Ok, slow down, Chef Kevin, you’ve got a lot on your plate….I mean that literally and figuratively.
I had the pleasure of meeting Chef Kevin O’Neil of EP Experience Catering at the Flavors of Connecticut Gala at the Aqua Club in Southington last month for the American Liver Foundation. Chefs from all over the state come out for the foundation’s signature event and what an event it is. No one is paid, but everyone gives one hundred percent of their time, effort, and creativity for such a great cause. Chefs and their crew turn everything up a notch and create a special event for the guests that will be seated around their tables. It becomes a party within a party and each diner enters a world of the chef and crew’s creation. From a Ziggy Stardust theme table complete with smoke and music to a French Revolution scene decked out with a guillotine (!), many tapped the artist within and created a theatrical experience where in the food was the bonus. Others kept their space more classic with bursts of color from flowers and dishware or a built-on-the-premises rustic pergola. Either way, creative people came together for a tremendous show of that artistic flare and amazing food, for a great cause.
CLASP Homes of Westport hosts its 15th Annual Taste of Westport on Thursday, May 9 at The Westport Inn from 6-9:30pm. Taste specialties from more than 20 of this area’s finest restaurants, including Artisan Restaurant, The Spread, Harvest Wine Bar, Bobby Q’s Cue & Co., Amis Trattoria, Pearl at Longshore. There will be drinks, dessert, and entertainment as well. Tickets are $100 with the VIP Party, $75 for general admission, and $85 GA at the door. Visit www.tasteofwestport.com to purchase, or phone 203-226-7895, ext. 144.
Ordinary is celebrating its six-year anniversary with a series of new initiatives officially kicking off on Wednesday, May 8. Ordinary will be transformed into the “Greatest Show on Earth” with Circus themed décor, food specials, and drink specials.
On Thursday, May 9 at 7pm, Brick Walk Tavern in Fairfield hosts Belle Pente Vineyard and Winery. The five course meal costs $95 pp (all inclusive).
On Saturday, May 4, 2019, Carson + Spencer is hosting the SONO Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl! You'll have the chance to hop from bar to bar in South Norwalk in one fun-filled evening. Tickets start at $20.
Mezon in Danbury is throwing the biggest party of the year in honor of Cinco! Cocktail competition. Live DJ. Drink specials + delicious food featuring the @eatjustice food truck. Sunday May 5th. Doors open at 7.
Ordinary New Haven will be offering an $8 Margarita Special in honor of Cinco de Mayo on Friday May 3 and Saturday May 4 (the bar is closed on Sundays). The drink special includes Hacienda Blanco Tequila, Blood Orange Shrub, Citrus and Dehydrated Grapefruit Salt.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Bartaco Portchester! From 3:30-6pm, listen to live music by Rick Reyes & The Pasofino Social Club. From 6:30-9pm Tangled Vine will take the set. The night concludes with DJ Teofilis.
The Acoustic Café welcomes the Cosmic Jibaros for their Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Evarito's is celebrating Cinco de Mayo all weekend long! Visit them for happy hour on Friday and then enjoy $7 Margaritas and food specials on Saturday & Sunday. Their Saturday Night party will feature DJ Mercado and Sunday they’ll have Latin Band Quimbombó from NYC.
Walrus + Carpenter will hold a Crash Course in Agave on Thursday May 2 at 6pm. Come learn about the history of agave distillation followed by a performance at 8:30pm from Connecticut's own Symphonic Bodega! $35 per person includes two flights of tequila and mezcal, custom cocktails, and small plates. Secure your spot by calling 203-333-2733.
The 2019 Passport To Connecticut Farm Wineries will begin on Friday, May 3, 2019. Stay tuned for announcements regarding the participating wineries, prizes and more in the upcoming weeks.
Join ‘Chopped’ Champion and Co-Founder of The Secret Ingredient Girls, Chef Silvia Baldini at Stamford Nature Center & Museum’s gorgeous new event space, to boost your kitchen skills while building a repertoire of vibrant meals. Learn how to organize, prepare and present superbly-nuanced dishes using nutritionally-dense seasonal ingredients. This 6 weeks series starts April 29. Sign up here.
