Filtering by Tag: Asian,Greenwich

My Mix Creative Kitchen: Healthy Eats & Bold Flavors in Greenwich

Restaurant Breakfast Lunch healthy Greenwich Salads To-Go Take Out Vegetarian Vegan

Jessica Ryan

Mix Creative Kitchen is the latest to grace the ever-growing and increasingly popular health-focused, quick serve restaurants in the area. Located near the bottom of Greenwich Avenue on Elm Street, a brightly lit café style eatery now occupies the longtime vacant space. The restaurant was created on the premise of bringing together “fast food” and “real food,” a theme that seems to be trending in Fairfield County. As I walked in and surveyed the premises, noting the salad and bowl areas as well as the items in the refrigerated sections I was reminded of other local favorites; The Granola Bar, Organika, B.GOOD and Freshii and was curious to see how this would stack up against the competition.

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Fujiya Ramen in Middletown: Tokyo-style ramen with New York vibe

Restaurant Japanese Asian Ramen Middletown Openings Comfort Food

Middletown Press

Looking for great ramen? Middletown Press has the scoop on the new Fujiya Ramen...straight from Tokyo. 

Fujiya Ramen opened in August at 425 Main St. and already, the restaurant has become somewhat of a hangout for Wesleyan University students, according to Andy Liu, owner.

Whenever there’s an event at the school, students come out to the restaurant to socialize, eat and take advantage of the wifi, he said. The vibe of the eatery, especially when the students are congregating, reminds him of similar establishments in New York City.

“I go to New York a lot because in New York (ramen is) very popular,” Liu said. “Young people like it because ramen is really fast and pretty healthy food.”

Liu, who has been in the restaurant business for more than 20 years and also owns Sakura Garden in Windsor and Royal Buffet in Manchester, was impressed the first time he visited a ramen restaurant. “I said this is a really good idea — really modern,” he said.

He talked to a friend in Tokyo who has Fujiya Ramen restaurants in Tokyo, New Jersey and Albany, New York, and suggested they join forces. Liu found a head chef who was originally from Japan and his friend sent a crew from Japan, including additional chefs and servers, he said.

“That’s why our ramen (dishes) are different because we have people from over there,” Liu said. “It’s almost the identical ramen as in Tokyo.”

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Lorca Coffee Bar Opens Second Location in Cos Cob Greenwich

Restaurant Cos Cob Greenwich Coffee Breakfast Lunch Specialty Market Homepage

Stephanie Webster

Lorca Coffee Bar has just opened their second location in Cos Cob, CT inside Fleisher's Craft Butcher shop.  Coffee + Meat...works for me. 

The menu at Lorca Greenwich will be slightly different than that at their Stamford location. They will still be serving up some of the best coffee in CT alongside baked goods and breakfast treats, including their manchego, sage pesto, and egg breakfast sandwich. However, they have leveraged the new relationship with Fleishers's and improved upon their "classic" -  bacon, egg and cheese by adding a house-smoked tomato jam and using Fleisher's bacon.

They will also be adding empanadas made with Fleisher's chorizo, cheddar and salsa, and a Spanish tortilla that owner, Leyla Jenkins, has been making since she was a little girl. This is a typical Spanish frittata made with potatoes, onions, and eggs and served with a side salad and some smoked paprika aioli. Breakfast bowls and salads will be found on the menu in the near future. 

Lorca Coffee Bar @ Fleisher's Craft Butcher 160 E. Putnam Avenue, Cos Cob 

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MECHA Noodle Bar Takes Over EGGZ Food Truck For The Winter

Restaurant Food Truck Breakfast Asian Lunch Homepage

Stephanie Webster

Did you hear the one about the #tapas place and #noodle spots taking over the #breakfast #foodtruck?!?! 

The team from MECHA Noodle Bar as well as Mézon and Pho Vietnam has taken over the EGGZ food truck this Winter Fri-Sun 8AM-12PM on Holbrook Farm aka EGGZ TAKE OVER. They will continue to serve EGGZ Truck's “brekkie sandos”, as he calls it, and adding some Mecha-Mezon flavor into the daily inspiration side. They will run the truck until January or until they "can’t take the cold any longer."

When we asked MECHA owners Tony Pham and Richard Reyes, WHY, Pham says "Things came together where Matt was going into hibernation for the Winter and we saw how important the truck was to Holbrook. We also wanted to have some fun and work with the elements. It’s not everyday you can make a camp fire, see the sun rise, and hear chickens in the background." 

Go check out this amazing mashup of Asian inspired breakfast eats at Holbrook Farm in Bethel Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 8AM-12PM. 

