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Friday Froth: 12 Connecticut IPAs And A Sweep At The 2018 Blind Beer Awards

Features Ingredients Friday Froth Beer CT Beer Events

James Gribbon April 27, 2018

Being a beer writer, as you'd expect, has its perks. For a few years one of these was being chosen to serve on a panel of expert judges at the Connecticut Blind Beer Awards, a competition between a dozen local beers which takes the popularity contest aspect out of the equation by serving each from unlabeled, color-coded taps. The event is held each year at the Blind Rhino in South Norwalk, and while brewery representatives are on hand in case their brewery wins one of the awards, they are sequestered away from public view in the bar's basement to bottle share, play beer pong, and perform impromptu interior decorating with some cans of spray paint they found, until the Experts Choice and People's Choice are handed out. I had no formal connection with the awards this year, attending instead as a civilian, and drank all twelve of the CT beers on tap. Here is how that went.

Barcelona Wine Bar & Restaurant Offers Guests Garden-to-Table Dining

Features Fairfield farm fresh Farm to Table Ingredients

CTbites Team April 26, 2018

Robert Atkinson is impatient with Mother Nature. The 12 vegetable beds beneath the patio of the Barcelona Wine Bar & Restaurant in Fairfield are awaiting the seeds for their sixth year of providing homegrown ingredients to the Fairfield restaurant’s kitchen, but the New England weather has not been cooperating.

This will be the sixth year of Barcelona’s vegetable garden, which offers patrons the opportunity to select ingredients for preparation by the restaurant’s kitchen staff. “I always like to tell people it’s better than farm-to-table,” continued Atkinson. “It is garden-to-table, and there is no transportation because the farmers aren’t even driving it over.”

Chef Luke Venner of Elm Cooks The James Beard House May 14

Features Events

Stephanie Webster April 25, 2018

Chef Luke Venner of Elm restaurant will be cooking a very special meal at the prestigious James Beard Foundation to bring a taste of "Connecticut Spring" to the Beard House on Monday, May 14th. Designed to celebrate, nurture and honor chefs who make America's food culture more delicious and sustainable, the Beard House Dinners are prepared by culinary masters from all regions of the US and around the world.

Chef Luke will prepare an elegant menu of seasonal selections inspired by his reverence for local purveyors and producers paired with his choice of wines. Beard House Dinners are open to the public; for more information: https://www.jamesbeard.org/events/connecticut-elegance. View the complete menu below:

Nibble: CT Food Events For April 29- May 6

Features Events Beer Dinner Pop-Up Dinner

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 25, 2018

The 5th Annual Ridgefield Gone Country BBQ Festival in Ridgefield starts Saturday May 5 at 11am and runs through Sunday 5pm. The Event will be held at the Historic Lounsbury House at 316 Main Street. Tickets: $10 for adults and $5 for students. Children under 12 are FREE.

Sunday, April 29th, Half Full Brewery is hosting a pig roast with Hoodoo Brown BBQ. Doors open at 12:00 for beers, starting at 1:00 Hoodoo will be serving up BBQ Wings (tossed in Red Bee Honey Sauce), and a Pig Roast that will feature a whole hog, apple-vinegar slaw, slider buns, cornbread, and mac and cheese. Reserve tickets here.

Tickets for The Schoolhouse at Cannondale’s Farm to Fork series go on sale May 1. Each evening includes a cocktail hour, a farm tour, and four locally sourced courses under the stars by Chef Tim LaBant. It takes place at Millstone Farm in Wilton, CT.

On Monday April 30, head over to Terrain Garden Café in Westport for “Dishing Local.” CTbites and the Westport Farmers Market welcome foodies to a food-focused evening and open forum in the terrain Garden Cafe. They’ll gather with some of the local food community's leading talents to discuss the latest trends, everyday eating, and tips and secrets from farmers and restaurateurs. This event is free and open to the public. Food and beverage available for purchase.

