Pieology to Open at Stamford Town Center + FREE PIZZA DAY Nov 17th Restaurant Pizza Stamford Lunch Hey Stamford! November 10, 2017 This just in from Hey Stamford!...Just weeks after the opening of their latest restaurant, — Rascal Flatts — the doors of the Stamford Town Center’s newest tenant are about to open. Pieology, a fast-casual pizza chain, plans to open its ‘restaurant row’ shop on November 17th, when they will be hosting a a FREE PIZZA DAY featuring music, activities, and of course FREE PIZZA.Living in Fairfield County that name may not be familiar to you. But the California-based chain has been around since 2011 and includes about 140 stores across the country with plans to open even more within the coming year.Read the complete article here. Read More
Chef François Kwaku-Dongo Brings a Fresh Culinary Vision To New Canaan’s Beloved Roger Sherman Inn Restaurant Norwalk Chef Opening Stephanie Webster November 09, 2017 Celebrated Chef Francois Kwaku-Dongo spearheads the reinvention of the Roger Sherman Inn, a historic landmark in New Canaan for nearly a decade. The stunning New England restaurant and 17-room Inn will undergo a significant culinary transformation as it remakes itself for the 21st century.Chef Kwaku-Dongo is introducing a seasonally-inspired menu, showcasing fresh, locally-procured ingredients. The menu is a culinary tour of New England, its coastal seafood, local family farms, and talented artisans. Using these East Coast ingredients as the foundation for quality and flavor, Chef Kwaku-Dongo applies techniques honed in some of the most demanding kitchens in the country. Read More
"The Impossible Burger" Now Available at all CT Bareburger Locations Restaurant Features Stamford Ridgefield Lunch Vegan Vegetarian Special Dietary Needs Homepage Burgers Andrew Dominick November 09, 2017 Elk, beef, duck, bison, lamb and turkey are just some of the proteins used in burgers at Bareburger. The microchain makes sure their burgers are more than just meat-based, and keep vegetarians and vegans in mind with offerings that already include the Farmstead, made from sweet potatoes and wild rice, and the Guadalupe, a black bean and roasted corn burger. Recently, Bareburger has slowly started to roll out another all-natural vegan burger that supposedly tastes close to, or like beef.Created by Impossible Foods and CEO/founder/scientist Pat Brown, and appropriately named The Impossible Burger, this meatless option is solely made from plants. It’s made up of wheat and potato proteins for a familiar beef burger-like texture, vitamins, amino acids, sugars, and uses konjac (from Japanese yams) and xanthan (made by fermentation) as binders for the patty. It also uses a molecule called heme, which carries oxygen in our blood. Heme is in every living thing, plants included, and makes our blood red. Since red meat contains large amounts of heme, The Impossible Burger uses heme made from fermentation, and gives it a meatier taste than most vegan or veggie burgers on the market. It uses two fats, coconut oil and soybeans to give it that much needed sizzle effect when it hits the grill. Read More
40+ Connecticut Restaurants for Thanksgiving: 2017 Edition Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 08, 2017 Thanksgiving arrives on Thursday November 23! Don’t just “wing” it this season when it comes to your plans… Connecticut restaurants are offering delicious feasts and tables fill up quickly! Perhaps you’d rather serve Thanksgiving dinner in your home, but without the hassle of cooking. Caterers and restaurants across the state are offering an array of to-go options for groups of all sizes. These 40 places will make all of your Thanksgiving culinary dreams come true.Bloodroot, Bridgeport: On Thanksgiving, Bloodroot in Bridgeport serves a Harvest feast, which is a single sitting, starting at 4:30. It costs $49.95 per person and reservations can be made by calling 203-576-9168.Judy’s Bar and Kitchen, Stamford: Judy's Bar + Kitchen in Stamford offers an extensive Thanksgiving catering menu for those who want to enjoy the holiday in their homes without worrying about the cooking.Shell & Bones, New Haven: Shell & Bones in New Haven will be open on Thanksgiving from 11am – 8pm. In addition to their regular a la carte menu, specials will include Cider Brined Turkey, Maine Lobster Salad, Vegetable Pot Pie, Pomegranate Rack of Lamb, and more.Bear’s Smokehouse, Hartford and Windsor: Bear's Smokehouse has a Thanksgiving take-out menu with extensive options for meats, salads, sides, stuffings and breads, sauces and gravies, and desserts.Pearl, Westport: Make your reservations now for Pearl in Westport's traditional Thanksgiving Day menu. Read More
