Filtering by Tag: Oktoberfest,Cooking Classes

Cooking Classes with Indian Master Chef Prasad Chirnomula, The Scholar of Spice

Features Indian Cooking Cooking Classes New Canaan New Haven

Kristin L. Wolfe

In addition to blazing trails with restaurants (Thali, INDIA, Indian Kitchen) Chef Prasad has begun to make his fans swoon on a more intimate level with a regular cooking school series. What a special treat. I recently went to one of his Sunday classes and came away with a whole new passion for Indian cuisine. And believe me, I’ve already been a giant fan for years. (Jackson Diner, Queens anyone? I lived in Jackson Heights for ten years).


Terrain Cafe & Amis Trattoria Teach Seasonal & Sustainable Cooking Class Series

Features Ingredients Cooking Cooking Classes Education

Stephanie Webster

Join the culinary professionals that lead the kitchens of Westport restaurants Terrain Cafe and Amis at Stamford Museum & Nature Center as they show you the joys of sourcing and cooking with the best in seasonal and sustainable ingredients. From salads and appetizers to entrees, pastas and desserts, this six-part series (January 27 through March 9.) takes you through the methodology of creating show-stopping dishes as you also learn how to source the best ingredients right in your own backyard.


Westoberfest Downtown Westport Beer Festival w/ Over 50 Craft Breweries, Food & Fun sponsored post

Events Features Festival Oktoberfest

CTbites Team

Over 30 New England craft breweries will serve up their favorite seasonal beer tastings at Westoberfest on October 19 at 2:00 p.m. in the heart of downtown Westport on Elm Street. Building on a successful inaugural event last year, and in partnership with Westport's newest wine and spirits merchant, The Grapevine, there will be even MORE breweries this year, with more than 50 unique pours of the best local and regional craft beer for three hours of unlimited tasting. Buy your tickets here!

The perfect complement to flavorful craft brews is tasty food, and Westoberfest will serve up two local favorites, Kawa Ni and Rothbard Ale + Larder, with options to satisfy any appetite. Line up early to experience traditional brats and pretzels from Rothbard’s or satisfy your culinary craving with spicy miso ramen, tofu pockets, and sesame noodles from Kawa Ni. The always crave-worthy DoughGirls truck will also be making an appearance in the kids' area (yes, there’s a KIDS AREA).

What’s on the Menu? Check it out…


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For September 15-22

Features Events News Oktoberfest Festival

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

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 TWENTYCelebrate 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

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.


School’s in Session! Hoodoo Brown Debuts BBQ 101 Classes

Features Cooking Classes Education BBQ Ridgefield Homepage

Andrew Dominick

It’s a sweltering hot Sunday in July and a dozen of us are standing outside of Hoodoo Brown BBQ at quarter to eight in the morning. A father-daughter duo came in from the Upper East Side, one guy came from Queens, others made a 45-minute drive down from parts of the Hudson Valley or from various parts of Fairfield County, the rest sped over from up the street. At that time, Hoodoo Brown was still over three hours away from opening its doors to customers craving their Texas-inspired barbecue, so what the heck were we all doing there? 


Guide To Adult Cooking Classes in Connecticut: 2019 Edition

Features Cooking Cooking Classes Education Best of CT

April Guilbault

You’ve arranged to keep the kids busy all summer long with camps and lessons, sleepovers and maybe a bit of volunteer work here and there, but what about some fun for YOU? Those kids shouldn’t get all the fun. And because we are, eh-hem, adults, learning a few new things alongside that good time is always a welcome bonus. Cooking classes are a unique way to have a memorable evening. You can go solo, with a friend or a group. Choose the flavors or the skills you are interesting in knowing more about. Then walk away with a full belly, new information and probably a few laughs under your chef’s apron. What the heck are you waiting for? Remember too, these are great gift ideas as well. Friend with a birthday during the summer? Treat them! It’s like dinner out but so much better. Pencil in some time for yourself this summer and treat yourself..like a kid. 

Here is our Guide To Adult Cooking Classes in Connecticut.


Guide To Kids Cooking Camps & Classes in Connecticut for 2019

Features Cooking Cooking Classes kids cooking party Kids kids activity Summer Camp

April Guilbault

Hot summer days and you don’t feel like cooking. The stove, oven, even the grill…it’s all so hot. But hold on a minute there, maybe *you* don’t have to! With a little foresight (read: now), your kids can learn to cook this summer, get inspired and whoa-oh, looks who’s not in the kitchen anymore?! Beyond your parental joy, though, kids will enjoy learning cooking skills, whipping up some pretty cool menus from around the globe and even having a cooking competition or two just to test their mettle. Just be sure to sign up your aspiring chefs soon, these classes and camps fill up quicker than hot grease will jump out of a pan!


Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of September 30th - October 7th

Features Events News Oktoberfest Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

On October 7, put your stomach to the ultimate test with the inaugural Dew Drop Wing Eating Contest!  It costs $25 per person to enter and proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Club. 

