Where To Celebrate Cinco De Mayo In Connecticut 2019

Features Cinco de Mayo Events Holiday Bar Mexican Homepage

Stephanie Webster April 27, 2019

On Saturday, May 4, 2019, Carson + Spencer is hosting the SONO Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl! You'll have the chance to hop from bar to bar in South Norwalk in one fun-filled evening. Tickets start at $20.

Mezon in Danbury is throwing the biggest party of the year in honor of Cinco! Cocktail competition. Live DJ. Drink specials + delicious food featuring the @eatjustice food truck. Sunday May 5th. Doors open at 7.

Ordinary New Haven will be offering an $8 Margarita Special in honor of Cinco de Mayo on Friday May 3 and Saturday May 4 (the bar is closed on Sundays). The drink special includes Hacienda Blanco Tequila, Blood Orange Shrub, Citrus and Dehydrated Grapefruit Salt.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Bartaco Portchester! From 3:30-6pm, listen to live music by Rick Reyes & The Pasofino Social Club. From 6:30-9pm Tangled Vine will take the set. The night concludes with DJ Teofilis.

The Acoustic Café welcomes the Cosmic Jibaros for their Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Evarito's is celebrating Cinco de Mayo all weekend long! Visit them for happy hour on Friday and then enjoy $7 Margaritas and food specials on Saturday & Sunday. Their Saturday Night party will feature DJ Mercado and Sunday they’ll have Latin Band Quimbombó from NYC.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for Week of April 28- May 5

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Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 27, 2019

Stamford’s Beer Garden at Shippan Landing will be open for the season on May 2!

Walrus + Carpenter will hold a Crash Course in Agave on Thursday May 2 at 6pm. Come learn about the history of agave distillation followed by a performance at 8:30pm from Connecticut's own Symphonic Bodega! $35 per person includes two flights of tequila and mezcal, custom cocktails, and small plates. Secure your spot by calling 203-333-2733.

The 2019 Passport To Connecticut Farm Wineries will begin on Friday, May 3, 2019. Stay tuned for announcements regarding the participating wineries, prizes and more in the upcoming weeks.

Join ‘Chopped’ Champion and Co-Founder of The Secret Ingredient Girls, Chef Silvia Baldini at Stamford Nature Center & Museum’s gorgeous new event space, to boost your kitchen skills while building a repertoire of vibrant meals. Learn how to organize, prepare and present superbly-nuanced dishes using nutritionally-dense seasonal ingredients. This 6 weeks series starts April 29. Sign up here.

On Sunday April 28th, El Segundo will be hosting a Remission Celebration with proceeds to assist in the fight against breast cancer! Pink cocktails and drink specials

Garden Catering Debuts Fried Chicken Sandwiches

Restaurant Fried Chicken Sandwich Norwalk Fairfield New Menu Homepage

Andrew Dominick April 26, 2019

There’s no doubt that Garden Catering’s chicken nuggets—with cones—are the star of their show. GC’s fans are guilty of copping and crushing “The Special,” many times over. If you’ve ever deviated from their legendary nuggs, chances are you cheated with a Nugget Wrap or the Hotsy, both are arguably the runners up to the nuggets.

Well, things are changing!

Oh, don’t worry, those two sandwiches are staying, but two new ones are making their grand entrance on Garden Catering’s menu…Fried chicken sandwiches.

Chef Christian Petroni Live on CTbites Hot Dish Podcast

Features Podcast Celebrity Chef Food Network

Stephanie Webster April 24, 2019

Beb! It’s the CTbites’ Hot Dish Podcast Episode you’ve all been waiting for. This week we sit down with Next Food Network Star, Chef Christian Petroni…oh yeah…he also owns Fortina Pizza (all 5 locations). Petroni gabs about his summers in Italy, growing up in the Bronx, how he “learned” to cook, and the epic importance of cheesy garlic bread. Join us chez Webster, and have a listen here.

8 Connecticut Brewfests for Spring/Summer 2019

Features Beer CT Beer Festival Events

James Gribbon April 24, 2019

Flowers aren't the only things to start popping up this spring, as brewfest season follows the sun into outdoor spaces all over Connecticut. Below is a short list of several notable events from around the state, from the eastern shore, all the way down into lower Fairfield County. Take a look, and start planning early.

Black Hog Suds & Curds

On Saturday, April 27th, the owners of Black Hog Brewing and Caseus bring 10 of the finest cheese makers in New England, plus 18 breweries, to their location at 115 Hurley Rd. in Oxford. Tickets include a glass and sample pours throughout the day, plus cheese samples and beer and cheese to-go.

