Filtering by Tag: New Canaan,Syrian

South End to Open in New Canaan

Restaurant Openings New Canaan

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

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.


Dine With Design 2012 Recap @ The Philip Johnson Glass House

Restaurant Events New Canaan

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

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. 


Nighttime at Silvermine Market in New Canaan

Restaurant Italian Specialty Market New Canaan Comfort Food

Elizabeth Keyser

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.


Dine With Design @ The Glass House: Chef Update

Restaurant Events Farm to Table Local Artisan Local Farm New Canaan

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

The second annual Dine with Design will happen June 9, 2012, on the magnificent and incomparable grounds of Philip Johnson’s Glass House in New Canaan. With the tremendous success of prior year’s food presentations, the afternoon will again feature incredible tasting menus designed and prepared by some of the most renowned and respected chefs in America. Several of the chefs are featured in Darryl Estrine and Kelly Kochendorfer’s cookbook, Harvest to Heat and this year’s day and evening lineup will create one of the most delicious culinary experiences of the season.

The participating chefs include three locals, Jeremy McMillan from The Farmhouse Restaurant at The Bedford Post Inn, Frederic Kieffer from Artisan in Southport, and Tim LaBant from The Schoolhouse at Cannondale in Wilton; two chefs from Cambridge, MA, Tony Maws from Craigie on Main and Ana Sortun from Oleana; plus Missy Robbins from A Voce in New York City and Gabriel Rucker from Le Pigeon in Portland, OR. The last two of the featured chefs, Missy Robbins and Gabriel Rucker present two vastly different paths up the culinary ladder and as well as approaches in their current restaurants. 


New Canaan Farmers' Market Opens Today

Restaurant Farmers Market New Canaan

Amy Kundrat

The New Canaan Farmers' Market opens today, May 12, in the Old Center School Parking Lot 
in New Canaan, CT. The market will run every Saturday through November 17 from 10 am to 2 pm.

Among the vendors are familiar faces such as Shortt's Organic Farm, Baby Cat Milk bar, Izzi B's CupcakesSkinny Pines Pizza, Raus Coffee and Michele's Pies among many others.

Opening day specials include $3 off all bottles of Cold Roman (while supplies last). Check out our post of the Market from last year and come down every Saturday and see for yourself.

The New Canaan Farmers Market is located at the Old Center School Parking Lot at the Corner of South Avenue, Maple Avenue and Main Street in New Canaan, CT. The market will run every Saturday from May 12 through November 17 from 10 am to 2 pm, rain or shine.


Best Burgers in Fairfield County: 2012 Edition

Restaurant Darien Delicious Dives Fairfield Norwalk Stamford Westport New Canaan Comfort Food Best of CT Burgers

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

“It is the Americans who have managed to crown minced beef as hamburger, and to send it round the world so that even the fussy French have taken to le boeuf hache, le hambourgaire.” – Julia Child

Forget the fish, hold the pasta, toss the vegetables to the side…May is National Burger Month, thirty-one days dedicated to one of my favorite culinary creations …the hamburger. And in honor of this great event, CTbites is please to highlight both the places that were included in the two Recommended Hamburger Lists from 2011 plus additional establishments from my continuous search for scrumptious hamburgers. 

Here (in alphabetical order) is a list of recommended hamburgers from Greenwich to Westport to enjoy during National Hamburger Month.


Save the Date: Dine with Design 2012 @ The Glass House

Restaurant Events New Canaan

CTbites Team

The Philip Johnson Glass House, a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, invites the community to attend the second annual Dine with Design. The epicurean event, to be held at the Glass House on Saturday, June 9, offers two ways to experience the historic site. From 12pm to 3pm, the Modern Picnic provides an opportunity to sample savory dishes prepared by six award-winning chefs and ten talented artisans while exploring the buildings, grounds and art collections located on the 49-acre site. Beginning at 6:30pm, The Food Film Festival™ makes its first appearance outside of New York City and Chicago. The theater-style experience delights audiences as it offers the chance to taste what they see on the screen. 