On Tuesday May 2, Fairfield Cheese Company presents “Cheese 102: Beyond the Basics with Arethusa Farm.” The class will expand on the basics and delve into cheese making, history, science, and more. Plus, taste plenty of cheeses and complementary wines. Tickets are $50 and the class runs from 7-9pm.

CLASP Homes 14th TASTE OF WESTPORT will take place on Thursday May 3 from 6-9pm at the Westport Inn. Enjoy samplings of specialty dishes from Amis, Harvest Wine Bar, Hummock Island Oysters, Pearl at Longshore, Saltwater, Bobby Q’s Cue & Co., Tablao, and more. There will be plenty to drink as well! Tickets are $75 prepaid, $85 at the door.

It's A Woman's World: Sarah Bouissou of Bernard's & Sarah's Wine Bar

Interview Features Interview

CTbites Team April 24, 2018

Fairfield County is full of trailblazing women, particularly in the culinary world. Which is why, with 2018 being proclaimed the Year of the Woman, we felt compelled to honor the pioneers among us.

Our new series, “It’s A Woman’s World’ is devoted to Fairfield County female influencers who’ve forged their own paths, often in food-related fields long dominated by men.

Whether farming the land, bringing healthy food to the masses, feeding an entrepreneurial spirit or injecting feminism with food, these groundbreaking ladies have set a new definition of women’s work, creating new paths and setting examples for those who follow.

How'd they do it? Read on. This week, our focus turns to Sarah Bouissou, Owner/Events Coordinator, Bernard's/Sarah's Wine Bar/Sarah Bouissou Catering. Have a suggestion on someone you’d like to see featured? Email steph@ctbites.com.

Guide To Cooking Classes in Connecticut: 18 Spots To Get Schooled

Features Cooking Classes kids cooking party Education Entertaining Catering Homepage

April Guilbault April 20, 2018

It’s not warm enough to totally be outdoors and you’ve got a wicked case of cabin fever after this roller coaster of a winter. What’s a food loving, experience-hungry, knowledge-loving person to do? Take a class! Specifically, a *food* class! From breads to butchery, cheeses to fondant, we’ve assembled a class list that will have you hungry to learn, so to speak. Using the skills offered in these classes, you (and your friends, if a group activity if something you are looking for) can learn a wide variety of culinary skills that will allow you to have fun in the moment but then take that fun back to your own kitchen and share it. Learn to cook for a crowd, perfect skills you’ve been thinking you need a smidge of help with, or just do something different for an evening. Break out of that bread box! Strike a new (knife) pose! Any way you slice it (see what I did there?), you are going to have a grand time…learning! Who knew?

CT Guide To Raw Milk: Why Raw and Where To Buy in CT?

Features Ingredients Ingredients Farm to Table CT Farms Local Farm

Luke Shanahan April 19, 2018

I submit that raw milk might just be the most real of all foods.

Start with the fact that milk is the only food created specifically to feed something. (Honey doesn’t count, as the pollen honey is made from has its own agenda.) Synonymous with nourishment, raw milk is the first food most human beings—all mammals—ingest. And raw milk, for it to be free of any off flavors and to be safe to drink, requires painstaking care to produce. Every little step in the process matters.

The subtle and intricate flavors in raw milk, the very opposite of the one-note flavor of pasteurized milk or, worse, the waxy cardboard taste vacuum of skim, come from the undenatured biocomplexity in unpasteurized milk. When I read chemists-for-hire claiming, on behalf of big commercial dairy, that there isn't that much nutritional difference between pasteurized and raw, I choose to trust my palate. Well, my palate and the biochemists who say that the difference is real and considerable.

Nibble: CT Food Events for April 22-29

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 18, 2018

Stratford Restaurant Week will take place from April 22-28. Participating restaurants include neighborhood favorites like Riverview Bistro, The Beach House Grill, Outriggers, Joey C’s, Paradise Pizza, The Lazy Dog Tavern, Kama Sushi, and more.

Food Rescue US, the direct-transfer food rescue organization dedicated to ending food insecurity in America, is thrilled to present their signature fundraising event, Food for All on Wednesday April 25.