The Spread Opening Greenwich Location This Month: Sneak Peek Restaurant Greenwich American Lunch Brunch Bar Cocktails Homepage Stephanie Webster November 06, 2017
Godavari South Indian Restaurant Opens In Norwalk Restaurant Indian Norwalk Lunch Homepage Ramin Ganeshram November 04, 2017 A testament to the evolving palate of Fairfield County, South Indian restaurant chain Godavari has opened in the former Burger King location on the Post Road in Norwalk, just past Bow Tie Cinemas.While there is no shortage of many excellent Indian restaurants in the area they tend to follow a uniform menu of what native South Asians recognize as “Indian restaurant food”, a cuisine based mainly on the foods of northern India and less often cooked at home.The menu at Godavari also features many of these specialties, especially those that have become beloved by American diners like Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken, and Tandoori meats but it’s the staggeringly extensive menu of dishes from around the subcontinent that really make this franchise restaurant shine. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events For Week Of November 5-12th Features Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 03, 2017 Tavern on Main's "RAUS in the HAUS" with Donny Raus will take place Friday November 10 from 6:30 pm until closing. Donny will make coffee cocktails using his signature Cold Roman blend while the kitchen will whip up several dishes using RAUS coffee. Brasitas in Norwalk will have a Tequila Tasting Dinner on Wednesday, November 8 at 7pm. Four courses will be paired with tequila-based cocktails. The event costs $65, plus tax and tip. On Thursday November 9, Kawa Ni will host a Japanese Whisky Dinner. The evening will include 6 courses paired with 6 complementary whiskies. It begins at 6:30pm and costs $125 per person, plus tax and gratuity.The Westport Farmers’ Market and Fleishers Craft Butchery have joined to sponsor the film, Unbroken Ground: Revolutions Start from the Bottom, at the Fairfield Theater Company on Monday November 6. Read More
Donut Crazy Launches the “Cruffin” Croissant-Muffin Hybrid Ingredients Features Bakery Dessert Kid Friendly Breakfast Doughnuts New Haven Shelton Westport Bridgeport Homepage Stephanie Webster November 02, 2017 Donut Crazy, a local, family-owned eatery specializing in unique donut flavors (lovingly called Dailies & Crazies), announced a tasty new menu item called the “Cruffin.” The croissant-muffin crossover is the company’s way of celebrating the first sugar-filled year of its New Haven location near Yale University. The “Cruffin” will be available at all Donut Crazy locations for $4.25, starting on Friday November 3, weekends only and while supplies last. The “Cruffin” has quickly become the food world’s newest bakery obsession, much like the “Cronut” before it. The buttery, flaky pastry is shaped like a muffin and filled with different flavors. Donut Crazy plans to offer coconut, dulce de leche, chocolate mousse, and pumpkin. More exciting flavors to come! Read More
Stew Leonard’s Delivered To Your Door with Instacart Features Ingredients Home Delivery Delivery Service Stephanie Webster November 01, 2017 Family owned and operated Stew Leonard’s today announced Stew’s Fresh Delivery Powered by Instacart, the technology-driven, nationwide on-demand grocery delivery service. Starting Wednesday, November 1, 2017, same-day grocery delivery service will be available to 365,000 households within a 20-30 minute drive of Stew Leonard’s farm fresh food stores in Norwalk, Danbury, and Newington, Conn. as well as in Yonkers, Farmingdale, and East Meadow, N.Y.Customers who sign up for Stew’s Fresh Delivery by February 1, 2018 using code stewsexpress will have free delivery on orders over $35 for up to a year. Read More
Beekman Boys Dinner at Terrain: All Hail the Beet Tops! Features Events Cookbooks April Guilbault November 01, 2017 If there is one word that factors prominently in the Beekman Boys’ lexicon, it is community-knowing and growing with one’s neighbors. To gather around tables together. To support each other’s endeavors or to get to know each other more. Hell, it’s to experience this thing called life. Together.Although one recent October evening was warmer than usual, the balmy temps only added to the convivial gathering at Terrain in Westport. It was a celebratory gathering to mark the new cookbook by Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, founders of Beekman 1802 lifestyle company. This book, their sixth, sends out the call to “Have a seat!” and enjoy an assortment of dishes that they have created along with their Sicilian neighbor, Rose Marie Trapani. A sampling of these dishes was highlighted this evening. Read More
