Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For Week of June 2-9 Features News Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 29, 2019 Visit Taprock Beer Bar in Farmington on Monday June 3 for an evening with Bellis Bourbon. The amazing CT product recently hit the market. Meet the creators, chat with the mixologists, enjoy three different Bellis Bourbon cocktails, and dine on some appetizers. Tickets are $40 online and $45 at the door. Back40 Kitchen in Greenwich invites you to a Maison Louis Jadot "Gems of France" Wine Dinner on June 6. Each course has been carefully designed to highlight 5 wines. It is $95/person, tax and gratuity excluded. Email Sandra@back40kitchen.com to reserve your seat today! Summer is finally here and what better way to kick-off the season than a beer at East Rock Brewing Company in New Haven? Visit them on June 6 for an afternoon of socializing over beer, pizza, and board games. This “Summer Social Kickoff” is free, but registration must be completed online. Elm City Social in New Haven hosts “The Mixer” on Tuesday June 4. The event, which takes place on Elm City Social's rooftop patio in New Haven, includes a live mural by Magge Gagliardi, a bartending competition, Collective Arts beer, and samples of their new gin. 5pm-Close. Taste of Bishops Corner 2019 takes place in Hartford on Wednesday June 5. The indoor/outdoor event features Harrys Bishops Corner, Crown Market, Blue Plate Kitchen, OCHO and more. June 5, 2019 marks the 11th Annual SoNo Stroll Benefit. In its eleventh year, the Stroll has become the biggest and most successful fundraiser that benefits the Human Services Council. Read More
The 10th Annual Hartford Rib Off is Back June 14-15 Features Events CTbites Team May 29, 2019 The 10th Annual Hartford Rib Off is back and returning to Hartford’s Riverside Park from June 14-15, 2019. 100% of the proceeds from the Hartford Rib Off festival is donated to local charities: MARC Community Resources LTD, Mayor Mike's Foundation for Kids, and The Hartford Rib Off Scholarship Fund. Guests can enjoy a Kick-off Party, an All-Day BBQ event, Kansas City Barbeque and New England Barbecue Society Competitions, Live Music and more while 100% of proceeds are donated to Charity. The Hartford Rib Off Festival is supported by community partners, 102.9 The Whale, Radio 104.1, Miller Lite, Tito's Handmade Vodka, and GN Construction LLC. Presenting Sponsor this year is Hall’s Market of West Hartford. This year's festival will begin on June 14th with the Hartford Rib Off Kick-Off Party where guests can enjoy live music, beer samples from 20 different breweries, Tito’s Vodka craft cocktails, and unlimited water and soft drinks. The best pitmasters in New England will come together to compete for first place in a New England Barbeque Society sanctioned Steak and Wing Tailgate contest. Read More
Essential Outdoor Entertaining Product Guide from D2 Interieurs Features Entertaining Kitchen Gear Design CTbites Team May 29, 2019
Local Boxing Trainer Creates Hot Lady Hot Sauce Brand Ingredients Features Ingredients Hot Sauce Local Artisan Andrew Dominick May 28, 2019 The hot sauce market is stacked with thousands of brands trying to win over your taste buds and into your pantry, but few have roots right here in Fairfield County. Cue Hot Lady Hot Sauce, created by Adam Colberg, a Connecticut resident who grew up in Westport. For Colberg, hot sauce wasn’t always in his overall plan. “Before I graduated from Staples High School, I always embarked on different projects, I always did things differently,” he said. “I wasn’t ready for college, but I wanted to do something adventurous, so I joined the Marines.” His time in the corps, where he was a jet mechanic, granted him the opportunity to travel the world, including a tour in Spain. Read More
Westport Farmers’ Market Opens For 2019 Summer Season Features Farmers Market Maddie Phelps May 26, 2019 It was as if the Connecticut weather knew it was a monumental day in the local food community, as ominous early morning clouds faded into beaming sunlight. Just like that, it became a beautiful day for hundreds of people to unite through their love for one thing: good food. It was opening day at The Westport Farmers’ Market!Since 2006, the Westport Farmers’ Market has been a destination for locals to browse a diverse selection of produce from farms, bakeries, breweries, and more. Opening day brought vendors from all corners of Connecticut, including several first timers excited to get their names out to locals. Read More
Chef Brian Lewis To Appear on Beat Bobby Flay May 30th Features News TV Food Network Celebrity Chef Stephanie Webster May 23, 2019 Cheer on CT’s own Chef Brian Lewis, of The Cottage and OKO, as he competes on Beat Bobby Flay, airing Thursday, May 30th @10PM. “We taped this episode months ago and I’m excited for everyone to see this episode of ‘Beat Bobby Flay.’ Just as I cook my heart out in the kitchens at OKO and The Cottage, I gave it my all for the competition. Tune in to see if I had the chance to go head to head with Bobby!” says Chef Lewis. The episode is intriguingly titled “Bye Bye Birdie,” and features Food Network's Michael Symon and Jet Tila working hard to outsmart their good friend Bobby Flay. They bring in one of his proteges, Chef Rebecca Weitzman, and fine dining's finest, Chef Brian Lewis, to muscle Bobby out of his kitchen. Read More
