Filtering by Category: Features

Cavatappi with Carrot Pesto and Lemon Arugula by Sue Smith, Prime Health Style

Features Recipe Recipe Vegetarian Pasta

CTbites Team August 13, 2020

What’s cooking people? The Westport Farmers’ Market and Sue Smith from Prime Health Style, have a great vegetarian recipe for the pasta lovers out there. Cavatappi is the Italian word for corkscrew, hence the name of this spiral-shaped, macaroni-like pasta. It’s ideal for use with a thick sauce, here paired with a zesty carrot pesto. This vegetarian recipe creates a tasty and satisfying summer one-dish meal, or can be served as a side dish. See notes below for easy vegan and gluten-free substitutions.

The Food Crate Launches, Delivering High End Specialty Prepared Foods to Your Doorstep

Features Ingredients Delivery Service Home Delivery BBQ Asian Meat Specialty Market Homepage

Stephanie Webster August 12, 2020

CT based startup, THE FOOD CRATE has launched in the tri-state area (and just beyond) with overnight delivery of chef-sourced specialty and high end prepared foods to residents of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island. Why is this food delivery service different from all others? After eating my way through several of these fully loaded crates, enjoying everything from gluten-free chicken meatballs and marinated shrimp kabobs to Hawaiian Baby Back Ribs, a Lobster Pot for 8 and restaurant quality crab cakes, I can report with great certainty that The Food Crate is a delivery service that relieves the pressure of the dreaded nightly “what’s for dinner” conundrum, and will surely be on repeat order in my home. (Also thru Aug 31st CTbites readers get 15% OFF with Code: CTB15)

Nibble: Tasty CT Events & Food News for Week of Aug 16-23

Events Features Events News Pop-Up Dinner

Stephanie Webster August 11, 2020

“PHO KING” Happy Hour is back at MECHA Noodle Bar Monday-Friday 3-6PM including $5 cocktails, wine and beer and a Happy Hour menu.

Register now for the August 16th Hoodoo Brown BBQ class. Come learn from the Hoodoo Crew, as the Pit Crew takes you behind the scenes for a four hour barbecue school from 8am-12pm.

The Lachat Farmers Market is back!! The new online ordering system will make it even easier for you to buy local - you simply sign up for a time slot and then pick up your order at Lachat between the hours of 4pm-8pm.

There’s a really exciting new project being born in West Hartford. It’s called GastroPark, and it’s a new dining venue providing curated food experience for guests featuring an innovative approach that will deliver delicious mobile food concepts from local small business owners.

"Seasoned" Premieres on CT Public Radio w/ Hosts, Marysol Castro and Chef Plum

Features Podcast Local Artisan Radio TV

Stephanie Webster August 06, 2020

Attention Connecticut foodies and “home cooks” with a secret summer recipe to share: Your time has come, and the local, food-focused radio program you have been hungering for has arrived!

Seasoned—a brand-new radio show and podcast just premiered on Connecticut Public Radio, featuring two of our favorite people as hosts, Marysol Castro and Chef Plum. The new show will explore Connecticut’s local farmers, passionate chefs, food makers and innovators from every corner of the state.

Seasoned will feature guests who will discuss everything from how food is grown, harvested and prepared across Connecticut, to how we use food to celebrate and connect in our communities.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for August 9-16

Features Events News Events

Stephanie Webster August 05, 2020

Community Table Restaurant welcomes 15 East Restaurant Team From Union Square NYC for 2 nights only…Tuesday August 11th & Wednesday August 12th. Chef/owner Marco Moreira of 15 East alongside sushi chefs Nobuhiro Mori & Shigue Sugano and master soba chef Shuichi Kotani will be cooking with Ct's Chef Christian Hunter to create a very special Japanese menu.

Just when you thought the Aperol Spritz couldn’t get any better…Bar Rosso now has FROZEN APEROL SPRITZES!!

Harbor Harvest in Norwalk has officially launched their Vitamin Sea outings on the Sound. Book their catamaran for trips out of Norwalk or Huntington for 12-25 people (Covid guidelines) for 4-5 hours with lunch or dinner at the Norwalk or Huntington Harbor Harvest restaurant. Food includes: Wine/Beer, Fresh Local Raw Bar, Cold Salads, Sandwiches & Wraps, Grilled Burgers & Chicken & Hot Dogs. Contact Communications Director: elisa@newviewpr.com for more info.

