Filtering by Category: Features

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week Of January 29 - February 4

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson January 26, 2018

The Cook and the Bear in Hartford presents a West Coast v. East Coast Whiskey Dinner on Tuesday January 30 at 6:30pm. The evening includes a cocktail reception, a family-style meal, and side-by-side whiskey pairings. It costs $90, plus tax and gratuity, and tickets are available for purchase online.

The Spotted Horse Tavern in Westport now offers Meatless Mondays!

Learn all about Riesling at The Whelk in Westport on Tuesday January 30 at 6:30pm. Winemaker on Von Winning, Andreas Hutwohl, will be there to guide you through the delicious dinner and wine pairings. It costs $150 per person, plus tax and tip, and reservations can be made by calling 203-557-0902.

Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant in East Lyme invites you to an installation of their Food & Wine Series on Tuesday January 30. Chef Olivia Formica will prepare and explain a 5 course meal, this time inspired by the cuisine in Seattle, WA, and serve it alongside complementary wines provided by Divine Wine Emporium. Tickets are $45 per person or $80 per couple.

Zohara Mediterranean Kitchen hosts a Massaya Wine Dinner on Tuesday January 30. Sami Goshen, winemaker and owner of Massaya Vinyards in Lebanon, will be there to walk you through the wines, which will be paired with custom dishes from the chef. Tickets are $75.

On Wednesday January 31, Chef Prasad Chirnomula, Chef Owner of of INDIA Restaurant in West Hartford, will guide diners through a 5-course tasting menu featuring many of the restaurant's diverse dishes. The cost is $55 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and includes a complimentary beverage along with the meal.

25+ Restaurants for Fireside Dining in CT: 2018 Edition

Features Restaurant Best of CT Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson January 23, 2018

When temperatures plummet, it can be hard to find motivation to go outside and brave the arctic blast. Fortunately, restaurants across the state offer big warm fireplaces so that you can feast in front of a toasty fire. Here are over 25 cozy fireside dining venues in Connecticut.

Winvian, Morris: On 113 acres, Winvian, a luxury resort, has 18 luxury resort cottages, each designed by 15 different architects. Winvian also abounds with private gardens, a greenhouse, henhouse, apiary, a glorious dining room, and spa
Tavern at Graybarns, Norwalk: Tavern at GrayBarns is situated in the space that once housed Silvermine Tavern featuring elegant American fare.
The Goose, Darien: With its luxurious old style bar and welcoming tavern feel in the dining area, The Goose in Darien is a great place to enjoy soups, salads, sandwiches, seaside-inspired lobster tacos, and entrees like St. Louis-Style Ribs and Steak Frites.
Gabriele’s Italian Steakhouse, Greenwich: Gabriele’s in Greenwich is a quintessential steakhouse that also offers Italian specialties. Aged leather wingback chairs, a hulking stone hearth, fireside tables, and private dining in the wine room all set the scene for hearty food.

Small Brewers Become Big Business In Fairfield County

Features Brewery Best of CT Beer CT Beer

Jeanne Muchnick January 17, 2018

This just in from Norwalk Daily Voice...

If you're a beer lover, you're in luck. Each day it seems another brewery or beer pub opens its doors in Fairfield County, catering to residents with creative hops (Harlan Haus in Bridgeport) and carefully curated snacks (shout out to Shelton's The Drunk Alpaca).

In a short period of time, the Connecticut craft beer scene has exploded, tapping into the county's thirst for flavor, variety and fun.

Many of these businesses were started by local folks with a passion for home brewing. All of them have helped elevate the area's craft beer experience.

Not sure where to go? We've done the research for you -- and yes, that may (or may not) have included sampling a few pints of amber brews.

Aspetuck Brew Lab, Bridgeport: This two-year-old brewery and tap room are the dream of a husband-and-wife team (see Daily Voice story HERE ) who care as much about the community as they do good, local beer.
Broken Symmetry Gastro Brewery, Bethel: This craft brewery and casual dining spot, in the old Bethel Train Station, is hoping for a late January/early February opening. Stay tuned by following them on Facebook.

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week Of January 14-21

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson January 12, 2018

On January 18, Terrain Garden Cafe in Westport will host a Winter Fireside Dinner featuring a selection of warming winter dishes inspired by cold season. Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner with an optional whiskey or wine pairing with a view of crackling fire pits on the cafe patio. It is $75 per person with the optional beverage pairing for an additional $30 per person. View menu and reserve here.

