Recap: Greenwich Wine + Food Festival 2017

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

On September 22 and 23, The Greenwich Wine + Food Festival took over Roger Sherman Park.  2017 marked the seventh year for the festival, which has grown in popularity thanks to its line-up of celebrity chefs, restaurants, beverage sponsors, and musical acts.

This year saw the return of Adam Richman, widely known for hosting the Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food,” and Alex Guarnaschelli, Iron Chef and restaurateur.  Greenwich resident and festival staple Kathy Lee Gifford also came back to highlight her wines and moderate celebrity panels.

2017 brought exciting new additions as well; Chef and television star Mario Batali added his name to the roster along with others like Scott Conant, Mary Giuliani, Kevin de Chenes, and Julia Deane.  Multi-Grammy and Billboard award-winning band Train headlined the evening concert.


WIN FREE Tickets to Alton Brown Live Eat Your Science at Palace Theater

Features Giveaway Events

Stephanie Webster

We are very pleased to be able to offer our CTBites readers three pairs of FREE TICKETS to Alton Brown Live Eat Your Science at Palace Theater on October 29th. 

TO WIN a pair of tickets, Tell us why YOU NEED TO SEE THIS SHOW in the comments section below. You also must be a CTBITES NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBER to enter giveaway. (Subscribe here)

Alton Brown is the creator and host of the Food Network television show Good Eats (14 seasons), host of the mini-series Feasting on Asphalt and Feasting on Waves, and host and main commentator on Iron Chef AmericaCutthroat Kitchen and Camp Cutthroat. Brown is a best-selling author of several books on food and cooking. 

“Alton Brown Live: Eat Your Science” (www.altonbrownlive.com), the follow-up to the smash “Edible Inevitable” tour, hits the road again. Fans can expect all-new everything including songs, multimedia presentations, talk-show antics, and bigger and better potentially dangerous food demonstrations.


Antojos Brings Authentic & Excellent Colombian Fare To Norwalk

Restaurant Columbian Latin American Lunch Delicious Dives Norwalk Homepage

Andrew Dominick

You could speed right through the Broad River section of Norwalk and not even know Antojos was there. Being from Norwalk, and still residing here, I pride myself on knowing what’s in the area, but this small Colombian restaurant that opened last December was off my radar until recently. If not for a couple of friends—both of whom are Colombian—who posted mouthwatering photos and their own rave reviews of Antojos, I still might not have noticed Antojos as it sits in the corner of one of New Canaan Avenue’s strip malls, in the space that was formerly Lou’s Pizza. 

Antojos is a small spot, with seating for maybe 25 customers. There’s booth seating on one side of each table, with cushy pillows for added back comfort, and chairs on the other side for non-booth loving people. Also, there’s a wooden bin of silverware on each table, so you won’t have to bother asking for an extra fork or spoon should you require a fresh one, or for sharing purposes. Walk in, have a seat, and you’ll promptly be greeted with fast, friendly service. 


Explore Norwalk's Waypointe Neighborhood at "Wine Down at The Block"

Features Norwalk Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

What if I told you that for just over $25, you could enjoy food and a beverage from four popular restaurants in one of Fairfield County's up-and-coming neighborhoods?  And I'm not talking about small-sized portions cobbled together from leftover ingredients or the cheapest bottled beers.  I mean delicious dishes straight from the menu alongside specialty cocktails, craft beers, and wine.  You'd probably think I'd gone crazy... but it's true.

"Wine Down at The Block" affords participants the chance to explore Norwalk's Waypointe neighborhood at an affordable price.  Barcelona Wine Bar, Sedona Taphouse, Bobby Q's Cue & Co., and Colony Grill all offer a dish and a drink as part of the package, while vendors like Pinot's Palette, Endurance House, and Salon by JC provide demonstrations and discounts. 


Nibble: CT Food Events for October 1st-7th

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Westport Restaurant Week begins October 1 and lasts until October 15.  Popular restaurants like Rive Bistro, Le Penguin, Pearl, Rothbard Ale & Larder, and more will offer special fixed price lunch, brunch and dinner menus. 

Friday October 6 is National Noodle Day!  To celebrate, New Haven presents Noodles On9, a free family friendly event.  From 6-8pm, the street festival will close a section of Orange St in the Historic 9th Square so that participants can enjoy noodle dishes from local restaurants and the opening of Artspace’s City Wide Open Studios. 

