Greenwich — CTbites
 

Filtering by Tag: Bakery,Greenwich

Ridgefield Bagels and Bakes: NEW Destination for Sourdough Bagels in Ridgefield

Restaurant Breakfast Breakfast Sandwich Bagels Bakery Bread Shop Opening Ridgefield Homepage

Hannah Goodman

I love bagels. I love anything that has to do with bagels, whether it’s simply a toasted plain bagel with some butter or cream cheese (often I choose both – sue me), or a B.E.C. on a sesame bagel, or it’s an everything bagel stacked with the works, like scallion cream cheese, smoked salmon, onions, and capers, I am all in! If you are from the tri-state area, you know the importance of a solid bagel shop, as we take this stuff very seriously, because what the heck would we do without a hearty breakfast sandwich in the morning? As luck would have it, Ridgefield needed a new bagel shop to take the place of what had previously been Steve’s Bagels, and in November of 2023, the same location on Main Street became Ridgefield Bagels and Bakes. 

Read More

It’s a Woman’s World: Danielle LeBlanc of Cloudy Lane Bakery

Ingredients Features It's A Woman's World Cookies Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Bakery Interview

Andrew Dominick

One sunny day in Bethel, I was interviewing Sara Oberhammer at her spot, Soulber Kitchen & Market, over lunch, smoothies, and at least one caffeinated beverage. That’s when a smiling face burst through the door with a cookie delivery. Dani LeBlanc and I met ever so briefly, but right after she left, Sara said, “Have you had her cookies?”

Read More

Fatto A Mano All Day Cafe & Market Opens TODAY in Westport

Restaurant Westport Opening Pasta Coffee Cooking Classes Bakery Homepage

Sam Schwab

Westport, get excited. The highly-anticipated opening of Fatto a Mano is happening this Wednesday, February 12. If you’re not familiar with Fatto a Mano already, we’re guessing the name rings a bell. The Italian bakery moved to Westport about two years ago and sells at the weekly Westport Farmers Market and directly out of their kitchen space located at 971 Post Road East (next to Pop Up Bagels). 

The new storefront has been a long time coming for founder Pierluigi Mazzella, who originally started Fatto a Mano out of his home kitchen under the Connecticut cottage food operation license back in 2022. Since then, Mazzella has quickly made a name for himself and his artisanal bakery; Mazzella was named the 2022 Baker of the Year by the Connecticut Restaurant Association, his Panettone was featured on Martha Stewart’s Roku channel series, and Forbes even dubbed him the “Prince of Panettone.” 

Read More

Lyfe Cafe Opens In Westport: Breakfast, Lunch & Coffee FTW

Restaurant Westport Opening Breakfast Lunch Egg Sandwich Sandwiches Coffee Shop Homepage Bakery

Jessica Ryan

Lyfe really is good in Westport right now…

After much anticipation Lyfe Café finally opened its doors and to much fanfare. Offering both grab and go as well as sit down breakfast and lunch options, the newest café to grace Westport’s bustling restaurant scene is the latest collaboration of Gino Riccio and Dimitri Pantzos. The dynamic duo (who also happen to be uncle and nephew) have already seen smashing success with Pizza Lyfe (just up the street), a favorite among locals and non-locals alike. Riccio, a longtime veteran of the restaurant scene, is also the owner of Quattro Pazzi and Organika. 

Dimitri and Gino have spent nearly a year perfecting recipes. Everything at the café is made from scratch, and when you get the opportunity to eat there yourself, you’ll notice the quality immediately. I daresay they have perfected the croissant, with its crisp and flaky exterior, and layers of soft buttery goodness beneath. You’ll have to decide if you’re a traditionalist or wanting to try one of their viral offerings like the Tiramisu or White Chocolate Pistachio which sell out quickly, and after sampling one, I can see why. The sandwich rolls are also made in-house as are the bagels, and as a born and bred New Yorker, they pass my test – and I am very particular. 

Read More

It’s A Woman’s World: Silvia MacLean of Silvia’s Kitchen in Norwalk

Interview It's A Woman's World Baker Bakery Interview Norwalk

Andrew Dominick

In the middle of 2024 at my dear friend, Anne Grossman’s Rebel Daughter Day, I just about stopped in my tracks when I saw what was on one of the vendor’s tables. Boxes of beautiful, chocolatey brigedeiros, alfajores, and an array of different hand rolled truffles and baked goods that weren’t just from Latin American countries, but a mixture of confections we’re familiar with in the states, too. Silvia’s Kitchen, created by Silvia MacLean, is the face behind the brand, and she bakes out of Rebel Daughter Cookies’ commercial space where you can preorder for pickup or delivery, plus you can find her sweets at various stores and farmers markets in the general area.

