Filtering by Category: Features

Mystic Cheese Co. Opens in Groton, CT: Artisanal Cheese Shop, Wine, Beer & Classes

Ingredients Features Openings Groton Cheese Specialty Market

CTbites Team March 06, 2019

In an unusual but convenient industrial park in Groton, just near the Groton Airport, Mystic Cheese Co. is opening a new location this month to serve homemade and artisanal cheeses to the after-work crowd and cheese connoisseurs alike. Upon stepping into the front doors at the new site of Mystic Cheese, visitors are welcomed into a cozy tasting room in which they can perch on barstool seating that offers glimpses into the impressively sized cheese maturation room.

The feeling that the owners, Brian Civitello and Jason Sobocinksi (former owner of the beloved Caseus Cheese), have tried to create with their events and cut to order cheese is relaxed, fun, and unpretentious. Mystic Cheese has definitely accomplished this with their communal tables, friendliness, and awesome narwhal logo. By doing this, their overall aim is to attract people to the world of artisanal cheeses by offering cheeses at multiple price points, cheese-centric food, and educational classes.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For March 4-10th

Features Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 04, 2019

Join Peaches for their Annual Fat Tuesday Party Tuesday, March 5. Enjoy music by The New Orleans Beatniks at 6:00 PM and classic specials from the Big Easy all night long.

The Wakeman Boys and Girls Club, featuring Chef Matt Storch of Match Restaurants, presents a Young At Heart Great Futures Benefit Auction at the Smilow Burroughs Clubhouse on March 9. Visit gfba2019.givesmart.com for tickets and information.

The Hops Company is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day early! Join them before or after the New Haven St. Patrick's Day parade on 3/10 for music, Bag Pipers, the Highland Rovers Irish Band, Guinness Engravings, and more! Zuppardi's is serving up corned beef and cabbage as a classic dish and as a Pizza!

Ambler Farm offers a Youth Apprentice Program from May-October for students currently in grades 5-11. Apprentices meet several times a week to plant, maintain and harvest the farm’s educational gardens and work with Farmer Jonathan in the production gardens.

NEW CTbites Hot Dish Podcast Episode: Day Drinking with Mixologists Craig Ventrice & Dimitrios Zahariadis

Features Podcast Cocktails

Stephanie Webster March 01, 2019

CTbites’ NEW Podcast Episode is here! Roadtrip to Highland Brass Co. for a spirited conversation with mixologists Craig Ventrice & Dimitrios Zahariadis. We do some day drinking and explore heady topics including: the question of bartender vs. mixologist, dealing with assholes, favorite watering holes, dive bars...and we learn how to make the perfect sazerac cocktail. Join us, and have a listen here.

The "Great Westport Burger Contest" Starts Today (via Dan Woog)

Features Burgers Westport

CTbites Team February 28, 2019

This just in from Dan Woog’s 06880 blog.

Sure, tomorrow is the first day of March. We will turn an important corner on our long, dark, snowless winter.

But tomorrow is special for another reason: It’s the first day of the Great Westport Burger Contest.

The restaurants are Amis, Black Duck, Border Grille, Dunville’s, Harvest, Jesup Hall, Jr’s, Little Barn, Match Burger, McDonald’s, Parker Mansion, Rothbard Ale + Larder, Rye Ridge Deli, Shake Shack, Spotted Horse, Tarry Lodge, Tavern on Main and Viva Zapata.

All month long, 18 burger-making restaurants will compete in 7 categories:

Fortina Pizza Debuts "Fortina At Home" Meal Kits!

Features To-Go Meal Kit Cooking Recipe Italian

Andrew Dominick February 28, 2019

If you follow Fortina Pizza or chef/owner Christian Petroni on Instagram, chances are you thought about hitting that “skip a shipment” in your Blue Apron settings for something a little more local and a lot more restaurant quality.

Petroni’s wood-fired restaurants known for their Neapolitan pizza, pasta dishes, and tasty Bronx Italian grub just got in the meal kit game in the middle of February when they launched Fortina At Home.

Congrats To James Beard Awards Semifinalist: Chef Tyler Anderson

Features News

Stephanie Webster February 27, 2019

The James Beard Foundation announced today its list of Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists for the 29th annual James Beard Foundation Awards. Selected from a list of more than 20,000 online entries, the prestigious group of semifinalists in 21 categories represents a wide range of culinary talent, from exceptional chefs and dining destinations nationally and in ten different regions across the U.S., to the best new restaurants, outstanding bar programs, bakers, and rising star chefs 30 or younger.

