It's Official: Shake Shack To Open in Danbury CT Features Danbury Burgers Opening Stephanie Webster February 15, 2020 According to ctinsider.com, Danbury Fair executives have confirmed that they are looking to have the popular burger chain set up shop at the Danbury Fair Mall. In fact, Shake Shack will be housed in a brand new building at Danbury Fair.If you’ve been under a rock and are not familiar with the Shake Shack brand, they currently have CT locations in Westport, New Haven, Darien & West Hartford. One of NYC’s most beloved gathering places, Shake Shack is a modern day "roadside" burger stand known for its delicious burgers, hot dogs, frozen custard, beer, wine and more.Danbury…Get pumped! Read More
Chef Brian Lewis: It's All In The Details at Japanese Inspired OKO Restaurant Features Video Chef Talk Interview Japanese Westport CTbites Team February 13, 2020 WestchesterBites writer, Sibylla Chipaziwa, sits down with Chef Brian Lewis to discuss the inspiration for his Japanese inspired restaurant, OKO, with a new location in Rye, NY (in addition to CT’s Westport spot). Have a listen.Read our review of OKO here. Read More
Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For February 16-23 Events Features News Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 12, 2020 Stamford hosts its Winter Restaurant Weeks from February 17 through March 1. Participating Downtown Stamford restaurants are serving up special lunch & dinner prix fixe menus in several different price options.Celebrate National Margarita Day on February 22nd with $5 Patrón Tequila margaritas at participating Norwalk restaurants and bars during the Norwalk Now Margarita Crawl! Participants include El Segundo, Peaches, Evarito’s, Il Posto, and more.Walrus + Carpenter’s 6th Annual Johnny Cash Birthday Bash returns February 22. Come celebrate Johnny Cash's 88th Birthday and his music over Walrus’s signature BBQ and libations. Hitch & The Giddyup will be the house band for the evening and joined by other special guests.Continuum Distilling is Connecticut’s newest distillery that is dedicated to producing exceptional spirits utilizing patented green practices and ingredients to reuse and repurpose. Attend a grand opening party at its new Waterbury tasting room Read More
Local Spotlight: Mike Geller of Mike's Organic in Stamford Features Ingredients Delivery Service Home Delivery Organic Specialty Market Stamford Westchester Interview Homepage Andrew Dominick February 12, 2020 Hello, CTbites readers! Most of the time we bring you pieces on chefs but we’re trying something new that puts the focus on interesting food and beverage industry folks that ARE NOT chefs but have a tale to tell; think bartenders, independent bakers, farmers, maybe some brewers, or even that waiter everyone seems to know. It’s only fitting to kick it off with Mike Geller, the owner of Mike’s Organic Delivery in Stamford. He’s not a chef, he has a story, and he’s really easy to have a conversation with. He’s one of the reasons why I thought of this series in the first place, so making him number one was a no-brainer. If you’re unfamiliar with Mike’s Organic, it opened in 2009, strictly as a grocery delivery service. Now, celebrating its decade-old birthday, Geller expanded his business and opened his doors to the public with a mini market filled with carefully selected organic goods, fresh produce, and lots of local products. To boot, they host lots of special events and cooking classes with the likes of Geoff Lazlo, Ross Bread, and Nit Noi Provisions. How it all started, though, is quite something. Cue the Q&A! Read More
"Smorgasbord" Original Musical Will Make You Hungry For More Features Theater Events Donna Monaco Olsen February 10, 2020 Running through leap year day, February 29, is a campy, song and dance creation that will get your tummy rumbling. “Smorgasbord!” is an original musical revue written by Bradford Blake – whose previous Theater Barn production, “Wreck the Halls” was a holiday hit. This production, featuring Anya Caravella, Robert Geils, Tracey Marble, and Zachary Theis, has them singing and dancing their way through twenty food scenes. Smorgasbord is a show about foodstuff that will leave you laughing at its references to many different culinary clichés and cultures, including Chinese, Mexican, French, and Italian food, ice cream, kielbasa and more. While recommended for mature audiences due to some culinary innuendo, it is a very enjoyable “lighthearted” evening of all original songs played by a live band on stage. Read More
Blackstones Steakhouse: It's Not Just for Carnivores Restaurant Steakhouse Steak Southport Norwalk Greenwich Stamford Homepage Jessica Ryan February 09, 2020 It’s interesting that with all the restaurants to grace our local communities – from the sushi to the noodles, the vegetarian and vegan, the French, Mexican, Italian, Indian and Asian, to seafood – that we don’t have many steakhouses. So when I was invited to attend a media dinner at Blackstones Steakhouse last week I was quick to respond. With locations in Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk and Southport, Blackstones is a name you should know – even if you’re not a meat eater. Each restaurant is slightly different in style and menu. The Southport location is reminiscent of the old world steakhouse. Read More
Friday Froth: Experimental Brewing at 12% Brewing Project in North Haven Features Ingredients Beer CT Beer Brewery North Haven James Gribbon February 07, 2020
