Nibble: Tasty CT Food News & Events For October 4-11

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Stephanie Webster October 02, 2020

Casa Villa’s (866 East Main Street, Stamford) has new Taco Tuesday offering! The Mexican restaurant on Stamford’s East Side has introduced a special ALL YOU CAN EAT taco menu! The promotion gives you an opportunity to select from 10 of their amazing tacos – as many as you want! – for just $15. If you want to add a margarita, sangria or beer it’s just $20!

Hoodoo Barbecue school returns!! Come learn from the Hoodoo Crew, as the Pit Crew takes you behind the scenes for a four hour barbecue school from 8am-12pm.

Cuban dinner for two for Havana Nights at The Spread Norwalk! Join us every Thursday night for a special menu curated by Chef Carlos Baez

Join Millwright’s sous chef, Jamie Bordonaro, for a very special pop-up dinner on Monday, October 12th at 5pm for a 4 course prix fixe dinner to celebrate the release of his cookbook ‘Pursuit of Passion'.’ The dinner will be held Outside at Millwright’s. Tickets are limited and are $85 per person, with a $30 wine pairing available. The dinner includes a copy of the cookbook. View the menu and get tickets online

Winfield Street Coffee is celebrating their 5-year anniversary with GIVEAWAYS!! They are giving away 5 super cool gift baskets.

Millwright's Sous Chef, Jamie V. Bordonaro, Publishes "Pursuit of Passion" Cookbook

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Stephanie Webster October 01, 2020

Chef Jamie Bordonaro’s “day” job is Sous Chef at Millwrights Restaurant in Simsbury Connecticut, but over the past six years, Bordonaro has been working on a project of his own, in all of that “free” time one has as a chef. Jamie recently finished the publication of a cookbook titled, “Pursuit of Passion,” and as you can imagine, he is more than a little excited to finally be able to share the fruits of his labor with the public.

The cookbook is a personal narrative and compilation of Bordonaro’s cooking techniques, flavor profiles, and skills that he acquired throughout his culinary career. But it is so much more than that, and is grounded in purpose that relates to one’s own inner drive and the importance of creating opportunity within yourself to follow your passion.

Taco Daddy's Cheesy Cracker Crusted Fried Chicken & Waffles Crunch Wrap Recipe

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Stephanie Webster September 30, 2020

CTbites recently partnered with Taco Daddy’s Chef Mo Major to help promote Milton’s new Cheesy Cheddar Crackers (which are really rather delicious). We asked Chef Major to create a Crunchwrap with the addition of these snackables, and in 30 minutes he came out of the kitchen with this ridiculously tasty recipe for a Cheesy Cracker Crusted Fried Chicken & Waffles Crunch Wrap. Guess what? Now you can make it at home. Enjoy!

Guide To Great Coffee in Connecticut 2020: Happy National Coffee Day!

Features Restaurant Best of CT Coffee Tea And Coffee Breakfast Homepage

Kristin L. Wolfe September 29, 2020

Those who know me, know I’m an equal opportunity caffeinator; I start my day low-key and sort of lady-like with a cup of Twinings Earl Grey. BUT, if I haven’t been punched in the face by mid-morning with a good strong cappuccino, then watch out. By the sheer number of places in our great state to get a jolt, I know I’m not alone. The list is long, but please, let us know if we’ve missed one of your favorite spot for java and we’ll add it to the caffeinated compilation. Go forth and get buzzed.

Mr. Frosty's: Outrageously Tasty, Instagram Worthy Ice Cream with Old School Charm

Restaurant ice cream Special Dietary Needs Vegan Kid Friendly Take Out Delivery Dessert Homepage

Stephanie Webster September 26, 2020

When Anthony and Rosa Luciano took over Mr. Frosty’s, 15 years ago, this classic ice cream spot had already been scooping the good stuff for happy customers for close to 60 years. Situated in the heart of East Norwalk, a few feet from the Norwalk River, Mr. Frosty’s feels like the type of spot you might wander across in a summer beach resort town. What makes Mr. Frosty’s a destination for Fairfield County ice cream enthusiasts? Anthony and Rosa never sit still. They are constantly researching and pushing to find the next great thing. Their creativity, playfulness, and willingness to experiment has made them a go-to for all things ice cream. Whether you’re looking for a take-out family style “Take & Make Fun Kit,” a Tornado, Shake, Apple Waffle Sundae, or whatever their latest and greatest seasonal flavors might be, the operative words are outrageous delicious fun here.