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Something Natural: Iconic Nantucket Island Sandwich Shop and Bakery Now Open in Greenwich

Restaurant Greenwich Openings Lunch Bakery Breakfast Homepage

Stephanie Webster

Something Natural, the Nantucket sandwich and bakery shop that has been on-island for nearly 50 years, has always been a favorite destination for New Englanders who visit the island. It has in fact been one of the things I look forward to every summer. With the opening of Something Natural in Greenwich, devoted fans in Fairfield and Westchester Counties are now able to enjoy the shop’s delicious oversized sandwiches on pillow-y soft house-baked Portuguese bread, as well as a variety of other fresh breads year-round. 

The owners of the Nantucket shop had received numerous offers to take Something Natural off-island, and until entrepreneur Seth Hirschel came along, they turned every one of those offers down. For Seth, the key factor in bringing Something Natural off island is that for him, it’s not just a restaurant project, it’s a passion. We couldn't be more excited to have them in Greenwich. 

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SHU Szechuan Restaurant: A Hidden Chinese Gem In Fairfield

Restaurant Chinese Asian Fairfield Lunch Special Dietary Needs Noodles Homepage

Ramin Ganeshram

When I mentioned that I was visiting SHU restaurant in Fairfield, someone inevitably said, “I didn’t know Sacred Heart University opened a restaurant!”

A common misunderstanding but, in fact, SHU is local slang for Chengdu, the capital city in China’s Szechuan province. Think of it like calling Philadelphia “Philly” or San Francisco “Frisco”

SHU, on the Post Road in downtown Fairfield is the second outpost of the popular restaurant created by Chef Xinyu Huang, three years ago. Huang spent much of his career as a culinary arts professor in Chengdu before emigrating to the United States and working in restaurants in Chinatown and Connecticut.

“My goal was to create a restaurant that was dramatically different from American Chinese food,” said Huang, through a translator. “The cuisine of Szechuan is considered one of the great culinary styles of China, and I wanted to share authentic dishes with both American and Chinese American diners.”

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Kala Bistro Opens in North Haven From Olea Chef, Manuel Romero

Restaurant Hamden North Haven New Haven Openings Lunch Spanish Latin American Asian

Lou Gorfain

Though open for just two weeks, Kala Bistro has already attracted a small throng of regulars. The night we dined, the staff recognized more than half the patrons, greeting them warmly, like old friends.

Our server, Rose Ledee, pointed out a couple at a table on the patio. “This is the third time they’ve come in the past week!” she gushed, proudly. 

In contrast to the formal, fine dining of Olea, Manuel Romero’s acclaimed Spanish hot spot in downtown New Haven, his new restaurant is suburban, relaxed, and very much a part of a bustling neighborhood that borders North Haven and Hamden. Lower-keyed (and lower-priced), the bistro menu is far more global and just as scrumptious. 

Consider the Bao Pork Belly, the epitome of Chinese dim sum. The sweet, soft bun pillows a slice of savory, chewy pork belly, their contrasting textures framed by a crunchy cucumber disk, tart pickled carrots, briny hoisin, and mustard seeds. Despite the complexity of flavors, Chef Romero has created a sandwich that tastes surprisingly simple and subtle. 

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Mecha Noodle Bar Fairfield Expands Dining Room & Bar

Features Restaurant Fairfield Asian Noodles Kid Friendly Bar

Stephanie Webster

Have you spent some time waiting in line to get into Mecha Noodle Bar in Fairfield? Good news! Mecha has just gotten bigger and is celebrating with a party on September 2. Here's the scoop. 

One of the area’s most acclaimed Asian restaurants, Mecha Noodle Bar, has premiered its new expanded restaurant space in its Fairfield location. With an additional 705-square feet added to the existing space, the space boasts a second bar and additional seating for 20 guests. More patrons than ever before can now enjoy Mecha Noodle Bar’s widely popular dishes and innovative cocktails. The space now conjoins the evolving Mecha space with its high energy, 90’s-themed music, and of course, the “bowl and a stiff drink model.” From a design perspective, the signature 2x4 wood continues throughout the ceiling as well as some fun pop culture-themed artwork adorn the walls. The new bar allows for more guest interaction and the opportunity to debut our new spiked boba teas, cocktails and house made sodas.

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Le Fat Poodle – Chic Dining in Old Greenwich … With a Wink

Restaurant Greenwich French Mediterranean Lunch Homepage

Lou Gorfain

Unlike its Franco-centric siblings – the Le Penguins in Greenwich and Westport-- Le Fat Poodle is a Parisian Bistro in name only. Indeed, its faux French appellation comes with a big wink, setting the mood for the whimsy inside what was once a stately U.S. Post Office. 

