Filtering by Tag: Take Out,Brunch

The Galley Waterfront Cafe: Great Sandwiches & Sea Breezes in Norwalk

Restaurant Norwalk Lunch Waterfront Breakfast Egg Sandwich Sandwich Brunch

April Guilbault

Sandwiches with sea breezes, comin’ up….

Ok, not the cran-grapefruit-vodka-lime type of SeaBreeze, the actual sea breezes. I think we can all agree that everything tastes better eaten outside, or better yet, by the water. The warm sun on your face, a slight breath of air coming off the Sound and subtle scents of briny water wafting. You hear the clink-clank of ropes on masts, a boat horn here and there. Hello, seagull, nice to see you and no, I won’t give you a fry. These fries are too good to give to the gulls, that’s why.

Fries and more, The Galley Waterfront Cafe is a place to head this summer. Motor up by boat and grab lunches to go or sit awhile at their outdoor seating and take in views of Norwalk Harbor while you hungrily gobble up bites of their fantastic sandwiches.


Kawit! Filipino & U.S. Barbecue Traditions Combine in New Haven Ghost Kitchen

Restaurant New Haven Filipino Asian Pop-Up Take Out To-Go Openings Homepage

Erik Ofgang

Kevin McGuire wanted something more.

The Connecticut chef began his culinary career as a cook while in the Navy. Afterwards he spent years working in kitchens at Connecticut restaurants including the Hard Rock Cafe at Foxwoods and New Haven spots such as Caseus, Olmo and High George. But he always knew he wanted to venture out on his own in some capacity.

“The industry is tough,” says his husband, Seth Wallace. “Not a lot of folks see a great future for themselves cooking on the line. And so we had talked for a long time about, ‘What are you going to do? And do you want to open something? And if so, what?”

Eventually, McGuire realized the answer could be found in his Filipino heritage and its culinary traditions, which he had never delved into professionally.

“It was one of those moments where I was like, ‘Oh, it's been with me this whole time,’” McGuire says. “I started to dig into my own culture and actually get more acquainted with just a lot of the things that I wasn't aware of when I was growing up as a child.” He adds, “It's been a really cool way to build relationships with other branches of my family.”

It has also led to amazing food.


Chef Carlos Perez Debuts New Menu & A Sneak Peek at His Mexican Spot...Coming Soon!

Restaurant Litchfield Mexican American Tacos Openings Lunch Brunch Asian Dessert Homepage

Jessica Ryan

When asked if I wanted to head back to Litchfield to check out Chef Carlos Perez’s new spring menu at The Corner Restaurant and get a sneak peek into his newest Mexican venture (around “the corner”) I replied with a resounding Hell Yeah!

I first met Chef Carlos last July in the courtyard outside of his then new restaurant. It was in the height of the pandemic and I was thrilled to have an excuse to get out of dodge, but I had no idea just what was in store for me. (You can read more about that here.)

Last week, on a cool, rainy May day I hopped into my car for the beautiful hour-long drive along the newly verdant landscape. The drive there was the rainbow leading me to the proverbial pot of gold - The Corner Restaurant.


Chef Rafael Palomino's Pacifico Continues as The Corner for Flavor in New Haven

Restaurant New Haven Latin American Celebrity Chef Brunch Homepage

Kristin L. Wolfe

What is it about Latin food that is just so ga’damn sexy? Is it the aura surrounding it, the parade of flavors, the colors, the collision of land and sea on the plate? Who the heck knows? Well, Pacifico in New Haven does. And that’s because beloved Chef Rafael Palomino and partner Moe Gad know a thing or two about the world they are serving up. Since 2004, Pacifico has tapped into the community with a vibe all its own, and a corner of town just made for fun, flavor, and people watching! And, with Covid restrictions loosening, yet safety measures still in place, their outside dining area will be THE PLACE TO BE this summer.


50 + Restaurants & Caterers for Mother's Day 2021

Features Restaurant Holiday Mother's Day Caterers Brunch Homepage

April Guilbault

Ma! Mom! Mommmmmmmm! Mamamamamama! Let’s hear it for Mom or all those fabulous women who are like Moms to us. While, of course, we are thankful for them each and every second/minute/day of the year, let’s go a bit above and beyond on the day named for them. It’s only fair and for sure will be appreciated. And here’s your glass of Prosecco, Mom….or two.


Good Old Days Pizza: Matt Stanczak's New Newtown Joint for Za

Restaurant Newtown Pizza Openings Take Out To-Go Comfort Food Kid Friendly Lunch Homepage

Kristin L. Wolfe

Look. I’m a lover not a fighter. So, when it comes to Pizza-in-Connecticut politics, I usually stand on this side of the pie. HOWEVER, I will always have an opinion. Here’s what I’ve concluded thus far: like coffee shops that seem to be on every corner, there’s always room for another slice. And, as Matt Stanczak, the mastermind and magic wand wielder behind Good Old Days Pizza agrees, as long as each shop is doing a little something different...then why not!?

