Open House @ Thomas Hooker with NoRA Cupcake Truck Road Trip Restaurant Bloomfield Hartford County Beer Amy Kundrat July 06, 2012 The Thomas Hooker Brewery (home to that refreshing summer seasonal, Watermelon Ale) has invited NoRA Cupcake Truck to their twice-monthly Friday Open House, July 6, 2012. The Brewery hosts these events on the 1st and 3rd Friday each month from 5 to 8pm. $10 for pint glass, tasting, and tour (Portion of proceeds go to The Village For Families and Children). Thomas Hooker Brewey is located at Tobey Road in Bloomfield, CT. For more information, visit hookerbeer.com. Read More
South End to Open in New Canaan Restaurant New Canaan Opening Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger July 05, 2012 The expanding number of New Canaan restaurants continues with the announcement of the newest addition, South End, which will open prior to Labor Day on Pine Street next to New Canaan Wine Merchants and feature the culinary creations of Chef Nicholas Martschenko. He is joined at South End by his business partner Keith Siskind, the former General Manager of Tarry Lodge in Port Chester, who will oversee the front of the house. Read More
Harvest Supper in New Canaan Closes Restaurant News CTbites Team July 05, 2012 Residents and visitors who walk down Elm Street in New Canaan will notice a change in the restaurant scenery. After several years Harvest Supper closed its doors on Saturday, June 30. Known in town for incredibly delicious food and included on my list of recommended hamburgers in Fairfield County, many will miss the coziness of the interior and the inventive cuisine designed by Chef Dan Kardos. Stay tuned as CTbites investigates where Restaurateur Grace Lamb next takes her culinary vision. Read More
Flour City Pasta: Organic Artisinal Pasta at Your Local Farmers' Market Restaurant Farmers Market Organic Pasta CTbites Team July 05, 2012 Farfalle, Fettuccine, Orecchiette, Penne, Fusilli, Orzo…..the list goes on, and my heart beats a little faster each time I hear one of these magical words. That’s what pasta is really, a little bit of magic. It has the power to transport you to your first bite of mac and cheese in your Grandma’s kitchen, to Sunday night baked spaghetti, to home. Although I am not Italian, pasta has always been a part of my life and my weakness. This long-lasting relationship began when I was in a high chair, with bowties and butter and has since spiraled to squid ink fettuccine topped with sautéed scallops served in a warm Gorgonzola cream sauce as a college student today. In between, there has been shrimp alfredo, orecchiette with broccoli rabe and sweet sausage, vegetable lasagna, and the classic Bolognese. As I grow, so does this list. Read More
Plan B Burger Bar: Pre Prohibition Dinner Restaurant Events Milford Burgers Cindy Hartog July 03, 2012 Many have described me as a Plan B Burger Bar addict! As a professional chef, most people assume I am a food snob, only interested in 5 Star dining venues. This is not the case. When I eat out, I am looking for quality and ambiance. Ambiance can mean elegance but it can also mean, as in this case, just plain fun! While Plan B’s special Prohibition event was all about the past, it is important to note that the Plan B Burger Bar's everyday menu shines with top notch natural beef burgers (veggie, portabella, salmon, and chicken versions are available too), salads, fun starters, a great assortment of fries, and weekly specials. If you have never been to Plan B Burger Bar before, last week’s Pre Prohibition Dinner would not have been an accurate introduction. Their Pre Prohibition Dinner was a forage into a new land. It was more of a Five Star dining experience, with expertly plated food and service, and even more unique top-notch drinks. Read More
Bottlerocket Wine & Spirits Opens in Westport Restaurant Westport Wine Chat Stephanie Webster & Amy Kundrat July 02, 2012 Is grilled Mahi Mahi on the menu tonight? Not sure which wine or beer would best complement the fish? Bottlerocket Wine & Spirit is now open in Westport at 1790 Post Road East offering a seamless, cleverly organized wine shopping experience. With its roots in downtown Manhattan, Bottlerocket hopes to offer wine fans in Fairfield County a better understanding of wine, beer and spirits. Plus, they've got street cred. Bottlerocket has been named the #2 wine store in New York City by Zagat: "An 'innovator' among vintners...an 'A+ in creativity' for the 'eye-catching' themed displays..." Read More
Art's Deli: An Old Classic Returns to Westport Ingredients Restaurant Deli Italian Specialty Market Westport Kid Friendly CTbites Team July 01, 2012 Having been in Westport for almost eight years, I am definitely enjoying all the hip, new restaurants popping up like wild mushrooms, from California fusion to country chic. I love the innovative foods, inventive cocktails, the trendy decor and the chance to hang out with people who are far more interesting than I am. But sometimes I crave a little old school, mom-and-pop, and a diversion from my mostly vegetarian ways. After driving past Art’s Deli on the Post Road, I finally went in, and discovered a wonderful new, old place. It seems that in spite of all that has changed, what’s old has become new again. But this time, it’s better than ever. Read More
