort Food Delicious Dives Kid Friendly

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 01, 2017

When I was a student at Cornell, Wings Over Ithaca was a staple. As I’ve spoken to more people over the years from various universities, I’ve learned that my experience was not unique. “Wings Over” locations span the country, often setting up shop in college towns. With Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University, Fairfield seems like a logical fit.

The latest “Wings Over” location can be found out 2075 Black Rock Turnpike,

The latest “Wings Over” location can be found out 2075 Black Rock Turnpike, a space Robert Savin, owner, had his eye on for a couple of years. “Wings Over” is a national franchise broken up into smaller sections. Savin and his company, Savin Foods, is responsible for 10 “Wings Over” locations in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Savin also oversees Park & Oak in West Hartford.

“Wings Over” is a national franchise broken up into smaller sections. Savin and his company, Savin Foods, is responsible for 10 “Wings Over” locations in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Savin also oversees Park & Oak in West Hartford.

Greenwich Wine + Food Festival Sept. 22-23: Celebrity Chef, Burger Battles, VIP Tix & More!

Features Events

Stephanie Webster August 31, 2017

In case you hadn't heard, Batali Joins Celebrity Chef Participants Scott Conant, Alex Guarnaschelli and Adam Richman at the Greenwich Wine + Food Festival September 22-23.

Saturday is the heart of the 2017 Greenwich Wine + Food Festival, celebrating food, beverage and music. The Grand Tasting tent is the center of the Festival, with tastings and demonstrations from more than 150+ of the area’s finest food, wine, spirits experts, in addition to the Bud & Burger, Empire City Casino and South of the Border Fiesta tents. Guests can also enjoy sommelier, mixologist and brew master presentations, celebrity book signings, Q&A sessions with top culinary experts, a celebrity green room with live interviews.

Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of Sept. 3- 10

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson August 30, 2017

Tickets are on sale now for the Kitchen Crawl 2017 Culinary Fundraiser. Experience 5 chefs in 5 designer kitchens...while helping to feed the hungry in our community! Guests purchase a $55 ticket and proceed to 5 different Westport houses, where chefs from The Spread, Mecha Noodle Bar, Match Burger Lobster, Rothbard's & Cask Republic will be cooking just for you.

The Norwalk Oyster Festival returns this weekend! Catch the festival Friday September 8 from 6-11pm, Saturday September 9 from 11am-11pm, and Sunday September 10 from 11am-6pm.

INDIA New Canaan is now open 7 days for lunch. Visit them between noon and 2:30pm.

Enjoy Stamford Restaurant Week while you can! Through September 4, participating restaurants are offering prix fixe lunches, dinners, and other specials.

Jazz Dinner At Waldingfield Farm in Litchfield w/ CT NOFA

Features Events Local Farm Farm Dinner

Stephanie Webster August 29, 2017

On Saturday, September 16th, Enjoy an organic farm to table feast alongside the sounds of acclaimed jazz musicians from The Mike Casey Trio at Waldingfield Farm in Washington CT.

Visit a beautiful organic farm hidden in the Litchfield Hills for a fine seasonal dinner all sourced locally. Guests will enjoy an Autumn sunset and a fine dinner in celebration organic farming in Connecticut!

4 PM Refreshments & Farm Tour
5 PM Cocktails & 1st Course
6 PM The Mike Casey Trio Followed by Dinner & Dessert

Bishop’s Orchards: Pick Your Own Peaches, Pears & Raspberries In Guilford

Ingredients Local Farm kids activity Kid Friendly

Deanna Foster August 28, 2017

Yes, we can squeeze the peaches before we buy them in the supermarket and cherry-pick the basket we like at the farmer’s market, but there is nothing more satisfying than standing under a a tree limb full of ripe peaches. There is a tangible joy in choosing one, reaching up to feel the soft fuzz against the firm fruit and inhaling it’s perfume as you gently twist it from its stem. This was our experience yesterday and not one person in our party of 8 put their first picked peach in a bag. Bishop’s Orchards in Guilford can offer you this experience 4 times over, as their orchards are currently yielding peaches, pears and raspberries. Bishop’s is a straight shot up Rt. 95N(exit 57; take a right) and the 45 drive is well worth it.

