2025 Directory: Meet the Women of Connecticut's Culinary Industry
In honor of Women’s History Month and in conjunction with our “It’s A Woman’s World” column, we present to you, a Directory highlighting the many talented women in CT’s culinary industry. This Directory for CT’s Chefs, Female Owned Businesses, Restaurants, Products, Farmers, PR Agencies & Instagrammers + is a work in progress. We will continually update the directory, and we hope you will contact us if you are a female in the culinary industry who would like to be included.
How often do you stop to think or inquire about *who* owns the restaurant you frequent, or who invented a product you love or who grew the food on your own table? It’s time to take a closer look, especially when, as you can see from this fabulously inspiring and lengthy list, woman are doing amazing things in Connecticut. We are inventing, writing, catering, managing, brainstorming, reviewing…and this is all just within the food industry in this state. We are getting it done, done well, and done in our own creative and vibrant way. New paths are being discovered, new ideas are being birthed. Inquire. Look. Support. Encourage. There’s no limit to what is coming next.
RESTAURANTS
Allium Eatery-Michelle Greenfield (Westport) www.instagram.com/alliumeatery
Market, rotisserie & buvette with French influenced menu using beautiful locally sourced ingredients.
Arugula Bistro-Christiane Gehami (West Hartford) www.arugula-bistro.com
Intimate, contemporary setting for innovative twists on classic Mediterranean cooking.
Bin 100 -Elena Fusco (Milford) www.bin100.com
Fine Italian dining on the heart of Mlford.
Bin 228 - Alicia Roncari (Glastonbury) www.thebin228.com
Wine bar & Gastropub
Blue Plate Kitchen & The Main Course -Carlina Fontaine www.blueplatekitchen.com
Diner serving modern comfort food + catering. Biscuits and gravy are a standout here.
Barcelona Wine Bar-(Norwalk, West Hartford, Fairfield, New Haven) www.barcelonawinebar.com
Mediterranean and Spanish tapas
Gretchen Thomas/VP of Creative
Emily Nevin-Giannini/Beverage Director
Farah Masani/Director of Purchasing
Birdie Lounge -Jamie Ward (West Hartford) www.birdiebarnpt.com
Upscale cuisine in the heart of West Hartford
Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant and Bookstore- Noel Furie and former owner Selma Miriam (Bridgeport) www.bloodroot.com
Ethnic vegan and vegetarian
Breakwater -Mari Kodam (Stonington) breakwaterstonington.com
Waterfront restaurant on the CT shoreline featuring seafood & more, specialty cocktails, stunning sunsets & views of Stonington
Caffe Bon - Maria Pietrobon (Stamford) caffebon.com
Retail coffee shop spot, mobile coffee bar & cooking classes
Capers Too Eatery-Debora Dividino (Danbury) www.caperstoo.com
Deli serving breakfast and lunch with beautiful seasonal ingredients.
Captain Daniel Packer Inn -Ally Nasin (Mystic) www.danielpacker.com
Landmark historic Inn & Pub featuring American fare
Catch A Healthy Habit - Lisa Storch (Fairfield)
Raw Vegan Cafe in the heart of downtown Fairfield
Cuckoo’s Nest - Heather Emanuelson (Old Saybrook) www.cuckoosnest.biz
Mexican restaurant with some fun takes on Mexican cuisine
Claire’s Corner Copia-Claire Criscuolo (New Haven) www.clairescornercopia.com
Vegetarian, organic, vegan-gluten free
Coracora - Macarena Ludena (West Hartford) www.coracoraeats.com
Authentic Peruvian Cuisine, nominated for James Beard Awards.
Conspiracy- Jennifer Sabo (Middletown) www.conspiracyct.com
Craft cocktail bar with a curated bar menu focusing on pre-prohibition classics.
The Cooking Company- Sue Bauer (Hadaam, Killingworth and Middletown) www.thecookingco.com/
Popular spots for to-go lunches, dinners, desserts and catering. The Cooking Company has been recognized and awarded as one of the best take-out food markets along the shoreline.
Crust Issues - Morgan Machette Nealon (Norwalk) instagram.com/crustissues203
Creative pan pizzas, chicken cutlets + in comfortable fun setting
Daily Fare - Robin Grubard (Bethel) www.dailyfare.net
Bakery & cafe featuring pasties, treats and a pop-up culinary “academy”
D’Eliana Public Market & Deli Lauren Miklos (East Hampton) delianact.com
True Italian food made from scratch-sandwiches sliced to order, soups, antipasto from Italian family recipes passed down for generations.
Esca - Marisa and Elisa Bramato (Middletown) www.escact.com/
Traditional Italian cuisine and contemporary fine dining.
El Charitto - Alexandra Terron (Stamford)
Real deal delicious Mexican cuisine in a casual atmosphere.
El Santo - Xiomara Zamudio instagram.com/elsantoct
Mexican culture inspires their atmosphere & menu, where they pay homage to Xiomara’s hometown.
