Filtering by Tag: Chocolate,Ramen

Chocoylatte Gourmet Opens in Downtown Cos Cob, Greenwich

Restaurant Openings Bakery Chocolate Coffee Greenwich Cos Cob Dessert

CTbites Team

Downtown Cos Cob will be a lot sweeter with the much-anticipated grand opening of Chocoylatte Gourmet on Monday, July 8. The desserts & coffee shoppe, located at 121 E. Putnam Avenue will open its doors to the public with a ribbon-cutting ceremony beginning at 11am.

Chocoylatte Gourmet will offer an array of handmade freshly baked desserts, cookies, pastries and assorted fine chocolates made with the finest ingredients available in the market. Every treat will be prepared from scratch, every day and handcrafted on-site. For those with dietary sensitivities, the desserts & coffee shoppe will also offer gluten-free and lactose-free goodies, and promises to maintain the same high-quality ingredients baked with thoughtfulness and care. Guests will also enjoy recipes containing less sugar, no trans fats, non-GMO ingredients, no preservatives, no chemicals, no artificial preservatives, no artificial sweeteners, and no artificial flavors. 


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.


CT Sweet Spots For Hot Chocolate That Will Warm You Up via CT Magazine

Restaurant Features Best of CT Dessert Chocolate Homepage

Kristin L. Wolfe

You may recognize this byline from CTbites, but this sweet reporting by Kristin L. Wolfe rounds up a list of the best spots in CT for Hot Chocolate, via Connecticut Magazine.

When the temperature drops and you’ve reached your quota for coffee or tea for the day, hot chocolate may just be your answer. And, although it won’t remove the stresses from your life, it will warm the belly and light up the kid within. 

I recently satisfied my sweet tooth at many spots around the state that are pretty proud of their hot (and cold) chocolate delights. After you’ve read through the rundown, be sure to chime in with any other places that offer delectable, drinkable chocolate creations.

Rumors Coffeehouse

Although coffee courses throughout this cozy nook, where you can play Scrabble, grab a quirky mug, and cuddle up on a couch, you’d be surprised by the hot chocolate offerings. Their Mexican hot cocoa surprises with a spicy zing, while the tropical hints from the coconut hot cocoa remind you of summer despite the chill outside. The Campfire is an especially fun treat in which the marshmallows on top are torched to a perfect bonfire char. 22 Mill Plain Road, Danbury, 203-942-2653, facebook.com/rumorsofdanbury

Le Rouge Handmade Chocolates & Cakes by Aarti

Get ready for the Rolls-Royce of chocolate. In every way you can imagine, your senses will reach their peak at this gorgeous sweet boutique. With sleek red cases and black-and-white, polka-dotted packaging, this shop tucked away in a plaza is a tiny amusement park for chocolate fans. Le Rouge’s hot chocolate treats are not for the faint of heart. From a rich, dark blend topped with a piece of their signature polka-dotted chocolate that melts into the drink, to a white chocolate with dried raspberries or rose petals — yes, rose petals — these drinks are fancy and an experience. Chocolatier and owner Aarti Khosla even offers white chocolate with saffron and pistachios. 190 Main St., Westport, 203-293-6106, lerougebyaarti.com


"OOPS I Ate My CBD:" CBD Infused Gourmet Chocolate Bars

Features Ingredients Local Artisan Dessert Chocolate Specialty Market Homepage

Stephanie Webster

There is a lot of buzz going around regarding CBD, and also quite a few misconceptions. CBD, is one of the chemicals in cannabis, but unlike THC (also found in Marajuana), CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that is emerging as a very popular wellness ingredient. The plant extract, often consumed as an oil under the tongue, is now the featured ingredient in high-end products including body lotion, olive oil, cold-brew coffee, infused water, and even dog treats. Local start up, “Oops I Ate My CBD” is leveraging this emerging trend to create gourmet hemp infused chocolate bars, which come complete with 50mg of CBD per serving. The bars are made with 99.6% pure hemp derived CBD Isolate, and contains zero THC. Hence it is legal in all 50 states…and the chocolate is delicious. (Plus, I was VERY relaxed after my tasting)


Kyushu Ramen: Authentic Noodle Shop in Stamford...Finally!!