Connecticut’s Brewery Legitimus & Barden Farm Partner Again for 2nd CSABC (Community Supported Agriculture, Beer & Cheese) Share Features CSA Local Artisan Local Farm CT Beer Cheese Farm to Table CTbites Team May 23, 2019 Brewery Legitimus, the 7 barrel craft brewery co-founded by husband and wife team Chris and Christina Sayer, is partnering once again with Barden Farm (New Hartford, CT), to bring a Community Supported Agriculture, Beer & Cheese (CSABC) Share to the community. Back for a second year in a row, the 10-week “Farm, Beer and Cheese Share” begins July 11th and will run until September 12th. The first in the area, the CSABC share brings together locally grown produce from Barden Farm, locally crafted beer by Brewery Legitimus, and locally made cheese from several different farms in CT.A CSABC share membership is $485 for the 10 Weeks and includes Craft Beer from Brewery Legitimus, Cheese and of course a Farm Share from Barden Farm. It works just like a CSA. Here’s what’s included: Read More
Taproot & Redding Roadhouse Owners Take Over The Holbrook Farm Business Features CT Farms Farm Fresh Local Farm CSA Bethel Farm Stand Maddie Phelps May 22, 2019 More than 40 years ago, John and Lynn Holbrook purchased 12 acres of land in Bethel, Connecticut to open their very own family farm. With a mere 2 acres available for farming, the Holbrooks were tasked with maximizing space while remaining environmentally friendly. The rest is history.While the Holbrooks still own the spectacular farmland, as of this past March, four new faces have joined the farming family. Jeff Taibe, Stephanie Sweeney, and Sean and Erin Reilly decided to tackle the business side of things when the previous tenant opted not to renew her lease. With Taibe and Sweeney owning their restaurant, Taproot, and the Reilly’s owning the Redding Roadhouse, the four decided to merge the Bethel and Redding communities with Holbrook Farm as their link. Read More
Nibble: Boozy & Delish CT Food Events for Week of May 19-26 Features News Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 17, 2019 Mystic Cheese Company and the Engine Room present A Cheese & Cocktail Pairing on May 23. Join Jason & Sylvia Sobocinski from Mystic Cheese Co. & Nick Georgetti, Beverage Director for The Engine Room, in Mystic CT as they pair their favorite cheeses alongside classic and original libations. It costs $45 per person and runs from 6-8:30pm. "Walk the Walk" on The Brick Walk Fairfield takes place on Tuesday, May 21. Check out the area’s best restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. Participants include Brick + Wood, Broadway Method Academy, CT Cookie Company, Island Outfitters, Mecha Noodle Bar, and more. On Tuesday May 21, Max a Mia hosts a Beer Dinner on the Patio featuring Victory Brewing Company. The evening begins with a 6:30 reception and continues with sit down dinner. Special Guests are Adam Lang and Aron Daniels from Victory Brewing Co with a menu by Chef Stephen Lundgren. Join the Stratford Health Department and A Pinch of Salt's Raquel Rivera-Pablo to learn how to make easy and kid-friendly recipes using ingredients found in the garden on Tuesday May 21. This free cooking class is appropriate for ages 2-10. Adult supervision is required. For additional questions, please call Kelley Meier at 203-385-4090. Read More
Westport Farmers’ Market Summer Season Starts May 23rd! Features Farmers Market Westport Local Artisan Local Farm Specialty Market CTbites Team May 13, 2019 Mark your calendars for the start of the Westport Farmers’ Market on Thursday, May 23rd, from 10 to 2 at 50 Imperial Avenue. Whether you are on a break from work, have a day off with kids, or are meeting a friend to shop, this season’s market has something for everyone. “We work hard to make the Westport Farmers’ Market a weekly destination for the community,” said Lori Cochran-Dougall, Executive Director. “We’re really excited with the result this year! We’ll have all of the vendors and activities that people love plus some new vendors and programs to add to the mix.” Read More
Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For Week of May 12-19 Features News Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 11, 2019 Wakeman Town farm and Marcia Selden Catering are teaming up for a Spring Dinner on the Farm. On Tuesday May 14, Robin and Jeffrey Selden will be teaching participants a seasonal three-course meal, plus three signature cocktails. Then, sit down together to enjoy the feast! “A Taste of Hope Street” takes place on Wednesday May 15 in Stamford. Restaurants along the street, like Vinny’s Backyard, Olio Restaurant, and Amore Cucina & Bar will have samples. There will be beer, wine, and entertainment as well. Proceeds go to Healing Hearts. ARTISAN Restaurant, Tavern and Garden is kicking off the summer season on its patio by uncorking its private label Rosé wine at its annual Kick-off Garden Party in West Hartford on Thursday, May 16th from 6-8 PM. Experience the spectacular outdoor setting while enjoying Artisan Rosé wine and craft cocktails from the cash bar, along with complimentary hors d'oeuvres in the picturesque Artisan garden. Our House in SoNo hosts Casino Night on Friday May 19. $25 includes Poker/Roulette, a Raffle, Give-aways, and Paparazzi. Opt for the 7-8pm VIP All Inclusive with Hors d'oeuvres and vodka bar plus 1000 casino chips. On Saturday May 18, Hunt Hill Farm hosts “Fermentation Magic” with Cheryl Paswater. From 12-3pm, learn about the process and taste foods using the technique. It costs $90. On Sunday, join them again for “Foraging and Feasting” with Hayden Stebbins. Hunthillfarm.org Read More
NEW Podcast Episode: Greer Fredericks of Peaches Southern Pub & Juke Joint...and The Rolling Stones! Features Podcast Stephanie Webster May 11, 2019 This week on The CTbites Hot Dish Podcast , we chat with Peaches Southern Pub & Juke Joint’s owner Greer "Peaches" Fredericks, and man does she have some stories! Greer talks about making the perfect fried chicken, life lessons and touring with the ...um...Rolling Stones. You won’t wanna miss this episode. Listen here. Read More
Ordinary Bar In New Haven Launches P.T. Barnum Big Top Pop-Up Menu & Cocktails Features New Haven Cocktails Pop-Up Bar Bar James Gribbon May 10, 2019
Marcia Selden Caters Vera Wang's Collection Launch (sponsored post) Features Catering Events CTbites Team May 08, 2019 For Marcia Selden Catering, a night of wedding magic with Vera Wang was the perfect way to kick off wedding season. Here’s how Selden’s team created a picture perfect menu in celebration of Vera Wang’s new Spring/Summer 2020 collection.The elegant décor and details were breath taking, arranged by PartySlate and YSD Events. As guests approached the entrance of the Weylin, known as the most exceptional event space in NYC, they were greeted by a quartet of violinists and a team of beautiful servers offering bubbly. Read More
55+ Restaurants for Mother’s Day in CT: 2019 Edition Features Events Brunch Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 05, 2019 Mother’s Day is Sunday May 12! Treat the special Moms in your life to brunches, special menus, and multi-course meals at Connecticut restaurants. Over 55 restaurants have festivities fit for a queen! Make her feel like one by making your reservation today.Los Charros Cantina, Centerbrook: Los Charros Cantina will serve Mother’s Day Brunch from 11am to 3pm. The Whelk, Westport: The Whelk will have Mother's Day festivities from 12-3:30pm on Sunday 5/12.Community Table, Preston: At Community Table, enjoy a special Prix Fixe brunch with mom this year from 12-3:30 pm. In the evening, treat her to an a la carte dinner from 4:30-8:30pm.The Hickories Farm: Chef Dan Sabia of Wood Fire Food cooks brunch with a three course most of which will be cooked over a live fire, including seasonal drinks, and a farm tour.Prime, Stamford: Enjoy brunch until 2PM, and then a special Mother’s Day dinner menu on the Stamford waterside. Read More
A Short History Of The Retro Cocktail: Post Prohibition Recipes Features Ingredients Cocktails Bar Education Mixology CTbites Team May 03, 2019 Bartenders, especially those involved in the “cocktail” world, understand the significant impact that Prohibition has had on the industries surrounding alcoholic beverages. Many consumers, however, are unaware of that impact. National Prohibition was rooted in political and religious belief systems, that sought to temper a vice, and legislate morality to a nation. Any time a product, that is in high consumer demand, is made illegal, a black market is created. Crime increases, violence increases, and eventually, the public demands action. It didn’t take long for the ridiculous idea to be repealed, and when Prohibition ended on December 5, 1933, the nation joined together in a collective sigh of relief, and a toast to better times ahead. Treatises have been written, documentaries have been filmed, and many a scholar has spoken about the nearly decade and a half that The United States of America suffered under the tyranny of Prohibition. What is sorely missing, however, is a definitive study of the decades following its repeal. And, maybe, that is because not much is ever said, outside of our small circle of bartenders, about what life in this industry was like before Prohibition was passed. Read More
