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40+ Spots for Pumpkin Inspired Menu Specials, Beer, Ice Cream, Pasta, Baked Goods & Oh So Much More

Features Roundup Pumpkin Season Seasonal Fall Treats ct beer Homepage

April Guilbault

Pumpkin, pumpkin everywhere. Isn’t autumn divine?! And how crazy that we all get so excited about, well, a gourd. Life is funny but it’s that time of year to embrace the crazy and roll with the pumpkins. From fancy-schmancy drinks to sumptuous desserts, handmade raviolis, cakes and sweets, pumpkin has hit everything that stands still. Get on the haywagon, it’s a good one!

Here are 30+ spots to savor pumpkin season in EVERY WAY possible.


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for October 2022

Features Events News Events Wine Dinners Restaurant Week

Stephanie Webster

On Saturday, October 22, 2022, Chef Michel Nischan will "reawaken" his restaurant The Dressing Room and partner with Madison Beach Hotel's culinary team to present dinner and stories with an exclusive five course event featuring dinner, wine pairings, and storytelling.—National Taco Day was October 4th, and bartaco has decided to bring back its popular, limited edition #bartacosecret roasted brussels sprouts taco in celebration of everyone’s favorite holiday.—Buy one ticket and eat in 30 different restaurants on Wednesday, October 12th 5:30 - 8:30 for a Signature New London Event- Food Stroll!—New Haven Restaurant Week presented by Citizens returns October 16 – October 29, 2022, with dining experiences and all-new exclusive offerings at 23 restaurants throughout the Elm City.—Harry's Wine School presents: Wines of Italy with Michelle DeWyngaert Wednesday, October 26th, 2022
7:00 - 9:00 pm.+


Election Cake Bake-Off Seeks CT Bakers To Compete: CTbites to Judge!

Features Cooking Contest Baker Bakery

Stephanie Webster

On Saturday, November 5 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm, Connecticut’s Old State House in Hartford will host its first in-person Election Cake Bake-Off, a competition featuring entries from professional bakers and pastry chefs from across the state….and CTbites will be there to help judge the winner!

Bakers who would like to participate may contact Nicole Sousa at nicole.sousa@cga.ct.gov or 860.522.6766, or can apply directly here: bit.ly/ctosh2022bakeoff.

Inspired by the Early American custom of celebrating Election Day with the traditional Hartford Election Cake, this festive Bake-Off invites chefs to submit their modern interpretation of the traditional spice cake, which will be judged on taste and creativity of decoration.

This year’s judging panel includes Stephanie Webster, founder of the foodie website CTBites, food blogger David Milton of @thedamgram on Instagram, Executive Sous Chef Jamey Maloof of Sift Bakery in Mystic, former Connecticut Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, and 2022 Connecticut Kid Governor Makhi Etienne-Modeste.

The winning baker will have their cake featured in a statewide publication and on social media, along with other to-be-announced prizes.


Connecticut Restaurant Confidential: Strange Stories, Odd Orders, + Twisted Tales in the Industry Vol. 1

Features Interview Restaurant Chefs Restaurants Customers Homepage

Andrew Dominick

How many times have you heard bizarre restaurant requests? How about ridiculous customer orders? What about those tales that are strictly between BOH and FOH staff?

I’m sure you’ve even overheard whispers as a customer or you have firsthand experience in the hospitality industry and you know about all the “crazy” that goes on, but either way, there are some doozies out there!

“Lemme get a bacon cheeseburger, minus the beef and the cheese, with lettuce, tomato, and mayo?”

Uhhh…what?! That’s a fuckin BLT.


Greenwich Wine + Food One-Of-A-Kind Events Lineup: Get Your Tix Now!

Events Features Greenwich Wine + Food Pop-Up Dinner

Stephanie Webster

Greenwich Wine + Food today announced its final schedule of weeklong festivities and participants that will comprise its 10-year anniversary celebration this October, with tickets on sale for all events. Beneficiaries include two national non-profit organizations with roots in Connecticut - The Jacques Pépin Foundation and Wholesome Wave. Suni Unger, founder and CEO of Unger Media, the parent company behind Greenwich Wine + Food and Serendipity magazine. states, “We are especially thrilled to be co-hosting more than ten events throughout the week, on-location at our favorite restaurants and bars in our local communities. These carefully curated, intimate celebrations are truly allowing us to applaud local talent in the area, and paired with our Gala on October 7, I am so proud of the programming we’re offering this Fall and our partner beneficiaries.”

