Filtering by Tag: Festival,Venezuelan

Somos Handcrafted Arepas Opens in New Haven & Shelton

Restaurant Latin American Arepa Venezuelan Opening New Haven Lunch To-Go Delivery Comfort Food Homepage Shelton

James Gribbon September 22, 2023

So, maybe you’ve had an arepa. Eaten hot from the pan, or made into fat little sandwiches somewhat akin to a stuffed pita, the puffy, crispy, hunger-busting cornmeal cakes are the unofficial comfort food of Venezuela. Or maybe you haven’t. Somos Handcrafted Arepas wants to help with that.

Brothers Alejandro and Andres Cordito grew up in Hamden as the sons of Venezuelan parents, and started taking notice of how the everyday food they had at home, on trips to visit family in Caracas, and during Andres’ time in college in South Florida, just wasn’t apparent in Connecticut. Now, with two locations in New Haven and Shelton, they’re increasing access to this gloriously variable sandwich.

What does that mean? I’m glad you asked!

First: Say “ah-RAY-pah."

40+ Spots To Celebrate Oktoberfest In Connecticut 2023

Events Features Holiday Oktoberfest Brewery CT Beer Events EVENT Festival Beer Dinner Beer Festival Homepage

April Guilbault September 08, 2023

“Let’s get a drink”. “Come over for a drink!”. There’s nothing more convivial than sharing a drink together with a person or a whole group of favorite persons. And isn’t the ol’ saying -it’s 5 o’clock somewhere? Well, here’s a historical “reason” to raise your glasses high-Oktoberfest, the beloved, ancient event involving mouthwatering beers, so much (too much? never!) merriment and some fabulous lederhosen. Oktoberfest-ivities run pretty much the entire month of September and into October, so there are plenty of chances to raise that stein. And remember, we all put our lederhosen on one leg at a time. Prost!

Sound On Sound Music Fest Food & Beverage Lineup Released!

Features Events Live Music Festival Events

James Gribbon September 01, 2023

Of all the lessons I’ve learned in life which turned out to be Actually True, “No one ever laid in bed, late in life, and wished they went to fewer shows” is up near the top. Did a show get away from you this year? Maybe a weeknight concert series in a local park, and you just never found the time? Did a few notes of the Weezer and Future Islands show from the amphitheater in Bridgeport breeze through your car windows as you crept along on I-95? Shaking your head Yes? Well shake it off like you’re erasing an Etch-a-Sketch, and take your last festival opportunity of 2023 in Connecticut this Sept. 30 – October 1 in Seaside Park at Sound On Sound.

The complete setlist for the shows can be found HERE, but we’re not Pitchfork, so here’s a look at the food and drink options to keep you going at this year’s banger...

Sound On Sound Music Festival Seeking A Few Chefs For VIP Areas

Features Festival

Stephanie Webster July 13, 2023

Calling all Chefs…we hear that the Sound On Sound music festival has a limited number of slots available for local CT talent in their VIP areas (VIP, Sky Deck & Lounges). The fest takes place September 30-October 1, in Bridgeport’s Seaside Park, and festival headliners include: Red Hot Chili Peppers and John Mayer and artists including Alanis Morissette, Ben Harper, Trey Anastasio and Nathaniel Ratliff.

VIP sections are shaping up to showcase some of the best food offerings of our area, with smash burgers, BBQ, pizza (from folks you’ll know and love), and well known local chef's signature items-all to be announced very soon. With only a few limited slots available to round out the program…this is a unique opportunity for our local CT chefs.

CHEFS: If you’re interested in this unique opportunity contact food curator Lauren Sheftell: Lauren@goodtalkpr.com

“Los Remolinos” Opens in Norwalk from Owners of Appetit Bistro

Features Interview Restaurant Latin American Interview Openings Colombian Venezuelan Mexican

Andrew Dominick April 29, 2023

With the recent news that Bruxelles Brasserie closed as of April 9 and will be taken over by Jeff Taibe and reopen as Taproot, French cuisine in South Norwalk has all but evaporated.

But before the French-Belgian Bruxelles made this announcement, and at the beginning of 2023, Appetit Bistro, a more classic French restaurant, decided to switch things up, too.