CT is proud to host a semifinalist for Best Chef: Northeast (CT, MA, ME, NH, NY State, RI, VT).

Congrats to Chef Tyler Anderson, of Millwright’s, TheCook&TheBear & Porrón&Piña.

We recently interviewed Chef Tyler on CTbite's’ Hot Dish Podcast. Check out the interview here, chock full of interesting and unexpected details about this James Beard semifinalist.

Sneak Peek: Two Roads Brewing Opening $15 million "Area Two" Expansion, March 11th

Restaurant Features Openings Brewery Beer CT Beer

James Gribbon February 26, 2019

I love taking people to the tasting room at Two Roads for the first time and showing them all the history you can touch in the place. Feel how the wooden floor is worn down here? This is where decades of workers had to walk to get between the machines of the factory. Look and you can see some of the machines they built and used, just off from the giant mash tuns which rise up through the floor behind the glass. The wooden floor they cut out for the tuns got chopped into pucks and laid down as the bar surface we're leaning on now. Cool, right? The building next door, Two Roads' 25,000 square foot, $15 million dollar expansion, Area Two, is brand new - but it already has plenty of stories to tell.

Area Two will open to the public on Monday, March 11. The new facility is a short walk across the hop yard from the mothership brewery, on the same side of the street. The focus of Area Two is the production of wild, sour, and spontaneously fermented beers.

Nibble: Delicious CT Food Events For Week of February 24-March 3

Features Events News Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 22, 2019

Washington Prime in SoNo presents its annual Game Dinner on February 26. The Price is $85 per person and includes a 5-course meal and open bar! Dishes include Bison Ribeye Tartare, Wild Boar Meatballs, and more.

Max Amore in Glastonbury invites you to a Michele Chiarlo Wine Dinner on Tuesday February 26. The beautiful Italian wines will be features next to an amuse and 4 courses. Tickets are $90 plus tax and tip.

Join Hardcore Sweet Cupcakes in Oakville for a Protein Bar Class on Sunday March 3 at 4pm. Chef Reed will be showing you these easy recipes to do and learn at home! All supplies are included. Tickets are $35 per person.

Sport Hill Farm’s Cash Crop CSA is here! Set up a Crop Cash account and pre-pay for the amount you budget. They set up a farm credit account in your name, deduct your purchases and send you a receipt with your remaining balance. Good for any purchases in the Market during our growing season between Memorial Day and late December.

Westport Farmers' Mkt Launches 2019 Fork it Over Series with Brunch at The Whelk

Features Events

Lori Cochran February 21, 2019

Fans of Westport restaurateur Bill Taibe and Anthony Kostelis won’t want to miss the Westport Farmers’ Market annual Fork it Over on March 10, 2019 at The Whelk. Only 60 tickets are available for the this intimate Kiddish BRUNCH event where community members gather for great food and conversation in support of the Westport Farmers’ Market. Special Chef Guest includes Arik Bensimon (most recently at Le Farm), so we are pretty excited to get this chef team back together.

This year’s theme honors WFM’s celebration of culture and the recipes that inspire our communities. “Chefs Taibe and Anthony Kostelis promise to take their culinary talents over the top for this special brunch experience and we can’t wait!” said Lori Cochran-Dougall.

NEW CTbites Hot Dish Podcast Episode: The CTbites Family Edition #1

Interview Features Podcast

Stephanie Webster February 14, 2019

CTbites Hot Dish Podcast is back with Episode 2: CTbites Family Edition #1. Break bread (no...literally) with the CTbites team Chez Webster. Join Stephanie Webster, Andrew Dominick, Kristin L. Wolfe and our host, Marysol Castro, for a lively conversation about CT restaurant openings, favorite meals, the issue of "reviewer vs. critic”…all while we polish off a bottle of bourbon.

How do you listen to CTbites Hot Dish?

CTbites Hot Dish is a bi-weekly podcast. To listen, use PODCAST App (or any podcast player).
Search for CTbites Hot Dish or click here.
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Enjoy at your leisure.

Nibble: Tasty & Boozy Food Events for February 17-24th

Features Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 14, 2019

In honor of National Margarita Day on February 22nd, join Harlan Publick, Evarito's, Cantiki, El Segundo, Tablao Wine Bar & Restaurant and Saltwater Sono for a Margarita Crawl! Enjoy $5 House Margaritas all day long at each location! ($8 Premium Margaritas will also be available.

