WYNK THC + Seltzer Now Available in CT At Total Wine & More (sponsored post) Features THC Seltzer Cannabis Beverage Homepage CTbites Team January 17, 2024 Discover WYNK THC + Seltzer Now Available at Top Liquor Stores in Connecticut, Including Total Wine & MoreDry January in Connecticut: The Rise of THC Infused Alcohol AlternativesWith Dry January in full swing, you may be searching for a unique, healthier twist to your social life. Look no further than WYNK, a zero-calorie, zero-sugar seltzer that is infused with a little bit of both THC and CBD, making for a light and balanced buzz. Drinking WYNK is like experiencing the buzz of a light beer, glass of wine, or hard seltzer, but without bearing the burden of a hangover, or the strain of unwanted calories or sugar. Luckily for Connecticut consumers, popular retailers are noticing consumer demand for alcohol alternatives. So much so that national chains including Total Wine & More have made WYNK widely available for purchase. Read More
The Torta Shop Opens in Bridgeport Serving Epic Mexican Sandwiches Features Interview Restaurant Bridgeport Tortas Mexican Sandwiches Opening Andrew Dominick January 16, 2024 Go up or down Bridgeport’s North Avenue roughly a mile or so before or after the Fairfield town line and you’ll notice a neon blue awning with an emoji-like sandwich logo paired with the words “The Torta Shop” printed on it.What’s not new, however, are the owners. Mariella Garcia and her husband Jose Santiago previously owned the bodega since 2017. Around a year and a half ago, the couple decided to flip the concept into something different.“We’re originally from Oaxaca, then we came to Norwalk, and my husband and I moved to Bridgeport in 2016,” Garcia says. “In 2017 we got the grocery store and thought about switching it up over the years and wanted to make a bigger change. We wanted to bring this to Bridgeport. And there are a lot of Mexican restaurants here, but we wanted to focus on tortas, Mexican sandwiches. Other places do it, but we want to be known as a tortarilla.” Read More
45 Spots for Healthy Eating in Connecticut: Restaurants, Juice Bars, Meal Delivery & Wellness Features Restaurant Healthy Eats healthy Juice Bar Organic Acai Bowl Smoothies Vegan Vegetarian Special Dietary Needs Homepage Hannah Goodman January 13, 2024 Well, well, well, if it isn’t 2024, the dreaded new year. From the Halloween candy and Thanksgiving pies, to the Christmas cookies and unlimited New Year’s bubbly, I think it’s safe to say we are ready to start anew (I will also be buying a new scale because mine is clearly broken). Now it’s time for us to follow through with those dreaded resolutions. Whether you want to eat better, drink less alcohol, consume more sustainable foods, or treat the mind and spirit, this should be your go-to list. I don’t know about you, but I am tired of committing to goals that are almost impossible to stick with. However, with this caliber of options listed below, there is no goal that cannot be accomplished, and that is coming from me, a true pessimist. Let’s march into February excited about how far we have come with our resolutions, because being healthy does not mean forfeiting fun and creativity. C’mon now, say it with me! Here are 45 spots for HEALTHY EATING and wellness in Connecticut. Read More
Chef Dan Kardos Opens Café Melba in Milford Features Interview Restaurant Milford Homepage Interview Opening Andrew Dominick January 12, 2024 No outside signage. No phone number. No problem.Aside from a fair number of whiny complaints (you know who you are), Dan Kardos’ newly opened restaurant, Café Melba, is doing just fine. Read More
It’s A Woman’s World: Chef & CIA Instructor Roshara Sanders Features Interview It's A Woman's World chef Chef Talk Andrew Dominick January 09, 2024 One of the definitions of the word “force” is as follows: a person or thing regarded as exerting power or influence.It’s fitting to say that Roshara Sanders is just that, a force. And at just 34 years old, the Bridgeport native has quite resume. Read More
Hidden Gem: AMAI Sushi in Brookfield (Where CT Chefs Eat Sushi) Restaurant Sushi Fish Japanese Sushi Bar Seafood Lunch Homepage Jessica Ryan January 09, 2024 You’ll have to drive a little ways to find some of the best sushi in Connecticut. This one isn’t in any of the tony coastal towns. Incredibly you will find it in a small strip of storefronts in Brookfield. There might not be much to do in this sleepy little town, but there is some damned good sushi to be had.You’ve likely never heard of Amai Sushi, we hadn’t. We were tipped off by CTBites friend Chef Jeff Taibe (Taproot Restaurant) who’s quite familiar with the area. When a chef tells us they’ve eaten somewhere really good, we’re all ears, especially when it’s someplace no one seems to have heard of. So last week we took a little road trip. Read More