Millwright’s Social Club, in conjunction with The Wise Old Dog, will take place on Wednesday October 3 from 6-7:30pm.  The “casual night of food and drink in the loft” will feature wines from Lieu Duet and Peterson Winery.  It is $50 per person.

On October 4, Hadley + Occum, Farm Dinner Events continue with Chefs from Àvert.  The series takes place at Sub Edge Farm in Farmington from 6-9pm. 

It’s the end of summer (sigh) and Artisan in Southport invites you to an “End of Summer Patio Party” on Tuesday October 4.  From 5-7pm, enjoy complimentary cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, and live music.


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. 


CT Guide To Kids Cooking Classes & Summer Camps

Features Cooking Classes kids activity Kids Education Summer Camp kids cooking party Homepage

April Guilbault

“MOM! MA! Mommmmmmm… “What?!” “I’m bored.” Oh boy.

Have you heard this lovely little conversation often during the summer months? Kids young and old let that horrifying phrase fall from their lips at an astounding rate. Are you just cringing thinking about how you will derail these declarations for 10 weeks? Well, now you can consider yourself informed and prepared to battle the cries of blahs and beat the little buggers at their own game! We’ve got some tasty ideas so that you can wave goodbye to boredom, and say hello to a creative and fun summer (not to mention, delicious). Maybe your kids will even treat you to a meal or two along the way. Maybe you’ll get the last laugh this summer…

Here are 14 Kids Cooking Classes & Summer Camps.


Guide To Cooking Classes in Connecticut: 18 Spots To Get Schooled

Features Cooking Classes kids cooking party Education Entertaining Catering Homepage

April Guilbault

It’s not warm enough to totally be outdoors and you’ve got a wicked case of cabin fever after this roller coaster of a winter. What’s a food loving, experience-hungry, knowledge-loving person to do? Take a class! Specifically, a *food* class! From breads to butchery, cheeses to fondant, we’ve assembled a class list that will have you hungry to learn, so to speak. Using the skills offered in these classes, you (and your friends, if a group activity if something you are looking for) can learn a wide variety of culinary skills that will allow you to have fun in the moment but then take that fun back to your own kitchen and share it. Learn to cook for a crowd, perfect skills you’ve been thinking you need a smidge of help with, or just do something different for an evening. Break out of that bread box! Strike a new (knife) pose! Any way you slice it (see what I did there?), you are going to have a grand time…learning! Who knew? 


Southern Connecticut Wine Company Invites You To Make Your Own Wine

Features Ingredients Education Cooking Classes WIne Wine Tasting Vineyard Wallingford

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

In 2016, Forbes Magazine claimed to have discovered the “secret to happiness.”  “Spend money on experiences, not things,” they told their readers.  CNN took it one step further.  “That's in part because the initial joy of acquiring a new object, such as a new car, fades over time as people become accustomed to seeing it every day…,” they reported.  “Experiences, on the other hand, continue to provide happiness through memories long after the event occurred.”

Those looking to invest in a meaningful experience can find a solution tucked away in Wallingford, just off the highway, but hidden from view.  Southern Connecticut Wine Company, located in an unassuming garage-like building behind the railroad tracks, affords people the unique opportunity to create their own wine over the course of a season.  I had the chance to be an honorary co-op member for the day and witness a little bit of what they have to offer.


CTBites Scene: Ok2berfest At Two Roads Brewing

Features Brewery Oktoberfest

James Gribbon

CTBites travels Connecticut finding the best food, drinks, and events in the state. Sometimes we'll see you out there as part of a new series we're calling CTBites Scene. 

Ok2berfest returned to Two Roads Brewing Company in Stratford on September 16-17, and CTBites was there. This was the fifth year of the highly anticipated event, and a capacity crowd of 3,000 was on hand each of the two days as bands played, food trucks sold their cornucopia, and the sun shone. Two Roads brewed three specialty beers for the event: Ein marzen, Zwei festbier, and drei altbier.

Did you make the scene?


Places To Celebrate Oktoberfest in CT: 2017 Edition

Features Events Oktoberfest

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Oktoberfest is arriving early this year!  Local restaurants and hotspots are celebrating the fall festival as early as September!  From authentic German cuisine to live music to imported beers, here are places in Connecticut with upcoming Oktoberfest celebrations. Do you know of an event we missed? Share your Oktoberfest party below.

  1. Two Roads, Stratford: The 5th Annual Two Roads Ok2berfest takes place September 16 and 17. There will be authentic German music, German-style beers, food, games and more.
  2. Rothbard Ale & Larder, Westport: Their second annual Oktoberfest will take place on Saturday, September 23. Join them for authentic German beers, dishes, games, and live music all day long.
  3. Half Full, Stamford: At Half Full Brewery, Octoberfest is “CanToberfest.” On September 30, enjoy a pop up beer garden, lawn games, a can stein hoist competition, food trucks, and more. The festival will support the Mill River Park Collaborative
  4. Beer Garden at Shippan Landing, Stamford: On September 16 & 17, participate in Oktoberfest at The Beer Garden at Shippan Landing! The two day event features pumpkin and harvest beers, cocktails, live music, food trucks, contests and more!
  5. The Seehund, New London: The Seehund German Pub & Restaurant will celebrate Oktoberfest from Join us October 6-10.