Vita Pasta Labs hosts a SICILIAN MOOD - PEPERONATA virtual cooking class - AUGUST 28th. The Peperonata, recipe of my wonderful aunt, donna Rosa, that combination of peppers and onions often with just a tang of acidity. The easiest way to show you how to make this Italian delicacy is to participate at the virtual Cooking Class.

It’s time to treat yourself to some to #RealMaineLobster and beer! Join Cousins Maine Lobster as we visit Half Full Brewery (43 Homestead Ave, Stamford) on Wednesday, August 19 from 12:00pm-5:00pm for high-quality great tasting beer and inviting lobster deliciousness. Our famous Connecticut and Maine Lobster Rolls are served either warm or chilled with authentic Maine lobster served on split-top New England rolls.

JUNZI New Haven has updated their online ordering app! Awards and points now available.

Max Fish brings back Happy Hour every Monday and Tuesday 3:30-6pm!!

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for July 26 to August 9

Features Events Food News Events

Stephanie Webster July 22, 2020

Taproot’s Jeff Taibe has launched a Food Truck called “On The Fly", with dishes inspired by Southeast Asia. Follow the truck’s locations and pop-ups on Instagram here: @taproot_ct @on_the_fly_foodtruck_ct

Chef Tyler Anderson has a brand new Food Truck as well! The name is @Taquect and the menu features street food style tacos. Aw yeah. Follow the truck’s location on Instagram @taquect.

MIKU is teaming up with Tony's at the J House to launch a pop-up sushi bar in late July. Signature items like the Good 4 You Roll and Yellowtail Jalapeno from the MIKU menu will be available along with all-new options exclusively developed for the partnership at Tony's - including fresh fish from the world-famous Tokyo fish market. The epicurean pop-up will run August through October 2020. For the latest news, visit MIKU online and subscribe to the mailing (mikugreenwich.com).

Starting July 29th "The Spread in Norwalk is launching a new ALL YOU CAN EAT Bao Special on Wednesdays. We’re talking Pork Belly, Fried Chicken, Bulgogi & Spam are on the menu. $20pp. Add your first top shelf drink or beer for $5.

Fritz Knipschildt Launches Fritzzz Artisan CBD Chocolate

Features Ingredients Chocolate Dessert CBD CBD Chocolate Confections Special Dietary Needs

Stephanie Webster July 21, 2020

For over 13 years, Danish born Fritz Knipschildt, and the House of Knipschildt, have been renowned for creating exquisite quality artisan chocolate. CT residents will recall his South Norwalk eatery, Chocopologie, where Knipschildt explored ways to creatively infuse elements from the savory kitchen into the world of chocolate and confection. Years later, Knipschildt is using his expertise in European chocolate, and has recently launched a new line of chocolate truffles and chocolate bars that are infused with premium, full spectrum CBD. Introducing…Fritzzz.

Our Search For The Best Bagels in Fairfield County CT

Features Restaurant Best of CT Bagels Breakfast Brunch Specialty Market Bread Bakery Homepage

Jessica Ryan July 16, 2020

I felt compelled to write this after noticing the same Facebook posts over and over again from recent New York transplants. “Where can I find the best bagels?”

I’d add my two cents and then watch as rows and rows of comments filled my screen. I’d silently cheer or jeer along. Yes!! No! Oh god no, no, no – just no! And with this I decided that I was going to find the best bagels locally.

As a native New Yorker I know a thing or two about bagels. Even though New York City is the Bagel Capital of the World, not all New York bagels are good. I’m looking for those bearing a rich caramel color with a slight sheen that yields the slight crackling crunch when you bite into it, followed by a really good chew.

Summer Quinoa Salad with Peaches and Minty Lime Dressing via Westport Farmers' Market

Features Recipe Recipe Kosher Gluten-Free healthy Salads

Liz Rueven July 15, 2020

When peaches hit the summer market in CT there are plenty of reasons to celebrate. I love everything about them: their seductive fruity fragrance, their juicy sunny flesh and most of all, their versatility.