Restaurant Asian Japanese Ramen Noodles Stamford Lunch Homepage

Lou Gorfain

Those who have roamed Stamford for years in search of authentic ramen finally have a new spring to their step.  Kyushu Ramen, the sleek re-incarnation of Tengda Asian Bistro on Bedford’s Restaurant Row, lays claim to being Stamford’s first ramen restaurant.

In place of the mish-mash Pan Asian cuisine previously served at this location, the new shop focuses primarily on Japan, sharpening the lens on the island of Kyushu and its most illustrious contribution to ramen cuisine, Tonkatsu.

Distinguished by its cloudy, slowly simmered pork stock, Tonkatsu is the silky star of Kyushu’s menu.  Its savory, seasoned broth, anointed with pork belly, spices, herbs and noodles, is crafted by Japanese-born chef, Ito Shigeru. Trained by strict ramen masters, this veteran New York City ramen chef brings an authentic Japanese cooking style to Bedford Street.


New Ramen in Norwalk! Good Hope Dumpling & Ramen House Now Open

Restaurant Norwalk Ramen Japanese Vietnamese Noodles Asian Delicious Dives Homepage

Andrew Dominick

It wasn’t that long ago that I went to Valencia Luncheria for dinner. I parked where I usually do, on that side of the street, almost directly across from the laundromat. When I came out of Valencia, I noticed a sign with a blushing anime character on it that read “Good Hope Dumpling & Ramen House.” I vaguely remembered that a couple friends mentioned it.  After I walked by, Good Hope was fully on my radar. 

I just hoped Good Hope would be good. 

There were positive signs besides a few of my pals who said they liked it, and the fact that their online reviews are solid. When I walked by the just over 20-seat restaurant (it’s the old Valencia location) at an obscure Sunday dinnertime, the place was packed, and I’ve noticed they gather a decent lunch crowd, even on weekdays. I had to check it out. What’s more is it’s just the kind of neighborhood haunt I like to highlight. 


Anaya Sushi & Ramen: Slurp Worthy Noodles (And More) Served At All Hours

Restaurant New Haven Ramen Noodles Asian Japanese Homepage

CTbites Team

Anaya Sushi & Ramen has been serving its hungry New Haven crowds (and Yale students) since it opened back in 2015. CTBites.com reported on the venue when it was just three-months-old, highlighting its all-you-can-eat sushi and touching on its soon-to-come late-night ramen house.

Now, two years later, this venue has become a staple in the restaurant community. With its substantial all-day sushi menu (and after-hours ramen delights), casual vibe, and friendly service, owner Soraya Kaoroptham (who is also the mastermind behind Noodle House) and her team seem to have gotten it right.


Eat Noodle Brings Ramen and Pho to Bridgeport’s Bijou Square

Restaurant Bridgeport ra Ramen Noodles Openings

CTbites Team

Noodle soup news from CTPost. 

As downtown Bridgeport continues to welcome restaurants, the latest addition to the Bijou Square is serving up hot ramen and noodle soups in minutes.

Easton resident Skye Kwok opened Eat Noodle in downtown Bridgeport on Jan. 8 at 269 Fairfield Ave. The eatery opened in the space that once housed Can Tiin, which closed last summer.

A former Bridgeport resident, Kwok said the area has changed since his days growing up in the Park City. As residential development and the office market has grown over the years, he said a community vibe has developed that he felt his restaurant could thrive in.

“Bridgeport is growing right now,” he said. “When I came to this area I was surprised (at how) it changed a lot, and I saw a lot of potential.”

Kwok began working in the restaurant industry 22 years ago, after attending Sacred Heart University, and has since opened restaurants in other parts of Fairfield County. He also owns Sweet Basil in Fairfield and Pink Sumo Sushi & Sake Cafe in Westport.

According to the business owner, he wanted to bring his own spin on the growing noodle soup market to the city, with options like pho, ramen and specialty items like curry soup.


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.”


