NEW Podcast Episode! Chef Plum...Live From Our Dining Room Features Interview Podcast Interview Chef Talk Stephanie Webster October 11, 2019 This week on The CTbites Hot Dish Podcast , we chat with Chef Plum, host of the successful podcast “Live With Chef Plum,” as well as “Edible On The Road” (streaming on Amazon), and finally…the TV series, “Random Acts of Cooking.” What’s on the podcast menu? We discuss the role of food as a connector, the importance of philanthropy, and…well…we laugh a lot. Join the conversation. Listen here. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of October 13-20 Events Features Events News Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 10, 2019 Get ready to get crazy and “do-nut” miss this event! Friday October 18 is Donut Crazy Flight Night at Two Roads Brewing Company. They’ll even be featuring a Roadsmary’s Baby Donut inspired by the Autumnal Brew. Check it out in the tasting room from 4-9pm. On Saturday October 19, Barcelona Norwalk will hold a pig roast on the patio. From 3-6pm, kick off fall with a roast suckling pig and seasonal tapas prepared by Chef Kaline Capps. Wine pairings will accompany the evening’s offerings. Hamilton Park, located in The Blake Hotel in Downtown New Haven, now offers 50% off all bottles of wine during Monday evening dinner service. The restaurant offers dinner service from 5-9pm.Le Fat Poodle is pleased to present Oktoberfest specials. The Oktoberfest menu includes specials like German beer cheese dip, pretzels, bratwurst, and more. Order a la carte or opt for three courses and get a beer and stein. Read More
Veteran Chefs Drew Nieporent & Stephen Lewandowski To Bring New Concept To Gabriele's in Greenwich Features Restaurant Greenwich Celebrity Chef Opening CTbites Team October 09, 2019 This just in…A star studded team of Industry veterans will be bringing new life to Gabriele’s Restaurant in Greenwich CT. The Church Street staple will be undergoing a redesign in early 2020 that will bring a new concept and cuisine to downtown Greenwich. The partners on the venture include Stephen Lewandowski of Harlan Restaurant Group and Dana Cifone, the current head of operations, and formerly of Starr Restaurants, The One Group NYC, and Douro of Greenwich. Stephen will be working with his longtime colleague and friend Drew Nieporent of Myriad Restaurant Group best known for Nobu, Tribeca Grill, and Bâtard, who will be acting as an advisor throughout the project. Read More
Fried Green Tomatoes with Burrata & Figs Recipe Recipe Recipe Liz Rueven October 08, 2019 While juicy ripe tomatoes are on the wane, autumn provides an opportunity to experiment with firm green tomatoes. Don’t overlook these gems when you see them in the market. Once battered and fried, they’re a perfect canvas for arranging all sorts of cheeses, fresh figs and a swirl of balsamic glaze.Serve one of these compositions as an appetizer or a light lunch and watch your guests thrill to one of autumn’s underrated fruits.Thank you to Patti Popp, farmer at Sport Hill Farm in Easton, CT and Lori Cochran Dougall, Director of Westport Farmers’ Market, who introduced me to the wonders of green tomatoes. Read More
Gaudi Tapas & Wine: The Girls of Gaudi Bring The Spirit of Spain To CT Restaurant Danbury New Fairfield Spanish Tapas Brunch Cocktails Homepage Kristin L. Wolfe October 06, 2019 As soon as you cross the threshold of Gaudi Tapas & Wine, past the sandy white stone facade, Meditteranean blue trim, and mosaic details on the walls, your passport has been stamped; you have officially been transported to Spain. The Ruiz sisters hit gold when they recruited another set of siblings to underscore and deliver on their much-awaited dream restaurant. (Saray practically stared at the location for four years, before it was available and ready for them and their dream). Enter: Jose Flores, who has worked under the esteemed Arturo Franco-Camacho at Shell & Bones; and his brother, Oscar who has worked under Michelin star chef Luis Bollo of Salinas. Needless to say, you take the passion of two sisters--twins no less--and the powerhouse skills of talented chefs, and what do you get? Well, eh hem, as of October 2, you get a statewide nomination for Best Restaurant Newcomer of the Year. Read More
Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events Happening October 6-13 Features Events Events News Nibble Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 04, 2019 Everyone is Italian on October 12 and 13 when the That’s Amore Italian Street Festival comes to Stamford. There will be plenty of Italian food as well as concerts, games, and Italian-inspired entertainment. TASTE of Fairfield returns on Sunday October 13 at Delamar Southport. Over 25 vendors will offer tastes of their delicious food. There will also be local vendors, wineries, and specialty cocktails to check out. Purchase a general admission ticket or upgrade to VIP for early admission to the event. Cousins Maine Lobster and Bad Sons Beer Company are teaming up on Friday October 11. From 4-8pm, head to Derby for refreshing brews and a pop-up from the Hartford-based seafood eatery. Read More
CT Chefs, Bakers, Bartenders, & Servers Compete For 2019 CRAzies Awards: YOU VOTE! Features Awards Stephanie Webster October 03, 2019 CTbites was thrilled to be a part of the judging process for the 2019 CRAzies Awards Gala presented by the Connecticut Restaurant Association. Each year, the CRAzies recognizes the exceptional ability and talent of Connecticut’s restaurant community. More than 700 Restaurant owners, operators, chefs, vendors and more will come together to celebrate the success of the industry at their awards gala at Foxwoods Resort Casino on Monday, December 2. VOTE here for your favorites. Read More
