Cheesemonger Subscription Box Launches From Fairfield & Greenwich Cheese Co.

Ingredients Features Cheese Delivery Service Home Delivery Gift Guide

Stephanie Webster February 01, 2018

Fairfield & Greenwich Cheese Company have introduced a subscription cheese box service that curates small batch, artisan and traditional cheeses and delivers them, freshly cut, to the doorsteps of food lovers across the nation.

Cheesemonger Box will curate a selection of small batch and traditional American and European cheeses for monthly home delivery, launched this winter as the first cheese subscription service of its kind.

Founders Laura Downey and Chris Palumbo, co-founders and owners of Connecticut cheese shops Fairfield & Greenwich Cheese Company, are launching the service with the goal of “spreading the cheese love across the country” and empowering customers to “become the expert” on artisan cheese.

Restaurant Crawl Through Mohegan Sun...Ballo, Bobby’s Burger Palace, Todd English’s Tuscany, Tom’s Urban + More!

Restaurant American Italian Special Occasion Homepage Burgers

CTbites Team January 31, 2018

While heading to Mohegan Sun for the Lady Gaga concert (yes, she was indeed fantastic), my editor at CTBites asked me to check out the casino’s restaurant scene. And not just one or two spots either. She wanted me to work my way through as many as possible. Naturally, I was intrigued. I’ve been to a few of the casino’s restaurants, but there were so many I have yet to experience. So when she asked me to do a restaurant crawl before the concert, I happily accepted the challenge. While I might not have tried them all - Mohegan Sun has a lot of restaurants - I managed to maneuver through a solid few. Here’s how it went.

Macho Nacho Burgers Recipe from Marcia Selden Catering

Recipe Recipe Burgers

Marcia Selden Catering January 30, 2018

Can you say Mexican Food Porn? We can with our yum on demand Macho Nacho Burgers. Serve these bad boys at your Super Bowl Party and your guests will go gaga! (View the recipe below.)

Blind Rhino & Ken Tuccio Host CT's Biggest Super Bowl Party

Features Events

CTbites Team January 29, 2018

I arrived to The Blind Rhino in South Norwalk 15 minutes early to meet with Ken Tuccio to discuss the party he and The Blind Rhino are throwing on Super Bowl Sunday. As I walked through the door, much to my surprise, Ken was already sitting at the bar. He was halfway through a pint of beer, looking comfortable in a zip-up hoodie bearing the logo of Bridgeport based brewery Aspetuck Brew Lab.

Ken Tuccio, a Norwalk resident, isn’t your typical “local media personality”. While most of the people involved in media on a local level seem as if they were designed in a “news anchor factory”, Tuccio is admittedly rough around the edges.

World View Shapes Progressive American Cuisine at The Essex In Centerbrook CT

Restaurant American Centerbrook Lunch Seafood Local Artisan Brunch Homepage

Hope Simmons January 28, 2018

Say you wanted to eat your way around the globe, but you were short on time and money and didn’t feel like flying. Problem solved. Chef Colt Taylor can take you there through his ever-changing menu. No jet lag or weather delays, and oh, the places your palate will go!

“We want to create more than a restaurant,” Colt explains. “We want to create this experience. Like you can come to four different places, and have four different meals, experiences, moments. We’re on menu 15 in five months. It’s exciting and it keeps things fresh.”

Not big on leaving the comforts of home? His Tuesday night burger night’s got all-American appeal, replete with fries and a craft brew. Wednesday is a popular Italian night. Mexico more your style? Take a trip on Thursday for tacos and tequila. And soon they’ll soon launch bourbon and braises on Fridays.

Then, come Sunday, it’s time for boozy brunch. “It’s eggs Arcadia and red velvet pancakes, all that fun stuff.” What’s eggs Arcadia, you say? “It’s my signature little brunch thing—like merging a Connecticut lobster roll and poached eggs. We put poached eggs over butter-poached lobster on a biscuit with a ginger-citrus hollandaise. It’s delicious!”

30+ CT Restaurants, Bars & Caterers for the Super Bowl: 2018 Edition

Features Events Comfort Food Sports Bar Bar

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson January 27, 2018

Sunday February 4 is the Super Bowl and Connecticut restaurants, bars, and caterers are serving up BIG specials for the BIG game. Halftime buffets, open bars, big screen TVs, giveaways, take-out packages… these deals will have you doing your best touchdown dance!