The soaring ceilings, whirling fans, and leafy palms suggest sexy Saigon rather than teeming Paris. That’s Pink Martini on the playlist, not Piaf. And the menu?  Global far more than Gallic. 

East meets West via seductive Vietnamese egg rolls.  Or there’s Swiss fondue to spark a party without borders. Sample Spanish Ceviche or blistered Japanese Shushito Peppers. Bite into creamy Tuscan Ravioli, plump with wild mushrooms.

“This is a Global Bistro, not a French Bistro,” insists veteran restaurateur Anshu Vidyarthi. 

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Beloved Chinese Restaurant, Lao Sze Chuan of Milford, Opening in Fairfield!!

Restaurant Chinese Fairfield Lunch Take Out To-Go Asian

Stephanie Webster

Fairfield HamletHub reported yesterday that Jinn's Fresh Noodle House at 923 Post Road, Fairfield, CT had closed, but there is always a silver lining in the restaurant biz. This one is particularly shiny, as the most beloved Chinese restaurant in the area is coming soon in its place. Lao Sze Chuan, which already has a popular location in Milford is hands down, the place to go when craving authentic Sichuan cuisine with high quality ingredients. Lao Sze Chuan is owned by the Tony Gourmet Group, with restaurants all over the world...and now in Fairfield. 

What do we like to eat there? Read our review of Lao Sze Chuan here, and find out. Get excited Fairfield County. 

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Dough Girls Wood Fired Pizza Truck

Restaurant Food Truck Greenwich Stamford Pizza

Peter Dunay

I come from Italian blood, and I have eaten my fair share of pizza, pasta, and pastries throughout my life. I have had pizza in Pisa and Parmesan in Parma, and it was all lovely. However, may I say, watch out grandma’s worldwide, Dough Girls Pizza Truck is coming for you because these pizzas are epic. Their custom outfitted food truck is packing a blazing hot wood fire oven which they use to crank out personal sized pizzas on the spot. Dough Girls Pizza Truck is based out of Greenwich, CT and sometimes make appearances in Stamford during lunch hours.

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Top Ten Burgers In Southwest CT: 2017 Edition

Restaurant Best of CT Comfort Food Stamford Greenwich Westport Norwalk SONO Homepage Burgers

Lou Gorfain

2017 was a good year for burger lovers in Southwest CT. A closing (Fleisher's Craft Kitchen) and a fire (The National) have sadly removed two of 2016’s winning burgers from contention in our 2017 edition of Top Ten Burgers in Southwest CT.  Nonetheless, the local burger scene remains vibrant, inventive, and ever evolving. So we happily welcome three new, mouthwatering iterations to our 2017 Top Ten Burgers list. 

We sampled over 75 burgers to arrive at this list. Our rankings this year are focused exclusively on the sandwich and its ingredients alone, not the accompanying sides. 

Herewith, the Winners….

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Nit Noi Provisions: Sustainable Thai Style Soups & Provisions

Restaurant Asian Thai Noodles Soups

Jessica Ryan

It’s all about the broth, North Shutsharawan told me when I met him at Nit Noi Provision’s pop-up location at Bar Bucha in Westport last week. Inspired by the Thai street food scene and the healthy foods available for lunch, North had the idea to replicate his grandmother’s recipe with the hopes of selling it both in Connecticut and in Colorado. Nit Noi which literally means “a little bit” is based on a simple soup he ate as a child purchased from vendors at the market called Guay Tiew Kwa Gay. At the market each vendor had his own specialty dish, just one, North explained to me. 

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The Spread Opening 2nd Location In Greenwich CT

Restaurant Openings Greenwich Norwalk Homepage

Stephanie Webster

CTbites has some exciting breaking food news regarding the ever expanding Greenwich restaurant scene. The Spread in Sono has just told CTbites that they have signed the lease for the old Barcelona spot in Greenwich CT at 18 W Putnam Ave. They hope to be open in fall of 2017. 

The Spread has been awarded many accolades for Chef Carlos Baez' inventive American menu with strong global influences. The Greenwich food lineup will look and feel much like that of The Spread in South Norwalk, and will adhere to The Spread’s philosophy of offering high quality, locally sourced ingredients. Expect to see classics such as Seared Foie Gras, Hamachi Crudo, Braised Octopus, Veal & Ricotta Meatballs and Beef Tongue Bruschetta alongside seasonally inspired specials. 