Brewfest At The Beach

Ocean Beach Park in New London is the setting for the 2019 Brewfest At The Beach, featuring over 150 beers on tap, live music, "brew friendly food," and a wine tasting all included with the price of admission. The brews and views are available to you after work from 6-9pm on Friday, May 10th, and proceeds benefit Camp Rotary.

Chef Emily Mingrone Opening Tavern on State, A Classic American Tavern, in New Haven

Restaurant Openings New Haven American Lunch

Stephanie Webster April 23, 2019

Chef Emily Mingrone (of Fleisher’s, Match & Jesup Hall) is turning a long time dream into reality with the upcoming opening of her own restaurant, Tavern On State. Tavern On State will be a classic American tavern with a modern twist, located in the East Rock, New Haven, neighborhood. Mingrone had been working on this project for years, but she couldn’t find the right location. When her old drinking haunt, Cojones, became available, she knew it was meant to be.

“I’ve learned so much working with Chefs Storch and Taibe, and I’m so grateful for those experiences,” says Mingrone. Now it’s HER time. We are thrilled to see another female chef in the Connecticut restaurant scene, and we are excited to see what this seasoned chef has in store for us.

Speaking with Mingrone, she describes Tavern on State as having a “simple concept in menu and design.” “One of my biggest frustrations as a consumer is sometimes you just want a really good steak or delicious shrimp cocktail, and there is no place to get really great classic American fare. At Tavern On State, I want to make simple flavor focused, properly made tavern food.” Think oysters on the half shell, but garnished with yuzu vs mignonette; interesting versions of the classic shrimp cocktail, grilled octopus, burgers, and sexy steaks.

SONO 1420, Small Batch Distillery Featuring Hemp Distilled Spirits, Opens in South Norwalk

Features Ingredients Openings South Norwalk SONO Distillery Cocktails Spirits Homepage

Kristin L. Wolfe April 20, 2019

It was a vote of 14 to 20.

One hundred years ago in 1919 Connecticut State Senate couldn’t ratify the 18th Amendment which made Connecticut one of two states at the time to defeat prohibition.

It was a real moment in history, and now a real moment for SONO 1420, the revolutionary new distillery making waves in the world of spirits. As far as everyone knows, they are THE only distillery around using hemp seed in its remarkable mash for whiskey as well as other parts of the plant for its flavorful and aromatic essence in gins, bourbons, and ryes.

Nibble: Delicious CT Food Events for Week of April 22-29

Features News Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 19, 2019

Spiga Restaurant Group is hosting its own “Spiga Restaurant Group Week” from April 22-25. They are celebrating spring with a 4-day restaurant week event featuring 3-course lunch and dinner prix fixe menus. The Spiga family includes Molto in Fairfield, Spiga in New Canaan & Lugano’s in Greenwich. Lunch $20.19, Dinner $30.19.

On Tuesday April 23, Union Kitchen presents a 4 course dinner featuring WhistlePig Rye Whiskey. Tickets are $80.00 per person plus tax and gratuity and may be purchased online at UnionKitchen-ct.com/Events.

Pearl at Longshore Restaurant and Bar is excited to announce Gatsby’s Return 2019. This year’s event will be on Saturday, April 27 at 7pm. It will be a special evening of music, fashion, dancing, food and drink that captures the essence of the roaring 20’s for the Westport and Fairfield County citizens to share and enjoy. Westport Historical Society and Harbor Watch will be the event’s fundraising beneficiaries.

On Thursday April 25, Thimble Island Brewing and Calabro Cheese are teaming up to give you a night filled with delicious beer paired with artisan cheese selections, all locally made in Connecticut. Five varieties of beer and cheese will be sampled along with pairing tips from our experts.

Fairfield Cheese Company Celebrates its 10-Year Anniversary w/ A Cheesefest!

Features Events Cheese

Stephanie Webster April 18, 2019

Laura Downey and Chris Palumbo, co-owners of the popular Fairfield and Greenwich Cheese Company shops, reflect upon their 10-year journey in the cheese biz, their accomplishments, and how far consumers have come in their appreciation for delectable fromage. They will also be celebrating with some great cheese-centric classes in early May. Check ‘em out here.

