25+ Restaurants & Bars for Cinco de Mayo in CT: 2018 Edition Restaurant Holiday Events Cinco de Mayo Bar Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 21, 2018 Geronimo Tequila Bar & Southwest Grill, Fairfield and New Haven: Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill will be offering “Five Days of Cinco” at its New Haven and Fairfield locations.Mezon, Danbury: Mezon in Danbury will host its annual Cinco de Mayo block party with $7 plates and drinks, a live DJ, a cocktail competition and more. Doors open at 7pm.Dos Amigos, Torrington: Karaoke meets Cinco de Mayo at Dos Amigos in Torrington.CINCO Norwalk Block Party, Norwalk: CTBites, Ken Tuccio, and Don Carmelo's Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar in Norwalk are teaming up for CINCO, a massive Cinco De Mayo Block Party event. The event kicks off at 12pm and it is an all day party four live bands, two culinary competitions and the debut of Evenflow Mexican Lager from No Worries. Bartaco, Stamford, Westport, West Hartford: Bartaco Westport is kicking off the summer with their Cinco de Mayo fiesta! Visit them for live music, a summer bucket list contest, and surprise giveaways.Cinco Five Festival, Stamford: The first annual CINCO FIVE FESTIVAL will take place in Stamford on Saturday, May 5 from 3-9pm at Stamford's Mill River Park! There will be food trucks, DJs, and plenty of beer and sangria. 21+. Read More
Guide To Cooking Classes in Connecticut: 18 Spots To Get Schooled Features Cooking Classes kids cooking party Education Entertaining Catering Homepage April Guilbault April 20, 2018 It’s not warm enough to totally be outdoors and you’ve got a wicked case of cabin fever after this roller coaster of a winter. What’s a food loving, experience-hungry, knowledge-loving person to do? Take a class! Specifically, a *food* class! From breads to butchery, cheeses to fondant, we’ve assembled a class list that will have you hungry to learn, so to speak. Using the skills offered in these classes, you (and your friends, if a group activity if something you are looking for) can learn a wide variety of culinary skills that will allow you to have fun in the moment but then take that fun back to your own kitchen and share it. Learn to cook for a crowd, perfect skills you’ve been thinking you need a smidge of help with, or just do something different for an evening. Break out of that bread box! Strike a new (knife) pose! Any way you slice it (see what I did there?), you are going to have a grand time…learning! Who knew? Read More
Shake Shack Opening In West Hartford April 27 Restaurant West Hartford Hartford Hartford County Burgers Comfort Food Kid Friendly Hot Dogs ice cream Stephanie Webster April 19, 2018 Shack®is thrilled to announce it will open its doors on Friday, April 27that 11AM. The West Hartford Shack will be located at Corbin's Corner, 1445 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, CT. This marks Shake Shack’s fourth Connecticut Shack, with existing locations in Darien, New Haven and Westport.In addition to the Shack classics, the West Hartford Shack will be spinning up a selection of custom frozen custard concretes: Shack Attack (chocolate custard, fudge sauce, chocolate truffle cookie dough, Mast Brothers Shake Shack dark chocolate chunks, topped with chocolate sprinkles), Cookie Butter Blender (vanilla custard, cookie butter, chocolate toffee and chocolate sprinkles)and Pie Oh My (vanilla custard and slice of Four & Twenty Blackbirds seasonal pie). Read More