Chef Profile: EP Experience Rocks The 18th Annual Flavors of Connecticut Features Events Fundraiser Chef Talk Kristin L. Wolfe May 02, 2019 Ok, slow down, Chef Kevin, you’ve got a lot on your plate….I mean that literally and figuratively. I had the pleasure of meeting Chef Kevin O’Neil of EP Experience Catering at the Flavors of Connecticut Gala at the Aqua Club in Southington last month for the American Liver Foundation. Chefs from all over the state come out for the foundation’s signature event and what an event it is. No one is paid, but everyone gives one hundred percent of their time, effort, and creativity for such a great cause. Chefs and their crew turn everything up a notch and create a special event for the guests that will be seated around their tables. It becomes a party within a party and each diner enters a world of the chef and crew’s creation. From a Ziggy Stardust theme table complete with smoke and music to a French Revolution scene decked out with a guillotine (!), many tapped the artist within and created a theatrical experience where in the food was the bonus. Others kept their space more classic with bursts of color from flowers and dishware or a built-on-the-premises rustic pergola. Either way, creative people came together for a tremendous show of that artistic flare and amazing food, for a great cause. Read More
Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For May 5-12 Features News Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 01, 2019 CLASP Homes of Westport hosts its 15th Annual Taste of Westport on Thursday, May 9 at The Westport Inn from 6-9:30pm. Taste specialties from more than 20 of this area’s finest restaurants, including Artisan Restaurant, The Spread, Harvest Wine Bar, Bobby Q’s Cue & Co., Amis Trattoria, Pearl at Longshore. There will be drinks, dessert, and entertainment as well. Tickets are $100 with the VIP Party, $75 for general admission, and $85 GA at the door. Visit www.tasteofwestport.com to purchase, or phone 203-226-7895, ext. 144.Ordinary is celebrating its six-year anniversary with a series of new initiatives officially kicking off on Wednesday, May 8. Ordinary will be transformed into the “Greatest Show on Earth” with Circus themed décor, food specials, and drink specials. On Thursday, May 9 at 7pm, Brick Walk Tavern in Fairfield hosts Belle Pente Vineyard and Winery. The five course meal costs $95 pp (all inclusive). Read More
Where To Celebrate Cinco De Mayo In Connecticut 2019 Features Cinco de Mayo Events Holiday Bar Mexican Homepage Stephanie Webster April 27, 2019 On Saturday, May 4, 2019, Carson + Spencer is hosting the SONO Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl! You'll have the chance to hop from bar to bar in South Norwalk in one fun-filled evening. Tickets start at $20. Mezon in Danbury is throwing the biggest party of the year in honor of Cinco! Cocktail competition. Live DJ. Drink specials + delicious food featuring the @eatjustice food truck. Sunday May 5th. Doors open at 7.Ordinary New Haven will be offering an $8 Margarita Special in honor of Cinco de Mayo on Friday May 3 and Saturday May 4 (the bar is closed on Sundays). The drink special includes Hacienda Blanco Tequila, Blood Orange Shrub, Citrus and Dehydrated Grapefruit Salt.Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Bartaco Portchester! From 3:30-6pm, listen to live music by Rick Reyes & The Pasofino Social Club. From 6:30-9pm Tangled Vine will take the set. The night concludes with DJ Teofilis. The Acoustic Café welcomes the Cosmic Jibaros for their Cinco de Mayo celebration.Evarito's is celebrating Cinco de Mayo all weekend long! Visit them for happy hour on Friday and then enjoy $7 Margaritas and food specials on Saturday & Sunday. Their Saturday Night party will feature DJ Mercado and Sunday they’ll have Latin Band Quimbombó from NYC. Read More
Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for Week of April 28- May 5 Features Events News Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 27, 2019 Stamford’s Beer Garden at Shippan Landing will be open for the season on May 2!Walrus + Carpenter will hold a Crash Course in Agave on Thursday May 2 at 6pm. Come learn about the history of agave distillation followed by a performance at 8:30pm from Connecticut's own Symphonic Bodega! $35 per person includes two flights of tequila and mezcal, custom cocktails, and small plates. Secure your spot by calling 203-333-2733.The 2019 Passport To Connecticut Farm Wineries will begin on Friday, May 3, 2019. Stay tuned for announcements regarding the participating wineries, prizes and more in the upcoming weeks.Join ‘Chopped’ Champion and Co-Founder of The Secret Ingredient Girls, Chef Silvia Baldini at Stamford Nature Center & Museum’s gorgeous new event space, to boost your kitchen skills while building a repertoire of vibrant meals. Learn how to organize, prepare and present superbly-nuanced dishes using nutritionally-dense seasonal ingredients. This 6 weeks series starts April 29. Sign up here. On Sunday April 28th, El Segundo will be hosting a Remission Celebration with proceeds to assist in the fight against breast cancer! Pink cocktails and drink specials Read More