Sip for a cause on Saturday, January 20 from 12-5pm at the first ever West Hartford “Culinary Corner Pub Crawl” hosted by Eat IN Connecticut while helping to raise funds for charities dedicated to ending hunger in Connecticut. The Crawl includes five of West Hartford’s Restaurants: Vinted, INDIA, The Cook and The Bear, FLORA, and Artisan Restaurant at the brand new DELAMAR Hotel. Participants can go to any of the 5 participating Culinary Corner restaurants anytime for food specials in addition to the 1/2 off drink specials during the Pub Crawl. Purchase your tickets here.

Wakeman Town Farm will have a pop-up Fondue Dinner on January 18 from 7-10pm. Enjoy 3 courses with wine pairing, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to support Wakeman's operations and educational programming. Tickets are $85 per person.

On Tuesday January 16, Caseus Fromagerie Bistro invites you to an Italian Cheese & Wine Pairing Class. It runs from 6-7:30pm and costs $45 per person.

Zoni Foods, Delicious Plant-Based Frozen Meals: A Conversation with CEO & Founder Zoë Lloyd

Interview Features New Haven Interview healthy Vegetarian Vegan

Amy Kundrat January 09, 2018

What should I make for dinner? This daily lament is the million billion dollar question fueling a booming meal kit industry. Weekly deliveries of fresh ingredients with easy-to-follow recipes offer the promise of an easy weeknight dinner. However, a growing segment of this audience such as young professionals and busy families is seeking something even simpler, less time consuming, and healthier.

CTBites On The Boat: Grace & Darkness Oyster Stout Release And Oyster Roast At Half Full Brewery, Jan. 21

Features Ingredients Beer CT Beer Brewery Seafood

James Gribbon January 07, 2018

We'd left the dock in South Norwalk in utter darkness to harvest oysters in one of the oldest, most productive oyster fisheries in America. Jordan Giles of Half Full Brewery in Stamford shucked a few on the steps of the Grace's pilothouse and handed one to me. The Copp's Island oyster had been at the bottom of the Sound minutes ago.

The "Why" is tripartite: I've always loved oysters (and can apparently add them to skiing and air travel on the list of things I'll wake up at an evil hour for), I had never been on an oyster boat, and Half Full brewery will host their second ever Grace&Darkness oyster stout can release and oyster roast on Sunday, January 21 at noon. These oysters were to be the main attraction.

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of January 7-14

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson January 05, 2018

Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill is hosting a Jonathan Edwards Winery dinner on Wednesday, January 10 at 6pm. The four-course menu includes Honduran Style Scallop Ceviche, Foie Gras Torchon, Ginger Crusted Salmon, and American Lamb. There will be a Jonathan Edwards wine pairing with each course. It costs $100 per person, which includes tax and gratuity. Attendees will also receive a special gift from the winery. Reservations are required: .

Now at Bareburger Stamford and Ridgefield, bring in your old board or card games and receive 10% off your bill. The games will be distributed to charities and children in need.

Bridgeport's new German Beer Hall, Harlan Haus, will have its grand opening on Wednesday January 10! Find them at 155 State Street starting at 5pm.

On Wednesday January 10, Trumbull Kitchen invites you to a Willamette Valley Wine Dinner from 6-9pm.

If your New Year’s resolution is to learn more about cooking, perhaps Cheshire’s Cookbook Club is for you! Wednesday January 10 will focus on the slow cooker, and participants are asked to bring a slow-cooker dish, along with the recipe and the cookbook you used. Must be at least 18 years of age or older to participate and registration is required.

Snow Day Recipes: I Have to Feed You All Day?

Features Recipe Pizza kids activity Recipe Kid Friendly

Marcia Selden Catering January 04, 2018

Snow day: You’re rudely awakened at some ungodly hour by your phone informing you that yes, indeed, there is no school today. Two thoughts run through your mind, “Great, I get to go back to sleep”, followed immediately by a more frightening thought, “I have to feed them all day?!” Relax, we’ve got you covered even if you didn’t brave the market the day before to properly stock up on supplies.

First things first, make yourself a cup of coffee, it’s going to be a loooong day. Second, assess what you have in the house.