Opening Night at Elm Restaurant in New Canaan

Restaurant American Farm to Table Local Farm New Canaan Lunch

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

At 5:44PM on the first day of spring, March 20, 2012, the kitchen at elm Restaurant in New Canaan hummed to life as it received an order from the dining room. This was no ordinary order, it was the restaurant’s first. The order ticket began…Appetizers – 1 grilled Spanish octopus, 1 citrus cured hamachi, 1 local lettuces from Millstone Farm, 1 roots, shoots, fruits and leaves, and 1 soft farm egg ravioli… elm was officially open. The outstanding staff that Chef Brian Lewis had assembled sprang to action. The months of planning, the weeks of training, the hours of preparation were now tested as the guests arrived and the orders placed.

 


Elm Restaurant Opens March 20th in New Canaan

Restaurant Farm to Table Local Farm New Canaan Lunch Kid Friendly

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

CTBites readers and residents of New Canaan who are eagerly awaiting Chef Brian Lewis’ cuisine at elm Restaurant will soon enjoy this new addiition to the New Canaan culinary scene. Elm's much anticipated opening is scheduled for March 20 to coincide with the first day of Spring. 

The facade of the building and the interior space has been beautifully updated to reflect a sleek and minimalistic architectural style. The feel of the restaurant is airy and open and offers ambiance that is warm, relaxing, and stylish. The layout includes a large, handsome pewter-covered bar separating the main dining area from the less formal bar seating.  A Chef’s Table with a view into the immaculate kitchen can be quickly enclosed behind sliding glass panels for a private dining experience for up to twelve guests. And if you like to watch, grab a chair at the four-seat tasting table where Chef Lewis will prepare and present special menus to lucky guests.


Boulevard 18 French Bistro Opens in New Canaan

Restaurant French New Canaan

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

Un autre grand restaurant Français ouvre dans New Canaan. Oops, I got ahead of myself. What I meant to say was another noteworthy restaurant, Boulevard 18, a French Bistro and Wine Bar, officially opened last Friday in New Canaan and the food is well worth a night out.  

The 62 Main Street address has been transformed into a little bit of Paris by owners Steven Semaya, Luciano Ramirez, Henry Rosenbaum and Chef/Owner David Raymer (Strada 18 in Sono).


Carpe Diem Opens w/ Northern Italian in New Canaan

Restaurant Italian New Canaan Lunch

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

Food lovers of New Canaan rejoice! Carpe Diem, a Northern Italian inspired restaurant by Alan Basaran, has opened and the housemade pastas are delicious. As CTBites presented earlier, Basaran, a North Stamford resident and owner of Carpe Diem Restaurant in New York City, is excited about creating delicious Northern Italian cuisine in New Canaan, his wife’s hometown.


Gelatissimo in New Canaan is Very Gelato

Restaurant ice cream New Canaan Dessert

Marina Giannangeli

The first thing I thought of when I heard “Gelatissimo” was that with a name like this, the place must be authentic. I was not disappointed in learning more about this delightful spot in downtown New Canaan when I met with its owners Andrea and Nuccia.

In Italian, Gelatissimo means very gelato; the supprelative “issimo” is used to exalt a description from standard to the very most, this is something I love about the Italian language, that things can be highlighted, made bigger, tastier or more beautiful - or just the opposite- by adding this sort of supprelative. “Issimo” is reserved for the very most and who doesn’t want more gelato!?

Here, Nuccia and Andrea have done the very best in gelato; their cheery interior is consistently buzzing with happy customers-several appear to be regulars while others are venturing in for the first, but not last time.


Bistro/ Gastro Pub Boulevard 18 to Open in New Canaan

French New Canaan

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

Boulevard 18 is scheduled to open during the latter half of January 2012 on Main Street in New Canaan. The restaurant will offer a French Bistro / Gastro-pub experience from the décor, to the beer and wine selections, to the traditional fare offered in Parisian bistros. The second venture by the team of Chef David Raymer, Steven Semaya, Luciano Ramirez and Henry Rosenbaum, Boulevard 18 will maintain the same philosophy as its sister Italian café restaurant, Strada 18 in SoNo, of quality food at quality prices.

Chef Raymer described Boulevard 18 as “going back to my roots.” After leaving college to form a rock band in NYC, Chef Raymer supported his life as a musician by gaining experience and working his way up the ladder in the kitchens of several of New York’s glamour restaurants, including Joanna’s Restaurant and Gotham Bar and Grill.


