Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for December 22-29

The Spread Norwalk presents Brunch with Santa on Sunday, December 22nd at 12pm.  They’re serving up fun for all ages just ahead of Christmas!

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce is pleased to once again be sponsoring the annual Saugatuck Caroling Crawl to entertain patrons at all local member restaurants on Saturday evening December 21th, from 6:30 - 8:30pm.  The Carolers will begin their rounds at the Boathouse at 6:30pm then stop off at Parker Mansion, Kawa Ni, The Whelk, Tuttis and the Black Duck, before making their way around the train station area to sing at Tarantinos, Harvest, Romanacci, and Tarry Lodge. They will then proceed north entertaining the guests at Match, Rizzuto’s, Viva Zapata and finally ending at Dunville’s.

Vita Pasta Lab presents an after Christmas Kids Italian Cooking & Baking Class on December 26 & 27.  The class on 12/26 will focus on sweets, with a menu of Chocolate Krinkle cookies, Danish Butter cookies and Chocolate Soufflé.  The class on 12/27 will feature the savory, with a menu of Pizza, Foccacia and Pinwheel Pizza.  Ages 8 and up. 

Looking for a great Christmas gift?  Hoping to plan a vacation?  Join Chef Silvia Baldini in Piedmont, Italy from October 6th to October 11th, 2020 during truffle season for a week of cooking, learning and tasting at the University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISG) in Pollenzo, Italy—a UNESCO World Heritage site an hour south of Turin, founded by Slow Food.  Cook with Silvia and world recognized chefs in the Food Lab, put your senses to the test in the sensory analysis lab, attend lectures, guided visits, and interactive workshops with UNISG's professors.  Plus, explore the surrounding areas!  Learn more about the trip on her website. 

Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill has launched its new Winter Food and Cocktail menu at both the New Haven and Fairfield locations.  New cocktails include the Smoking Maple (Hornitos Black Barrel, maple simple syrup, Angostura bitters), Coffee Negroni (Olmeca Altos reposado, Lavazza soaked Campari, cinnamon infused Bauchant liqueur), and the Apple Cinnarita (apple cinnamon tequila, apple pie moonshine, green apple liqueur, lime).  New food options include: Elk Chorizo Meatballs, Poblano Corn Chowder, Beer Braised Pork Shank, and Ancho Braised Short Ribs.

Just in time for the holidays, for every $20 spent on Dinosaur BBQ Gift Cards, receive a complimentary $5 e-Gift card in return!

Sunset Meadow Vineyards is extending their hours in honor of Christmas.  They’ll be open from 11am-5pm on both Monday December 23 and Tuesday December 24.

CT Restaurants are celebrating Christmas Eve.  Just a few highlights: the annual Xmas Eve Dinner at Washington Prime, the special menu at David Burke Prime, and Christmas Eve Brunch at Valencia.  Check out a full list here.   

There are also plenty of restaurants open on Christmas Day!  L’escale in Greenwich, Mill on the River in South Windsor, Long Ridge Tavern in Stamford, and more are open with special menus.  Check out the full list

Head to Sweet Equations in Farmington for a Cake Decorating Class on Friday December 27 from 6-8pm.  They’ll provide all the equipment, ingredients, and instruction in a fun, casual baking class.  Great for birthday parties, girls-night-out, graduation gift, showers or the perfect anytime gift!  $50 per person.

On Saturday December 28, visit Chop Shop Cooking for a “Southwestern Sunset” themed cooking class.  On the menu: Chipotle Chicken Taquitos with Sour Cream & Salsa, Scallop on Tortilla with Avocado Corn Salsa, Chopped Salad with Queso Fresco & Pickled Carrots,  Black Bean & Roasted Poblano Quesadillas with Smoked Mozzarella, and Jalapeno Honey Skirt Steak.  7-9pm, $80 per person. www.chopshopcooking.com 

Artichoke Basille’s Pizza, the nation’s largest and fastest growing New York pizza concept, has officially opened doors at its newest outpost in downtown Hartford. The authentic, New York-style concept is located at 114 Asylum Street in the former McKinnon’s Pub space and will feature daily specials and events that will roll out in the coming weeks.  The Hartford restaurant features a full bar, as well as a menu starring Artichoke’s authentic New York slices and whole pies topped with signature flavors like the namesake Artichoke Pie, Crab Pie, and Staten Island Pie. The restaurant’s interior features NYC-inspired design elements like exposed brick and tin, which pay homage to Artichoke’s Manhattan roots.  www.artichokepizza.com