It's A Woman's World: Linda Kavanagh, President, MaxEX PR Features Interview CTbites Team September 26, 2018 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 Linda Kavanagh, President, MaxEX PR. Stay tuned to see who’s next. And feel free to send suggestions for your candidates to steph@ctbites.com. Read More
Goats N’ Roses: A Wonderful, Wacky Farmstand Restaurant Restaurant Malborough Breakfast Lunch Connecticut Magazine September 25, 2018 Get over to Goats N’Roses while the weather is still acceptable. Connecticut Magazine shares a must-visit spot in Malborough. Somehow, despite all I’d heard and read in praise of Goats N’ Roses in Marlborough, I still wasn’t prepared for the experience of eating here.Words, after all, don’t really do this place justice.Driving along a sparse stretch of Route 66 in Marlborough, you know you’ve arrived at The Farm at Carter Hill, where Goats N’ Roses is located, when you see a vintage gas station and small sign proclaiming this as the home of Goats N’ Roses, an “edgy eatery.” Turning in you enter a space that feels part farm and part Cold War-era roadside attraction. The complex of buildings and fields is home to a bed and breakfast, general store, pub and event barn. There is even an animal pen filled with goats who jump and dance on their hind legs. An elaborate series of bridges crisscrosses the goat pen, allowing them to show off their climbing abilities. Read More
L'Escale Restaurant in Greenwich: Under The Radar and Better Than Ever Restaurant Greenwich Seafood brunch Lunch American French Homepage Lou Gorfain September 23, 2018 Connecticut claims its share of Celebrity Chefs. These culinary artists routinely win Food Network Competitions, earn James Beard commendations, and enjoy (or endure) their roles as restaurant Rock Stars.Though less lionized, Chef Frederic Kieffer is every bit their equal. He created the exquisite l’Escale in Greenwich, followed by Artisan in Southport, then again in West Hartford. All are considered gems … and like Kieffer himself, understated. Read More
Photo Gallery: Greenwich Wine & Food 2018 Saturday's Festivities Features Gallery Events Andrew Dominick September 23, 2018 Greenwich Wine + Food 2018 has come and gone, but it’s never too soon to relive some of those mouthwatering memories. CTbites’ own Andrew Dominick shares a photo guide to Saturday’s lineup. If you’re in the CT food industry, you may find yourself below… Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of September 24-31 Features Events News Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 20, 2018 Get ready to cast YOUR vote at Chowdafest on Sept. 30th. 40 award winning chefs and restaurants come from all over New England to compete for the title of best chowder, soup and bisque in New England! Get your tix here. Gail Simmons of Top Chef and Iron Chef Canada is coming to Westport!! Taproot Restaurant is now offering “dinner and a movie” Tuesday-Thursday. Show them your movie ticket and they’ll offer you a $30 prix fixe menu with an appetizer, entrée, dessert, and popcorn. The new promotion starts at 5pm.Who knew you could make oysters TWELVE ways?! On Thursday September 27, Chef Carlos Baez of the Spread will be serving Oysters 12 ways with a portion of the proceeds bring donated to the Norwalk Harbor Keeper. Read More
It's A Woman's World: Kaline Capps, Executive Chef, Barcelona Wine Bar Features Interview Chef Talk Chef Homepage CTbites Team September 19, 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, we feature Kaline Capps, Executive Chef, Barcelona Wine Bar & Restaurant in Norwalk. Stay tuned to see who’s next. And feel free to send suggestions for your candidates to steph@ctbites.com. Read More
Playa Bowls Opens in Fairfield: Acai Bowls & Smoothies For All! Restaurant Fairfield healthy Smoothies Acai Bowl Lunch Breakfast CTbites Team September 18, 2018 Acai: the dark purple berry from the lush jungles of the Amazon has made its way to the recently opened Playa Bowls kitchen in Fairfield. With almost 50 locations, Playa Bowls has quickly grown from an idea in New Jersey to a nationwide phenomenon that highlights Acai, the berry that makes it all happen.Acai contains the nutrients that provide a natural energy boost that doesn’t overload the stomach. Playa Bowls uses this berry to its best ability by complementing it with concoctions of other fruits and intricate, yet simple, twists of decadent flavors that are rarely seen in a bowl. Read More
