Sneak Peek: Two Roads Brewing Opening $15 million "Area Two" Expansion, March 11th Restaurant Features Brewery Beer CT Beer Opening James Gribbon February 26, 2019 I love taking people to the tasting room at Two Roads for the first time and showing them all the history you can touch in the place. Feel how the wooden floor is worn down here? This is where decades of workers had to walk to get between the machines of the factory. Look and you can see some of the machines they built and used, just off from the giant mash tuns which rise up through the floor behind the glass. The wooden floor they cut out for the tuns got chopped into pucks and laid down as the bar surface we're leaning on now. Cool, right? The building next door, Two Roads' 25,000 square foot, $15 million dollar expansion, Area Two, is brand new - but it already has plenty of stories to tell.Area Two will open to the public on Monday, March 11. The new facility is a short walk across the hop yard from the mothership brewery, on the same side of the street. The focus of Area Two is the production of wild, sour, and spontaneously fermented beers. Read More
Foundry Kitchen and Tavern: Chef Neugold's Sandy Hook Gem Restaurant Sandy Hook Comfort Food American Lunch Bar Cocktails Homepage Kristin L. Wolfe February 24, 2019 The historic corner waterfront property in the quaint village of Sandy Hook along the Pootatuck River has seen numerous habitants, but we think the current reign causing a stir at the Foundry Kitchen and Tavern are here to stay. Chef Clark Neugold and his magical crew are bringing lots o’ tasty vibes to hungry diners and we are eternally grateful.An old foundry is quite likely the best place to spy upon all things shiny and the crew at the Foundry thought so too. The decor is what I like to call “dressed up rustic” with sturdy wood tables and chairs, exposed brick, and plenty of historic metal pieces from the original building circa 1857. Not to mention the metal plated ceiling that glistens when hit by candlelight. I daresay, this is what defined my first (and second, and third) “moment” at the Foundry.Some people are afraid of change. Not Chef Neugold. Much of his career has been about creating, inventing, and trying new places and flavors. From Connecticut to Hawaii to Charleston, then back again, his very raison d’etre is to experiment, try new things, but commit to quality and great presentation. And, he hopes to do so in a welcoming environment with diners eager to know what’s new instead of expecting the same ol’ menu week after week. With that in mind, eaters at the Foundry will pick up exciting Pacific Asian notes he learned from his time working with chef of television fame Lee Anne Wong (Top Chef, Iron Chef, and Unique Eats) at her restaurant Koko Head Cafe in Hawaii; or, close their eyes in pleasure when tasting Southern fare inspired by Neugold’s time with world renown BBQ Master Rodney Scott. Read More
Nibble: Delicious CT Food Events For Week of February 24-March 3 Features Events News Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 22, 2019 Washington Prime in SoNo presents its annual Game Dinner on February 26. The Price is $85 per person and includes a 5-course meal and open bar! Dishes include Bison Ribeye Tartare, Wild Boar Meatballs, and more. Max Amore in Glastonbury invites you to a Michele Chiarlo Wine Dinner on Tuesday February 26. The beautiful Italian wines will be features next to an amuse and 4 courses. Tickets are $90 plus tax and tip. Join Hardcore Sweet Cupcakes in Oakville for a Protein Bar Class on Sunday March 3 at 4pm. Chef Reed will be showing you these easy recipes to do and learn at home! All supplies are included. Tickets are $35 per person. Sport Hill Farm’s Cash Crop CSA is here! Set up a Crop Cash account and pre-pay for the amount you budget. They set up a farm credit account in your name, deduct your purchases and send you a receipt with your remaining balance. Good for any purchases in the Market during our growing season between Memorial Day and late December. Read More
Westport Farmers' Mkt Launches 2019 Fork it Over Series with Brunch at The Whelk Features Events Lori Cochran February 21, 2019 Fans of Westport restaurateur Bill Taibe and Anthony Kostelis won’t want to miss the Westport Farmers’ Market annual Fork it Over on March 10, 2019 at The Whelk. Only 60 tickets are available for the this intimate Kiddish BRUNCH event where community members gather for great food and conversation in support of the Westport Farmers’ Market. Special Chef Guest includes Arik Bensimon (most recently at Le Farm), so we are pretty excited to get this chef team back together. This year’s theme honors WFM’s celebration of culture and the recipes that inspire our communities. “Chefs Taibe and Anthony Kostelis promise to take their culinary talents over the top for this special brunch experience and we can’t wait!” said Lori Cochran-Dougall. Read More