Visit Ambler Farm on Saturday April 28 for a Spring Pancake Breakfast from 11am-12:30pm. Plus, catch up with the farm animals, do a fun spring-themed craft, and watch the sheep have their wool shorn in preparation for warmer weather. It is $15 per adult and $5 per child.

On Monday April 23, L’escale will host a wine dinner featuring Pago de Carraovejas. The meal will include dishes like Grilled Lamb Chop, Heritage Pork Loin, Octopus “Escabeche,” and more. It costs $85 per person.

Join Matt Storch at Match Restaurant in South Norwalk and tune in LIVE to watch Matt battle it out on The Food Network's Chopped. It all goes down April 24th with a full evening's line up events.

Watch Chef Matt Storch Live on Food Network's Chopped April 24th

Features Events

Stephanie Webster April 13, 2018

Join Matt Storch at Match Restaurant in South Norwalk and tune in LIVE to watch Matt battle it out on The Food Network's Chopped. It all goes down April 24th with a full evening's line up events. CTbites and Ken Tuccio will be in the house at 9:15 with a live podcast. At 9:00pm Match will host their late night happy hour including a Broken Shed Vodka Chopped Competition where YOU get to be the JUDGE. At 10pm they will fire up the huge screen and projector to view the premiere of the episode.

Make your reservations now!

Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of April 15 to 22

Features Events Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 12, 2018

Melt Mobile has added a new truck to the fleet. “Earl” can now accommodate up to 500 people (50 Minimum). www.melt-mobile.com/catering.

The Spread in Sono & Greenwich have a NEW Happy Hour Monday-Friday 4:30-6:30pm, $6 cocktails, wine & beer, and Chef Carlos' tasty snacks.

Bartaco is introducing new dishes this month! Visit them for gazpacho, blistered shishito peppers, a chicken pastor taco and rice bowl, duck quesadilla, and more.

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, famous for its New Haven-style pizzas, has launched its first ever loyalty program, Pepe’s Rewards. Pepe’s fans can earn one point for each dollar spent and members who collect 250 points will receive a $20 gift to use toward Pepe’s iconic pizza pies. Additionally, members will be gifted a $15 credit on their birthday and will receive a variety of special promotions along the way. https://frankpepesrewards.myguestaccount.com/guest/

Washington Prime will host a Duckhorn Vineyards Wine Dinner on April 17. The SoNo location invites you to a 5 course wine pairing dinner for $95 per person, plus tax and gratuity. http://washingtonprimect.com/events/wp-sono

Butchers & Bakers in Farmington is opening its patio! Join them on Thursday April 19 when they debut the outdoor space. There will be live music from Dangerous Play, $3 Salute American Vodka cocktails, $2 Bud and Bud Light, $5 Cheese Pizzas, and 50 cent wings!

On Thursday April 19, Fairfield Cheese Company, Cato Corner Farm, and Kent Falls Brewery are teaming up for cheese class. It costs $50 per person and runs from 7-9pm. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/farmhouse-cheeses-with-cato-corner-tickets-43209806695

Newbrook Kitchen + Market has announced new dates for its popular 6-course tasting dinners! On Friday April 20, join them for a “Southern Comfort” menu featuring Shrimp & "Grits," Fried Chicken Livers, "Corn Bread" & Tomato Salad, Pulled Pork Biscuit Dumpling, Crab Cake & Brussels, and Carrot Cake. https://www.newbrookkitchen.com/shop-1

It's A Woman's World: Annie Farrell, Sustainable Farmer, Millstone Farm

Features CT Farms Local Farm Interview

CTbites Team April 10, 2018

Fairfield County is full of trailblazing women, particularly in the culinary world. Which is why, with 2018 being proclaimed the Year of the Woman, we felt compelled to honor the pioneers among us.

Our new series, “It’s A Woman’s World’ is devoted to Fairfield County female influencers who’ve forged their own paths, often in food-related fields long dominated by men.

How'd they do it? Read on. This week, we feature Annie Farrell, a pioneer in sustainable farming, and farmer at Millstone Farm in Wilton CT. Stay tuned to see who’s next. And feel free to send suggestions for your candidates to steph@ctbites.com.