The Blind Rhino, Norwalk: 2018 will mark the third year of The Blind Rhino's Sono Bowl! The NO COVER pre-game bash starts at 4pm and lasts until kick-off. It will feature live music from The Extras, giveaways, and other specials.
Geronimo, Fairfield: Geronimo's Tequila Bar & Southwest Grill, with locations in New Haven and Fairfield, will offer a take-out package consisting of chips, salsa, guacamole, build-your-own Beef Chile Nachos, Hatch Green Chile Stew, Southwestern Empanadas, and Signature Margarita Mix. Choose from a package for 15 or 8 guests.
Bull & Swine, New Haven: Bull & Swine in New Haven will show the Super Bowl on their 80 inch projector screen with surround sound. For $28 per person, you can also enjoy their buffet and open bar. They'll have trivia and prizes, too.
Walrus + Carpenter, Bridgeport: Assorted wings, ribs, sliders, and sides are available for pick-up from Walrus + Carpenter. Order by Tuesday January 30 and pick-up after 12pm on Sunday February 4. Send an email to catering@walruscarpenterct.com or call them at (203) 333-2733 to purchase. less

Friday Froth: Hanging Hills Brewing Co. Proves Rock And Roll Means Well

Ingredients Features Brewery Beer CT Beer Hartford

James Gribbon January 26, 2018

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week Of January 29 - February 4

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson January 26, 2018

The Cook and the Bear in Hartford presents a West Coast v. East Coast Whiskey Dinner on Tuesday January 30 at 6:30pm. The evening includes a cocktail reception, a family-style meal, and side-by-side whiskey pairings. It costs $90, plus tax and gratuity, and tickets are available for purchase online.

The Spotted Horse Tavern in Westport now offers Meatless Mondays!

Learn all about Riesling at The Whelk in Westport on Tuesday January 30 at 6:30pm. Winemaker on Von Winning, Andreas Hutwohl, will be there to guide you through the delicious dinner and wine pairings. It costs $150 per person, plus tax and tip, and reservations can be made by calling 203-557-0902.

Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant in East Lyme invites you to an installation of their Food & Wine Series on Tuesday January 30. Chef Olivia Formica will prepare and explain a 5 course meal, this time inspired by the cuisine in Seattle, WA, and serve it alongside complementary wines provided by Divine Wine Emporium. Tickets are $45 per person or $80 per couple.

Zohara Mediterranean Kitchen hosts a Massaya Wine Dinner on Tuesday January 30. Sami Goshen, winemaker and owner of Massaya Vinyards in Lebanon, will be there to walk you through the wines, which will be paired with custom dishes from the chef. Tickets are $75.

On Wednesday January 31, Chef Prasad Chirnomula, Chef Owner of of INDIA Restaurant in West Hartford, will guide diners through a 5-course tasting menu featuring many of the restaurant's diverse dishes. The cost is $55 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and includes a complimentary beverage along with the meal.

Eat Noodle Brings Ramen and Pho to Bridgeport’s Bijou Square

Restaurant Bridgeport ra Ramen Noodles Opening

CTbites Team January 25, 2018

Noodle soup news from CTPost.

As downtown Bridgeport continues to welcome restaurants, the latest addition to the Bijou Square is serving up hot ramen and noodle soups in minutes.

Easton resident Skye Kwok opened Eat Noodle in downtown Bridgeport on Jan. 8 at 269 Fairfield Ave. The eatery opened in the space that once housed Can Tiin, which closed last summer.

A former Bridgeport resident, Kwok said the area has changed since his days growing up in the Park City. As residential development and the office market has grown over the years, he said a community vibe has developed that he felt his restaurant could thrive in.

“Bridgeport is growing right now,” he said. “When I came to this area I was surprised (at how) it changed a lot, and I saw a lot of potential.”

Kwok began working in the restaurant industry 22 years ago, after attending Sacred Heart University, and has since opened restaurants in other parts of Fairfield County. He also owns Sweet Basil in Fairfield and Pink Sumo Sushi & Sake Cafe in Westport.