CT Guide To Raw Milk: Why Raw and Where To Buy in CT? Features Ingredients Ingredients Farm to Table CT Farms Local Farm Luke Shanahan April 19, 2018 I submit that raw milk might just be the most real of all foods. Start with the fact that milk is the only food created specifically to feed something. (Honey doesn’t count, as the pollen honey is made from has its own agenda.) Synonymous with nourishment, raw milk is the first food most human beings—all mammals—ingest. And raw milk, for it to be free of any off flavors and to be safe to drink, requires painstaking care to produce. Every little step in the process matters.The subtle and intricate flavors in raw milk, the very opposite of the one-note flavor of pasteurized milk or, worse, the waxy cardboard taste vacuum of skim, come from the undenatured biocomplexity in unpasteurized milk. When I read chemists-for-hire claiming, on behalf of big commercial dairy, that there isn't that much nutritional difference between pasteurized and raw, I choose to trust my palate. Well, my palate and the biochemists who say that the difference is real and considerable. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events for April 22-29 Features Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 18, 2018 Stratford Restaurant Week will take place from April 22-28. Participating restaurants include neighborhood favorites like Riverview Bistro, The Beach House Grill, Outriggers, Joey C’s, Paradise Pizza, The Lazy Dog Tavern, Kama Sushi, and more. Food Rescue US, the direct-transfer food rescue organization dedicated to ending food insecurity in America, is thrilled to present their signature fundraising event, Food for All on Wednesday April 25.Visit Ambler Farm on Saturday April 28 for a Spring Pancake Breakfast from 11am-12:30pm. Plus, catch up with the farm animals, do a fun spring-themed craft, and watch the sheep have their wool shorn in preparation for warmer weather. It is $15 per adult and $5 per child. On Monday April 23, L’escale will host a wine dinner featuring Pago de Carraovejas. The meal will include dishes like Grilled Lamb Chop, Heritage Pork Loin, Octopus “Escabeche,” and more. It costs $85 per person.Join Matt Storch at Match Restaurant in South Norwalk and tune in LIVE to watch Matt battle it out on The Food Network's Chopped. It all goes down April 24th with a full evening's line up events. Read More
Dom's Coffee: Get Your Espresso On At The "Most Beautiful Cafe in Connecticut" Restaurant Coffee Tea And Coffee Cheese Breakfast Brunch Dessert Bakery April Guilbault April 17, 2018 Farmington, Connecticut; the land of colonial homes and rolling hills, horse farms, schools once attended by former First Ladies and now, home of Dom's Coffee, rated by Architectural Digest as The Most Beautiful Cafe in Connecticut.Remember when the word coffeehouse conjured visions of overstuffed, cast-off furniture populated by long-lounging “alternative” coffee-sippers? All that was missing was your local version of Phoebe Buffay crooning about her Smelly Cat. Gone are those days. A new, craft-caffeinated, curated, uplifting day has dawned in the land of this coffeehouse and many others. Read More
First Taste: OKO Opens In Westport w/ Chef Brian Lewis Restaurant Japanese Westport Asian Openings Cocktails Bar Noodles Sushi Homepage Andrew Dominick April 15, 2018 If you’ve got your finger on the pulse of the Fairfield County food scene, there’s a good chance you’re jonesing to eat at OKO, set to open on April 19 in Downtown Westport. OKO is brought to you by Chef Brian Lewis—fresh off a James Beard semifinalist nomination—a name Westporters are familiar with from his over two-year-old flagship restaurant, and critically acclaimed, The Cottage. At OKO, Lewis is changing things up, as he plans to showcase his passion for Japanese ingredients and cooking techniques. Read More
Watch Chef Matt Storch Live on Food Network's Chopped April 24th Features Events Stephanie Webster April 13, 2018 Join Matt Storch at Match Restaurant in South Norwalk and tune in LIVE to watch Matt battle it out on The Food Network's Chopped. It all goes down April 24th with a full evening's line up events. CTbites and Ken Tuccio will be in the house at 9:15 with a live podcast. At 9:00pm Match will host their late night happy hour including a Broken Shed Vodka Chopped Competition where YOU get to be the JUDGE. At 10pm they will fire up the huge screen and projector to view the premiere of the episode. Make your reservations now! Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of April 15 to 22 Features Events Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 12, 2018 Melt Mobile has added a new truck to the fleet. “Earl” can now accommodate up to 500 people (50 Minimum). www.melt-mobile.com/catering.The Spread in Sono & Greenwich have a NEW Happy Hour Monday-Friday 4:30-6:30pm, $6 cocktails, wine & beer, and Chef Carlos' tasty snacks. Bartaco is introducing new dishes this month! Visit them for gazpacho, blistered shishito peppers, a chicken pastor taco and rice bowl, duck quesadilla, and more.Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, famous for its New Haven-style pizzas, has launched its first ever loyalty program, Pepe’s Rewards. Pepe’s fans can earn one point for each dollar spent and members who collect 250 points will receive a $20 gift to use toward Pepe’s iconic pizza pies. Additionally, members will be gifted a $15 credit on their birthday and will receive a variety of special promotions along the way. https://frankpepesrewards.myguestaccount.com/guest/Washington Prime will host a Duckhorn Vineyards Wine Dinner on April 17. The SoNo location invites you to a 5 course wine pairing dinner for $95 per person, plus tax and gratuity. http://washingtonprimect.com/events/wp-sonoButchers & Bakers in Farmington is opening its patio! Join them on Thursday April 19 when they debut the outdoor space. There will be live music from Dangerous Play, $3 Salute American Vodka cocktails, $2 Bud and Bud Light, $5 Cheese Pizzas, and 50 cent wings!On Thursday April 19, Fairfield Cheese Company, Cato Corner Farm, and Kent Falls Brewery are teaming up for cheese class. It costs $50 per person and runs from 7-9pm. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/farmhouse-cheeses-with-cato-corner-tickets-43209806695Newbrook Kitchen + Market has announced new dates for its popular 6-course tasting dinners! On Friday April 20, join them for a “Southern Comfort” menu featuring Shrimp & "Grits," Fried Chicken Livers, "Corn Bread" & Tomato Salad, Pulled Pork Biscuit Dumpling, Crab Cake & Brussels, and Carrot Cake. https://www.newbrookkitchen.com/shop-1 Read More
It's A Woman's World: Annie Farrell, Sustainable Farmer, Millstone Farm Features CT Farms Local Farm Interview CTbites Team April 10, 2018 Fairfield County is full of trailblazing women, particularly in the culinary world. Which is why, with 2018 being proclaimed the Year of the Woman, we felt compelled to honor the pioneers among us. Our new series, “It’s A Woman’s World’ is devoted to Fairfield County female influencers who’ve forged their own paths, often in food-related fields long dominated by men.Whether farming the land, bringing healthy food to the masses, feeding an entrepreneurial spirit or injecting feminism with food, these groundbreaking ladies have set a new definition of women’s work, creating new paths and setting examples for those who follow. How'd they do it? Read on. This week, we feature Annie Farrell, a pioneer in sustainable farming, and farmer at Millstone Farm in Wilton CT. Stay tuned to see who’s next. And feel free to send suggestions for your candidates to steph@ctbites.com. Read More
WIN FREE TIX to the Third Annual Connecticut Blind Beer Awards Features Events CTbites Team April 09, 2018 The Blind Rhino will host the Third Annual Connecticut Blind Beer Awards on Saturday, April 21st, from 1pm – 5pm, in Norwalk CT. Only 100 tickets are available and they can be purchased here.TO WIN 2 FREE TICKETS ($100 value) to the CT Blind Beer Awards, tell us why you NEED to attend this event below. We will select a winner on Thursday, April 19th. The Connecticut Blind Beer Awards is a unique beer tasting-experience, hosted by Ken Tuccio, where hype and bias are eliminated and beer drinkers decide what they like based solely on the liquid. Read More
