Filtering by Tag: Festival,Greenwich

Veteran Chefs Drew Nieporent & Stephen Lewandowski To Bring New Concept To Gabriele's in Greenwich

Features Restaurant Openings Greenwich Celebrity Chef

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.

Geoff Lazlo Hosts Dinner Series at Greenwich Botanical Center

Features Pop-Up Dinner Greenwich Caterers Catering Events

Andrew Dominick September 17, 2019

If you were fortunate enough to try Geoff Lazlo’s food at Mill Street Bar & Table—or at The Whelk and LeFarm prior to that—you know to expect fresh, seasonal food from the restaurant chef turned private chef and caterer. With his latest endeavor, Geoff Lazlo Food, he’s popping up at venues all over Fairfield County and beyond. These days you’ll catch Lazlo flashing his skills at places that practice and preach sustainability like Mike’s Organic Delivery, The Hickories, Millstone Farm, and he even returned to cook at one of Gramercy Tavern’s 25th anniversary alumni nights where he was a sous chef for four years.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For September 15-22

Features Events News Oktoberfest Festival

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 13, 2019

The 7th Annual Two Roads Ok2berfest takes place September 21 starting at 12pm. In addition to the brewery’s own tasty drafts, there will be Authentic German music, German-style beers, food, games and more.

Artisan West Hartford celebrates its 2nd Anniversary with a Havana Nights themed party on Wednesday September 18. Executive Chef Frederic Kieffer will be showcasing Cuban-themed cuisine including: Cubanos with pulled pork and pickles, Ropa Vieja , and other appetizers. In addition, unlimited Beer, Wine, Soda and Signature cocktails will be served. Dressing up for the event is encouraged!

Max Chef to Farm presents an Oktoberfest Dinner at Hanging Hills Brewery on Thursday September 19. This collaboration will bring Chef Hunter Morton together with selections from one of Connecticut's most popular craft brewers, Hanging Hills Brewing Company. Tickets are $79 inclusive and the event is limited to 70 seats.

Match Restaurant in Norwalk is turning TWENTY! Celebrate with them on Thursday September 19. Party with complimentary bites and bubbles along with a cash bar for other specialty drinks.

Greenwich Wine + Food Festival, located at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich, CT, is a multi-day event celebrating this area’s rich culinary landscape and showcasing innovation in the food and beverage industries. This year’s festival includes special guests like Martha Stewart, Margaret and Geoffrey Zakarian, and Valerie Bertinelli. Little Big Town headlines the musical entertainment. This year’s proceeds will go toward Food Rescue US and Greenwich Parks & Recreation.

20+ Places for Oktoberfest in CT: 2019 Edition

Features Oktoberfest Holiday Festival CT Beer Beer Garden Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 08, 2019

It may be called OKTOBERfest, but 2019’s Oktoberfest festivities are kicking off as early as September! Breweries are creating their own German inspired beers while popular restaurants are providing their own renditions of bratwurst and more. Get your lederhosen ready… Oktoberfest 2019 is here!

The Hops Company, Derby

The Hops Company will be hosting its 4th annual Oktoberfest on Sunday, October 13, 2019 beginning at 12:00pm. Featuring Von Trapp Brewery, the day will include live bands, giveaways, and specialty casks. A highlight of The Hops Company’s Oktoberfest is the Stein Hoisting Contest. Each winner will receive an overnight stay for two at the Von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT.

Half Full Brewery, Stamford

Oktoberfest in the Park, presented by Half Full Brewery, returns to Stamford on September 27 & 28. Festivities include food trucks, a Pop-Up Beer Garden, and Live Music from a variety of local and regional acts. The festival is held in support of the Mill River Park Collaborative and takes place on The North Lawn & Grand Steps in Mill River Park in downtown Stamford.

Troupe429, Norwalk

Saturday October 5 is PRIDEtoberfest at Troupe429 in Norwalk. The free event features plenty of drinks, food, and live performances.

Sandy Hook Craft Beer Festival, Newtown

Just in time for your Octoberfest parties comes the Sandy Hook Craft Beer Festival. There are currently over 45 breweries signed up and 6 food trucks. Additional vendors will provide food, candy, spirits and other shopping fun. Join them Saturday October 15 from 1-5pm.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For September 8-15

Features Events News Festival Wine Dinners

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 04, 2019

Join Chef Geoff Lazlo for a Greenhouse Garden Dinner at the Greenwich Botanical Gardens on September 12 from 6-9pm. Dinner will include a specialty cocktail, passed hors d’oeuvres and a three-course meal inspired by the seasonal vegetables and herbs grown in the GBC teaching vegetable garden. Lazlo will lead a discussion about the menu and environmentally friendly cuisine.