According to the business owner, he wanted to bring his own spin on the growing noodle soup market to the city, with options like pho, ramen and specialty items like curry soup.

Lebanese Market & Cuisine in Bethel: A One-of-a-Kind Find

Restaurant Bethel Middle Eastern Lunch Comfort Food Delicious Dives

Connecticut Magazine January 24, 2018

Connecticut Magazine shares a unique Middle Eastern find in Bethel, Lebanese Market & Cuisine.

Restaurants have so overused the word “fresh” when describing their ingredients that it has been stripped of most of its meaning. But when chef Hassan Bou Hodiv of Lebanese Cuisine in Bethel says he only uses “fresh” ingredients, he means it. Like, really means it.

The shelf life on the restaurant’s tabbouleh: 30 minutes.

“After a half-hour, it’s not good for a customer,” he says.

This is hard to believe, but take a bite of this tabbouleh filled with bright green parsley and mint, accented by finely chopped onions and tomato coated in olive oil and lemon juice, taste the way the flavor of each ingredient pops, crisp and clean, and your doubts will evaporate.

The tabbouleh is the best I’ve had and the other Middle Eastern cuisine offered at the restaurant — including addictive falafel sandwiches and shawarma — is as good as, and arguably better than, any you can get in New York City. Though it has little online presence, an unassuming location on Stony Hill Road in Bethel, and a name that lacks flair, Lebanese Cuisine is an elite restaurant.

It was opened five years ago by Sam Baddour. A few years ago, Baddour brought Hodiv onboard as chef and partner and says he told him, “It’s your restaurant. Do whatever you want.”

Hodiv transformed the spot, drawing on the culinary traditions taught to him as a child in Lebanon. “My grandmother, always she cooked. I helped her,” he says. He moved to the U.S. in 2004, and prior to his work at Lebanese Cuisine he ran Falafel House in West Haven.

25+ Restaurants for Fireside Dining in CT: 2018 Edition

Features Restaurant Best of CT Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson January 23, 2018

When temperatures plummet, it can be hard to find motivation to go outside and brave the arctic blast. Fortunately, restaurants across the state offer big warm fireplaces so that you can feast in front of a toasty fire. Here are over 25 cozy fireside dining venues in Connecticut.

Winvian, Morris: On 113 acres, Winvian, a luxury resort, has 18 luxury resort cottages, each designed by 15 different architects. Winvian also abounds with private gardens, a greenhouse, henhouse, apiary, a glorious dining room, and spa
Tavern at Graybarns, Norwalk: Tavern at GrayBarns is situated in the space that once housed Silvermine Tavern featuring elegant American fare.
The Goose, Darien: With its luxurious old style bar and welcoming tavern feel in the dining area, The Goose in Darien is a great place to enjoy soups, salads, sandwiches, seaside-inspired lobster tacos, and entrees like St. Louis-Style Ribs and Steak Frites.
Gabriele’s Italian Steakhouse, Greenwich: Gabriele’s in Greenwich is a quintessential steakhouse that also offers Italian specialties. Aged leather wingback chairs, a hulking stone hearth, fireside tables, and private dining in the wine room all set the scene for hearty food.

The Engine Room In Mystic: Food and Atmosphere Worth The Drive

Restaurant Mystic Comfort Food Hot Dogs Lunch Brunch Road Trip American Bar Cocktails Homepage Burgers

CTbites Team January 21, 2018

One of my favorite new-ish restaurants to pop up in the culinary hot spot of Mystic, Connecticut is the hip Engine Room. This outstanding restaurant highlights fresh, unique food served in a welcoming, very Instagrammable atmosphere. Let’s talk through their scrumptious menu while settling into their comfortable seats and remarking on their friendly staff.

Whether you think brunch is overrated or not, you should find your way to the Engine Room for a leisurely Sunday brunch with friends. Set inside an open wood and brick interior, with metal chairs and shiny black leather booth seating, you’ll feel comfortable enough to linger over your meal, and unlike many crowded establishments, you won’t feel rushed by the staff.

Back to the menu, which has something for traditional sweet breakfast lovers and those who aren’t really into breakfast foods (oh, the horror!).