Brunching—Minus the Burger—at Harlan Publick in South Norwalk Restaurant Burgers Brunch Breakfast Stamford Andrew Dominick February 20, 2019 The burger at Harlan Publick is always the right move. You know, the one on the Wave Hill Breads English muffin, with the sweet, salty bacon jam, and the cheddar ale sauce that drips down the plump brisket blend patty. No one would blame you if you ordered it every damn time. It’s that good and should be mentioned amongst Connecticut’s best burgers. Spoiler: Harlan Publick is more than just a burger. I knew this, but it was still tough to look past. Even when I went for dinner and ordered something else, I still thought about the Harlan Burger. I felt guilty. It felt like cheating. And it’s not that the food wasn’t good, it was! Fact is, I’ve never had a bad experience at any of the Harlan restaurants. I’ll continue to blame the burger for clouding up all my Harlan experiences, including Sundays, because that’s a thing, a thing I overlooked every time I had brunch in South Norwalk. When Harlan Publick reached out to CTbites with a brunch invite, I jumped all over it. SoNo’s my ‘hood and I needed to know if I could get over their burger or at least forget about it for one freaking visit. Read More
Best Wings in Stamford? The People Have Spoken (via Hey Stamford!) Restaurant Best of CT Hey Stamford! February 19, 2019 A few weeks ago, Hey Stamford! took to the streets, (and social media) to find out the source for the Best Wings in Stamford. If you’re a wing lover, you’ll want to read this…Spicy, dry rubbed, Jerk, or Grilled … any way, we love wings! Drenched in sauce or dry-rubbed with spices, chicken wings are the ultimate finger food that begs to be eaten in extremely large amounts — preferably with your favorite beer in hand. Now when you’re talking about wings, the question always begins, “Who has the best wings in Stamford”? It’s actually a question we get asked a lot and though we have our favorites … this time we went to the people. Read More
The Meatball Shop of NYC & DC is Opening in Westport! Restaurant Italian Westport Homepage Opening Stephanie Webster February 16, 2019 Westport’s “cool” factor just went up X10. We found out that The Meatball Shop, of NYC and DC fame, is opening in Westport! Cue the celebratory music. Founded by childhood best friends, Daniel Holzman and Michael Chernow, The Meatball Shop opened their first location on The Lower Side in 2010. Since then they have expanded to six locations in NYC and opened their first location outside of this city this past fall in Washington DC. According to their job posting on Craigslist, they are bringing their Balls to Westport, CT this Spring! A reliable source tells us The Meatball Shop will be opening in the old PORT location next to Bartaco. Their signature balls, go way beyond beef, and are highly customizable. If you haven’t sat down at one of their spots in NYC, the “Balls” menu allows guests to “Choose Your Ball” and then “Pick Your Sauce,” either naked or as a bowl. We’re not talking about beef vs chicken here. Options include: Gluten Free Chicken, Classic, Spicy Heritage Pork, Veggie, Salmon…and even a Maine Lobster. Featured toppings include: Tomato, Parmesan Cream, Spicy Meat, Pesto, Yogurt Dill (to pair with the salmon) and even a Lemon Butter for the lobster. This is ball heaven. Read More
NEW CTbites Hot Dish Podcast Episode: The CTbites Family Edition #1 Interview Features Podcast Stephanie Webster February 14, 2019 CTbites Hot Dish Podcast is back with Episode 2: CTbites Family Edition #1. Break bread (no...literally) with the CTbites team Chez Webster. Join Stephanie Webster, Andrew Dominick, Kristin L. Wolfe and our host, Marysol Castro, for a lively conversation about CT restaurant openings, favorite meals, the issue of "reviewer vs. critic”…all while we polish off a bottle of bourbon. How do you listen to CTbites Hot Dish? CTbites Hot Dish is a bi-weekly podcast. To listen, use PODCAST App (or any podcast player).Search for CTbites Hot Dish or click here.SUBSCRIBE to CTbites Hot DishYou can also listen via CTbites.com hereEnjoy at your leisure. Read More
Nibble: Tasty & Boozy Food Events for February 17-24th Features Events News Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 14, 2019 In honor of National Margarita Day on February 22nd, join Harlan Publick, Evarito's, Cantiki, El Segundo, Tablao Wine Bar & Restaurant and Saltwater Sono for a Margarita Crawl! Enjoy $5 House Margaritas all day long at each location! ($8 Premium Margaritas will also be available.Learn how to cook Indian food with Chef Prasad on Saturday February 23, 2019 @ 1 PM. Dishes include Hyderabadi, Biryani & many others. Limited Seating…Email reservation only to chef@chefprasad.com. Barcelona Wine Bar in Stamford hosts an “I Dream of Summer Suckling Pig Dinner Party” on Thursday 2/21 from 7-10pm. Chef Michael Lucente ic cooking up a suckling pig roast, tapas, and serving them with sangria & cocktails to match. Tickets are $40. Artisan West Hartford is unveiling two new “O’Keeffe Cocktails and Cuisine,” in support of The New Britain Museum of Art and Architecture’s new Georgia O’Keeffe installation (running February 22-June, 2019). Sample the gorgeous “Cocktail Art” at Artisan on Thursday, February 21st from 4:30pm-6:00pm at an “O’Keeffe Cocktail Party”. Read More
