Filtering by Category: Features

Matt Storch's Bun Thit Nuong Cold Noodle Salad Recipe

Recipe Features Recipe Noodles

Stephanie Webster June 19, 2017

Chef Matt Storch will be at The Westport Farmers' Market June 22nd serving up this delicious Vietnamese dish, Bun Thit Nuong Cold Noodle Salad. This is an amazing delicious cold refreshing dish for a hot summer day. If you can't make it to the market, you can enjoy this great recipe at home be following the directions below.

South Norwalk is Home to Ellie's Real Good Food Second Television Season

Features Chef Talk

CTbites Team June 19, 2017

Just when you thought you'd seen every type of celebrity chef show imaginable, along comes Ellie Krieger, New York Times best-selling author and nutritionist, whose public television show Ellie's Real Good Food is less about celebrity and more about real life...and real food.

For the second year in a row, Krieger chose the demonstration kitchen at Clarke, New England's Official Sub-Zero & Wolf Showroom and Test Kitchen, in South Norwalk as her "home kitchen" for taping the cooking portion of her 13 episodes of Ellie's Real Good Food. We say "cooking portion," because Ellie's Real Good Food does a whole lot more than simply feature her cooking. In every episode she also takes viewers on trips to schools, farmer's markets, innovative farms, vineyards and more, where she is on a mission to share healthy, time-saving strategies for menu planning, food shopping and cooking.

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of June 16 - June 23

Features Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson June 16, 2017

From now through July 16, plan b restaurants will feature a menu of “BBQ favorites” from Memphis to East Carolina to Texas. Pair the dishes with special local brews from Stony Creek and Old Ox.

Barcelona New Haven & The Wine Thief are teaming up for a winemaker dinner on Tuesday June 20. Taste wines from Blanco Nieva and Bodega Ochoa alongside dishes by Celebrity Chef and Barcelona Wine Bar Culinary Director Christopher Lee. Feast on four courses and participate in a Q&A. It costs approximately $70 (inclusive of tax and tip) and begins at 6:30pm.

Bartaco's Signature Libelula Tequila Now Available in CT + Margarita Recipe

Ingredients Features Cocktails Ingredients Mexican

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson June 14, 2017

If you love Bartaco’s signature margarita we have great news… the tequila used to make their cocktail is now available for purchase in liquor stores across Connecticut! Libelula tequila made its official debut in the Connecticut market in January 2017, but as the summer months approach it’s becoming more and more visible on shelves throughout the state.

“This is the exact tequila used to make Bartaco’s world famous margaritas!” says Curt Goldman, the Executive Importer of CNI Brands, longtime partner of Bartaco group. “No change whatsoever!”

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of June 12-18

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson June 10, 2017

Wine bingo is a thing! On Tuesday June 13, give the game your best shot at Ballou's Restaurant & Wine Bar in Guilford from 5:30-8pm. Your $25 ticket gets you a seat at the game plus a glass of wine. Food and beverage will be available to purchase also.

New Haven’s Caseus Fromagerie Bistro will offer a Rose and Cheese Pairing class on Tuesday June 13 from 6-7:30pm. Taste an assortment of international roses with complementary cheeses. Tickets are available online for $45.

S tamford Magazine’s 5th Annual Best Bartender Contest goes down on Wednesday June 14! Local bartenders will compete to wine over the crowd with their best original cocktail recipes. The event also features summer dishes and calypso music. Tickets are $30 in advance online and $35 at the door.

What Can You Do with a Convection Steam Oven? Mini Carrot Cakes Recipe via Clarke (sponsored post)

Recipe Features Recipe

CTbites Team June 09, 2017

Every week at Clarke, New England's Official Sub-Zero & Wolf Showroom and Test Kitchen in South Norwalk, the staff exemplifies how these extraordinary appliances can enhance your life. The Wolf Convection Steam Oven offers features that can only be appreciated by actually cooking on it. Here's a recipe for Mini Carrot Cakes with Cream Cheese Frosting, which was recently prepared by Chef John Craig at Clarke SoNo to illustrate some of the hidden features (convection humid mode) of this extraordinary appliance. If you own a convection steam oven...do try this at home!