October 4 is National Taco Day!  Celebrate at Bartaco with tacos, fresh-squeezed cocktails, an exclusive Snapchat filter, and a #bartacosecret reveal!

Mohegan Sun's BrewFest returns on Saturday October 7.  The Grand Tasting will feature over 150 beers and local restaurants will have food for purchase.  A portion of ticket sales will go to the Channel 3 Kids Camp. 


CTBites Scene: Ok2berfest At Two Roads Brewing

Features Brewery Oktoberfest

James Gribbon

CTBites travels Connecticut finding the best food, drinks, and events in the state. Sometimes we'll see you out there as part of a new series we're calling CTBites Scene. 

Ok2berfest returned to Two Roads Brewing Company in Stratford on September 16-17, and CTBites was there. This was the fifth year of the highly anticipated event, and a capacity crowd of 3,000 was on hand each of the two days as bands played, food trucks sold their cornucopia, and the sun shone. Two Roads brewed three specialty beers for the event: Ein marzen, Zwei festbier, and drei altbier.

Did you make the scene?


Match Burger Lobster Opens Tonight in Westport

Restaurant Lobster Westport Take Out Seafood Dessert Lunch Homepage Burgers

Stephanie Webster

Chef Matt Storch's latest venture, Match Burger Lobster, opens today in Westport. If you want the full scoop, check out our article from back in August. If you're wondering what the menu looks like, feast your eyes on the slideshow above. Warning: expect excessive drooling. The dishes include everything from "Sloppy Fries" with burger drippings and cheese, to a divine hot Lobster Roll, Match's famous burger, and an Oyster Bun (think Match's signature Carpetbaggers on a seeded bun). The "Monster Combo" features a Match mini burger and a 1/1/4 pound lobster, and for vegetarians, a vibrant purple Veggie Burger has been creatively crafted with beans, beets and grains. Salads are available, but why would you go there when you can eat the "The Indulgence," an outrageous platter featuring beef, lobster, foie, truffles and fries. Hot damn!


Quinoa Paella with Shrimp, Chorizo & Chicken Recipe via Marcia Selden

Recipe Features Recipe

Marcia Selden Catering

Take a break from the classic paella, and mix up your healthy grains with Marcia Selden's recipe for Quinoa Paella with Shrimp, Chorizo + Chicken. We appreciate a one pan meal and this dish has great rich flavor from the chorizo and saffron.  Interesting food fact: Coming from the dried stigmas of the saffron crocus, it takes 75,000 blossoms or 225,000 hand-picked stigmas to make a single pound which explains why it is the world’s most expensive spice. Enjoy this recipe and send us feedback. 


Bistro Du Soleil Opens in Westport: A French Mediterranean Gem

Restaurant Mediterranean French Latin American Lunch Homepage Opening Westport

Fairfield County Foodie

The Muñoz del Castillo family has done it again and opened a winner in Westport, Bistro Du Soleil. You may recognize the name from their Norwalk location (which sadly closed), their prior catering business, as well as one of our favorite Mexican spots, Rincon in Norwalk. This same family has opened a tiny gem by the Saugatuck train station, serving Mediterranean cuisine with strong classic French undertones. From the escargot and Gambas Al Ajlllo to the Magret Duck Breast and gorgeous Beef Bourgignon, this BYOB venue is not to be missed. Bistro Du Soleil and the Muñoz family truly understand the art of both hospitality and simply delicious food.   


Chick-fil-A Opening in Norwalk October 19th

Restaurant To-Go Lunch Breakfast Norwalk Kid Friendly Opening

Stephanie Webster

Breaking fast food news for lower Fairfield County. Chick-fil-A just posted on their Facebook page that they will be opening a Norwalk location on October 19, 2017. 

For those who have been living under a rock, Chick-fil_A is one of America;s most beloved fast food chains. The number one reason for this is the chicken sandwiches (and the waffle fries). 

"The fast-food chain made its bones with boneless chicken sandwiches. It claims to have invented the concept in 1946" says International Business Times


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

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

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

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!

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

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

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 NorwalkClick 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

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

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

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

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.