Paul’s Pasta in Groton: Best Freshly Made Pasta in CT? Restaurant Pasta Italian Groton Lunch Noodles Homepage CTbites Team November 01, 2017 Dare I say they have some of the best freshly made pasta in the state? Yes! I’ll tell anyone who asks — Paul’s Pasta serves my favorite pasta dishes in Connecticut. This family-owned pasta shop is nearly as old as I am, and I have two decades of experience dining at Paul’s Pasta to share with you in this review.If the tell-tale sign of a great restaurant is a crowded establishment with smiling customers eating with gusto, then Paul’s Pasta is definitely one of the best in the state. When coming during the height of mealtimes, Paul’s Pasta always has a waiting list, but this shouldn’t dissuade visitors — turnaround times are generally not substantial and the wait is always worth it. Reservations are not accepted. Read More
Southern Connecticut Wine Company Invites You To Make Your Own Wine Features Ingredients Education Cooking Classes WIne Wine Tasting Vineyard Wallingford Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 31, 2017 In 2016, Forbes Magazine claimed to have discovered the “secret to happiness.” “Spend money on experiences, not things,” they told their readers. CNN took it one step further. “That's in part because the initial joy of acquiring a new object, such as a new car, fades over time as people become accustomed to seeing it every day…,” they reported. “Experiences, on the other hand, continue to provide happiness through memories long after the event occurred.”Those looking to invest in a meaningful experience can find a solution tucked away in Wallingford, just off the highway, but hidden from view. Southern Connecticut Wine Company, located in an unassuming garage-like building behind the railroad tracks, affords people the unique opportunity to create their own wine over the course of a season. I had the chance to be an honorary co-op member for the day and witness a little bit of what they have to offer. Read More
The Cook and The Bear in West Hartford: A Barbecue (and Bourbon) Lover’s Dream Restaurant BBQ Bar West Hartford Lunch Catering Comfort Food Kid Friendly Homepage CTbites Team October 29, 2017 There’s something in the air at The Cook and The Bear. And we’re pretty sure it’s the scent of deliciously smoked brisket. Or maybe pastrami, or barbecue chicken. Whatever it is, we’re loving it.The Cook and The Bear is brought to you by two well-known local chefs: Tyler Anderson and Jamie McDonald. A two-time nominee of the Best Chef Northeast James Beard Award and contestant in the upcoming season of Top Chef, Anderson is known to please palates at Simsbury's popular fine dining restaurant Millwright's, offering farm-fresh New England fare in a rustic setting. Jamie McDonald's Kansas City-style barbecue has led him to conquer the local food scene as well, with his fast-casual Bear's Smokehouse (located in Windsor and Hartford), his wood-fired pizzeria Blind Pig Pizza Co. in Hartford, and the recently opened Chango Rosa, serving Latin cuisine in the former Hot Tomatoes space at Union Station.Located in West Hartford’s popular Blue Back Square, The Cook and The Bear instantly pulls you in with its rustic chic charm (and you know, that smoky aroma). Walk into this cozy spot, and you’ll know what we mean. With its exposed ceiling and garage door-turned-window, it has a cool industrial feel that’s new and trendy. But it still holds that classic cozy vibe thanks to striped wood tables, sink-in-your-seat booths, a fire wood lined wall, and checkered napkins. Because no barbecue spot is complete without checked napkins. Read More
Lao Sze Chuan Authentic Szechuan Cuisine Opens in Fairfield with Gingko Restaurant Chinese Fairfield Milford Lunch Take Out To-Go Opening Stephanie Webster October 28, 2017 More exciting CT openings! Beloved Chinese restaurant Lao Sze Chuan, whom you may know from their immensely popular Milford location, has finally opened their doors to their second CT location, Gingko. Lao Sze Chuan's new Fairfield restaurant is located at 923 Post Road and is hands down, the best place to go when craving authentic Szechuan cuisine in CT.Lao is part of a small chain started by Chef Tony Hu, who made a splash in Chicago with four Chinese restaurants devoted to the concept of “gourmet authentic Szechuan.” The Tony Gourmet Group, now has restaurants all over the world. The menu is extensive and includes everything from Hot Oil Dumplings to Diced Rabbit with Peanuts, and Hot and Sour Eel with Cellophane Noodles.What do we like to eat there? Read our review of Lao Sze Chuan here, and find out. It's all excellent. See you there. Read More
