Sandy Hook’s Nouveau Monde Wine Bar Has Paris-Bistro Feel

Restaurant Sandy Hook French Lunch WIne Wine Bar

Connecticut Magazine July 05, 2018

Looking for French fare, with an exceptional wine list? Connecticut Magazine reviews Nouveau Monde Wine Bar in Sandy Hook, CT.

At some point during your visit to Nouveau Monde Wine Bar, you will start to crave wine.

Maybe this craving will begin when you walk in and see the steampunk elegance of the main dining area, a space that feels equal parts bar, classic cafe, restaurant and offbeat library. Perhaps it will strike as you read the wine list itself, a thick document that goes on and on like a William Faulkner sentence punctuated by descriptions such as “spicy yet fruity, red wine drinkers’ rosé.” Maybe it will begin when your server asks, “What type of wine do you usually drink?” and you realize “IPAs” is not an acceptable response.

Or, at least, that’s what happened to me.

This newfound appreciation of wine capped (or in this case, corked) a visit to the restaurant that, to put it in language a wine lover would understand, was a rich, full-bodied evening highlighted by notes of cellared ambiance, clean, bright food flavors that were anything but dry and a sweet, rich finish courtesy of a knockout dessert.

It's a Woman's World: Carissa Dellicicchi of The Stand Juice Company

Features Interview Chef Talk

Jeanne Muchnick July 03, 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 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.

How'd they do it? Read on. This week, our focus turns to Carissa Dellicicchi, owner of The Stand Juice Company. Have a suggestion on someone you’d like to see featured? Email steph@ctbites.com.

Gluten, Grain or Dairy Free? Pour Me Cafe in Danbury Has You Covered

Restaurant Vegan Vegetarian Special Dietary Needs Danbury Local Artisan Gluten-Free Lunch Breakfast Homepage

Stephanie Webster July 01, 2018

You know how it goes. When you have a food allergy or sensitivity, or if you eat vegan or paleo, and you want to go out to eat anywhere, it can at times be quite the task to find a place to accommodate for what you need and want. Enter Pour Me in Danbury. I heard about them from a friend who also has food sensitivities and she called it a ‘healthy comfort food type place.’ So as someone who can’t have gluten or dairy, I was naturally intrigued. It was so nice not to have to call ahead to see if they had options other than a salad!

Andrea Gartner, the owner of Pour Me, opened the fine fast food cafe in downtown Danbury on a mission to revitalize downtown, and to provide food that gives people the fuel they need to “go out and do good in the world.”

Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of July 1-8

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson June 29, 2018

The Westport Historical Society will be hosting a cocktail and garden party on July 1 from 5-7pm. The theme is “Westport is Your Oyster” and there will be fresh oysters courtesy of Copps Island Oysters as well as Prosecco and bourbon.

Strawberry-Rose Petal Ice Cream Recipe via Westport Farmers' Market

Recipe Features Recipe ice cream

CTbites Team June 28, 2018

'Tis the season we wait for all year...Strawberry season. Those sweet red beauties are ready to pick in CT and can be enjoyed at these local farms. If you can't pick-your-own, just head to your local farmers' market. One of our favorite markets, The Westport Farmers' Market, has shared this recipe for Strawberry-Rose Petal Ice Cream. Get shopping...

Episode 7 - Food & Drink Podcast-Charter Oak Brewing (Scott Vallely)

Features Podcast Interview

Ken Tuccio June 28, 2018

For years Charter Oak Brewing has been trying to open up a physical brewery in Connecticut, but they've been met with roadblock after roadblock. They never quit though, and as a result they now have a gorgeous brewery in Danbury CT which is ready to pour beers for the public. Ken sits down with Scott Vallely, the founder of Charter Oak Brewing, to discuss the hurdles and challenges he faced to get to this point. Listen here

Bailey’s Backyard in Ridgefield Welcomes New Executive Chef Zach Campion

Features Chef Ridgefield

CTbites Team June 27, 2018

Nearly 20 years ago, a neighborhood coffee shop was transformed into a charming New American restaurant. The concept was a simple one; a seasonal menu presented in a relaxed atmosphere; a concept that would grow with the town; and a restaurant where a chef’s creativity could shine. Owner Sal Bagliavio opened Bailey’s Backyard in October of 1999 and continues to make his culinary mark on the town of Ridgefield, CT.