Fun Foodie Road Trip: 2019 Newport Mansions Wine + Food Festival Features Events Road Trip Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 02, 2019 At CTBites, we bring you the latest news from Connecticut’s vibrant food scene. The state has a host of must-visit restaurants, farms, and food-inspired events. At the same time, there are wonderful things happening just over our border. Every September, Rhode Island celebrates the last days of summer with the Newport Mansions Wine + Food Festival. Read More
Yom Kippur Savory Mushroom Cheese Kugel Recipe Features Recipe Holiday Recipe Noodles Liz Rueven October 02, 2019 Yom Kippur*, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, is a day of fasting and praying. When the longest day of the year ends (at least for those who haven’t eaten for 25 hours) family and friends gather around a casual buffet that often includes a sweet noodle kugel. Sure, there are bagels and cheeses, cucumber salads and fresh fruit. But it’s the kugel everyone goes for first. Read More
35+ Places for Tasty Tacos in CT: 2019 Edition Restaurant Features Best of CT Tacos Mexican Lunch Food Truck Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 28, 2019 October 4 is National Taco Day- and we have so much to TACO-bout before then! Delicious versions of these tasty handhelds can be found all across the state, from classic renditions to creative twists. Whether you’re in search for a hidden gem or a popular hangout, here are over 35 places where you can enjoy some great tacos to celebrate the “holiday.” Read More
Recap: SAVOR Lobster Competition At Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk Features Events Lobster SONO Kristin L. Wolfe September 28, 2019 My arm had to be twisted to join a panel for judging Lobster Bites at last weekend’s (September 22) first SAVOR LOBSTER event at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk. I would be walking around a gorgeous museum filled with things that take me back to the ooos and ahhs of childhood; drinking creative tasty libations; having some of the most delicious bites of Lobster EVA; and judging said bites with slick fellow writer and official realfooddude Andrew Dominick, and the endlessly talented Chef Matt Storch of Match (duh), which just rocked out for its 20th anniversary. You can see how this would be a struggle for a newly single gal on a Sunday afternoon. NOT. Read More
SAVOR Litchfield Recap: Here's Why You May Wanna Go Next Year Features Events Litchfield Kristin L. Wolfe September 27, 2019 Earlier, on September 8th, SAVOR Litchfield kicked off it’s third year at the beautiful South Farms in Morris. Hot Damn, did they have the most perfect weather. The sun was shining, and there’s just something about the spark of the sun when it hits the corners of a robust farm. Not to mention, as a native city chic, a little jig brews inside me when driving onto a dirt road and make-shift gravelly parking lot. I think of 4th of July with a boyfriend, county fairs as a kid, and the innocence I can never get back...Wait, sorry. That was weird. SAVOR Litchfield. Right... Read More
Growing CT Beer, Part 2: Stewards Of The Land Brewery At DeFrancesco Farm Features Restaurant CT Beer Brewery Beer James Gribbon September 27, 2019 The first step in making an unexpected discovery is getting lost. Investigating the strengthening links between farming and brewing in Connecticut has led me down unfamiliar paths, both in terms of knowledge, and the kinds where I am worried about either running out of gas on country roads or stepping in something. The first piece in this series focused on a brewery that's also a farm, and my plan for this next piece was to show a farm growing hops for use in brewing. I picked a day, began at a farm stand, and found a brewery.This is part two in Growing CTbeer, a look at how the rise of craft beer is affecting agriculture in the Constitution State, and how breweries and farms are working hand in hand to create and restore the growth of Connecticut beer. Read More
CTBites Scene: Greenwich Wine + Food Festival 2019 Features Events Events Greenwich Wine + Food Festival James Gribbon September 26, 2019 The Greenwich Wine + Food Festival sailed into harbor to cap off the summer for its ninth year last weekend, and CTBites was there: awkwardly balancing camera, food, and cocktails, and wishing for a prehensile tail. Bites were eaten, photos were taken, and not overly much wine was spilled on ourselves in the process. Perhaps you will see yourself in the gallery, maybe you'll be inspired to attend next year for the tenth anniversary - either way you'll feel better than we did on Sunday morning - and anyway, it'll be worth it. Read More
Nibble: Tasty & Boozy CT Food Events for September 29-October 6 Features Events Nibble Food Events Food News Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 26, 2019 On Friday October 4, HAPA's Chef Chris Gonzalez, SoNo 1420 craft distillery, and Ria Rueda of Bread & Butter Marketing are teaming up to bring you the first ever Kamayan style dinner to celebrate Filipino American History Month. A kamayan meal is a communal feast served family-style eaten with a large group of friends, featuring a variety of Filipino dishes served on banana leaves over rice and eaten with your hands. A $75 dinner includes 2 cocktails, dinner, and dessert. 116 Crown is celebrating its 12th anniversary! Join them on Saturday October 5 at 6pm for a cocktail hour, seasonal dinner, bocce, and live music. Return on Sunday October 6 for a “Family Happy Hour” featuring pumpkin painting, cocktails, and more. Washington Prime in SoNo kicks off their fall/winter wine series with a Caymus Wine Dinner on Wednesday October 2. The five course pairing dinner kicks off at 7pm with limited seating. Reservations can be made by calling (203) 857-1314 or by visiting the restaurant. Read More