Assuming you have some eggs, why not make these fun eggs in a cup to start the day? Then you can kick them out to shovel the driveway knowing at least they’re fueled up. This is a great recipe because you can use whatever you have laying around to mix into these egg-mom-muffins, get it?! Follow up with our recipes for: Kitchen Sink Stir Fry & Simple Pizza Dough. Done...You've made it.

Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of January 1-7

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson December 30, 2017

Several Connecticut restaurants are celebrating New Year’s Day, Monday January 1. For example, Shell & Bones in New Haven will have New Year's Day brunch from 11am-2:30pm. And pajamas are strongly encouraged at Butchers & Bakers New Years Day brunch! Entrees range from $9-$20, plus enjoy bottomless Mimosas, Bellinis, Whiskey Smashes, and Limoncello Collins for $20. Build your own Bloody Mary Bar.

Wednesday January 3 is Cookie and Cider Day at the Thyme & Season in Hamden! Stop by all day on Wednesday for FREE SAMPLES of cider and store-made cookies!

On Wednesday January 3, partake in an “Ice Wine Dinner” at The Inn at Woodstock Hill. It goes from 6-9pm and costs $75 per person.

This just in… Multi-platinum artist, actor and entertainment icon Snoop Dogg is now scheduled to attend the Sun Wine & Food Fest at Mohegan Sun! Snoop Dogg will perform in Avalon on Saturday, January 27th and join Sunday Brunch with Martha Stewart as a special guest the following day. Tickets are on sale for that and other events that weekend now!

“Sip & Savor” with a South American Wine Dinner at Breakwater in Stonington, CT. Wines from South America, paired with 4 courses from Chef Marcony inspired by South and Central American countries. It costs $50 per person, plus tax and an 18% gratuity.

CTbites Staff Picks For Top CT Eats of 2017

Restaurant Features Best of CT Homepage

CTbites Team December 29, 2017

2017...Ah, what a year. As we welcome 2018, full of promise, and hopefully, less national drama, it is important to celebrate the restaurants, chefs, dishes, and dining experiences that helped us get through 2017. 2017 heralded some great openings from both chefs we know and love, as well as some newcomers. Here's our list of Top Eats for 2017 from the CTbites staff. Every team member and contributor has chosen their own unique way to throw down their favorites. Enjoy, and start making your reservations for 2018.

Gingerbread Recipes for Gingerbread Houses & Cookies via Sweet Lisa's

Recipe Features Holiday Recipe Kid Friendly kids activity Kids Bakery Dessert

Stephanie Webster December 22, 2017

'Tis the season, but when you get tired of shopping, take a break with your family, and enjoy some leisurely holiday baking. Sweet Lisa’s Exquisite Cakes has mastered the art of gingerbread (as you can see above), and they have been kind enough to share their recipes for Gingerbread Cookie Dough as well as a special (slightly more structurally sound) Gingerbread for Houses. It's a fine line when it comes to gingerbread.

If you decide to embark on a house of your own, please share it with CTbites and send us a photo.

60+ Connecticut Restaurants To Celebrate New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day

Features Holiday New Years Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson December 21, 2017

It’s almost time to bid farewell to 2017 and say hello to the New Year! Connecticut restaurants are celebrating 2018 with epic parties, prix fixe menus, and hangover brunches. Here is what they have in store!

Washington Prime, Norwalk Washington Prime in SoNo's NYE Dinner has 3 Seatings: 4pm, 6pm, and 8:30pm. It includes selection of appetizer, entree, and dessert and costs $65 per person plus tax & gratuity.
The Cottage, Westport: The Cottage in Westport presents a New Years Eve Brunch followed by a New Years Eve Celebration Dinner from 5:30-10:30pm. The a la carte menu will include lots of caviar, truffles, and buttered lobster!
Griswold Inn, Essex: The Griswold Inn has NYE Dinner Seatings starting at 5:30 pm and the Shiny Lapel Trio will play from 10pm-1am. Entrees include Pan Seared Atlantic Salmon, Roasted Long Island Duck, Roasted Prime Rib, and Filet of Beef Wellington. It costs $60 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
Present Company, Simsbury: Present Company's 5 course prix fixe NYE dinner includes options like lightly roasted cauliflower carpaccio with black truffles and beef “wellington” with mushroom stuffing. It is $110 per person with wine pairings available for an additional $40.
Harlan Publick, Norwalk: Beginning 12/31 at 9:30pm, dance the night away and enjoy craft cocktails and a chefs buffet at Harlan Publick in Norwalk.

