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Half Full Winter Beer Garden Returns for 2019 (via Hey Stamford!)

Events Pop-Up Bar Stamford Holiday kids activity

Hey Stamford!

This just in from Hey Stamford!

One of our favorite winter experiences of 2018 was Half Full Brewery’s Winter Beer Garden.  Well, I’m thrilled to say that the Stamford-based brewery announced yesterday that this pop-up experience will return, this time for the entire month of December! 

The Half Full Winter Beer Garden will once again be located in Mill River Park just opposite the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Skating Center and will feature an enclosed bar serving (of course) Half Full beer, cider and wine. 

The Half Full Winter Beer Garden is part of Mill River Park’s Winter Wonderland programming line-up, built around the Skating Center (opening for the season on November 18). From Thanksgiving until New Year’s, the park will offer plenty of winter fun, including crafts, DJ Nights, and more!

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Polenta Holiday Cookies Recipe from Chef Silvia Baldini

Features Recipe Recipe Dessert Holiday Cookies Entertaining

Silvia Baldini

Crispy, crunchy, polenta cookies. The recipe was kindly gifted to me by my MIL Elisabetta. They have become a welcome tradition in my family. We make them a couple of weeks ahead of the holidays and keep them fresh in metal tin, lined with parchment paper. The mix of polenta and potatoes starch gives them a melt in your mouth texture. I like to dust them with a light coating of powder sugar and I enjoy them as treat with tea or when my sweet tooth requires a fixing.

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25+ Connecticut Halloween Parties & Happenings for 2019

Events Features Holiday Halloween Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Costume?  Check.  Pumpkin?  Check.  Candy?  Check.  Halloween Plans.  Check…?  October 31 is quickly approaching and with so many fun options to choose from, what is one to do?  Connecticut restaurants, farms, bars, and venues are all getting into the Halloween spirit with frighteningly good food specials, cocktails, bar crawls, haunted hayride, and more.  Here are 25+ CT spots throwing spook-tacular events to lead up to and close out the holiday.

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Yom Kippur Savory Mushroom Cheese Kugel Recipe

Features Recipe Holiday Recipe Noodles

Liz Rueven

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.

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Traditional Jewish Chicken Soup Recipe Via Kosher Like Me Blog

Recipe Recipe Holiday

Liz Rueven

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.

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20+ Places for Oktoberfest in CT: 2019 Edition

Features Oktoberfest Holiday Festival CT Beer Beer Garden Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

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.

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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.

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50+ Restaurants & Events for Easter in CT 2019

Features Holiday Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Easter in Sunday April 21 and Connecticut restaurants are celebrating with prix fixe menus, spring inspired entrees, brunch buffets, and traditional dinners.  If you’re planning to eat out and haven’t made a reservation yet, you’ll want to hop to it… these meals fill up quickly!  Here are 50+ restaurants with Easter specials so you can dine out with some-bunny special.

  1. Community Table, Washington: Chef Paul Pearson has created a special Easter menu to celebrate the holiday and the beginning of spring at Community Table in Washington. Join them on Sunday April 21.

  2. Artisan, Fairfield & Hartford: On Easter Sunday, Artisan, with locations in Southport and Hartford, will serve a 3 course meal for $65 per person. Reservations are required and can be made at artisansouthport.com.

  3. Millwright’s, Simsbury: Millwrights will offer a 3 course Easter Brunch Prix Fixe meal, which will cost $59 for adults $29 for children under 12. Entrees include Lobster Cake Benedict, Ham, Spring Lamb, Gnocchi, and more.

  4. Hub and Spoke, Bridgeport: On Saturday April 20, Hub & Spoke hosts Easter breakfast with the Easter Bunny! This special event lasts from 9am-12pm.

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45+ Restaurants, Bars & Events for St. Patrick’s Day in CT: 2019 Edition

Features St. Patrick's Day Holiday Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

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Valentine's Day CT Gift Guide: Cocktails Kits, Chocolates, Classes, Boozy Treats & More!

Features Gift Guide Holiday Homepage

April Guilbault

Pitter pat, pitter pat. Oh, be still my heart! Although, some might argue that the sound they hear around this time of the year is the sound of pure dread. Embrace this holiday of love and get your cupid on! Back to that pitter pat you are hearing. What to do to surprise your Valentine? There is so much out there beyond the usual bunch of overpriced red roses and glittery greeting card-not that we have anything against glitter, mind you. Behold! We have found cocktail kits, chocolate-making classes, specialty brews and wines. Oh, what fun this day of love shall be! Best part is that so many of these great (lovely?) ideas can be done throughout the year…so that you declare your love again and again and again….

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80+ CT Restaurants & Events for Valentine's Day

Features Holiday Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Love is in the air!  Are you feeling romantic?  These Connecticut restaurants, bars, and venues are serving up prix fixe menus, special dishes, and other festivities.  Get your special someone and partake in these dining delights that would make cupid proud.

