Who doesn’t love a wedding? Wait…what? Did you know that Oktoberfest got its start in 1810 as a celebration of the wedding of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen? (please try saying that last name after a stein of brew.) We can get onboard with any wedding celebration that involves giant pretzels, bratwurst for miles, and beer flowing like a Bavarian river. Another little factoid for you to thrill your beer-buddies with: the current Oktoberfest in Germany only serves beer from the original six breweries in Munich. Our list, lucky for you, is a tad longer. You can call that a win and not even have to fly anywhere. Oktoberfest, weddings, whatever you are celebrating-Raise those steins! Prost!
Enjoy these 25+ spots to celebrate OKTOBERFEST in Connecticut!
Last month Restaurant L’Ostal’s Chef Jared invited us back to sample the new summer flavors. His menu changes regularly to keep things interesting but remains concise, keeping options to a minimum. There’s enough of a selection to please the palate yet not too much as to overwhelm. This of course is intentional; there’s just one chef in the kitchen and he wants perfection. And perfection is what you will get.
I’d like to say that L’Ostal is for the adventurous, inquisitive, and those familiar with the flavors from the Pyrenees to Provence, or would like to become so. So if Steak Frîtes or French Onion Soup is what you're after, you’ll have to look elsewhere – at least during the warmer months which beckon flavors that are vibrant, green and fresh. What you will find here, at L’Ostal, are some of the best damned Escargots and Oeuf Mayonnaise made with Provencal mustard, pickles, onion and croutons. (I wrote about those from our last visit here.)
Gotham Burger Social Club teams up with Winfield Street Coffee for a POP UP to remember on July 11th 12-4pm ( Rain Date - July 10th 12-4pm.) This collaboration will include the award winning Gotham Smash Burger paired with Aperol Spritzers, Pasta Salad, Artisan Tater Tots & Nutella Stuffed Cookies as add ons. Local vendors like Longford’s Ice Cream will be scooping their small batch, along with Living Juice spiked with Cylinder Vodka and RowHouse Stamford will be show casing what they offer on their Rowers. Note: this will be a pre order event all info on Instagram : @gothamburgersocialclub.
RHK Seafood Boil and Bar, located at 19 North Water Street in the heart of SoNo across the street from the Maritime Aquarium, is launching a new Wednesday “Aperitif Hour.” Beginning Wednesday, June 30, the weekly special will run from 4-8pm. For $23.99, guests can select one beverage (choice of house red or white wine, beer, Negroni, Old Fashioned, Campari Spritz or Aperol Spritz), and following in the European tradition, receive a rotating selection of “Chef’s Choice” small bites.
Join Washington Prime Sono for their 7th Anniversary Yacht Party on Thursday, July 22nd. They set sail at 9:00PM with DJ Norbs 3000 spinning and kicking off the beats. The Patio Deck will have a Tiki Tequila Bar sponsored by Olmeca Altos 100% Agave Tequila! We also have High Noon Seltzers in the house all night long!! No Cover Charge. Dress to Impress. All White or Hawaiian Style. This Event is a 21 and Over Event Only.
Did ya know?? You can buy straight off the boat local oysters, clams and lobsters from The Oysterman’s Daughter, a small ‘hidden’ shop located at the boatyard where Copps Island oysters are harvested and distributed nationwide. It was created with the intention of providing fresh shellfish straight off the boats to the consumer from the folks at Copps Island Oysters. It is a lifestyle shop selling an assortment of different products unique to boaters and beach lovers alike.
On May 14, Chef Geoff Lazlo will host a virtual cooking class to benefit The United Way of Greenwich. A $40 box comes with all of the ingredients that you need to make a 2 course dinner at home. Start by creating a Lionni Latticini Burrata & Sugar Snap Pea Salad. As an entrée, follow along to cook a Half Chicken, Roasted Tomato & Chickpea Ragü with Asparagus. Email geoff@geofflazlo.com for more information.