Flander Fish Market & Restaurant- Liv Formica (East Lyme) flandersfish.com
The go-to fish market, seafood restaurant, beach shack
Fresca Tequila Bar & Grill - Jennifer Marozzi (Colchester) frescabarandgrill.com
Mexican fusion restaurant with over 10 varieties of street tacos, big burritos, fajitas & quesadillas
FRIDA - Sandy Sanchez (West Hartford) www.fridarestaurantwh.com
Mexican spot inspired by the renowned gastronomy of Mexico City + Vegetarian options
Fair Haven Oyster Co - Emily Mingrone (New Haven) www.instagram.com/fairhavenoysterco
Oyster bar and seafood forward waterfront dining featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar - Liz Kiyak (Multiple locations) www.flemingssteakhouse.com
American steakhouse
Flour Girl Bakery & Cafe -Michelle Nicholson (Hebron) www.theflourgirlct.com
Some of the best bread and cinnamon rolls in CT, alongside a beautiful cafe, and community center in Hebron.
Fork & Fire -Allison Bogati (Farmington) www.forkandfire.net
American menu with a committment to uniting fresh, locally grown ingredients
Ginger’s Seoul-June Seo (Stamford) www.gingersseoul.com
Traditional and beautiful Korean fare, combined with Korean pizza and modern takes on the cuisine.
Grano Arso -Lani Gargano (Chester) www.granoct.com
Italian restaurant drawing inspiration from the changing seasons and local produc
Grassroots Ice Cream- Eliza Florian (Granby) www.grassrootsicecream.com
Quaint ice cream shop featuring a changing lineup of inventive flavors such as jasmine & tiramisu
Greer Southern Table -Greer Fredericks (Norwalk) www.greersoutherntable.com
The Cosmopolitan north meets the highways and byways of the history drenched deep South with an updated Southern inspired menu and great cocktails.
Good News Restaurant and Bar-Carole Peck (Woodbury) www.goodnewsrestaurantandbar.com
Farm-to table-dining featuring New American cuisine
The Granola Bar-Julie Mountain and Dana Noorily (multiple locations) www.thegranolabarct.com
A “modern diner” with fast, healthier food
Greiser’s Coffee and Market-Adrienne Burke (Easton) www.greisers.com
Coffee, foods, and local goods
Gruel Britannia - Chef Karen Hubrich (Fairfield) www.gruelbritannia.com
British inspired cuisine
Heirloom Market at Comstock Ferre - Julia Koulouris (Wethersfield) www.heirloommkt.com
A Natural foods grocery store and café will take the “farm to table” concept a step further and deeper into “seed to plate.”
Heirloom Food Co - Wendy Garosshen (Danielson) www.eatheirloomfood.com
100% Organic, locally sourced, (with many Gluten-free options).
Hopknot-Jennifer Sabo (Portland) www.thehopknot.com
CT’s first premier craft beer and gourmet pretzel bar. Featuring a variety of craft cocktails, board games, and pretzel sandwiches. a great selection of tap beers and 16oz cans, always craft!
Hops 44-Nancy McKenney (Storrs) www.hops44.com
Locally sourced pub style menu with craft beer & cocktails.
Judy’s Bar & Grill / Tabouli Grill - Judy Roll (Stamford) www.judysbarandkitchen.com www.tabouligrill.com
Judy’s features all the hits in the area of BBQ and comfort food. Tabouli Grill has a full Mediterranean menu with a healthy spin.
La Marea -Juliana Pisanzio (Old Saybrook) www.lamareact.com/restaurant
Authentic Italian including Wood Fired Neapolitan Style Pizzas
La Zingara -Lisa Tassone (Bethel) www.lazingara.com
Beautiful Italian fare alongside sister restaurant, Vesta with a rooftop kitchen
Layla’s Falafel-Layla Sakini (Fairfield, Stamford) www.laylasfalafel.com
Layla and her family have been bringing authentic Middle Eastern flavors to Fairfield County since 2000-Voted best Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Restaurant in Fairfield County.
Lisa’s Crown and Hammer-Lisa Maurer (Collinsville) www.crownandhammer.com
Restaurant and Pub located in the old Collinsville train depot
Likkle Patty Shop-Chantal Amazing Ackee (Windsor) www.likklepattyshop.com
Plant-based Caribbean grab and go counter serving up the same delicious patties & coco bread supporters of Amazing Ackee have come to know and love
Little Goose - Karen Conroy (Fairfield) www.littlegoosect.com
Gastro-pub serving American fare and comfort food classics with cozy neighborhood feel
L’Orcio- Alison DiRenzi (New Haven) www.lorcio.com
Upscale Italian featuring seasonal ingredients
Mil Sabores -Yohana Mondragon (Bridgeport) www.instagram.com/milsaboresct
Mexican and Venezuelan street food and more.
The Laurel-Chef Ashley Flagg (West Hartford)
Chef Ashley Flagg is the chef/owner of this WEHA spot featuring a global menu from former Millwright’s Exec Chef.
Molten Java - Wendy Cahill (Bethel) www.moltenjava.wordpress.com
Community centered coffee house, cafe, art gallery and music venue who roasts their own coffee.
Momma’s Tacos-Alejandra Aguilar Gonzaga (New Milford) www.mommas-tacos.com
Mexico City style cooking in CT
Mothership On Main - Anna Llanos (Danbury) www.mothershipbakeryandcafe.com
Breakfast, lunch, and delish bakery featuring ALL made-in-house fresh-baked breads, sandwiches & salads
Mulberry Street Pizza -Danita Sulick (Manchester) www.themulb.com
Cozy neighborhood spot for award-winning pizza and Italian comfort food.
Oyster Club, Port Of Call (Mystic) -Jade Ayala, Bar Director www.oysterclubct.com
Jade is the creative vision behind these two award winning destinations for cocktails in the Mystic area.