Today, this seasoned restaurateur is joined by Executive Chef Zach Campion, a Johnson & Whales alumn with kitchen cred that includes; Local 121 in Providence, RI whose concept was tagged as “locally harvested food and drink”; the ground-breaking Metro Bis in Simsbury, CT under the direction of Chef Christopher Prosperi; and continued to hone his craft in the kitchen of ON20 restaurant, a Hartford, CT culinary institution.

Norwalk’s Catch of the Day Lasts All Summer Long (sponsored post)

Restaurant Norwalk Seafood lunch Fish Raw Bar

CTbites Team June 26, 2018

Photo Credit: The Cask Republic

Inspired by New England waters and international flavor profiles, Norwalk Now celebrates summertime with vibrant seafood dishes befitting that of a thriving coastal community. From raw bar favorites laced with hot sauce to butter-vs-mayo lobster roll wars, Norwalk restaurants embrace the season with a variety of classic, innovative, and over-the-top seafood dishes that add to our summer enjoyment.

Silvia Baldini & Alina Lawrence Launch "The Secret Ingredient Girls"

Features Ingredients Online Store Local Artisan

Stephanie Webster June 26, 2018

Silvia Baldini is a local CT chef, and a national expert and celebrity in the food and media industry. Alena Lawrence is of the few women Olive Oil experts in the US, and was the owner of Olivette, an award winning boutique and olive oil tasting room in CT. The two met several years ago and immediately discovered they shared the same passions: cooking, traveling and living a high-quality life to the fullest. Now, they have joined to create The Secret Ingredient Girls, a curated site that sells only ingredients that adhere to their discerning taste and expertise in the food industry.

LobsterCraft Opens Lobster Shack in Fairfield CT

Restaurant Seafood Lobster Lobster Bake Catering Food Truck Lunch Fairfield Comfort Food Outdoor Dining Homepage

Jessica Ryan June 24, 2018

It’s just as you’d imagine a perfect lobster shack to be – small, somewhat quirky, a whole lotta fun and absolutely delicious. LobsterCraft opened its retail doors a few months ago in Fairfield, just off of the Post Road. You have to look for it. If you blink you’ll likely drive past the sandwich board sign, the first time you go. But once you find it you’ll never forget.

Parked next to the shop is their truck, and a tented, casual seating area, reminiscent of those great roadside eateries along the coast of Maine. I think those are the truest gems – lobster rolls the way lobster rolls are meant to be. This is a paper plate and paper napkin eatery which only enhances the whole lobster roll experience.

Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of June 24-31

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson June 22, 2018

On Thursday June 28 at 6pm, attend a Sunset Cruise with Mystic Whaler Cruises and the Mystic Cheese Company! You bring the wine and they’ll provide hors d’oeuvres and a beautiful trip along Connecticut’s coastline. It is $60 for those 13+ and $30 for kids ages 5-12.

Walrus + Carpenter is celebrating 5 years in Black Rock! Join them on Saturday June 30 to commemorate the occasion with WalrusFEST 2018. In addition to a pie eating contest, a bouncy house, live music, and cornhole, there will be a pet adoption event in conjunction with Little Dog Rescue. High West will also be on hand with plenty of whisky.

This summer, Plan b Restaurants is bringing the shore indoors with its Summertime Seafood menu! Available from June 25 to July 22 at all CT and MA locations, the menu features dishes like whole belly clams, classic New England style clam chowder, Maine lobster rolls, and a “Best of New England” platter with fried clams, shrimp, and pollock.