Chef Tyler Anderson of Millwright’s will lead a virtual cooking class on May 15. Purchase a kit ahead of time, which includes all the ingredients you will need for an hour long cooking class with Chef Tyler Anderson via Zoom. Pan roasted asparagus with sauce gribiche, Lobster gnocchi with spring vegetables and pesto, and Lemon bars with chantilly cream are all on the menu. Wine add-ons available!
Ordinary & Roia of New Haven are teaming up for a Virtual Cocktail & Food Pairing Class on Friday, May 15th at 7:30pm. Cocktails by Ordinary and Food prepared by ROIA! All options will be vegetarian and all kits will be picked up at Ordinary. https://roiarestaurant.square.site/
Kombucha is delicious and nutritious! Cross Culture Kombucha Taproom & Brewery will teach you how to make your own at home in their Kombucha Homebrewing Workshop on November 21.
“It feels like we’re in the Village,” said my gal-pal who joined me for my much anticipated jaunt to Bar August in New Haven. We can’t always explain it, but most of us can conjure an image that falls in line with what “the Village” is? It’s small and cozy, brick and historic, refined but not over the top, with a dash of European flair. And, with the lively scene that New Haven has already, Bar August is just a primo location from the start. Built in people-watching from its side-street, almost corner digs, and a menu that will knock your socks off, Bar August has IT.
Happy hours are one of life’s greatest pleasures. Bad day? Have a reduced-price wine, beer, or cocktail to take the edge off. Even worse day? Have more than one. Hungry? Happy hours usually offer a handful of delectable bites to be had on the cheap as an accompaniment to your glass of booze. I’m obviously a fan of the whole idea of happy hours—and I’m betting you are too—so I’m always on the lookout for new ones in the area. That’s when I came across Tarry Lodge Westport’s brand new Aperetivo Hour.
Introduced in May, Aperitivo Hour goes down Monday – Friday from 4 – 6 p.m. It features wine and cocktails for $10 each, and five snackable small plates for $5 per.
Looking for French fare, with an exceptional wine list? Connecticut Magazine reviews Nouveau Monde Wine Bar in Sandy Hook, CT.
At some point during your visit to Nouveau Monde Wine Bar, you will start to crave wine.
Maybe this craving will begin when you walk in and see the steampunk elegance of the main dining area, a space that feels equal parts bar, classic cafe, restaurant and offbeat library. Perhaps it will strike as you read the wine list itself, a thick document that goes on and on like a William Faulkner sentence punctuated by descriptions such as “spicy yet fruity, red wine drinkers’ rosé.” Maybe it will begin when your server asks, “What type of wine do you usually drink?” and you realize “IPAs” is not an acceptable response.
Or, at least, that’s what happened to me.
This newfound appreciation of wine capped (or in this case, corked) a visit to the restaurant that, to put it in language a wine lover would understand, was a rich, full-bodied evening highlighted by notes of cellared ambiance, clean, bright food flavors that were anything but dry and a sweet, rich finish courtesy of a knockout dessert.
Caseus Fromagerie Bistro, located in New Haven, will hold a “Porters and Stouts Beer and Cheese Pairing Class” on Monday Dece,ber 4 from 6-7:30pm. They’ll pair delicious dark brews with cheeses from their fromagerie. Tickets are available online and costs approximately $45.
On Tuesday December 5, Baldanza Café in New Canaan will team up with South Avenue Butcher for another Baldanza Butcher Dinner. There are two seatings: 5:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets are $100 (which includes tax and gratuity) and can be purchased by calling 203-966-4000.
On Thursday December 7, Kosher Like Me food blogger Liz Rueven will present an interactive cooking class focusing on Chanukah latkes (potato pancakes). Students will prepare a classic recipe in addition to learning how to make seasonal variations and fruit sauces to top them with. Feel free to BYOB.
Soul Tasty in Stamford's Chef, Jean J will be featured on the TV show CHOPPED! They are having a viewing party Thursday, Dec. 7 at Acuario Restaurant (78 W. Park Place Stamford,CT) from 7:30-10:30pm (episode airs at 9pm). Head on over!