For Appetit’s owners, Edwin Montoya and chef Ismael Carias, whose Port Chester location is still going strong at eight years and counting, their concept simply didn’t catch on in SoNo despite seeing an initial boom of customers.

Mil Sabores: Birria Tacos, Arepas, and Mexican + Venezuelan Classics in Bridgeport

Features Interview Restaurant Bridgeport Mexican Venezuelan Homepage Interview

Andrew Dominick February 24, 2023

Edwin Mondragon, who co-owns the popular Mexican – Venezuelan mashup Mil Sabores in Bridgeport, credits his mother’s mole as his first taste of the food service industry. He recalls memories of packing mom’s mole in plastic pint containers, filling up his backpack, and selling it, as a family, to customers and stores who sought out the homemade Mexican sauce.

Mohegan Sun's Seltzer Social and BrewFest: What Went Down

Features Mohegan Sun Beer CT Beer Hard Seltzer Festival Recap

Carly Terzigni October 20, 2022

Coming in right off of the heels of this summer’s Tequila Fest, Mohegan Sun doubled down by offering a weekend of back-to-back events: Seltzer Social and BrewFest. The perfect way to celebrate fall, the two days of beverage-centric festivities kicked off on Friday, October 7 with Seltzer Social, an evening devoted to all things bubbly. The party continued on Saturday, October 8 with BrewFest, a three-hour celebration of local breweries as well as nationally-recognized brands.

For those attending both the Seltzer Social and BrewFest, the first night’s events served as a fitting warm-up. But that by no means should imply that Seltzer Social was anything less than a main event in its own right. Lively music, tasty wings, and plenty of fizz was on deck for the two-hour soiree.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events, Festivals, and Dinners for September 24-October 12

Features Events News Events Dinner Events Pop-Up Dinner Festival

Stephanie Webster September 23, 2022

Van Leeuwen ice cream is opening in Greenwich Oct. 1st—Greenwich Wine + Food launches their schedule of weeklong festivities and participants that will comprise its 10-year anniversary celebration October 3-14th—On Sunday, 10/2, 4 - 7pm Barcelona Wine Bar Fairfield is throwing a 13th Annual Asado on the Patio party to pair autumn barbecue flavors and dishes with wines in a communal social-hour soiree—Wakeman Town Center is celebrating fall with an intimate chef's dinner on the Farm c/o Marcia Selden Catering on 10.6.22—bartaco has brought back its iconic #bartacosecret brisket taco to kick off the fall season++

Greenwich Wine + Food 2022 Announces Schedule for Week Long Festivities

Events Features Greenwich Wine + Food Festival Festival Celebrity Chef Local Chef EVENT

CTbites Team September 15, 2022

Greenwich Wine + Food today announced its final schedule of weeklong festivities and participants that will comprise its 10-year anniversary celebration this October, with tickets on sale for all events. Beneficiaries include two national non-profit organizations with roots in Connecticut - The Jacques Pépin Foundation and Wholesome Wave. Premium sponsors include Wagoneer and Greenwich Hospital.

“With the one-month countdown officially ON, I’m thrilled to share the final details for our monumental anniversary celebration,” said Suni Unger, founder and CEO of Unger Media, the parent company behind Greenwich Wine + Food and Serendipity magazine. “We are especially thrilled to be co-hosting more than ten events throughout the week, on-location at our favorite restaurants and bars in our local communities. These carefully curated, intimate celebrations are truly allowing us to applaud local talent in the area, and paired with our Gala on October 7, I am so proud of the programming we’re offering this Fall and our partner beneficiaries.”

30+ Spots to Celebrate Oktoberfest 2022 in Connecticut

Brewery Features Events Oktoberfest Festival Beer CT Beer Beer Garden Holiday Homepage

April Guilbault September 10, 2022

Hops is on the brain and Oktoberfest is on the calendar. It’s that delightful time of year to gather with friends, German-style! Chomp into a giant pretzel, grill a brat, raise a stein (or 20, if you are partaking in a competition), and then toast, toast, and toast some more. Across our state, Oktoberfest celebrations are happening and you’ve simply got to get in on one of them. A better time will not be had! Prost!