 


Learn How to Make Your Own Wine w/ Southern Connecticut Wine Company Classes

Features Ingredients Education Cooking Classes Events

Stephanie Webster

Wanna learn how to make your own wine? Wallingford’s Southern Connecticut Wine Company www.soconnwineco.com is Connecticut’s first micro winery and they have a few spots open in their fall SoConnWine CoOp. The CoOp kicks off on Saturday, September 16th with a full day of crushing grapes from 12pm - 4pm at SoConn. No barefeet required — the winery has machines for that Crushing will continue every Saturday through October 7th. CoOp members can come once, or come all four Saturdays. Lots of sips of wine are included at every CoOp event. 


Kids Cooking Classes & Camps for Summer 2017 in CT

Features kids activity Kids Cooking Classes kids cooking party Education

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Summer is on its way!!  In just a few weeks, the kids will be out of school and looking for their next adventures.  Why not a culinary endeavor?  These Connecticut caterers and venues are offering up kids cooking camps and classes throughout the summer months. Check their web site for complete details. 

  1. AMG Catering and Events, Wilton: This summer, youngsters can sign up for the Kids CIT (Chef In Training) Camp at AMG Catering. There are four weeks to choose from, but book quickly because they are already selling out!
  2. Bishops Orchards, Guilford: New this year, Bishops Orchards in Guilford has announced Summer Camp Programs for kids! The summer is broken down into four two day long sessions where kids can explore a different farm theme.
  3. Wakeman Town Farm, Westport: In addition to learning about life on a farm, participants in the Junior Chef Summer Camp get to work alongside local chefs and counselors to pick the freshest ingredients around from the farm, see how organic fruits and veggies grow, and learn to cook and create fun fare, from pickles to smoothies to stir-fries, in our brand-new farm kitchen classroom! It's seed-to-plate culinary fun with a homegrown spin.

Maple Syrup Open Houses at Ambler Farm: March 4th & 11th

Features Cooking Classes kids activity Kids CT Farms

CTbites Team

Experience a New England tradition: turning sap into syrup!   Ambler Farm will host two Maple Syrup Open Houses. The history and process of making syrup is fascinating.  Kids and families will have an opportunity to tap a tree, take the maple syrup taste test, learn about Native American, colonial, and modern methods of making syrup and, of course, taste Ambler Farm’s very own maple syrup over vanilla ice cream. DATES: On Saturday, March 4th and again on Saturday, March 11th (both from 1-2pm). 

Bottles of Ambler Farm Maple Syrup will be available for sale.  This event is free and open to the public. 


Westoberfest Downtown Westport Beer Festival w/ Over 50 Craft Breweries, Food & Fun sponsored post

Recipe Cooking Classes Education kids cooking party

CTbites Team

About six years ago, I began teaching cooking classes out of my home in Westport. Long after culinary school, a couple of years catering at Abigail Kirsch and many years catering on my own, the classes became a perfect way for me to share my love of food and cooking. Initially it was mostly friends and acquaintances but word quickly spread and before I knew it I was booking 2-3 classes a week from people all over the tri-state area. Here is a behind the scenes look at Chop Shop Cooking.

A cooking class usually starts with an email: “I’m interested in a cooking class in December… “

Sometimes they have already done some homework and looked at my demonstration class schedule and it’s very straightforward:  “I have 2 people and want to sign up for the Holiday Bites class on Thursday the 8th.” Easy! Great! Done! 

But more often, people like to create their own, tailored experience.


15 Foodie Places for Oktoberfest Events & Festivals in CT

Restaurant Events Holiday Oktoberfest

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Autumn means pumpkin flavored everything, falling leaves, apple cider donuts… and of course Oktoberfest! CT restaurants are celebrating with German inspired fare, seasonal brews, and festivals.  From Redding Roadhouse to Rothbard Ale + Larder to Vespa, here are 10 places where you can raise a stein this fall.

  1. Redding Roadhouse, Redding: Through October 31, Redding Roadhouse will be their 31st annual Oktoberfest. There will be authentic German cuisine, 1 liter bier steins, and a live OOmpah band from 4-8pm every Sunday.
  2. Rothbard Ale + Larder, Westport: Rothbard Ale + Larder will have their first ever Oktoberfest on Saturday September 24 from 1:30-8pm. There will be authentic German beers and food, games, and music all day long.
  3. The Hops Company., Derby: T.H.C. (The Hops Company) will celebrate Oktoberfest every Sunday through October 23. Visit them from 3-7pm for free admission, German bands, Oktoberfest inspired fare, and beer.
  4. Norwich Oktoberfest Pub Crawl, Norwich: On October 1, go on an Oktoberfest pub crawl in downtown Norwich. Visit places like Harp & Dragon, These Guys Brewing, and La Stella Pizzeria.
  5. Harlan Publick, Norwalk: Harlan Publick will have an Oktoberfest party on Saturday September 24