This summer, Millstone Farm is hosting Summer Soiree Dinners with Chef Geoff Lazlo. The evening begins at 6pm with a cocktail hour featuring a signature cocktail infused with herbs from the farm and passed hors d’oeuvres. A three course dinner will then be served family style while guests dine al fresco (BYOB). The first takes place on Thursday June 28.

Episode 6 - Chef Bill Taibe: Kawa Ni / Jesup Hall / The Whelk

Interview Features Podcast Interview Celebrity Chef

Ken Tuccio June 21, 2018

Chef Bill Taibe's culinary reputation is nationally known. His restaurants in Westport (Kawa Ni, The Whelk and Jesup Hall) are destination dining locations. Chef Taibe is making some big changes to the way he does business however, and he sits down with Ken Tuccio to discuss exactly what those changes are and how he's dealing with them both professionally and personally. Listen here.

Guide To Lobsterbake & Clambake Caterers in Connecticut

Restaurant Clambake Lobster Lobster Bake Catering Seafood Best of CT Homepage

April Guilbault June 21, 2018

Summah. Lobstah. Chowdah. Did you notice that all of these “words” end in “ah”? Ahhhh, guess there is a reason. Summer, with it’s blazing sunshine and easy and delicious seasonal eats, is perfectly ahhh-inducing. One of great things about this time of year is the fresh seafood. Does anything really compare to a New England clambake with all the trimmings? Fresh, sweet lobster, briny clams, crunchy fresh corn, succulent mussels, creamy red potatoes…wait! Don’t forget the buttah. There’s that “ah” again. We hope you have many of these enjoyable shared meals with friends and family in the beautiful, warm months ahead. Here’s a list to help you on your way…

Hey Stamford Food Festival is Back With Amazing Food Truck Lineup

Features Festival Food Truck Stamford

Stephanie Webster June 20, 2018

The Hey Stamford! Food Festival is back! The two-day, family oriented food festival will feature a full concert experience on the Minchin Buick GMC mainstage. Joining us is legendary rapper Tone Loc, “The Worlds Best Party Band” Party Rock, Country star, Dylan Scott and regional country favorites, Jump the Gunn to name just a few. The Blind Rhino Beer Garden will highlight the finest in regional and national breweries, the Fairfield County Bank Kids Zone will include a host of games and activities for the family. And it’s not a food festival without some amazing cuisine! Check out the amazing line-ups of food trucks and vendors...

It's a Woman's World: Debra Ponzek, Aux Delices Foods

Features Interview Chef Catering

CTbites Team June 19, 2018

Our 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.

How'd they do it? Read on. This week, our focus turns to Debra Ponzek, Chef/Owner of Aux Delices Foods. Have a suggestion on someone you’d like to see featured? Email steph@ctbites.com.

Kyushu Ramen: Authentic Noodle Shop in Stamford...Finally!!

Restaurant Asian Japanese Ramen Noodles Stamford Lunch Homepage

Lou Gorfain June 17, 2018

Those who have roamed Stamford for years in search of authentic ramen finally have a new spring to their step. Kyushu Ramen, the sleek re-incarnation of Tengda Asian Bistro on Bedford’s Restaurant Row, lays claim to being Stamford’s first ramen restaurant.

In place of the mish-mash Pan Asian cuisine previously served at this location, the new shop focuses primarily on Japan, sharpening the lens on the island of Kyushu and its most illustrious contribution to ramen cuisine, Tonkatsu.

Distinguished by its cloudy, slowly simmered pork stock, Tonkatsu is the silky star of Kyushu’s menu. Its savory, seasoned broth, anointed with pork belly, spices, herbs and noodles, is crafted by Japanese-born chef, Ito Shigeru. Trained by strict ramen masters, this veteran New York City ramen chef brings an authentic Japanese cooking style to Bedford Street.