Truth be told, it was their new Vegan ice cream flavors that brought me to Mr Frosty’s on this visit, and yet somehow I managed to end up elbow deep in waffle sundaes, a pumpkin spice float, and several “Cravers.”

Nibble: Tasty CT Food News & Events for September 27-October 14

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Stephanie Webster September 25, 2020

On October 1st, Letizia’s Pizza is bringing back their “Gertie’s Pie of Hope",” a Mac & Cheese Pizza, sold throughout October with 100% of proceeds going to @makingstrides203, The American Cancer Society.

Looking for a fun outdoor, possibly boozy activity? Elm City Party Bike tours (@elmcitypartybike) is New England’s first pedaled sightseeing & party bike taking you on bar crawls and history tours in New Haven.

bartaco is now offering delivery of its fan favorites to New Haven. Delivery of taco packs, family packs, margarita mix, and many other popular items such as guacamole and chicken empanadas, will all be available for the first time to New Haven via Uber Eats and Door Dash from 11:30am – 9pm daily.

Vita Pasta Lab & Westport Continuing Education host a series of 5 Online Kids Cooking Classes for grades 6-12, starting Sept 23rd-October 23. . Learn Italian recipes that are hand-made, healthy and delicious + everyone enjoys a great meal afterwards. Sign up here.

RISE DOUGHNUTS pop-up with “pitmaster” Hugh Mangum of Mighty Quinn’s BBQ, has officially moved to The Schoolhouse at Cannondale in Wilton. Get his epic fritters and doughnuts every Sunday at 8AM till they sell out!

It's A Woman's World: Chef Ashley Flagg of Millwright's Restaurant

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CTbites Team September 24, 2020

Connecticut is full of trailblazing women, particularly in the culinary world. Our ongoing column, “It’s A Woman’s World’ is devoted to CT female influencers who’ve forged their own paths, often in food-related fields long dominated by men.

Whether farming the land, bringing healthy food to the masses, feeding an entrepreneurial spirit or injecting feminism with food, these groundbreaking ladies have set a new definition of women’s work, creating new paths and setting examples for those who follow.

How'd they do it? Read on. This week, we feature Chef Ashley Griggs of Millwright’s Restaurant in Simsbury. Stay tuned to see who’s next. And feel free to send suggestions for your candidates to steph@ctbites.com.

"Room at the Table; Recipes from the Heart" E-Cookbook By Silvia Baldini

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Stephanie Webster September 23, 2020

Chef Silvia Baldini of Strawberry & Sage has released a wonderful new E-cookbook, “Room at the Table; Recipes from the Heart.” The cookbook is a collection of family recipes donated by ‘New Canaan Democrats’ members, friends, community leaders, and legislators. It’s a cookbook about the joy and benefits of sharing delicious meals with others. It is also about building a bigger table that welcomes and includes our friends and neighbors, embraces our diversities, and celebrates our expansive attitudes and values of compassion and care for everyone.

Contributors to the project include: Senator Kamala Harris—vice-presidential candidate, Chef Marcus Samuelsson— award-winning chef, restaurateur, cookbook author, philanthropist and food activist, judge on Chopped, Gloria Steinem— Activist, author, Feminist…and oh so many more.

Chef Stephen Lewandowski Is Back, Cooking Exceptional Fare at Townhouse in Greenwich

Restaurant Greenwich American Lunch Take Out Fine Dining Homepage Seafood Pasta Private Party Outdoor Dining Patio Opening

Jessica Ryan September 22, 2020

At Townhouse, contemporary meets traditional not only in décor, but in cuisine as well, where color and layers are just as prevalent in each carefully prepared dish. The menu takes simple fare and elevates it to the next level, layering flavors, colors and textures from around the world, delivering dishes that are nothing short of superb.

