Filtering by Tag: Stamford,SONO

Bull Pan BBQ Brings Authentic Korean Fare to Stamford 

Restaurant Korean Asian Stamford Lunch Homepage

Lou Gorfain

With his sleek and spacious Bull Pan emporium now open on lower Summer Street in Stamford, Paul Ma plans to introduce the region to a fun, mouth-watering secret: Korean BBQ.

Of all Asian cuisines, Korean may be the most flavor forward, zestier than Japanese and considerably more authentic than the Chinese-American imposters that clutter our culinary landscape. Although its savory flavors appeal to a Western palate, this iteration of Asian food is the least known in America.  Outside of the K-Towns in New York and California, Korean restaurants have not been easy to find in the hinterlands. 


Lord & Taylor in Stamford Creates Food Truck Destination

Restaurant Food Truck Lunch Stamford

Hey Stamford!

Hey Stamford! shares a new Food Truck destination in Stamford at Lord & Taylor's!

While the rest of Stamford is trying to figure out how to make the whole food truck thing work,  Lord & Taylor (yes, the retail giant) is taking a step in another direction,  by turning their parking lot into the ultimate food truck destination.

It started back in March with just a couple of trucks,  but has quickly gained steam over the last few weeks.  Jack Baker, a spokesman for Lord & Taylor, tells us that the end goal will be to have a mix of 4 or 5 food trucks at a time during lunch & dinner, creating a consistent food truck destination for our area.

Food trucks thus far include: Dough Girls Pizza Truck, Gotta Go Greek Food Truck, HAPA, MOC Eatery, Pito Sofrito, Walter’s Hot Dog Truck.

Read more at Hey Stamford!


The Beach House Café Opens in SONO w/ Southern Style Brunch

Restaurant SONO Norwalk Greenwich Breakfast Brunch Lunch American Homepage

Jessica Ryan

Residents of Greenwich are no strangers to The Beach House Café located on Sound Beach Avenue in Old Greenwich. The restaurant, with its beachy-chic interior and seafood fare with a fresh, Asian twist, has been a local favorite since it was re-opened in 2016 by restauranteur Kane Xu.

Just recently The Beach House Café opened a second location in South Norwalk, directly across from the Maritime Center. While it retains a nautical theme with reclaimed wood, dock-line roping, seaside prints and dock-master lanterns, the vibe here is edgier, more urban, lending itself perfectly to the SoNo landscape.

I had the opportunity to visit the new SONO location for brunch a few weeks ago and was struck by the Southern influence, though perhaps I shouldn’t dismiss the fact that the restaurant’s current location once belonged to Mama’s Boy, known for its Southern cuisine. The Brunch Menu boasts a great many choices, seemingly something for everyone, unless you’re like me, indecisive with an extensive palate and healthy appetite.


Aussie-Influenced Flinders Lane Opens in Downtown Stamford

Restaurant Stamford Australian Bar Comfort Food Seafood Lunch Brunch Homepage

Andrew Dominick

If you hear anyone mention Flinders Lane in Stamford, it’s not a street they’re talking about, it’s a restaurant. More specifically, it’s an Australian-influenced restaurant. If you’re as bewildered as I was when I found out this type of cuisine had arrived in Downtown Stamford—and as curious too—keep reading.

I sought out more info. The common-sense thing to-do was to check out Flinders Lanes’ website, where “Modern Australian” is described as “We take inspiration from the cuisines of nearby Southeast Asia and subtle influence from the food of British settlers mixed with that of Greek and Italian immigrants.” I still found myself scratching my head, wondering if this was accurate. I have a few Australian friends so I fact checked with them and both said that this sounded right, and one added, “We don’t have much ‘real’ Aussie food. Meat pies and tomato sauce, maybe.”


Caffé Social Brings Great Breakfast to South Norwalk

Restaurant Breakfast Brunch Lunch Comfort Food American Coffee Dessert Kid Friendly Norwalk SONO Homepage

Andrew Dominick

A short while back, fellow CTbites writer James Gribbon sent me a text. He asked, “Where’s a good place to get breakfast in SoNo?” I replied with, “There aren’t many. SoNo Baking Company and SoNo Harbor Café. That’s probably it.”

Unless it’s a weekend and restaurants are serving brunch, breakfast in South Norwalk is scarce. I’m not talking wheat grass juice or a pastry at one of the Latin places on South Main Street, when I say “BREAKFAST” I mean eggs, pancakes, and bacon. I want a sit-down place where I can get wired on quality coffee and clean up maple syrup drizzles with that last chunk of sausage.