On Sunday April 28th, El Segundo will be hosting a Remission Celebration with proceeds to assist in the fight against breast cancer! Pink cocktails and drink specials
Flowers aren't the only things to start popping up this spring, as brewfest season follows the sun into outdoor spaces all over Connecticut. Below is a short list of several notable events from around the state, from the eastern shore, all the way down into lower Fairfield County. Take a look, and start planning early.
On Saturday, April 27th, the owners of Black Hog Brewing and Caseus bring 10 of the finest cheese makers in New England, plus 18 breweries, to their location at 115 Hurley Rd. in Oxford. Tickets include a glass and sample pours throughout the day, plus cheese samples and beer and cheese to-go.
Ocean Beach Park in New London is the setting for the 2019 Brewfest At The Beach, featuring over 150 beers on tap, live music, "brew friendly food," and a wine tasting all included with the price of admission. The brews and views are available to you after work from 6-9pm on Friday, May 10th, and proceeds benefit Camp Rotary.
Spiga Restaurant Group is hosting its own “Spiga Restaurant Group Week” from April 22-25. They are celebrating spring with a 4-day restaurant week event featuring 3-course lunch and dinner prix fixe menus. The Spiga family includes Molto in Fairfield, Spiga in New Canaan & Lugano’s in Greenwich. Lunch $20.19, Dinner $30.19.
On Tuesday April 23, Union Kitchen presents a 4 course dinner featuring WhistlePig Rye Whiskey. Tickets are $80.00 per person plus tax and gratuity and may be purchased online at UnionKitchen-ct.com/Events.
Pearl at Longshore Restaurant and Bar is excited to announce Gatsby’s Return 2019. This year’s event will be on Saturday, April 27 at 7pm. It will be a special evening of music, fashion, dancing, food and drink that captures the essence of the roaring 20’s for the Westport and Fairfield County citizens to share and enjoy. Westport Historical Society and Harbor Watch will be the event’s fundraising beneficiaries.
On Thursday April 25, Thimble Island Brewing and Calabro Cheese are teaming up to give you a night filled with delicious beer paired with artisan cheese selections, all locally made in Connecticut. Five varieties of beer and cheese will be sampled along with pairing tips from our experts.
Laura Downey and Chris Palumbo, co-owners of the popular Fairfield and Greenwich Cheese Company shops, reflect upon their 10-year journey in the cheese biz, their accomplishments, and how far consumers have come in their appreciation for delectable fromage. They will also be celebrating with some great cheese-centric classes in early May. Check ‘em out here.
Join Chopped Champion and Co-Founder of The Secret Ingredient Girls, Silvia Baldini, on April 10 at The Perfect Provenance to invigorate your meals in this 3 part course. Boost your kitchen skills and gain an instant repertoire of wholesome, fresh and delicious back to basics meals that are perfect for family and weekend.
At Copps Island Oysters, learn how to shuck an oyster from the masters themselves! You'll learn about shucking safety, different knives to use, oyster anatomy, shucking techniques, pea crabs, and some delicious easy recipes. Join them on Saturdays from 2-4pm.
Stew Leonard’s in Danbury hosts its 16th Annual Egg-Stravaganza on April 11. Children will be given a map of Stew Leonard’s and a bag to collect eggs. Stew Leonard’s famous costumed characters – including Clover the Cow, Cynthia Chick, and Daphne Duck – will be available to take pictures with children at the end of the Egg Hunt. Two lucky children will win the Egg Hunt’s grand prizes: a $50 gift card to the LEGO Store or a $50 gift card to Pottery Factory.
Starting on April 3, family owned and operated Stew Leonard’s marks its 50th anniversary with a calendar of events designed to celebrate with the store’s shoppers, Team Members, and local farmers. The celebration will culminate on November 30, 2019 with a party honoring the store’s golden anniversary as well as the 90th birthday of store founder Stew Leonard, Sr.