In this easy quinoa salad, peaches lean more savory than sweet, making this the perfect accompaniment to grilled fish or chicken. But remember that quinoa is a complete protein on its own so feel free to make this the whole meal and be done. I'm already dreaming about this salad for breakfast with some luscious creamy goat cheese or salty feta.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for July 13-26

Events Features News Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson July 10, 2020

Havana Nights are coming to The Spread SoNo on Thursdays! Join them for a Cuban dinner for two in the courtyard for only $70. Start with your choice of a pitcher of mojitos, a pitcher of red or rosé sangria, or bottle of house wine! From there you choose 2 appetizers, an entree for 2 with 2 sides, and finish off with dessert for 2. Book your reservations online or call ahead to reserve your spot.

The Millwright’s Market is coming soon! In the weeks ahead, you’ll be able to head to their loft space for quality pre-prepared foods, wine, raw produce, pastas, meats, cheeses, dairy, and some artisan goods for Simsbury and surrounding communities to enjoy. If you are a producer or know of one who'd have interest in distributing through the market, please reach out to Tyler@millwrightsrestaurant.com.

Every Wednesday, tune into CTbites INSTAGRAM LIVE at 8pm as they "COOK THE BOOK" with live recipe demos from cookbook author Anna Francese Gass and a weekly guest chef. The Connecticut Chefs Recipes for Restaurant Relief E-Cookbook in on sale now with 100% of the proceeds go towards the creation of pantry boxes to feed out of work restaurant staff.

ZA Pizza in Stratford announces its “Debut Re-do!” Created by life-long friends and now business partners, ZA Pizza is rooted in pizzaiola pedigree and created for how people are eating today - fresh, from scratch, at home, and on-the-go.

Guide To Connecticut's Favorite Food Trucks: 2020 Edition

Features Restaurant Food Truck Best of CT Catering Entertaining Pizza Mexican Cocktails Seafood Lobster Tacos Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson July 07, 2020

When it comes to food trucks, Connecticut is on a roll! New outstanding mobile eateries are constantly popping up, offering a variety of cuisines and unique experiences. Here is our guide to Connecticut’s best food trucks- and it’s bigger and better than ever!

Westport Farmers’ Market Opening July 9th For Day-Of Shopping

Features Farmers Market Westport Local Farm Shop Local Shopping Specialty Market

Stephanie Webster July 06, 2020

After careful consideration and due diligence through state and local officials, the Westport Farmers’ Market will open this Thursday, July 9 for day-of shopping. During the hours of 10:00 – 2:00 in the 50 Imperial Avenue location, you can find your beloved farmers, bakers, cheese mongers and more.

WFM will take the following actions to ensure safe shopping for all: require masks to be worn at all times, single direction traffic while shopping (one way in and one way out), hand sanitizer stations, social distancing and lots of fresh air.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for July 4-11

Events Features Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson July 03, 2020

Bloodroot has reopened their dining room with special hours. They are now open from 4 - 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays! They continue to be open for dining inside, outside, and for take away on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4-7pm. We hope to have news soon on when we will resume other dining times. Though not required, they suggest making a reservation by calling 203-576-9168.

Essex, CT has launched Alfresco Thursdays, a summertime event that will continue weekly through August 27. Alfresco Thursdays boasts numerous patio and dockside dining venues from the top to bottom of Main Street in Essex Village, at Olive Oyl’s Creative Cuisine, The Griswold Inn, Carlson’s Landing (opening mid -July) and Siren – a new marine restaurant at Safe Harbor Essex Island. To ramp up the alfresco spirit, The Essex restaurant will feature a pop-up experience at Main Street Park, where Chef Colt Taylor will be serving his award–winning “Connecticut Lobster Rolls.” There will be live music and retail specials as well.

Chef Brian Lewis has built a NEW outdoor PATIO for The Cottage in Westport (and it’s fabulous). He has also opened outdoor dining on the waterfront at OKO. Reservations are via phone only, same-day beginning at 2pm.

High George, the rooftop restaurant and bar at The Blake Hotel reopens with a magical springtime garden with seasonal greenery and décor to align with Award Winning Chef Anderson’s new spring dishes, and drinks.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for Week of June 29 - July 11

Events Features Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson June 28, 2020

On June 30, The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s invites you to their first drive-in movie experience. Check out BIG on the big screen.

Half Full Brewery just opened a new Stamford location, Third Place, with an outdoor beer garden, locally made brews and draft cocktails made with local spirits, and live music coming soon! Third Place will also serve as a work and events space. (+ Hapa Food Truck!)