Read More

Chan Bake Shop Opens in Cromwell: Japanese Milk Bread, Asian Sandwiches+

Restaurant Bakery Japanese Asian Desserts Cromwell Opening Breakfast Breakfast Sandwich Lunch

Leeanne Griffin

At this new Cromwell bakery, guests are treated to flaky croissants, cinnamon rolls with thick, rich icing; giant chocolate chip cookies and sugar-dusted palmiers. But beyond the classic  French and American treats, the offerings spotlight tastes of Asia: jewel-toned ube and pandan custard tarts, an egg sandwich with Spam, garlic and soy sauce; a Korean galbi sandwich with crispy tempura onion rings.

The menu at From Chan Bake Shop is autobiographical for owner Chan Graham, who was born in Laos, emigrated to Texas as a young girl and earned a culinary arts degree at Johnson & Wales University, where she was classically trained in French cooking. She’s traveled the world, with a particular love of Paris and its renowned pastries. Now she’s channeling her culinary curiosity into her new venture.

Read More

My Favorite Dish: Wagyu Brisket Bao Buns at The Cottage in Westport + Greenwich

Ingredients Interview Restaurant My Favorite Dish The Cottage Westport The Cottage Greenwich Westport Greenwich Bao Brisket Ingredients

Andrew Dominick

No trip to The Cottage is complete without…IT. At least one, but probably two. Fans of Brian Lewis’ flagship restaurant in Westport (and in Greenwich in recent years) know that I’m talking specifically about the wagyu brisket bao buns, a day one appetizer (though I could eat these as my main course) when Lewis opened in 2015. The buns have had their share of the spotlight, too, as they’ve been gushed about in TheNew York Times, Forbes, and countless local news sites and blogs.

Read More

Wave Hill Breads Expands in Norwalk with New Cafe Featuring Pizza, Coffee, + More

Features Ingredients Interview Bakery Norwalk Pizza Pastry Baker Wave Hill Breads Homepage

Andrew Dominick

When I sat down with Tim Topi to talk about his bakery’s expansion, and second location, this time in the form of a sit-down café, I jokingly told him that Wave Hill Breads could very well be the most mentioned place in the history of this website. It may not actually be a joke, though. Countless restaurants swear by Wave Hill and prominently feature their sourdough or burger buns on their menu and others have a deal with Topi’s bakery for custom loaves or buns. Off the top of my head? Damon Sawyer’s 29 Markle Ct uses their brioche buns, Jeff Taibe of Taproot serves Wave Hill sourdough with either butter or pimento cheese and bacon jam, Josie & Tony’s has them custom bake semolina for their terrific sandwiches, and they bake milk buns for Cwispy Chkn’s tasty fried chicken sliders. I’m sure I’m leaving out dozens more, but you get the idea.

Read More

Constantino’s Pasta Bowls Opens In Greenwich With Pasta Bread Bowls!

Restaurant Greenwich Pasta Italian Lunch Italian Sandwich Opening Openings Homepage

Hannah Goodman

Last month, Greenwich welcomed to the area Constantino’s Pasta Bowls, a family-owned and operated fast-casual restaurant with a unique take on Italian cuisine. Robyn Bordes and her husband, Michael, are also the owners of the beloved Constantino’s Pizza and Ice Cream on Putnam Ave and Love You a Latte (located right next to Constantino’s Pasta Bowls). 

Robyn Bordes has worked in the food industry since she was 13 years old, starting as a waitress and eventually working her way up to restaurant business owner. She purchased the popular Villaggio’s Italiano Restaurant in Hartsdale and owned it for several years until she decided to sell it in 2020. In 2022, Bordes and her husband brought their expertise to Greenwich and opened Constantino’s Pizza and Ice Cream, which had previously been the location of Stateline Deli. Now, just two years later, the couple decided to expand their empire by bringing a new style of Italian food to the Greenwich community. 

Read More

Wave Hill Breads To Open New Retail Space In Norwalk

Features Opening Norwalk Bakery Bread Shop

RJ Scofield

Wave Hill Breads, an artisan micro-bakery located on High Street in Norwalk, plans to open a new 3,000-square-foot retail space on Westport Avenue.