Connecticut Taco and Margarita Festival Comes to The Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater in October

Events Features Tacos Festival Bridgeport

James Gribbon August 19, 2022

The people demand tacos, and on October 15th at the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater in Bridgeport, they shall receive tacos. And also margaritas. Naturally.

The 2022 Connecticut Taco and Margarita Festival at The Amp is available to anyone with $15 and dream to eat tacos, drink margs, see live wrestling from Adrenaline, maybe get their face painted, have access to shop vendors, test their courage at the hot sauce expo, and possibly gain a championship of their own at the taco eating contest.

Recap: Sun Tequila Tasting at Mohegan Sun

Features Festival Mohegan Sun Recap

Carly Terzigni July 27, 2022

Live music, tasty food, and a healthy dose of tequila were front and center at the Sun Tequila Tasting, which returned on July 23rd in the Earth Ballroom at Mohegan Sun. The jam-packed event brought together dozens of vendors and plenty of guests ready to “Call the Shots” amongst a sea of artificial palm trees.

Not that the palm trees were all that necessary to evoke a sense of a warmer, tequila-appropriate climate: in the midst of a week-long sorcher of a heat wave where temperatures hovered in the low to mid 90’s for most of the event, Sun Tequila Tasting packed the heat in more ways than one!

Hartford Taste Festival Recap

Features Festival

Carly Terzigni June 11, 2022

Have you ever had that experience where you wanted to order everything off the menu? Do you want to sample some of the best cuisine from the Hartford region in one convenient place? Look no further than the Hartford Taste Festival. If you missed it, mark your calendar for next year!

The first-ever Hartford Taste Festival (presented by The Hartford) was developed “to further generate and extend community pride in Hartford and Connecticut, via a collective experience that proudly recognizes, showcases, and celebrates our restaurants, musical talent, businesses, and people.”

This two-day festival brought together some of the top eateries from around the Greater Hartford region, in addition to live music, crafts, and vendors. With support from The Hartford, the Hartford Chamber of Commerce is providing the opportunity for area restaurants to participate in the festival at no charge. Most of the restaurants featured at the festival can be found in Hartford, with other restaurants coming from West Hartford, East Hartford, Windsor, New Britain, and Bloomfield.

Mediterranean Favorite, Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar, Opens In Westport TODAY

Restaurant Openings Westport Mediterranean Italian Pizza Spanish Venezuelan Comfort Food

Stephanie Webster December 29, 2020

Chef Renato Donzelli, owner of Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar, has moved his longtime favorite Norwalk spot to Westport, CT. Basso opens his doors today in the beautiful two story building that once housed Matsu Sushi on Jesup Road. A loyal following, very favorable word of mouth, and a consistently excellent Mediterranean menu made Basso a huge success, and a neighborhood hangout for 13 years, so why Westport? Donzelli has had his eye on this restaurant friendly town for some time, but most importantly, he wanted to expand his dining capacity, and add al fresco dining to the menu. The new location boasts all of the above in addition to a wood fired pizza oven where Donzelli can now incorporate his family’s Neapolitan pizza recipes to his cooking repertoire. After tasting The Stallion Pizza last night at the soft opening, featuring Spanish chorizo, spicy sofrito, mozzarella, and fresh basil, I can say with great certainty, that I too am happy Donzelli found a new home where his dreams can be realized.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For Week of October 20-27

Features Events Events News Pop-Up Dinner Wine Dinners Festival

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 19, 2019

Get egg-cited… the Tasty Yolk storefront opens for business on Tuesday October 22! Check them out at 2992 Fairfield Ave in Bridgeport.

From Wednesday October 23 through Friday October 25, Norwalk Now presents CRUSH: A Celebration of Beer, Wine, and Spirits. Norwalk restaurants and businesses are opening their doors for demonstrations, tastings, seminars, and other events inspired by these tasty adult beverages.

Wednesday October 23 marks Brasitas’s first Wine Dinner of the season. The five course meal will compliment wines from Napa Valley. Tickets are $75 per person and space is limited.