An Evening At NewBrook Kitchen: Embracing Healthy Eating With Fine Cuisine

Restaurant Westport Special Dietary Needs Vegetarian Take Out Specialty Market

Jessica Ryan January 19, 2018

Gracing the Westport restaurant scene NewBrook Kitchen embraces health and well-being with fine cuisine. The brainchild of Chefs Cindy and Danielle Hartog, a dynamic mother and daughter team, the casual café-style eatery was brought to life after the two were diagnosed with separate autoimmune diseases and turned to nutrition to control their symptoms. They found dining out to be a struggle; it was challenging to find restaurants, cafés, and markets able to accommodate their new lifestyle.

I was invited to attend one of their popular Tasting Dinners, and always a fan of healthy dining I was eager to see what NewBrook Kitchen was all about. There’s nothing pretentious or over the top here. This modest, casual eatery is also BYOB, allowing guests to enjoy their favorite wines with a great meal at reasonable prices.

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of January 21-28

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson January 18, 2018

On Monday January 22, Chef Tyler Anderson of Millwright’s and Pastry Chef Kristin will cook at the historic James Beard House in NYC. Join them, along with Top Chef contestants Joe Flamm and Bruce Kalman, for hors d’oeuvres and a five course dinner. It starts at 7pm and costs $160 for members and $210 for the public.

Two Road’s 4th Annual Igor's Dream Dessert Pairing will unfold on Monday January 22 from 6:30-9pm. Sweet Cupcasions, Wildflour Confections, Lovely Cakes, and Hardcore Sweet Cupcakes have all come up with the ultimate sweet treats to pair with the Igor’s Dream beer line-up. A $30 ticket gives you the chance to try 4 oz tasters of the 4 new release brews as well as one of each dessert pairing.

Brewport’s Big Game and Beer Dinner will take place on Monday January 22. They’ll switch up their specialty pizzas and salads with ingredients like wild boar, elk, bison, and venison. Tickets are $50, inclusive of gratuity but exclusive of tax. Call 203-612-4438 and ask for Lauren or a manager to reserve your spot.

Baldanza and South Avenue Butcher, both in New Canaan, are teaming up for another dinner, this time centering on “Comfort Food,” on Tuesday January 23. Choose from soup or salad, an entrée, and dessert for $75 per person.

Small Brewers Become Big Business In Fairfield County

Features Brewery Best of CT Beer CT Beer

Jeanne Muchnick January 17, 2018

This just in from Norwalk Daily Voice...

If you're a beer lover, you're in luck. Each day it seems another brewery or beer pub opens its doors in Fairfield County, catering to residents with creative hops (Harlan Haus in Bridgeport) and carefully curated snacks (shout out to Shelton's The Drunk Alpaca).

In a short period of time, the Connecticut craft beer scene has exploded, tapping into the county's thirst for flavor, variety and fun.

Many of these businesses were started by local folks with a passion for home brewing. All of them have helped elevate the area's craft beer experience.

Not sure where to go? We've done the research for you -- and yes, that may (or may not) have included sampling a few pints of amber brews.

Aspetuck Brew Lab, Bridgeport: This two-year-old brewery and tap room are the dream of a husband-and-wife team (see Daily Voice story HERE ) who care as much about the community as they do good, local beer.
Broken Symmetry Gastro Brewery, Bethel: This craft brewery and casual dining spot, in the old Bethel Train Station, is hoping for a late January/early February opening. Stay tuned by following them on Facebook.

Tequila Revolucion Opens in Fairfield

Restaurant Fairfield Mexican Bar Kid Friendly Lunch Opening

Ramin Ganeshram January 16, 2018

Located at the former site of Wilson’s Barbecue, the Fairfield favorite of a dozen years, Tequila Revolucion features authentic Mexican/Central American fare in a vibrant atmosphere.

The brainchild of Ryan Gillespie as general manager and Mauricio Guevara, head chef who worked together at New Canaan’s Tequila Mockingbird, Tequila Revolucion is the co-owners’ first independent restaurant venture.

“We collectively have over twenty years experience in the business and Tk years together at Tequila Mockingbird,” says Gillespie. “Each of us had a dream of owning our own place and when this opportunity came up we decided to go for it.”