4 Reasons Taproot Should Be Your Next Dinner Out

Features Bethel Farm to Table Homepage Lunch Celebrity Chef American

Amy Kundrat August 27, 2017

Taproot is one of Fairfield County’s newest chef-driven restaurants. Jeff Taibe (Kawa Ni) and Steph Sweeney (Whelk, Jesup Hall) have teamed up to open the doors to a dining experience that combines a hyper local menu in a charming and down-to-earth setting. If you’re close, it's almost guaranteed to become a contender for a regular hangout spot. If not (but hey, Westport to Bethel is only 30 minutes), it is worth the drive. Thanks to a creative and seasonal menu, it's one of our new favorite spots. And here are just a few reasons why.

Tix on Sale! Kitchen Crawl 2017 Culinary Fundraiser: 5 Fabulous Chefs/ Mixologists + 5 Designer Kitchens

Features Events

Stephanie Webster August 26, 2017

Experience 5 chefs in 5 designer kitchens...while helping to feed the hungry in our community. Tickets are now on sale for the 2nd annual Westport Kitchen Crawl.

Here's how the Kitchen Crawl works. Guests purchase a $55 ticket and proceed to 5 different Westport houses, where chefs from The Spread, M echa Noodle Bar, Match Burger Lobster, Rothbard's & C ask Republic will be cooking just for you. Cooking demos and specially prepared bites will be enjoyed alongside wine and beer provided and paired by Stew's Wines... all in spectacular designer kitchens. This year, the chefs are bringing their mixologists so get ready for some killer cocktails.

Tickets sold out quickly last year, so don't wait too long to Purchase Tickets to Kitchen Crawl here.

“Party in the Parking Lot" w/ Westport Farmers’ Market Sept. 14

Features Events

Stephanie Webster August 25, 2017

For years the Westport Farmers’ Market has converted a non-descript parking lot at 50 Imperial Avenue into a weekly shopping extravaganza featuring local food and farmers, children’s, activities, music, and more. On Thursday evening, September 14th, the WFM will further transform that same lot into a not-to-be-missed “Party in the Parking Lot!” Just wait till you see the list of chefs!

Nibble: CT Food Events & News For August 28- September 3

Features homepage Events Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson August 25, 2017

Join The Spread in Sono for a Labor Day Luau, featuring a pig roast and Captain Morgan cocktails September 3rd 5PM.

On Friday September 1, sample over a dozen local and rare beers in Downtown New Haven's Historic 9th Square! During the event, participating pubs, bars, and restaurants will offer special food pairings and exclusive discounts. Tickets are $18 in advance, or $20 at the door. 21+ only.

The place to be every Friday through October is the new Lachat Town Farm in Weston. Join them from 4pm -8pm and shop a great selection of vendors, food trucks, + live music. Vendors include: Dough Girls Wood Fired Pizza, Nutty Bunny, Sugar and Olives, Szabo's Seafood, The Granola Bar, The Green Grunion & Valencia Luncheria.

Say cheese… and beer! On Monday August 28, Caseus Fromagerie Bistro in New Haven will hold a Beer and Cheese Pairing Class focusing on Belgian Beers. Tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased online.

Best Restaurants In CT via Thrillist

Restaurant Best of CT Homepage

CTbites Team August 24, 2017

One of our favorite CT food writers, Erik Olfgang, crafted this delicious roundup of the Best Restaurants in CT for Thrillist.

Connecticut is responsible for gifting the world a number of important foods: the hamburger, the lobster roll, and New Haven-style pizza. And while you’ll still find excellent versions of all of these in the Nutmeg State, its dining culture has also expanded well beyond them. Today you’ll find things like slow-smoked barbecue, steaming bowls of pho and ramen, San Diego-style burritos, and sushi made from fish caught in Long Island Sound. With food-friendly cities like New Haven, Westport, and Norwalk, there are countless places to eat in the state -- here’s your guide to the very best.

Romanacci Pizza Bar Opening By Westport's Train Station

Restaurant Pizza Westport Lunch Opening

Stephanie Webster August 23, 2017

Big Pizza news from WestportNow...Grab a slice before you hit the train.

Romanacci Pizza Bar will open at 50 Railroad Place, Westport in late September, according to Graziano Ricci, co-owner with his brother Maurizio. The brothers currently own two eateries in Norwalk, Osteria since 2009 and Romanacci Pizza Bar since 2012. Since then, the Ricci brothers expanded to Monroe and Trumbull over the past two years. Graziano said the Westport shop, at the beginning, will offer pizza only on a delivery or takeout basis and said commuters can text order from the train and the pizza will be ready for pick up. “We are applying for a beer and wine license,” he said.

Read CTbites' review of Romanacci's Norwalk location.