Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of September 16-23

The Tasty Yolk and The Food Network’s winner of “Chopped,” Bridgeport Fireman and Chef Daniel Brelsford, have collaborated to bring you “Smoke On The Yolk.”  The September special is comprised of smoked pork belly, guajillo-maple mascarpone cream cheese, 2 eggs, and chicharrones on a NYC bagel. 

CTbites takes over Westport Farmers’ Mkt’s Instagram feed for the semi-finals of Westport Farmers’ Market’s “Chef at the Market Cooking Competition” Sept 20th! Chefs Ben Freemole, Dan Sabia, Jeff Taibe and Anthony Rinaldi will battle it out, and if you come early you may be chosen to be a judge. Winners go to the final round where they will cook it out at the Party in the Parking Lot event Oct 4th. 

Food Rescue US will host a panel discussion and Q&A at Wakeman Town Farm on Monday September 18 from 6-7:30pm.  The panel will feature Chef Jessica Bengston from Terrain, Chef Jeffrey Taibe from Taproot, Jonathan Kirschner from Ambler Farm, and more.  The public is invited to learn how to reduce food waste and help those who are hungry in the community.  Both General Admission tickets and Volunteer Tickets will also provide admission into the screening of Anthony Bourdains documentary 'Wasted!,' which will be held at Westport Town Hall on October 21, 2018 at 6pm.   

The Greenwich Wine + Food Festival takes place September 21-22 at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich.  This year, they welcome Daniel Boulud as well as returning chefs Adam Richman, Mary Giuliani, Scott Conant, and Alex Guarnaschelli.  It will benefit multiple charitable organizations including the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, the Town of Greenwich Parks & Recreation Foundation, and Ment’or.  www.greenwichwineandfood.com. 

Beach House is known for its delicious seafood.  On Tuesday September 18, they will present a “Seafood Extravaganza” dinner that includes a Raw Bar, Summer Rolls, Chowder, Charcuterie Platters, Appetizers, Fish Tacos, Market Fresh Fish, Seafood Risotto, Salads, Side Dishes, and more.  Choose from one of two seatings: 5:30pm and 7pm.  It costs $38.50 per person.   

The first ever Ridgefield Wine Week kicks off this Sunday 9/16 and continues through Sunday 9/23. Ridgefield Restaurants taking part in Ridgefield’s first ever Wine Week include Bernard’s, Sarah’s Wine Bar, Gallo Ristorante, Bailey’s Backyard, Terrasole and Luna Rossa.  Ridgefield liquor stores will also hosting exclusive wine tastings throughout the week.  The Wine Week will culminate with The Sunset Wine Party on September 23rd, 80+ wines for tasting. 

On Tuesday September 18, Stew Leonards Newington will hold a Fun Chocolate Recipes Culinary Class for Toddlers.  Kiddos ages 2-5 can learn to make homemade frosted brownies, Nutella Oreo truffles, and double chocolate chip milkshakes.  The class will run again on Saturday September 20 at 10am.   

Dinosaur BBQ’s Summer Porch Series continues on Thursday September 20 with music by Sam Gironda.  Each week, they also feature Half Full Beers alongside their signature BBQ dishes.

Bar Zepoli in Stamford is turning 1!  Join them on Thursday September 20 for an Anniversary Celebration.  There will be two special prix fixe menus—lunch for $15 per person and dinner for $30 per person.  Happy Hour specials will run all day long and guests can enjoy 50% off wines $100 or less and 25% off wines over $100 with the purchase of any entree.  https://www.barzepoli.com/events-and-promotions 

Massaro Community Farm in Woodbridge is showing us how to make cocktails and mixers from your garden!  Join them for “Bartender's Garden” on Thursday September 20 at 7pm.  The event is free, though donation is appreciated.  21+.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bartenders-garden-tickets-48216417603?aff=aff0eventful 

227 Wine Bar in Bethel hosts a Black Hog Beer Dinner on Thursday 9/20.  4 course meal will be paired with 5 Black Hog Bears including seasonal limited releases.  It will unfold on the patio (weather permitting).  It costs $59.99 per person, plus tax & gratuity.  Call 203-917-3411 to reserve.  https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3612744 

On Friday September 21, Fig Cooking School in Milford invites you to one of their most popular cooking classes, the “French Bistro Dinner.”  On the menu, find Steak au Poivre with Cognac Crème, Roasted Tomatoes with Stilton, Haricots Verts with Caramelized Shallots, and Earl Grey Crème Brûlée.  http://www.figcookingschool.com/event-calendar/2018/1/18/frenchbistro-3 

B.GOOD, the farm-to-table restaurant chain, is adding fresh handmade wraps to its menu for the first-time. The new wraps come in two delicious flavor varieties – Chicken Caesar and Southwest Chicken – both filled with great tasting locally sourced ingredients on a whole wheat tortilla and prepared fresh in-house for every customer.