WIN FREE TIX to the Third Annual Connecticut Blind Beer Awards

Features Events

CTbites Team April 09, 2018

The Blind Rhino will host the Third Annual Connecticut Blind Beer Awards on Saturday, April 21st, from 1pm – 5pm, in Norwalk CT. Only 100 tickets are available and they can be purchased here.

TO WIN 2 FREE TICKETS ($100 value) to the CT Blind Beer Awards, tell us why you NEED to attend this event below. We will select a winner on Thursday, April 19th.

The Connecticut Blind Beer Awards is a unique beer tasting-experience, hosted by Ken Tuccio, where hype and bias are eliminated and beer drinkers decide what they like based solely on the liquid.

Recap: Beers & Bites at Half Full Brewery with Knot Norms and Hapa Food Truck

Features Homepage Dinner Events Beer Dinner CT Beer CTbites Invites

Andrew Dominick April 05, 2018

Did you ever hear the one about the food truck chef and the restaurant chef at a local brewery?

Wait, that’s a real thing. There’s no punchline.

What I’m talking about here is the first ever Beers & Bites event that was held on April 5, 2018 at Half Full Brewery in Stamford. Beers & Bites is a collaboration between CTbites, Half Full Brewery, local food trucks and chefs.

The idea behind Beers & Bites is to team a food truck chef and a restaurant chef to collaborate on a menu that gets paired with Half Full’s thirst-quenching brews. Think of it as a beer dinner where you won’t leave feeling overstuffed; it’s just enough food and drink. For $50 you get four-courses, four beers (refills were common so it’s a little more than four), a commemorative Beers & Bites snifter glass, and a damn good time in a non-pretentious, not overcrowded taproom.

Nibble: CT Food Events For April 8-15

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Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 05, 2018

Fortina now has a new happy hour every day! Plus, during the month of April, say the magic word- “boom”- to your server, and get 50% off a pizza of your choice. Limit one per table.

Beloved Heibeck’s Stand will officially open in Wilton on Tuesday April 10.

Stony Creek Brewery in Branford will host the first ever showing of the No Man's Land Film Festival on Tuesday April 10. The No Man's Land Film Festival is an all-female adventure film festival based out of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Doors open at 6pm and a $10 admission donation goes to the CCAP o advance cycling for girls in Connecticut.

Visit the Tasty Yolk during the month of April for the “Wilburrito 2.0” special. The breakfast offering consists of Cochinita Pernil (pulled pork), cheddar cheese, 2 eggs, and guacamole.

On Tuesday April 10, Fairfield Cheese Company will hold “Cheese 101,” their popular class covering cheese basics. Learn about cheese-making, storage, and serving and taste an assortment of cheeses alongside complementary wines. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased online.

CTbites Joins Cinco de Mayo Block Party, Taco & Margarita Competition w/ Ken Tuccio

Features Events

Stephanie Webster April 04, 2018

Ken Tuccio is teaming up with Don Carmelo’s Mexican Grill in Norwalk CT for CINCO, an all day block party event, going down on Saturday May 5th at Don Carmelo’s. This event kicks off at 12pm and goes all day and it is absolutely loaded with events and activities.

This block party is also going to feature two separate culinary competitions featuring some of Fairfield County’s best restaurants.

At 2pm there will be a Best Taco Contest, during which four restaurants will battle to see who can create the best taco. The competing restaurants are Don Carmelo’s, El Segundo, Saltwater Restaurant and Chef Carol Koty, who has appeared on several Food Network programs. A panel of some of Connecticut’s best known food experts will be doing the judging (including CTbites)!

At 5pm it’s margarita time, when Don Carmelo’s, The Blind Rhino, Washington Prime and The Spread battle it out in a Best Margarita Contest! The judging panel consists of Teresa DuFour from WTNH’s CT Style, Esther Katro from Fox 61, Lora and Bev from Unlocking Connecticut and James Gribbon from CTBites!

