It's A Woman's World: Lori Cochran, Executive Director, Westport Farmers' Market

Features Interview Farmers Market

CTbites Team June 07, 2018

Fairfield County is full of trailblazing women, particularly in the culinary world. Which is why, with 2018 being proclaimed the Year of the Woman, we felt compelled to honor the pioneers among us.

Our new series, “It’s A Woman’s World’ is devoted to Fairfield County female influencers who’ve forged their own paths, often in food-related fields long dominated by men.

Whether farming the land, bringing healthy food to the masses, feeding an entrepreneurial spirit or injecting feminism with food, these groundbreaking ladies have set a new definition of women’s work, creating new paths and setting examples for those who follow.

How'd they do it? Read on. This week, our focus turns to Lori Cochran, Director of the Westport Farmers' Market. Have a suggestion on someone you’d like to see featured? Email steph@ctbites.com.

Bethel’s Broken Symmetry Offers San Diego-Inspired Burritos in Brewery Setting

Restaurant Brewery Mexican Bethel Beer CT Beer Opening

Connecticut Magazine June 06, 2018

We are happy to share this exciting burrito news from Connecticut Magazine.

The opening-night crowd filed into the postcard-worthy red building that was once a railroad station but had just officially become Broken Symmetry Gastro Brewery. Eight-hundred pints of beer were poured as people thronged around tables, overflowing into the aisles and then outside onto a patio area.

Many, like me, were intrigued that a new brewery had opened in the Greater Danbury area. But that wasn’t the only reason we left work early and endured long lines and unintentional, mosh pit-like jostling.

We were there for the burritos.

Match Burger Lobster & Amis Trattoria Host Courtyard Cookout to Benefit Westport Farmers' Mkt

Features Events

Stephanie Webster June 05, 2018

On June 12th, 6-9pm, two Westport chef teams are coming together on one grill to kick off the summer with an unforgettable night of fresh seafood and other local fare. It's all going on in the courtyard of Amis trattoria. This collaborative cookout benefits the Westport Farmers Market and features a mashup menu created by Amis Trattoria in Westport + Chef Matt Storch of Match Burger Lobster! Check out the menu below. and get your tickets here ($75 ticket includes 6 courses, wine and beer).

80+ Food Trucks in New Haven, Hartford, & Beyond: 2018

Restaurant Food Truck Catering Entertaining New Haven Hartford Glastonbury Meriden To-Go Best of CT homepage Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson June 03, 2018

Recently, we told you about over 50 food trucks traveling the streets of Fairfield County. Mobile eats are taking over the state though, with trucks and carts serving New Haven, Hartford, and beyond! Here are over 80 trucks serving everything from Mexican to Vietnamese to BBQ!

Skyscraper Sandwiches, Glastonbury: Skyscraper Sandwich Truck serves massive sandwiches stacked high like skyscrapers! It's no wonder they earned top honors from the CTNOW Best of Hartford Readers Poll in 2018.
Mamoun’s Falafel Cart, New Haven:Mamoun's Falafel got its start in Greenwich Village in New York City. Now, its cart serves Middletown and the surrounding areas. Find their latest stops on their facebook page.
Mercado, Glastonbury: A Span-ish inspired truck featuring local ingredients and full service catering, Mercado is owned by Roy and Heather, a husband a wife team, who set out to make their hobby a reality.
Ricky D’s Rib Shack, New Haven: Ribs! Pulled pork! Brisket! Ricky D's will bring their smoker and BBQ on the road and roll up to your next event.
Tacos Los Michoacanos, New Haven: Tacos Los Michoacanos is a fleet of Food Trucks that are based out of New Haven offering Mexican fare.
Thai Taste, New Haven: Thai Taste Food Truck opened in January 2018! Find them on York Street in New Haven.
Pork Friends and Company, Meriden: Pork Friends and Company is Latin fusion at its tastiest! Their background is Spanish, but they draw influence from around the globe.
Cado’s Egg Truck, Trumbull: Cados egg truck serves up a unique spin on breakfast in Trumbull.