Every Wednesday night at 8pm, tune into CTBites’s Instagram Live to watch them as they "cook the book!” The Connecticut Chefs Recipes for Restaurant Relief E-Cookbook is now on sale and every week cookbook author Anna Francese Gass and a guest chef will show you how to make one of the recipes.

Oyster Club’s “Summer Nights” pop-up continues through July 11th.

Don’t miss Grano Arso’s Vietnamese Pop-Up every Monday.

Friday Froth: Stewards Of The Land Farm Brewery in Northford

Features Restaurant beer Brewery Northford Friday Froth ct beer

James Gribbon June 26, 2020

One of life's principle joys is an unexpected bulldog. There you are, mind preoccupied and steps ahead of whatever you should be paying attention to in the moment you're actually living, and boom: giant smiley meatball of joy out of nowhere. How could that not improve any day? Last September, in the Before Times, I went to a Connecticut farm to find out about hop growing, and discovered a newborn brewery instead. At the time, Stewards Of The Land in Northford wasn't finished, not quite ready yet for the outside world. So now, just as the eyes of the world are cautiously blinking open again, I returned to sit on the farm brewery's patio and, yes, there was a bulldog.

I'm not just making an allegory here: Guinness (that's the name he came with, give head brewery Alex DeFrancesco more credit for creativity than that), was cooling off on the stone patio, set with chairs outside the New England tavern style brewery, above a field of sprouting row crops - the hillside and lawns swaying here and there with bluish stalks of heirloom rye. I squatted down and scruffled Guinness' huge head behind his ears. He had it right. This is a place to stretch out and relax.

Chefs At Home: Chia Seed Pudding Recipe from Chef Anthony Rinaldi

Recipe Features Recipe Recipe Video Chia Breakfast Kids Kid Friendly kids activity

Stephanie Webster June 25, 2020

Episode #4 of our Chefs At Home series is here…and it’s a heathy, simple and delicious recipe you can make all summer long. Chef Anthony Rinaldi, formerly Exec Chef at Kawa Ni in Westport, currently the Chef for Greenwich Country Day School, has been having some fun in his kitchen with this recipe for the Chia Seed Pudding. This recipe has 15 grams of protein and is easy enough for any kid to make themselves! Get your kids cooking and enjoy!

Pepe’s Fresh Tomato Pie is Back in Restaurants for the Summer

Restaurant Features Pizza Pepe's Limited Time Delivery Take Out

CTbites Team June 25, 2020

Beginning on Wednesday, July 1, world-famous New Haven, Connecticut-based Frank Pepe Pizzeria will be serving up their seasonal Fresh Tomato Pie again for a limited time at all Pepe’s restaurants. For the 12th summer in a row, the famous pizza will be offered July through September at each of the restaurant’s locations in New Haven, Fairfield, Manchester, Danbury, Waterbury, West Hartford and Uncasville (Mohegan Sun).

Parkville Market Opens in Hartford! CT's First Food Hall, Featuring Local Flavors

Restaurant Features Food Hall Openings Take Out To-Go Indian Brazilian Peruvian Pizza Seafood Puerto Rican American Hartford County Hartford

Kristin L. Wolfe June 24, 2020

Takeout Chronicles: Mr. Frosty and David’s Soundview Catering

Features Restaurant Take Out To-Go Home Delivery ice cream Dessert Caterers Lobster Lobster Roll Norwalk

April Guilbault June 23, 2020

This review is going to go in reverse because the first thing my family ordered for take-out in the early weeks of quarantine was…ice cream. We fancy ourselves pretty healthy eaters in this house, so our intense want of ice cream one evening will get chalked up to the need for some unabashed comfort food in the face of world events. Mr. Frosty’s Ice Cream in Norwalk is an institution. It (ice)screams summer and salty air evenings, sweatshirts, sandy hair, and flip-flops. However, their newly minted pickup kits will keep you entertained while we wait for any semblance of summer to return. We ordered the “Survival Kit.”

Our next take-out order involved another hungering for summer. A summer in our house is not complete without a lobster roll and we knew where to get a good one: David’s Soundview Catering in Stamford.

Spring Vegetable Chicken Fricassee, by Genee Habansky of Herbaceous Catering

Features Recipe Recipe

CTbites Team June 22, 2020

Wanna up your chicken game? Check out this tasty recipe for Spring Vegetable Chicken Fricassee from The Westport Farmers’ Market and Herbaceous Catering. When you purchase your ingredients locally….they just taste better.