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A Short History Of The Retro Cocktail: Post Prohibition Recipes

Features Ingredients Cocktails Bar Education Mixology

CTbites Team

Bartenders, especially those involved in the “cocktail” world, understand the significant impact that Prohibition has had on the industries surrounding alcoholic beverages. Many consumers, however, are unaware of that impact. National Prohibition was rooted in political and religious belief systems, that sought to temper a vice, and legislate morality to a nation. Any time a product, that is in high consumer demand, is made illegal, a black market is created. Crime increases, violence increases, and eventually, the public demands action. It didn’t take long for the ridiculous idea to be repealed, and when Prohibition ended on December 5, 1933, the nation joined together in a collective sigh of relief, and a toast to better times ahead.

Treatises have been written, documentaries have been filmed, and many a scholar has spoken about the nearly decade and a half that The United States of America suffered under the tyranny of Prohibition. What is sorely missing, however, is a definitive study of the decades following its repeal. And, maybe, that is because not much is ever said, outside of our small circle of bartenders, about what life in this industry was like before Prohibition was passed.


Where To Celebrate Cinco De Mayo In Connecticut 2019

Features Cinco de Mayo Events Holiday Bar Mexican Homepage

Stephanie Webster

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.


Conspiracy Cocktail Bar in Middletown Gets a Sustainable Ramen Menu via CT Magazine

Restaurant Ramen Asian Middletown Noodles Cocktails Bar

Connecticut Magazine

Exciting Ramen news from Connecticut Magazine

The tables and chairs were not designed with eating in mind and, through no fault of its own, Conspiracyis located more than an hour away from my house. Even so, I can’t wait to go back.

The reason?

One word: Ramen.

OK, three words: Ramen, cocktails and atmosphere.

Let’s start with the atmosphere. Conspiracy is undeniably cool. Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack cool. Accessible by an easy-to-miss doorway on Middletown’s Main Street, the second-floor space has the feeling of a secret club straight out of a film noir. Lounge chairs snake around an L-shaped room with painted-white brick walls. Edison bulbs hang from lofty ceilings, casting their warm light over a showstopping square bar. Behind the bar, bartenders twirl, mix and shake various liquids as they prepare alcoholic elixirs, often from historic recipes.


March Madness & Bobby V’s Restaurant & Sports Bar sponsored post

Features Bar Stamford Windsor Locks Sports Bar

CTbites Team

The time has come, where college hoops dominate schedules, dinner plans & most of all – your / your significant others / your friends’ social life.  If you’re looking for that special place that everyone can enjoy ... look no further than Bobby V’s Restaurant & Sports Bar.  They’re literally the ultimate sports destination, and as they call themselves … “the newest concept in sports entertainment.”  With two unique destinations in Connecticut - Stamford & Windsor Locks, you’re going to want to check them out!  The Stamford location features over 200 TV’s, along with a MASSIVE 2 story media wall, while the Windsor Locks location is equally impressive with over 80 TV’s & a HUGE 17’ LED screen … there’s not a bad seat at either location!


Foundry Kitchen and Tavern: Chef Neugold's Sandy Hook Gem

Restaurant Sandy Hook Comfort Food American Lunch Bar Cocktails Homepage

Kristin L. Wolfe

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.  


30+ Restaurants & Bars in CT for the Super Bowl: 2019 Edition

Features Sports Bar Super Bowl Bar

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

On Sunday February 3, the Patriots and Rams and facing off in Super Bowl 53!  The game time action is great, but so are the foods that accompany it!  Wings, pizza, ribs, subs… which is your MVP??  These Connecticut restaurants and bars have eat-in and take-out specials to keep you satisfied as you cheer on your team.

  1. The Blind Rhino, Norwalk: For the 4th year in a row, The Blind Rhino hosts "the biggest super bowl pregame party in CT." This year, The Spread & El Segundo are joining the party and doing a mini pop up inside the Rhino. There will also be live music and entertainment provided by Best Trivia Ever.

