Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for February 2-9

ZINC New Haven’s Annual Champagne and Oyster tasting takes place on Thursday February 6.  They are pouring 4 sparkling wines, selected by sommelier Michael Egan, for this special event.  Patty King, of Copps Island Oysters, will share the story of her family company's farming of oysters.  Reservations are a must. The wines will compliment a selection of raw and cooked oysters and several additional passed hors d’oeuvres.  $36 per person, all inclusive, pre-paid. 

The month of February is Voyage Month at L’escale.  Every week, travel the world by feasting on a menu inspired by a different country.  From February 3-9, they’ll highlight Mexico.  The two course lunch is $25.20 and the 3 course dinner is $45.20.

Flights and Bites comes to Basso Café in Norwalk on Tuesday nights.  Mediterranean small plates will be paired with a flight of wines.

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.  The next class in the series takes place on Monday February 3 and focuses on a Winter Citrus Appetizer
with Terrain Sous Chef, Caitlin McGowan.  Learn to make citrus salad accented by a charred leek vinaigrette. You’ll learn how to pair the flavors of winter citrus with a zesty dressing made with leftover rinds and use beet tops to make a pesto to complete the dish. 

Hartford Restaurant Group’s Wood-n-Tap Restaurants and Que Whiskey Kitchen is donating more than 30 gallons of homemade soup to two area non-profit community kitchens on Feb. 4, “National Homemade Soup Day.”  House of Bread in Hartford and Bread for Life in Southington will each be receiving and serving gallons of homemade soups including chili, baked potato and French onion soups on the day that celebrates the comfort, medicinal and culinary benefits of homemade broths, bisques and stews.   

On Wednesday February 5, Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market in Fairfield presents Wine 101, their popular course all about wine basics.  You will learn the 5 S's of wine tasting, the 4 taste zones of the tongue, the basic grape varieties, and much more. A selection of wines from around the world will be tasted.  For Reservations, contact Janice at Harry’s by calling 203-259-4692 or emailing Harrys@snet.net. 

Join Silvia Baldini in Piedmont, Italy from October 5th to October 9th, 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.  Sign up before February 14 and get a $200 early bird discount. 

Max Oyster Bar hosts a Heaven Hills Distillery Dinner on Thursday February 6.  Founded shortly after the end of Prohibition, Heaven Hill is the largest independent, family-owned and operated distilled spirits supplier in the country, and the second largest holder of aging Bourbon Whiskey in the world.  Begin the evening with a chef’s reception and continue with a 5 course sit down dinner. 

Thursday February 6 is Date Night at Wakeman Town Farm.  Join Italian chef Vita Palmeri, of Vita Pasta Labs, and make Roman-style pizza al taglio (“by the cut”), which is baked in sheet pans and sold by the slice.  In addition, you'll be learning to make pizza fritta. BYO vino and enjoy a fun night featuring casual Italian fare with other fun couples. 

MIKU SUSHI (MIKU) has launched a new community outreach program designed to help generate stronger connections in the community.  Their promotional menu will feature two sushi rolls and a cooked dish that will be available for lunch, dinner, and takeout during the entire month of February. Proceeds from these three items will benefit the non-profit dedicated to ensuring the well-being of children through vital 24-hour services.  One of the three items designed for this partnership is the "24-hour Roll" which is a sushi roll inspired by the Kids In Crisis 24-hour Helpline.

Hartford Baking Company announces the return of hot chocolate month!  Hartford Baking Company announces the return of hot chocolate month!  Celebrate all month long at both cafes (limited supplies daily) with the following line up: Week of February 1st- Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate, Week of February 10th- Dark Dark Hot Chocolate, Week of February 17th- Vegan Coconut Hot Chocolate, and Week of February 24th- Unicorn Hot Chocolate.  Marshmallow lovers can also enjoy house made heart shaped marshmallows during the week of February 10th - just in time for Valentine's Day.

Artichoke Basille's Pizza, the famed and beloved New York-style pizza shop, has officially opened doors in downtown Hartford.  Call (860) 969-6128 for more information.

Nobody ever accused Chef Tyler Anderson of standing still. In that vein, the California native, with New England ties, announced today that his Capital City Restaurant, Restaurant Porrón, will close the week of February 3 - February 9. Upon reopening on February 10, patrons will encounter a fresh feel, a new Cal-Italian menu and a new name - Terreno. Cal-Italian food can be described as Italian inspired cooking using local ingredients, simple presentations and healthy fresh food options.    Hartfordites and travelers alike will now - in keeping with Anderson’s recently-opened Hamilton Park - enjoy California cuisine with an Italian twist when dining in the Goodwin Hotel’s signature restaurant.

Aspetuck Brew Lab is hosting a Chocolate + Beer Tasting on Feb 13, 2020: The temps may be cold, but we'll be heating up the taproom with our Pre-Valentines Day Chocolate & Beer Tasting! Benoit, founder of Be Chocolat in Fairfield, CT, will be joining us with his handcrafted, Belgian chocolates that will be paired with Brew Lab beers for a transformative flavor trip. We've created four unique tasting experiences that will have you asking for more! Benoit will lead the tasting at 7:30pm, or arrive anytime after 6pm for your self-guided tasting. Reserve your spot for February 13th today! Visit https://aspetuckbrewlab.com/events to purchase your $20 ticket, quantities are limited! ️