This should really come as no surprise and one would expect nothing less with the trifecta of excellence at the restaurant’s helm. Chef Stephen Lewandowski (formerly of the Harlan restaurants, Tribeca Grill and Gotham Bar & Grill) has teamed up with longtime friend Drew (Nierport of Tribeca, Nobu & Batard), and Director of Operations Dana Cifone (formerly of Duoro, Starr and One Group) to create an experience of distinction that is multifaceted.

RISE Doughnuts: Pitmaster Hugh Mangum is Making Donuts in Wilton

Features Restaurant Wilton donuts Homepage Hugh Mangum Pop-Up Dessert Breakfast Opening

Andrew Dominick September 20, 2020

At quarter to midnight on a Saturday in Wilton, the town is pitch black except for the glimmer of light coming from Tim LaBant’s Parlor. Ovens are off, they’re not making pizza, and the doors are locked. It’s where you’ll find Hugh Mangum, the owner of Mighty Quinn’s Barbecue, former Chopped champion, a Jean-Georges alum, frequent judge on Beat Bobby Flay and Fire Masters, and, well, you get the idea. Mangum is beginning a sleepless overnight shift where he’s doing the opposite of what he’s known for, if making donuts and fritters for a Sunday morning pop-up is the opposite of smoking meat.

Mangum’s late-night workshop is a necessary one. He’s got lots of donut dough to make, bowls of homemade curds, creams, and glazes need to be whipped up, and fritters require a folding of buttery, cinnamony, sugary Granny Smiths.

Later, Mangum will be joined by his wife, Laura, and his sons Lucas and Henry. While Hugh fries and fills hundreds of donuts in the back, Laura is up front submerging fritters in glaze and coating donuts with fruit-infused sugars. Lucas and Henry are also hands on, expediting and fulfilling customers’ orders for half dozens and dozens.

The line at this point isn’t only a few early birds. When 8 a.m. sales begin, there’s a line wrapped around that side of the shopping center that goes all the way to the back with eager donut fans awaiting freshly made donuts and piping hot fritters, just dunked in brown butter vanilla bean glaze.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food News & Events for September 20-28th

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Stephanie Webster September 17, 2020

Haruki Izakaya in South Norwalk is hosting a SUSHI POP-UP, collaboration with NY based @chefathome_ny on Wed. Sept. 22nd and 23rd 5-8pm. Call or DM for reservations.

South End Uncorked is hosting The Gotham Burger Social, a Smash Burger Pop Up on Sat., Sept. 26th in New Canaan. Aw yeah!! Call to make reservations. Partners include Martin's Potato Rolls & New York Valley Wagyu.

Shhhh….bartaco’s new #bartacosecret menu item through 10/3 is the ancho-braised beef taco is a tender ancho mezcal braised beef taco with deep spiced smoky flavor, topped with a crisp and sharp pickled red cabbage with mustard and coriander and garnished with cilantro and a lime wedge. Available for dine-in or take out at order.bartaco.com or via the bartaco app for only $3.75.

Milford Restaurant Week is September 20-26th with 17 participating restaurants. You can find the restaurant lineup along with the menus here.

Stew’s Wines Find!! Iconic Grammy® Award-winning, Oscar® nominated singer, songwriter, actress, producer and philanthropist, Mary J. Blige and Fantinel Winery today officially announced the launch of Sun Goddess Wines, an exclusive collection of limited-edition wines created in collaboration with the internationally prestigious winery. Sun Goddess Wines are a unique collection of bold, crisp, and rich wines that embody warmth, passion, energy, and a deeper connection to nature.

Rebel Daughter Cookies: Insanely Delicious Cookies Straight Outta Wilton

Features Restaurant dess Wilton Delivery Baked Goods Bakery Cookies Homepage

Steven Laitmon September 17, 2020

What do you do when you discover that the most creative, delicious cookies are located nearby, and they deliver? You order them of course! As a self-proclaimed, treat forager, I am always on the lookout for creative, inventive sweets. Little did I know, the most delicious cookies I have ever had were being made by a local mom just a town away from where I live in Westport.

The first time I heard of Rebel Daughter was on a Facebook post where someone asked for a local cookie recommendation. I learned that this “e-bakery” delivers super premium, incredibly creative cookies, and I knew I needed to taste them ASAP! I went to Rebel Daughter’s website and was immediately excited when I saw the beautiful pictures and learned they were fresh-baked using super premium ingredients, and came in most mouth-watering varieties.