Baker of Black Rock: Outrageous Custom Cookies and Confections Features Bakery Dessert Cookies Cakes Custom Cakes Black Rock Homepage Stephanie Webster February 06, 2020 Julia Preis is the Baker of Black Rock. Sure, there may be other bakers in the Black Rock neighborhood of Bridgeport, but none like Julia. I knew this to be true long before I invited her to my home to demo the technique behind her stunning cookies and cakes. Full disclosure…I had quietly stalked her Instagram account for roughly six months, and you can do the same at @bakerofblackrock. The cookies were tiny edible works of art, seemingly too beautiful to eat, and each displayed a unique personality through accomplished craftsmanship. Her wall of cakes, fruit pies and cupcakes created eye candy that could only make you want to pull up a chair and dig in. But what did they taste like? I had to find out. Read More
It's A Woman's World: Celebrating The Trailblazing Females in CT's Culinary Industry Features Events It's A Woman's World Stephanie Webster February 05, 2020 On March 2nd, CTbites and Terrain will host “It’s A Woman’s World: A Celebration” honoring and celebrating the many inspiring and trailblazing females in Connecticut’s culinary industry. Ladies…It’s about time. From chefs and farmers, to photographers and beekeepers, we're tipping our hats to the females who are molding the CT food industry, and making sh@# happen. The evening will include a panel moderated by on-air personality Marysol Castro, (journalist, PA announcer for the METS, and CTBites podcast host), great food, drinks, awards, and of course, plenty of time to mingle and meet the women in our community as well as the ladies who appear on the list below, our Top 20 Most Influential Woman In CT Culinary Industry. We can’t wait to meet you. Purchase your $25 ticket here and read on because we need YOUR participation in selecting 5 of the women below to win awards for “Most Inspiring & Influential Women in the CT Culinary Scene,” at the event. Read More
Interview with Chef Ben Robinson of Below Deck Talks Cooking, Yachting, and Future Plans Interview Features Interview Celebrity Chef Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 03, 2020 It may be called Below Deck, but Bravo’s nautical reality series is riding high. The original show just wrapped on its seventh season, following the adventures of 49 yachties and hitting the 100 episode mark along the way. Its success has inspired two spin-off shows: Below Deck Mediterranean, which has been on for four seasons, and the brand new addition to the franchise, Below Deck Sailing Yacht.Despite the constantly changing crew, Chef Ben Robinson has become a familiar face. He’s served up delicious food from the galley on 4 seasons on Below Deck and most recently stepped in to save the day on Below Deck Mediterranean. While he achieved fame from reality television, he is a true chef who started cooking at the age of 5. CTBites had the opportunity to sit down with him at the Mohegan Sun Wine & Food Fest to chat about his culinary start, his time on the show, and his exciting plans for the future. Read More
80 + Restaurants for Valentine’s Day in CT: 2020 Features Holiday Special Occasion Valentine's Day Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 03, 2020 Move over Santa! With the holidays in the rearview, cupid is coming to town. Valentine’s Day falls on Friday February 14th and Connecticut Restaurants and Caterers are serving up “sweet” deals to make sure that you and your special someone have an evening to remember. Here are 80+ places where you can go for a romantic night out. Read More
10 Things—or Tapas—We Loved About Mezón Restaurant in Danbury Restaurant Latin American Peruvian Mexican Danbury Tapas Homepage Stephanie Webster & Andrew Dominick February 02, 2020 For nearly a decade, Mezón Restaurant has been thought of as one of Connecticut’s premiere Latin eateries by word of mouth and its seen its fair share of media recognition—they are fresh off Connecticut Magazine Reader’s Poll wins for Best Latin in Fairfield County and the runner-up for Best Latin in the state. And that’s saying something considering they didn’t even know they were nominated and because of that, they didn’t publicize it. Four years ago, our own Lou Gorfain sang Mezón’s praises after a small tasting of ceviche, pan seared pulpo, Dominican fried chicken, and churros. But everything food deserves an update, especially considering there’s a new chef at the helm, an obviously newer menu, and a haven for craft cocktails. Oh, and I’m pretty sure Lou and Kristin are the only ones at CTbites who have been to Mezón. For Stephanie and me, we uttered the same thing, “I’m embarrassed I hadn’t been here before.” Read More
Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for February 2-9 Events Features News Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 01, 2020 ZINC New Haven’s Annual Champagne and Oyster tasting takes place on Thursday February 6. They are pouring 4 sparkling wines, selected by sommelier Michael Egan, for this special event. The month of February is Voyage Month at L’escale. Every week, travel the world by feasting on a menu inspired by a different country. From February 3-9, they’ll highlight Mexico. The two course lunch is $25.20 and the 3 course dinner is $45.20.Flights and Bites comes to Basso Café in Norwalk on Tuesday nights. Mediterranean small plates will be paired with a flight of wines.Join the Chef Team from Terrain Cafe and Amis Trattoria, Westport for a six week teaching and tasting culinary journey as they share creative, delicious recipes and stylish presentations. Read More
