Nibble: CT Food Events & Happenings for February 8-14

Match Restaurant is hosting a “Day After Brunch” on the Monday after the Super Bowl.  The special menu will include ingredients from Fleishers Craft Butchery and cocktails sponsored by William Grant & Sons, including Reyka Vodka & Hendricks Gin.  Doors open at 11:30, with the menu running until 3:00.  Please call for reservations ASAP as tables are filling fast.

On Fat Tuesday, February 9, there are 2 parties to check out: The Spread’s celebrates Mardi Gras with dishes like gumbo stuffed jalapenos, seafood jambalaya, and catfish po boy sandwiches. Walrus + Carpenter will be serving up live jazz, Shrimp Po' Boys, Muffuleta, & beignets. 

More exciting news for The Spread… Chef Carlos will make his Food Network debut on Thursday February 11!  He and Bobby Flay will go head to head on “Beat Bobby Flay!”  Tune in at 10pm.

Champagne and oysters?  Yes, please!  Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill is having a special 5-course tasting menu inspired by Roederer Champagnes on February 9.  Chef Arturo Franco Camacho will prepare dishes, like a crispy soft duck egg and porcini dusted dayboat scallops, that complement the champagnes.  It is $135 per person, plus tax and gratuity.  For the menu and reservations, see:

During February, elm in New Canaan will be donating 100% of their Cosmo cocktail sales to “Help Ann Depuy battle ALS” on GoFundMe.  Before being stricken with the insidious disease, Ann was a marvelous cook and extraordinary athlete. Now she takes her nutrition intravenously and is no longer ambulatory.  The campaign helps keep Ann in the home she loves and get her the 24/7 care she requires. The Cosmo was Ann's favorite cocktail, so come to elm to toast a courageous woman… and treat yourself to some of Chef Venner's fabulous fare!

Napa and Co will continue its Monday night wine classes with “The Road Less Traveled” on Monday February 8.  The evening will center on less common grape varietals.  Try 6 wines alongside 3 small plates.

Napa and Co. has also announced Valentine’s Day specials.  From Friday February 12-Sunday February 14, they’ll have a special two-course dinner available for $55.  There are also a la carte choices and champagne specials.  http://www.napaandcompany.com/ 

Dinosaur BBQ will serve fish fry specials for Lent.  They will run from February 10-March 24.

The Schoolhouse at Cannondale offers Vegetarian Wednesdays during the winter season.  Guests can enjoy a four-course vegetarian meal for just $40 per person.

Coffee lovers take note!  On Thursday February 11, J House Coffee Bar will hold a Latte Art Competition.  Contestants can free pour their favorite designs for judges like Layla Dam of Lorca in Stamford, Courtney Hartl of Source Coffee House in Blackrock, and Sandra Walimaki a long-time barista at Espresso .  The event is open to the public.  It is free to attend and there is a $10 fee to participate. 

The Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury has announced its third annual Febtoberfest Craft Beer Festival!  On Tuesday February 11, enjoy beer and food from local restaurants amid the museum’s exhibits from 6-9pm.  Advance tickets are $35, and include beer, food, and a commemorative tasting glass. 

Bernard’s in Ridgefield has Valentine’s Day events taking place all weekend.  On Friday, February 12 there will be Dinner & Dancing with the Maria Tiscia Trio.  On Saturday, February 13 they’ll offer a special Valentine menu.  On Sunday, February 14, guests can choose from a Special Valentine’s Day Brunch for $55 or a prix fix dinner menu for $85.  

The Coastal Arts Guild of Connecticut will have a Wine Tasting, Chocolate and Art Show in honor of Valentine’s Day on Saturday February 13.  It will take place at The Winemaker’s Boutique in Stratford from 11am-6pm.  Art and jewelry will be for sale while chocolate is available!  Entrance is free, with a modest cost for wine tasting.  For more information, call 203-923-8982.

Terrain in Westport invites you to a four course (plus dessert!) Valentine’s Day dinner in the Garden Café.  Guests can attend on both February 13 and 14.  It is $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity. 

Baldanza in New Canaan also has a special Valentine’s Day menu.  They have created a special menu, where guests have their choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert.  It is $90 per person plus tax and gratuity.  For the menu and to reserve, see: http://www.baldanzabc.com/#!events/cldp 

Oak Haven Table & Bar in New Haven will have Valentine’s Day seatings on Saturday and Sunday at 5, 7, and 9pm.  The evening includes a complimentary glass of champagne along with a four-course meal for $50 per person. 

Lunch at Pacifico in New Haven just got better!  They announced a $9.95 lunch special Monday-Friday from 12-3pm.  There is a complete $9.95 lunch menu with choices like Ensalada con Salmon, Cubano, and Quesadilla con Pollo.

We recently announced that Dolce in Stamford was sold and will soon house Prime, a NY restaurant.  Please note that Zaza’s in Stamford will honor Dolce gift cards.