Co-Owner Angela Topi confirmed to Patch plans to open a the new retail space, which will also include kitchen space and two back rooms for educational workshops and team building events, at 239 Westport Avenue.

Though an official opening date has not been set yet, Topi teased the new Wave Hill space will soon be ready to open.
"We feel that there is a need for fresh, local, high-quality artisan food on the best bread around," Topi said to Patch. "Also, our wonderful and loyal customers kept asking us to open up a retail space."

Wave Hill currently sells breads, pastries and other items from its High Street bakery, which Topi said will still be the main production facility for their wholesale accounts and farmer's markets while the new Westport Avenue facility will mainly be used for retail.

Read the full article on The Patch.

Read More

Joe Criscuolo Opens Luca’s Pizzeria in Greenwich's Glenville Section

Features Interview Restaurant Pizza Italian Greenwich Takeout Openings Homepage Interview

Andrew Dominick

When trying to come up with the “what is it?” as it pertains to his new pizzeria in Greenwich’s Glenville section, Joe Criscuolo uttered the phrase, “it’s the evolution of the neighborhood slice shop, without the slices.” That’s exactly what Luca’s Pizzeria—named after Joe’s father, who founded the legendary Pizza Post in Cos Cob back in 1972—is all about. You won’t find doughy pizza that sits in your stomach like a brick. No wilted, colorless salads either. The cheesesteak, served on pizza bread? It’s not as dry as cardboard.

And to think, Criscuolo, who you don’t only know from his family’s Pizza Post, but Meatball & Co. in Darien, almost didn’t open anything. The reality is, he almost left the state, and country, altogether.

Read More

Sushi Bar in Old Greenwich: The Pursuit of Perfection

Restaurant Sushi Sushi Bar Japanese Greenwich Old Greenwich Omakase Homepage

Chloe Zale

Nestled among the charming mom-and-pop shops on Sound Beach Avenue in sleepy Old Greenwich, Sushi Bar is turning out some of the highest quality sushi we’ve tried in Connecticut. Two years ago, Chef Rio Yonathan quietly opened his restaurant and changed the Fairfield County sushi scene for the better. Using ultra-premium ingredients from near and far, such as Montauk whitefish and fresh wasabi from Shizuoka prefecture in Japan, Yonathan puts immense effort into fabricating almost everything from scratch. Luckily for us, the fruits of his labor have created an epicurean destination with the accessibility and family-friendliness of a neighborhood haunt.

Yonathan’s story is nothing short of inspiring: 20 years ago, after immigrating from Indonesia, he worked as a busser to fund English classes in New York City with his sights set on a law degree. Observing sushi chefs in their element, he fell in love with the cuisine and changed course, shadowing them on his own time for two years before he was allowed to touch a piece of fish “the old school way.” After attending culinary school, he cooked at Aquavit and Morimoto and then landed a job as head sushi chef at foodservice giant Compass Group. During Covid, he found himself working at a Japanese restaurant in Greenwich and was inspired to open Sushi Bar down the road.

Read More

Alina’s Cakes: New Bakery Opens In Westport with Gluten Free Treats!

Restaurant Opening Bakery Westport Custom Cakes Cakes Bread Shop Homepage

Dan Woog

This just in from Dan Woog’s 06880.

In her native Romania, Alina Dancho often waited 2 hours in line, for half a loaf of bread. Now customers stand in line for her croissants, cookies, cakes, cupcakes and pastries.

And bread.

Alina’s Cakes & Cookies opened recently in the shopping plaza next to Fortuna’s, Greens Farms Spirit Shop, Gofer Ice Cream and Westport Cigar & Vape. It’s a tasty addition to those treats. It’s also the healthiest option.

95% of her bread is sourdough — an excellent, all-natural source of antioxidants and prebiotics.

Nearly all of her offerings are gluten-free. Her sugar and flour is non-GMO. She uses organic milk, and cage-free organic eggs. Some even come from the chickens she keeps.

“It’s not how much you eat. It’s what you eat,” Alina says, comparing the prevalence of food allergies in the US to Europe. She is adamant about the importance of avoiding pre-processed products like fillings and frostings.

“I want people to eat healthy breakfast foods and desserts, without allergic reactions and diabetes.”