Podcast: An Interview with Patrick DiCaprio of Full Pours Podcast Features Beer CT Beer Podcast Ken Tuccio September 17, 2018 When Ken Tuccio first launched Food & Drink one of the things he wanted to do was a series of "With …" episodes. Episodes where he shared a meal or drinks with someone and had a conversation … not so much an interview, but more of a real chat. This is the first episode in that conceptualized sub-series. Ken sits down and has "Beers with" Patrick DiCaprio, the co-host of the Full Pours podcast. They discuss beer festivals, the boom of the CT beer scene, the new trend related to "one off labels" showing up in the market and more. Listen here. Read More
Bab al Salam Offers Authentic & Excellent Syrian Fare Restaurant Middle Eastern Mediterranean Lunch Orange Homepage Frank Cohen September 16, 2018 Middle Eastern restaurants, long a welcome presence in Connecticut, lately seem to be multiplying. One of the most intriguing is Bab al Salam, which is located in an Orange plaza owned by the New Haven Islamic Center, which also hosts the Orange Farmers’ Market, a Muslim clothing store, a Middle Eastern market with halal butcher, and meeting spaces for events. Bab al Salam opened in the middle of January. Owners Adnan Akil, a restaurant builder, and Suloman Chater, a restaurateur, both of whom have lived in the U.S. for decades, sought to replicate the food one might find in metropolises like Aleppo or Damascus in their homeland. They seem to have found a grateful audience in Orange. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of September 16-23 Features Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 14, 2018 The Tasty Yolk and The Food Network’s winner of “Chopped,” Bridgeport Fireman and Chef Daniel Brelsford, have collaborated to bring you “Smoke On The Yolk.” The September special is comprised of smoked pork belly, guajillo-maple mascarpone cream cheese, 2 eggs, and chicharrones on a NYC bagel. Food Rescue US will host a panel discussion and Q&A at Wakeman Town Farm on Monday September 18 from 6-7:30pm. The panel will feature Chef Jessica Bengston from Terrain, Chef Jeffrey Taibe from Taproot, Jonathan Kirschner from Ambler Farm, and more. The Greenwich Wine + Food Festival takes place September 21-22 at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich. This year, they welcome Daniel Boulud as well as returning chefs Adam Richman, Mary Giuliani, Scott Conant, and Alex Guarnaschelli. Read More
Final Schedule for The Greenwich Wine + Food Festival, Sept 21-22 Features Events CTbites Team September 14, 2018 The Greenwich Wine + Food Festival presented by PepsiCo today announced the final schedule and list of participants for both its Opening Night Master Chef Wine Dinner and Culinary Village events, benefitting the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, the Town of Greenwich Parks & Recreation Foundation and Ment’or. Check it out! Read More
MATCH Taco Opens Today in Black Rock, Bridgeport from Chef Matt Storch Restaurant Openings Mexican Tacos Delicious Dives Take Out To-Go Bridgeport Homepage Stephanie Webster September 13, 2018 Chef Matt Storch is at it again, this time with a concept that waxes nostalgic to his humble beginnings in the kitchen of the much loved Tex-Mex joint, "Tacos Or What?" in Westport. Tacos Or What was the local spot where Storch learned to love the business of food, and now, Match Taco is his latest venture going into the Black Rock neighborhood of Bridgeport.Storch plans to get back to his roots (yes, his grandma actually owned a restaurant in Mexico City) and get his hands into some serious tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas...all the Tex-Mex food you could want. Additionally Match Taco will be filling those weekend morning comfort food cravings with a full menu of breakfast sandwiches. Intrigued? Read on... Read More
Tix On Sale for The Westport Farmers’ Market "Fork it Over" Party in the Parking Lot Features Events CTbites Team September 12, 2018 The Westport Farmers’ Market annual Fork it Over Party in the Parking Lot is back! The event will be held at Gilbertie’s Herb Gardens on October 4, 2018 from 6 to 10 pm and is the largest WFM fundraiser and tribute to supporters. Adults from all over Fairfield County and beyond gather in a magical scene of music, café lighting, and the almost-unbearable aroma of local food to celebrate WFM’s programming and the bounty of the season. Read More
Vault Coffee + Deviant Donut: A Very Sweet Collaboration Restaurant Breakfast Doughnuts Coffee Mystic Tea And Coffee Dessert CTbites Team September 11, 2018 Collaborations, pop-ups, and food markets are what I live for in terms of seeking out inventive yet timeless cuisine pairings. And one new collaboration that caught my eye with an abundance of drool-worthy Instagram posts—and likely you’ve spotted it too—is the recent marriage between Vault Coffee and Deviant Donuts. Truly, what is better than a perfect pairing of coffee and doughnuts on a lazy weekend morning? Read More