Prime Stamford Launches New Seasonal Spring Menu (Alongside Waterfront Dining) (sponsored post)

Restaurant Stamford American Seafood Cocktails Outdoor Dining Waterfront

Jessica Ryan April 17, 2019

Spring is always a welcome thing, but as part of the CTBites team it also means that a trip to Prime Stamford is in order to check out their spring offerings and we are always eager to see what magic Chef Julio Geno has up his sleeve. As we waited to get a sampling of the Easter Menu we sipped some of the restaurant’s most popular choices, the Babylon Express, made from Crop cucumber vodka, St. Germaine, lime and pineapple juices, the Pineapple Mojito and the Passion Cosmo, made from passion vodka, passion fruit purée, triple sec and lime and cranberry juices.

Hartford Flavor Company: Uniquely Delicious Botanical Liqueurs

Features Ingredients Liqueur Cocktails Ingredients Hartford Specialty Market

Kristin L. Wolfe April 17, 2019

It’s herbal, it’s floral, it’s natural, Oh MY. It’s botanical liqueur.

Walking into Hartford Flavor Company is like walking into a place where all’s right with the world: it’s owned and operated by a smart woman, everything is natural, and it is as beautiful as a field of flowers should be.

Or, it’s like a laboratory-meets day spa-meets fully-stocked bar. Take your pick.

Anyway, I think you are getting my point. It is downright lovely and essential and all you think while touring around and talking to owner Lelaneia Dubay is, where have you been all my life?

BD Provisions: Gourmet Bulk Food Shopping That’s Really "Out of the Box"

Features Ingredients Shopping Specialty Market Grocery Store Newtown Ingredients Coffee

Jessica Ryan April 16, 2019

Bulk shopping isn’t exactly a new concept – we’ve been filling the trunks of our cars and SUVs with oversized products from those mammoth box stores for years. But bulk shopping that’s zero waste is something we don’t often see. BD Provisions, in Newtown, takes this familiar concept and gives it a breath of fresh air with a new, environmentally friendly spin.

Less is more, especially here. Less waste means more product which means greater savings and more fun, but you really need to head over to experience it yourself.

At BD Provisions you’ll find 270 carefully curated products sold by the pound in massive sustainable containers. Products range from dehydrated and powdered superfoods. You won’t want to pass by the creative, flavored rice, quinoa and soup blends that will enhance any weeknight dinner. Of course there are plenty of healthy snack options from the most beautifully colored wasabi coated soybeans, beautiful and delicious dried, crunchy beets, spicy chick peas, a wide selection of nuts both raw and flavored. Gorgeous beans and pastas. Beautiful aromatic spices, a generous selection of the most beautiful tea blends.

50+ Restaurants & Events for Easter in CT 2019

Features Holiday Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 14, 2019

Easter in Sunday April 21 and Connecticut restaurants are celebrating with prix fixe menus, spring inspired entrees, brunch buffets, and traditional dinners. If you’re planning to eat out and haven’t made a reservation yet, you’ll want to hop to it… these meals fill up quickly! Here are 50+ restaurants with Easter specials so you can dine out with some-bunny special.

Community Table, Washington: Chef Paul Pearson has created a special Easter menu to celebrate the holiday and the beginning of spring at Community Table in Washington. Join them on Sunday April 21.
Artisan, Fairfield & Hartford: On Easter Sunday, Artisan, with locations in Southport and Hartford, will serve a 3 course meal for $65 per person. Reservations are required and can be made at artisansouthport.com.
Millwright’s, Simsbury: Millwrights will offer a 3 course Easter Brunch Prix Fixe meal, which will cost $59 for adults $29 for children under 12. Entrees include Lobster Cake Benedict, Ham, Spring Lamb, Gnocchi, and more.
Hub and Spoke, Bridgeport: On Saturday April 20, Hub & Spoke hosts Easter breakfast with the Easter Bunny! This special event lasts from 9am-12pm.

Smokin' Hops Brewfest by Bears Restaurant Group April 20th

Features Festival CT Beer

Stephanie Webster April 13, 2019

On April 20, visit Hartford for the Smokin' Hops Brewfest 2019, presented by Bear’s Restaurant Group . A ticket includes a Smokin’ Hops Brewfest Commemorative Tasting glass, tasting of 40+ beers from 12 local breweries, tasting of an exclusive small batch beer brewed for the festival by Alvarium Beer Co., and live music by Hartford’s own, Boo-Yah. Buy tickets here. The event benefits Knox, Inc, a community-building organization that plants 500- 1,000 trees each year, maintains 20 community gardens, supports 6 urban farmers, trains young adults in landscaping, provides environmental education, and beautifies Hartford’s parks and green spaces.