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Thai Kit: Top Notch Thai Cuisine Found in Fairfield

Restaurant Thai Fairfield Lunch Home Delivery Take Out Asian Homepage

RealGuy

The passage of time is strange.  The distant past and the very recent can bend back on each other and almost touch, and what was once long ago can feel as real now as the blossoming of first love, as the comforting aroma of mom’s home cooking… Lately when I’m in the mood to go back up the river of time to that place in Southeast Asia that destiny would see us go just once, I visit Thai Kit on the Post Road in Fairfield.  It's a brand new Thai restaurant with a couple of advantages over some other places I have tried.  If you find yourself in the neighborhood, or if you live in the neighborhood, just past the McDonalds at the circle in Fairfield heading toward Black Rock on the left-hand side, Thai Kit is a delicious destination well worth exploring.

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Whoopie Thai Cuisine in Fairfield

Restaurant Thai Fairfield Lunch Asian Delicious Dives Take Out To-Go Homepage

Sarah Green

If you’re in the mood for simple, kid-friendly, tasty Thai, then hop in your tuk tuk and head over to WHOOPI for authentic, Thai cuisine on Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield. Owners Tom and Helen Chaimahavong opened their latest haunt (named for their son whose nickname is Whoopi) mid 2015 and are the former owners of THAISAB in New Haven. Natives of Bangkok, Tom and Helen have mastered the ins and outs of their native cuisine while keeping dishes simple and novice-friendly. WHOOPI is not fancy Thai,  and it’s not for the super adventurous; it is simply yummy Thai fare that is great for lunch with the kids, a laid back dinner with friends or a great take-out/delivery option.  The space is small but cozy and we enjoyed our meal! Here is how it went down…

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Yao’s Diner: Authentic Chinese Cuisine in Orange, CT

Restaurant Chinese Asian Orange Delicious Dives Noodles Homepage Kid Friendly

Ramin Ganeshram

It would be easy to drive by Yao’s Diner in Orange without a second glance. Housed at the end of a small shopping plaza, the restaurant which features authentic Chinese cuisine is unassuming on the outside and equally unpresumptuous within but from the time you step into the foyer you get a sense that this eatery is something different.

The first restaurant by Guangmin Yao and his wife Xuan Chen, Yao’s occupies the space that was Lisiano’s Italian restaurant for thirty years.  Silent partners Charles Eaton and his wife are proprietors of the popular Q’s in Norwalk. The pair are world travelers with a passion for authentic East Asian cuisines.

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Where To Find Great Ramen in CT Via CTNow

Restaurant Asian Japanese Noodles Vietnamese

CTbites Team

Photo: Suzie Hunter/Hartford Courant

This in from CTNow's reporter, Leeanne Griffin...

Where's the ramen? It's a common question among food lovers in Connecticut, where the authentic Japanese noodle soup can be scarce, compared to booming scenes in big cities New York and Los Angeles.

But ramen's availability has been growing here, as established restaurants have responded to demand, and new noodle bars have popped up around the state in cities and suburbs alike.

Here's a guide to some of Connecticut's top ramen (not to be confused with the packaged brand).

Tiger Belly Noodle Bar

Granby's Tiger Belly opened in August, and a few early visitors balked at the price tag for its pork and vegetable ramens, confusing the dishes with the inexpensive packaged instant noodles, said owner Ki'yen Yeung. 

Read the complete listing of CT Ramen joints here. 

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Pho 99: Magic Number for Pho in East Hartford and Wethersfield

Restaurant Asian East Hartford Hartford Noodles Vietnamese Wehtersfield Lunch Kid Friendly

Hope Simmons

My magic number for pho is 99. There are those who say 501 is better. I say, are you sure? Because, though I used to eat there back in the day, now my money's on Pho 99 all the way. Friendly service, clean, and more varieties of spring rolls than anywhere else I know. For me, it’s the pho gold standard. Not to mention, Chef Peter Nguyen is a sweetheart of a guy who takes pride in what they serve in his restaurants. The smiling man with the infectious laugh is the heart, soul, chef and secret recipe holder within the Pho 99 kitchen.

“The soup is a BIIIIIIIIIIIG secret! No one, family even--Mary’s (his business partner’s) husband don’t know! My wife don’t know! My cousins—don’t know! There’s a lot of businesses like us who come ask, what the heck are you doing? Unbelievable! What you put in there? I say, I do the same as you do!” Peter smiles, knowing full well what he does separates him from the pack and is absolutely not the same.

 

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