Place 2 Be-Gina Luari, Owner (West Hartford) www.place2bect.com
Outrageously fun and instagrammable breakfast & lunch spot
Pop Over Eatery -Pam Paydos & Sara Allan (Mystic, Simsbury) www.popovereatery.com
Breakfast haven that caters to your morning cravings
Three Girls Vegan Creamery-Tracy Alexander, Brittany Guerra, Taylor Costin (Guilford) www.threegirlsvegan.com
Artisan nut milk cheese, soy and gluten free cheeses
Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar-Samantha Tilley (Bantam) www.mockingbirdkitchenandbar.com
Global culinary journey with dishes showcasing the bounty of our their property, Tenth Acre Farm, and Northwestern Connecticut.
On the Go Smoothie Cafe -Karen Rokosa (Unionville) www//get.daily-harvest.com
Rathskellar Lounge - Kate McMahon (southbury) www.rathskellerct.com
American classic dishes are served in a cozy space with a sizable bar
RED36- Angela and Carol Kanabis (Mystic) www.red36ct.com
Stunning outdoor dining featuring: seafood, raw bar, burgers, flat bread pizzas, and gluten free menu
River- Martha Henney (Wethersfield) www.riverontheriver.com
Waterfront Restaurant & Bar with spectacular views of the river, featuring the highest quality steaks, seafood, and Italian/Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Rosie- Rose Bonura (New Canaan) www.rosienewcanaan.com
Rosie opened on Elm street in 2004. Serving good food, good coffee, and good wine six days a week to New Canaan.
Sandra’s Next Generation- Sandra Pittman (New Haven) www.sandrasnextgeneration.com
Soul food made with love, including fried chicken, smothered pork chops, mac n’ cheese +
Southwest Cafe - Barbara Nevins (Ridgefield) www.southwestcafe.com
Barbara brings a little New Mexico and her love of the Santa Fe cuisine to CT
The Store Bar & Grill- Dena Franks (Torrington) www.thestorebarandgrill.com
Dena started as a bartender and opened this American spot- don’t miss the cocktals!
Taproot-Steph Sweeney (Owner) (Bethel) www.taprootct.com
Owners, Chef Jeff Taibe & wife, Steph Sweeney kill it at this SE Asian Mecca. Sweeney handles operations, and creates the always excellent cocktail menu.
Tavern on State-Emily Mingrone (New Haven) Facebook
Classic tavern food utilizing local ingredients.
Turnpike Pizza - Sabina yildiz (Newington) www.turnpikepizzact.com
New York meets New Haven at this delicious pizza spot
The Craft-Naima Craft (East Granby) www.thecraftexperience.store
Artisan sandwiches, handmade breads and pastries.
Take Tea, a British Style Tea Room - Nann Thomson (Avon) www.taketeainct.com
Serving a fixe prix, table d'hotel British style tea menu Thursdays through Sundays.
Tea with Tracy-Tracy Tenpenny (Seymour, Oxford) www.twtsteak.com
Enjoy a proper cozy afternoon tea in Seymour, or head over to Oxford to experience breakfast, lunch, or dinner (TWT Steak)
The Whelk, Don Memo, Kawa Ni-Rachel Golan (Financial Controller) & Andrea Dinan (Manager of Operations) (Westport) www.thewhelkwestport.com www.kawaniwestport.com www.donmemowestport.com
The Whelk: Creative seafood Kawa Ni: Inventive Japanese & Pan-Asian plates Don Memo: Authentic Mexican
Townhouse - Dana Cifone, Director of Operations (Greenwich) townhousegreenwich.com
Seasonal Coastal American Restaurant and event venue.
Union League Café-Christina FitzGerald, Co-Owner (New Haven) www.unionleaguecafe.com
Union League Cafe captures the old-world charm of a Parisian brasserie with impeccable attention to memorable food, wine, and service.
Water Street Cafe-Stephanie Hayes Houlihan (Stonington) www.waterstcafe.com
French and Asian inspired signature dishes featuring Stonington fresh-caught seafood and produce sourced from local organic farmers.
Whitecrest Eatery-Abbey Hemmann (Stonington) www.whitecresteatery.com
American Bistro styled food focused on quality, flavor, and fresh ingredients.
FOOD TRUCKS
OzNBones BBQ-Diane Ozmun, Co-Owner (Colchester) @oznbonesbbq
Authentic and artisan BBQ
Wandering Agave-Lauren Hassan, Owner (Cheshire) www.sbcateringandcocktails.com
Scratch made Mexican cuisine featuring local produce and traditional Mexican techniques.
Jayy’s Little Red Trailer -Jayy Riera & Tamara Riera www.ctbites.com/jayys-little-red
Elevated mobile comfort food for catering and events
Proof Pizza Truck - Jennifer DeGirolomo (Fairfield) www.proofpizzatruck.com
Wood-fire pizza and specialties curbside for private parties, corporate events and more.
CHEFS & PASTRY CHEFS
The 196 Club - Chef Kacee Potter O'Brien (Hartford) https://www.the196club.com/
speakeasy with thoughtful craft cocktails and a menu of playful small plates centered on local ingredients.
BLDG at Hotel Marcel - Megan Gill (New Haven) www.bldg-newhaven.com
Locally sourced seasonal American fare in the historic landmark Hotel Marcel
Hop & Vine Taproom - Ashley Lurie, Executive Chef (Stamford) www.hopandvinect.com
First Self-Pour Taproom in Stamford highlighting CT breweries, kombuchas and worldly wine
Judy’s Bar & Kitchen-Judy Roll (Stamford) www.judysbarandkitchen.com
A fun, relaxed restaurant in the heart of Stamford CT serving homemade American comfort food; food your mother would make if she had time!