Junzi Kitchen in New Haven: Customize Your Chinese Bings And Things Restaurant New Haven Chinese Asian Noodles Lunch Take Out To-Go lunch Homepage CTbites Team April 07, 2018 Back in 2015, a few Yale students, including chef and culinary director Lucas Sin, got together and opened Junzi Kitchen in New Haven. The small counter-serve spot dishes out traditional Northern Chinese cuisine, specializing in bings (flour-pressed wraps) and noodles.Since its creation, Junzi Kitchen has expanded to New York City, with one currently at Colombia University and a second to open on Bleecker Street this spring.The New Haven location is bright and welcoming. It has an organic feel with its white brick walls, light wood accents, and lush greenery dangling from the ceiling. On one wall, there is a small display of featured artwork, including ceramics made by the China-based artist Junty. Read More
Recap: Beers & Bites at Half Full Brewery with Knot Norms and Hapa Food Truck Features Homepage Dinner Events Beer Dinner CT Beer CTbites Invites Andrew Dominick April 05, 2018 Did you ever hear the one about the food truck chef and the restaurant chef at a local brewery? Wait, that’s a real thing. There’s no punchline. What I’m talking about here is the first ever Beers & Bites event that was held on April 5, 2018 at Half Full Brewery in Stamford. Beers & Bites is a collaboration between CTbites, Half Full Brewery, local food trucks and chefs. The idea behind Beers & Bites is to team a food truck chef and a restaurant chef to collaborate on a menu that gets paired with Half Full’s thirst-quenching brews. Think of it as a beer dinner where you won’t leave feeling overstuffed; it’s just enough food and drink. For $50 you get four-courses, four beers (refills were common so it’s a little more than four), a commemorative Beers & Bites snifter glass, and a damn good time in a non-pretentious, not overcrowded taproom. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events For April 8-15 Features News Events Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 05, 2018 Fortina now has a new happy hour every day! Plus, during the month of April, say the magic word- “boom”- to your server, and get 50% off a pizza of your choice. Limit one per table.Beloved Heibeck’s Stand will officially open in Wilton on Tuesday April 10.Stony Creek Brewery in Branford will host the first ever showing of the No Man's Land Film Festival on Tuesday April 10. The No Man's Land Film Festival is an all-female adventure film festival based out of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Doors open at 6pm and a $10 admission donation goes to the CCAP o advance cycling for girls in Connecticut. Visit the Tasty Yolk during the month of April for the “Wilburrito 2.0” special. The breakfast offering consists of Cochinita Pernil (pulled pork), cheddar cheese, 2 eggs, and guacamole.On Tuesday April 10, Fairfield Cheese Company will hold “Cheese 101,” their popular class covering cheese basics. Learn about cheese-making, storage, and serving and taste an assortment of cheeses alongside complementary wines. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased online. Read More
CTbites Joins Cinco de Mayo Block Party, Taco & Margarita Competition w/ Ken Tuccio Features Events Stephanie Webster April 04, 2018 Ken Tuccio is teaming up with Don Carmelo’s Mexican Grill in Norwalk CT for CINCO, an all day block party event, going down on Saturday May 5th at Don Carmelo’s. This event kicks off at 12pm and goes all day and it is absolutely loaded with events and activities.This block party is also going to feature two separate culinary competitions featuring some of Fairfield County’s best restaurants.At 2pm there will be a Best Taco Contest, during which four restaurants will battle to see who can create the best taco. The competing restaurants are Don Carmelo’s, El Segundo, Saltwater Restaurant and Chef Carol Koty, who has appeared on several Food Network programs. A panel of some of Connecticut’s best known food experts will be doing the judging (including CTbites)!At 5pm it’s margarita time, when Don Carmelo’s, The Blind Rhino, Washington Prime and The Spread battle it out in a Best Margarita Contest! The judging panel consists of Teresa DuFour from WTNH’s CT Style, Esther Katro from Fox 61, Lora and Bev from Unlocking Connecticut and James Gribbon from CTBites! Read More