Then on Sunday November 26, Washington Prime will have a Homecoming Family Brunch Buffet. Join them for one of 3 different seating times: 11AM, 12:30PM, and 2PM. The price per person is $34.95 per person and includes a complimentary bloody mary, mimosa, or bellini. Children are $19.95 and tots under 4 are free.
Prime: An American Kitchen and Bar in Stamford’s Harbor Point now offers a “Power Lunch.” When you order the two-course $24 price fixed lunch, they guarantee you’ll be in and out in 35 minutes from when your order is taken. Prime is open for lunch from 12:00pm - 3:00pm, Monday through Saturday.
Whether you're a foodie or into food rescue, Food For All, the hottest strolling culinary event in Fairfield County, is the place to be on April 26th. Help Food Rescue US end local hunger while enjoying tasting plates and specialty cocktails from the region's top restaurants. Trust us - you don't want to miss this buzz-worthy, drool-inducing, "take a picture of this food!" night to benefit Food Rescue US. With every $1 donated = 20 rescued meals, as a guest at Food For All you know you're making a significant difference to hungry families!
Restaurant sneak peek: Fortina, Fleishers Craft Kitchen, INDIA, Mecha Noodle Bar, Room 112. Visit event page for a full lineup of restaurants and details.
After 20 years as a Sono institution, Barcelona Wine Bar has moved up the street and officially opened its doors in Norwalk’s new Waypointe complex. Their new home looks and feels much like the creative dining spaces guests have come to expect from Barcelona’s five CT locations, but as SVP Adam Halberg says “ Waypointe will feel familiar, but there are some key areas that make this new location quite unique.” The open kitchen, massive 40 seat bar, and a new menu approach will take their authentic and distinctive Spanish tapas menu even closer to the markets and restaurants of Spain.
As Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump anxiously rehearsed their talking points and many huddled around their television screens in anticipation of the final Presidential debate, I was… sipping rose on the outdoor patio of Vine Wine Room in Westport. Despite the fact that it was mid-October, temperatures soared into the upper eighties and the sun shone gloriously. Ignoring any political tensions, a friend and I decided to take full advantage of the Indian Summer and headed over to Vine Wine Room, a restaurant-meets-lounge on Westport’s Main Street. One week prior, Vine hired acclaimed local chef Toni Sapienza to reimagine their menu and infuse new energy into the restaurant. They had invited us down to check out the lounge and we were eager to give Toni’s cuisine a try.
Food halls are all the craze in NYC right now. But in lower Fairfield County, food halls are completely missing and the closest one (the first in Westchester) is in Mount Kisco’s bustling downtown area and is totally worth the 40-plus minute drive to fill your bellies and thus, nourish your soul.
Exit 4 Food Hall opened in February and it’s already a Main Street hot spot. In an area packed with good eateries and ultra-cool bars, Exit 4 is a destination. It’s casual, it’s great for just about any occasion, and with nine food/drink counters there are lots of options for those days when you’re feeling a bit picky. On weekend nights it can get loud, and busy, but that’s part of its charm. There’s a sense of community here and you might even make a few foodie friends while you’re chowing down on food and chugging a brew. I was recently invited to try some of the food and the brew.
Exciting news from Barcelona Wine Bar and Barteca Restaurant Group! Selections from their award-winning wine list, recognized by publications like Wine Spectator and The Wall Street Journal, are now available online. Newly unveiled “Gretchen’s Selections” features approximately 25 wines that are directly imported and offered to Barcelona’s guests. Each wine was hand-selected by Gretchen Thomas, acclaimed Wine and Spirits Director for Barteca Restaurant Group.
“I’m always looking for great wines for the Barcelona wine program, whether they are sold through my trusted suppliers or not,” says Thomas.
Sometimes she comes across amazing bottles here at home. Vineyards will ship wines to her or she will be introduced to someone in the area doing something new and exciting. Other times, her quest takes her overseas.
Several years ago CTbites visited Basso Café Restauranton New Canaan Avenue in Norwalk and was very impressed with many of the dishes created by Owner / Chef Renato Donzelli. Since that time Chef Renato has maintained his vision of creating a wine bar to complement the food, and that is now a reality as Basso Café Restaurant is now Basso Café Restaurant Wine Bar.
