Filtering by Tag: Latin American,Chef

Jackie’s Empanadas On The Go: Artisanal Argentine Food Delivered

Ingredients Features Empanadas Home Delivery Cottage Bakers Latin American Bakery Argentine Comfort Food Caterer

Camille Vynerib

Due to the pandemic, many families have primarily been eating at home for the past year. Home-cooked meals are great but can get monotonous, and let’s be real -- sometimes you just don’t want all the work. Jackie’s Empanadas On The Go is a great solution for tired parents, young adults craving a quick delicious meal, and anyone looking for a unique alternative to the meal-time grind. They can be purchased frozen or baked, picked up or delivered… how easy is that?!

Jackie Mendive, the founder of Empanadas On The Go, said her journey began by preparing empanadas for her family and friends. Mendiv grew up in Argentina, and she wanted to keep her upbringing and culture alive. Jackie says she would often think to herself, “I wish I could just order them online” since the actual preparation was extremely time-consuming. In January of 2017, she decided to begin selling her empanadas to local families. Since then, Empanadas On The Go has expanded to all of Fairfield County, Westchester County, as well as delivering to Manhattan and Brooklyn.


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.


El Segundo Debuts New Brunch Menu in South Norwalk and New Haven

Features Restaurant brunch Norwalk New Haven Global Cuisine Mexican Latin American Asian Breakfast Homepage

Andrew Dominick

The owners of The Spread and El Segundo have had an extremely busy 2020.

Chris Hickey, Andrey Cortes, Christopher Rasile, Shawn Longyear, and Carlos Baez decided to close their Spread sequel in Greenwich at the end of July, an announcement that came on the heels that they relocated their South Norwalk flagship to the former Harlan Publick space in the Ironworks development, adjacent to their global street food concept, El Segundo.

Oh, and that’s not all. Their follow up to a closure and a relocation, was to open a Downtown New Haven double of El Segundo at the tail end of August.

That’s a lot of action.

But with all that comes even more change in the form of El Segundo’s brunch menu.

Brunch was always a thing at El Segundo Norwalk but it’s the New Haven opening that sparked the change according to Hickey.

“The new menu is totally in line with the New Haven opening,” he says. “Brunch was instantly popular in New Haven, so we wanted to bring it to SoNo, too.”


Chef Jason Toledo Takes Over The Kitchen at Barcelona Wine Bar West Hartford

Restaurant Spanish Tapas Chef Chef Talk Menu Update West Hartford Hartford County

Jessica Ryan

Last week we took a road trip to Barcelona Wine Bar in West Hartford to meet Executive Chef Jason Toledo who recently joined the team there from the Boston locations. Barcelona Wine Bar, which first appeared on the scene in 1995, has been a go-to for tapas and wine lovers ever since. Known for their rustic Mediterranean and South American inspired influences, regulars seek out the restaurant’s signature dishes as a source of comfort and consistency. (I cannot, for example, not order the spinach and Chickpea Cazuela and the Gambas al Ajillo - ordered with extra bread to soak up the divine garlicky juices). While we all have our go-to comfort foods, discovering new items is an equally thrilling part of the experience.

With 18 locations in nine states, Barcelona prides itself on celebrating each chef’s individual talents, allowing for certain dishes to be exclusive to each restaurant. Each location, while unique, has a familiar and welcoming atmosphere.


Provisions On State Opens From Chef Emily Mingrone: New Haven's First Nose To Tail Butchery

Features Restaurant New Haven Butcher Butchery Openings Chef Meat Grocery Store Homepage

Chef Jes Bengston

“If you don't like outstanding music, fresh chef cultivated sandwiches, farm and forest hand-picked produce, local artisanal product, NYC vibes, an incredibly friendly staff, and whole animal butchery then DEFINITELY do not go to Chef Emily Mingrone and Shane McGowan’s new Provisions On State,” says Chef Jes Bengston.

Emily and Shane, owners of the award-winning “restaurant of the year” Tavern on State, in New Haven, decided to expand the brand and recently opened this sister spot just down the street from the restaurant, bringing an old school nose to tail butchery and a small grocery store to the East Rock neighborhood. As I took the two steps down into the store front ( like so New York I was like omg) I was immediately over taken with a vibe and energy that can only be created by this tag team duo who met by working together in a local restaurant in 2018, opened a restaurant in 2019, and now this. The store is so small I could lay eyes on all 4 walls at the same time but it took me 3 circles to absorb all the curated culinary greatness going on in here.