Bonda Chef Jamie Cooper @ Westport Farmers' Market Restaurant Farmers Market CTbites Team June 27, 2012 Jamie Cooper, Head Chef and Owner of Bonda in Fairfield, will be offering a Summer Farm Salad at the Westport Farmers’ Market on Thursday, June 28th between 10 am and 2 pm.Chef Cooper’s inspiration for his appearance at the Market came from Riverbank Farm in Roxbury, CT. He will be assembling a simple summer salad with all ingredients sourced locally from Riverbank Farm. His demonstration will not only show how light and delicious dinner can be, but just how easy it is to shop locally. Cooper will compile a mix of crisp sugar snap peas, scallions, ripe gold tomatoes, and fresh fennel topped it off with a refreshing lime basil vinaigrette. As the heat continues to beat down, there is something so satisfying about a summer salad and a meal that leaves the market 90% complete. Read More
Dine With Design 2012 Recap @ The Philip Johnson Glass House Restaurant Events New Canaan Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger June 27, 2012 On June 9, the second annual Dine with Design Event occurred on the incomparable grounds of the Philip Johnson’s Glass House in New Canaan and presented some of the most imaginative and brilliantly designed food selections that have ever graced this legendary compound. Six extraordinary chefs who exemplify the farm-to-table philosophy of Darryl Eckstrine’s “Harvest to Heat” cookbook and numerous artisans converged in the morning, braving the mist and light rain and created dozens of culinary delights including foie gras profiteroles; farro pasta with a duck heart ragout; citrus cured sardines with Calabrian chilies; plus numerous interpretations of lamb and pork bellies. As I marveled at the chefs’ creativity and tasted each of their dishes, it became apparent that the guests would experience an amazing culinary adventure. Read More
Thursday Night Throwdown @ Espresso NEAT Restaurant Coffee Cooking Classes Darien Amy Kundrat June 27, 2012 Interested in showing off those latte art skills? Or perhaps you just want to learn the basics and sip your way through a fun evening. Either way you are in luck. Espresso NEAT in Darien is hosting their inaugural Thursday Night Throwdown (TNT) Latte Art Competition on July 12. A $5 buy-in will get you into the evening's event. This first event of the season is a customer invitational (everyone is invited). Prizes and sponsors to be announced. Read More
Behind-the-Scenes at Fairfield’s Newest Gastropub: The Chelsea Restaurant Fairfield Opening Amy Kundrat and Stephanie Webster June 26, 2012 The Chelsea, located in the heart of Fairfield on Unquowa Place, will open in a just under a month in mid-July. The new 80 seat restaurant includes 12 outdoor seats, a lively bar, a global gastropub menu and a hefty dose of whimsy. The trio responsible for creating what will likely be Fairfield County’s newest hot spot are: Scott Beck, co-owner of Match and The Loft in South Norwalk, and Tavern in Monroe; Matt Storch, Chef and co-owner of Match in South Norwalk; and Kevin McHugh, Co-Owner of Grey Goose in Southport and Spotted Horse in Wes Read More
Second Date! Holbrook Farm Dinner with Chef Michael Bick Restaurant Bethel Farm Dinner Amy Kundrat June 26, 2012 Holbrook Farm and Chef Michael Bick of Some Things Fishy Catering are hosting their second BYOB farm-to-table dinner of the season on Sunday, July 22, 2012, 4 p.m. at Holbrook Farm in Bethel, CT. The event is $55 per person. To make reservations, email or call 914.572.5648 to make reservations. Their first event of the season was captured by Alicia Ghio of Local Food Rocks. Check out her recap and photos, here. Read More
Ad: Tasti D-Lite, Healthy & Delicious for 20 Years Restaurant kids activity Advertisement Kid Friendly Dessert CTbites Team June 20, 2012 Tasti D-Lite opened in NYC 20 years ago as a low-calorie alternative to ice cream and quickly snowballed into a frozen dessert mecca with a cult-like following. At their Fairfield location, Tasti D-Lite is bringing their 100+ flavors and all natural ingredients to our community offering health-conscious individuals a dessert that is indescribably delicious. Made with the finest ingredients including real dairy and no artificial sweeteners, Tasti D-Lite is lower in calories, sodium, carbs and sugar than ice cream and leading frozen yogurt brands. What makes Tast D-Lite such a guilt-free indulgence? Here's the scoop: Read More
Festivities: Guest Chef @ Westport Farmers' Mkt June 21 Restaurant Chef Talk Farm to Table Farmers Market CTbites Team June 19, 2012 Let the festivities begin! This Thursday, June 21st at The Westport Farmers’ Market, Bill Kaliff Executive chef and Co-owner of Festivities will be providing hungry shoppers with a taste of one of Fairfield County’s premier catering companies. Chef Kalif will begin the first of his two demos at 11 am, with a Faro Ancient Grain Pilaf served with fresh sautéed vegetables and arugula sourced from Ambler Farm. His second dish of the morning, Tabouli with Hearts of Romaine, will be served with his infamous Legacy Olive Oil (which tastes just a little bit like heaven). At 1 pm Chef Kaliff will again show how fun and simple entertaining can be in his second demonstration of the day. Kaliff will be offering a pulled chicken sandwich, served in baby pitas mixed with yogurt, cucumber sauce, and his signature “Magic Sauce” which is known to draw a sizable crowd on its own and is now a staple in my kitchen. Read More