Prime Stamford: Beautiful (& Delicious) Waterfront Dining + New Cabana Bar (sponsored post)

Restaurant Seafood Stamford Outdoor Dining Waterfront Sushi Dessert Cocktails

Jessica Ryan June 03, 2018

Last summer Prime opened its doors in Stamford’s Harbor Point area. The stunning restaurant boasts exquisite views of the Long Island Sound and the Rippowam River. Removable tempered glass walls offer guests unparalleled views, thus making it a perfect dining destination no matter the season and an absolute must during the summertime. Inside the restaurant, the space’s elegant yet relaxed interior offers a New England-inspired decor reminiscent of Cape Cod and the Massachusetts islands.

Dining al fresco at Prime is an experience to remember. Their newly redesigned Cabana Bar is destined to be the “it” place to be this summer. In addition to the many events that will be held there this summer, the Cabana can be reserved for private functions, accommodating parties up to 50. The space itself has been updated with a custom bar from the Vermont islands of white solid core and backlit translucent white face panels integrate the bar with the rest of the décor - soft grays and blues.

Food & Drink : Episode 3 - Chef Prasad Chirnomula

Features Podcast Celebrity Chef Chef Talk Interview

Ken Tuccio June 01, 2018

Chef Prasad Chirnomula has made a name for himself across the state, and the country, for being one of the foremost experts on Indian cuisine. His new venture, Chef Prasad Indian Kitchen, opens up in New Caanan in June and he sits down with Ken Tuccio to talk about his goals and inspiration for the new spot, the importance of a Chef being present in the kitchen and how he approaches work now as opposed to when he was younger. Listen to podcast here.

Vote for your Favorite Steamed Burger in Connecticut!

Features Best of CT Burgers Comfort Food

Stephanie Webster June 01, 2018

CTbites had the pleasure of advising the editors of USA Today's "10 Best," in the category of CT's iconic steamed cheeseburgers. Vote for your favorite here.

While hamburger origin stories are numerous, one of the most enduring (and recognized by the Library of Congress) is that it was first cooked up by Louis’ Lunch in New Haven, Connecticut. No matter where it was invented, it didn’t take long for burgers to start featuring cheese–a trend that became popular during the 1920s and 30s. Connecticut’s modern-day burger joints range from seasonal stands to gourmet affairs serving up just about every type of cheeseburger you can imagine. One notable offering you’re not likely to find outside the state is the steamed cheeseburger (or steamer), served almost exclusively in Central Connecticut. So who makes the best cheeseburger in the state? Vote for your favorite once per day until voting ends on Tuesday, June 26 at noon ET. Read the official Readers' Choice rules here.

Chef Geoff Lazlo Cooks a "CT Farm Feast" Dinner at The James Beard House June 14

Features Farm to Table Farm Dinner Celebrity Chef

Stephanie Webster May 31, 2018

On Thursday, June 14th, Chef Geoff Lazlo of Geoff Lazlo Food, in Greenwich, CT will be cooking at the prestigious James Beard House in NYC. The evening's menu will feature Connecticut farms, and is aptly titled "Connecticut Farm Feast." Check out the menu below. and reserve your seat here.

Connecticut Magazine’s Best Chef of 2018 Geoff Lazlo earned his fine dining chops with stints at Gramercy Tavern, Chez Panisse, Blue Hill at Stone Barns, and the Mill Street Restaurant Group before venturing out to create his own company. Sample the cream of Connecticut’s farm-to-table crop with a sumptuous, organic spring harvest, fresh picked from his lovingly tended plots at Greenwich Community Gardens.

Nibble: CT Food Events for June 3rd-10th

Features Events News Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 31, 2018

The Glass House’s Summer Party takes place on June 9, 2018 in New Canaan! Join them from 12-4pm for a picnic, music, and art! South End is catering with picnic basket lunches for all guests

Enjoy a river cruise complete with cigars and whiskey on Wednesday June 6 or Thursday June 7. The Essex Steam Train will take a group (21+!) on the Becky Thatcher riverboat for an evening of spirits, cigars, and delicious cuisine.

The Southern New England TacoFest will take place at the Terryville Fairgrounds in Plymouth, CT on Saturday June 9. There will be over 40 food trucks and vendors, tacos, drinks, bands, a DJ, wrestling, kids activities, and more.

The Hops Company has restarted its Raw Bar every Friday from 4-7pm through Labor Day. It will include oysters, clams, shrimp, and mini lobster rolls provided by Clambakes of CT.