Traveling to Miami? Check Out Our Miami Restaurant Guide c/o MIABites

Features Miami Road Trip

ellen bowen December 20, 2017

The Holiday season is upon us and everyone is always asking us, "Where should I eat in Miami?" Here are some of MIAbites Contributors Best Bites for "am to pm" dining in and around Miami and Miami Beach. Dinner reservations are strongly recommended and should be made in advance if possible.

All of the Miami Beach hotels have top restaurants and prices to match. Jose Andres The Bazaar and Katsuya at the SLS South Beach, Scarpetta, StripSteak and PIzza Burger by Michael Mina and Hakkasan at The Fontainebleau , The Dutch and Mr. Chow at The W South Beach, Pao by Paul Qui and Los Fuegos at Faena and Jean Georges, The Matador Room at the EDITION, the newly relocated NOBU in the Nobu Hotel Eden Roc, are all popular and top picks where chances are you will have a delicious albeit expensive meal.

So by request, the MIAbites contributors put our heads together to flesh out the restaurant scene and to compile our suggestions for dining while in Miami.

DoughLuv Edible Cookie Dough Cafe Opens (+ Gluten Free & Vegan Available)

Restaurant Features Dessert Bakery ice cream kids activity Kid Friendly Colchester

Andrew Dominick December 17, 2017

One of this year’s tastiest food trends is edible cookie dough. One could argue that cookie dough was always edible, but the term refers to the use of heat treated flour that eliminates bacteria and pasteurized eggs to reduce the risk of food-borne illness. It’s likely something you never thought about as a kid when you scraped the cake batter or cookie dough bowl clean while mom did all the baking. If you’re reading this in 2017, eating all that dough didn’t harm you one bit, and you’ve seen a cookie dough resurgence in the U.S.—in “edible” form, of course—at supermarkets, dessert shops, and food trucks. In Colchester, Connecticut, there’s a sweet shop that’s dedicated to cookie dough and other cookie dough related sundaes, milkshakes, and pies...DoughLuv.

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of December 17-24

Features News Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson December 14, 2017

Hardcore Sweet Cupcakes in Oakville invites you to a “Hardcore Sweet Holiday Cake Class” on Friday December 22 at 7pm. The beginner cake class is great for pre-teens and young adults. Tickets are $60 per person, and participation is limited to 10 people.

Valencia Luncheria will have an Ugly Sweater brunch on Saturday December 23 from 10am to 4pm. Guests in Ugly holiday sweaters receive a complimentary brunch punch.

For the first time ever, Amis Westport will be recreating the renowned Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner celebrated by Amis Trattoria in Philadelphia yearly. Taking place on Dec 23, this four course prix-fixe menu will feature classic seafood dishes created by Amis Executive Chef, Brad Spence, and prepared by Westport Chef de Cuisine Matt Langston. The 4 prix-fixe menu IS $65 pp, plus tax and gratuity. A $35 beverage pairing is also available.

Garelick & Herbs introduces their new black and white .... donuts. Homemade in their in house bakery, the new black and white donuts are made with pure Belgian white, milk and dark chocolate. And just in time for the holidays, Garelick & Herbs is also baking homemade raspberry jelly donuts. $2.75 each. Southport store only.

Stew Leonard's Christmas Cookie Milk Back For The Holidays

Ingredients Features Holiday Specialty Market Ingredients Kid Friendly Kids

Stephanie Webster December 14, 2017

Stew’s Christmas Cookie Milk will be back in stock at at all Stew Leonard's stores in Connecticut this week. This is the second consecutive year they’ve sold this special milk.

Stew Leonard's Christmas Cookie Milk is sweet, creamy milk that has the same flavor as a sugar cookie that’s been dunked in milk. It comes straight from award-winning dairy farms in upstate NY and is free from artificial growth hormones (rBST) and antibiotics. This milk goes from the farm to each of our stores in as little as 24 hours.

Stew Leonard's Christmas Cookie Milk is available only for a limited time and is sold in a ½ gallon glass container for $5.99.

Swyft Opens in Kent From Award Winning Chef Joel Viehland w/ Adventurous Comfort Food

Features Kent Pizza American Openings Comfort Food

Amy Kundrat December 08, 2017

Swyft, historic Kent’s new restaurant featuring wood-fired pizza, is now open offering creative small plates, pastas, rustic entrees, and a large selection of craft beers and natural wines.