A Good Crêpe is Hard to Find...A Guide to FC Crêpes

Restaurant Fairfield Norwalk New Canaan Lunch Kid Friendly Dessert

CTbites Team

I’m tough on crêperies.  I can’t help it.  I’m constantly comparing their crêpes to the ones of my French childhood summers spent in Brittany, the northwest peninsula of France and the crêpe’s birthplace.  My great-grandmother made them in her two room farmhouse –– she poured the mixture of buckwheat flour, salt and water onto a billig, a hot, round, buttered, grill surface, then with her rozell, a small toothless rake, she spread this batter into a fifteen-inch-round sphere the thinness of butterfly wings.  As the batter bubbled there and the edges browned, she coaxed the half cooked, wobbly, crepe onto her long, wooden spatula and flipped it over, intact.  The crêpe continued cooking this way until completely golden, signaling to her to scrape this fragile delicacy gently off the billig with her spatula.  From here she held the hot crêpe between her fingertips and the spatula.  She then placed it onto a waiting plate, setting the crêpe down with the same carefulness as though she was putting a drowsy baby onto a pillow. 


Caroline's Crêperie Opens in New Canaan

Restaurant French New Canaan Breakfast Lunch Kid Friendly Dessert

CTbites Team

Walk under the blue awning and into the open doors of Caroline’s Crêperie and you’ll feel as if you’re walking into Caroline’s very own French home. With the warm, helpful service and Caroline herself standing at the helm making crêpes and welcoming clients into her buzzing restaurant, you can’t help but be charmed by this new restaurant on New Canaan's Elm Street. 


Update on Elm: Opening Soon in New Canaan

Restaurant Farm to Table New Canaan Farm Fresh

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

A flurry of activity surrounds New Canaan’s Elm Street as Chef/Owner Brian Lewis’ much anticipated elm restaurant is set to open in New Canaan in January 2012.

Elm will be a Modern American restaurant, “rooted in tradition and inspired by the seasons” featuring a 60 seat elegant dining room and 25 seats in the warm, casual bar area. A highlight of elm will be The Chef’s Kitchen Table, with seating for twelve as well as a separate Chef’s Tasting Bar with four seats, which will be etched into a semi-private nook overlooking the heart of Brian’s kitchen. Together, the food, wine, hand-crafted cocktails and exceptional service will embody both luxury and comfort; a destination perfect for everyday or your favorite occasion, filled with high energy, world class food and small town charm.


Station Eats (formerly Filling Station) Thanksgiving Burger

Restaurant Holiday New Canaan Kid Friendly Burgers

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

Back by popular demand, the Thanksgiving inspired 2011 Station Eats Special Burger and Shake is a throwback to the 2010 offerings with its Turkey Burger plus the well-received Pumpkin shake. Station Eats will offer both of these treats in both October and November.

The 2011 Thanksgiving Turkey Burger contains a free range turkey patty, plus thick sliced bacon, cranberry aioli, a slice of sage, lettuce and tomato. The 2010 Thanksgiving turkey burger was not to my liking but Station Eats changed its purveyors and the current turkey burger itself is juicy with loads of flavor. I think it is a welcome change and I like this year’s edition. I continue to be a big fan of the Station Eats bacon and its addition to the turkey burger is delicious, plus I appreciate the crispy Romaine lettuce and plum tomatoes.


L'Andana to Bring Tuscan Cuisine to New Canaan

Restaurant Italian New Canaan

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

New Canaan continues to expand its reputation as a restaurant destination with the scheduled opening of L’Andana next month in the space formerly occupied by 50 Coins on Locust Ave. The Northern Italian inspired restaurant represents the newest addition to owner Allan Basaran’s list of culinary accomplishments, which currently includes Carpe Diem in New York City. Prior to opening Carpe Diem, Basaran was a Director at Le Caprice Restaurant at the Pierre Hotel, the Maitre d" at the Oak Room at the Plaza Hotel and the Italian eatery Nello’s.  

Significant renovations are currently in process and L’Andana will include a private dining room, a separate bar and chef’s table to complement the Northern Italian menu.