Greenwich & Delancey: The Best New York Jewish Deli is in Greenwich, CT Restaurant Jewish Holidays Jewish Deli Deli Sandwich Lunch Greenwich Opening Delivery Homepage Chloe Zale January 07, 2024 hef David Teyf is poised for his closeup. Two years after unveiling his elevated kosher delicatessen, Greenwich & Delancey in Cos Cob, Teyf is confident that he has perfected his vision. "I want to be the first place to take this type of food to a Michelin level," he declares with determination. Drawing on his classical culinary training from Le Cordon Bleu Paris, he seamlessly applies haute cuisine techniques to Eastern European Jewish classics with standout results, like his meticulously crafted pastrami (carved tableside with the reverence normally accorded to prime rib), pillowy pelmeni (chicken dumplings), and the perfect bowl of matzo ball soup. Read More
Hidden Gem: La Scogliera In Shelton-Authentic Italian Since 1978 Restaurant Shelton Italian Hidden Gem Old School Italian food Todd Lyon January 05, 2024 It started with an email and ended with wedges of cake so creamy and fluffy we swore they were slices of Cloud Nine. Or perhaps Nuvola Nove.The note was from Daniela Petrucelli, offering a brief history of her family’s restaurant, La Scogliera in Shelton. She explained that her parents, Carmelo and Carmelina Maione, opened the original restaurant in Bridgeport 46 years ago. In the early days, Daniela and her family, including sisters Francesca, Maria, and Diana, lived above the 150-seat eatery. “We would go downstairs to go to work, upstairs to go to bed,” she recalls. The restaurant became something of a hot spot, with a menu of hearty Italian-American dishes, fresh fish, and eventually, live music. Even the famously picky New York Times critic Mark Bittman liked it, rating it “Very Good” in 2003. Read More
Connecticut Restaurant Confidential: Strange Stories, Odd Orders, + Twisted Tales in the Industry Vol. 2: Pizzerias Features Interview Restaurant Homepage Pizza Restaurants Chefs Customers Andrew Dominick January 02, 2024 It was about time this ridiculous, limited (but slowly working on more) series returned to bring you more of the weird, bizarre, and funny tales in the restaurant industry.And while edition number one was a hodgepodge of stories from chefs that you know in the general area, this version has a focus…PIZZERIAS!This one’s got a few longer stories that I promise are worth reading, a Wu Tang sighting, one video of a chef busting his ass, and plenty of weird customer orders.And if you’re wondering what volume three might look like, we’re hitting up bartenders because we know there’s plenty of tea there.But for now…PIZZAAAAAAA! Read More
Sushi Otaru - A Slice of Tokyo Under an Unassuming New Haven Garage Restaurant New Haven Sushi Japanese Hidden Gem Chloe Zale December 29, 2023 In Japan, the best sushi is often found in unexpected places: on the 7th floor of an office building, for example, or, famously, in an underground hallway leading to a subway station. Who would think the same could be said for Connecticut, where one of the state’s most outstanding omakases is located beneath an overpass connecting to New Haven’s Temple Street Garage?Otaru Sushi Bar, which Chef Sunny Cheng and his wife Kathy opened in 2018, is serving up some of the most sophisticated yet playful bites of sushi on the Eastern Seaboard, without a hint of the austere service that marks many sushi restaurants of a similar caliber across the Pacific. Rather, Sunny employs a diner-first attitude in his joyful omakase, featuring a diverse symphony of flavors, textures, and, of course, top-quality fish. When we requested no squid or abalone in our omakase, he immediately understood: “no chewy, no problem.” And when neighboring diners inquired about the fish that created the glistening bites in front of them, Sunny whipped out a dog-eared sushi guidebook to provide an informative visual reference while narrating his take. Read More
