Get ready to rock the night away and usher in 2019… New Year’s is almost here! Connecticut restaurants and bars are celebrating with gourmet meals and epic bashes to help you start the new year out right.
Here is a complete guide to 60+ places where you can dine in style and watch the ball drop.
B.GOOD Fairfield now offers breakfast daily! Options include breakfast sandwiches, breakfast bowls, smoothies and more. Customer can enjoy a free cup of coffee with every meal through January 31, 2019.
The Oyster Club in Mystic presents “Holiday Cocktail Night” on Thursday, December 20 from 7-9pm. The mixologists behind their cocktail program invite you to their holiday cocktail tasting invite you to an evening of hors d’oeuvres, holiday cocktails, and an Oyster Club cocktail recipe book!
Join the party at The Chelsea on December 18th as Chef Eric Felitto (The Chelsea, Tasty Yolk), battles it out on Food Network's Chopped. Starting at 8PM. Chef Felitto is parking the Tasty Yolk food truck outside.
Stew Leonard’s Famous Holiday Workshop for Toddlers will be held on December 18 at 9:30am.
It’s almost time to deck the halls… Christmas is right around the corner! While the season is joyous and filled with cheer, there is also plenty to get done from shopping to decorating to travelling. If you prefer dining out to preparing a giant meal at home, Connecticut restaurants have you covered with tasty menus, buffets, and specials.
Here is a guide to restaurants where you can spend a festive Christmas Eve or Christmas.
On Monday December 10, Holbrook Farm and the Redding Roadhouse are teaming up for “An Evening to Celebrate the Last of the Harvest.” From 6-9pm, enjoy food and drink from Jeff Taibe, Dan Sabia, Matt Stanczak, Steve Tisdale, Aki Arai, and Craig Ventrice.
Greenwich Steakhouse introduces new brunch, lunch and dinner menus prepared by the new Executive Chef Oscar Reyes. Executive Chef Oscar Reyes now leads the kitchen, bringing with him a lifetime of experience and seven years of hard-earned expertise training under the 40-year culinary veteran Chef Chavez at the iconic Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse.
The 1st Annual "12 Bars of Christmas" Bar Crawl for a Cause comes to Norwalk Sunday December 16th from 11am-10pm! All Profits from ticket sales including a percentage of profits from each participating Bar/Restaurant will be donated to the Open Door Shelter to help feed less fortunate people during the holiday season.
The Stack, featuring Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ in New Haven, has kicked off its new Happy Hour specials. The deal are offered Monday-Friday from 3p-6pm and two rotating $7 draft cocktails, $4 Pork on a Stick, $5 Fried Pickles, deals on 1L steins, and more.
On December 8, The Beer Collective and the Yale Peabody Museum are teaming up for “Bones & Cheer: Ice Age Edition.” The evening will feature food from Olmo and a selection of local brews and cider. There will also be Frozen Science Experiences, Glacier Games, After-hours Museum Access, Music, prizes, and more. Tickets start at $25. This is a 21+ event.
On Tuesday December 4 at 9:30am and Saturday December 8 at 10am, Stew Leonard’s in Newington hosts a “Gingerbread Fun Culinary Class for Toddlers.” Kids ages 2-5 will make gingerbread cookies, gingerbread muffins, and a gingerbread cheesecake dip. Tickets are $20 and advanced registration is required.
Wednesday nights are Lobster Nights at Kensington’s at the Spa at Norwich Inn. The Dinner Special includes a lobster Dinner for two with a bottle of their Vista Point wine.
Some of CT’s best restaurants are open on Thanksgiving Day and serving special meals. Click here for a full guide!
Ambler Farm’s Farm Stand is officially closed for the season, but they are reopening for two days leading up to Thanksgiving. Visit them on Monday 11/19 from 3-6pm and Tuesday 11/20 from 9am-Noon to pick up farm fresh goodies for your feast.
On Sunday November 25, The Best Connecticut Food Show returns to New Haven. Local chefs will gather in the LoRicco Tower BallRoom while guests taste and sample.
On Monday November 19, Bin 100 in Milford invites you to a Cakebread Cellars Wine Tasting Dinner. In addition to wine pairings, they’ll serve Passed Hors d ’Oeuvres, Halibut, Rack of Lamb, Short Rib Ravioli, Filet Mignon, and Cognac Pumpkin Cheesecake. It is $125 per person, plus tax and tip.
Tim’s Kitchen and Wakeman Town Farm will have a Thanksgiving-Themed Class for Elementary-aged kids on Monday November 19. Participants will make fun Acorn Cookies, Pilgrim Hat Cookies, and Krispie Pumpkins.
