Chef Robin Selden Featured in FORBES' 11 Trends Reshaping Food And Restaurants In 2018 (sponsored post) Features Interview Stephanie Webster December 23, 2018 Our own CT Chef, Robin Selden, of Marcia Selden Catering & Events, was one of the featured voices Forbes looked to to define the 11 trends reshaping food and restaurants in 2018. Trends included, Cooking with Cannabis, The Greening of Restaurants, Fine Dining Goes Casual, Affordable Wine Lists, Year of the Woman, Oat Milk and more. Read More
60+ Restaurants & Bars for New Years in CT: 2018 Edition Features New Years Holiday Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson December 21, 2018 Get ready to rock the night away and usher in 2019… New Year’s is almost here! Connecticut restaurants and bars are celebrating with gourmet meals and epic bashes to help you start the new year out right. Here is a complete guide to 60+ places where you can dine in style and watch the ball drop. Read More
The Social Craft Beer Bar & Kitchen in New London: 50 Hyper-local Craft Beers on Draft Restaurant New London Beer CT Beer Bar Comfort Food Pub CTbites Team December 19, 2018 Sick of the same old greasy bar food consumed with flavorless big beer brands while out with colleagues or friends on Friday night? Me too. Skip the ho-hum bar and head directly to The Social, a relatively new spot on Bank Street in New London. Providing a new and much needed hang-out spot, the Social gives diners great food, a family-friendly atmosphere, and an extensive beer list; it definitely knocks it out of the park as a new place to spend Fridays after work or Saturday evenings with family or friends.Largest Selection of Craft Beers on Draft in Southeast CTThe Social has selected hyper-local, local, regional, and U.S. beers, serving a whopping 50 on draft. Read More
Roost Opens in Hamden: It's All About The Chicken Sandwich (Gluten Free) & More Restaurant Take Out Kid Friendly Lunch Fast Casual Hamden Openings Sandwich CTbites Team December 18, 2018 A sous vide chicken sandwich is a minor detail, but the minor details make major taste differences - and that makes all the difference for your customers. That's what Roost believes. Completely locally owned and operated, the menu starts with the chicken sandwich - but with several twists: starting with a unique sous vide cooking technique which creates an incredibly juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside sandwich, and continues with a variety of unique toppings from Napa Cabbage Slaw to Carolina Reaper Pepper Buffalo Sauce that you won't see at just any fast casual restaurant. Read More
Brick Walk Tavern Opens in Fairfield from Chef David Snyder Restaurant American Fairfield Lunch Openings Homepage Jessica Ryan December 16, 2018 Fairfielders were very disappointed when they learned that The Original Bagel King had closed its doors at its Brick Walk location. Brick Walk Tavern now occupies the space along with the former restaurant next door and is being very well received by locals. The restaurant opened by Chef David Snyder and former financial executive and Fairfield resident Ted Vincent offer guests what they describe as “food with integrity” – high-end options that are approachable and familiar as well as those that might be seen as pushing the envelope slightly. The atmosphere inside upscale yet casual. A long bar at the back has a midcentury modern vibe, while the leather couch in front of the fireplace offers the coziness and quaintness of an historic New England town. Read More
Nibble: Tasty, Boozy, and Festive CT Food Events For December 16-23 Features News Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson December 16, 2018 B.GOOD Fairfield now offers breakfast daily! Options include breakfast sandwiches, breakfast bowls, smoothies and more. Customer can enjoy a free cup of coffee with every meal through January 31, 2019. The Oyster Club in Mystic presents “Holiday Cocktail Night” on Thursday, December 20 from 7-9pm. The mixologists behind their cocktail program invite you to their holiday cocktail tasting invite you to an evening of hors d’oeuvres, holiday cocktails, and an Oyster Club cocktail recipe book! Join the party at The Chelsea on December 18th as Chef Eric Felitto (The Chelsea, Tasty Yolk), battles it out on Food Network's Chopped. Starting at 8PM. Chef Felitto is parking the Tasty Yolk food truck outside.Stew Leonard’s Famous Holiday Workshop for Toddlers will be held on December 18 at 9:30am. Read More
Flanders Fish Market and Restaurant Celebrates 35th Anniversary Features News CTbites Team December 14, 2018 Flanders Fish Market and Restaurant celebrates their 35th anniversary on December 23rd, 2018. During the hustle & bustle of the holidays this month, come grab your shrimp platter and help Flanders Fish toast to 35 years of being a part of this wonderful Southeastern Connecticut community. Read More