Crazy Taco Mex: From Truck to Storefront via Hey Stamford!

Restaurant Mexican Tacos Stamford Food Truck lunch

Hey Stamford!

Josh Liva is no stranger to the restaurant business.  He found his passion as a teenager, traveling over 2 hours to work at his uncle’s restaurant.  It was there starting out as a dishwasher, that he developed his work ethic and style. It was through those efforts that he learned an important rule: “Treat everyone like family,” just like in Mexico.

With that in mind, Liva went on to open his first food truck – – Crazy Taco Mex – – almost 5 years ago in Stamford, a second food truck followed about a year after that …. and now, a brick-and-mortar restaurant in the heart of Stamford DowntownCrazy Taco Mex Taqueria and Tequila Bar. Following the same rules of the truck by pairing quality foods with quality service.

The restaurant takes over space previously occupied by another long standing Mexican restaurant, Tacos Guadalajara. The space was outdated and in need of a bit of a face lift.  With that, Liva and his family spent about 120 hours over 6 weeks renovating.  The new space is colorful and playful, offering seating for about 50.

Read the complete article on Hey Stamford!


Spigot Beer Opens in Norwalk, Pouring A Unique Beer List

Restaurant Features CT Beer Beer Brewery Specialty Market Norwalk SONO Homepage

Andrew Dominick

There’s no shortage of good quality craft beer flowing from the taps of multiple bars and restaurants in South Norwalk. On the flipside, Washington Street has seen a few brewpubs bomb. Now there’s a new beer bar on the block, and before you scoff, and say to yourself, “Really? Another one?” let us tell you what’s different about Spigot Beer.

The first thing you’ll notice is it’s in SoNo, but just slightly out of reach of the main drag. Then you must find it. At least four people saw a photo I posted, some who live on the same street, and still had no idea where Spigot is located. It’s across from the post office and Klaff’s, at the very end of the strip of stores that houses Nagoya, right before the Webster Lot entrance near the front of the 50 Washington Street building. You’re welcome. 


Pieology to Open at Stamford Town Center + FREE PIZZA DAY Nov 17th

Restaurant Pizza Stamford Lunch

Hey Stamford!

This just in from Hey Stamford!...

Just weeks after the opening of their latest restaurant, — Rascal Flatts — the doors of the Stamford Town Center’s newest tenant are about to open.  Pieology, a fast-casual pizza chain, plans to open its ‘restaurant row’ shop on November 17th, when they will be hosting a a FREE PIZZA DAY featuring music, activities, and of course FREE PIZZA.

Living in Fairfield County that name may not be familiar to you.  But the California-based chain has been around since 2011 and includes about 140 stores across the country with plans to open even more within the coming year.

Read the complete article here. 


"The Impossible Burger" Now Available at all CT Bareburger Locations

Restaurant Features Stamford Ridgefield Lunch Vegan Vegetarian Special Dietary Needs Homepage Burgers

Andrew Dominick

Elk, beef, duck, bison, lamb and turkey are just some of the proteins used in burgers at Bareburger. The microchain makes sure their burgers are more than just meat-based, and keep vegetarians and vegans in mind with offerings that already include the Farmstead, made from sweet potatoes and wild rice, and the Guadalupe, a black bean and roasted corn burger. Recently, Bareburger has slowly started to roll out another all-natural vegan burger that supposedly tastes close to, or like beef.

Created by Impossible Foods and CEO/founder/scientist Pat Brown, and appropriately named The Impossible Burger, this meatless option is solely made from plants. It’s made up of wheat and potato proteins for a familiar beef burger-like texture, vitamins, amino acids, sugars, and uses konjac (from Japanese yams) and xanthan (made by fermentation) as binders for the patty. It also uses a molecule called heme, which carries oxygen in our blood. Heme is in every living thing, plants included, and makes our blood red. Since red meat contains large amounts of heme, The Impossible Burger uses heme made from fermentation, and gives it a meatier taste than most vegan or veggie burgers on the market. It uses two fats, coconut oil and soybeans to give it that much needed sizzle effect when it hits the grill.  


