Filtering by Tag: Take Out,Organic

EP Local Food Truck: Not a Jerk, But a Master of Spice

Restaurant Food Truck Caribbean Take Out Homepage

Kristin L. Wolfe November 29, 2020

From catering company and menu innovation to rolling through Connecticut with his farm to truck experience, EP Local, Chef Kevin O Neil and his wife and partner Patrice are always on the move. I first met the talented duo last year at an American Liver Foundation benefit (see feature here) and I was blown away with their exquisite use of spice, and absolutely gorgeous plating. I’ve been following Chef and his caribbean flare ever since. Now, several months into their new food truck venture, that flare is getting some attention. This week EP Food Truck used their wheels for an all important Thanksgiving Turkey Drive in collaboration with the YMCA and Sterling House Community Center in Stratford. And, you might have caught Chef on News 12 where he taught viewers how to make candied yams from the truck.

Organic Krush Opens in Westport With Healthy Organic Fast Casual Menu

Restaurant Openings Healthy Eats Juice Cleanse Juice Bar Organic Sustainable Acai Bowl Smoothies Bone Broth Breakfast Lunch Take Out Fast Casual

Stephanie Webster November 17, 2020

Organic Krush, with locations across Long Island, the Hamptons and Virginia, has just opened in Westport at 374 Post Road E. Organic Krush is a fast casual restaurant featuring healthy, organic menu, but cooked, juiced, and baked with a lot more love than your might expect from the average grab-n-go spot. The entire menu features ingredients that are 100% certified organic and free of GMOs, hormones, pesticides and really…fake anything. Diners seeking gluten-free, vegan or paleo options will be happy to discover that most of Organic Krush’s extensive menu works for them, and they can accommodate most dietary needs or restrictions. Organic Krush’s motto is “Eat Happy, Spread Love,” and although this is the seventh location for Co-Founders Michelle Walrath & Fran Paniccia, when I walked in just a few days before they opened their doors, the love and attention to every detail was clearly visible. From employee training and safety protocols to the consistency of the dishes coming out of the kitchen, Organic Krush made a strong debut. Open for three meals a day, from breakfast through dinner pick up at 8PM, I have a strong hunch that this will be a go-to spot for many in the Westport area who aren’t feeling like cooking but are seeking a healthy and tasty meal for their family.

Thanksgiving 2020: CT Guide To Restaurants & Caterers For Thanksgiving To-Go

Restaurant Features Thanksgiving Catering Entertaining Holiday Take Out Homepage

Kristin L. Wolfe November 11, 2020

Many of us have sharpened our kitchen chops this last nutty year as we’ve spent more time at the stove than ever before. But it is time to give yourself a break while supporting local restaurants. It’s a tasty win win. Here are some Connecticut places that will dazzle you with a tremendous Thanksgiving spread either for takeout of eat in. So families, put the knives down, let yourselves be served, but sharpen those debate skills. Afterall, the Thanksgiving table tends to be a place where families air it all out or bring deep seated secrets to life? Okay, okay, or just go around the table and say what they are thankful for. Right, let’s go with that one.

Here are 50+ CT Spots for Thanksgiving Dining To Go!

Haven Hot Chicken Opens October 17 Bringing Nashville Hot Chicken to Downtown New Haven

Restaurant New Haven Fried Chicken Openings Lunch Take Out Delivery Chicken Sandwich Kid Friendly Homepage

Stephanie Webster October 15, 2020

“Oh my god, this fried chicken sandwich is so freakin’ delicious I may openly weep,” came out of my mouth as I savored my first bite of Haven Hot Chicken’s Nashville style hot chicken sandwich. “Haven Hot Chicken” opened last week at 21 Whitney Avenue in downtown New Haven after months of sold out pop ups throughout the New Haven area. The lines are long, but the wait is worth it, as people queued up to sample the cult classic Nashville Hot Chicken (and vegetarian Not Chicken) in a variety of heat levels (5 to be exact).

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.”

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

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

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.

Takeout Chronicles: Eating Gluten Free at Rainbow Thai, OKO, and Pearl at Longshore

Restaurant Take Out Delivery Westport Seafood sushi Gluten-Free Special Dietary Needs Sushi

Maizy Boosin July 14, 2020

Restaurants in Connecticut are now open for outdoor and indoor dining. That being said, for those who aren’t yet comfortable leaving their houses and actually visiting a restaurant, most, if not all, establishments are still offering excellent takeout options.