Black Rock Farmers Market Kicks Off 4th Season, Saturdays in Bridgeport

Features Farmers Market Bridgeport farm fresh Local Farm Local Artisan

Stephanie Webster June 09, 2017

The Black Rock Farmers' Market is back, Saturdays, June 10 -October 7th 9am to 1pm at 481 Brewster Street in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport CT. The season will kick off during Black Rock Day Weekend, an event that serves as a community initiative to promote projects that enhance the quality of life for residents and business in the area.

BRFM is a producer-only market featuring locally farmed vegetables, fruit, cheese, eggs (with a real life rooster), bread, meats, jams pickles and so much more. Their local artisan selection varies from vintage finds to natural beauty care products. Market visitors have the opportunity to start their day with a 10:30AM yoga class in the field and enjoy their weekly produce shopping accompanied by live local musicians.

Nutty Bunny Non-Dairy Gluten-Free Frozen Dessert, Made in CT

Features ice cream Dessert Ingredients

Renee Weisz June 09, 2017

When Pamela Aflalo decided to create a non-dairy, gluten-free, frozen dessert product, her idea was innovative, health-aware, and maybe a little nutty like her brand name Nutty Bunny. After her daughter, Sophie, developed a severe dairy reaction, Pamela’s culinary experience at the National Gourmet Institute and love for kitchen experimentation, especially for “vegan-izing” recipes, combined to establish her current full-time business.

10 Questions w/ Chef Manuel Romero of Olea in New Haven

Features Chef Talk New Haven

Amy Kundrat June 07, 2017

Born in Spain, Chef Manuel Romero of Olea in New Haven, was raised in a family that loved cooking traditional and tasty food. When he was a child, his family moved to the United States, and he developed a passion for cooking by watching, helping, and learning alongside his mother. He moved up the culinary ladder, and in 2014, Chef Romero opened Olea restaurant offering guests his innovative interpretation of Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. His menu is masterful and his dishes are stunning. We spoke with Chef Romero about his hobbies, worst kitchen nightmare, and his guilty pleasures.

Fairfield Farmers Market Returns for Second Season June 11

Features Farmers Market Farm Fresh CT Farms Fairfield

Stephanie Webster June 02, 2017

It's that time of year, and Sundays in downtown Fairfield are about to become even more fun. The Fairfield Farmers Market returns for its second season starting Sunday, June 11. The market will be every Sunday 10-2, rain or shine, until Oct 1st on the historic Sherman Green in downtown Fairfield. Over 20 farms and food producers will have everything you need for beach picnics, Sunday dinner, even your weekly shopping. [View complete vendor list below]

Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of June 4-11

Features Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson June 02, 2017

Rothbard Ale & Larder will put on an Austrian Wine Dinner on Wednesday June 7. Feast on a five-course dinner with wine pairings by Gabe Cleary, Portfolio Director of Terry Theise Estate Selections. White Asparagus Soup with Truffle, Pork Terrine, and Confit Roasted Suckling Pig are all on the menu!

AMG Catering continues their adult cooking classes with a “Bring Your Chianti Class - Tuscan dinner party menu” class. Learn to make assorted spring bruscettas, Chicken, pancetta and bean stew with sage, Tagliatelle with field mushrooms, lemon and tarragon, and Strawberry and mascarpone trifle. It costs $90 per person and runs from 7-9pm.

Chop Shop Cooking School presents a “Fiesta Party” class on Wednesday June 7.

Donut Crazy Flavor Contest! YOU Create the Next Donut Crazy Doughnut +WIN BIG

Features Giveaway Homepage

Stephanie Webster June 01, 2017

Do you sit around at night dreaming of the perfect Donut Crazy fantasy flavor? This is your chance to make it a reality!