Kiki’s Kitchen-Katholiki Georgaras Morin (Southington) www.kikiskitchenct.com
Ghost kitchen featuring Mediterranean food with an emphasis on Greek cooking including Vegan Greek.
Le Banh Patisserie-Kim Hoang Wood (Simsbury) www.lebanh.com
French Bakery serving stunning cakes, patisserie and afternoon tea
Norwalk Art Space -Caitlin McGowan (Norwalk) www.thenorwalkartspace.org
L’escale-Wendy Laurent, Pastry Chef (Greenwich) www.lescale.com
Serving the flavors of the Mediterranean and the Cote d’Azur
Max’s Oyster Bar-Alexi Cordi, Sous Chef & Cecilia Acosta, Pastry Chef
(West Hartford) www.maxrestaurantgroup.com/oyster/
Featuring modern renditions of classic American seafood.
Max Burger-Frangelisse Rodriguez-Garcia, Sous Chef (West Hartford) www.maxburgerbar.com
A chef-driven hamburger restaurant, Max Burger offers a thoughtful farm-to-table menu in an upscale gastro-pub environment.
Oyster Club & Port Of Call- Renee Touponce, Executive Chef (Mystic) www.oysterclubct.com
James Beard nominated chef specializing in artfully crafted cuisine that highlights and supports the local food community.
The Po Cafe- Maggie Colangelo (Washington) www/meetyouatthepo/home
Present Company - Sadie Tomasiewicz, Pastry Chef (Tarrifville) presentcompanyct.com
Open kitchen setting on the Farmington River, with upscale seasonal, creative menu.
Susanne Berne-Bianco Rosso Restaurant and Bar (Wilton) www.biancorossorestaurantandbar.com
Award-winning desserts, starting with her Peanut Butter Crunch Cake
Baldanza at The Schoolhouse -Angela Baldanza (Cannondale) www.schoolhouseatcannondale.com
Modern American cuisine utilizing seasonal, pure ingredients of the best quality
Spicy Green Bean-Kasha Denisiewicz (Glastonbury) www.thespicygreenbean.com
Family cafe serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as offering catering
Strawberry & Sage-Silvia Baldini (New Canaan) www.silviabaldini.com
Branding expert, food and beverage consultant and Italian-born chef
Taino Smokehouse Prime -April Melisa (Meriden) www.tainosmokehouse.com
Barbecue, dry aged steak, bakery & bar with a huge outdoor patio
Terra Cafe-Debora Cabral (Monroe) www.terracafect.com
Coffee, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free offerings
The Charles-Catherine Laughlin, Pastry Chef (Old Wethersfield) www.thecharlesct.com
Modern American with a rotating menu of creative outrageous desserts.
Terrain -Jes Bengston (Westport) www.shopterrain.com/pages/westport
Healthy, local, innovative cafe nestled inside Terrain’s Garden and home store
Tosca-Rebecca Bates, Sous Chef (Suffield) www.toscasuffield.com
Locally grown ingredients, served in an upscale setting, with a fine dining vibe.
BAKERIES & DESSERT
Atelier BE Chocolat – Sylvie Fortin (Fairfield) www.bechocolat.com
Belgian chocolate artisan, hand-crafting small batch, unique, and delectable chocolates made from the finest Belgian chocolate and premium, locally sourced ingredients.
Brown Butter Creations - Marika Esteves Smith (Glastonbury) www.brownbuttercreations.com
Custom cakes, homemade desserts, and breakfast pastries
Butter + Sugar Bakery- Maya Noren www.buttersugar.net
Handmade baked goods including breads, desserts, and more that knock your socks off and just happen to be gluten-free. Celiac safe commercial kitchen. They sell to spots like Lorca and Winfield Street Coffee, or you can buy direct online.
Cake Gypsy-Deanna Damen (Granby/Avon) www.cakegypsy.com
Cakes, cupcakes, macarons, cannolis
Cheesecake Collection-Anthoula Pantzos (Westport) www.thecheesecakecollection.com
CT Cookie CO-Andrea Greene (Fairfield) www.ctcoco.com
Baked goods, all made with Grandma’s Hometown Vanilla Extract
Dee’s One Smart Cookie Bakery- Diane “Dee” Kittle (Glastonbury) -www.deesonesmartcookie.com
Gluten, Dairy, Allergen Free Bakery.
Disheveled Diva®-Bria Day (West Hartford) www.disheveleddiva.com
Disheveled Diva designs, bakes, and curates bespoke treats and culinary provisions that celebrate the inner diva in each of us. @DisheveledDiva
Dough & Co-Christina Mattison (Redding) www.doughandcompany.com
Fresh baked cookies, pies, baked goods, lunch, brunch, and custom cakes
The Drunk Alpaca - Jessica Oen & Stephanie Halverson (Shelton) www.thedrunkalpaca.com/
Dessert specialties baked with beer
Izzy B’s Bakery-Pam Nicholas (Norwalk) www.ibcakes.com
Allergen-free bakery, wholesale and custom orders
K is for Cookies-Kelly Clement (Westport) www.kisforcookies.com
Cookies, macaroons, shortbread
Kouign Bakery- Chelsea Tripp (Wallingford) www.kouignbakery.com
She does NOT make cupcakes! Stunning pastry cookies, cakes +
Luzara Sweets-Sarah Laffitte-Depalmer (Shelton) www.instagram.com/luzarasweets
Bake shop with custom cakes, and sweet treats.