  2. Bobby V’s, Stamford: Catch the big game at Bobby V's in Stamford. A $45 ticket includes seating with a view of the game from every seat, a buffet, giveaways, and beer specials. VIP Packages available.

  3. Bear’s Smokehouse @ The Stack, New Haven: The Stack, featuring Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ in New Haven, will be offering three “Big Game Packages."


The Social Craft Beer Bar & Kitchen in New London: 50 Hyper-local Craft Beers on Draft

Restaurant New London Beer CT Beer Bar Comfort Food Pub

CTbites Team

Sick of the same old greasy bar food consumed with flavorless big beer brands while out with colleagues or friends on Friday night? Me too. Skip the ho-hum bar and head directly to The Social, a relatively new spot on Bank Street in New London. Providing a new and much needed hang-out spot, the Social gives diners great food, a family-friendly atmosphere, and an extensive beer list; it definitely knocks it out of the park as a new place to spend Fridays after work or Saturday evenings with family or friends.

Largest Selection of Craft Beers on Draft in Southeast CT

The Social has selected hyper-local, local, regional, and U.S. beers, serving a whopping 50 on draft.


"Miracle" Christmas Themed Pop-up Cocktail Bar Opens Nov 24 in CT

Features Cocktails Bar Pop-Up Bar Homepage

Stephanie Webster

Miracle, the beloved Christmas themed holiday pop-up cocktail bar launched in 2014 in New York City, will continue spreading holiday cheer this year with over 50 locations around the world. Think professionally-developed holiday cocktails in the kitschiest and most over the top festive setting you’ve ever seen.

The Miracle pop-ups launch the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 24, and party through Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24. In our fair state of Connecticut you can find the pop up at two locations:


Brick Walk Tavern Opens in Fairfield, from Char Restaurant's Chef Snyder

Restaurant Openings Fairfield American Gastropub Lunch Bar

CTbites Team

Friends since college and now partners, Chef David Snyder and former financial exec turned restaurateur Ted Vincent, introduce their first joint venture in the form of Brick Walk Tavern, a stylish and food-centric restaurant and gathering place located in the burgeoning Brick Walk neighborhood of Fairfield, Connecticut.

Menu highlights include; not your average house-made chips and onion dip; chili garlic crispy shrimp laced with radish, cilantro, and green onion; Tuscan kale and Brussels sprout salad tossed with polenta croutons, dried cranberries, and lemon truffle vinaigrette; the French onion burger topped with 4-hour braised onions, veal jus, and gruyere cheese on a house made bun; pan-roasted cod over white beans, chorizo, charred tomato, and a roasted poblano broth; classic jambalaya  of creole rice with tasso and andouille, jumbo shrimp and chicken; and steak frites, 10 oz hanger steak with a 72 hour red wine sauce, served with crispy truffle parmesan fries.


26+ Restaurants, Sports Bars, & Caterers for 2018 Football Season in CT

Features Sports Bar Big Screen TV Bar

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Ready, set, hike!  Get out your jerseys… football season is here and it’s time for you to root for your favorite team.  These Connecticut restaurants, bars, and caterers are serving up specials and take-out options or you to enjoy during the season.  These dishes will leave foodies yelling “touchdown!” Don’t see your favorite sports bar or restaurant here? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list.

  1. The Blind Rhino, Norwalk & Black Rock: The Blind Rhino is the hotspot for watching sports events. TVs surround the bar and restaurant. They are known for their wings and craft brews, but they have other tasty eats on the menu as well.

  2. Fortina, Stamford: Fortina in Stamford will offer discounted food and drinks during football season on Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday. Plus, wear your jersey and get a complimentary famous rays or margherita pizza.

  3. The Irons, Mystic: Head to the Irons in Mystic for football on Sundays. Starting at 1pm, they'll have $5 Burgers, 20 Wings for $20 , $3 Sam Adams Drafts, and other game time specials.