The schedule of one-of-a-kind events includes:


Sally's Apizza Opening in Fairfield October 2022!

Features Pizza New Haven Pizza Openings Fairfield

Stephanie Webster

The iconic New Haven pizza spot, Sally’s Apizza is getting ready to open the doors at their NEW LOCATION IN FAIRFIELD next month!!!! This will be their third location in Connecticut, the 2nd of which opened last year in Stamford.

The restaurant will be located in the Trademark building at 665 Commerce Drive, in the space formerly occupied by Barbacoa Smoke House


Guide To Great Coffee in Connecticut: Happy National Coffee Day 2022!

Restaurant Features Roundup Best of CT Coffee Espresso Coffee Shop Breakfast homepage Highlight

April Guilbault

September 29th is National Coffee Day. If this listing was a coffee cup it would be a mega-super-duper-de-booper-trente. To make the (brewing) process easier for you to discover fabulous-and sometimes hidden- java joints to caffeinate or simply enjoy the velvety and multi-faced notes of a fine cup of’ Joe, we have divided this list by county. Enjoy the thrill of a new favorite spot or re-visit an old favorite.The slow pour has already begun as you read this…

Enjoy our guide to the best places to get coffee in the state of Connecticut.


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events, Festivals, and Dinners for September 24-October 12

Features Events News Events Dinner Events Pop-Up Dinner Festival

Stephanie Webster

Van Leeuwen ice cream is opening in Greenwich Oct. 1st—Greenwich Wine + Food launches their schedule of weeklong festivities and participants that will comprise its 10-year anniversary celebration October 3-14th—On Sunday, 10/2, 4 - 7pm Barcelona Wine Bar Fairfield is throwing a 13th Annual Asado on the Patio party to pair autumn barbecue flavors and dishes with wines in a communal social-hour soiree—Wakeman Town Center is celebrating fall with an intimate chef's dinner on the Farm c/o Marcia Selden Catering on 10.6.22—bartaco has brought back its iconic #bartacosecret brisket taco to kick off the fall season++


It's Not Too Late to Visit The Last Taco Stand at Norwalk Cove Marina

Features Interview Seasonal Tacos Food Truck Homepage Seasonal Norwalk

Andrew Dominick

The thing about most food trucks in our area is that they’re seasonal. Once the weather gets frosty, they hibernate until the flowers begin to bloom again. But still, it’s better to have found quality eats late in the season than not at all.

I first heard about The Last Taco Stand (and we LOVE the name) in a couple of Norwalk local Facebook groups, then when I posted a quick Instagram story that I was planning to check them and their picturesque tacos out, that’s when my friend, Dominique said it was a good idea. Dom’s one of the folks I trust when it comes to food and drink, so when she told me that Neil, The Last Taco Stand’s owner, is “the best” and to make sure I get the sweet potato taco and “any of his hot sauces,” I knew I had to follow her instructions.


2022 Guide to Catering Rosh Hashanah + Yom Kippur

Features Rosh Hashanah Yom Kippur Jewish Holidays Homepage Catering Guide Catering Guide

April Guilbault

Holiday time is family time and good food is a central part of these celebrations! With Rosh Hashanah (Sept. 25-27) and Yom Kippur (Oct. 4-5) coming into focus, we have a handy listing of markets, caterers, and restaurants for you so that you may fill your table with traditional and new favorite dishes to mark the occasion. Our wish is that your holidays be happy and, of course, delicious. Shanah Tovah!


Greenwich Wine + Food 2022 Announces Schedule for Week Long Festivities

Events Features Greenwich Wine + Food Festival Festival Celebrity Chef Local Chef EVENT

CTbites Team

Greenwich Wine + Food today announced its final schedule of weeklong festivities and participants that will comprise its 10-year anniversary celebration this October, with tickets on sale for all events. Beneficiaries include two national non-profit organizations with roots in Connecticut - The Jacques Pépin Foundation and Wholesome Wave. Premium sponsors include Wagoneer and Greenwich Hospital.

