From Flushing, New York, Michelin Guide recommended soup dumplings have made their way to the cluster of restaurants outside of the Stamford Town Center. Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao, a growing Shanghainese micro chain, held its soft opening and introduction to Connecticut at the beginning of June as part of its expansion that includes locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Georgia, Chicago, and soon, again, in our general area when they open in White Plains.
Four years ago, when I first covered Bobby Manere’s Dogtown in Milford—where Cali-inspired fast casual and a little bits of his dad’s lower Fairfield County famous Swanky Franks meet—he talked about wanting to open a Dogtown sequel. That time is now, and Bethel, you’re the lucky recipient. Manere broke the Bethel news on my friend, Jeff Spencer’s Sweet’N Up Podcast, when he was a guest alongside Kyle Marcoux, aka, The Vulgar Chef.
At the very end of 2024, restaurateur Jody Pennette opened the doors and cranked up the speakers with Music & Industry, a live music venue meets French dive bar, albeit a little fancier than divey. Roughly six months later, Music & Industry’s sound is mute, and in its place is Washington Social. Keeping the live music concept alive that Pennette started is a partnership of heavy hitters, the first being Matt O’Neill, the founder of Cr(eat)e Restaurant Consulting and vice president of culinary of Craveable Hospitality Group, formerly known as the David Burke Group.
