Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For Week of July 21-28

Taste of Hartford runs through July 28.  Participating restaurants throughout the Greater Hartford area will offer special multi-course, price-fixed menus. 

For the first time in 25 years, Union League Cafe in New Haven has an outdoor space!  La Terrasse has room for 36 patrons at bistro tables and on lounge furniture.  It opens at 11:30am Monday through Friday and at 5pm on Saturday.

No donuts for you! Coffee An in Westport is on a summer hiatus and will reopen on Monday August 5.

ARTISAN Restaurant, Tavern and Garden is embracing the summer season on its patio by uncorking its private label Rosé Wine at its annual Garden Parties in West Hartford on the last Thursday of each month from June through September.  Guests are encouraged to experience the spectacular outdoor setting while enjoying Artisan Rosé wine, craft cocktails, light bites and music by a well-known DJ in the picturesque Artisan garden. Tickets are $25 per person. The next one takes place on Thursday July 25. 

On Thursday July 25, Oyster Club Mystic and Stone Acres Farm present Thursday Night Bites - Marrakech Market.  Join them on the farm for themed bites & beverages featuring Moroccan cuisine with Chef Jules from Engine Room. 

The Five Senses Festival unites artists, musicians, chefs, and dancers.  It spans a few weekends in July and August.  On Saturday July 27, visit the Cooking & Songs Tent Talk with Gabrielle Hamilton and Julian Fleisher.  Take in a live performance and conversation comparing the structure and nuance of food with that of a classic song. 

Max’s Chef to Farm series continues of Friday July 26 with a Whiskey Dinner at Rosedale Farms & Vineyards.  On Friday, July 26th, beginning at 6:30pm, join us for a dinner featuring the cuisne of Max Downtown Chef Chris Sheehan and former Max Downtown Chef Hunter Morton, as they create a dinner paired with local and global whiskey and whiskey cocktails.  Reception begins at 6:30PM, followed by a multi-course tasting menu paired with whiskey and cocktails. Wine by Rosedale Farms & Vineyards will also be available. 

On Friday July 26, the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford invites you to Van Gogh’s Table.  Culinary historian Alexandra Leaf will focus on the artist’s his works that relate to food and dining: still lifes of fruits and vegetables, sketches done on restaurant menus, paintings of Provençal vineyards, and more. Following the talk, eat like an Impressionist at a wine dinner featuring dishes from Leaf’s book Van Gogh's Table at the Auberge Ravoux. $120, $100 members. Limited seating, reservations required. 

Seals on the Rocks comes to Mystic Aquarium in Stonington on Friday July 26 at 7pm.  Enjoy local craft beer and wine tastings, light refreshments and live music by Wicked Peach – all in support of Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program! 

Get “Wined Up” on Wednesdays at Sign of the Whale from 4pm-Close.  Join them for $10 sangria and froze, $10 off their summer tsunamis (for 6-8 people), and $6 wines.  

Chop Shop Cooking Classes are still in full swing for the summer.  In their Gone Fishin’ class on Friday July 26, learn to make Tuna Sliders with Wasabi Mayo & Field Greens, Crispy Red Snapper with Watermelon Tomato Salsa, Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Roasted Corn Slaw & Jalapeno Lime Cream, and Roasted Halibut with Aleppo Pepper Butter, Ramps & Asparagus. 

Forza Ristorante is now open in Bridgeport.  They’re even open for lunch on Fridays starting at 11:30am.

Saturday July 27 is Christmas in July at The Hops Company in Derby.  Starting at 2pm, wear your best “Bad Santa” costume (think Santa Con) for a chance to win a Brooklyn Brewery VIP Tour for two with a $100 gift card.  Free Admission. Live mural artist and DJ.

In honor of National Tequila Day on Wednesday, July 24th, SolToro Mexican Cantina in the Mohegan Sun invites you to themed 4-course tequila tasting menu experience.  Each of the gourmet small plates is expertly paired with a variation of Don Julio -- from signature margaritas, to special shots and other spirited inventive tequila cocktails.  Fresh, hand-hacked guacamole with creative additions like shrimp, bacon, charred corn and vegetables is also available to order with SolToro’s signature tableside preparation. 

Happy Hour at Outriggers in Stratford is now 7 days a week!  Join them from 3pm to 6pm at the bar seats for drink and food specials every night.

Sunset Meadow Vineyards hosts the 2nd Annual Wine & Woof Adoption Event on Saturday July 28 from 1-4pm. Enjoy the gorgeous views, some fabulous wine, and get to meet some adorable dogs. 

In honor of National Tequila Day on Wednesday, July 24, Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill have several special lined up in both New Haven and Fairfield: FAIRFIELD: Complimentary tequila tasting of Tequila Ocho from 5-7pm. NEW HAVEN: Complimentary tequila tasting of Mi Campo Tequila from 6-8pm. BOTH: Tequila-Inspired Food Specials including Tequila Lime Marinated Steak and Chorizo-Tequila Clams.

On Mondays at Republic Gastropub, receive one complimentary beer, glass of house wine ,or non-alcoholic beverage with the purchase of any burger.  Visit them in Bloomfield and Hartford.

Monday to Thursday from 4-7pm, Friday from 4 to 6pm and Sunday from 4 to 9pm, enjoy $1 oysters & clams on the half shell at Abigail’s Grille & Wine Bar in Simsbury.

Carbone’s Ristorante in Hartford has launched a new Summer Happy Hour Menu.  Offered Monday through Friday from 3:30-5:30pm in the restaurant’s lounge, the menu includes $4 wine and beer, $6 Martinis, $6 appetizers, a $9 lobster roll, and more.

House of Naan is sponsoring a month of charitable giving.  Starting Sunday July 27, 25% of the week’s proceeds benefit the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter Fund.