Good Morning Cupcake-Adrianna Linkstrom (Milford) www.goodmorningcupcake.net
A bitty bakery specializing in mini desserts from cupcakes to cookies, doughnuts to whoopie pies. They offer gluten free and vegan options.
Katalina's bakery - Katalina Riegelmann (New haven) katalinasbakery.com
Cupcakes, cookies, cakes, brownies and bars, scones, whoopie pies, tarts, & savory snacks + Vegan goods
La Comida Social-Jenny Lambrech (Redding) www.lacomidasocial.com
Dessert company making cakes, cupcakes, tarts, brownies
Le Rouge Chocolates by Aarti-Aarti Khosla (Westport) www.lerougebyaarti.com
Artisan, hand-painted, fair trade chocolates with global flavors
Leventhal Bakery-Jess Leventhal (Westport) www.instagram.com
Custom chewy XL cookies and cookie cakes as well as private baking classes.
Little Owls Bakery -Stephanie Barnes (West Hartford) www.littleowlsbakery.com
Beautifully decorated sugar cookies, cookie classes & subscription boxes
Little Rabbit Baking Co.-Gabriel Morris (Hamden) www.littlerabbitbaking.com
Cookies, muffins, cakes, breads, biscuits
Macaron Maman-Charlotte Boutarel (Fairfield County) www.macaronmaman.com/shop
Malby’s Pastries - Malby Rojas (New Haven) instagram.com/malbys_pastries
Micro bakery in the heart of Westville
MotherShip Bakery-Anna Llanos (Danbury) www.mothershipbakeryandcafe.com
Bakery, cafe and catering
The Painted Cookie-Susan Schmitt (Wilton) www.paintedcookie.com
Allergy friendly, sesame and nut-free decorated cookies
Pour Some Sugar On It-Elizabeth Veltrie (Trumbull)
Bakers of custom sugar cookies for any occasion. www.poursomesugaronitcookies.com
Pure Love Gluten Free Bakery-Karen Gauvain & Lynn Seery (Avon) www.purelovegranola.com/
These two sisters started with granola in 2016 and now have a full line of Gluten Free baked goods and breads.
A Piece of Cake -Michelle DiPalma (Norwalk) www.apoc1bymichelle.com
Specialty event cakes, cookies, cupcakes, pies
Pursuit of Pastry- Jill Peterson (Old Saybrook) https://www.pursuitofpastry.com/
Breads, desserts, custom cakes and more with a French flair
Quiet Corner Cookie-Kristine Nuhfer (Columbia) Follow on FB
Home Bakery and Edible Art studio, decorated sugar cookies
Rebel Daughter Cookies-Anne Grossman (Norwalk) www.rebeldaughtercookies.com
“Redefined” chocolate chip cookies and lactation cookies
Sweet Lisa’s Exquisite Cakes -Lisa Maronian (Cos Cob) www.sweetlisas.com
Handcrafted cakes, cookies, and cupcakes-all female team
Sweet Nelsons - Ashley Nelson (Bethlehem) www.sweetnelsons.com
Decorated gourmet cookie & sweets shop + cookie decorating classes
The Savor Café - Kim Thomas (Centerbrook/Essex) http://thesavourcafe.com/
Savour brings the Charm of a French Bakery and Cafe to the heart of the CT River Valley
Sweet Brioche Artisan Pastries-Susanne Berne (Trumbull) www.sweet-brioche-artisan-pastries.square.site/
Outrageously delicious baked goods ranging from sweet Buns to pies, cookies, and many other desserts dreamed up by Chef Susanne Berne. All products are made to order, free from preservatives, dyes, artificial ingredients & Tree Nut/Peanut Free.
Scratch Baking -Lesli Flick (Milford) https://scratchbakingct.com/
Breads, desserts, cakes, cookies, and a wonderful breakfast and lunch menu with sandwiches, salads, and breakfast pizza! Everything is hand crafted and baked in house.
Zest Bakery -Gabriella Winthrop (Stonington) www.zestfreshpastry.com
Artisan bakery in the old American Velvet Mill
CATERERS/EVENT PLANNING/MEAL DELIVERY
Alchemy Celebrations -Rosinne Chlala (Norwalk) www.festivitiesevents.com
Ani’s Table & Market -Ani Robaina (Rocky Hill) www.anistable.com
Caterer and marketplace filled with scratch-prepared foods including a variety of fresh-prepared meals, seasonal soups and dips, locally sourced produce
Aux Delices Foods- Debra Ponzek (Stamford) www.auxdelicesfoods.com
Catering, prepared foods, cooking classes, and corporate events host.
Along Came Carol & The Nook-Carol Lentini (Bridgeport) www.alongcamecarol.com
30+ years as a local off site catering company, as well as providing on site events in their private party and event space ,The Nook.
AMG Catering-Alison Milwe Grace (Wilton) www.amgcatering.com
Weddings, events as well as private or group cooking classes
Borrowed Vintage Style-Lauren Kreter (Redding) www.borrowedvintagestyle.com
Rental company of antique and vintage china and flatware
Café Louise- Louise Albin (West Hartford) www.cafelouise.com
Award-winning caterer in West Hartford for over 28 years. And now offering take-out meals and other goodies too.