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

Features It's A Woman's World Chef Talk Chef Interview

CTbites Team

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.


Mariposa Taqueria Opens in Danbury from The Folks That Brought you Mezon

Restaurant open Danbury Tacos Latin American Mexican

Maddie Phelps

For the four Reyes brothers, the butterfly is a symbol that pays homage to their mother, representing her strength and signifying a rebirth. In the midst of the restaurant industry’s toughest times, Javier Reyes says such a symbol is what we need most. That’s why he and his family have closed the doors of their popular Mezon Tapas Bar & Restaurant, and have opened a new Latin restaurant in Danbury. Fittingly, they’ve named it the Spanish word for butterfly, “mariposa”, that embodies the boldness of their mother.


CIBUS Opens 2nd Latin Fusion Spot In Stratford--CIBUS Dos

Restaurant Latin American Openings Lunch

James Gribbon

I walked into the new Cibus Dos and, before I could even sit down, another patron was passionately, earnestly imploring me to get the soup. "My god, man" he said, fanning his mouth. "Incredible." Having been to the original location in another part of Stratford, I understood his enthusiasm. It's the kind of place which inspires strangers to demand you order what they are having, like "You have to try this, it's important." Stratford runs vertically on the map from the hilly northern reaches to gradually smooth out southerly to the open expanses of Lordship before disappearing into Long Island Sound. The first Cibus was an experiment placed on a corner in town towards the south end where nothing had previously existed for very long. The first time I went to Cibus, it was practically voyeurism. Every time thereafter, it's been a delight.


Chef Eric Felitto of Tasty Yolk Competes on Food Network's Chopped Champion May 5th

Features Celebrity Chef Chef Food Network Homepage

Stephanie Webster

Chef Eric Felitto of Tasty Yolk has some big news to share. May 5th is his 35th birthday, (also Cinco de Mayo), Tasty Yolk’s 4 year anniversary, AND….wait for it…he will be competing for the world to see on Food Network’s Chopped Champion. Big day eh?

His episode of Chopped Champion will air at 9pm on May 5th. When asked about the experience Felitto said “it was definitely intense. The whole episode was based off of the showmanship a fight night, so there was a lot of filming and trash talking before we even cooked anything.” “They didn’t come to the restaurant to shoot like they did when I competed in 2018. Instead they had us shoot selfies on our phones…and then filmed it as if we were literally showing up to a fight.” “It was a great experience, and I was pumped when they called me back for the Champion round.”

Felitto couldn’t share any details, for obvious reasons, but he did share one of the “secret” ingredients…ESCARGOT!! Oh boy…Have fun with that.

Chef Felitto says he will probably run a special at the store front location on May 5th to coordinate with the airing. Stay tuned for more details and tune in on The Food Network.


Interview with 3 Local Chefs, Now James Beard Foundation Awards Semifinalists

Features Interview Awards Chef Celebrity Chef

CTbites Team

A now seven-time nominee from Connecticut and two chefs from Westchester County have been named Best Chef semifinalists in the 2020 James Beard Foundation Awards. Tyler Anderson has carried the torch for Connecticut since 2014 at Millwright’s Restaurant in Simsbury. Newcomers David DiBari from The Cookery in Dobbs Ferry and Eric Gao from O Mandarin in Hartsdale are showing the nation that what is happening in Westcheter’s kitchens should be paid attention to.

Last year, the James Beard Foundation announced it was redefining the regions that make up the Best Chef awards since 2012. Once its own category, the five New York City boroughs will now contend with the rest of the state, which used to fall under the New England region. A statement says this is an effort to begin to “level the playing field” and recognize just how rich the dining world is across America. This year, NYS has 20 semifinalists; just four are outside of NYC.

“In a small town in Westchester, and you’ve been cooking for 11 years, you just didn’t really think that this is something you’d be noted for,” DiBari says. “And it really honestly feels absolutely amazing.”

“WTF!” was DiBari’s response upon hearing the news through a relative on social media. “Everyone knows the James Beard awards have to be the Grammys of the hospitality industry,” he says.