Wood Fired Food Launches Private Cooking Classes/Dinner Events at YOUR HOME with Chef Dan Sabia

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Stephanie Webster September 16, 2020

What is it about fire? For most of human history, cooking over an open fire was the only way to cook a meal. Now, fire is just one technique in a chef’s culinary toolbox, but is one whose process and taste feel nostalgic, beautiful, and pure.

Enter the master of all things FIRE, Chef Dan Sabia, who established Wood Fire Food catering and events in 2018 with a desire to cultivate deeper connections between food producers and eaters by blending his passion for design, Argentinian open fire cooking, community, and localized food, to transform the dining experience. His mission has always been to create an immersive and interactive experience where diners cultivate connections to their food, the chef, and each other. And now Chef Sabia is taking it one step further.

In the Covid era, where events and live cooking classes have been all but eliminated, and indoor dining remains at reduced capacity, Sabia is bringing a new dining experience to CT, with all the comforts of HOME.

2020 Food Truck Update: New Trucks Rolling Into CT...or Just New To You

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Kristin L. Wolfe September 13, 2020

AS IF…..Just when we think we’ve caught wind from every CT Food Truck rolling by, there are new ones popping up, or ones we’ve yet to try [too funny, didn’t plan that rhyme there!]. So, in the effort to always share what we love about CT food inside, outside, or on four wheels, here are a few great trucks that have launched in 2020, and a nice long list of mobile food options that will serve as a reminder to those of you who were already in the know! [For yet more mobile food options you can also refer to our recent guide to CT’s favorite food trucks here.]

Saugatuck Grain & Grape Pop-Up Store Opens in Westport to Pay It Forward

Features WIne Spirits Wine Shop Specialty Market Liquor Shopping Westport Pop-Up Opening

Stephanie Webster September 12, 2020

For those of us who shop or live in the Westport area, you could hear a communal groan of sadness when Saugatuck Grain & Grape closed up shop by the train station in 2018. It was audible. Owner, Mimi McLaughlin ran her small boutique wine and spirits shop like a family, and every time you walked in that door, she taught you something, or opened your eyes to something new. Shoppers walked out excited about a new small producer wine label, a local distiller they’d never heard of…or a cocktail, made perfectly. Her passion and knowledge of all things “grain and grape” created a brand that took her love of educating the consumer and made her a leader in her field.

Fast forward to 2020 and…wait for it…Mimi is back. Last week she opened a Saugatuck Grain & Grape pop-up location at 1460 Post Road East. You can still lean on her for that perfect red wine recommendation, but it’s different this time around. McLaughin says ”I am back because I came to a realization during quarantine, that what I really want to do, is support the local community, those who need it most.” She has put her money where her mouth is, as SG&G is giving 15% of ALL SALES to local charitable organizations.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For September 14-23

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Stephanie Webster September 12, 2020

Tuesday, September 22nd, join Chef Carlos Perez from At The Corner restaurant in Litchfield, 4-9pm for a Mexican & Japanese Fusion pop-up, featuring sushi, tacos, small plates, and specialty cocktails! Joining him will be Brendon Savoy of Fino, and Dustin Amore from Conspiracy. Call At The Corner to reserve a table.

Join Terrain Westport for an Equinox Evening Under the Stars on Tuesday, September 22nd 6:30 – 9:30pm, an open-air dining experience in our terrain nurseries to celebrate the equinox. Tables will be placed throughout our campus, to include our nursery and ceremony gardens, to enjoy a seasonally inspired menu and live music.

Chef Tyler Anderson Catering is taking his truck on the road….to Sub Edge Farm in Avon, CT, on October 1st and October 22nd for a “Socially Distanced 3 Course Dinner” complete with a cocktail reception and hayride farm tours.

@remarkabletheater will be hosting a viewing on Sunday Sept 20th. A special sneak preview of BLOODROOT, a feature documentary from director Douglas Tirola and producer Susan Bedusa in conjunction with the Westport Farmers Market.