Connecticut Wedding Group - Michelle Moody - GM www.ctweddinggroup.com
Catering & event business creating inspired memorable weddings
A Culinary Experience- Sherry Swanson (serves Fairfield County & New Haven) www.aculinaryexperience.biz/
Personal Chef, Cooking classes and catering.
Emily’s Catering Group- Diana Busque, Executive Chef (Bristol) www.emilyscater.com
Award winning catering for over 20 years: Weddings, Corporate, Social, & Nonprofit Organizational Events.
The First Bite Catering -Anne McClelland (Brookfield) www.thefirstbite.us
Artfully pairing food and wine together, utilizing local ingredients
Four Forks-Megan Ruppenstein (Darien) www.fourforks.net
Specializing in prepared meals and dinner parties of all sizes, with home cooked, healthy meals
Healthy Is The Way - Jill Spunberg (Westport) www.healthyistheway.com
Meal delivery service for organic, gluten-free, and other dietary needs
Herbaceous Catering-Genee Habansky (Bridgeport) www.herbaceouscatering.com
Using seasonal, local produce to create personalized party menus and catering
Fortuna’s Catering - Kristin Ferrarese & Nancy Trifone Ferrarese (Stratford) www.fortunascatering.com
Full Service Caterer, Wedding Caterer, Event Caterer, Fun Food Enthusiasts
Gourmet Galley Catering & Market- Anna Lathrop (North Stonington and Niantic) www.gourmet-galley.com
Packaged meals to go as well as elegant catering for events of any size.
Greens N Things - Sara Roberts (Torrington) srllc860.com
Local chef-crafted meals delivered to your front door.
Marcia Selden Catering-Robin Selden & Marcia Selden (Stamford) www.marciaselden.com
Family business creating memorable events for over 30 years
My Local Chefs-Vanessa Sena (Hartford) www.mylocalchefs.com
Delivering Healthy Meals throughout Connecticut, while supporting local Chef's, Makers and Farmers.
Nikki Glekas Events-Nikki Glekas (Stamford) www.nikkiglekasevents.com
Family-run catering and event company
The Other Woman-Lauren Polastri (Branford) www.theotherwomancaterer.com
Private chef catering/planning any size event
Sheila Barton Events-Sheila Barton (Westport) www.sheilabartonevents.com
Casual yet elegant, creative and highly personalized
Simply Delicious Catering-Lauren and Tracy Peden (Norwalk) www.simplydeliciousct.com
Mom and daughter team, highlight is their football and winter catering menus
Soulber Kitchen-Sara Oberhammer (Fairfield County) www.livesoulber.com
A holistic approach to health and wellness from the standpoint of nutrition.
Susan Kane Catering- Susan Kane (Stamford) www.susankanecatering.com/
For over 20 years as a private caterer, Susan continues to please palettes with her contemporary American dishes.
The Home Cook-Stephanie Berghoff (Fairfield County) www.thehomecookct.com
Healthy & delicious local meal ‘heat & eat’ delivery service.
A Thyme to Cook - Linda Sample (North Stonington) www.athymetocook.com
Award winning caterer with a 3-star Certified Green Catering distinction
Red Apple Catering-Rachel DeSocio (Wolcott) www.redapplecatering.com
Opened in 2014, Red Apple Catering is an off premise catering company servicing Central Connecticut. It is a scratch kitchen and uses local produce and meats for each dish created.
VINEYARDS & BREWERIES
Neviana Zhgaba, Owner, Aquila’s Nest Vineyard
Alisa Bowens-Mercado, Owner, Rhythm Brewing Co
COOKBOOK AUTHORS/FOOD WRITERS/CONTENT CREATORS
Elissa Altman (Newtown) -Food writer www.elissaaltman.com
Susan Dunne (Hartford) The Courant www.courant.com
Ronnie Fein (Stamford)-Kosher cooking www.ronniefein.com
Leeanne Griffin (Hartford) Hearst CT Media www.hearst.com
Anna Francese Gass (New Canaan)-Heirloom recipes http://annafgass.com/
Dorie Greenspan (Westbrook)- Cookbook author www.doriegreenspan.com
Judith E. Sulik (Bridgeport) - Cookbook and restaurant guide author
Ainslie Turner (Stonington)- Cookbook author
Lee White (Old Lyme)- Reviewer, columnist
Ramin Ganeshram (Westport) - Cookbook author
Leticia Schwartz (Westport) - Cookbook author www.chefleticia.com
Christian Tracey (Cheshire) - Vegan content creator/video host @eatwithchrissy
Terry Walters (Avon) - Cookbook author www.terrywalters.net
Victoria Ward (Hartford) - Cookbook author, TV personality, Content creator @chefvictoriaward
Kristin L. Wolfe -Food writer @kristinlwolfe kristinlwolfe.com
FARM/FARMERS
Dirt Road Farm-Phoebe Cole-Smith (Weston) www.dirtroadfarm.com
Dovehill Farm - Jenny Wielk (Moosup) www.dovehillfarmct.com
Beaver Brook Farm- Victoria Filimon (Lyme) www.beaverbrookfarm.com
Earth Palate’s Farm - Renee Giroux (Warren) www.earthspalatefarm.com