Donut Crazy and CTbites are giving YOU the chance to create the most wildly delicious donut flavor combo you can think of. The winner will take home more than just bragging rights.

If your Donut Crazy flavor is selected as the winner, you will win a FREE DOZEN DOUGHNUTS every month for a year + DONUT CRAZY WILL SELL FOR A LIMITED TIME, YOUR VERY OWN SIGNATURE DOUGHNUT!!

SHARE YOUR DONUT CRAZY FLAVOR COMBO BELOW. (Make sure you include your email address)

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of May 31-June 4

Features Events News Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 26, 2017

Bartaco Westport is letting you help them pick their next summer drink with their “Sip + Tell” event on Wednesday March 31. Spanish winemakers from La Sueca will be there and guests will get to sample Bartaco’s new summer sangria recipes and vote for their favorite.

For the fourth year in a row, CTbites has partnered with Chef Frederic Kieffer and Artisan at the Delamar Hotel Southport for an outdoor Happy Hour on their gorgeous patio and bar. On Wednesday May 31 from 5:30-7:30pm, we’ll kick off al fresco dining with assorted light bites and cocktails. Priced at $40, the Happy Hour includes a specialty cocktail and a second drink of wine or beer and assorted appetizers.

New Haven’s ZINC will host Master Beekeeper Bill Hesbach, Broken Arrow Nursery, and Barr Hill Gin for a four-course dinner called “The Buzz About Bees and Flowers.” On June 1, learn about bees and pollination via a fun dinner inspired by honey and served with wine and cocktails. Tickets are $85, all inclusive. Seating is limited and reservations are recommended.

Elm City BYO Party Bike Coming to Milford: Pedaling + Drinking = Fun

Features Entertaining Bar

CTbites Team May 24, 2017

Check out what's new in Milford via CTPost.

If you’ve been to New Haven lately, you might have seen a strange vehicle on her streets.

It looks like a bar on wheels, complete with barstools and a countertop, and even a bartender, Another strange thing about it is that it’s a human-powered contraption, pedal-powered by the the cool people sitting at the bar.

It’s called the Elm City Party Bike, and now it’s coming to Milford.

Mayor Benjamin Blake on Tuesday announced a new partnership with the Elm City Party Bike, New England’s “first and foremost pedaled sightseeing bike.”

The Elm City Party Bike offers groups of 8-15 the ability to visit restaurants while viewing architecture, historical sites, the coast and more. Each seat on the party bike has a set of pedals, and while a trained Elm City driver steers the bike.

Guest Chef Lineup for Westport Farmers' Market's 2017 Summer Season

Features Ingredients Farmers Market Westport Chef

Peter Dunay May 22, 2017

Personally, I have always wanted to be a judge or even a guest at one of Top Chef’s cookout challenges; where the chefs are tasked with using locally sourced ingredients and doing them justice by creating an epic meal. Whether, your dreams are as ornate as mine or you would just like to have a chef cook you a delicious snack, the Westport Farmers Market is the place to be.

Every Thursday between 10- 2, a special guest chef will be at the market and tasked with finding some key local ingredients and making a meal for everyone to taste. (View the complete guest chef schedule below.)

Win Free Tickets!!! Battle of the Chefs @ Founders Hall Sunday, June 4

Features

CTbites Team May 22, 2017

Battle of the Chefs returns to Founders Hall on Sunday, June 4, 4 – 7pm. In a culinary showdown, three seasoned chefs will match sharp knives and quick wits for the benefit of Founders Hall.

WIN 2 FREE TICKETS TO THIS EVENT! To enter, tell us why YOU NEED these tickets below. We will select a winner on May 31st.

Chefs Mike Anastacio (Purdy’s Farmer & the Fish, North Salem), Paul Desiano (formerly Cello/Plate, Ridgefield), and former Chopped contender Germano Minin (The Village Tavern, Ridgefield), will compete to create an entree from a basket of surprise ingredients, in just sixty minutes, in front of a live audience. A panel of food experts, including Ridgefielder Brendan Walsh (Dean of Culinary Arts, the Culinary Institute of America) and Ron DeSantis (Director of Culinary Excellence, Yale University) will judge the chefs on their creativity, craftsmanship and culinary results as the crowd cheers the chefs on.