Don't Miss The MIKU Sushi Pop-Up at Tony's At The Jhouse

Restaurant Features Pop-Up Dinner Sushi Japanese Italian Greenwich Homepage Opening

Jessica Ryan September 11, 2020

About a year ago I was invited to a press event at Tony’s at the J House in Greenwich, Connecticut which I covered for CTBites here. So when we were recently invited back to experience the new Miku Sushi Pop-up I was delighted.

The owners of MIKU SUSHI K Dong, and Chef Steve Chen, have created a special partnership with Tony Capasso, managing partner at Tony’s at the J House, to launch an all-new “elevated” sushi bar at the upscale steakhouse.

The MIKU x Tony’s pop-up is led by Executive Chef Joe Liu, former head sushi chef at Tao and Masa in Manhattan. The special menu features many of MIKU signature rolls as well as two new rolls, exclusive to Tony’s. The Tony Roll is made with bluefin toro, avocado, scallion and spicy lobster salad, and J House Roll with king salmon, avocado, wasabi sesame and spicy yellowtail.

Pizza for a Good Cause: Letizia’s Pizza Creates Specialty Pies for Two Local Charities

Restaurant Events Pizza Norwalk Letizia's Pizza charity

Andrew Dominick September 09, 2020

Letizia’s Pizza is no stranger to helping out local charities. It’s a simple win-win concept; buy a specialty pizza, devour it, and ALL the proceeds from each pie sold are donated to a good cause.

This September, Letizia’s brought back their taco pizza to benefit Filling in the Blanks, a charity that’s geared towards fighting childhood hunger by providing children with meals on the weekends.

Partnering with charities is something Letizia’s owners Dennis Letizia, Dave Cook, and Danny Segers say they’ll always be a part of. “It’s our way to give back,” Segers says. “Our community is so supportive of us whenever we ask, so when we find local charities like Filling in the Blanks and see all the hard work, they put in to end childhood hunger, we’re ecstatic to help.”

Da Legna Opens Da Legna x Nolo: Restaurant & Brewery

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James Gribbon September 07, 2020

If you've ever held one of those “I [pizza] New Haven” shirts in your covetous gaze, here's where to get one. There's your first bit of info in this story. Finding this place isn't difficult, it's right next to the entrance to I-91 on State St. in New Haven. That parts are easy. Finding out about Da Legna x Nolo is a bit more of a story. Thankfully, it involves pizza and drinks, and I'm here to tell you the whole thing.

You may already be familiar with Da Legna's earlier space, located farther down State Street's restaurant row, and separating itself from the scrum of the Elm City's pizza scene by focusing on creative, sourdough based pies inside a setting designed in a recent century. Seating space and parking were issues at the former spot, so when owner Derek Bacon and chef Dan Parillo spotted the old Jet Cleaners space (probably the only laundromat to be designed by a famous architect) open up down the street, they jumped on it.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food News and Events for September 6-15

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Stephanie Webster September 05, 2020

The SONO Collection’s weekly Thursday rooftop Happy Hours continue through September 24th. Enjoy dining and drinks made available by Bazille, Pinstripes, and Uncle Sevens. Live and local acoustic performances each week. Here’s the lineup: September 10th check out the sounds of Mike and Ian All Night Thing; September 17th, Billy Ruegger, and September 24 they’ve got Benny Mikula/Alpaca Gnomes playing. See ya there!

Plan b Milford is back OPEN! Stop in for dinner and grab your favorite #burgersbeerbourbon! New hours are Friday 9/4 Wednesday – Sunday from 12pm – 9pm

Start your engines and make your reservations! New Haven Restaurant Week is September 13-26. Check out the list of tasty participating restaurants here.

@CTBeer is teaming up with @StewardsOfTheLand, @MikroDepot and @EmilysCateringGroupCT on September 17th for CT's 1st ever Farm To Glass & Table Beer Dinner. Each dish will be expertly paired using 100% fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from CT Farms to complement one of Steward's five small-batch brews. All seating will be safe and property spaced for social distancing. Tickets are very limited. Reserve your spot today! ⁠

Chowdafest is proud to announce their new Chowda Club designed to bring the Chowdafest experience to the safety of your own home AND all year round!

KNEADS Bakery Cafe is now open in Westport. This husband-wife team is fresh from Blue Hill at Stone Barns and will be serving up some outstanding artisan bread, breakfast & lunch with an emphasis on local ingredients.