Tickets are now on sale for the Westport Farmers’ Market annual Fork it Over Party in the Parking Lot.  The event will be held at Gilbertie’s Herb Gardens on October 4 from 6 to 10 pm and is the largest WFM fundraiser and tribute to supporters.  Signature dishes will be served cocktail-party style by celebrity chefs, including Matt Storch, Christian Petroni, Jessica Bengston, and more.  https://forkitover.brownpapertickets.com/ 

On Thursday September 20, Dom’s Cheese Shop in Avon presents “A Taste of France.”  From 6:30-8:30pm, they will pair five French cheeses with 5 specially chosen French wines.  A professional sommelier from Bottle Stop Wine & Spirit Superstore will explain how to choose the perfect wine for each cheese.  https://www.facebook.com/events/300420193846821/ 

September 21 is National Cookie Day!  Matthews 1812 House, a second-generation gourmet bakery based in Cornwall, has an extensive selection of cookies including Chocolate Cherry Pecan Cookies, Pecan Shortbread Cookies and Sugar Free Pecan Shortbread Cookies.  They are also launching brand new items this month that can be shipped nationwide.  Now you can order Pink Peppercorn Cookies, Kalamata Olive Cookies, Rustic Parmesan Sage Cookies, and Port Wine Chocolate Cake.  https://www.1812house.com/ 

Black Rock Yacht Club’s 1st Annual Taste, Sip & Support fundraiser seeks to end hunger one taste bud at a time, raising funds for the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Foodshare, and Operation Hope, as well as scholarships to the CT Chefs Association and Lincoln Culinary Institute.  This 21+ event will take place Saturday, September 22, 2018 from 12-4pm.  Attendees will enjoy an outstanding afternoon filled with inspired chef creations, signature cocktails, and exceptional waterfront views.  https://littleblackbusines.wixsite.com/bryc 

The 2018 Newport Mansions Food & Wine Festival begins on Thursday September 20 and continues through Sunday September 23.  The event centers on the two-day Grand Tasting, featuring plates from local restaurants and hundreds of wines under the big tents on the lawn of Marble House.  This year, the festival welcomes internationally acclaimed fashion designer and cookbook author Zac Posen!   Tickets are on sale to attend a conversation with him from 11am-12:30pm on September 22.  There are other supplementary events throughout the weekend as well.  http://www.newportmansions.org/events/wine-and-food-festival/tickets-events 

Turning Point Coffee Roasters is now open in Stamford’s Bull’s Head shopping center.  All coffee is roasted in house.  They also serve fresh pastries, exotic and fine tea, nitro cold brew and kombucha on tap, gourmet sandwiches, salads, and grilled cheeses.  https://www.turningpointcoffeeroasters.com/ 

The Best Connecticut Food Show in New Haven kicks off Sunday September 23 and continues monthly on the 4th Sunday of every month until Feb 17, 2019.  The show is a Foodie event where culinary chefs from the all over “Connecticut will cook it up and dish it out” all in one place. Taste innovative, creative food while supporting local businesses.  http://eventful.com/newhaven/events/best-connecticut-food-show-/E0-001-111835446-0@2018092312 

On Sunday September 23, Katalina's in New Haven will hold a Keto Friendly Baking Class and Food Tasting.  Kathy Riegelmann will lead six half-hour baking classes for a basic Keto-friendly butter cookie in three simple variations. Tickets are for individuals or families (up to 4 people per family ticket).  Throughout the day, Modern Apizza will provide assorted fresh brick-oven, thin-crust pizzas.  Proceeds go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/keto-friendly-baking-class-and-food-tasting-tickets-49201864100?aff=aff0eventful 

For those of you headed down to Westchester, Chef Emilio of La Catena Italian Restaurant is teaching students how to prepare his sought after cuisine.  In conjunction with Westchester Community College, he will show you how to make dishes like stuffed eggplant, marinara sauce, pasta, and more.  The class takes place on Monday September 17 from 5:30-7:30 pm.