Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For Week of September 1-8

Attention CT foodies ready for a road trip: The Newport Wine + Food Festival arrives this September, kicking off the fall season and ushering us into a beautiful time of year.  2019 marks the fourteenth anniversary of the festival, which takes place from September 19-22.  The Saturday and Sunday Grand Tastings unfold on the Marble House lawn, with Food & Wine Magazine Senior Editor and “Mad Genius Tips” host Justin Chapple headlining the festivities.  As part of the Grand Tastings, guests have the chance to sample hundreds of wines from around the world and cuisine from nearly two dozen regional restaurants and caterers.  You can also purchase tickets to additional events like TheFriday Night Wine & Rosecliff Gala, Newport After Dark, The Vintner Dinner at Rosecliff, and wine seminars which will be held over the course of the weekend.

Get ready to “pig” out on Mondays at Dinosaur BBQ in Stamford.  Every Monday through, 9/23 join them on the patio for some pig pulling and bourbon tasting.  Bring a group of friends and have a pig picking party right at the table! Individual portions are available as well for $9.  Plus, join them Tuesday 9/3 for Friends Trivia.

Birdman in Bridgeport is ready for college students and football season!  They are featuring a Nashville Hot style chicken wing and some Pennsylvania Dutch Hand Pies filled with the Harlem Bodega favorite "Chopped Cheese."

Redding Roadhouse hosts a Tuscan Wine Dinner on Wednesday 9/4.  Chef Lucas has designed a meal that pairs perfectly with Frescobaldi wines.  Dine al fresco on 3 courses with pairings for $75 per person. 

There’s nothing like a good, juicy burger… and now you can enjoy them on the farm!  On 9/4, Chef Jamie Bissonnette (Toro, Little Donkey) and Tony Camilleri (Zohara) join the Sub Edge Farmers for an evening of farm-made burgers, grilled veggies, and cold drinks.  Tickets are $45. 

NYC-born pizza institution and Newington newcomer, Artichoke Basille's Pizza, will celebrate National Cheese Pizza Day on Thursday, September 5 by giving away a FREE Basille Regular Cheese Pie with the purchase of any other whole pie.

Learn how to make pasta with Park & Oak Restaurant in West Hartford on September 4.  Chef David will show you how to make homemade pasta while sipping on some wine and snacking on some appetizers. You'll walk out of class being able to make pasta like a pro. 

Who has the best nugget in New Haven?  Cast your vote on Thursday September 5 in front of Garden Catering’s New Haven location.  They'll be giving away 4 nuggets for $5, 2 of theirs and 2 from Shake Shack.  Find out later that night which ones were voted the favorite.  100% of the money goes to the Closer to Free Ride, which works with Yale Hospital Cancer Center. Garden Catering will match the donations.

Beer can be educational!  On Thursday September 5, the Peabody Museum of Natural History presents Hops & History: Farm to Fermentation in New Haven.  Enjoy the fruits of the field with local beers and cider curated by The Beer Collective, and delicious seasonal food for purchase from our neighbor Olmo. Enjoy after-hours Museum access, music, and harvest-inspired specimen interactions.  Tickets are $25-$35, with Designated Driver options starting at $15. 

Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grille in Fairfield has a jam packed live music schedule.  On Friday September 6, join them to listen to the Mike Tepper Duo.

The 42nd Oyster Festival returns to South Norwalk from Friday September 6-Sunday September 8.  The weekend long festival features local businesses, vendors, New England fare, live music, rides, and more.  https://seaport.org/Oyster-Festival 

The CT Folk Fest & Green Expo arrives in New Haven on Saturday September 7.  From 11am to 10pm, attend this annual free festival of live music, handmade artisans, food trucks, children’s activities, and "green" workshops at New Haven’s beautiful Edgerton Park.  Delicious local food trucks include Lalibella, Lobster Hut, Ben & Jerry’s & more.  Proceeds benefit CT Folk’s mission to educate, entertain and inspire a diverse audience through music and conversation to create a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable community.  

Happy Birthday, Basso!  On Saturday September 7, the Norwalk restaurant turns 12 and they are celebrating with Signature Dishes and Chefs Specials from over the years, as well as other surprises.  

On Saturday 9/7, head to Waterbury for the 14th Annual Brass City Brew & Que.  Credited with being one of the oldest brew festivals in New England, it gives guests the chance to sample 250 varieties of craft and specialty brews, as well as international and domestic beers.  Tickets start at $35. 

On Sunday September 8, restaurants, specialty markets, bakeries, winemakers, distilleries, and craft brewers will come together at South Farms for Savor Litchfield.  They’ll serve their signature cuisine, desserts, sweets, and curated cocktails all evening.  There will also be pop-up shops, live music, a kids zone, and roving entertainment.  https://www.ipower.com/secure/login.html 

While TheaterWorks is renovating their theater on Pearl Street in downtown Hartford, they are performing full productions inside the Wadsworth Atheneum's Aetna Theater.  You can now grab dinner at Untitled Bistro on most show nights.  Reservations and menus are available online. https://www.mrg-catering.com/menu-samples/ 

Do you love craft beer?  Meet Elicit Brewing Co, the younger and slightly edgier sister restaurant of the Eli's Restaurant Group family.  Slated to open in Manchester in September, Elicit Brewing Co. will be an American-style beer garden featuring a range of food from pizzas and sandwiches to smaller style plates including wings and pretzels.  To learn more, follow them on Instagram (@ElicitBrewing) or visit their website: elicitbrewing.com.  

Hamilton Park, which recently relaunched under Chef Tyler Anderson, has relaunched its breakfast menu.  Offered seven days a week from 7am-10am, the menu includes Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, a Breakfast Sandwich, Smoked Salmon Toast, Tomato Toast, and a Parfait.  Entrees range from $9-$16.