Fort Hill Farm-Rebecca Batchie (New Milford) www.forthillfarm.com
Fort Hill Farms-Kristen Orr (Thompson) www.forthillfarms.com
The Hickories-Dina Brewster (Ridgefield) www.thehickories.org
The Hickories-Laura Mulligan (Ridgefield) www.thehickories.com
Lavender Pond Farm-Denise Salafia (Killingworth) www.lavenderpondfarm.com
Lost Ruby Farm-Adair Mali (Litchfield) www.lostrubyfarm.com
Riverbank Farm-Laura Blyn (Roxbury) www.riverbankfarm.com
Rose’s Berry Farm-Sandra Rose (Glastonbury) www.rosesberryfarm.com
Sport Hill Farm-Patti Popp (Easton) www.sporthillfarm.com
Sub Edge Farm-Isabelle Phillips (Avon and Farmington) www.subedgefarm.com
Full Heart Farm - Allyson Angelini (Ledyard) www.fullheartfarm.com
Terra Firma Farms - Farmer Bree (North Stonington) www.terrafirmafarm.org
Wells Hills Farm -Michelle Fracasso www.wellshillfarm.org
Sweet Pea Farm -Stacy Murphy (Redding) www.sweetpeafarm.net
Ox Hollow Farm -Stephanie Maynard (Woodbury) www.oxhollowfarmct.com
White Gate Farm - Pauline Lord (Niantic) https://whitegatefarm.net/
SOMMELIERS
Kathleen Standridge- Shipwright’s Daughter (Mystic) www.shipwrightsdaughter.com
INSTAGRAM, BLOGS & CONTENT CREATORS
Diane Morissey @dianemorrisey
Denise de Castro @deecuisine
Tiffany Tu @FoodiewithaBooty
Isabelle Albin @isabellesplate
Kat Ashmore @katcancook
Anne Ciccio @therunningfoodie
Amanda Call @allofthethingsct
Allison Carasone @food_of_ct
Meghna Hegde @yummydomain
Kathleen Roche @connecticut_bucketlist
Tiffany Guckin @FoodwithFinn
Monica Rodriguez @WanderforDelicious
Raenah Farina @StamfordFoodie
Chrissy Tracey @eatwithchrissy
Julie Denby @julesdenby
Jen O’Sullivan @the.brunching.blonde
Jeannette Punsoni Dardenne & Kristin Fritz @eatinconnecticut
Liz Rueven- Kosher Like Me www.kosherlikeme.com @kosherlikeme
STORES, SPECIALTY PRODUCTS & CULINARY BUSINESSES
Arogya Tea-Wei Bertram (Westport) www.arogya.net
Organic teas and holistic healing services
109 Cheese & Wine - Monica Brown www.109cheeseandwine.com/
Specialty cheese, gourmet foods and wine shop
Bare Life-Ali Lazowski (West Hartford) www.eatbarelife.com
Allergen-Friendly Coconut Hot Cocoa
Beastie Burger - Lisa Nicholas (Shelton) beastieburgerusa.com
Nutritious and delicious plant based burger
Cortney's Modern Dipper- Cortney Troup (Berlin) moderndipper.com
Small batch cottage cheese dips
Fairfield Cheese Company-Laura Downey (various locations) www.fairfieldcheese.com
Artisan cheese and specialty food shop
Ivy’s Gourmet Granola-Sarah Tamm (Greens Farms) www.ivysgourmet.com
Small batch granola
J’s Homemade Elderberry Syrups-Julie Messina (Bethel) www.jshomemade.com
Organic, small-batch elderberry syrup
Jane’s Good Food-Jane Costello (various CT farmers’ markets) www.janesgoodfood.com
Pickled foods, nuts, dressings, relishes
Calcutta Kitchens Indian Simmer Sauces- Aditi Goswami www.calcuttakitchens.com
Premium Indian Simmer Sauces, selling at NY and CT area farmers markets, specialty gourmet stores, and online.
Carrot Top Kitchens & CTK Farm - Victoria Eastus www.facebook.com/carrottopkitchens
Specialty Food Company that produces hand crafted, all natural foods with ingredients sourced locally and seasonally: PICKLES, Jams, Jellies, Chutney, Hummus, Soups +
C and K Community Kitchen-Sarah Kerstin Gross (Westport) www.candkcommunitykitchen.com
A certified fully equipped organic, non GMO, gluten free kitchen in Westport, CT, available to rent 24/7
Chocolate Geeks-Sherri and Lauren Athay (Essex) www.truffleshots.com
Small-batch chocolate truffles in a very unique presentation
Herbal Deva - Tynne Love www.herbaldeva.com
2nd generation clinical herbalist who makes Elderberry Syrup & loose leaf teas.
Honey Joe's Family Coffeehouse- Susan Krissel (Stamford) Www.honeyjoescoffee.com
Located in downtown Stamford, CT, we are a specialty café catering to all ages, serving premium La Colombe coffee, pastries, sandwiches and more.
Mama Hu’s Sushi Bakes - Catherine Hu (Norwalk) mamahus.com
The World’s First Sushi Bakes in retail
Maikana Foods-Jamieson van Loan (Norwalk) www.maikanafoods.com
Healthy food, delivered to your door
Maple Craft Foods-Eve Stabinsky-Ackert (Newtown) www.maplecraftfoods.com
Hand tapped maple syrup products
New Curds on the Block - Kate Truini (Oakville) www.newcurdsontheblock.com
Monger-led cheese shop celebrating New England’s agricultural history by sourcing handmade cheeses
Nutty Bunny-Pamela Aflalo (Norwalk) www.nuttybunny.com
Hand-crafted non-dairy frozen dessert
Open Door Tea -Kasia Lindeberg (Stratford) www.opendoortea.com
A healthy tea room & European café.