Celebrity Chef Tyler Anderson will host the second annual Eat.Drink.Give fundraiser benefitting Foodshare at Millwright's Restaurant and Tavern on Monday, September 9 at 6:30pm. Eat. Drink. Give will feature a multi-course dinner with wine pairings prepared by local award-winning chefs Tyler Anderson & Niles Talbot of Millwright's Restaurant in Simsbury, Prasad Chirnomula of Chef Prasad Indian Kitchen in New Canaan, Jeff Lizotte of Present Company in Tariffville, Billy Grant of Restaurant Bricco in West Hartford, and Pastry Chef Kristin Eddy of Millwright's in Simsbury. There will also be a silent auction. Tickets are $125 per person.

The Hadley + Occum, 2019 Farm Dinner Event series continues on Friday September 13 with the Chefs from Treva. The DORO Restaurant Group has teamed up with Sub Edge Farm for an RSA (similar to a CSA but geared towards restaurants) and chefs will highlight the local bounty at this beautiful meal on the farm. Tickets are $99 per person.

Suffering from empty nest syndrome? Roger Sherman Inn wants to celebrate the launch of our children on September 13 from 6-8pm. Tickets will be available for $50 per person at the front desk.

CTBites’s own editor Stephanie Webster is Dancing with the Stars… AGAIN! On Saturday September 14, she’s kicking up her heels in Greenwich on behalf of Abilis, Inc., a wonderful non-profit that supports kids & adults with special needs. Make a donation or cheer her on at the event.

High George, New Haven’s newest rooftop bar located at The Blake Hotel, has launched a new Happy Hour just in time for guests to enjoy the fall foliage. From 4-6pm, partake in $1 oysters, $6 wines, $8 mojitos, $4 beers, and an $8 rotating punch cocktail.

It’s Sunday Funday El Segundo! For $10, get a bracelet for $5 drinks specials all day long. For an additional $5, enjoy a signature breakfast burrito, normally on the brunch menu for $10. You can come and go as you please.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For Week of September 1-8

Features Events News Festival

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson August 29, 2019

Attention CT foodies ready for a road trip: The Newport Wine + Food Festival arrives this September, kicking off the fall season and ushering us into a beautiful time of year. 2019 marks the fourteenth anniversary of the festival, which takes place from September 19-22.

Get ready to “pig” out on Mondays at Dinosaur BBQ in Stamford. Every Monday through, 9/23 join them on the patio for some pig pulling and bourbon tasting. Bring a group of friends and have a pig picking party right at the table! Individual portions are available as well for $9. Plus, join them Tuesday 9/3 for Friends Trivia.

Birdman in Bridgeport is ready for college students and football season! They are featuring a Nashville Hot style chicken wing and some Pennsylvania Dutch Hand Pies filled with the Harlem Bodega favorite "Chopped Cheese."

Redding Roadhouse hosts a Tuscan Wine Dinner on Wednesday 9/4. Chef Lucas has designed a meal that pairs perfectly with Frescobaldi wines. Dine al fresco on 3 courses with pairings for $75 per person.

There’s nothing like a good, juicy burger… and now you can enjoy them on the farm! On 9/4, Chef Jamie Bissonnette (Toro, Little Donkey) and Tony Camilleri (Zohara) join the Sub Edge Farmers for an evening of farm-made burgers, grilled veggies, and cold drinks. Tickets are $45.

NYC-born pizza institution and Newington newcomer, Artichoke Basille's Pizza, will celebrate National Cheese Pizza Day on Thursday, September 5 by giving away a FREE Basille Regular Cheese Pie with the purchase of any other whole pie.

Blues Views & BBQ Festival Returns Labor Day Weekend!

Features Festival Live Music BBQ

CTbites Team August 26, 2019

WIN FREE Tickets to Greenwich Wine and Food Festival 2019

Features Festival Greenwich Wine + Food Festival

CTbites Team August 26, 2019

Hey guys. It’s that time of year again…Greenwich Wine + Food Festival is almost here, and YOU CAN WIN 2 FREE SATURDAY ALL DAY PASSES (WORTH $400). Comment below and include your email. Tell us why YOU NEED those tickets!

At the festival, guests will experience sommelier, mixologist and brew master presentations, celebrity book signings, cooking demos with Special Guest Chefs, a celebrity green room with live interviews, an exclusive Meet the Masters panel discussion, The Tailgate Party with The Ultimate Taco, Burgers & Beers, and Grill Masters & BBQ. The 8th Annual Burger Battle and 6th Annual Top Bartender Showdown will also return, providing friendly competition between area restaurants and bars.

Little Beet Table Opens in Greenwich: Healthful, Veggie Forward, & Gluten Free!

