30+ Restaurants for Christmas Eve & Christmas in CT: 2018 Edition Features Christmas Holiday Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson December 12, 2018 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. Read More
"Scraps" TV Host Chef Gamoran & CT's Jacques Pépin Create A Feast with Food Considered "Waste" Features TV Celebrity Chef Stephanie Webster December 12, 2018 FYI’s culinary series “Scraps,” returns for a second season where host Chef Joel Gamoran travels across the U.S. creating incredible feasts in the most breathtaking locales, using ingredients people throw away. In each episode Chef Gamoran partners with brilliant chefs and fellow food waste champions to celebrate the local cuisine and create a delicious meal with food items most people would consider to be waste. A recent shoot brought Chef Gamoran to CT, where he cooked with legendary chef Jacques Pépin. The episode will be airing on FYI at 10 PM on Thursday, December 13th and will also re-air on A&E at 9 AM EST on A&E. Read More
"OOPS I Ate My CBD:" CBD Infused Gourmet Chocolate Bars Features Ingredients Local Artisan Dessert Chocolate Specialty Market Homepage Stephanie Webster December 11, 2018 There is a lot of buzz going around regarding CBD, and also quite a few misconceptions. CBD, is one of the chemicals in cannabis, but unlike THC (also found in Marajuana), CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that is emerging as a very popular wellness ingredient. The plant extract, often consumed as an oil under the tongue, is now the featured ingredient in high-end products including body lotion, olive oil, cold-brew coffee, infused water, and even dog treats. Local start up, “Oops I Ate My CBD” is leveraging this emerging trend to create gourmet hemp infused chocolate bars, which come complete with 50mg of CBD per serving. The bars are made with 99.6% pure hemp derived CBD Isolate, and contains zero THC. Hence it is legal in all 50 states…and the chocolate is delicious. (Plus, I was VERY relaxed after my tasting) Read More
Watch Chef Eric Felitto of The Chelsea & Tasty Yolk Live on Food Network's Chopped Dec. 18th Features Events Stephanie Webster December 09, 2018 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. Things are gonna heat up and get pretty tasty starting at 8PM. Chef Felitto is parking the Tasty Yolk food truck outside The Chelsea for the evening, and guests will enjoy FREE nibbles from both The Chelsea & Tasty Yolk from 8-9PM. The action really starts at 9PM when all eyes will be on the TV as Chopped declares their winner! We strongly recommend reservations by calling 203-254-8200. Read More
Drink & Do Good! 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl for a Cause: ALL Ticket $$ Goes To Open Door Shelter Features Events Stephanie Webster December 09, 2018 Put on your best holiday onesies, Santa suits, ugly sweaters, and elf costumes and get ready to crawl at the 1st Annual 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl for a Cause, Sunday December 16th 11am-10pm in Norwalk. All participating bars will have drink specials.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. Check out the amazing list of Norwalk bars below. Grab your $20 ticket here. Read More
Nibble: Delicious CT Food Events for Week of Dec. 9-16 Features Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson December 07, 2018 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. Read More
CTbites 2018 Holiday Gift Guide for CT Food Lovers Features Best of CT Gift Guide Holiday Homepage April Guilbault December 02, 2018 ’Tis the season of holidays, sparkly and bright, there’s baking and partying well into the night The children are excited and the adults somewhat stressed, with planning and wrapping and finding the perfect Christmas vest What shall we get for Aunt Mo or Uncle Buck, it’s hard to decide, we aren’t having much luck But wait, it’s the Guide, the almighty Gift Guide! CTbites to the rescue, we exclaimed, we cried! There’s something for everyone, your foodies and friends, we’ve found several classics, along with a few trendsSo wrap them up lovingly with great care and great pride, and present these gifts with a gleam in your eye How merry, how happy, the recipients will be, and you, the giver, will be brimming with glee! Read More
Nibble: Fabulous CT Food Events For Week of December 2-9 Features Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson December 02, 2018 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. Read More
