Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for January 26 - February 2

The 6th Annual Great Mac And Chili Challenge takes place indoors at the new SoNo Collection in Norwalk CT on Sunday January 26th from 11am – 3pm.  Sample and cast your votes in categories that include classic beef chili, creative chili, and mac ‘n cheese.  Pair the eats with beers from New Belgium, who are one of this year’s sponsors.  The competition will benefit Food Rescue US in the ongoing fight against food insecurity. 

On Monday January 27, Mezon Tapas Bar & Restaurant invites you to a Wine Dinner featuring JM Fonseca Wines.  $85 per person (plus tax and gratuity) includes a 5 course meal and wine pairings.

Mike's Organic is teaming up with Amis and Chef Jes Bengston on January 29 from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. for a pop-up menu featuring favorites from his market. The menu will showcasing sustainable and healthy food that highlights local farmers, fisherman, and artisans. Recipes will be available for takeaway so you can recreate the dishes at home!

On Saturday February 1, Sunset Meadow Vineyards will be releasing a new wine, a Bourbon Barrel Aged Twisted Red! Come be the first to try it and get yours while supplies last.  11am-5pm. 

Mondays are Wine Down Mondays at Artisan Restaurant!  Get half off wines $100 or less.

Square Peg Pizza, The Mystic Cheese Company, and Black Hog Brewing Co. are all teaming up on Monday January 27.  The delicious, fun event will take place at Square Peg Pizzeria in Glastonbury.  There will be free prize giveaways, pairings, education, and great local CT food and drink. 

On Tuesday January 28, Walrus + Carpenter in Bridgeport hosts a Cocktail Competition with Hendricks's Gin.  Bartenders and Mixologists from across Fairfield County are invited to come to show their skills and spectators are encouraged!  If you'd like to compete, email jtellis@walruscarpenterct.com to sign up. 

Join the Chef Team from Terrain Cafe and Amis Trattoria, Westport for a six week teaching and tasting culinary journey as they share creative, delicious recipes and stylish presentations. Gluten Free substitutes and alternatives will be discussed for each recipe.  On January 27, Regional Executive Chef, Jes Bengtson will show you how to create a winter salad with grapes, pears, blue cheese and candied nuts as you learn about the most flavorful winter greens and local CT cheese.  Opt to take the whole series or choose individual classes. 

Go big or go home!  The Schoolhouse at Cannondale hosts a Wine Dinner centered around large format premium bottles on January 29.  Tyler Colman, Ph.D., selected the wines and will lead you in a tasting with each course. Tyler is the author of two wine books and has contributed wine stories to the New York Times, Food & Wine, Wine & Spirits, and the World of Fine Wine. He was a finalist for a James Beard award for his writing.  $125 per person includes tax and gratuity. Tickets are nonrefundable. 

The new Artichoke Basille's Pizza outpost in downtown Hartford (114 Asylum Street) will be hosting a Grand Opening event and fundraiser for The First Tee Connecticut next Thursday, January 30. Festivities will kickoff at 11:00 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Bronin, followed by an all-day fundraiser where a percentage of proceeds will be donated back to The First Tee Connecticut, a nonprofit organization that introduces young people to golf and skills associated with positive youth development. Plus, local Hartford-based breweries, Hog River and Hanging Hills, will be doing partial tap takeovers so guests can enjoy locally-brewed beers alongside Artichoke signature slices and whole pies.

The 4th Annual Wine at The Klein takes place on Thursday, January 30 from 6:30-9pm.  Taste 50+ wines and hear from wine experts who will be on hand to discuss the bottles.  There will be plenty of hors d'oeuvres to complement the samples.  Plus, the talented Maureen Hamill will perform songs from Broadway & film. Proceeds of this event benefit future programs at The Klein & Klein Theatre Arts. The event is organized by Kindred Spirits & Wine Shops with stores in Fairfield, Westport, Monroe, & Shelton.  Tickets are $35.

On Thursday January 30, participate in a Pasta Making Class & Supper with Chopped Champion Silvia Baldini.  The hands on class will take place at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center.  Class will be followed with a feast of your own creation!  Tickets are $110 per person. 

Curious about making your own Spanish Tapas?  Chop Shop Cooking will guide you through a menu of Garlic Shrimp, Pan con Tamate with Iberico Ham, Patatas Bravas with Tomato & Garlic Aioli, Mushrooms with Sherry & Parsley, Serrano Ham & Chicken Croquettas, and Seared Piquillo Peppers Stuffed with Manchego & Drunken Goat Cheese on January 30.   

Community Table invites you to Roast Chicken Sundays.  Feast on a Goffle Farm Lemon, Rosemary, and Garlic Chicken with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes and Sauteed Winter Greens for $68.  It serves 3-4 people and is available to stay or to go.

Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill has relaunched its hot sauce offered at the restaurant’s Fairfield and New Haven locations.  Rebranded as “Camacho Habanero,” the new recipe, under the direction of Executive Chef Arturo Franco-Camacho, features new flavors profiles with ingredients including Habanero Peppers, Fresh Carrots, Onions, Lime Juice, Vinegar, Garlic and Salt.  Produced and packaged locally in New Haven, the restaurants are retailing the hot sauce for $7 for those wishing to take a taste of Geronimo to their home kitchens.

Common Ground High School, Urban Farm, and Environmental Education Center in New Haven presents the Winter Farm & Garden Conference on Saturday February 1 from 9am-3pm. The day of learning is perfect for the School Educator, Backyard Gardener, small scale Farmer, curious Food Explorer, or Food Justice Activist! This year, they will also feature a KIDS TRACK for children ages 5-12. 

The Madison Beach Hotel invites you to “A Taste of Tuscany in Madison” on February 1 at 7pm.  The Wharf Restaurant Chef, Jay Taylor, has created a stunning menu to pair with hand-picked Tenuta Torciano Tuscan wines.  Make a weekend of it by booking a room at the hotel.