Downtown Stamford's Newest Dining Destination, Bedford Hall, is now open for dinner Monday-Sunday.

The Wilton Farmers’ Market’s Opening day is Wednesday, June 6. Find them from 12-5pm at the Wilton Historical Society.

Meet Mark Bittman at the Bedford Playhouse, June 14

Events Food Movies

Amy Kundrat May 30, 2018

The newly reopened Bedford Playhouse will host an event featuring exclusive footage and select scenes of "Right to Harm" followed by a Q&A and reception with Mark Bittman, legendary New York Times food author and activist, on June 14.

50+ Food Trucks in Fairfield County: 2018 Edition

Restaurant Food Truck Best of CT Comfort Food Entertaining Catering Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 29, 2018

They say life is a highway… and it’s a good thing too because more food trucks are hitting the streets than ever before! Connecticut is home to a bevy of mobile eats serving everything from crepes to tacos to meatballs to grilled cheese. Here are over 50 food trucks based in the Fairfield County area. Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we cover even more in New Haven, Hartford, and Beyond!

Is your favorite Fairfield County food truck not on our list? Let us know.

Milkraft Milktruck, Fairfield: Milkcraft has a Milktruck! They are available for private events and have had as many as 500 customers waiting in line when the truck hits the road.
MamaKitchen, Stamford: MamaKitchen just opened in Stamford on Richmond hill in front of Jackie Robinson Field. It serves up authentic Dominican fare and is the first Chimi truck in the area.
Seaside Sliders, Norwalk: Seaside Sliders by Mr. Frosty's is exactly what the name implies- hand-crafted sliders!
Daniels Food Truck, Stamford: Daniel's Food Truck in Stamford is Guatemalan American fare on-the-go. They have everything from breakfast to burgers to "shukos" to tacos.
Jefes Tacos n Grill, Stamford: Jefe's Tacos n Grill makes authentic Mexican food with fresh ingredients and seasoned spicy marinated meats cooked on a flat top grill. They also salads and burgers.

Bull Pan BBQ Brings Authentic Korean Fare to Stamford

Restaurant Korean Asian Stamford Lunch Homepage

Lou Gorfain May 27, 2018

With his sleek and spacious Bull Pan emporium now open on lower Summer Street in Stamford, Paul Ma plans to introduce the region to a fun, mouth-watering secret: Korean BBQ.

Of all Asian cuisines, Korean may be the most flavor forward, zestier than Japanese and considerably more authentic than the Chinese-American imposters that clutter our culinary landscape. Although its savory flavors appeal to a Western palate, this iteration of Asian food is the least known in America. Outside of the K-Towns in New York and California, Korean restaurants have not been easy to find in the hinterlands.

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of May 27 - June 3

Features Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 25, 2018

Through the end of May, b Restaurants are celebrating National Burger Month with “Burger & a Bud” all day, every Monday. $10 will get you a Big Mini with Fries and a 12oz Budweiser bottle. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the veterans’ charity, Folds of Honor.

On Thursday May 31, Basso Café in Norwalk presents a wine dinner. The theme of the meal is “a celebration of Piemonte, La Toscana and Venetto's fare and wines.” Guest speaker Larry Smith, Wine importer and Wine & Spirit Trust graduate, will be on hand to answer any questions. Chef Renato Donzelli will make delicious fare to complement the vino.

George Home in Washington Depot, CT will host the authors of CAKE, Maira Kalman and Barbara Scott-Goodman, on Saturday June 2 from 2-5pm. There will be bubbly, cakes and a book signing.

Artisan Restaurant now has Social Hour! From 4-7pm, 7 days a week, enjoy cocktails for $6, Rose for $5, Beer for $4, and rotating food specials. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the patio when the summer gets nice!

Food & Drink Podcast : Episode 2 - Athletic Brewing Company

Features Podcast Brewery CT Beer

Ken Tuccio May 24, 2018

Athletic Brewing Company in Stratford are not just making waves in the Connecticut beer scene, but also the country. They are the first US based beverage company to focus solely on non-alcoholic craft beers. Building an entire brewery focused non-alcoholic beers has caused many to raise a lot of eyebrows and stirred a lot of curiosity and speculation among the beer community. Ken Tuccio sits down with the owner of Athletic Brewing, Bill Shufelt, and head brewer John Walker to talk about why they decided to launch an entire brewery dedicated to beer that won't get you drunk. Have a listen here.