Nibble: CT Food Events for June 17-24

Features News Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson June 16, 2018

On Monday June 18, The Weekend Kitchen in Essex hosts Chef Colt Taylor of The Essex Restaurant for “The Ultimate Fish Class.” The menu will include dishes like Ora king salmon belly gravlax, Tuna tartare, Kampachi ceviche, and Ora king salmon loin bulged wheat risotto. Don’t forget to BYOB! The class costs $90 and runs from 6:30-10pm.

Fairfield Cheese Company presents Charcuterie 101 on Tuesday June 19. In the class, taste through some of their meat offerings and discuss the growing popularity of the very old world process. It is $50 and lasts from 7-9pm.

Pizza In The Park: Presented By Half Full Brewery will take place on Thursday June 21 at Mill River Park & Greenway in Stamford. It will feature a true "garden" themed Pop Up Beer Garden, Pizza Vendors from CT and beyond, 3+ hours of live music, Lawn Games, and a Pizza Making Competition.

Ordinary New Haven is adding an extra hour to their happy hour! Early Bird specials, offered from 4- 5pm, include $6 Cocktail Specials, $6 Half-Yards of Beer, and a $15 Wine Bottle List.

CTbites Happy Hour at The Spread South Norwalk for $40

Features CTbites Invites

CTbites Team June 15, 2018

Second in our popular Summer Happy Hour series, fun times are ahead on the newly opened patio at The Spread SoNo as CTbites has partnered with "The Spread Boys" for an outdoor Happy Hour on Wednesday, June 27th 5:30-7:30. $40 ticket includes a KEEL Vodka specialty cocktail and a second drink choice of wine or beer and assorted appetizers. KEEL Vodka is the only low calorie vodka on the market, with half the calories of other brands. BUY TICKETS HERE

Chef Carlos Baez is preparing a number of signature appetizers both passed and buffet style to accompany the special summer cocktail.

Menu items include:
Pork Belly buns
Shrimp buns
Tuna tartare
Sausage and rice balls

Plus $1 Copps Island Oysters and other Happy Hour specials.
Join us, bring your friends and let's keep celebrating Summer 2018 at the next CTbites Happy Hour.

FOOD & DRINK PODCAST : Episode 5 - Remembering Anthony Bourdain

Features Podcast Celebrity Chef Interview

Ken Tuccio June 14, 2018

Ken Tuccio has frequently called Anthony Bourdain his "biggest inspiration". Sadly, Anthony Bourdain is no longer with us. In this very special episode of FOOD & DRINK, Ken sits down with some of the most well known names in the Connecticut culinary scene; Chef Bill Taibe (Jessup Hall / Kawa Ni), Chef Matt Storch (Match/ Nom-Eeez) and Casey Dohme (The Blind Rhino) to talk about the life and legacy of Anthony. Listen here.

Mecha & Mézon Launch Eat Justice Food Truck

Restaurant Food Truck Bethel Noodles Asian Breakfast Brunch American Latin American Catering Homepage Local Farm

Stephanie Webster June 14, 2018

Mecha Noodle Bar & Mézon owners, Tony Pham and Richard Reyes, are excited to announce the launch of their new food truck, Eat Justice. The truck will open its window to the public on Friday, June 15th, at Holbrook Farm in Bethel. The Eat Justice food truck rolls into the CT food scene with some pre-existing street cred, and we're not just talking about our beloved noodle slurping shop founders. Beneath the new pink origami pig exterior resides the bones of the EGGZ food truck, purchased from Matt Stanziato. Lucky us, the truck will continue to feature EGGZ' killer breakfast sandwiches, but Pham and Reyes will expand the menu to include "Daily Inspirations" ranging from Banh Mi to a classic Cubano. Bonus... you don't need to hunt down the Eat Justice truck. It will reside at Holbrook Farm every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 8am-1pm, like clockwork. This is a great reason to head to Bethel.