Where to Eat in Miami: MIABites' Art Basel Dining Guide Features Miami ellen bowen December 01, 2018 Art Basel and Miami Art Week starts next week with previews, opening night parties and of course, ART. But did you know that MIAbites has nicknamed Art Basel… EAT Basel? "Where should we eat in Miami?" Here are some of Our Contributors Best Bites for Art Basel dining in and around Miami, Miami Beach, Wynwood and the Design District. 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 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. Read More
Robin Selden's Holiday Food Art Tips c/o Marcia Selden Catering (sponsored post) Features Catering Entertaining Design Marcia Selden Catering November 30, 2018 The presence of food as edible décor is unexpected and exciting! People eat with their eyes, so before they even take a seat their mouths are watering just looking at your table! Beautiful tablescape design, incorporating food, is the key to these spectacular tables. Holiday theming and scheming can be a little overwhelming so eliminate the stress with these terrific ideas from a few of our recent events: Read More
Half Full Brewery Winter Beer Garden To Open in Stamford's Mill River Park December 7th Features Brewery Beer Garden Pop-Up Bar Stamford CT Beer Beer CTbites Team November 30, 2018
It's A Woman's World: Jodi Bernard, Fortina Pizza's Director of Operations Features Interview Chef Talk Stephanie Webster November 27, 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 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 Jodi Bernard, Director of Operations at Fortina Pizza. Stay tuned to see who’s next. And feel free to send suggestions for your candidates to steph@ctbites.com. Read More
"Miracle" Christmas Themed Pop-up Cocktail Bar Opens Nov 24 in CT Features Cocktails Bar Pop-Up Bar Homepage Stephanie Webster November 18, 2018 Miracle, the beloved Christmas themed holiday pop-up cocktail bar launched in 2014 in New York City, will continue spreading holiday cheer this year with over 50 locations around the world. Think professionally-developed holiday cocktails in the kitschiest and most over the top festive setting you’ve ever seen. The Miracle pop-ups launch the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 24, and party through Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24. In our fair state of Connecticut you can find the pop up at two locations: Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of November 19-25: Thanksgiving Eve Parties + More Features Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 18, 2018 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. Read More
80+ CT Restaurants & Venues for The Perfect Holiday Party: 2018 Edition Features Holiday Catering Entertaining Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 16, 2018 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. Read More
WIN 20 Person Chipotle Catering Event FREE! (sponsored post) Features Giveaway CTbites Team November 14, 2018 Wanna throw a holiday party, but short on cash? Enter to WIN a 20 Person Chipotle Catering Event… FREE! To Enter: 1. Comment below w/ your email 2. You must be a CTbites newsletter subscriber. Subscribe here.Take all the guesswork out of your next holiday party. Chipotle provides everything you need for a full catering spread for six to 200 people. Why is this so incredibly great? Read on… Read More
55+ Restaurants & Caterers for Thanksgiving in CT: 2018 Edition Features Thanksgiving Holiday Catering Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 13, 2018 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. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events For Nov 11-18: Champagne, Bourbon & Wine Dinners, Cooking Classes, Beer Events & Food Trucks Features News Wine Dinners Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 09, 2018 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. Read More
Recap: Newport Wine + Food Festival 2018 Features Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 08, 2018 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. Read More
Cheesy Recap: The Great Mac and Chili Challenge Features Events CTbites Team November 08, 2018 Breaking Mac & Cheese news: The 2018 Great Mac and Chili Challenge winners have been announced! Hub & Spoke in Bridgeport won for the third year in a row for their classic 3 bean beef chili. Old Post Tavern won the creative chili category with a “meat lovers chili.” Burger Bar & Bistro in Norwalk won the classic mac ‘n cheese category for the second consecutive year beating runner up Tacos Mexico in Norwalk and their “Queso Mac.” In the hotly contested creative mac category, Cask Republic in Stamford won for their second championship with their popular pesto mac ‘n cheese. Read More