Learn how to cook Indian food with Chef Prasad on Saturday February 23, 2019 @ 1 PM. Dishes include Hyderabadi, Biryani & many others. Limited Seating…Email reservation only to chef@chefprasad.com.

Barcelona Wine Bar in Stamford hosts an “I Dream of Summer Suckling Pig Dinner Party” on Thursday 2/21 from 7-10pm. Chef Michael Lucente ic cooking up a suckling pig roast, tapas, and serving them with sangria & cocktails to match. Tickets are $40.

Artisan West Hartford is unveiling two new “O’Keeffe Cocktails and Cuisine,” in support of The New Britain Museum of Art and Architecture’s new Georgia O’Keeffe installation (running February 22-June, 2019). Sample the gorgeous “Cocktail Art” at Artisan on Thursday, February 21st from 4:30pm-6:00pm at an “O’Keeffe Cocktail Party”.

Guide to Gluten Free Dining in Connecticut Via Gluten Free New England

Features Restaurant Gluten-Free Special Dietary Needs Specialty Market Best of CT Homepage

Gluten-Free New England February 10, 2019

This comprehensive guide to gluten-free dining in Connecticut is brought to you by Abby Kelly, founder of Gluten-Free New England.

Connecticut has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to gluten-free dining. And, as the number of people avoiding gluten rises at record pace, the number of restaurants working to accommodate them is absolutely skyrocketing. Although this makes going out to eat really fun, it also makes the job of compiling a list of favorites really difficult. And so, we present to you some of our favorite restaurants offering excellent gluten-free options. If we missed one of your favorites, please add your spot to the comments section below.

D2 Interieurs Valentine's Day Gift Guide For the Stylish Foodie

Features Entertaining Gift Guide Shopping Design Style

CTbites Team February 06, 2019

Denise Davies of D2 Interieurs dishes on great gifts for your Valentine. Let your gifts speak from the heart AND the taste buds. The list has something for everyone, from the chef to the foodie this curated go-to is sure to please even the pickiest Valentine.

Valentine's Day CT Gift Guide: Cocktails Kits, Chocolates, Classes, Boozy Treats & More!

Features Gift Guide Holiday Homepage

April Guilbault February 03, 2019

Pitter pat, pitter pat. Oh, be still my heart! Although, some might argue that the sound they hear around this time of the year is the sound of pure dread. Embrace this holiday of love and get your cupid on! Back to that pitter pat you are hearing. What to do to surprise your Valentine? There is so much out there beyond the usual bunch of overpriced red roses and glittery greeting card-not that we have anything against glitter, mind you. Behold! We have found cocktail kits, chocolate-making classes, specialty brews and wines. Oh, what fun this day of love shall be! Best part is that so many of these great (lovely?) ideas can be done throughout the year…so that you declare your love again and again and again….

80+ CT Restaurants & Events for Valentine's Day

Features Holiday Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 03, 2019

Love is in the air! Are you feeling romantic? These Connecticut restaurants, bars, and venues are serving up prix fixe menus, special dishes, and other festivities. Get your special someone and partake in these dining delights that would make cupid proud.

Homestead Inn, Greenwich: The Homestead Inn will serve a prix fixe Valentine’s Dinner for $90 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
On20, Hartford: At On20 in Hartford, feast on a 6-Course Tasting for $160 per person, which includes beverage pairings. Dishes include caviar, foie gras torchon, lobster, beef tenderloin, and more.
The Cottage, Westport: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a loved one at The Cottage on February 14, where they’ll be presenting a special four-course, prix-fixe dinner prepared by Chef Brian Lewis and his team, with extended hours from 5:30pm – 10:30p.
Harlan Publick, Norwalk: At Norwalk’s Harlan Publick, dine on a 3 course prix fixe menu for $49 per person, plus tax and gratuity. As a romantic bonus, sip on a complimentary glass of prosecco upon arrival.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For February 4-10

Features News Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 03, 2019

Wakeman Town Farm welcomes Chef Carlos Baez of El Segundo and The Spread on Thursday February 7. Join them for an intimate dining experience in Tim's Kitchen, featuring a four-course winter menu. $100 pp. Limited seating. First-come, first served. BYOB.