Ignazio's Pizza (From Brooklyn) Opening in Old Bertucci's Spot in Westport Restaurant Italian Pizza Lunch Westport Opening Stephanie Webster February 13, 2019 There’s a new pizza joint opening in Westport. “Ignazio’s Pizza will be moving into the former Bertucci’s on the Post Road in Westport. This will be the 2nd location for this thin-crust pizza establishment. The original location is in DUMBO right underneath the Brooklyn Bridge, adjacent to the famous Grimaldi’s and Juliana’s. The Westport spot may be slightly less scenic than that of DUMBO, but will continue the Ignazio’s tradition of thin crust pies, or “signature round pies.'“ They will also be serving up a slightly thicker crust square pizza, the “Siciliana.” In addition to the pizza menu (which is extensive), they have a full Italian menu featuring dishes including: Estelle`s Meatballs, Baked Anchovies, a Chicory Salad, pasta favorites like Manicotti as well as Calzone. Westport loves their Italian joints, so bring it on Ignazio’s. Read More
Guide to Gluten Free Dining in Connecticut Via Gluten Free New England Features Restaurant Gluten-Free Special Dietary Needs Specialty Market Best of CT Homepage Gluten-Free New England February 10, 2019 This comprehensive guide to gluten-free dining in Connecticut is brought to you by Abby Kelly, founder of Gluten-Free New England. Connecticut has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to gluten-free dining. And, as the number of people avoiding gluten rises at record pace, the number of restaurants working to accommodate them is absolutely skyrocketing. Although this makes going out to eat really fun, it also makes the job of compiling a list of favorites really difficult. And so, we present to you some of our favorite restaurants offering excellent gluten-free options. If we missed one of your favorites, please add your spot to the comments section below. Read More
Chef Matt Lambert Opens Hamilton Park in New Haven Restaurant New Haven Opening Amy Kundrat February 08, 2019 New Haven can now claim a Michelin-starred chef among its culinary denizens. New Zealand native and Chef Matt Lambert, along with Barbara Lambert and Jennifer Vitagliano, are the team behind Hamilton Park, the city’s newest restaurant. A self-described “neo bistro” with a seafood emphasis, the menu also features house-made pastas, house-cured charcuterie, and a memorable cocktail program by Eben Freeman (formerly of wd~50). Read More
Maple-Parsnip Coffee Cake w/ Nutty Oat & Maple Glaze Topping Recipe Recipe Dessert CTbites Team February 07, 2019 Ok, Chef Phoebe Cole-Smith of Dirt Farm Road restaurant, you had me at “maple glaze and nutty oat topping.” This recipe is c/o The Westport Farmers’ Market and features all of the goodness of the winter harvest. Sure, we don’t have tomatoes & berries, but we’ve got gorgeous parsnips and maple syrup straight from the tree. In fact, I’m going to go out on a limb here and call this recipe “healthy,” with a hint of dessert. Read More
D2 Interieurs Valentine's Day Gift Guide For the Stylish Foodie Features Entertaining Gift Guide Shopping Design Style CTbites Team February 06, 2019 Denise Davies of D2 Interieurs dishes on great gifts for your Valentine. Let your gifts speak from the heart AND the taste buds. The list has something for everyone, from the chef to the foodie this curated go-to is sure to please even the pickiest Valentine. Read More
Chef’s Table Returns To Westport in Old Christie's Location, (Via Dan Woog) Restaurant Breakfast Lunch Sandwich To-Go Comfort Food Opening CTbites Team February 05, 2019 When Christie’s Country Store closed in December, a shiver went through the Cross Highway neighborhood.The breakfast/sandwich/grill/grocery place had been around since 1926. It served nearby residents, Staples and Bedford students, and plenty of landscapers and workers nearby or passing through. But it was a non-conforming use, in a residential area. Now it was shut. These things don’t usually end well. Fortunately, this one does.Chef’s Table is moving in. Rich Herzfeld will pick up right where John Hooper left off. Read More
Valentine's Day CT Gift Guide: Cocktails Kits, Chocolates, Classes, Boozy Treats & More! Features Gift Guide Holiday Homepage April Guilbault February 03, 2019 Pitter pat, pitter pat. Oh, be still my heart! Although, some might argue that the sound they hear around this time of the year is the sound of pure dread. Embrace this holiday of love and get your cupid on! Back to that pitter pat you are hearing. What to do to surprise your Valentine? There is so much out there beyond the usual bunch of overpriced red roses and glittery greeting card-not that we have anything against glitter, mind you. Behold! We have found cocktail kits, chocolate-making classes, specialty brews and wines. Oh, what fun this day of love shall be! Best part is that so many of these great (lovely?) ideas can be done throughout the year…so that you declare your love again and again and again…. Read More