The interior has been updated with large, vibrant paintings along one wall, smaller modern pieces along the other wall overseeing the 60 seat dining area. The lighting is soft and inviting and acoustical tiles have been installed to reduce the noise level. After the recent receipt of a full liquor license, guests can now benefit from Chef Renato’s pairing of wines to balance the vibrant flavors of his cuisine and the rear of the restaurant now showcases the bar area with a selection of personally selected spirits, including organic vodkas.
Going out for a meal can be an incredibly rewarding experience. There is a reason restaurants are a popular spot for a night out and a number of people proudly refer to themselves as “foodies.” However, it can also be a downright chore. Do I brave the downtown traffic? Where do I park my car? How do I get there? Will there be a table for me?
Lugano Wine Bar and Salumeria, newly opened in Greenwich, alleviates all of those hassles. The Italian inspired restaurant sits just off of exit 6 from I-95 on East Putnam Avenue in Riverside, far removed from the droves of people downtown. It has its own lot next to the restaurant for easy parking as well as a valet service.
Indoors, the space is approachable, yet impressive. When you walk through the front doors, you enter a spacious bar with plenty of seating and room to stand and mingle. Wine glasses elegantly line the bar’s counter, as if inviting patrons in for a drink.
Just off of the bar to the right is a large dining room with high ceilings and a dome that serves as a skylight. It is light and open, lined with large windows. Lugano even boasts a private dining room for special functions, or for guests who prefer a quiet dining experience.
The lovely space was the impetus for the restaurant.
The New Haven outpost of Harvest Wine Bar is the fifth restaurant for siblings Kleber, Nube, and Vincente Siguenza, the the trio behind Cava in New Canaan, 55 Degrees in Fairfield, Scena in Darien, and sister restaurant Harvest Wine Bar in Greenwich. CTbites reviewed the Greenwich location almost a year ago, and many of the same culinary observations apply to this newly opened New Haven outpost on Chapel Street. I stopped in recently to experience the restaurant’s $19 two-course prix fixe lunch, perhaps one of the best downtown lunch options among New Haven’s fine dining restaurants.
Napa & Co. announced its 2015 Wine Class / Tasting schedule that will span the world and offer classes for the novice, the experienced wine connoisseur and those looking for a deeper understanding of various regions and blends. Prices range from $50 to $120 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and includes up to six different varieties. All classes start at 630PM.
Monday January 12th - WINE 101 - Start the year with an interesting class for the novice wine drinker and learn how to better describe wines and pair each with food. Enjoy 3 whites and 3 reds. $50pp (plus tax and gratuity)
Monday January 26th - Jordan Library Wine Tasting 2001-06 - Jordan is one of the icons of Alexander Valley producing Old World style Bordeaux blends. We will try a vertical tasting of 6 wines and see how well they age, and how they’ve changed. $120pp (plus tax and gratuity)
The work day comes to a close and all I can think is “Holy hell I need a bottle of wine …maybe two… maybe three… who’s coming with me?” But where do I go? What places offer specials? What vibe am I feeling? I instantly start googling “Happy Hour Downtown Stamford” but nothing pops up and suddenly I am in a panic, yes a panic. We’ve all been there many times…so I have compiled the ultimate list to help fellow happy hour enthusiasts.
Personal favorites for each day are:
Monday - Cotto, with half-priced bottles of wine and delicious tapas it’s the perfect way to ease into a hectic week;
Tuesday - Lola’s Mexican Restaurant, Taco Tuesday & Margaritas…need I say more?
Wednesday - Brickhouse Bar & Grill, known to many regulars as “wing night” it’s a low-key, delicious and fun way to finish hump day;
Thursday – Barcelona, delicious tapas and great deals on a variety of wines, the young and vibrant scene is always served up;
Friday – Hudson Grille, come for the happy hour and stay for the DJ, just be sure to bring your dancing shoes;