So, let’s get our fric-on, shall we?

Talk about doing a little something different, the frico on Good Old Days’ “Detroit-Inspired” classic squares are such tasty, drool-worthy, dream-inducing corners of heaven. I’m not kidding. I think I’d go over and over again just to pick frico off everyone’s pie. Ok, maybe not amidst a pandemic, but you get what I mean. Salty, crispy and chewy brown bites of cheese that are like the edges of nonna’s lasagna. If that’s not all, the thick red sauce is bright, and the dough looks like it should be dense and heavy, but it’s not.


Sail Away at The Shipwright’s Daughter in Mystic with Chef David Standridge

Restaurant Mystic Brunch Seafood Fine Dining Homepage

Kristin L. Wolfe

From what was once considered the most dangerous water park--Action Park in Vernon, NJ--to a waterway that is far less risky, way more inviting, and definitely has a more delicious restaurant, Chef Standridge knows a thing or two about pivoting throughout his career. His dossier is full and eclectic, with a range of bartending and cooking experiences in New Jersey, Manhattan, Houston, and back to New York City working with the legendary Joël Robuchon, and earning two Michelin stars.

Like the Seinfeld show leaving on a high note, Standridge left the masses in New York and settled in the historic, tourist town of Mystic with his family two years ago. And, as he and his wife were starting a family, the timing just felt right. The ball was rolling to open The Shipwright’s Daughter in the stunning, newly revamped hotel The Whaler’s Inn at the top of last spring, then boom, you guessed it: Pandemic. So, having to pivot even before starting, his ingenuity was put to the test. And yet now, after watching him for the better part of two days, I’m not surprised he did it. Frankly, he didn’t just do it and make it work; the restaurant is booming and is OUTSTANDING. From the ambiance and an inventive menu, to stellar service and a collaborative sensibility, this restaurant, this chef, this place, must be on every list of To Dos for Mystic, for dining, and for Connecticut.


Howling Hot Chicken Brings Nashville Hot Chicken To Bridgeport

Restaurant Openings Bridgeport Hot Chicken Chicken Sandwich Comfort Food Take Out Delivery

James Gribbon

They call it a "slider," but it is not a slider. They call it "Hot Chicken," and it is definitely, exactly, most assuredly, guaranteed and board certified to be both of those things. Good lord. I have never been to Nashville, because I have never been a member of a southern lady's bachelorette party, but I have both been to Bridgeport, and Enjoyed-to-Tolerated many a chicken sandwich. If this is what they're like in central Tennessee, I may take the trip.

Howling Hot Chicken is just past the Bridgeport/Trumbull line down from the mall, and will shortly share a wall with a Milkcraft creamery, whose owners identified a bit of vacuum in the Connecticut landscape which needed filling with Extremely Hot Chicken (or mild, or simply fried with no spice, your call) and created a new franchise. Recognizing a similar void in my lunchtime, I recently swung by.


Grammie's Donuts & Biscuits: Get your Breakfast Sandwiches, Donuts & Cronuts DELIVERED!

Restaurant Openings Ghost Kitchen Breakfast donuts Cronut Egg Sandwich Delivery Home Delivery Brunch Homepage

Stephanie Webster

I often fantasize about waking up to a 6 pack of donuts and a warm bacon egg and cheese sandwich nestled on a freshly made biscuit. Seriously…all the time. I’ve got issues. Well, now there is a ghost kitchen in Westport, CT where such dreams can become a reality…and they did last weekend. Introducing Grammie’s. For those not familiar with the concept of a ghost kitchen, it just means there is no actual restaurant—not in the traditional sense. You can't come and cozy up to a table, but you can order Grammie's donuts, cronuts, flakey biscuits, croissants and breakfast sandwiches (made on ANY of the above freshly baked carbs) for curbside pickup and delivery through their website. Yup. Lay in bed and hit send…Voila!


Antojos Colombian Restaurant: Updated Menu Drops at This Hidden Gem

Restaurant Columbian Norwalk New Menu Comfort Food Delicious Dives Take Out To-Go Lunch

Stephanie Webster

Nestled in a strip mall in the Broad River section of Norwalk, you could easily miss Antojos Columbian restaurant. You’ve probably driven by, and barely noticed it, or you may remember our write up on this hidden gem back in 2017. Whether you’re new to Antojos, or a loyal customer, you’ll want to pay attention. They are serving up some seriously tasty authentic Columbian fare, and some exciting new menu items have recently dropped. We felt they were ready for their close-up. Enjoy the photo journey, complete with menu names for easy ordering. Get that drool cup ready…


Cafe Transilvania Opens in Fairfield: Romanian Cuisine with a Side of Dracula History

Restaurant Openings Fairfield Romanian Hungarian Eastern European Take Out To-Go

Stephanie Webster

It’s not easy to find Romanian cuisine in the Nutmeg state. Aline and Christian Caldarariu, owners of the recently opened, Cafe Transilvania, say their new takeout spot is the only Romanian restaurant in Connecticut. The couple, both with backgrounds in hospitality and the culinary world, had intended to open a sit down restaurant pre-Covid, but the world changed, and so did their plans. Their new spot, located at 246 Post Road, in Fairfield CT, has opened to an enthusiastic response from both the large Romanian community in Fairfield County (who knew?), as well as local diners, who are excited to sample a cuisine that has previously eluded food lovers the Connecticut area.


