Filtering by Tag: Kids Cooking Classes,Westport

Little Dumpling House Ghost Kitchen Opens in Westport from Folks at Grammies Donuts

Restaurant Asian Chinese Japanese Sushi Westport Openings Ghost Kitchen Homepage

Stephanie Webster

The team that brought you the uber popular Grammies Donuts + Biscuits is back with another crave-worthy ghost kitchen concept, Little Dumpling House. For those unfamiliar with the notion of a “ghost kitchen,” it simply means there is no dining space. Guests can order online and either get their meals delivered or picked up. In this case, it’s Asian to-go.

Little Dumpling House is the brainchild of owners, Charlie Gilhuly and Molly Healey, but their Asian inspired playlist is all Healey’s handiwork. The menu at Little Dumpling is small but very well executed, and also quite nicely priced. Healey wanted to create healthy clean flavorful Asian cuisine with something for everyone (including the kids), and they have delivered on that promise.


Hook’d on the Sound: Comfort Food & More at Westport's Compo Beach

Restaurant Beach Eats Comfort Food Lobster Roll Burgers Hot Dogs Sandwich Smoothies Westport Openings Kid Friendly

CTbites Team

Picture this: you're at the beach tanning when all of a sudden you hear that dreaded sound of your stomach rumbling. But you aren’t in the mood for the classic hot dog or chicken tenders that are usually served at a beach. You want something a little more gourmet, like a lobster roll or a farm-fresh salad. Have no fear! Hook’d on the Sound can provide you just that and is located only a few feet away from your towel.


The Westport Farmers' Market Is Back for the 2021 Summer Season with 50+ Vendors

Features Ingredients Farmers Market Westport Healthy Eats Farm To Table Farm Fresh Ingredients Farm Stand Local Artisan Bread Bakery Food Truck

CTbites Team

The need to eat strikes in many different forms. Craving something healthy? At The Westport Farmers’ Market, you can grab some freshly grown produce to satisfy that yearning. Want something refreshing? Stop by the handmade popsicle stand to cool down. How about something sweet? Head to the various artisan bakers selling freshly baked pastries and bread.

After a brief intermission from the end of their winter season back in March, the Westport Farmers Market has reopened to serve the community fresh produce, baked goods and everything in between. Open Thursdays from 10-2 on Imperial Avenue in Westport, the market is something you will not want to miss.

With over 50 vendors determined to provide market-goers with healthy and fresh products, Westport residents can look forward to grabbing organic, local ingredients to prepare a healthy meal, or even a pre-made breakfast or lunch… after visiting all the other vendors…of course.

Visit the Westport Farmers Market to enjoy goods from any of their over 50 vendors or check out a few of our favorites below!


Capuli Opens in Westport with Casual California-Mediterranean Cuisine

Restaurant Westport Openings Mediterranean Healthy Eats Family Friendly take Seafood Kid Friendly Lunch Outdoor Dining

Jessica Ryan

Nestled in among the shops on the Post Road, at the former Westport Pizza location, you’ll find a gem of a family eatery called Capuli, which made a quiet entrance into Westport at the end of January.

After relocating their young family from California to Westport, Owners Andrea and Chef Armando Brito were searching for just the right location to open a restaurant and were thrilled with the newly available space in their new hometown. Chef Armando brings over 20 years of experience from Bay area restaurants such as Corso, Rivoli, Bistro Liaison and Rick & Ann’s. He was also a private chef for Kappa Beta Theta in Berkley and was awarded a scholarship to cook and learn about the various cuisines in Italy.

We sat down with Andrea who told us that Capuli was created to serve the community. “We want to offer home style meals for our guests who want them but don’t want to have to do the dishes.” Capuli, named for the fruit bearing tree found in Chef’s native country of Ecuador, draws inspiration from coastal California and the Mediterranean. A simple concept, Capuli, doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is, offering a variety of fresh, seasonal ingredients, whole grains and lean protein. Nothing is complicated here.


