Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of September 24-30

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 21, 2017

Through the end of September, “eat for relief” at the Stamford and Ridgefield locations of Bareburger. $7 from each Pig Out Combo, "Pig Out Combo,” a double wild boar burger and a Texas Shiner Bock Beer for $20, will go to the JJ Watt's Flood Relief Foundation jjwfoundation.org.

On Wednesday September 27 from 6-8pm, Prime Stamford will host a fundraiser for Kids in Crisis. For $35 ($50 at the door), enjoy two hours of passed hors d’oeurves, cocktails, and live jazz music. 100% of the proceeds of this event will go to Kids in Crisis. To purchase tickets please visit www.kidsincrisis.org or call 203.661.1911.

Fall cooking classes continue at The Silo at Hunt Hill Farm. This week, there are classes for kids and adults Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. http://thesiloct.org

Arezzo Owner Opens Le Madri in Bethel CT

Restaurant Italian Bethel Pizza Pasta Opening

CTbites Team September 21, 2017

This week Chef/Restaurateur Vinicio Llanos of the popular Arezzo Ristorante & Wine Bar located alongside the tranquil Saugatuck River in Westport, CT, introduced his newest CT venture, Le Madri, to the town of Bethel. This family owned and operated restaurant, bar, and event venue features rustic Italian cuisine set in an open and contemporary space with panoramic views of a bustling town.

Flinders Lane, Australian Cuisine, Opens in Stamford via Hey Stamford!

Restaurant Australian Stamford Seafood Brunch Opening

Hey Stamford! September 20, 2017

This just in from Hey Stamford!

In the ever changing landscape of the Stamford dining scene, there are consistencies: Pizza places, Steak Houses, Italian restaurants, etc.. etc … I’m not complaining. I love it all. But when I have a chance to share news of something a bit different, I get excited. That’s how I feel about Flinders Lane.

Foodie Places To Watch Football in Fairfield County CT

Features Best of CT

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 19, 2017

It’s time to get out your jerseys… football season is here! Though some may prefer to watch the latest game in the comfort of their own home, many Fairfield County restaurants and bars are serving up NFL-inspired specials that are sure to lure fans from the couch. From reduced price apps to tasty wings to drink specials, here are restaurants and bars where you can catch the latest match-ups.

Meet Ellie Krieger, at Clarke's South Norwalk Showroom on October 5th

Features Events Fundraiser

Stephanie Webster September 19, 2017

Ellie Krieger, public television host of Ellie's Real Good Food, has been producing her award-winning television show out of Clarke, New England's Official Sub-Zero & Wolf Showroom and Test Kitchen in South Norwalk, for the past two years. Now she's returning for an exclusive event - open to the public - to help support Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.

Join us on Thursday, October 5th, 6-9 PM, when Ellie will offer a live cooking demonstration in her television kitchen at Clarke at 64 South Main Street in South Norwalk. Click here to purchase your ticket.

The Simple Greek: Healthy Fast Casual Greek Opens in Norwalk

Restaurant Norwalk Greek To-Go Lunch Take Out Homepage

ellen bowen September 17, 2017

Healthy, Fast Casual dining spots in CT seem to be few and far between. The struggle is real finding a quick spot for lunch or dinner. The Simple Greek, an authentic Greek food fast casual chain created by CNBC’s “The Profit”, Marcus Lemonis, that originated in Pittsburgh, has quickly grown to 13 locations including two in CT.

The Simple Greek, in the Staples Shopping Center in Norwalk, is individually owned by John and Maria Pertesis, and their son, George, a recent graduate from Fairfield U.

It is important to note, that this location is not your typical “chain” owned by an absentee owner who only looks at this as an investment, but a true Greek family affair. Maria, John and George are in the kitchen all day every day, focusing on making the authentic recipes and maintaining the quality of the offerings. John and Maria have plenty of local food experience, retiring after owning a number of diners in Fairfield County, and looked at The Simple Greek model as a way to pass on their love of Greek food dining to their son and to be part of the millennial movement looking for fast, healthy “grab and go” dining.

10th Annual Chowdafest is October 1st: 40 Restaurants Compete, YOU Judge

Features Events

Stephanie Webster September 15, 2017

Chowdafest is right around the corner on October 1st from 11am-3pm. Every year, event director Jim Keenan scourers all over New England in search of the best chowder, soup and bisque to invite to this annual competition. “Each year we try to increase the level of competition as Chowdafest is a competition between the best” Keenan said. “When you win Chowdafest, you've earned it.” he added.

Chowdafest limits participation to just 40 restaurants and they compete in one of five categories. “You can't compare a classic New England clam chowder to a lobster bisque or to a chicken tortilla soup so categories are needed” Keenan says. The competition categories include “classic” New England clam chowder, “traditional” chowder reserved just for clear broth Rhode Island and tomato based Manhattan clam chowders, “creative” chowders, “soup & bisque” and a new “vegetarian” category. “We've always had vegetarian entrees before but we decided they needed their own category this year which really helps foodies who aren't fans of seafood” Keenan noted.

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of September 17-24

Features

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 14, 2017

Tickets are on sale for The New England Chowdafest 2017 on October 1. Taste and judge chowders from over 40 award winning chefs and restaurants across New England! Plus, it’s all for a great cause… proceeds go to Food Rescue US!

Black Rock Restaurant Week spans from Monday September 18 through September 24! Restaurants like Nom-eez, Walrus + Carpenter, Bloodroot, Hub & Spoke, and Taco Loco are offering specials and prix fixe menus.

Wakeman Town Farm will host its fifth-annual farm-to-table Harvest Fest event on Saturday, September 23 at 6 p.m. The Harvest Fest features farm fresh fare prepared by talented chefs, wine, signature cocktails, silent and live auctions, and giveaways.

On Tuesday September 19, celebrate Women in Wine with Millwright’s. From 6-7:30, enjoy 5 tapas paired with 5 wines created by female winemakers. It costs approximately $50 per person and the event will take place on the bridge.

Chef Adam Roytman Takes Over Bar Sugo in Norwalk

Stephanie Webster September 13, 2017

Chef Adam Roytman, most recently the co-owner of Walrus & Carpenter and Rothbard's, has taken over the long time Norwalk Italian favorite, Bar Sugo. Roytman says the NEW "Bar Sugo will have the same great pizza, pasta and meatballs, but will be more casual with a livelier bar scene, themed events, and an expanded craft beer and cocktail menu." Roytman will be adding a late night menu as well as a late night happy hour, serving pizza and bar snacks til 1:00am every night. And if that wasn't enough good news, Bar Sugo will be expanding their hours of operation, adding Mondays and lunch service.

While Roytman certainly knows his way around a stovetop, in this venture, he will be leaving the cooking to a talented young chef, Pat Siciliano,. Pat has been the head chef at Sugo for quite some time and is perfectly suited to manage the transition by both expanding the menu and beautifully executing the dishes we've come to expect from Sugo. They will also still do their very popular "game dinners" and plan to offer full service catering for all types of events.

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.