Tix On Sale May 1st for Chef Tim LaBant's 2018's Farm to Fork Dinners at Millstone Farm

Features Farm to Table Farm Dinner CT Farms

Stephanie Webster April 03, 2018

Chef Tim LaBant and The Schoolhouse At Cannondale have released the schedule for the 2018 season’s Farm to Fork dinners. Tickets go on sale May 1st...and they go fast! Check out the schedule below.

Four locally sourced courses served family style under the stars (weather permitting). Beginning at 6 pm, Cocktail hour (drinks included), Farm Tour and Dinner (BYOB) by Wilton's own, Chef Tim LaBant of The Schoolhouse at Cannondale. Location: Millstone Farm, Wilton, CT.

Dinner is BYOB starting at around 7 pm and is four courses, family style.

Ivy’s Gourmet Offers Completely Unique Granola You'll Want To Eat All Day

Features Ingredients Ingredients Local Artisan Breakfast

Sarah Green April 03, 2018

Move over, all you factory-produced, sugar blasted, oat-heavy granolas - there’s a new-chew in town. It’s just about that time of year when your pantry could use a purge so make some room for Sarah Tamm’s small-batch delights; time to stock up on IVY’S GOURMET granola. With a predominance of fruits, seeds and nuts as the base for all her granola blends, Tamm uses dynamic spice combinations to brighten the palette and creates interesting flavor profiles - both sweet and savory. Sure, you can purchase Chocolate Almond or Cinnamon Raisin if the “norm” is what rolls your oats. But why not be daring and try something out of the ordinary? Curry Cashew, by chance? Strawberry Rosewater? Sarah Tamm has created bold and satisfying artisanal granola, sold in several sizes from snack to bulk.

Oreo Vodka To Be Released This Spring in CT Test Market

Features News

Stephanie Webster April 01, 2018

This just in from the folks that make the most deliciously addictive cookie in the supermarket snack aisle. The innovation team at Oreo has made some pretty incredible brand extensions in the past few years, including; Oreo O's breakfast cereal, Oreo ice cream, Oreo Jell-O, Oreo pudding crust, cake mix, frosting, brownies, granola bars, and candy...not to mention the wildly popular limited edition Oreo flavors that scroll by on your Instagram feed every few months.

Yesterday, Oreo announced a very exciting brand extension/partnership with Smirnoff Vodka. Wait for it people...OREO VODKA!! No longer will beverage and cookie lovers have to get their buzz on separately. What does it taste like? We don't know yet, as we haven't managed to get our hands on a bottle. However, CT is one of 14 test markets across the country, so keep your eyes open at your local liquor story. If you find it, let us know. Happy drinking!

Photo courtesy of @WrecklessEating

It's A Woman's World: Greer Fredericks, Restaurateur & Owner, Peaches

Features Interview Interview Chef Talk Best of CT Homepage

CTbites Team March 29, 2018

Fairfield County is full of trailblazing women, particularly in the culinary world. Which is why, with 2018 being proclaimed the Year of the Woman, we felt compelled to honor the pioneers among us.

Our new series, “It’s A Woman’s World’ is devoted to Fairfield County female influencers who’ve forged their own paths, often in food-related fields long dominated by men.

How'd they do it? Read on. This week, we feature Greer Fredericks, Owner of Peaches in Norwalk. Stay tuned to see who’s next. And feel free to send suggestions for your candidates to steph@ctbites.com.

Giveaway! WIN FREE TIX to East Coast Brew Festival June 16th

Features Events Giveaway

Stephanie Webster March 28, 2018

GoodWorks Entertainment presents their second annual craft beer festival. From the same people that brought you Flavour Beer Festival, get ready for EAST COAST BREW FESTIVAL. ECBF will take place on Saturday, June 16, 2018 from 2 PM until 5 PM at The Warehouse at Fairfield Theatre Company (70 Sanford Street in Fairfield, Connecticut).

CTbites is GIVING AWAY 2 FREE TICKETS to East Coast Brew Festival. To win, tell us WHY YOU NEED TO GO in the comments section below, and make sure you are a CTbites Newsletter Subscriber!