They say you don’t need an excuse to throw a party, but if you’re still looking for one the holidays are a good reason! Connecticut restaurants have beautiful event spaces for your festivities and there are also unique venues that offer creative backdrops for your events. Click here for a guide to 70+ restaurants and venues for your next holiday party.
How does a turkey drink its wine? From a gobble-let! OK, but seriously… Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it’s time to consider your holiday plans! If you want to enjoy the meal with less prep and clean-up, an assortment of Connecticut caterers and restaurants are offering savory take-out options. Restaurants are also serving prix-fixe menus, brunches, and other specials for those who want the experience of eating out.
Here are over 50 Thanksgiving dining options, whether you’re dining out or catering your event from your favorite local restaurant.
On Tuesday November 13, Washington Prime SoNo will have a Macallan Scotch Dinner featuring the 12 Year Sherry, the 12 Year Double Cask, the 15 Year Triple Cask, and Edition #4. Upgrade to the 1824 ticket for a rare chance to have a glass of the 1824 Series Single Malt Reflexion. Price is $250 per person for this option. $140 pp.
Olea’s annual champagne dinner will take place on November 12. Laval wines will be accompanied by Champagnes produced by another premier grower/producer, Benoit Marguet of Champagne Marguet Pere & Fils in Ambonnay, France. This 4-course dinner is $200 pp, all inclusive. RSVP by calling Olea at 203.780.8925, or sending an email to info@oleanewhaven.com
On Monday November 12, Tim’s Kitchen at Wakeman Town Farm will teach you how to make “Holiday Hors D’oeuvres.” Chef Gene Habansky will guide you through making delicious appetizers from 7-9pm. It costs $65 per person. Join them again on November 15 to learn how to make vegetarian and gluten free Thanksgiving sides.
I know what you're thinking. If the website is called CTBites, why am I writing about Rhode Island? The answer is that the Newport Wine + Food Festival is definitely worth the road trip. New England restaurants, vendors, and distributors unite for a showcase of impressive wine and food. The towering Marble House and its scenic, oceanside grounds serve as a beautiful backdrop for the event. It’s a highlight of my year and a perfect way to spend an early autumn afternoon.
Check out an assortment of CT brewers under one roof at the 5th Annual Connecticut Brewers Fest! It takes place at Two Roads on Monday November 5. $30.00 gets you a glass and unlimited three oz pours of some of the best beer the Nutmeg State has to offer.
Every Wednesday at Walrus + Carpenter, get an eight-piece bucket of fried chicken with four biscuits for $25. Pair it with the Two-For-Two Roads deal and get two Two Roads Brewing brews in the can or on tap for the price of one.
From one of the producers of the Blues Views and BBQ Festival comes Supper & Soul, a downtown dinner and concert series in Westport. The Nashville-inspired event takes place on Saturday November 10 and features Kasey Tyndall.
Taproot in Bethel invites you to a Bushido “pop up” Sunday, November 11 from 4:30-8pm. Make your reservations by calling 475-329-5395.
Bodega's Dias de los Muertos festivities last an entire weekend! Join them 11/1-11/4.
The Great Mac & Chili Challenge takes place on Sunday November 4 at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport from 11am to 3pm. Enjoy unlimited sampling of chili and mac 'n cheese dishes from twenty fantastic local restaurants. Just like Chowdafest, your vote determines who has the best!
Olmo and Ordinary in New Haven will be collaborating on Halloween with a fun filled night of Mario Kart 64, meatball subs, spicy sausage subs, snacks, and themed cocktails.
On Thursday November 1, attend a Cheese and Wine Tasting Luncheon with Darien Cheese & Fine Food. Ken Skovron will lead you through a selection of eight cheeses while Megan Ruppenstein of Four Forks prepares a delicious seasonal salad. There will be wine and sparkling cider as well.
Get out your costumes… Halloween is right around the corner! Connecticut restaurants, bars, and farms are offering spook-tacular specials and parties. We’re not trying to trick you- we’re just trying to make sure your holiday is a real treat!
Evarito’s, Norwalk: Evarito's invites you to a Day Of The Dead party Saturday October 27. They'll have costume contests, giveaways, and more!
Cook and the Bear, Hartford: On Sunday October 28, The Cook and the Bear hosts a Halloween Brunch Costume Party.
SBC, Milford: SBC's Halloween Party on 10/27 will have a DJ and costume contests.
Troupe429, New Canaan: Troupe429’s Halloween Party takes place Saturday 10/27. They'll have a DJ, costume contests, a dance party, and more.
Tim’s Kitchen @ Wakeman Town Farm, Westport: Tim's Kitchen at Wakeman Town Farm invites kids to a Halloween Tasting Class. Tickets are $50 and the class can hold 12 students.
Experience Greenwich week runs from October 22-28. Over 150 merchants, retail stores, restaurants, and art galleries will have specials across town.