CT Sweet Spots For Hot Chocolate That Will Warm You Up via CT Magazine Restaurant Features Best of CT Dessert Chocolate Homepage Kristin L. Wolfe December 14, 2018 You may recognize this byline from CTbites, but this sweet reporting by Kristin L. Wolfe rounds up a list of the best spots in CT for Hot Chocolate, via Connecticut Magazine. When the temperature drops and you’ve reached your quota for coffee or tea for the day, hot chocolate may just be your answer. And, although it won’t remove the stresses from your life, it will warm the belly and light up the kid within. I recently satisfied my sweet tooth at many spots around the state that are pretty proud of their hot (and cold) chocolate delights. After you’ve read through the rundown, be sure to chime in with any other places that offer delectable, drinkable chocolate creations.Rumors CoffeehouseAlthough coffee courses throughout this cozy nook, where you can play Scrabble, grab a quirky mug, and cuddle up on a couch, you’d be surprised by the hot chocolate offerings. Their Mexican hot cocoa surprises with a spicy zing, while the tropical hints from the coconut hot cocoa remind you of summer despite the chill outside. The Campfire is an especially fun treat in which the marshmallows on top are torched to a perfect bonfire char. 22 Mill Plain Road, Danbury, 203-942-2653, facebook.com/rumorsofdanburyLe Rouge Handmade Chocolates & Cakes by AartiGet ready for the Rolls-Royce of chocolate. In every way you can imagine, your senses will reach their peak at this gorgeous sweet boutique. With sleek red cases and black-and-white, polka-dotted packaging, this shop tucked away in a plaza is a tiny amusement park for chocolate fans. Le Rouge’s hot chocolate treats are not for the faint of heart. From a rich, dark blend topped with a piece of their signature polka-dotted chocolate that melts into the drink, to a white chocolate with dried raspberries or rose petals — yes, rose petals — these drinks are fancy and an experience. Chocolatier and owner Aarti Khosla even offers white chocolate with saffron and pistachios. 190 Main St., Westport, 203-293-6106, lerougebyaarti.com Read More
Field Trip Premium Beef Jerky Opens 1st Retail Shop in Westport Ingredients Features Ingredients Snacks Specialty Market Openings Westport Stephanie Webster December 13, 2018 On December 11th, premium jerky & snack brand Field Trip opened its first store at 153 Post Road East in Westport CT. The 500-square-foot space will be the company’s first ever brick and mortar establishment. You can find Field Trip jerky in 50,000 retails outlets nationwide, but this is, and will be their ONLY dedicated store. The first 1,000 customers over the weekend of December 15th/16th will receive a free meat stick if they mention having read about us on Westport Moms, Dan Woog, CTBites, or via WestportNow! Read More
30+ Restaurants for Christmas Eve & Christmas in CT: 2018 Edition Features Christmas Holiday Homepage Emma Jane-Doody Stetson December 12, 2018 It’s almost time to deck the halls… Christmas is right around the corner! While the season is joyous and filled with cheer, there is also plenty to get done from shopping to decorating to travelling. If you prefer dining out to preparing a giant meal at home, Connecticut restaurants have you covered with tasty menus, buffets, and specials. Here is a guide to restaurants where you can spend a festive Christmas Eve or Christmas. Read More
"Scraps" TV Host Chef Gamoran & CT's Jacques Pépin Create A Feast with Food Considered "Waste" Features TV Celebrity Chef Stephanie Webster December 12, 2018 FYI’s culinary series “Scraps,” returns for a second season where host Chef Joel Gamoran travels across the U.S. creating incredible feasts in the most breathtaking locales, using ingredients people throw away. In each episode Chef Gamoran partners with brilliant chefs and fellow food waste champions to celebrate the local cuisine and create a delicious meal with food items most people would consider to be waste. A recent shoot brought Chef Gamoran to CT, where he cooked with legendary chef Jacques Pépin. The episode will be airing on FYI at 10 PM on Thursday, December 13th and will also re-air on A&E at 9 AM EST on A&E. Read More
"OOPS I Ate My CBD:" CBD Infused Gourmet Chocolate Bars Features Ingredients Local Artisan Dessert Chocolate Specialty Market Homepage Stephanie Webster December 11, 2018 There is a lot of buzz going around regarding CBD, and also quite a few misconceptions. CBD, is one of the chemicals in cannabis, but unlike THC (also found in Marajuana), CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that is emerging as a very popular wellness ingredient. The plant extract, often consumed as an oil under the tongue, is now the featured ingredient in high-end products including body lotion, olive oil, cold-brew coffee, infused water, and even dog treats. Local start up, “Oops I Ate My CBD” is leveraging this emerging trend to create gourmet hemp infused chocolate bars, which come complete with 50mg of CBD per serving. The bars are made with 99.6% pure hemp derived CBD Isolate, and contains zero THC. Hence it is legal in all 50 states…and the chocolate is delicious. (Plus, I was VERY relaxed after my tasting) Read More
Zaragoza Tapas Bar: Excellent Tapas & Award Winning Cocktails in New Milford Restaurant Milford Tapas Lunch Spanish Mediterranean Homepage Kristin L. Wolfe December 09, 2018 Zaragoza’s tapas bar opened in New Milford in April 2016. The CTBites crew covered them a few months before their official opening and shared owner Artie Praino’s anticipation of a long-time dream come true after years in the deli business. Now, two and a half years later, they are a much beloved, popular spot for delicious, creative plates and cocktails.Fully informed by several Zaragoza regulars that I was sure to be delighted, my belly gurgled for a new tapas experience. I’ve had the pleasure of going to Spain a few times, so, admittedly, morsels from those adventures like ceviche, calamari, and chorizo propelled me to the restaurant with little hesitation. I was eager to taste what their twist on the classics would be. Read More