Plantidote Foods -Danielle Lutsky (Norwalk) plantidotefoods.com
Vegan, plant-based patties in 4 tasty flavors
Red Bee Apiary-Carla Marina Marchese (Weston) www.redbee.com
Rare and unique honey from across the U.S.
Soulstice Kombucha - Maryann Houde (Wallingfiord) www.soulsticekombucha.com
Small batch Kombucha flavored with only fruit juices, herbs and spices + minimal processing.
The Cheese Shop of Centerbrook - Deana Simmons (Centerbrook) www.cheesect.com
Beautiful selection of cheese, meats, and specialty items with a monger-led team.
Vita Pasta Lab - Vita Palmeri www.vitapastalab.com
Fresh pasta to order, pasta workshops & cooking classes
COOKING CLASSES, SCHOOLS
A Pinch Of Salt - Raquel Rivera (Fairfield County) apinchofsalt.com
Hands on cooking classes for any age as well as catering servicing Fairfield county and New York.
The Green Palette Kitchen - Heather Carey (Southport) www.heathercarey.com
Culinary nutritionist & cooking school in Southport for people who want to cook well, eat well and be well
The Fig Cooking School - Heide Lang (Milford) www.figcookingschool.com
Gorgeous dedicated kitchen suite for hands on cooking classes and events
It’s Lauren of Course - Lauren Braun Costello (Westport) www.itslaurenofcourse.com
Lauren is a delight to watch as she teaches anything and everything from beginners to pros. Her video recipe tutorials on Instagram are worth follow.
Vita Pasta Lab - Vita Palmeri www.vitapastalab.com
Fresh pasta to order, pasta workshops & cooking classes
ACADEMIC COMMUNITY LEADERS
Bullard Havens Technical High Culinary Arts Department - Kristen Braccia Hufnagel (Bridgeport)
PUBLIC RELATIONS
INGroup Creative-Jeannette Punsoni Dardenne (West Hartford) www.ingroupcreative.com
A Little Bird Told Me-Katharine Kluger (West Hartford) www.birdsocialmedia.com
Good PR - Stacey Sherman www.hellogoodpr.com
Hybrid Media Communications-Sarah Bamford (Greenwich) www.hybridmediaonline.com
MAXEX Public Relations-Linda Kavanaugh, Founder (Stamford) www.maxexposure.net
MAXEX - Julie Webel www.maxexposure.net
M Co - Michelle Calarco www.mcopublicrelations.com
Splash PR-Shelley Kapitulik-Jaye- www.splashpr.us/
SocialAbility - Lisa Lewin - @socialabilityllc
Gimlet Marketing - Jessica Ryan @gimletmarketing www.gimletmarketing.com
Watermark - Molly Shanahan www.watermark.life
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bread & Beast Photography-Lisa Nichols (Manchester) @bread_and_beast
Connecticut Food & Farm-Winter Caplanson (Franklin) @connfoodandfarm
I Have The Craving-Lauren Kinkade (Western CT) www.ihavethecraving.com and @i.have.the.craving
Bee The Love -Monique Chaisavan Sourinho (CT / NYC) @bee.the.love
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Connecticut Food & Farm-Winter Caplanson (Franklin) www.ctfoodandfarm.com
Magazine and professional photographers services for agricultural and food service industries
Connecticut Restaurant Association- Yvette M Tavares, Membership Director (Hartford) www.ctrestaurant.org
The CRA is a full service, nonprofit trade association dedicated to support every type and size of restaurant. They are fierce advocates for the industry.
Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation - Jennifer Conkling-Schmitz, ProStart Coordinator (Hartford) www.ctrestaurant.org
The ProStart program is a two year high school culinary program. Through the foundation she also raises funds to be able to give culinary scholarships to high school students to develop the next generation of culinary talent in CT.
Action Container Services - Nicola Lariccia (Westport) www.actioncontainerservice.com
Reliable, sustainable waste, recycling and composting solutions
CT Northeast Organic Farming Association-Ashley Kenney, Winter Conference Coordinator (Derby) www.ctnofa.org
Non-profit organization focused on organic agriculture, food and landcare in Connecticut
Food Rescue US-Carol Shattuck, CEO www.foodrescue.us
Rescuing surplus food from area grocers, restaurants and delivering to local agencies (food pantries, community kitchens etc.)
Filling In The Blanks-Shawnee Knight & Tina Kramer (CEOs) www.fillingintheblanks.org
Fighting childhood hunger on a local level.
Gluten-Free New England-Abby Kelly, Founder (West Simsbury) www.wickedglutenfree.com
Guide to information, events, restaurants, bakeries, businesses that cater
Bread & Butter Marketing-Ria Rueda (Westport)
Instagram @breadandbuttermktg
Sustainne-Analiese Paik, Founder www.sustainne.com
Guide to living locally and sustainably
Wakeman Town Farm Sustainability Center-Christy Colasurdo (Westport) www.wakemantownfarm.org
Demonstration homestead farm, educational events and programs, farm and vacation camps,
Westport Farmers’ Market-Lori Cochran Dougall, Director (Westport) www.westportfarmersmarket.com
Vendors, outreach programs, education, community socialization
City Seed -Amelia Reese Masterson (New Haven) Executive Director https://cityseed.org/
Cooking classes led by immigrants and refugees) New Haven, CT and surrounding towns