  1. Homestead Inn, Greenwich: The Homestead Inn will serve a prix fixe Valentine’s Dinner for $90 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

  2. On20, Hartford: At On20 in Hartford, feast on a 6-Course Tasting for $160 per person, which includes beverage pairings.  Dishes include caviar, foie gras torchon, lobster, beef tenderloin, and more. 

  3. The Cottage, Westport: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a loved one at The Cottage on February 14, where they’ll be presenting a special four-course, prix-fixe dinner prepared by Chef Brian Lewis and his team, with extended hours from 5:30pm – 10:30p.

  4. Harlan Publick, Norwalk: At Norwalk’s Harlan Publick, dine on a 3 course prix fixe menu for $49 per person, plus tax and gratuity.  As a romantic bonus, sip on a complimentary glass of prosecco upon arrival.

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30+ Restaurants for Christmas Eve & Christmas in CT: 2018 Edition

Features Christmas Holiday Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

It’s almost time to deck the halls… Christmas is right around the corner!  While the season is joyous and filled with cheer, there is also plenty to get done from shopping to decorating to travelling.  If you prefer dining out to preparing a giant meal at home, Connecticut restaurants have you covered with tasty menus, buffets, and specials. 

Here is a guide to restaurants where you can spend a festive Christmas Eve or Christmas.

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Holiday Afternoon Tea at the Bee and Thistle Inn Through Jan. 5th

Restaurant Holiday Tea And Coffee Events

CTbites Team

Treat your loved ones or take time for yourself this holiday season by making reservations for a really special, festive event at the Bee and Thistle Inn in Old Lyme—their annual Holiday Afternoon Tea. The quaint Bee and Thistle Inn is quintessential coastal Connecticut in its interior decor and is a recommended place to visit year-round. But during the short winter days, the Bee and Thistle Inn gets extra dolled up with holiday spirit, making it a memorable place to spend time with loved ones. This special tea is served from November 29th through January 5th.

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CTbites 2018 Holiday Gift Guide for CT Food Lovers

Features Best of CT Gift Guide Holiday Homepage

April Guilbault

’Tis the season of holidays, sparkly and bright, there’s baking and partying well into the night 

The children are excited and the adults somewhat stressed, with planning and wrapping and finding the perfect Christmas vest 

What shall we get for Aunt Mo or Uncle Buck, it’s hard to decide, we aren’t having much luck 

But wait, it’s the Guide, the almighty Gift Guide! CTbites to the rescue, we exclaimed, we cried! 

There’s something for everyone, your foodies and friends, we’ve found several classics, along with a few trends

So wrap them up lovingly with great care and great pride, and present these gifts with a gleam in your eye 

How merry, how happy, the recipients will be, and you, the giver, will be brimming with glee!

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80+ CT Restaurants & Venues for The Perfect Holiday Party: 2018 Edition

Features Holiday Catering Entertaining

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

They say you don’t need an excuse to throw a party, but if you’re still looking for one the holidays are a good reason!  Connecticut restaurants have beautiful event spaces for your festivities and there are also unique venues that offer creative backdrops for your events.  Click here for a guide to 70+ restaurants and venues for your next holiday party.

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55+ Restaurants & Caterers for Thanksgiving in CT: 2018 Edition

Features Thanksgiving Holiday Catering

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

How does a turkey drink its wine?  From a gobble-let!  OK, but seriously… Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it’s time to consider your holiday plans!  If you want to enjoy the meal with less prep and clean-up, an assortment of Connecticut caterers and restaurants are offering savory take-out options.  Restaurants are also serving prix-fixe menus, brunches, and other specials for those who want the experience of eating out. 

Here are over 50 Thanksgiving dining options, whether you’re dining out or catering your event from your favorite local restaurant.

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Guide To Connecticut Caterers: 2018 Holidays Made Easy! (sponsored post)

Features Catering Holiday Best of CT Entertaining Homepage

April Guilbault

Less than 90 days until Christmas and less than 70 until Hanukkah. Please don’t hate us, we want to help you! Wonderful, albeit somewhat stressful holiday gatherings are fast approaching and with them come the planning, cooking, and hosting. Looking to streamline and maybe, eh-hem, enjoy your holidays this year? Toss those oven mitts aside, grab a cold, ice-clinking drink and hire a caterer for your soirees! Courteous and attentive staffs, creative and unique presentations, swoon-worthy and drool-worthy foods. When we put it that way, what’s to discuss? CTbites has assembled a list of caterers that are sure to lend that special bit of flair to your gathering, whether it be grand or cozy. These folks are eager to please and ready to tackle the upcoming season with panache. Book now, though, or those oven mitts might be back on your hands.

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20+ Places To Celebrate Oktoberfest in CT: 2018 Edition

Features Holiday Oktoberfest Beer Garden CT Beer Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Fall is here!  That means spice pumpkin lattes, apple picking, Halloween shopping, and of course… Oktoberfest!  Connecticut restaurants, farms, museums, and fairgrounds are holding their own versions of the German holiday.  These places are serving up German-inspired cuisine, brews, music, entertainment, and more. We will continue to update this list as venues announce events. Check back for more events throughout the month. 

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