Walter's Hot Dogs Opens Today in Stamford's Harbor Point

Restaurant Stamford Hot Dogs Comfort Food Kid Friendly To-Go Take Out Lunch Delicious Dives

Andrew Dominick

Walter's Hot Dogs opens today in Stamford at 200 Commons Park South at Harbor Point. This 100-year-old hot dog institution is serious business and has ton of accolades. At the Stamford location, customers can expect all the good stuff that’s made Walter’s a popular destination for locals and tourists alike; curly fries, fried potato puffs, homemade hand-scooped ice cream and Italian ice, and funnel cake fries dusted with powdered sugar. Additionally, you’ll be able to enjoy a Walter’s item that was previously only available on their food trucks, the Puffy Dog, a hot dog (or double it, if you dare) served with fried and smashed potato puffs in the bun. 


Guide To Best Tacos in CT: Happy National Taco Day

Restaurant Tacos Mexican Best of CT Delicious Dives Norwalk Hartford Stamford New Haven Bridgeport Homepage

Stephanie Webster

Here's our list of our favorite Taco Restaurants & Trucks in Connecticut. Feel free to add your favorites to the list below. 

Rincon Taqueria (493 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk) From the owners of Bistro du Soleil in SoNo comes a menu that includes Huevas Rancheros, Burritos, Chilaquiles, Tacos, Empanadas, Tamales and a Chicken Quesadilla. All of their dishes pack great flavors. Mix and match the tacos, from Baja fish to pork, empanadas, generous portions. Fresh ingredients and complimentary yellow rice and beans. Pretty small deli-like space and BYOB.  

Tacos Mexico (82 Fort Point St., Norwalk) Enchiladas, grilled specialities, lots of shrimp dishes, chipotle chicken tacos and the hot sauce is HOT-consider yourself warned, so you made need an Orange-Ginger Mojito (muy bueno). Plain from the outside, but pleasant inside, and very reasonably priced. Parking can be tricky. http://tacosmexicollc.com

Chango Rosa (1 Union Pl, Hartford ) This fun casual restaurant and cocktail bar serves a fusion of authentic Latin American street foods and the popular smoked meats from Bear's Smokehouse. The menu features foods such as empanadas, enchiladas, arepas, and tacos! The meats are divine. https://changorosa.com/


Flinders Lane, Australian Cuisine, Opens in Stamford via Hey Stamford!

Restaurant Australian Stamford Openings Seafood Brunch

Hey Stamford!

This just in from Hey Stamford!

In the ever changing landscape of the Stamford dining scene, there are consistencies:  Pizza places, Steak Houses, Italian restaurants, etc.. etc … I’m not complaining.  I love it all.  But when I have a chance to share news of something a bit different, I get excited.   That’s how I feel about Flinders Lane.


Bar Zepoli Opening in Stamford in Napa & Co. Location

Restaurant Stamford Italian Lunch Openings

Hey Stamford!

This in from Hey Stamford!

It was early 2017 when we announced Bar Zepoli would take over the space recently vacated by the just closed Napa & Co.  Well, after months of renovations, Chef Antonio Greco is thrilled to announce the opening of his new restaurant, Bar Zepoli, in Stamford.

On the menu, you’ll find family favorites such as Nonna’s Meatballs and Gnocchi Puttanesca, alongside modern dishes such as Arctic Trout Crudo and Mint Crusted Rack of Lamb. Classic salads, such as the Caesar get a modern update with polenta croutons. More recent classics such as a Quinoa and Baby Kale salad are also offered.


Drop & Fry Fried Ice Cream Opens in Stamford: Drop It Like It’s Hot

Restaurant ice cream Dessert Comfort Food Kid Friendly Kids fro Stamford Homepage

Andrew Dominick

Fried ice cream is a thing again! At least it is in Stamford. 

If you haven’t heard the sweet whispers and the sizzle of the hot oil, the concession stand at Cummings Beach has a brand-new resident. 

Drop & Fry was started by two city residents, Irving Diaz and Mario Forte, friends since freshman year of high school. They came up with the idea to batter-dip-and-fry pound cake-coated balls of ice cream, after being dissatisfied with fried ice cream desserts at Mexican and Asian restaurants, where you’d typically see if offered. They also saw an opportunity to capitalize on selling a sweet treat that’s not all that common in Fairfield County. 


The Porchetta Burger: Bareburger Debuts Its James Beard Winner

Restaurant Comfort Food Stamford Ridgefield Lunch Homepage Burgers

Lou Gorfain

Now, as an adult, card-carrying carnivore, I’m still leery of burger extenders, be they crumbs, flour, veggies or any other manner of filler.  So when asked to review Bareburger’s Porchetta Burger, half ground pork and half wild mushrooms, I approached the assignment with some hesitation.   Fifty percent filler?  No beef?  No red-pink medium rare interior when I cut into the patty?  No juices oozing at first bite?  Likely no deal.