Carbone’s Celebrates 80 Years in Hartford (sponsored post) Restaurant Hartford Bloomfield Rocky Hill Italian Lunch CTbites Team April 04, 2018 To commemorate its 80th year, Carbone’s Ristorante in Hartford is serving a Roman Dinner on weekdays from April 2 through June 29. A menu previously reserved for very special occasions –– the Roman Dinner is a 7-course chef tasting menu, including specialty wine to pair and a small gift to take home. True to Carbone’s tradition, certain courses will be prepared and served tableside.From fig bruschetta with prosciutto di parma and housemade ricotta to grilled diver scallops with shrimp, pepper-crusted petite filet with dolce gorgonzola, and a few of the classics––these courses are sure to impress. The entire experience is $65, or $80 with wine pairings. Reservations are recommended. Read More
Tix On Sale May 1st for Chef Tim LaBant's 2018's Farm to Fork Dinners at Millstone Farm Features Farm to Table Farm Dinner CT Farms Stephanie Webster April 03, 2018 Chef Tim LaBant and The Schoolhouse At Cannondale have released the schedule for the 2018 season’s Farm to Fork dinners. Tickets go on sale May 1st...and they go fast! Check out the schedule below.Four locally sourced courses served family style under the stars (weather permitting). Beginning at 6 pm, Cocktail hour (drinks included), Farm Tour and Dinner (BYOB) by Wilton's own, Chef Tim LaBant of The Schoolhouse at Cannondale. Location: Millstone Farm, Wilton, CT.Dinner is BYOB starting at around 7 pm and is four courses, family style. Read More
Ivy’s Gourmet Offers Completely Unique Granola You'll Want To Eat All Day Features Ingredients Ingredients Local Artisan Breakfast Sarah Green April 03, 2018 Move over, all you factory-produced, sugar blasted, oat-heavy granolas - there’s a new-chew in town. It’s just about that time of year when your pantry could use a purge so make some room for Sarah Tamm’s small-batch delights; time to stock up on IVY’S GOURMET granola. With a predominance of fruits, seeds and nuts as the base for all her granola blends, Tamm uses dynamic spice combinations to brighten the palette and creates interesting flavor profiles - both sweet and savory. Sure, you can purchase Chocolate Almond or Cinnamon Raisin if the “norm” is what rolls your oats. But why not be daring and try something out of the ordinary? Curry Cashew, by chance? Strawberry Rosewater? Sarah Tamm has created bold and satisfying artisanal granola, sold in several sizes from snack to bulk. Read More
Guide To Great Pancakes In Connecticut Restaurant Breakfast Brunch Best of CT homepage Homepage CTbites Team April 01, 2018 There is nothing quite like a fluffy, American-style pancake topped with butter and drizzled with real maple syrup. These breakfast-focused and all-day eateries offer both classic flavors and tasty twists on pancakes perfect for a filling meal to start the day. The CTBites staff have weighed in and we’ve stacked together our favorite pancakes throughout the state of Connecticut. If you have a favorite pancake spot that is not on our list tell us all about it below. Read More
Oreo Vodka To Be Released This Spring in CT Test Market Features News Stephanie Webster April 01, 2018 This just in from the folks that make the most deliciously addictive cookie in the supermarket snack aisle. The innovation team at Oreo has made some pretty incredible brand extensions in the past few years, including; Oreo O's breakfast cereal, Oreo ice cream, Oreo Jell-O, Oreo pudding crust, cake mix, frosting, brownies, granola bars, and candy...not to mention the wildly popular limited edition Oreo flavors that scroll by on your Instagram feed every few months. Yesterday, Oreo announced a very exciting brand extension/partnership with Smirnoff Vodka. Wait for it people...OREO VODKA!! No longer will beverage and cookie lovers have to get their buzz on separately. What does it taste like? We don't know yet, as we haven't managed to get our hands on a bottle. However, CT is one of 14 test markets across the country, so keep your eyes open at your local liquor story. If you find it, let us know. Happy drinking!Photo courtesy of @WrecklessEating Read More