eleven14 Kitchen & Chocolate Lab Open at the J House Hotel in Greenwich Restaurant Cocktails Greenwich Amy Kundrat June 17, 2012 Greenwich has a new kid in town. The J House, a boutique hotel in Riverside, has opened eleven14 Kitchen and The Chocolate Lab. The hotel's modern and playful layers of lounges and indoor/outdoor dining areas, paired with a culinary program led by Chef François Kwaku-Dongo most notably of Spago, make it a place you’ll want to explore this summer. Read More
Aux Delices Opens in Westport: Great Food for Busy People Features Restaurant Prepared Food Specialty Market Westport Breakfast Take Out Lunch Kid Friendly CTbites Team June 17, 2012 Back in Greenwich it was more than 10 years ago that I first walked into Greg Addonizio and Debra Ponzek’s tiny yellow-and-blue striped jewel of a café, Aux Delices. I went there almost every day, unable to resist their lemony ginger tea, inspiring desserts and gourmet take-out items. After I moved to Westport, I literally dreamed about their unbelievably decadent chocolate cake. Now, at long last, my dreams have come true. Aux Delices, which in French means “all the delicious food in life,” has opened a new location...in Westport, centrally located at 1035 Post Road East. With an airy, relaxed French brasserie ambience of copper fixtures, colorful chalkboard menus, and an outdoor patio, it’s the perfect instant getaway. And, while the service is quick and easy, the food however, is anything but fast food-like. With the exception of a few imported specialty items, drinks and cheeses, all foods and pastries are baked on-site, prepared by culinary institute-trained chef Ponzek, who describes her own cooking as “quality, healthy food for busy people.” Read More
Taste and See Cupcakes in Milford Features Restaurant Bakery Milford Kid Friendly Dessert Cindy Hartog June 14, 2012 Is Taste and See Gourmet Cupcakes in Milford worth a 30-minute drive from Westport? The answer is a resounding “yes”! Recently, I’ve diagnosed myself as cupcake obsessed. There are worse obsessions, right? Through mail order, vacation excursions, and day trips, I estimate I’ve tried more than 50 cupcake purveyors. With complete honesty, Taste and See is my winner. Read More
Nighttime at Silvermine Market in New Canaan Restaurant Italian Specialty Market New Canaan Comfort Food Elizabeth Keyser June 10, 2012 The Silvermine Market is kind of like a neighborhood clubhouse. Make that town hall, says Scott Kaluczky, chef and co-owner of the gourmet deli. “Silvermine has a rich history and a strong sense of community,” he says. The quaint area along the Silvermine River strattles the border of New Canaan, Wilton and Norwalk. The Market is an off-the-beaten path place to have a business breakfast, or lunch after a visit to the Silvermine Art Center’s classes and shows. But the Silvermine Market also holds a well-kept secret: on Friday and Saturday evenings, it transforms into a candlelit, table-clothed restaurant serving Italian-American and American fare. It’s called Nighttime at Silvermine. Read More
Invite: 6 Course Italian Wine Dinner at Rizzuto's w/ Owner Bill Rizzuto Restaurant CTbites Invites CTbites Team June 10, 2012 Fresh from a research trip throughout the vineyards of the Italian countryside, Rizzuto's Restaurant and Bar owner Bill Rizzuto will host an all-inclusive 6-course Italian Wine Dinner on Monday, June 25 from 7 to 9 pm for $55 at Rizzutos's newest location in Stamford. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE. CTbites readers are invited to share in this playful multi-course Italian meal paired with wine varietals of the Donnachiara Winery in Avellino, Italy. The 6-course menu begins with Rizzuto's signature antipasti reception. The following courses include a yellow fin tuna crudo, asparagus panna cotta with crispy fried rock shrimp and black truffle vinaigrette, followed by an artichoke confit ravioli, and a 24-hour braised lamb, fresh mint, English peas, and oven-roasted tomatoes. Finishing the savory with a main course of grilled veal sirloin, with sheep's milk ricotta roman "gnocchi," and braised cavolo nero with rosemary fig jus. Read More
Chef Cosentino, Iron Chef & Author @ William Sonoma Restaurant Chef Talk Cookbooks Events Specialty Market CTbites Team June 07, 2012 Chris Cosentino: Chef/Partner of Incanto, Boccalone and Pigg, former Iron Chef, and author of the new cookbook, Beginnings: My Way To Start a Meal is the featured chef partner this season at Williams-Sonoma. With his inspired interpretations of Italian dishes and innovative whole animal cooking, Cosentino has proven he’s someone to watch in the culinary world. On June 13, 5-7 pm you can join him at William Sonoma for an evening of Chris’s seasonal, Italian-Style first courses. These simple, rustic recipes reflect the chef’s love of cooking – both at home and in the kitchen of his San Francisco restaurant, Incanto and artisan salumeria, Boccalone. COST: $75 includes 2-hour demo, a signed copy of the book and dinner! Please call the store at 203-221-8667 for more information. Read More