Westoberfest Downtown Westport Beer Festival w/ Over 50 Craft Breweries, Food & Fun (sponsored post)

Events Features Festival Oktoberfest

CTbites Team October 12, 2019

Over 30 New England craft breweries will serve up their favorite seasonal beer tastings at Westoberfest on October 19 at 2:00 p.m. in the heart of downtown Westport on Elm Street. Building on a successful inaugural event last year, and in partnership with Westport's newest wine and spirits merchant, The Grapevine, there will be even MORE breweries this year, with more than 50 unique pours of the best local and regional craft beer for three hours of unlimited tasting. Buy your tickets here!

The perfect complement to flavorful craft brews is tasty food, and Westoberfest will serve up two local favorites, Kawa Ni and Rothbard Ale + Larder, with options to satisfy any appetite. Line up early to experience traditional brats and pretzels from Rothbard’s or satisfy your culinary craving with spicy miso ramen, tofu pockets, and sesame noodles from Kawa Ni. The always crave-worthy DoughGirls truck will also be making an appearance in the kids' area (yes, there’s a KIDS AREA).

What’s on the Menu? Check it out…

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For September 15-22

Features Events News Oktoberfest Festival

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 13, 2019

The 7th Annual Two Roads Ok2berfest takes place September 21 starting at 12pm. In addition to the brewery’s own tasty drafts, there will be Authentic German music, German-style beers, food, games and more.

Artisan West Hartford celebrates its 2nd Anniversary with a Havana Nights themed party on Wednesday September 18. Executive Chef Frederic Kieffer will be showcasing Cuban-themed cuisine including: Cubanos with pulled pork and pickles, Ropa Vieja , and other appetizers. In addition, unlimited Beer, Wine, Soda and Signature cocktails will be served. Dressing up for the event is encouraged!

Max Chef to Farm presents an Oktoberfest Dinner at Hanging Hills Brewery on Thursday September 19. This collaboration will bring Chef Hunter Morton together with selections from one of Connecticut's most popular craft brewers, Hanging Hills Brewing Company. Tickets are $79 inclusive and the event is limited to 70 seats.

Match Restaurant in Norwalk is turning TWENTY! Celebrate with them on Thursday September 19. Party with complimentary bites and bubbles along with a cash bar for other specialty drinks.

Greenwich Wine + Food Festival, located at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich, CT, is a multi-day event celebrating this area’s rich culinary landscape and showcasing innovation in the food and beverage industries. This year’s festival includes special guests like Martha Stewart, Margaret and Geoffrey Zakarian, and Valerie Bertinelli. Little Big Town headlines the musical entertainment. This year’s proceeds will go toward Food Rescue US and Greenwich Parks & Recreation.

20+ Places for Oktoberfest in CT: 2019 Edition

Features Oktoberfest Holiday Festival CT Beer Beer Garden Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 08, 2019

It may be called OKTOBERfest, but 2019’s Oktoberfest festivities are kicking off as early as September! Breweries are creating their own German inspired beers while popular restaurants are providing their own renditions of bratwurst and more. Get your lederhosen ready… Oktoberfest 2019 is here!

The Hops Company, Derby

The Hops Company will be hosting its 4th annual Oktoberfest on Sunday, October 13, 2019 beginning at 12:00pm. Featuring Von Trapp Brewery, the day will include live bands, giveaways, and specialty casks. A highlight of The Hops Company’s Oktoberfest is the Stein Hoisting Contest. Each winner will receive an overnight stay for two at the Von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT.

Half Full Brewery, Stamford

Oktoberfest in the Park, presented by Half Full Brewery, returns to Stamford on September 27 & 28. Festivities include food trucks, a Pop-Up Beer Garden, and Live Music from a variety of local and regional acts. The festival is held in support of the Mill River Park Collaborative and takes place on The North Lawn & Grand Steps in Mill River Park in downtown Stamford.

Troupe429, Norwalk

Saturday October 5 is PRIDEtoberfest at Troupe429 in Norwalk. The free event features plenty of drinks, food, and live performances.