Watch Chef Eric Felitto of The Chelsea & Tasty Yolk Live on Food Network's Chopped Dec. 18th Features Events Stephanie Webster December 09, 2018 Join the party at The Chelsea on December 18th as Chef Eric Felitto (The Chelsea, Tasty Yolk), battles it out on Food Network's Chopped. Things are gonna heat up and get pretty tasty starting at 8PM. Chef Felitto is parking the Tasty Yolk food truck outside The Chelsea for the evening, and guests will enjoy FREE nibbles from both The Chelsea & Tasty Yolk from 8-9PM. The action really starts at 9PM when all eyes will be on the TV as Chopped declares their winner! We strongly recommend reservations by calling 203-254-8200. Read More
Drink & Do Good! 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl for a Cause: ALL Ticket $$ Goes To Open Door Shelter Features Events Stephanie Webster December 09, 2018 Put on your best holiday onesies, Santa suits, ugly sweaters, and elf costumes and get ready to crawl at the 1st Annual 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl for a Cause, Sunday December 16th 11am-10pm in Norwalk. All participating bars will have drink specials.All Profits from ticket sales including a percentage of profits from each participating Bar/Restaurant will be donated to the Open Door Shelter to help feed less fortunate people during the holiday season. Check out the amazing list of Norwalk bars below. Grab your $20 ticket here. Read More
Nibble: Delicious CT Food Events for Week of Dec. 9-16 Features Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson December 07, 2018 On Monday December 10, Holbrook Farm and the Redding Roadhouse are teaming up for “An Evening to Celebrate the Last of the Harvest.” From 6-9pm, enjoy food and drink from Jeff Taibe, Dan Sabia, Matt Stanczak, Steve Tisdale, Aki Arai, and Craig Ventrice.Greenwich Steakhouse introduces new brunch, lunch and dinner menus prepared by the new Executive Chef Oscar Reyes. Executive Chef Oscar Reyes now leads the kitchen, bringing with him a lifetime of experience and seven years of hard-earned expertise training under the 40-year culinary veteran Chef Chavez at the iconic Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse.The 1st Annual "12 Bars of Christmas" Bar Crawl for a Cause comes to Norwalk Sunday December 16th from 11am-10pm! All Profits from ticket sales including a percentage of profits from each participating Bar/Restaurant will be donated to the Open Door Shelter to help feed less fortunate people during the holiday season. Read More
Coconut and Orange Baked French Toast Recipe via Chef Silvia Baldini Recipe Recipe Breakfast Silvia Baldini December 06, 2018 My version of coconut and orange baked French Toast is creamy and comforting. It takes not time to prep and the coconut milk and orange zest combination is a bit different than the usual vanilla custard. It has a bright and creamy finish and it fills the kitchen with a delicious and homemade scent. This French toast is perfect for the holidays and it is a no-fail-recipe that can easily be prepped or baked ahead of time. I like to serve it for brunch or at a family breakfast. Read More
Holiday Afternoon Tea at the Bee and Thistle Inn Through Jan. 5th Restaurant Holiday Tea And Coffee Events CTbites Team December 05, 2018 Treat your loved ones or take time for yourself this holiday season by making reservations for a really special, festive event at the Bee and Thistle Inn in Old Lyme—their annual Holiday Afternoon Tea. The quaint Bee and Thistle Inn is quintessential coastal Connecticut in its interior decor and is a recommended place to visit year-round. But during the short winter days, the Bee and Thistle Inn gets extra dolled up with holiday spirit, making it a memorable place to spend time with loved ones. This special tea is served from November 29th through January 5th. Read More
Blackie’s Hot Dog Stand: Killer Dogs At This 90 Yr Old Roadside Dive Restaurant Cheshire Hot Dogs Delicious Dives Kid Friendly Road Trip Burgers Comfort Food Homepage Andrew Dominick December 04, 2018 Lately, I’ve heard a lot about Blackie’s Hot Dog Stand, a roadside dive that’s been open for 90 years and counting. Blackie’s came up in casual conversation twice; the founder of this site, Stephanie Webster, heard about it from a friend, then a friend of mine mentioned it. Shortly thereafter, Visit Connecticut posted a list of “8 Classic Summer Drive-Ins” with Blackie’s being one of the featured haunts. Well, now I had to check it out. That’s no coincidence, that’s a sign! Read More
CTbites 2018 Holiday Gift Guide for CT Food Lovers Features Best of CT Gift Guide Holiday Homepage April Guilbault December 02, 2018 ’Tis the season of holidays, sparkly and bright, there’s baking and partying well into the night The children are excited and the adults somewhat stressed, with planning and wrapping and finding the perfect Christmas vest What shall we get for Aunt Mo or Uncle Buck, it’s hard to decide, we aren’t having much luck But wait, it’s the Guide, the almighty Gift Guide! CTbites to the rescue, we exclaimed, we cried! There’s something for everyone, your foodies and friends, we’ve found several classics, along with a few trendsSo wrap them up lovingly with great care and great pride, and present these gifts with a gleam in your eye How merry, how happy, the recipients will be, and you, the giver, will be brimming with glee! Read More