Layla's Falafel Opening in Westport October 30th Restaurant Middle Eastern Mediterranean Westport Take Out To-Go Lunch Delicious Dives Opening Stephanie Webster October 27, 2017 We have waited patiently, and the time has come. We reported back in April that the family run Layla's Falafel, cooking up some of the best take out Middle Eastern food in CT, was scheduled to open in Westport. The time is NOW. This Monday, October 30th, Layla's will open its doors at 1537 Post Road East. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of October 29-November 5 Features Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 26, 2017 Tickets are now on sale for a “Hip-Pop Up Dinner” at The Stand in Fairfield. Chef Jeff Taibe will present vegan dishes on November 15 from 7-9pm. Don’t forget to BYOB! On Monday October 30, Mecha’s South Norwalk locations will host its first ever Sake Dinner! Chef Brian Reilly has created a meal to complement premium, hard-to-find, sakes. Monica Samuels, the sake arbiter of Vine Connections, will be on hand to educate guests. Reservations are required and seating is limited. There are two seatings: 5:30pm and 8:30pm. To make your reservation, call Mecha Noodle Bar at 203-295-8718Bobby Q’s Cue & Co now serves Happy Hour from 4-7pm Monday-Friday. Join them in the bar for $2 off wine, beer,bourbon, and cocktails; $1 off apps and flatbreads; 50 cent wings (minimum of 6); $3 pulled pork sliders; and $10 pork belly cracklings. Read More
Shake Shack Launches Chili-Themed Menu For Limited Time Only! Features Comfort Food Kid Friendly Hot Dogs Burgers Stephanie Webster October 25, 2017 Shake Shack CT and Shake Shacks around the nation have some exciting news: At the end of this month, chili is coming to Shake Shack. They will debut a chili-themed menu available via the Shack App exclusive starting Monday, October 30th and available for in-Shack ordering on Thursday, November 2nd.They will be serving up the Chili Cheeseburger, Chili Cheese Dog and Chili Cheese Fries for a limited time. INSIDER TIP: Though you won’t see it listed on the menu, ask your Shack for a side of chili to score a cup. The chili menu includes: Chili Cheeseburger: Cheeseburger topped with smoked and slow braised beef chili with ancho and chile de arbol peppersChili Cheese Dog: Vienna beef hot dog topped with smoked and slow braised beef chili with ancho and chile de arbol peppersChili Cheese Fries: Crinkle cut fries topped with smoked and slow braised beef chili with ancho and chile de arbol peppers Read More
Stew Leonard’s Announces Limited Edition Apple Pie A La Mode Milk Features Ingredients Dessert Kids Kid Friendly Stephanie Webster October 24, 2017 Stew Leonard’s Apple Pie Milk a la Mode celebrates the season with the flavors of crisp fall apples and Stew Leonard’s dairy-fresh vanilla ice cream. It comes straight from their award-winning dairy farms in upstate NY and is free from artificial growth hormones (rBST) and antibiotics. This milk goes from the farm to each of their stores in as little as 24 hours. Stew Leonard's Apple Pie Milk a la Mode will be available starting on October 30 for a limited time. It is sold in a ½ gallon glass container for $5.99. Read More
Ore Hill & Swyft Opens in Kent this November Kent Amy Kundrat October 24, 2017 In a letter to friends, Joel and Audra Viehland announced the November opening of a new restaurant, Ore Hill & Swyft in Kent, Connecticut. Formerly of Community Table, Chef Joel Viehland is opening the restaurant in two stages, accommodating two distinct dining experiences. We eagerly await their return! Read More
The Hummus & Pita Co Opening Fast Casual Mediterranean In Danbury Restaurant Mediterranean Middle Eastern Lunch Danbury Take Out To-Go Stephanie Webster October 24, 2017 The Hummus & Pita Co., known for its homemade, fresh and healthy Mediterranean cuisine, has signed a new franchisee, Rishi Parikh, to open a location in Danbury, Connecticut. The newest store will be located at 15 Federal Road in Brookfield. The rapidly growing Mediterranean fast-casual concept brings guilt-free, homemade cuisine to the masses in a comfortable and inviting environment. All menu items are made from scratch on the premises and use only the freshest ingredients to create high-quality, flavor-focused eats. The concept stands out with its freshly baked pita and laffa breads, vegetarian dishes and meats cooked in a traditional taboon oven. Read More