Every month from April through November, customers will enjoy special pricing, in-store demos and more while Team Members and vendors will be spotlighted and thanked for their contributions to making Stew Leonard’s a fun and fresh place to shop for 50 years.
Last week I had the privilege of attending a truly wonderful and informative dinner at Wakeman Town Farm on the importance of sustainable seafood. We first heard from Norm Bloom of Copp’s Island Oysters, followed by Kevin Conroy, owner of The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood and the Rowayton Seafood Fish Market. He was joined by Chef Charles Hoffman the restaurant’s executive chef who prepared a most memorable meal.
The Blooms have been in the oyster business since the 1940s and currently operate one of the last standing traditional oyster farms in the United States. Norm Bloom and Son is a fourth generation family-owned farm that prides itself on high quality, consistent and sustainable products. They have a fleet of 15 boats and their dedicated crew harvests oysters and clams year round from the deep, cold, and nutrient-rich waters along the coast of Connecticut.
On Monday April 1, Amis Trattoria in Westport hosts a Wine Dinner with French Winery Domaine Chante Cigale. Guests will get the chance to meet the vineyards winemaker, Jean Yves, while enjoying a 4-course meal created by Culinary Director, Brad Spence, paired with wines and homemade limoncello crafted by the Amis team.
Oyster Club in Mystic invites you to a Panel Discussion entitled “Women's Work: In the Field” on Tuesday, April 2 from 6-7:30pm. Join them and celebrate remarkable women who are growing and producing food in our region. Enjoy a farm-inspired cocktail and sample tastes from the land and the sea from women growers and chefs.
On April 4, Artisan West Hartford will be joined by Edrington Whiskey Representative Jeremy Fonicello for an evening of Macallan Whiskey. Dishes include Hazelnut Crusted Rack of Lamb, Whisky Flambe Maryland Rock Shrimp, Molten Lava Cake, and more. The event starts at 6:30 and tickets are $100 per person.
Flinders Lane Kitchen & Bar will be hosting 'Symphony Uncorked' in collaboration with the Stamford Symphony Orchestra on April 3rd, from 6.30 - 9..30. Musicians will play two pieces of music whilst we pour Australian wines from smaller, boutique producers.
CTbites’ Founder, Stephanie Webster will be dancing at The Wall Street Theater’s “Dancing with the Stars of Connecticut!” The event features community leaders (including Greer Fredericks from Peaches & Chef Plum!) who will kick up their heels to benefit WST Broadway Teens of Connecticut. Cheer them on Saturday March 30th. Buy tickets (starting at $25) or just VOTE for the “bass lady” here any time before the event.
Millwrights in Simsbury hosts a Game Dinner on Wednesday March 27 at 6:30pm. Tickets are $115 per person, which includes a 5 course dinner, beverage pairings, tax and gratuity.
On Wednesday March 27, Washington Prime in SoNo will have a Frank Family Vineyards Wine Dinner. They will pair 5 courses with wines from this prestigious Napa Valley producer. It is $95 per person.
Rothbard Ale + Larder is giving us a crash course on German beer on Thursday March 28. Tony Pellino of B. United Imports and OEC will guide you through brews and food pairings. It costs $40 per person and starts at 6:30pm.
Help end hunger in your community by supporting Food Rescue US's annual fundraiser,FOOD FOR ALL on April 24th, and enjoy a great culinary experience with 15 incredible local chefs. View the complete list of chefs below.
Food for All has become one of Fairfield County's most popular strolling, tasting events and this year features many fan favorites from past years and some of the hottest, new restaurants on the local dining scene. General Admission tickets are $150. Click here for tickets: foodrescue.us/foodforall
Food Rescue US, is a direct-transfer food rescue organization dedicated to ending food insecurity and food waste in America. Food for All helps make their mission happen. Please join us on April 24th at the Loading Dock in Stamford, CT. The event highlights the organization’s important work delivering more than 7 million meals a year to the food insecure and keeping more than 8 million pounds of food waste out of landfills.
Tavern at GrayBarnswill now be open for lunch! Starting March 20, visit them Wednesday-Saturday from 11:30am-2pm and for Sunday Brunch.