Hudson Malone Opens in Westport From NYC's Legendary PJ Clarkes' Bartender, Doug Quinn

Restaurant Openings Westport Lunch Bar American Comfort Food Cocktails Homepage

Jessica Ryan

Hudson Malone is a unique place - a casual upscale eatery designed to be a neighborhood favorite welcoming repeat diners seeking comfort by the familiar and wowed by the unexpected. Upon entering the restaurant you’ll first notice the bar which has that old school, saloon style. Assorted painting, photography, memorabilia and Americana artifacts animate the walls throughout the establishment. You’ll see hints of New York City blending in seamlessly with the local backdrop. No matter how often you dine here, you’re sure to notice something new every time.

A rough hewn wood ceiling and support beams offer a rustic yet comforting tone balanced by the warm glow of the lighting overhead and stone fireplace. Natural sunlight streams in through the newly added windows along the left hand side which bounces off the elaborate navy lacquered ceiling. It’s cozy. It’s casual and it’s sophisticated. The setting is only part of the experience - for the rest you need to meet Doug Quinn, the man behind the Hudson Malone brand.


Marcia Selden Catering & Pop-Up Bagels Team Up For Epic Weekend Bagel Brunch

Features Ingredients Pop-Up Bagels Caterers Stamford Westport Breakfast Brunch Homepage

Stephanie Webster

We love it when two of our favorite food brands team up for a pop-up that involves delicious carb-loaded brunch fare. You may have heard me sing some praise for Adam Goldberg and his ridiculously tasty Pop-Up Bagels. Well, he has found a new regular Stamford pop-up location and dedicated cooking team with Marcia Selden Catering. Last weekend, CTbites got the chance to tag along for some bagel making fun. And, don’t worry…if you missed this past week’s pop-up event, mark your calendars for March 6th, and follow @popupbagels for notifications because these bagels sell out QUICKLY!

So, here’s how this bagel making and baking went down.


Mediterranean Favorite, Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar, Opens In Westport TODAY

Restaurant Openings Westport Mediterranean Italian Pizza Spanish Venezuelan Comfort Food

Stephanie Webster

Chef Renato Donzelli, owner of Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar, has moved his longtime favorite Norwalk spot to Westport, CT. Basso opens his doors today in the beautiful two story building that once housed Matsu Sushi on Jesup Road. A loyal following, very favorable word of mouth, and a consistently excellent Mediterranean menu made Basso a huge success, and a neighborhood hangout for 13 years, so why Westport? Donzelli has had his eye on this restaurant friendly town for some time, but most importantly, he wanted to expand his dining capacity, and add al fresco dining to the menu. The new location boasts all of the above in addition to a wood fired pizza oven where Donzelli can now incorporate his family’s Neapolitan pizza recipes to his cooking repertoire. After tasting The Stallion Pizza last night at the soft opening, featuring Spanish chorizo, spicy sofrito, mozzarella, and fresh basil, I can say with great certainty, that I too am happy Donzelli found a new home where his dreams can be realized.


What's New at Walrus Alley: Honing in on Hospitality

Features Restaurant Westport BBQ American

CTbites Team

Like so many local restaurants in 2020, Walrus Alley in Westport has had to make quite a few changes to adapt to the new scene. Outdoor dining has been expanded. Custom-made accented partitions have gone up indoors. Family-style meals have been added to the take out menu. But instead of focusing on these actionables individually, the team behind Walrus Alley has been looking at the big picture: hospitality and really tasty food.

“When this all began, we realized we had to stop reacting and really bring our restaurant to its core,” said Angela Farrell of the Walrus team. “We didn’t want to just make more takeout options, we wanted to test our menu items and include reheat instructions to ensure the guest is getting the best experience, even at their home.”