Gillespie was a manager at the New Canaan eatery and Guevara worked his way up to head chef from a dishwasher.

At the pair’s new venture the focus is on seasonal food and, says Gillespie, they look forward to the growing season when they hope to source as much local food as possible. Since freshness is a hallmark of the Tequila Revolucion approach, very few items on the menu come premade, canned or frozen, down to the handmade tortilla chips, salsas, beans, and sauces.

Guide To Healthy Eats in CT: 2018 Edition

Restaurant healthy Juice Cleanse Juice Bar Organic Vegan Vegetarian Specialty Market Special Dietary Needs Best of CT Homepage

April Guilbault January 14, 2018

We are only a few short weeks into this brand-spanking new year, and TVs are blaring with eating program ads, magazine covers are screaming about how to “Lose 10 lbs. in a week!” and gyms are overflowing with people running for their lives on treadmills (Run, Forrest, Run!). Naturally, the CTBites answer to the holiday indulgences? EAT! Ok, ok…eat…HEALTHILY! Our fair state is brimming with amazing grocers, restaurants, and speciality stores that can help you get back on track after a season of going full-tilt boogie with the eating and drinking. The best part is that everything is so delicious and interesting. Branch out this year and try some new flavors and foods…goji berries, Matcha, Cauliflower pizza crust (wha!), Jackfruit! Dive in and explore. Here are some venues that will help you do just that. One more note: We fully realize that due to the sheer amount of noteworthy establishments, we are not able to list them all here. Please refer to our past Healthy Eats roundups for more listings and also, please chime in with places that you know and love. The more the merrier!

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week Of January 14-21

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson January 12, 2018

On January 18, Terrain Garden Cafe in Westport will host a Winter Fireside Dinner featuring a selection of warming winter dishes inspired by cold season. Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner with an optional whiskey or wine pairing with a view of crackling fire pits on the cafe patio. It is $75 per person with the optional beverage pairing for an additional $30 per person. View menu and reserve here.

Sip for a cause on Saturday, January 20 from 12-5pm at the first ever West Hartford “Culinary Corner Pub Crawl” hosted by Eat IN Connecticut while helping to raise funds for charities dedicated to ending hunger in Connecticut. The Crawl includes five of West Hartford’s Restaurants: Vinted, INDIA, The Cook and The Bear, FLORA, and Artisan Restaurant at the brand new DELAMAR Hotel. Participants can go to any of the 5 participating Culinary Corner restaurants anytime for food specials in addition to the 1/2 off drink specials during the Pub Crawl. Purchase your tickets here.

Wakeman Town Farm will have a pop-up Fondue Dinner on January 18 from 7-10pm. Enjoy 3 courses with wine pairing, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to support Wakeman's operations and educational programming. Tickets are $85 per person.

On Tuesday January 16, Caseus Fromagerie Bistro invites you to an Italian Cheese & Wine Pairing Class. It runs from 6-7:30pm and costs $45 per person.

The Dilly Duck Shop: New England Craft Eatery Opens in Norwalk

Restaurant Breakfast Lunch American Local Artisan Norwalk Comfort Food Catering Homepage

April Guilbault January 10, 2018

Nestled at the farther end of a strip mall in Norwalk, right off of Rt. 7, is the newly opened eatery, The Dilly Duck Shop. Honestly, I feel it necessary to begin with the most obvious…what’s up with the name? “Dilly” is British slang for something notable or excellent, Duck is an homage to our fair state of Connecticut and the charm that flourishes here (ducks are also proud and colorful) and shop denotes “workshop”, as in a place of craft. So there you have it. The Dilly Duck Shop. It is not a store for winged fowl nor do they carve decoys. They sell food. Really good food.

Zoni Foods, Delicious Plant-Based Frozen Meals: A Conversation with CEO & Founder Zoë Lloyd

Interview Features New Haven Interview healthy Vegetarian Vegan

Amy Kundrat January 09, 2018

What should I make for dinner? This daily lament is the million billion dollar question fueling a booming meal kit industry. Weekly deliveries of fresh ingredients with easy-to-follow recipes offer the promise of an easy weeknight dinner. However, a growing segment of this audience such as young professionals and busy families is seeking something even simpler, less time consuming, and healthier.