At the Harbor Point location, I asked the kitchen to cut the Porchetta sandwich in half, so I could check the interior before biting in. To my surprise, the patty looked remarkably like a medium rare beef-burger. Traditionally the pork is wrapped about other savories, but in this version, the pork (wild boar sourced from Fossil Farms in Boonton, New Jersey) is ground in-house, then mixed with chopped wild mushrooms and seasonings (fennel, garlic, and rosemary).


Reasons to Love A & S Italian Fine Foods Market

Restaurant Specialty Market Take Out To-Go Norwalk Stamford Westport Lunch Prepared Food Pasta Homepage

Sarah Green

If you’re in the market for the market of markets, well - A & S Italian Fine Foods could be the market of your dreams. Owner and head chef, Albert Pizzirusso and his wife Patricia opened their latest, Italian,  Fine Foods establishment late last summer and have been purveying first class fare ever since. Along with their business partner, Erik Cohen, the Pizzirussos are working their 3rd A & S market, located conveniently on the Westport/Norwalk border, very close to Whole Foods. (The other locations include a storefront in Stamford - run by Cohen and 2 out of 3 Carcomo brothers -  and a previously owned A & S deli in Norwalk.) Why shop here? ‘Cuz the food is outstanding - ‘nuff said. But naturally, I’ll say more...


20 + Kid Friendly Restaurants in Fairfield County CT

Restaurant Kid Friendly Kids Best of CT Westport Norwalk Stamford Milford New Canaan Darien Fairfield

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

When The Port opened its doors in Westport recently, crafting a dining experience for all ages was part of the goal. “I’ve always wanted to open a restaurant, a neighborhood spot where locals can enjoy food that is approachable and comfortable,” said owner Sal Augeri. Connecticut is home to an array of esteemed restaurants, but sometimes it’s hard to find a place where kids will also feel at home amid all the gourmet eateries.  Fortunately, there are a number of places where adults and children alike can enjoy a delicious meal out.  These restaurants offer kid-friendly dishes, atmospheres, and even specials. Did we miss one of your favorite kid-friendly spots? Let us know below. 


MOC Eatery Gastro-Pub on Wheels: Killer Sandwiches, Salads & Fries in Stamford

Restaurant Food Truck Comfort Food Lunch Stamford Kid Friendly Homepage

Peter Dunay

MOC Eatery, the brainchild of Chef Drew Alden , is a six option food truck that will create a love affair between you and your favorite sandwich joints. Although they only offer three sandwiches, three salads, and two sides, they are packing crazy flavors that will have you coming back for more.

Unlike most two-month-olds, MOC Eatery has a very solid foundation for what they want to serve to their customers. Serving locally sourced ingredients of the highest caliber and taking inspiration from the seasons to guide their menu, no matter what time of the year you go, you are bound to taste something special.


Legendary Walter’s Hot Dogs Coming to Harbor Point, Stamford, in August

Restaurant Hot Dogs Stamford Delicious Dives Kid Friendly ice cream Lunch Homepage

Andrew Dominick

Get ready, Stamford, an almost 100-year-old hot dog institution, with a ton of accolades, is opening just in time for your summer sausage eating pleasure. Walter’s Hot Dogs is set to split, grill, and slather up their famed franks in early to mid-August, located in the space by the fountain in Commons Park, previously occupied by Mr. Frosty’s and The Hut. The Harbor Point edition of Walter’s is their second big reveal in just a few months as they announced a White Plains location would be opening sometime this fall. 


Dough Girls Wood Fired Pizza Truck

Restaurant Food Truck Greenwich Stamford Pizza

Peter Dunay

I come from Italian blood, and I have eaten my fair share of pizza, pasta, and pastries throughout my life. I have had pizza in Pisa and Parmesan in Parma, and it was all lovely. However, may I say, watch out grandma’s worldwide, Dough Girls Pizza Truck is coming for you because these pizzas are epic. Their custom outfitted food truck is packing a blazing hot wood fire oven which they use to crank out personal sized pizzas on the spot. Dough Girls Pizza Truck is based out of Greenwich, CT and sometimes make appearances in Stamford during lunch hours.