Restaurant healthy Vegan Vegetarian Gluten-Free Greenwich Openings Brunch Lunch Homepage

Kristin L. Wolfe August 19, 2019

The LBD. The Little Black Dress. It’s the item in a gal’s closet that never disappoints. It fits, it’s classy, not too overstated, but makes the fresh statement, “I’ve arrived.”

Well, guess who has arrived in Greenwich? The LBT. Little Beet Table. It too is classy, not too overstated, and undeniably fresh.

Following its successful predecessors in New York and Chicago, and under the esteemed direction of chef and culinary director Matt Aita (Rouge Tomate, Daniel, Jean Georges), Little Beet Table is amping up what it means to offer fresh, wholesome delicious food. From brunch to lunch and dinner, to cocktails and snacks, LBT puts a real twist on traditional sweet and savory bites and does it all gluten-free. As one of the first exclusively gluten-free restaurants around, Little Beet Table is on top of their game when it comes to unearthing tasty, healthy alternatives for the gluten-based dishes most of us crave, but some of us can’t or shouldn't have.

The Perfect Provenance’s Café 47 Hosts Exceptional Monthly Dinner Tasting

Restaurant Greenwich Pop-Up Dinner

Andrew Dominick July 30, 2019

Exclusivity when dining out has a way of making us feel special. The smaller, the better. It’s like being part of a special club. It’s cool knowing that at that very moment, in a space half the size of a normal living room, that you and 20 people are the only ones that get to take part in an intimate dinner.

Most often the problem is that “exclusive” equates to “EXPENSIVE.”

That brings us to Greenwich! Wait, before you think this is going to be some $150 per person affair, you’re so very wrong.

What if I told you that there’s a great four-course tasting menu offered on the first Friday and Saturday of every month for $65?

If eating out is your thing, I bet you’d be intrigued. What am I saying? It’s Fairfield County, of course eating out is your thing.

Would it be crazier if I mentioned that it goes down at a luxury lifestyle boutique store? And that it’s BYOB? Bet you didn’t see those swerves coming.

And the Dirtiest Napkin Goes To...Winners For The Hartford Rib Off

Features BBQ Festival

Kristin L. Wolfe July 13, 2019

We are a little late in reporting the results of the Hartford Rib Off, but better late than never. It’s no secret that barbecue was really “invented” as permission to get dirty whilst eating. And the moistest, messiest, smokiest bbq around is usually what keeps us enthusiasts dreaming at night. Well, it’s time to find out what happened at the 10th Annual Hartford Rib Off last month and therefore, add to our list of bbq-tastic visits for the rest of the summer.

It was Father’s Day weekend and over 2,000 folks came out for serious sun and chow. And, if a gorgeous summer day, great food, the spirit of competition isn’t enough, support for local charities was the cherry on top of a successful weekend event.

Barbecue, unlimited drinks, raising money oh my. Hall’s Market of West Hartford supplied 4,000 pounds of meat for the two-day event. Attendees enjoyed samples from 20 different breweries, craft cocktails from Tito’s, barbeque from over 30 Pit teams, food trucks and live music from Hartford’s own Professors of Sweet Sweet Music.

MIKU Sushi Opens in Greenwich-World Class Seafood at the Top of the Ave

Restaurant Sushi Openings Greenwich Lunch Seafood Homepage Japanese

Lou Gorfain July 07, 2019

K Dong is beaming. Not because his newly minted MIKU Sushi Restaurant in Greenwich has just opened to strong word-of-mouth and packed houses. Nope, his delighted smile is the result of a diner’s one-word reaction to the Tuna Tartare:

“Ethereal.”

That diner is me and I am quite impressed… as well as surprised. In most restaurants, TT has become a boring culinary meme — over sauced, over spiced, and overworked. K Dong’s version is totally understated. Garnished with micro greens, the crimson slices crown a mound of vividly green avocado, which sits on a gossamer of Yuzu and a whisper of wasabi. Rather than overwhelming the delicate flesh, like so many tartares, the sauce and spice enhance the pristine flavor of the Bluefin. Yep, this dish is, indeed, “Ethereal.”

Chocoylatte Gourmet Opens in Downtown Cos Cob, Greenwich

Restaurant Openings Bakery Chocolate Coffee Greenwich Cos Cob Dessert

CTbites Team July 02, 2019

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.

Tony’s at the JHouse Hotel: Come For Tony, Stay For the Fine Casual Dining

Restaurant Greenwich Hotel Italian American

Jessica Ryan May 16, 2019

Tony Capasso has developed quite the reputation earning himself quite the following. After spending nearly 20 years at Valbella! and Gabriele’s Italian Steakhouse, the veteran Maître d’ now has a steak place of his own at the JHouse, a boutique hotel in Greenwich. Tony is warm, affable and charming. He has a special way with his customers as he circles around to each table offering quick yet challenging trivia questions for all to answer. His eyes twinkle. His smile is infectious.