Now, I have Celiac Disease and have to follow a VERY strict gluten-free diet, and I know firsthand that ordering online or over the phone can be daunting and anxiety producing: how do I know that the chefs that are preparing my food are aware of the extent of my dietary restrictions? Mentioning an allergy over the phone or leaving a note in an online order isn’t as comforting as actually talking to someone in person and letting them know. HOWEVER, over this strange period of time, I have felt completely comfortable ordering online or over the phone at multiple restaurants with Celiac Disease! Here are a few of my favorite dishes from the restaurants I felt safe at:

Chef Bill Taibe Opens Don Memo: Authentic Mexican in Westport

Restaurant Openings Celebrity Chef Westport Mexican Homepage Take Out Outdoor Dining Comfort Food

Stephanie Webster July 12, 2020

Bill Taibe is a chef who is constantly creating. This is why, in the midst of a pandemic, as many restaurants closed their doors, Taibe and his executive chef, Anthony Kostelis, were in the kitchen recipe testing and preparing to launch a new Mexican concept in Downtown Westport. The name is Don Memo, and it resides in the space formerly known as Jesup Hall. Why the pivot? Taibe has long had a passion for Mexican cuisine, and has traveled extensively throughout Mexico over the past few years. He says, “Mexican food is intricate, vibrant, humble, and delicious. It’s the definition of local cuisine.” And, in typical Taibe form, he and Kostelis have crafted beautiful creative dishes on the bedrock of authentic Mexican fare.

Pepe’s Fresh Tomato Pie is Back in Restaurants for the Summer

Restaurant Features Pizza Pepe's Limited Time Delivery Take Out

CTbites Team June 25, 2020

Beginning on Wednesday, July 1, world-famous New Haven, Connecticut-based Frank Pepe Pizzeria will be serving up their seasonal Fresh Tomato Pie again for a limited time at all Pepe’s restaurants. For the 12th summer in a row, the famous pizza will be offered July through September at each of the restaurant’s locations in New Haven, Fairfield, Manchester, Danbury, Waterbury, West Hartford and Uncasville (Mohegan Sun).

Parkville Market Opens in Hartford! CT's First Food Hall, Featuring Local Flavors

Restaurant Features Food Hall Openings Take Out To-Go Indian Brazilian Peruvian Pizza Seafood Puerto Rican American Hartford County Hartford

Kristin L. Wolfe June 24, 2020

Takeout Chronicles: Mr. Frosty and David’s Soundview Catering

Features Restaurant Take Out To-Go Home Delivery ice cream Dessert Caterers Lobster Lobster Roll Norwalk

April Guilbault June 23, 2020

This review is going to go in reverse because the first thing my family ordered for take-out in the early weeks of quarantine was…ice cream. We fancy ourselves pretty healthy eaters in this house, so our intense want of ice cream one evening will get chalked up to the need for some unabashed comfort food in the face of world events. Mr. Frosty’s Ice Cream in Norwalk is an institution. It (ice)screams summer and salty air evenings, sweatshirts, sandy hair, and flip-flops. However, their newly minted pickup kits will keep you entertained while we wait for any semblance of summer to return. We ordered the “Survival Kit.”

Our next take-out order involved another hungering for summer. A summer in our house is not complete without a lobster roll and we knew where to get a good one: David’s Soundview Catering in Stamford.

Takeout Chronicles: Joe’s Pizza, bartaco, Cafe Silvium, & Twelve Percent Beer Project

Restaurant Take Out To-Go New Canaan Mexican Tacos bartaco beer ct beer homepage Pizza

Andrew Dominick May 31, 2020

As some Connecticut restaurants begin the slow process of reopening with outdoor dining, you’ll either rush right out, ease back into it, or wait a bit longer when it comes to reintroducing yourself to your favorite eateries based on your level of comfort. Regardless of where you stand, it’s a safe bet that your dining repertoire will still include takeout.

With that said, and on the heels of James Gribbon’s takeout picks, I’ve got a bunch worth checking out.

At the very beginning of quarantine, one of my first orders came from an oldie. Joe’s Pizza has been open since 1967, almost two decades before I was born. I’ve actually had my entire life to try it, but here I am in 2020, a Joe’s newbie.

Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices & Ice Cream Opens in Stamford

Restaurant Openings Stamford ice cream Dessert Kid Friendly Ices Delicious Dives Take Out To-Go

Stephanie Webster May 14, 2020

For many people, Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices & Ice Cream, represents a little piece of their childhood. I will confess to a few nostalgic moments around this shaved ice mecca. And now a bit of good news in the tidal wave of horror, Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices is opening a location in Connecticut…Stamford to be exact, at 900 High Ridge Road.

60+ CT Restaurants & Caterers for Mother's Day Meals: 2020 Edition

Features Restaurant Holiday Mother's Day Catering Take Out To-Go Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 03, 2020

Mother’s Day is Sunday May 10th, and extra challenging times call for extra special celebrations. Connecticut restaurants will help you treat Mom to a wonderful day with pick-up and delivery brunches, lunches, dinners, chocolates, desserts… and even spa treatment and flower add-ons!

Check out our list of 50+ CT Restaurants and Caterers for Mother’s Day 2020.

Take-Out Chronicles: Kingston Kafe, Milford Pizzeria & Little Pub

Restaurant Pizza Stratford Mexican Take Out Jamaican Burgers Tacos Lunch Italian

James Gribbon April 30, 2020

35+ DIY Take-Out Meals, Desserts & Cocktail Kits From CT Restaurants

Features Ingredients Take Out Delivery Service Entertaining Catering Cocktails Pizza Dessert Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 05, 2020

After weeks of being cooped up at home, you may be looking at ways to pass the time and explore your creative side. Fortunately, Connecticut restaurants, bakeries, and caterers are here to the rescue with fabulous DIY options to bring their delicacies into your kitchen. Sweet tooths and kiddos can partake in all kinds of cupcake and baking kits while the 21 and over crowd can get all of the ingredients to make their own restaurant worthy cocktails. There are also pizza kits, pasta kits, and more. Check out our full guide here!

60 Connecticut Breweries Still Open For Take-Out And Delivery

Ingredients Features CT Beer Brewery Beer Take Out

James Gribbon March 18, 2020

The wave of local breweries made this new world possible, but for now their doors are mostly closed. Here's what we can do to see them open again.

Breweries are still allowed to sell to-go orders, offering pickup or curbside delivery options. This post will list info on breweries, their hours, and links to order online. I won't be able to find them all, so I encourage readers, brewers, and reps to include further info about their operations in the comments section below. Most breweries are small businesses, and all depend from some degree or entirely on in-person sales. Let's help the brewers and staff keep the Connecticut beer culture we love going.

Guide To Healthy Eating in CT: 2020 Edition

Features Restaurant healthy Juice Bar Organic Vegan Vegetarian Special Dietary Needs Specialty Market Healthy Eats Gluten-Free Best of CT Homepage

April Guilbault March 05, 2020

Resolutions, goals, lifestyle changes-whatever the reason, it’s never too late or bad of an idea to try to eat healthier. As the winter starts to fade into the distance and with it goes the heavy comfort foods that satisfied us on brisk evenings, our focus can start to turn now towards lighter, healthier options. Turn to the sun! Sometimes, though, the hardest part is simply figuring out what to eat. But wait, what about dining out? Is it possible to eat out and still stay on a healthy track? Yup, yup, double yup. There is a virtual cornucopia of healthy eating spots so, lucky for you, that guesswork has been removed from the equation. Now you only have to decide what you are craving. Branch out, try some new food and drinks and be happier knowing that what you are eating is not only enjoyable but better for you.

Check out these 20+ Spots for Healthy Eats in Connecticut.

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!

Chicken Piri Piri Authentic Portuguese BBQ Opens in Stratford

Restaurant Stratford BBQ Portuguese Delicious Dives To-Go Take Out Lunch Homepage

James Gribbon December 08, 2019

"Piri piri" just means "pepper" in the related languages of sub-Saharan Africa, and you may have had piri piri sauce from a bottle, or used the specific variety under its English name, Bird's Eye Peppers, but the Portuguese found it in Mozambique. The flavor-cultural export found its way into the culinary world of Portugal and took hold the way curries have permeated the U.K. The Vilarinho family of restaurateurs from Porto Cancais outside Lisbon saw an opportunity here, and opened their first Chicken Piri Piri in America about ten years ago. Their newest location is a little storefront by Paradise Green in Stratford. CTBites recently stopped by for lunch, and here's what we found at Chicken Piri Piri Portuguese BBQ.