The Stand Vegan Cafe in Fairfield Attracts Hard-Core Vegans — And Many More (via Dan Woog's 06880) Restaurant Juice Cleanse Juice Bar healthy Vegetarian Gluten-Free Fairfield CTbites Team January 30, 2020
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Debuts NEW Meatball and Ricotta Pizza! Restaurant Pizza New Haven Danbury Fairfield CTbites Team January 29, 2020 Breaking Pizza News! It’s not often that the legendary Connecticut-based Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana debuts a new pizza, so when this classic New Haven-style, coal-fired pizzeria does, it’s a really big deal. Pepe’s has recently started serving its latest master piece, the Meatball and Ricotta pizza crafted with 100% all natural meatballs, ricotta cheese, crushed Italian tomatoes, mozzarella, grated pecorino Romano and drizzled with olive oil. Read More
Taco Daddy Hosts Royal Rumble Competition: $5K Prize!! Features Competition Cooking Contest Tacos Events Stephanie Webster January 28, 2020 Want a front seat at the most fun Taco Tuesday competition event in CT? Taco Daddy is giving away $5k to the prize time winner of 3 elimination rounds in their Royal Rumble competition, the first of which is going down on February 11th. Oh, guess what….I’m going to be judging, so bring your A game people. This Taco Tuesday event series will feature some talented chefs (we’ll let you know who later), and home cooks. There are two ways to get involved in this event. 1. Watch & Eat. Tickets are $100 per person, can be purchased here. Guests will be served food and unlimited drinks with their purchase of a ticket!2. Compete! Do you think you have what it takes to be a part of this competition? The Taco Daddy team is looking for foodies, home cooks, and even professional chefs from all walks of life to compete for a grand prize of $5,000! To nominate yourself or someone you know, click here –@TacoDaddyStamford – comment on the post and include why you think the nominee would do well. More info here. Read More
Recap: Good Times at Mohegan Sun Wine & Food Fest 2020 Features Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson January 28, 2020 Where can you mingle with celebrities, taste delicious wine, sample craft beer, get free swag, feast on tasty food, try your luck at slot machines, and dance to hits from a DJ? This ISN’T a trick question and there IS an answer. And that answer is the Mohegan Sun Wine & Food Fest. On January 25 and 26, I had the pleasure of attending the weekend long festival on behalf of CTBites. 2020 marked the seventeenth year of the Mohegan Sun Wine & Food Fest and seven years since I first attended in 2013. A great deal has changed since its inception. This year commanded a plethora of A-list chefs and had an array of events to supplement Saturday’s Grand Tasting. Read More
"Healthy PlanEat" Creates App for CT Shoppers to Order Ingredients from Local Farmers....Help Them Raise $$ Features Technology Local Farm CT Farms Sustainable healthy CTbites Team January 28, 2020 Healthy PlanEat is a CT food startup that exists to help re-energize the connection between communities and local farms so people can have a healthy and sustainable diet. It's founder, Rosemary Ostfeld, is an environmental scientist who built the Healthy PlanEat website where people can order food from local organic farms to pick up at the farm, farmers market, or pop-up pick-up points. This fall, a pop-up was run at Kidcity Children's Museum in Middletown and was a great success - "I love the fact that I can get local, fresh, and organic food. I am supporting local farmers in my community and the prices are much more reasonable than the grocery store" said customer, Diana C. Read More
Hoodoo Brown BBQ Introduces Tex-Mex Tuesdays Restaurant BBQ Tacos Mexican Ridgefield Andrew Dominick January 27, 2020 Every now and then Hoodoo Brown BBQ goes off their standard menu for special smoked meat theme days. Occasional Whole Hog Sundays, Prime Rib Thursdays (and French Dip Fridays if there are leftovers), and Taco Tuesdays are just some of the drool-inducing days the Hoodoo Crew has come up with over the years. From Taco Tuesday, though, something else was born…Tex-Mex Tuesday. “We did Taco Tuesday for three months with one special taco on the menu to get our creativity flowing,” says Hoodoo general manager Chris Sexton. “It felt like an afterthought because people would get one or two tacos, and we’d maybe sell 10-15 the whole night, but we know that we do things better when we do them bigger.” Read More
World-Class Chef Dan Giusti is Giving School Lunch a Gourmet Overhaul (Starting in New London CT) Features Kids Celebrity Chef Education News Connecticut Magazine January 24, 2020 Dan Giusti was not used to failing in the kitchen. At 29 years old he had been named the head chef at Noma in Copenhagen, making him a de facto high priest of fine dining. As the leader of the kitchen of one of the world’s most critically acclaimed restaurants, he was tasked with executing owner and executive chef René Redzepi’s vision and making sure the culinary dreams of those who had spent years and months planning their visit to Copenhagen to dine at Noma came true. Giusti was good at this. But three years into the job, Giusti walked away to tackle the seemingly never-ending enigma that is school lunch. With Redzepi’s blessing and investment, Giusti founded a new company called Brigaid that sought to put skilled chefs at the helm of cafeteria kitchens in schools across America. The idea was “getting chefs who would never choose to do this work to do this work,” Giusti says. Read More