80+ CT Restaurants & Events for Valentine's Day Features Holiday Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 03, 2019 Love is in the air! Are you feeling romantic? These Connecticut restaurants, bars, and venues are serving up prix fixe menus, special dishes, and other festivities. Get your special someone and partake in these dining delights that would make cupid proud.Homestead Inn, Greenwich: The Homestead Inn will serve a prix fixe Valentine’s Dinner for $90 per person, plus tax and gratuity.On20, Hartford: At On20 in Hartford, feast on a 6-Course Tasting for $160 per person, which includes beverage pairings. Dishes include caviar, foie gras torchon, lobster, beef tenderloin, and more. The Cottage, Westport: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a loved one at The Cottage on February 14, where they’ll be presenting a special four-course, prix-fixe dinner prepared by Chef Brian Lewis and his team, with extended hours from 5:30pm – 10:30p.Harlan Publick, Norwalk: At Norwalk’s Harlan Publick, dine on a 3 course prix fixe menu for $49 per person, plus tax and gratuity. As a romantic bonus, sip on a complimentary glass of prosecco upon arrival. Read More
Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For February 4-10 Features News Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 03, 2019 Wakeman Town Farm welcomes Chef Carlos Baez of El Segundo and The Spread on Thursday February 7. Join them for an intimate dining experience in Tim's Kitchen, featuring a four-course winter menu. $100 pp. Limited seating. First-come, first served. BYOB. Bobby Q’s & Co. has partnered with Letizia’s Pizza to create a Pulled Pork Pizza that will be sold throughout February at Letizia’s. All Proceeds raised from the purchase of this pie will be donated to “Filling in the Blanks,” an organization that provides meals to kids in need on weekends. Go forth and eat pulled pork pizza!!On Monday February 4, The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum in Hartford hosts “Food & Film: Crazy Rich Asians.” The evening begins with a screening of the hit moves at 4pm and continues with dinner catered by Mill Restaurant Group. Tickets start at $60. Chef Prasad of India Kitchen invites you to a cooking class on February 9 at 2pm. Start by discussing the regions of India and the menu for the day. Then, cook for about 2 hours before having an early dinner and open Q & A with Chef Prasad. $95 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Email chef@chefprasad.com to reserve.The Seaport Association hosts “Taste of the Seaport Restaurant Tour Card.” Enjoy deals at participating restaurants as well as buy-one-get-one entrees for just $50 per card. Proceeds benefit the Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Read More
Taste of Fairfield- WinterFest: Photo Recap Features Events Jessica Ryan February 01, 2019 Another amazing Taste of Fairfield - WinterFest took place this past weekend at Fairfield's tony Brooklawn Country Club. A sold out event, over 500 people sampled, sipped and grazed the afternoon away, enjoying all the wonderful food and beverage provided by local restaurants, specialty markets, winemakers, craft brewers and others served. Guests enjoyed signature dishes, bite sized nibbles, and decadent desserts in addition to curated cocktails and specialty beverages. WinterFest also served up plenty of entertainment, from comedy to bowling in the club's spectacular 6 lane bowling alley. Plans are already being set in motion for next year's event... So stay tuned! Read More
CTbites Hot Dish Podcast Launches TODAY w/ Chef Tyler Anderson Features Podcast Celebrity Chef Homepage Opening Stephanie Webster January 30, 2019 It’s official. CTbites is launching our first original podcast, “CTbites Hot Dish.” Obviously, we all love to get the inside scoop on all things culinary. CTbites Hot Dish takes you behind the scenes with CT chefs, farmers, bartenders and local food activists. Our host, Marysol Castro, broadcast journalist, NY Mets PA announcer and all around ball buster, will serve up a saucy look into the CT food scene. She will be joined by a rotating cast of CTbites crew including myself in our CTbites Family episodes, where we will shoot the sh#t on the latest CT food news. This is gonna be fun people. (And yeah…it’s explicit.) This week, we sit down with Chef Tyler Anderson, Top Chef, Punk rock singer, baseball player, and owner of Millwright’s, Porron & Piña, and The Cook & The Bear (+ a new spot coming soon…you’ll need to listen to find out more). LISTEN HERE. Many thanks to our launch sponsor, Norwalk Now, where Norwalk businesses come together to bring you their city in real time. Read More