And man, they made it work. With cult favorites like the The Notorious PIG family pack feeding 4, (baby back ribs, pork shoulder, brisket, smoked turkey, mac + cheese, baked beans, collard greens, cornbread, coleslaw, house pickles ) and new crowd pleasers like the Mom What’s For Dinner, featuring a full dinner with adult entrees, kids meals, and family-friendly sides, they’ve found a way to help us forget the present and focus on a great meal.


Westport Winter Farmers’ Market Opens November 12th

Features Farmers Market Westport

Stephanie Webster

Westport Winter Farmers’ Market (WFM) is ready to open their doors for the Winter season– this year, with a few safe and fun twists only a pandemic could provide.

The winter market opens Thursday, November 12, and will run every Thursday through March 11, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Gilbertie's Herb Gardens at 7 Sylvan Lane, Westport. Holding the market on Thursday instead of Saturday will ensure continuity among the community of shoppers and vendors who have supported and grown with the market over this challenging year.

Over 35 vendors will provide high-quality locally grown or raised fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, milk, baked and prepared foods, as well as some handmade items consumers have come to expect from WFM. For our higher at-risk shoppers, we invite you to shop from 1:00 – 2:00 where we will lessen the numbers of people in each greenhouse and provide an even safer market environment. Additionally, pre-ordering is available with a large number of our vendors – see website for details. With pre-orders, you are able to shop before you arrive and swiftly grab your items throughout the market hours.


Amis Trattoria Westport Shifts Towards Lighter, Fresher, More Fun Approach

Features Restaurant Italian Westport Outdoor Dining Pasta Homepage

Andrew Dominick

When Jessica Bengston quietly took over the executive chef reigns at Amis Trattoria in July 2019, she’ll tell you bluntly that “most of the people that work here didn’t even know what the hell ‘Amis’ meant.”

“Amis” or “ami” translated from French means “friends.” And there’s a flashy new “Amis Means Friends” neon sign that pops in dining room near the chef’s counter to proudly stress that mantra.

But French, Amis is not. It’s an Italian-ish concept that’s changing its stripes.

“We didn’t change much the first few months when I took over because we were in transition—we weren’t sure if we’d rebrand or close,” Bengston says. “We thought about changing the name and even considered making it Italian tapas but COVID happened, so we scrapped the idea of shared small plates.”

Bengston—who also serves double duty as the executive chef at Terrain—mentioned that the team at Amis is trying to move on from what the concept was under the previous culinary team that included well known Philadelphia chefs Marc Vetri and Brad Spence. After URBN (that owns Urban Outfitters, Terrain, and Anthropologie) made a deal to acquire Amis and Pizzeria Vetri restaurants, both Vetri and Spence departed the company not long after.

After figuring out what a new ethos would look like, Bengston, plus a new culinary director and new team members, decided to lighten up the menu.


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

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

Stephanie Webster

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.


The Little Beet Opening Summer 2020 in Westport with Gluten Free Dining

Westport Openings Gluten-Free Special Dietary Needs Healthy Eats Breakfast Lunch

CTbites Team

As reported by Dan Woog in 06880, The Little Beet is opening in Westport.

Ongoing construction has made the Fresh Market shopping center a bit grotty.

But it won’t last forever. And when the work is done, a new fast-casual eatery will join current tenants like Colonial Druggists, Dan’s Liquors and Orangetheory Fitness.

The Little Beet opens this summer.

According to its website, the 5-year-old chain offers “wholesome, healthy food that not only tastes great, but makes you feel great.” Food is “carefully sourced … from farmers and purveyors we trust, guaranteeing all of our food is gluten-free and better for you.”

There are a dozen Little Beets already, in New York, Westchester, Long Island, Washington DC, Virginia and Florida.

The menu includes make-your-own rice and quinoa-based meals, poké and other bowls, vegetable sides, and breakfast sandwiches, parfaits and oatmeal.

Read the full article here.


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

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

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.