Read the complete article here.

Read More

It's a Woman's World: Andrea Clark of Little Gem Bakery

Interview It's A Woman's World Interview Bakery Baker Baked Goods

Andrew Dominick

Towards the end of the 2023 edition of summer, Emily Mingrone’s restaurant, Tavern On State, posted a strikingly beautiful ube tart set in a vanilla cookie crust, topped with a dollop of whipped yogurt and grapefruit segments, stating that “it’s the most addictive item on our dessert menu.”

The creator of the purple pie slice that received a lot of Instagram attention in terms of likes and comments is Andrea Clark of Little Gem CT.

Read More

Guide To Connecticut Bread Bakers & Bakeries

Features Restaurant Bakery Bread Shop Bread Breakfast Homepage Highlight

Hannah Goodman

Bread. It’s the culinary foundation for so many cultures, each with its own unique varieties and history. Bread plays a pivotal role, whether it’s mopping up a beautiful sauce after a meal, or given to a child slathered in butter, after school. Bread baking is an art, a science, and a labor of love, especially for those bakers nurturing their sourdough starters, passed down for generations or created many years ago. “Often, our choices of bread are all about feelings. Flavour too, yes, of course. But the emotional resonance of bread is like little else.” -The Borough Market Guide to Baking

The explosion of Bread Bakers in Connecticut is a gift. So please, let us “break bread” together and enjoy this list of exceptional local bread bakeries. 

If we missed a local bread baker you know and love, please contact us.

Read More

MŌLÌ & Andy Yu Celebrate Lunar New Year in Greenwich: Dim Sum Brunch & Festivities

Features Restaurant Lunar New Year Chinese Dumplings Dim Sum Greenwich Asian Food Homepage

CTbites Team

An all-new Dim Sum brunch launches on Sunday, February 11th with food and drink specials honoring Lunar New Year traditions. The celebratory launch event will also include a Lion Dance performance and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. 

Traditionally, the Lunar New Year is a 15-day celebration and concludes with a lantern festival marking the end of the celebrations. To honor their native traditions, award-winning restaurateurs K Dong and Chef Steven Chen will celebrate at their newest restaurant MŌLÌ (moligreenwich.com) with the launch of a new dim sum brunch menu and a live Lion Dance performance on Sunday, February 11th at 1:00 p.m. The team partnered with Fashion Designer and Philanthropist, Andy Yu to elevate the celebration and infuse a whimsical dish to the new Sunday brunch menu. 

Read More

Kouign Bakery in Wallingford-Just the Right Amount of Sweet

Restaurant Features Bakery Wallingford Baker Dessert Sandwiches Pastry Chef Homepage

Chloe Zale

In a small shopping center off a main thoroughfare in Wallingford, CT, across from a McDonald’s and a Rite Aid, a unique bakery is challenging the status quo of baked goods in central Connecticut. At Kouign, Chef Chelsea Tripp is giving classical Patisserie a facelift, creating innovative pastry concepts like cranberry brie danishes and blueberry cardamom scones in an area that has historically lacked culinary distinction.   

“It was a lot of chocolate on chocolate when we opened here in 2021” Tripp says with a wry smile. As someone who’d “rather eat a cheeseburger than a slice of cake,” Tripp creates pastries that meld sweet and savory in unexpected ways, with a menu that changes each week. “People find it weird at first, but then they try it and enjoy it,” she says, describing how she incorporates ingredients such as miso and turmeric into her sweets. “It just works – I promise I won’t steer you wrong,” she declares. 

Read More

Greenwich & Delancey: The Best New York Jewish Deli is in Greenwich, CT

Restaurant Jewish Holidays Jewish Deli Deli Sandwich Lunch Greenwich Opening Delivery Homepage

Chloe Zale

hef David Teyf is poised for his closeup. Two years after unveiling his elevated kosher delicatessen, Greenwich & Delancey in Cos Cob, Teyf is confident that he has perfected his vision. "I want to be the first place to take this type of food to a Michelin level," he declares with determination. Drawing on his classical culinary training from Le Cordon Bleu Paris, he seamlessly applies haute cuisine techniques to Eastern European Jewish classics with standout results, like his meticulously crafted pastrami (carved tableside with the reverence normally accorded to prime rib), pillowy pelmeni (chicken dumplings), and the perfect bowl of matzo ball soup. 

Read More
  Archive of All Reviews

Search by Tags