Sandy Hook Craft Beer Festival, Newtown

Just in time for your Octoberfest parties comes the Sandy Hook Craft Beer Festival. There are currently over 45 breweries signed up and 6 food trucks. Additional vendors will provide food, candy, spirits and other shopping fun. Join them Saturday October 15 from 1-5pm.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For September 8-15

Features Events News Festival Wine Dinners

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 04, 2019

Join Chef Geoff Lazlo for a Greenhouse Garden Dinner at the Greenwich Botanical Gardens on September 12 from 6-9pm. Dinner will include a specialty cocktail, passed hors d’oeuvres and a three-course meal inspired by the seasonal vegetables and herbs grown in the GBC teaching vegetable garden. Lazlo will lead a discussion about the menu and environmentally friendly cuisine.

Celebrity Chef Tyler Anderson will host the second annual Eat.Drink.Give fundraiser benefitting Foodshare at Millwright's Restaurant and Tavern on Monday, September 9 at 6:30pm. Eat. Drink. Give will feature a multi-course dinner with wine pairings prepared by local award-winning chefs Tyler Anderson & Niles Talbot of Millwright's Restaurant in Simsbury, Prasad Chirnomula of Chef Prasad Indian Kitchen in New Canaan, Jeff Lizotte of Present Company in Tariffville, Billy Grant of Restaurant Bricco in West Hartford, and Pastry Chef Kristin Eddy of Millwright's in Simsbury. There will also be a silent auction. Tickets are $125 per person.

The Hadley + Occum, 2019 Farm Dinner Event series continues on Friday September 13 with the Chefs from Treva. The DORO Restaurant Group has teamed up with Sub Edge Farm for an RSA (similar to a CSA but geared towards restaurants) and chefs will highlight the local bounty at this beautiful meal on the farm. Tickets are $99 per person.

Suffering from empty nest syndrome? Roger Sherman Inn wants to celebrate the launch of our children on September 13 from 6-8pm. Tickets will be available for $50 per person at the front desk.

CTBites’s own editor Stephanie Webster is Dancing with the Stars… AGAIN! On Saturday September 14, she’s kicking up her heels in Greenwich on behalf of Abilis, Inc., a wonderful non-profit that supports kids & adults with special needs. Make a donation or cheer her on at the event.

High George, New Haven’s newest rooftop bar located at The Blake Hotel, has launched a new Happy Hour just in time for guests to enjoy the fall foliage. From 4-6pm, partake in $1 oysters, $6 wines, $8 mojitos, $4 beers, and an $8 rotating punch cocktail.

It’s Sunday Funday El Segundo! For $10, get a bracelet for $5 drinks specials all day long. For an additional $5, enjoy a signature breakfast burrito, normally on the brunch menu for $10. You can come and go as you please.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For Week of September 1-8

Features Events News Festival

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson August 29, 2019

Attention CT foodies ready for a road trip: The Newport Wine + Food Festival arrives this September, kicking off the fall season and ushering us into a beautiful time of year. 2019 marks the fourteenth anniversary of the festival, which takes place from September 19-22.

Get ready to “pig” out on Mondays at Dinosaur BBQ in Stamford. Every Monday through, 9/23 join them on the patio for some pig pulling and bourbon tasting. Bring a group of friends and have a pig picking party right at the table! Individual portions are available as well for $9. Plus, join them Tuesday 9/3 for Friends Trivia.

Birdman in Bridgeport is ready for college students and football season! They are featuring a Nashville Hot style chicken wing and some Pennsylvania Dutch Hand Pies filled with the Harlem Bodega favorite "Chopped Cheese."

Redding Roadhouse hosts a Tuscan Wine Dinner on Wednesday 9/4. Chef Lucas has designed a meal that pairs perfectly with Frescobaldi wines. Dine al fresco on 3 courses with pairings for $75 per person.

There’s nothing like a good, juicy burger… and now you can enjoy them on the farm! On 9/4, Chef Jamie Bissonnette (Toro, Little Donkey) and Tony Camilleri (Zohara) join the Sub Edge Farmers for an evening of farm-made burgers, grilled veggies, and cold drinks. Tickets are $45.

NYC-born pizza institution and Newington newcomer, Artichoke Basille's Pizza, will celebrate National Cheese Pizza Day on Thursday, September 5 by giving away a FREE Basille Regular Cheese Pie with the purchase of any other whole pie.