Oar & Oak in Stratford now offers happy hour Tuesday-Friday from 4-6pm.
Dom’s Cheese Shop in Avon presents Cheese 101 on March 22. They’ll walk you through 7 kinds of wine and teach you how to pair wines with cheese.
Heirloom Market at Comstock Ferre and The Wise Old Dog are combining their powers for a night of chef inspired after hours snacks, drink, and good times! It takes place on 3/21 from 6-9pm.
The Schoolhouse at Cannondale invites you to a “Rockin Rhone Wine Dinner” on Wednesday March 20. Four courses will be paired with 4 wines from the Rhone Valley. It starts at 7pm and costs $95 per person plus tax and gratuity.
Wilton Restaurant Week returns March 11 – 17. Restaurants located in and around Wilton are serving up special prix fixe menus and other culinary selections. Participants include Bernard’s of Ridgefield, Oak and Almond, Parlor Restaurant, and more.
EAT RAMEN!! During the month of March, Mecha Noddle Bar is donating 50 cents from every bowl of ramen to Food Rescue US - whose mission is to reduce hunger and food waste throughout the United States. Every dollar raised= 9 meals. Their goal is $5,000 (or 10,000 bowls of ramen) for the month.
Bistro on Main is delighted to announce a fundraiser dinner, with all proceeds to benefit Interval House, on March 11th at 6 pm. Interval house provides often life altering assistance for men, women, and children fleeing domestic violence. The 4 course meal is $85 per person.
Carbone’s Kitchen, located at 6 Wintonbury Mall in Bloomfield, has launched three special weeknight menus that will run through the end of June. Join them for “Delicious Monday,” Tuesday “Prince Spaghetti Night,” and Wednesday “Franklin Ave Lasagna Night.” Each meal is a 3 course prix fixe menu for $25, plus tax and gratuity.
This year, St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Sunday! That means that Connecticut restaurants and bars are opening their doors even earlier, and, in some cases, festivities are lasting all weekend long. From buffets to live music to step dancers to Guinness, here is a list of 46+ places where you can get out your green and be Irish for a day in CT.
Tigin Irish Pub, Stamford: Tigin Irish Pub in Stamford opens at 7:30am on Saturday 3/16 and Sunday 3/17. There will be outdoor tents, live music, food specials, drink specials, and more.
EAT IN Connecticut Pub Crawl, Hartford: Eat IN Connecticut will host a “Culinary Corner St. Paddy’s Day Pub Crawl” in West Hartford, CT on Saturday, March 16 from 1-5pm. Participating venues include Artisan (at The Delamar Hotel), Flora, INDIA, The Cook and The Bear, & Vinted
O’Neill’s, South Norwalk: O'Neill's is celebration St. Patrick's Day all month long! On 3/17, the festivities begin at 7am with an Irish buffet breakfast. The day continues with music, Irish dancers, food specials, and more.
Bobby V’s, Stamford: Bobby V's St. Patrick's Day celebration lasts from March 15-17. There will be food specials, drink specials, and plenty of giveaways.
Wadsworth Athenium Museum, Hartford: At The Wadsworth Athenium Museum, members and nonmembers can enjoy an à la carte brunch with live Irish music by The Executive Session. There are two seatings, one at 10:30 am and one at 12:30 pm.
Join Peaches for their Annual Fat Tuesday Party Tuesday, March 5. Enjoy music by The New Orleans Beatniks at 6:00 PM and classic specials from the Big Easy all night long.
The Hops Company is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day early! Join them before or after the New Haven St. Patrick's Day parade on 3/10 for music, Bag Pipers, the Highland Rovers Irish Band, Guinness Engravings, and more! Zuppardi's is serving up corned beef and cabbage as a classic dish and as a Pizza!
Ambler Farm offers a Youth Apprentice Program from May-October for students currently in grades 5-11. Apprentices meet several times a week to plant, maintain and harvest the farm’s educational gardens and work with Farmer Jonathan in the production gardens.
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.
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.
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”.