March Madness & Bobby V’s Restaurant & Sports Bar sponsored post

Features Beer Cocktails Bar Norwalk South Norwalk Events

CTbites Team

NORWALK NOW presents CRUSH, A 5 Day Celebration of Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tuesday thru Saturday, October 16-20, 2018 (*Sunday Bonus – DETOX Run/Walk/Bike/Yoga).

CRUSH comes to Norwalk! This 5-day schedule of thirst-quenching events celebrating the beer, wine, and spirits world is being presented by Norwalk Now’s talented group of businesses and special guests from the beverage world. Visit the CRUSH calendar page for the complete schedule. New events are being added every day, and reservations are suggested for all events. 


Floating Tiki Lounge Making Waves In Stamford Harbor (via Hey Stamford!)

Restaurant Stamford Bar Cocktails

Hey Stamford!

Finding a good spot for cocktails by the water is not tough to do in Stamford.  Between rooftop bars in Harbor Point, The Beer Garden in Shippan Landing, Prime, Mexicue, or Crabshell, you can always find a great restaurant by the water.  Though, with the addition earlier this summer of Fairfield County’s only floating tiki bar, there’s now even a place where you can drink ON the water.

Captain John’s Tiki Tours & Boat Rentals launched earlier this summer and has been making waves in the Stamford Harbor ever since.  The floating tiki bar is the brainchild of (Captain) John Davis.  I had a chance to tour the harbor with the Captain recently and can say it’s really a great experience!


Chef Adam Roytman Takes Over Bar Sugo in Norwalk...And It's Delicious!

Restaurant Norwalk Italian Cocktails Bar Pizza Pasta Homepage

Andrew Dominick

Just over a year ago, Bar Sugo quietly changed hands. Change, even if it happens slightly under-the-radar, can be either good or bad, but in Bar Sugo’s case, change is reinvigorating. I’m reluctant to say something like, “Bar Sugo is back!” because the reality is, it never left, it’s just kind of different. 

In this case, different is good, and this is an appropriate time for Bar Sugo’s reintroduction. Bar Sugo’s newness starts with its new owner, Adam Roytman. Some of you might know Adam as a former partner at Walrus + Carpenter and Rothbard Ale + Larder. At each, he was the opening day head chef, and chances are you saw him occasionally tending bar as well. Dubbing him a jack-of-all-trades restaurant guy is a proper description. 


Heibeck’s in Wilton: American Roadside Fare Since 1931

Restaurant Wilton Take Out ice cream Burgers Hot Dogs Tacos Comfort Food American Lunch Kid Friendly homepage Homepage

Brett Levy

Escape to a different era where comfort food is locally sourced, you are served with compassion and a smile on a garden patio, and you can experience a country feel that makes our fast-paced world slow down just a bit. This cute date (BYO), family fun and good vibe spot is something special to CT that you simply shouldn’t miss.

Heibeck’s in Wilton opened in 1931 and has been family run for four generations. Back then, George Heibeck and Katherine Dhly Heibeck stayed up all night to hand churn over 100 of their original ice cream flavors to perfection, and then served the creamy goodness to their loyal customers daily. Though their ice cream is no longer produced on premises, the family prides itself upon the use of local food sources.  


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

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.  


Station House Opens in Historic Port Chester Train Station: Coal-Fired Pizza & Tavern Fare

Restaurant Port Chester American Pizza Openings Bar pizza

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

As city-bound commuters dash to and fro’ and the pulse of the city continues to thrive, the Port Chester railroad station, a landmark since 1890, stands as a symbol of where we’ve been and where we’re going. Today, this turn of the century building is home to Our House Restaurant Group’s newest venture, Station House. In keeping with this dynamic restaurant group’s approach to hospitality, as seen with their popular Rye House Port Chester and Manhattan taverns, and last year’s mega outdoor hit, Village Beer Garden, Station House offers that same neighborhood vibe, this time, it comes rooted in history and coal-fired pizza.ctb