Barcelona Fairfield hosts a Fall Patio Paella Party on Thursday October 25 from 6:30-8:30pm. Chef Jose will show you how to make the Spanish dish. Plus, there will be seasonal tapas, wine, and a DJ.
L’Escale invites you to a St. Supery Wine Dinner on Wednesday October 24. Dinner starts at 6:30pm. Seating is limited, so call (203) 661-4600 for your reservation.
Sport Hill Farm in Easton presents “Barn Bon Vivants” on Sturday October 27. The Halloween themed evening for adults will be catered by Chef Anne of The First Bite and Chef Genee of Herbaceous Catering. The evening features one seasonal cocktail and five small plates featuring seasonal produce from the farm.
The life of a Top Chef judge, Food + Wine writer, author, and culinary personality is exciting. Gail Simmons regularly travels- and around the world at that!- to film television shows, headline events, find inspiration, and uncover new recipes. At the same time, Simmons is a wife and a mother of two. Sometimes she just wants to go home. Her new cookbook, Bringing It Home, bridges the gap between her personal and professional lives. Drawing from all of her experiences, she’s created dishes that instill feelings of comfort and belonging.
Terrain Garden Café in Westport served as the perfect backdrop to bring Simmons’s vision to life.
During the month of October, Letizia's Pizza is serving up "Gertie's Pie of Hope," a Mac & Cheese pizza that raises money for the American Cancer Society and breast cancer research and awareness. 100% of the proceeds are going to charity.
Wine events are back at Go Fish in Mystic. Visit them every Wednesday at 5:30pm for cheese and crackers, a complementary food pairing, and of course- wine!. Reservations are recommended, as space is limited. It begins on October 17 with “Lighter, Brighter, Reds.”
Wakeman Town Farm and Bar Sugo’s Chef Alan Roytman are teaming up on Thursday October 18 for a Fall Farm Dinner. Roytman will prepare a 4 course meal, complete with wine pairings. It is $100 per person, and the intimate affair is limited to 20.
Every Wednesday starting October 17, the Fairfield location of Quattro Pazzi is going vegan! Reservations are recommended. Call 203.259.7417 to secure your seat.
Ready, set, hike! Get out your jerseys… football season is here and it’s time for you to root for your favorite team. These Connecticut restaurants, bars, and caterers are serving up specials and take-out options or you to enjoy during the season. These dishes will leave foodies yelling “touchdown!” Don’t see your favorite sports bar or restaurant here? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list.
The Blind Rhino, Norwalk & Black Rock: The Blind Rhino is the hotspot for watching sports events. TVs surround the bar and restaurant. They are known for their wings and craft brews, but they have other tasty eats on the menu as well.
Fortina, Stamford: Fortina in Stamford will offer discounted food and drinks during football season on Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday. Plus, wear your jersey and get a complimentary famous rays or margherita pizza.
The Irons, Mystic: Head to the Irons in Mystic for football on Sundays. Starting at 1pm, they'll have $5 Burgers, 20 Wings for $20 , $3 Sam Adams Drafts, and other game time specials.
October 11 is Ladies Night Out at Sport Hill Farm! Join them for an evening of female farm fun featuring honey inspired light bites, casual conversation, and henna tattoos (temporary!). BYOB. The event runs from 7:30-9 pm and costs $28 per person.
Stony Creek's annual Docktoberfest will unfold on October 13. They're turning the brewery into a German Beer Garden with live music, games, food trucks, and beer!
Fairfield Restaurant Week returns October 8-14. More than 30 restaurants throughout Fairfield are participating with special fixed price lunch and dinner menus.
The Hubbard Park Fall Food Truck Fair in Meriden returns October 13 and 14. There will be Food Trucks, local vendors, kids’ entertainment, live music, and more.
When temperatures plummet, it’s the perfect time to warm up with a piping hot cup of joe! These shops, restaurants, and markets serve up some of Connecticut’s best java, from espresso to cups to iced options. Be sure to check out the pastries and other eats, too!
On October 7, put your stomach to the ultimate test with the inaugural Dew Drop Wing Eating Contest! It costs $25 per person to enter and proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Club.
Millwright’s Social Club, in conjunction with The Wise Old Dog, will take place on Wednesday October 3 from 6-7:30pm. The “casual night of food and drink in the loft” will feature wines from Lieu Duet and Peterson Winery. It is $50 per person.
On October 4, Hadley + Occum, Farm Dinner Events continue with Chefs from Àvert. The series takes place at Sub Edge Farm in Farmington from 6-9pm.
It’s the end of summer (sigh) and Artisan in Southport invites you to an “End of Summer Patio Party” on Tuesday October 4. From 5-7pm, enjoy complimentary cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, and live music.