Grill Like a Butcher: Simple Tips to Nail Your Summer BBQ (sponsored post)

Features Ingredients Grilling Recipe

Stephanie Webster May 24, 2018

CT Guide To Kids Cooking Classes & Summer Camps

Features Cooking Classes kids activity Kids Education Summer Camp kids cooking party Homepage

April Guilbault May 23, 2018

“MOM! MA! Mommmmmmm… “What?!” “I’m bored.” Oh boy.

Have you heard this lovely little conversation often during the summer months? Kids young and old let that horrifying phrase fall from their lips at an astounding rate. Are you just cringing thinking about how you will derail these declarations for 10 weeks? Well, now you can consider yourself informed and prepared to battle the cries of blahs and beat the little buggers at their own game! We’ve got some tasty ideas so that you can wave goodbye to boredom, and say hello to a creative and fun summer (not to mention, delicious). Maybe your kids will even treat you to a meal or two along the way. Maybe you’ll get the last laugh this summer…

Here are 14 Kids Cooking Classes & Summer Camps.

It's A Woman's World: Marcia Selden of Marcia Selden Catering & Event Planning

Features Best of CT Interview

CTbites Team May 23, 2018

Our new series, “It’s A Woman’s World’ is devoted to Fairfield County female influencers who’ve forged their own paths, often in food-related fields long dominated by men.

How'd they do it? Read on. This week, our focus turns to Marcia Selden, Owner of Marcia Selden Catering & Event Planning. Have a suggestion on someone you’d like to see featured? Email steph@ctbites.com.

Blind Rhino Announces New Location In Black Rock, Bridgeport

CTbites Team May 22, 2018

This just is from CT Post

After three years of running the Blind Rhino, owners Casey Dohme, Matt Bacco and Jamie Pantanella are looking to add their downtown Norwalk vibe to the Black Rock mix.

The new sports bar, of the same name, will open at 3425 Fairfield Ave. in Bridgeport.

Not long after opening the first location, the trio started searching for a second spot, setting their sights on making their way up the coast.

“It’s nice to get it in motion and start the process,” Dohme said, stating that development of the new space is underway as they plan to open in the former Black Rock Sports Cafe.

In a community filled with local bars and restaurants lining Fairfield Avenue like the Hub and Spoke, opening in Black Rock made sense, Bacco said, adding that a portion of their customer base comes from the area.

Chef Dan Kardos Rolls Out Liberty Rock Tavern Food Truck

Restaurant Stratford Food Truck Comfort Food Bar Celebrity Chef Kid Friendly Catering Homepage

Andrew Dominick May 20, 2018

I visited Liberty Rock Tavern in Milford shortly after they opened, and I distinctly remember Dan Kardos’ description of his menu, “I’m making food that people like to eat, food that I like to eat,” he said.

That “food” is best described as elevated pub grub, which could be surprising to those who followed Kardos’ stints at Napa & Co., Le Farm, and various Barcelona locations. His fine dining background ultimately results in better bar food. It’s the kind of food made for cheat day, where you’ll have to roll up your sleeves, and sit as pulled up to the bar or table as you can get. It’s successful stuff.

Nibble: CT Food Events For May 20- 27

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 19, 2018

Tarry Lodge in Westport now has “Aperitivo Hour.” Join them at our cocktail bar for small plates for $5 and select wines and cocktails for $10. It is available from 4-6pm, Monday-Friday

On Monday May 21, Cask Republic presents a Beer Dinner in conjunction with No Worries Brewery. There will be a welcome beer along with a four course meal an dbeer pairings. It starts at 6:30pm and costs $65 per person. Call Cask Republic Stamford at (203) 348-2275 to reserve.

Woodbury Restaurant Week runs from May 19 through May 25! 14 restaurants are offering prix fixe menus, discounts, and other specials in honor of the event.

Artisan Burger Company hosts a Two Roads Brewery Wine Dinner on Monday May 21. It costs $60 per person and runs from 6:30-9:30pm.