8 Connecticut Brewfests for Spring/Summer 2019

Features Beer CT Beer Festival Events

James Gribbon April 24, 2019

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.

Black Hog Suds & Curds

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.

Brewfest At The Beach

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.

Smokin' Hops Brewfest by Bears Restaurant Group April 20th

Features Festival CT Beer

Stephanie Webster April 13, 2019

On April 20, visit Hartford for the Smokin' Hops Brewfest 2019, presented by Bear’s Restaurant Group . A ticket includes a Smokin’ Hops Brewfest Commemorative Tasting glass, tasting of 40+ beers from 12 local breweries, tasting of an exclusive small batch beer brewed for the festival by Alvarium Beer Co., and live music by Hartford’s own, Boo-Yah. Buy tickets here. The event benefits Knox, Inc, a community-building organization that plants 500- 1,000 trees each year, maintains 20 community gardens, supports 6 urban farmers, trains young adults in landscaping, provides environmental education, and beautifies Hartford’s parks and green spaces.

LuLu Chinese: Old World Chinese Flavors with Healthy Local Ingredients in Greenwich CT

Restaurant Greenwich Chinese Openings Homepage

Jessica Ryan March 09, 2019

Back in 2015 I was invited to a new Chinese restaurant concept in Westchester by veteran restaurateur Jody Pennette. Skeptical as to how this type of cuisine could be different and better, I went. What I experienced was indeed that and more. Chinese food, I soon learned, could be delicious, even healthful, sticking to simple flavors and using organic ingredients while placing these dishes in the middle of a dynamic and upscale setting.

Fast forward and I am invited to Greenwich to check out Pennette’s latest Chinese food adventure. Once again he pushes the envelope with another, though similar, take on this ethnic fare, bringing us LuLu Chinese with its lighter brighter versions.

Il Pastaficio, Handmade Pasta, Opens in Cos Cob

Restaurant Pasta Noodles To-Go Take Out Italian Cos Cob Greenwich Openings Homepage

Jessica Ryan November 04, 2018

It’s a known fact that Italians love their pasta. It’s also a known fact that they eat it regularly and yet it seems to be something we have become fearful of. As I sit down to write this I remember a popular commercial from my youth. In the North End of Boston, a dark haired Italian woman leans out of her window and beckons her son to come home. “Anthony!” she shouted, and he came running home – but only on Wednesdays, for Wednesday was Prince Spaghetti Day! Today fad diets implore us to eat gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free, carb-free, fat-free, etc. Enter Il Pastaficio, handmade pasta, in Cos Cob. Within weeks of opening locals have been rethinking and enjoying this Italian favorite. The reason is simple – as simple as their ingredients.

Il Pastaficio is unique in its offering of pastas made from natural and antique grains that are rich on minerals, salts and vitamins. This pasta, as a result, is lighter, easier to digest and has a lower glycemic level than the glutinous versions we’ve come to know. Their pastas are made from organic legume flours (such as chickpea) rich in protein and completely additive-free. As a result, Pastaficio pastas are easier to digest.

NEW & NOTABLE: Chef Duane Shand Takes Over At Cafe 47 @Perfect Provenance in Greenwich

Restaurant Greenwich Lunch American far Burgers Dessert Homepage

Lou Gorfain October 14, 2018

Cafe 47, an intimate dining space inside Perfect Provenance in Greenwich, reflects the luxury retail and exhibition space that surrounds it: tasteful, diverse, and capricious. The restaurant’s new chef, Duane Shand, fits right in to the unpredictability of the place.

He radiates a rainbow of ethnicities -- West Indian, African, and Asian—a callaloo kid from Trinidad who unexpectedly, delightfully, now presides over a chic restaurant in one of America’s most patrician enclaves.

Shand landed in Greenwich via a serpentine culinary route: from training at Le Cordon Bleu in Orlando to restaurants around the world, such as the Royal Mail Hotel in Australia, Asador Etxebarr in Spain and Bad Saint in DC. But what ultimately brought him to Greenwich was…

L'Escale Restaurant in Greenwich: Under The Radar and Better Than Ever

Restaurant Greenwich Seafood brunch Lunch American French Homepage

Lou Gorfain September 23, 2018

Connecticut claims its share of Celebrity Chefs. These culinary artists routinely win Food Network Competitions, earn James Beard commendations, and enjoy (or endure) their roles as restaurant Rock Stars.

Though less lionized, Chef Frederic Kieffer is every bit their equal. He created the exquisite l’Escale in Greenwich, followed by Artisan in Southport, then again in West Hartford. All are considered gems … and like Kieffer himself, understated.