Bianco Rosso Opens Newest location in Trumbull w/ Chef David White Restaurant Trumbull wilton Italian Homepage Lunch Pasta Dessert CTbites Team September 09, 2018 Earlier this summer, husband and wife team, Cristina Ramirez and Mario Lopez along with brother Jaime opened Bianco Rosso’s newest location, in Trumbull, to eager diners. Noted Chef David White (most recently of Vespa, Westport) was brought on to oversee all culinary matters and is joined by award-winning Pastry Chef Susanne Berne where the two have joined forces to create a delectable menu. Acclaimed Mixologist Jaime Johel oversees the creative specialty cocktail menu. The energetic restaurant opened to rave reviews. We had the opportunity to visit the new restaurant last week and sample some of Chef White’s culinary prowess. Read More
WIN 2 TICKETS TO GREENWICH WINE + FOOD'S Master Chef Dinner ($650 value) Features Giveaway Stephanie Webster September 08, 2018 WIN 2 TICKETS TO GREENWICH WINE + FOOD'S Opening Night Master Chef Wine Dinner (worth $650!) honoring famed restauranteur Alex Guarnaschelli with special guests Scott Conant & Adam Richman, Friday 9/21/18 7:00PM – 10:30PM. TO ENTER: 1) Subscribe to the CTbites Newsletter 2) Enter your full name and email address below Read More
Last Chance for Tix to Black Rock Yacht Club’s 1st Annual Taste, Sip & Support Fundraiser (sponsored post) Features Events CTbites Team September 07, 2018 There are just two weeks left to purchase tickets to Black Rock Yacht Club’s 1st Annual Taste, Sip & Support fundraiser, happening Saturday, September 22nd from 12-4pm.Event proceeds will benefit those that are food insecure. Funds raised will support the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Foodshare and Operation Hope, as well as scholarships to the CT Chefs Association and Lincoln Culinary Institute.The afternoon features signature dishes from award-winning chefs from more than ten area eateries. Come taste wild boar sausage over polenta with fig gastrique, Asian braised short rib tacos, and seared scallops with risotto Milanese, to name a few tasty dishes planned. Enjoy flavorful beers presented by Aspetuck Brew Lab and inventive cocktails featuring selections by Asylum Distillery, all while mingling with friends and neighbors and taking in beautiful harbor views. Read More
Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of September 9-16 Features Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson September 07, 2018 Bar Sugo’s Mixology Class is back for Round 2 on Saturday September 15! Join veteran Mixologist Seth Hiravy for a 2 hour class, which includes lunch and cocktails. Call 203-956-7134 to reserve.On Monday September 10, Mystic Cheese and Black Pond Brews are uniting for a Cheese and Beer Pairing Class in Danielson. The evening will include six beers from Black Pond Brews paired with a collection of cheese. Tickets are $40. Now at Fortina, wear your jerseys on Monday, Thursdays, and Fridays to get a complimentary Rays or Margherita Pizza. There will also be food and drink specials on those days during football season.B.J. Ryan’s in Norwalk presents a Steakhouse Theme Dinner on September 13. $100 per person (plus tax and gratuity) includes open bar as well as a menu of 40 oz Bone in Ribeye… Read More
Podcast: An Interview with Christian Burns of the NEW Evarito's Mexican Kitchen & Bar in SoNo Features Podcast Interview Ken Tuccio September 06, 2018 Evarito's Mexican Kitchen & Bar is the latest addition to South Norwalk. Ken Tuccio sits down with Christian Burns, the mind behind the spot, to talk about his background in the culinary world and how it all led to what he's doing now with Evarito's. Listen here.Read our review of Evarito's here. Read More
The Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s annual Farm-to-Table Supper on September 20th Features Events Stephanie Webster September 06, 2018 Foodies and oenophiles, mark your calendar for The Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s annual Farm-to-Table Supper on September 20th. This year's intimate dinner will feature a locally sourced menu from one of our favorite CT chefs, François Kwaku-Dongo. A James Beard nominee, Chef Kwaku-Dongo has cooked for Wolfgang Puck, the iconic Spago, L’ Escale on Greenwich Harbor, and most recently, The Roger Sherman Inn.Guests will enjoy a beautiful evening complete with a cocktail reception, Chef Kawku-Dongo’s menu inspirations featuring farm-fresh cuisine, and an exquisite selection of global wines. The rustic chic event takes place in the beautiful Bendel Mansion, and supports the missions and programs of the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. Read More
