Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for July 4-11

Bloodroot has reopened their dining room with special hours.  They are now open from 4 - 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays!  They continue to be open for dining inside, outside, and for take away on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4-7pm.   We hope to have news soon on when we will resume other dining times.  Though not required, they suggest making a reservation by calling 203-576-9168.

Essex, CT has launched Alfresco Thursdays, a summertime event that will continue weekly through August 27.  Alfresco Thursdays boasts numerous patio and dockside dining venues from the top to bottom of Main Street in Essex Village, at Olive Oyl’s Creative Cuisine, The Griswold Inn, Carlson’s Landing (opening mid -July) and Siren – a new marine restaurant at Safe Harbor Essex Island. To ramp up the alfresco spirit, The Essex restaurant will feature a pop-up experience at Main Street Park, where Chef Colt Taylor will be serving his award–winning “Connecticut Lobster Rolls.”  There will be live music and retail specials as well.

Every Wednesday, tune into CTbites INSTAGRAM LIVE at 8pm as they "COOK THE BOOK" with live recipe demos from cookbook author Anna Francese Gass and a weekly guest chef.  The Connecticut Chefs Recipes for Restaurant Relief E-Cookbook in on sale now with 100% of the proceeds go towards the creation of pantry boxes to feed out of work restaurant staff. 

Chef Brian Lewis has built a NEW outdoor PATIO for The Cottage in Westport (and it’s fabulous). He has also opened outdoor dining on the waterfront at OKO. Reservations are via phone only, same-day beginning at 2pm.

High George, the rooftop restaurant and bar at The Blake Hotel reopens with a magical springtime garden with seasonal greenery and décor to align with Award Winning Chef Anderson’s new spring dishes, and drinks. Guests may now enjoy the open roof, fresh air and new breakfast dishes like Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with fresh blueberries, Avocado Toast with caper crème fraiche and smoked salmon, and an array of Breakfast Sandwiches. New dinner dishes include Tuna Tartare, Roasted Salmon, Gemelli Giardiniera, and Crispy Half Chicken. Don’t forget to try the new spring cocktails!

Little Pub has perfected their very own Red and White Sangrias!  Come in and try it at the restaurant… or order it TO GO!  Little Pub Sangria To-Go can be ordered online from any of their locations.

Republic in Bloomfield has finally reopened.  To celebrate, they’ve created all new food and beverage menus.  Join them Tuesday-Saturday from 3-9pm for limited indoor seating, outdoor seating, and takeout.

Bar Rosso in Stamford has launched a new rewards program.  Every $1 spent is equivalent to 1 point. Every 50 points gets you $2.50 to use toward your bill. Is your birthday around the corner? Lucky you, they gift $50 to use that day! Ssk your server the next time you dine there.

The Griswold Inn would like to introduce you to The Shanty Swashbucklers!  They’ve converted their taproom into an epic scene right out of a pirate movie with costumed mannequins, lifelike decorations, and more.  Until the tap room is given the green light to reopen, you’ll be able to come down and take your picture with them.

After 8 amazing years in the Waterside section of Stamford, Half Full Brewery has opened open the first phase of its Third Place by Half Full Brewery concept in the South End of Stamford.  In response to the pandemic, Half Full is opening its new concept location early by creating an initial phase focused on a blend of to-go retail and safe onsite entertainment. They are opening the brewery space as a to-go coffee concept during the day and tasting room and performance space in the evening 4 days a week to start.  For more information about Half Full Brewery and Third Place by Half Full Brewery, follow on Instagram or Facebook and make sure to visit halffullbrewery.com for programming and updated hours for both locations. 

Alforno Trattoria in Old Saybrook has moved outdoors for lunch and dinner service. Seating for 75 guests is available under the covered walkway that runs the length of the plaza.  The main dining room has a few remaining tables —spaced appropriately for everyone’s safety— for those who prefer to dine inside. Our bar area will be closed, per the State’s guidelines, but we will still offer a full selection of wine, beer, and craft cocktails.  For those who prefer take-out, the gloved and masked staff will deliver orders to the car, placing an order in the trunk or in the car on a no-touch basis.  The re-opening coincides with the beginning of zucchini blossom season. Organically-grown flowers, picked fresh daily at Joan and Mike Burns’ farm in Deep River, are deep-fried tempura-style as an appetizer special throughout the growing season.

Sunday Brunch returns to Market Grille in Manchester.  Join them from 11:30 am - 2:30 pm.  Check out the menu here and call  860-644-1011 for a reservation.

Poses 2 Pints is back for 2020 at Two Roads Brewery! Whether you're new to yoga, new to beer, or a yogi and craft beer pro, there’s no better way to start your Sunday! Poses 2 Pints is an all-levels class and will be taught by certified yoga teacher, Victoria Mellah http://www.yogamobilestudio.com/ Each class includes (1) Hour Yoga Class, Taster of Hard Kombucha before class + Pint of beer after class (must be used in the Tasting Room the day of class) While your first beer is on us, please BYOM (Bring your own Mat)