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.


Nala’s Kitchen: Healthy Food Delivered & Now Available Throughout CT

Features Restaurant Take Out Home Delivery Healthy Eats healthy Meals To Go West Hartford

Kristin L. Wolfe

As of February 1, fans of Nala’s Kitchen will be able to get some of their delicious, wholesome meals at various Noble Convenience Stores across Connecticut. Sure, You can order their meals online whenever you’d like, but what a radical shift for your gas and go stops! Imagine going to a convenience store, after pumping gas, and, instead of coming out with candy, soda, and some unidentifiable colorful snack you’d likely feel guilty and sick over twenty minutes later, you could leave your local Noble’s munching on something that will be both healthy and gaa’damn delicious.


Badass Bagels: A Pandemic Pivot Yields Wild Yeast Bagels At Sugar & Olives in Norwalk

Features Restaurant Bagels Pop-Up Breakfast Carbs Take Out Norwalk Homepage

Amy Kundrat

If in times of crisis we tend to go back to our roots, then in times of pandemic I suppose it’s only fitting we reach back to our biblical roots. Sourdough may have been discovered by the ancient Egyptians but it has been perfected by Jennifer Balin of Sugar & Olives in the form of Badass Bagels.

These naturally leavened bagels have a light crunch on the outside, light as air and chewy with a slight tang on the inside. Badass Bagels come in six varieties, including sesame, poppy, smoked sea salt, everything, caraway, and plain, as well as an offering of unique cream cheese flavors including green goddess and pimento scallion—these sourdough bagels may become your new weekend obsession.


Oyster Club In Mystic Turns Ten And Wins "Best of Connecticut"

Features Restaurant Mystic Seafood Raw Bar Best of CT American Lunch Brunch

Kristin L. Wolfe

Am I dreaming? Is it really 2021? We got to flip the calendar?

To see a beloved restaurant hit a real landmark, especially amidst challenging times, you better believe we are going to hoot and holler and make some noise. So, that’s why we’ll spend 2021 celebrating alongside Oyster Club as they move into their next decade.

On the heels of being included in Connecticut Magazine’s “Best of” list, and as my top choice for Best Bites of 2020 here at ctbites, in addition to countless national accolades, there’s a reason for the celebration. Not only is Oyster Club in the picturesque town of Mystic, or in a building whose bold colors give nod to the elements, but the service, and what’s delivered on each plate is experiential, it is sensual; it is just extraordinary.


70+ CT Restaurants & Caterers Serving Christmas & New Year's Dinners To Go or Dine In

Features Restaurant Holiday Christmas New Years Catering Catering Guide Take Out Homepage

April Guilbault

The holidays have arrived. Unlike the usual joy and party atmosphere of a typical year’s end, this one brings with it innumerable emotions. In the midst of this tumultuous year, though, we have seen people coming together, helping each other and their communities as we haven’t seen for quite some time on such a scale. As you can see with just a small glance, the Holiday list before you is a long one-one of our longest—but it serves a dual purpose: to keep you, our fabulous readers, happy, safe, and cozied up with your families and “pods”, but it also serves to help us be aware of the restaurants in our midst who are going above and beyond to simply make it through this year and greet the new one. We hope you will continue to support each other and support the businesses in our state which help to keep our communities thriving. Happy Holidays to you all, to good health, and of course, good eatings.

We bring you 70+ CT Restaurants & Caterers for Holiday 2020 Catering & Dining.


The Lila Rose Opens in Stamford: Sophisticated, Deliciously Playful, and a True Dining Experience

Restaurant Openings Tapas American Global Cuisine Cocktails Stamford Bar Brunch Homepage Breakfast

Jessica Ryan

A couple of months ago John and Morgan Nealon (owners of the ever popular Taco Daddy) partnered up with Chef Mo Major, General Manager JJ Henao, and Mixologist Dave Cohade to create a restaurant experience like no other. This restaurant is The Lila Rose, a luxurious, sophisticated, whimsical and (I dare say) over-the-top restaurant.

The interior, dressed entirely in shades of pink and gold, is distinctly feminine with a flirty vibe that’s sophisticated yet playful. The Lila Rose is a delicious feast for the eyes offering up so much exquisite detail, you can’t possibly take it all in.

I had the opportunity to sample their menu a couple of weeks ago. With so few opportunities to “get away” these days, the Lila Rose fills that void, offering guests a truly memorable experience. This is the type of venue where you’ll want to slip into something more beautiful and we noticed that the guests thought so too.


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

Restaurant Food Truck Caribbean Take Out Homepage

Kristin L. Wolfe

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

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

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!