College Pals Make Great Beer at Little House Brewing in Chester (via CT Magazine) Features Beer CT Beer Brewery Connecticut Magazine September 25, 2019 The story of this brewery begins with a common occurrence: college drinking.It was 2010 and Carlisle Schaeffer and Sam Wagner were new students at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York. The famous institution of higher education was founded by Matthew Vassar, who made his fortune as a brewer, so it seemed fitting that the new students were bonding over drinking and making craft beer as home-brewers, even if they were underage.Schaeffer had previously had to hide jugs of fermenting brews from his parents in his closet at home. At Vassar, he ultimately converted his dorm-room kitchen into a lab for new brewing ideas. Wagner had learned the basics of home-brewing from his dad when he was 15 and was eager to expand on that knowledge.“Pretty quickly into our relationship, we started joking about starting a brewery one day,” Schaeffer recalls. “Eventually, we just took that joke a little too seriously.”The result is Little House Brewing Co., a charming, destination-worthy brewery that opened last year in Chester, in a building built in the 1800s that would do Matthew Vassar proud. Read the full article at Connecticut Magazine. Read More
38 Spots for Great Coffee in Connecticut (2019 Edition) Restaurant Features Best of CT Coffee Tea And Coffee Breakfast Stephanie Webster September 24, 2019 Have you heard the “buzz”? Sunday, September 29 is National Coffee Day, and CT is home to some great local coffee spots where you can celebrate. There's a lot of coffee in this state so we've divided our list into Fairfield County & Beyond Fairfield County. Did we miss one of your favorite spots? Please add it to the list in the comments sections or email us. Here are 32 places that serve some of CT’s best java. One might even say they’re more than just your average “joe….” Read More
Hidden Mexican Gem: Azteca Restaurant in Bridgeport Restaurant Bridgeport Mexican Tacos Lunch Brunch Kid Friendly homepage Homepage Opening Andrew Dominick September 22, 2019 Hidden gems are the heart and soul of this site. I think the other CTbites writers would wholeheartedly agree that those “off the beaten path” restaurants or those that haven’t quite reached a mainstream audience yet, those are the ones that we get excited about the most. Azteca Restaurant in Bridgeport is exactly the kind of place that gets my blood flowing. Its family owned, and still new as it opened during the summer. It also might’ve never come to my attention if chef Bill Taibe didn’t sing its praises to us after a random night out in Bridgeport and a cell phone search for “Mexican food near me.” If not for a chef’s need for late night munchies, Azteca would not have been on our radar. With this information, Stephanie Webster and I rolled out to Azteca for an unforgettable midday Monday feast. Read More
Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For September 22-29 Features Events Events News Pop-Up Dinner Wine Dinners Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 20, 2019 You still have time to partake in “Taste of the Suburbs” presented by CTNow. Through September 29, participating restaurants will offer special multi-course, price-fixed tasting menus. Visit hotspots like Millwrights, Bistro on Main, Carbone’s, and more. Every Wednesday from Sept 25 through November 13 a new chef will bring their culinary POV to Amis Trattoria in Westport in their new Guest Chef Pop-Up, where chefs create a menu of specials that fuses their style with the Italian flair of Amis. On September 25, they welcome Robin Selden of Naked Fig Catering. Enjoy a Spanish Evening of Cheese and Wine at the Farmington Polo Grounds on Wednesday September 25. Start the evening with a prosecco toast under the tent watching the polo game. Then, a professional cheesemonger will guide you through a selection of artisanal Spanish cheeses and pairings of locally made jams, pickles charcuterie... and of course, wine! The Westport Farmer’s Market’s Fork It Over Party in the Parking Lot goes down on Thursday September 26. Partake in dinner, drinks, and music in a picturesque setting… and all to support the market. This year, witness the Chef-at-the-Market finale! Read More
Traditional Jewish Chicken Soup Recipe Via Kosher Like Me Blog Recipe Recipe Holiday Liz Rueven September 19, 2019 Sure, on Jewish holidays, we love to eat symbolic foods* like apples dipped in honey and moist round challah on Rosh HaShanah, the Jewish New Year. But somehow, most families I know begin the feast with glistening chicken soup. Symbolic? Maybe only in the sense that it is an undisputed classic that signal the beginning of a family gathering. Traditional Eastern European chicken soup is very basic, with a plump 3.5-4 pound chicken (or chicken parts), one quartered onion, sliced carrots, celery, parsnips, and fresh dill and salt, at the heart of the aromatic, slow simmered broth.Consider this a foundational recipe, ripe for playing with, if you’d like to add some personal touches. Read More