Kids Cooking Classes & Camps for Summer 2017 in CT

Features kids activity Kids Cooking Classes kids cooking party Education

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 17, 2017

Summer is on its way!! In just a few weeks, the kids will be out of school and looking for their next adventures. Why not a culinary endeavor? These Connecticut caterers and venues are offering up kids cooking camps and classes throughout the summer months. Check their web site for complete details.

AMG Catering and Events, Wilton: This summer, youngsters can sign up for the Kids CIT (Chef In Training) Camp at AMG Catering. There are four weeks to choose from, but book quickly because they are already selling out!
Bishops Orchards, Guilford: New this year, Bishops Orchards in Guilford has announced Summer Camp Programs for kids! The summer is broken down into four two day long sessions where kids can explore a different farm theme.
Wakeman Town Farm, Westport: In addition to learning about life on a farm, participants in the Junior Chef Summer Camp get to work alongside local chefs and counselors to pick the freshest ingredients around from the farm, see how organic fruits and veggies grow, and learn to cook and create fun fare, from pickles to smoothies to stir-fries, in our brand-new farm kitchen classroom! It's seed-to-plate culinary fun with a homegrown spin.

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week Of May 13-21

Features Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 11, 2017

The Cottage has debuted “The Cottage Omakase Menu” to highlight Chef Brian’s appreciation for Japanese cuisine. Offered on Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s and Thursday’s, the $45 multi-course menu will feature ingredients from both The Hickories (Ridgefield) & Millstone (Wilton) Farms. The menu will change daily.

Kawa Ni in Westport is hosting a Sake Dinner on May 16th, 6:30 pm featuring 5 courses and dessert with 6 paired sakes.

Friday May 19 is the “Swirl, Sniff, Sip, Savor” Wine Tasting Fundraiser to benefit the Sunshine Kids. From 6-9pm, guests can taste wine, beer, and bourbon and snack on small bites at Ridgefield Parks & Recreation. Tickets are $40 per person.

Swanky Franks in Norwalk Closes After 60 Years...Here's Why

Features Delicious Dives

Stephanie Webster May 08, 2017

They say that all good things must come to an end... After 60+ years in the city of Norwalk, and in our family...the Renzuella/ Satterfield family have decided to close the doors of The Original Swanky Franks... the sign on the door says it all...

This was posted to Facebook by Swanky Frank s on May 6th. The shock and sadness felt by CT hot dog lovers and generations of guests who have fond memories of this classic roadside dive, was quite simply...palpable.

CTbites spoke with Swanky Frank's owner Traci Satterfield Meriwether (whose grandfather purchased Swanky's in 1959). Merriwether said that while the decision to close the business was difficult, her reasons for shutting the doors for the last time were simple. "The biggest reason my husband and I decided to close was to get to spend more time with our 3 year old daughter. The restaurants business is not the easiest place to be if you have family."

Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of May 7- 14

Features Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 05, 2017

The Hickories, an organic farm in Ridgefield, is now selling its community-supported agriculture shares (CSAs) for the 2017 growing season. Once a week, shareholders can come to pick up freshly harvested organic vegetables and fruits. To learn more, visit their website.

Bistro Basque in Milford invites you to a 6 Course Early Summer Wine Dinner on Tuesday May 9. From rose to Pinot Noir, seafood to suckling pig, there will be offerings for every palate. It costs $65 per person, inclusive.

Alforno restaurant in Old Saybrook will also have a wine dinner on May 9. Guest speaker will be Mike Wylie, state manager of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. Founded in 1385, Antinori is one of Italy’s leading wine producers. The dinner costs $68 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For reservations, contact Ben Zemmel at ben@alforno.net or call 860-399-4166.