“With the one-month countdown officially ON, I’m thrilled to share the final details for our monumental anniversary celebration,” said Suni Unger, founder and CEO of Unger Media, the parent company behind Greenwich Wine + Food and Serendipity magazine. “We are especially thrilled to be co-hosting more than ten events throughout the week, on-location at our favorite restaurants and bars in our local communities. These carefully curated, intimate celebrations are truly allowing us to applaud local talent in the area, and paired with our Gala on October 7, I am so proud of the programming we’re offering this Fall and our partner beneficiaries.”


Caramelized Figs and Burrata Recipe from Chef Luke Venner

Features Recipe Recipe

CTbites Team

Sometimes simplicity is best when it comes to cuisine. If you’ve ever eaten in Tuscany, you know this well. Great ingredients, prepared beautifully, and you’ve got yourself something delicious. Chef Luke Venner of Elm in New Canaan can execute the most elaborate dishes you’ve ever seen with layers of flavors and nuance, but he knows when to let the ingredients speak for themselves. We suggest sourcing your Mozzarella and herbs fresh from your local Farmers Market or cheesemonger. This simple dish is simply perfect. Enjoy his recipe for Caramelized Figs and Burrata.


Filling In The Blanks Hosts "Plates with Purpose" Fundraiser to Fight Childhood Hunger

Events Features Events Fundraiser Gala Fight Hunger

Stephanie Webster

SAVE THE DATE for a very important evening. Filling In The Blanks will be hosting their Third Annual Plates With a Purpose Event on November 19, with tons of food, fun and festivities. Guests will be treated to a culinary adventure at the Loading Dock designed by Abigail Kirsch with guest chef Luke Venner. Enjoy specialty cocktails, a not to be missed wine & spirits auction, while dancing the night away. VIP ticket packages include carefully curated wine tastings and a VIP lounge. TICKETS ON SALE NOW.

Filling in the Blanks is a non-profit organization that fills the weekend meal gap for children that qualify for the free or reduced school meal programs. By providing a bag filled with healthy food for the weekend, children experience increased academic achievement and greater increase of success.

The evening will help raise funds to support Filling in the Blanks' mission to fight childhood hunger in local communities. We are excited to see everyone at Plates with Purpose 2022!

Please join CTbites and Filling In The Blanks on November 19th, and if your dance card is busy and you can’t attend the gala, please consider making a donation here. Every dollar helps feed a child who would otherwise go hungry.

Learn more about Filling In The Blanks here.


Bridgewater Chocolates Opens in Downtown Westport September 15th

Features Restaurant Westport Openings Chocolate Dessert Gift

Stephanie Webster

To truly depict the joy I feel around Bridgewater Chocolate finally opening a storefront in Southern Fairfield County, after over 25 years in business up North, I may need to quote myself from a previous 2021 CTbites article. I feel the same way, biting into one of their outstanding toffees or coconut igloos today, as I did a year ago, but now, I can hop in my car and grab a box, because their confections are available at their new Westport location, opening September 15th.

With locations in Brookfield and West Hartford, Brand Director, Marlene Steiner says, “Westport’s retail experience will be the blueprint for their flagship stores moving forward.” The customer will be introduced to product in new ways, with clean modern lines, an expansive “build your own box” display, and for the first time ever, a dedicated tasting area at the front of the store. Steiner states, “so much of what we do is about tasting the product, and we love to tech people more about what makes Bridgewater so unique.” In fact, Bridgewater Chocolates, if you’re not familiar, is a sought after luxury chocolate brand shipped around the world. “ Westport watch out….this is dangerous.


30+ Spots to Celebrate Oktoberfest 2022 in Connecticut

Brewery Features Events Oktoberfest Festival Beer CT Beer Beer Garden Holiday Homepage

April Guilbault

Hops is on the brain and Oktoberfest is on the calendar. It’s that delightful time of year to gather with friends, German-style! Chomp into a giant pretzel, grill a brat, raise a stein (or 20, if you are partaking in a competition), and then toast, toast, and toast some more. Across our state, Oktoberfest celebrations are happening and you’ve simply got to get in on one of them. A better time will not be had! Prost!