Local Chocolatier, Truffle Shots of Essex CT Named Country’s Best Chocolate Gift By Forbes Magazine

Restaurant Essex Chocolate Dessert Specialty Market Gift Guide

CTbites Team

Forbes magazine recently named local chocolatier, Truffle Shots of Essex, Connecticut among the country’s best chocolates for gift giving this holiday season. Forbes "loved the Fig and Balsamic shot—with aged balsamic and fig ganache as well as the Chipotle Cinnamon—dark chocolate ganache with a whiff of cinnamon and a slight kick from the chipotle."

Truffle Shots® brand chocolate truffles are the Chocolate Award-winning creation of mother-daughter chocolate lovers in Essex, Connecticut. The duo has replaced the chocolate shell of a traditional chocolate truffle with a sealed shot glass to create new levels of truffle indulgence.

The decadent, silky ganache of Truffle Shots® brand chocolate truffles melts on the tongue in sensory bliss in 30+ amazing flavors like Fig Balsamico, Tellicherry Cardamom, Caramel Beurre Noisette, Bumbleberry, Miel Habanero, Castelvetrano Olive, and Ginger, to name a few.


CT Foodie Valentine's Day Gift Guide 2015

Restaurant Chocolate Gift Guide

April Guilbault

“Cooking is like love. It should entered into with abandon or not at all.” Such delicious, true words from Harriet Van Horne, who first penned this line for Vogue magazine in 1956. In the spirit of channeling Ms. Harriet, we hope that wild abandon flies out the proverbial window this Valentine’s Day and that you can enjoy some new culinary experiences and delights with your honey. Love is food for the soul and we want your soul overflowing!

Here are 12 gift ideas to entice and treat, from sweets to beers to bling...


GIVEAWAY: Chocolate, Dessert & Wine Lover's "Tasting" Fundraiser

Ingredients Chocolate Dessert

CTbites Team

CTbites is giving away a pair of tickets to The Chocolate, Dessert & Wine Lovers Event. Post your favorite local dessert below by Feb 5th to be entered to WIN!

The Chocolate, Dessert & Wine Lover's 'Tasting' Evening to benefit The Shelter for the Homeless is back! On Thursday, February 7th, over 50 vendors will be serving up an evening of glorious culinary indulgence in the form of decadent chocolates, confections, and mouthwatering baked good, all washed down with fine wines, beer and specialty beverages. Here's the real bonus…You can enjoy your nibbles from favorite shops like Aux Delices, DiMare Pastry Shop & Cafe, and  Izzi B’s Allergen-Free Cupcakes, knowing that 100% of every ticket sold supports the Shelter for the Homeless programs. Check out the complete list of vendors below and we'll see you there!


SoNo Market Place Opens December 1st in Norwalk

Ingredients Restaurant Bakery Chocolate Coffee Norwalk Pizza Specialty Market Wine Dinners

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

A week prior to the official opening on Saturday December 1st, SoNo Market Place decided to sponsor a soft opening on November 23rd and I decided that tasting some good local food was a whole lot better than fighting the crowds at the mall.

All of the food purveyors were in full test-mode and my first stop was Flat White Coffee to taste the coffee described to CTbites by owner, John Palino, back in September. This was a creamy blend of rich coffee and steamed milk, a brand brought over from New Zealand, and one that should meet with great success in CT. 

But it's not just about coffee at SoNo Market Place. With over 20 food vendors and eateries, this European style market is poised to be a foodie destination. Guests lined up at Wise Guys Pizza for New Haven style pies; Norm Bloom served up fresh oysters and clams straight from the Norwalk waters, and Fish & Chips were on the menu from Gotta Nibble.  Caterering company, Festivities, has a permananet spot here with their take-out biz, "Party Express." Local specialty purveyors and well known brands such as Knipschildt ChocolatierWave Hill Breads, and Nothin' But Granola have also opened shop at the market. 


Chocopologie Café to Open in Stamford

Restaurant Chocolate Openings Stamford

Amy Kundrat

Life in downtown Stamford is about to get a whole lot sweeter. Chocopologie Café, the sweet and savory domain of Master Chocolatier Fritz Knipschildt, will be opening its fourth location at 211 Main Street in Stamford in late summer, roughly six weeks. The original cafe and factory in South Norwalk has been open since 2005 andnew outposts have opened in New Haven and Greenwich in the last two years.

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