Westport Farmers’ Market Opening July 9th For Day-Of Shopping

Features Farmers Market Westport Local Farm Shop Local Shopping Specialty Market

Stephanie Webster

After careful consideration and due diligence through state and local officials, the Westport Farmers’ Market will open this Thursday, July 9 for day-of shopping. During the hours of 10:00 – 2:00 in the 50 Imperial Avenue location, you can find your beloved farmers, bakers, cheese mongers and more.

WFM will take the following actions to ensure safe shopping for all: require masks to be worn at all times, single direction traffic while shopping (one way in and one way out), hand sanitizer stations, social distancing and lots of fresh air.


GG & Joe: Açai, Smoothies, Coffee and Toasts, Opens in Westport

Restaurant Westport Smoothies Acai Bowl Toast Openings Healthy Eats Special Dietary Needs Breakfast Lunch Homepage

April Guilbault

The newest addition to the healthier eating scene in downtown Westport is GG & Joe, a cafe specializing in “Acai, Coffee and Toast”. Located in the former Talbots Kids space, this new space is light, bright, and airy, with cafe-style seating indoors as well as a lovely outdoor patio area.

Acai (pronouced “ah-sigh-ee”)—What is it? It’s a purply-red fruit from the Acai Palm tree, which is found in Central and South America. It has earned its buzz due to high levels of antioxidants in the pulp, its fiber content, heart-healthy fats (believe it or not), and calcium, all of which combine to leave many berries, including blueberries and cranberries back in the berry basket. At GG & Joe, acai berry puree forms the foundation of many a colorful, fruit-filled bowl.


Joey’s by the Shore featuring Elvira Mae’s Coffee Bar Opens in Westport

Restaurant Westport Openings Seafood Beach Eats Lobster Roll Lobster Comfort Food Sandwich Lunch Breakfast Burgers

Maddie Phelps

You loved the taste of seaside classics at Joey’s by the Shore and fan-favorite dishes featured at Elvira’s. Now, as of May 3, you can enjoy these two iconic spots all at once, as they combine to form “Joey’s by the Shore featuring Elvira Mae’s Coffee Bar.”

How did Westport get so lucky as to have these beloved beach eateries merge into one delicious location? When Joey’s by the Shore faced closure last year, owner Joey Romeo and Betsy Kravitz of Elvira Mae’s discussed the potential of revamping this locally adored destination. From there, things took off. Today, under this 50/50 partnership, they serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and feature an ice cream window and a full coffee bar.


Brooklyn's Famed Ignazio's Pizza Opens in Westport CT

Restaurant open Westport Pizza Lunch Kid Friendly Homepage

Stephanie Webster

Last February, we reported on the famed Brooklyn based Ignazio’s Pizza and their upcoming opening on the Post Road in Westport. We are very pleased to announce that it’s go time! Ignazio’s will be opening their doors, and their pizza ovens, on Monday, November 11th, and we couldn’t be more excited for their signature thin crust pies. CTbites had the pleasure of speaking with owner Louis Termini, who, as it turns out, has strong pizza ties to Connecticut, and big plans for the new Westport digs.


Vedas Indian Cuisine Opens in Westport...(w/ Michelin Starred Chef On The Team)

Restaurant Norwalk Westport Indian Openings Homepage

CTbites Team

Restaurateurs/husband and wife team of Dipika Behera and Jaiprakash Agarwal (JP), bring a combined 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry to their latest venture, Vedas Indian Cuisine. Recognizing the gain in popularity of Indian cuisine and the upwards trend of take-out and delivery, the talented duo opened Vedas in Norwalk in 2015 and recently opened their second location in Westport, small eateries and kitchens that focus on take-out and delivery service for this bold, flavorful, and healthy cuisine.

 Dipika and JP hail from Mumbai, India, and both received their bachelor’s degrees in Hospitality Management. Fans of the local Indian food scene may recall the duo’s first local Indian restaurant ventures, Tawa and Chili Chicken in Stamford, and the Kebab Factory in Norwalk.