NYC's Iconic Asian Bakery, Lady Wong, Now Delivering to CT Features Delivery Dessert Cakes Asian Asian Desserts CTbites Team December 28, 2023 Lady Wong, one of New York City’s hottest bakeries, is now delivering to Connecticut and Westchester. With its innovative desserts rooted in Southeast Asian tradition, the bakery has evolved from a pandemic era delivery service to one of New York City’s hottest bakeries. Founded by the dynamic Greenwich, CT-based husband and wife duo, Mogan Anthony and Seleste Tan– Lady Wong will give Fairfield County and Westchester foodies something they've been missing — a special occasion cake or pastry that’s at the center of their table and conversation. Read More
Green & Tonic Announces Opening in Darien CT January 2nd Restaurant Features Opening Darien Plant Based Health & Wellness Healthy Eats Smoothies Acai Bowl Sandwich Lunch Breakfast CTbites Team December 28, 2023 Green & Tonic is thrilled to announce the grand opening of their brand-new location in Darien! The plant-based fast casual concept can't wait for you to step foot into their new fresh, vibrant space in the Corbin District and experience all the goodness they have to offer.Grand opening day is on Tuesday January 2nd 2024. The excitement includes:Free small lattes, free cold pressed juices and BOGO sales (on select juices) special giveaway entry w/ purchase to an epic prize (free year of G&T coffee!) and Free Kaia Yoga Class Passes for everyone who stops by on this special day ($20 value!)Can't make it to opening day. No worries! Open 7 days a week: Dine in, Pick Up or Delivery is always available. Green & Tonic is a plant-based eatery serving delicious, good-for-you food and drinks! Think salads, warm bowls, seasonal soups, breakfast sandwiches, cold-pressed juices, smoothies & açaí bowls. They've recreated popular coffee chain drinks like the cookie butter latte and peppermint mocha latte to be made with no added sugar and no additives. Read More
CTbites Staff Picks For Top Eats of 2023 (+Special Guest Eaters) Features Restaurant Best of CT Guide Top Eats Homepage CTbites Team December 25, 2023 It’s that time of year, when the CTbites staff temporarily puts down our forks, and contemplates our most memorable annual eats. 2023 saw an explosion of restaurateurs and chefs entering the Connecticut culinary scene, and the CTBites team, alongside some special guest reviewers below, did our best to eat it all. There were some clear standouts, restaurants that you’ll find repeated in the “top eats” lists below, and some hidden gems you should add to your dining dance card.Here are CTbites’ TOP EATS 2023. Read More
Josie and Tony’s Italian Deli & Supper Club Opens in South Norwalk Restaurant Italian South Norwalk SONO Opening Homepage Supper Club Deli Italian Deli Pasta Lloyd Allen December 23, 2023 Actors take classes. Actors wait tables. Actors go to casting calls. Actors land roles.Joshua Anthony Mesnik studied musical theatre at NYU, did all of the above, landing roles off-Broadway, but while he pursued his acting career it became apparent his main stage was not on Broadway. His shows were wowing New York audiences, but the scripts he memorized were on menus and wine lists. There were scenes to define, refine and flesh out.He opened at ABC Carpet, had successful runs at Sushi Samba and Cafe Luxembourg, discovered the sexy, seductive storytelling aspects inside a bottle of wine from his role at Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill.A one Virginia Philip, Master Sommelier at The Breakers mentored him, he then upped the ante directing the wine scene at The Standard High Line Hotel. There’s a lot more, but long story short, he’s going it alone.Well, not completely. A few of his big fans are involved and invested, not to mention the other 50 devotees of fine food who ponied up a few G’s to cover the yearly membership fee for his soon to be opened dinner club. But no matter all of this, Josie & Tony’s, yes, named after his grandparents, strives to be a show stopping, luxurious dining experience for all. Read More
John Nealon Opens Crust Issues in Norwalk Featuring Pan Pizzas Features Interview Restaurant Norwalk Pizza Homepage Interview Italian Andrew Dominick December 21, 2023 Roll into the former Davinci’s Pizza (or Cosmos if we take it back to 1985) at 60 Connecticut Avenue, and it’s a way different vibe than it used to be.Quirky artificial intelligence cartoons, featuring pizza, are pasted in the entryway. Sawed off cookbook bindings are the art on the walls. A black and white photo of Marco Pierre White stares at you if you glance to your right. Read More