Swyft is the brainchild of chef-owner Joel Viehland, formerly of the award-winning Community Table in Litchfield County. The historic 18th-century building is divided to house both a modern tavern and a fine dining restaurant. Swyft, a 40-seat tavern and bar, will offer seasonal comfort fare, with ingredients largely coming from nearby Rock Cobble Farm. Through a separate entrance is Ore Hill, where eventually Viehland will serve a tasting menu that draws upon his experience cooking at Noma, Gramercy Tavern, and other renowned restaurants.

At Swyft, the focus is on adventurous comfort food. Small plates include baby back pork ribs with guanciale-spiked XO sauce, a salad of lightly charred brassicas with crispy grains and pomegranate, and pickled wild mussels on saffron aioli toast, while entrees range from wood-fired chicken for two to rabbit milanese with cardoon gribiche or a burger with old-school tallow fries. Swyft will offer a selection of seasonal pizzas, wood-fired in a Pavesi oven from Naples, Italy. In addition to classics like margherita, Viehland will offer a kale and potato pie, with both the greens and the milk for the housemade ricotta coming from Rock Cobble Farm just minutes away.

Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of December 10-17

Features News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson December 08, 2017

Champagne and Caviar… yes, please! Join the Whelk for dinner featuring those two delicacies on Tuesday December 12 at 7pm. The meal includes 4 courses, 9 wine pairings, and costs $170 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

On Thursday December 14 from 6-9pm, Norwalk’s Waypointe will be converted into a Holiday Pop-Up. The Orchard St. Market is free and open to the public, and will feature local Norwalk artisans. In addition, with the purchase of a $25 ticket, you can attend a special holiday-themed art class inside Pinot's Palette.

Visit Hub & Spoke in Bridgeport for Dinner and Storytime with Santa from 4:30-7:30pm on December 14. Adults and kids can enjoy an early dinner and holiday desserts while chatting with Santa over a hot cup of cocoa. Call 203-345-9110 to reserve.

On Tuesday December 12, Tre Scalini in New Haven will host a Feast of the 7 Fishes. It costs $90 per person and reservations can be made by calling 203-469-4218.

CTbites Holiday Gift Guide For Your Favorite CT Food Lover (2017 Edition)

Features Gift Guide Best of CT Holiday Homepage

April Guilbault December 06, 2017

Holiday time and food just plain go hand-in-hand! Whether it is making a time-honored and well-loved recipe, sharing a meal with a group of special someones, or giving a gift of specialty food goods, the holidays…involve…food. Henceforth and ergo, we at CTBites would like to add a few items to your list. No need to check these twice, we can tell you right off that they are worth sharing! From pottery and chocolates to classes and luxury trips, there is something for every person you will be shopping for this season. Our great Nutmeg State is simply brimming with artisans and people who are making delicious, beautiful and fun products or offering experiences that enrich our lives. Enjoy these, enjoy *giving* these, and enjoy the smiles that will result. Have a wonderful holiday season, everyone! May it be delicious!

Chef Prasad Chirnomula's ‘India’ Restaurant in New Canaan Closes

Features Restaurant New Canaan

CTbites Team December 05, 2017

Sad news from NewCanaanite.com.

Just over 18 months after opening, India restaurant on Main Street has closed, its owner said.

India Restaurant on Main Street in New Canaan has closed. Credit: Michael Dinan

Chef Prasad Chirnomula said he’s closing the downtown eatery which since April 2016 has served classic Indian cuisine and signature dishes, as well as five other locations due in part to “longer structural income versus debt issues.”

He added that the restaurant itself did not fare well enough to support the considerable costs of operating it.

“I love the town, I love the people there but if you can look at Main Street alone the whole street looks empty, everything is for lease,”Chirnomula said. “And I think I have been in New Canaan and I have seen the peak and Main Street was nice and busy—parking was always an issue, but I think right now almost no businesses are open on Main Street. There are not enough diners. I don’t know. Does New Canaan have too many restaurants? It’s definitely a supply-and-demand issue. I love the restaurant where I am, but we just could not afford to keep the restaurant. It is just very expensive.”

A note affixed to the door on India ended with this teaser: “Please stay tuned for ‘Special Announcements.’ ”

Read the complete article here.