Bobby Q’s & Co. has partnered with Letizia’s Pizza to create a Pulled Pork Pizza that will be sold throughout February at Letizia’s. All Proceeds raised from the purchase of this pie will be donated to “Filling in the Blanks,” an organization that provides meals to kids in need on weekends. Go forth and eat pulled pork pizza!!

On Monday February 4, The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum in Hartford hosts “Food & Film: Crazy Rich Asians.” The evening begins with a screening of the hit moves at 4pm and continues with dinner catered by Mill Restaurant Group. Tickets start at $60.

Chef Prasad of India Kitchen invites you to a cooking class on February 9 at 2pm. Start by discussing the regions of India and the menu for the day. Then, cook for about 2 hours before having an early dinner and open Q & A with Chef Prasad. $95 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Email chef@chefprasad.com to reserve.

The Seaport Association hosts “Taste of the Seaport Restaurant Tour Card.” Enjoy deals at participating restaurants as well as buy-one-get-one entrees for just $50 per card. Proceeds benefit the Sheffield Island Lighthouse.

Taste of Fairfield- WinterFest: Photo Recap

Features Events

Jessica Ryan February 01, 2019

Another amazing Taste of Fairfield - WinterFest took place this past weekend at Fairfield's tony Brooklawn Country Club. A sold out event, over 500 people sampled, sipped and grazed the afternoon away, enjoying all the wonderful food and beverage provided by local restaurants, specialty markets, winemakers, craft brewers and others served. Guests enjoyed signature dishes, bite sized nibbles, and decadent desserts in addition to curated cocktails and specialty beverages. WinterFest also served up plenty of entertainment, from comedy to bowling in the club's spectacular 6 lane bowling alley. Plans are already being set in motion for next year's event... So stay tuned!

CTbites Hot Dish Podcast Launches TODAY w/ Chef Tyler Anderson

Features Openings Podcast inter Celebrity Chef Homepage

Stephanie Webster January 30, 2019

It’s official. CTbites is launching our first original podcast, “CTbites Hot Dish.” Obviously, we all love to get the inside scoop on all things culinary. CTbites Hot Dish takes you behind the scenes with CT chefs, farmers, bartenders and local food activists. Our host, Marysol Castro, broadcast journalist, NY Mets PA announcer and all around ball buster, will serve up a saucy look into the CT food scene. She will be joined by a rotating cast of CTbites crew including myself in our CTbites Family episodes, where we will shoot the sh#t on the latest CT food news. This is gonna be fun people. (And yeah…it’s explicit.)

This week, we sit down with Chef Tyler Anderson, Top Chef, Punk rock singer, baseball player, and owner of Millwright’s, Porron & Piña, and The Cook & The Bear (+ a new spot coming soon…you’ll need to listen to find out more). LISTEN HERE. Many thanks to our launch sponsor, Norwalk Now, where Norwalk businesses come together to bring you their city in real time.

Nibble: Super Tasty, Boozy, and Fun CT Food Events for Week of January 28 to February 3

Features Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson January 25, 2019

The Doro Restaurant Food Crawl takes place on Monday January 28. Begin the evening at Treva for wine and appetizers before heading to Zohara Mediterranean Kitchen for an incredible family meal. Finish at Àvert Brasserie. Tickets are $75.

Taste of Hartford continues through February 3! Participating restaurants throughout the Greater Hartford area will offer special multi-course, price-fixed menus.

Now on Tuesday Night, The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood presents “Burgers, Bourbon, & Beer.” Enjoy one of the chef’s burger creations or customize your own. Craft beer selections and brown spirits round out this comforting menu.

Bourbon Raw in Norwalk will have a High West Whiskey Dinner on Tuesday January 29. The evening includes a cocktail reception and 4 course dinner with drink pairings. Tickets are $70 per person and the event starts at 6:30pm.

East Rock Brewing Company Opens In New Haven

Features New Haven Brewery Openings Beer Dinner CT Beer

James Gribbon January 24, 2019

Pull back the hour hand on the clock of geologic time and the land in what was once New Haven begins to fill in. The sandstone rises up, glaciers come and go again in reverse, and the scenery levels off. The view across the water isn't Long Island - the glaciers pulled that land back with them - it's what will become Morocco. Now spin the clock forward again. The continents drift - ice, then not ice again - and the land erodes away until something seems to rise up again: the traprock scarp we know as East Rock. There's a lot of history here, and the newest bit to crop up is East Rock Brewing Company.