50+ CT Restaurants To Celebrate New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day (2023 Edition) Features Holiday New Years Events EVENT Homepage April Guilbault December 20, 2023 2023 went by in the blink of an eye and now it’s the time again to say goodbyeSo long, yes, but also hello tooand may 2024 be wonderfully good to you. With tasty food and bubbly drinkwe celebrate and sing, our glasses clinkWe toast and dance, reminisce and dine,trying to remember the words to Ol Lang SyneNo one knows, no one really caresits about being together as good wishes blareSo, dine and drink well before that ball dropsand know that all of us at CTbites think you are tops! Read More
Hoodoo Brown BBQ Serves a Smoked Cheeseburger On Sundays and It’s Awesome Features Interview Restaurant Hoodoo Brown BBQ BBQ Burger Burgers Ridgefield Andrew Dominick December 18, 2023 I can count on one finger how many times I’ve had a smoked cheeseburger in our general area.The smoked burger is seemingly elusive. My first came in 2019, in Irvington, at a BBQ joint that’s no longer there. I’m not saying it’s impossible to find one, I’m just saying it’s rare—that’s an on-purpose meat pun.In Connecticut, two spots where you absolutely can find a smoky, beefy, beast of a burger, are Hoodoo Brown BBQ and Hindsight Barbecue that were both recently named in terrific piece on Texas Monthly (link HERE) that you absolutely should read. Read More
Hidden Gem: Little Riggs Opens In Branford With Elevated Comfort Food + NOW Dinner Restaurant Opening Branford Comfort Food Breakfast Brunch Eggs Kid Friendly Baked Goods Dessert donuts Burgers Homepage Jessica Ryan December 15, 2023 Little Riggs sits on the edge of the Stuart, McKinney National Wildlife refuge on the Long Island Sound. Riggs opened 6 months ago from Chef John Kronfeld, who operated the very successful breakfast truck, The Chef Truck, until he opened Little Riggs, transitioning his uniquely delicious breakfast menu into a sit down experience. To call this place a hidden gem isn’t wrong, but this clichéd term is a tad overused these days… It’s like a half buried treasure. Among the locals it isn’t buried at all, and they have taken it by storm.This little outpost that seats just 30 in the wintertime, is slightly larger than a hole in the wall and certainly significantly more elevated. It’s the type of place you want to go to for a leisurely comforting breakfast on a Sunday morning, but it’s not just a breakfast joint, offering significantly more than just morning fare, and lucky for those of us who do love breakfast food, we can now enjoy it beyond traditional breakfast hours. Kronfeld will be launching dinner service this week, and we will be the first in line. Read More
It's A Woman's World: Pastry Chef Jessica Spivey of Oyster Club + The Port of Call Interview Restaurant It's A Woman's World Baker Pastry Chef pastry Mystic Interview Andrew Dominick December 14, 2023 Oyster Club in Mystic, its alter ego concept, Treehouse, and their sister cocktail and bites bar, The Port of Call, aren’t only popular in Connecticut, but they’ve received some serious national coverage, including a 2023 James Beard nomination for chef Renee Touponce.Part of the restaurant group’s stellar squad is pastry chef Jessica Spivey, who just received a nod of her own as she was nominated for Best Pastry Chef by the Connecticut Restaurant Association for its annual CRAzies Awards. Read More
Chef Emily Mingrone of Tavern On State On NY Times "23 of the Best American Dishes of 2023" Features New Haven Awards CTbites Team December 12, 2023 Congrats to Chef Emily Mingrone of Tavern On State who received one of the 23 coveted dishes on NEW YORK TIMES’ list of 23 of the Best American Dishes of 2023.“Each year as we travel the country to scout out candidates for our many best-restaurant lists — whether the big national listing in the early fall or the new “best of” city lists we’ve begun rolling out — our reporters and editors eat hundreds of meals in dozens of states. Inevitably we come across that one dish that we almost wish we’d ordered two of, and wish we could find closer to home.Some are high-concept — a Dungeness crab doughnut, for instance — while others are just perfect examples of beloved familiars like brisket tacos or fried chicken. What they have in common, though, is that months later they still jump to mind when we're asked, “What were your favorite dishes of this year?”Fried Chicken at Tavern on State New Haven, Conn.I will always order the fried chicken at a promising new restaurant like this one. Its fried chicken thighs with green tomato relish and radish salad was the best of many dishes I loved this year in the growing “tavern” category — a much-needed bridge between pub grub and tweezer food.—-JULIA MOSKIN, New York Times”Read the complete article here. Read More