40+ CT Spots To Celebrate Negroni Week September 12-18

Features Events Negroni Cocktails Events Homepage

April Guilbault

Negroni: one part gin, one part Vermouth Rosso, one part Campari, garnished with an orange peel. Possibly first mixed up in Florence, Italy around 1919. Supposedly, Count Camillo Negroni asked the bartender of the evening to spruce up his favorite Americano with a splash of gin. Had an orange lying around and ka-pow, a classic poured into being! Well, from September 12-18th, Negroni Week heralds 7 days highlighting this classic cocktail, all the while raising money for important causes. This year, monies raised at these establishments will support Slow Food, a movement that seeks to change the world through food and beverages. Their goal? To help create a world where “everyone can enjoy food and beverage that is good for them, good for the people who grow it, and good for the planet”. Raise those glasses and enjoy this classic along with some new spins…


SoNo 1420’s BLAZE Bartender Competition: Bartenders & Guests Wanted!

Features Events Bartender Competition Mixology Cocktails South Norwalk Distillery Homepage

CTbites Team

On September 19th Bartenders from across the state of Connecticut are invited to show off their creativity, craft and passion by participating in SoNo 1420’s BLAZE BARTENDER COMPETITION.

“We are looking for our next Great BLAZE WHISKY cocktail and would love to see you showcase your skills with our Cinnamon Flavored Whisky that has won Double Gold and Best in Class Finalist 2022 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.”

BARTENDERS: Register here at BLAZEWHISKY.COM/COMPETITON by 9/12 to receive a complimentary 200 ml flask of Blaze along with other BLAZE Swag.

GUESTS: Swing by any of the locations below and cheer your favorite bartender on, and sample some great new cocktails.

The competition will take place on September 19th from 6-9 pm at the following locations:

Regional Competitions

Date: September 19, 2022

Time: 6-9 pm

Local Competitions Happening Near You At…

Oar+ Oak, Stratford

O’Neills Irish Pub, Norwalk

Stony Creek Brewery, Branford

Tomato Joe’s, Rocky Hill


Celebrity Chef Sara Moulton at Greenwich Library Screening of Julia

Events Features Events event

CTbites Team

Friday, September 16, Greenwich Library will be screening the documentary "Julia," a beautiful and awe-inspiring film about Julia Child that came out last year. Immediately following the screening, they will be hosting a Q&A with celebrity chef Sara Moulton, who was a protege of Julia Child's and her close friend until Child's passing. This promises to be a wonderful evening of learning about culinary arts and appreciating the ongoing legacy of one of America's greatest chefs.

Click here for more information about the event and registration info.


Flour Water Salt X Karla's Kreamery Bomboloni Ice Cream Sandwich Pop-Up Sept 24th

Features Events Dessert Ice Cream Doughnuts Darien Pop-Up

Stephanie Webster

Big news for doughnut ice cream sandwich lovers everywhere. On September 24th, starting at 11:30 AM (and I’d get there nice and early as these will sell out quickly), Karla Sorrentino of Karla’s Kreamery and Rob Vankeuren of Flour Water Salt Bread will come together for a few hours to create some cream sandwich magic. The uniquely delicious Flour Water Salt bomboloni (Italian style doughnut) will have a chance to get intimate with Chef Karla’s new micro batch ice cream. These are two “best in class” desserts so get excited.

This unique culinary opportunity will go down at Flour Water Salt located at 20 Grove Street in Darien. While the shop will hold normal hours that day, the ice cream sandwiches won’t get started until 11:30 AM. While both businesses generally take pre-orders, there will be no ordering in advance for this collaboration. Karla and Rob will be assembling sandwiches to order, and expect to simply wait in line for your sweet reward.


Más Tacos Por Favor! La Taqueria Expands to Darien

Features Interview Restaurant Tacos Margaritas Mexican Fast Casual Openings Darien Homepage

Andrew Dominick

A little more than two years ago, Dennis Lake opened his fast casual, but gourmet approach to a taqueria right at the top of Greenwich Avenue. Now he’s taken his homemade blue corn tortilla tacos, Mexican side dishes, and margaritas to Darien’s The Corbin District with a second location of La Taqueria.

But don’t call it a franchise. Maybe don’t even ask him if that’s the plan, even if it does lend extremely well to damn near every city and town. Instead, Lake would likely prefer you call it a well thought out expansion.