10 Things—or Tapas—We Loved About Mezón Restaurant in Danbury

Restaurant Latin American Peruvian Mexican Danbury Tapas Homepage

Stephanie Webster & Andrew Dominick

For nearly a decade, Mezón Restaurant has been thought of as one of Connecticut’s premiere Latin eateries by word of mouth and its seen its fair share of media recognition—they are fresh off Connecticut Magazine Reader’s Poll wins for Best Latin in Fairfield County and the runner-up for Best Latin in the state. And that’s saying something considering they didn’t even know they were nominated and because of that, they didn’t publicize it.

Four years ago, our own Lou Gorfain sang Mezón’s praises after a small tasting of ceviche, pan seared pulpo, Dominican fried chicken, and churros. But everything food deserves an update, especially considering there’s a new chef at the helm, an obviously newer menu, and a haven for craft cocktails.

Oh, and I’m pretty sure Lou and Kristin are the only ones at CTbites who have been to Mezón. For Stephanie and me, we uttered the same thing, “I’m embarrassed I hadn’t been here before.”


Chef's Tasting at The Spread Greenwich with Chef Carlos Baez

Restaurant Chef Pop-Up Dinner Chef's Tasting Greenwich

Stephanie Webster

Let’s be real. Dining out is always a treat. You don’t have to clean up afterwards, and if you’re like me, the menu at almost ANY restaurant is going to surpass what’s going on in my own kitchen. However, if you’re a diner who appreciates experiencing the mind of chef who is executing dishes that are inspired by the season, an “aha” moment, or a desire to experiment, a Chef’s Tasting is the way to take dining to the next level.

It was with this in mind, that I attended Chef Carlos Baez’ monthly Chef’s Table Tasting Dinner, held on the last Thursday of every month at The Spread’s Greenwich location.


Guest Chef Dinner Series @ Amis Trattoria w/ New Executive Chef Jes Bengston + Amazing Guest Chef Lineup

Features Pop-Up Dinner Celebrity Chef Chef Openings Westport

Stephanie Webster

Executive Chef of the Terrain Cafe brand, Jes Bengston, has just been appointed as the regional head chef for Westport’s Amis Trattoria, in addition to continuing her role at Terrain Café. She will oversee both restaurants (under the Urban Outfitters umbrella) in the CT region. To celebrate, she rolling out an exciting new Guest Chef Dinner Series: Friends + Neighbors. 

Every Wednesday from Sept 25 through November 13 a new chef will bring their culinary POV by creating a menu of specials that fuses their style with the Italian flair of Amis. Diners can expect some creative dishes that push the boundaries of what can typically be found at Amis + an opportunity to rub elbows with both Jes and her chef friends. Check out the schedule below. This is gonna be fun people…


Chef-at-the-Market Competition @ Westport Farmers' Market

Features Farmers Market Chef

Maddie Phelps

Watching the chefs of the hit TV show “Chopped” scramble to cook up their finest creations while the clock ticks away is truly entertaining. But watching such a competition in real life takes the cake. While the Westport Farmers’ Market didn’t bring the cast, crew, and chefs of “Chopped” to downtown Westport, they did emulate the cook-off with their very own version: “The Chef at the Market Competition.” Here’s a recap of the first “Chef At The Market” throw down, but there are many more to come. Check out the schedule below.


It's A Woman's World: Kaline Capps, Executive Chef, Barcelona Wine Bar

Features Interview Chef Talk Chef Homepage

CTbites Team

Fairfield County is full of trailblazing women, particularly in the culinary world. Which is why, with 2018 being proclaimed the Year of the Woman, we felt compelled to honor the pioneers among us.  

Our series, “It’s A Woman’s World’ is devoted to Fairfield County female influencers who’ve forged their own paths, often in food-related fields long dominated by men.

How'd they do it? Read on. This week, we feature Kaline Capps, Executive Chef, Barcelona Wine Bar & Restaurant in Norwalk. Stay tuned to see who’s next. And feel free to send suggestions for your candidates to steph@ctbites.com


It's A Woman's World: Jes Bengsten of Terrain

Features Chef Interview

CTbites Team

Fairfield County is full of trailblazing women, particularly in the culinary world. Which is why, with 2018 being proclaimed the Year of the Woman, we felt compelled to honor the pioneers among us.  

Our series, “It’s A Woman’s World’ is devoted to Fairfield County female influencers who’ve forged their own paths, often in food-related fields long dominated by men.

How'd they do it? Read on. This week, we feature Jes Bengsten, Chef at Terrain Garden Café. Stay tuned to see who’s next. And feel free to send suggestions for your candidates to steph@ctbites.com