Ratatouille & Co. Caterers Provides Skill Sets & Menu of Opportunity For Immigrant Women

Features Catering Entertaining

CTbites Team April 12, 2019

Orchestrating stylish and sophisticated catered events throughout Fairfield County and New York that incorporate great food and thoughtful service is what has earned Ratatouille & Co. Catering their great reputation. The mission of this innovative catering company, however, goes beyond canapes and silver trays. Ratatouille and Company use the power of the culinary arts and the hospitality industry to empower women to learn a skill set they can use on their road to independence and success.

Red Chilaquiles in a Roasted Tomato & Guajillo Pepper Sauce Recipe by Lorenza Arnal

Recipe Recipe

Stephanie Webster April 10, 2019

Chilaquiles are a quintessential Mexican breakfast, usually served after long parties to take care of hangovers. Like enchiladas, they originated as a way to repurpose tortillas. The tortillas are fried and cut into triangles or squares, and are covered in sauce, melted cheese and a variety or toppings such as chicken, meat, eggs, crema, avocado and onions. When we arrive in Mexico to visit our family we most often start by eating chilaquiles. The server always asks if you want them verdes (in green tomatillo sauce) or rojos (roasted tomato sauce). I always go for the red ones, and when they ask if I would like that with chicken or with egg on top, I always respond “las dos cosas por favor…. “

Mystic Market Opens in Westport w/ Gourmet, Ready To Go Prepared Meals

Features Specialty Market Westport To-Go Take Out Prepared Food Homepage

Jessica Ryan April 09, 2019

With successful locations in Old Saybrook, Mystic and Noank, Mystic Market traveled down the coast to Fairfield County and recently opened its doors in Westport on Charles Street, not too far from the train station. The spacious interior features reclaimed lumber, steel and white subway tile which give it an airy, modern urban vibe. The eatery specializes in gourmet, ready to go pre-prepared meals all which are made in-house. For those preferring not to eat on the road, a generously sized café space offers a welcoming environment to for friends to meet up for a cup of coffee and a delicious, warm, freshly baked sweet treat.

Chef Dan Kardos Launches Flaco Taco Truck...$4 Menu (+ Lobster Roll)

Restaurant Food Truck Mexican Tacos Lobster Openings Homepage

Stephanie Webster April 07, 2019

Chef Dan Kardos (Liberty Rock Tavern, Oar & Oak) is rolling out something new for CT taco (and lobster) lovers. Kardos has bought himself another truck, and this time we’re talking tacos. Flaco Taco is the name, and Kardos is in the process of getting it ready for the summer season. The truck will be serving up $4 tacos and some tasty sides…but wait, there’s more…there will also be an epically delicious $24 Lobster roll (ya know…just ‘cuz).

Let’s talk about them tacos. CTbites have seen a preliminary menu, and Kardos admits things may change by June, but here is the basic situation. Tacos range from Crispy Fish with spicy slaw and lime, to Southern Fried Chicken with buttermilk ranch, and Braised Beef Shank with spicy tahini. Yes please. Sides will likely include classics such as street corn, Guac’ and his famous watermelon and cucumber salad (think Liberty Rock Truck).

Nibble: Delicious & Boozy CT Food Events for April 7-14

Features Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson April 07, 2019

Join Chopped Champion and Co-Founder of The Secret Ingredient Girls, Silvia Baldini, on April 10 at The Perfect Provenance to invigorate your meals in this 3 part course. Boost your kitchen skills and gain an instant repertoire of wholesome, fresh and delicious back to basics meals that are perfect for family and weekend.

At Copps Island Oysters, learn how to shuck an oyster from the masters themselves! You'll learn about shucking safety, different knives to use, oyster anatomy, shucking techniques, pea crabs, and some delicious easy recipes. Join them on Saturdays from 2-4pm.

Stew Leonard’s in Danbury hosts its 16th Annual Egg-Stravaganza on April 11. Children will be given a map of Stew Leonard’s and a bag to collect eggs. Stew Leonard’s famous costumed characters – including Clover the Cow, Cynthia Chick, and Daphne Duck – will be available to take pictures with children at the end of the Egg Hunt. Two lucky children will win the Egg Hunt’s grand prizes: a $50 gift card to the LEGO Store or a $50 gift card to Pottery Factory.

Stew Leonard's Celebrates 50 Years with Special Events, Deals & Storewide Fun

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Stephanie Webster April 05, 2019

Starting on April 3, family owned and operated Stew Leonard’s marks its 50th anniversary with a calendar of events designed to celebrate with the store’s shoppers, Team Members, and local farmers. The celebration will culminate on November 30, 2019 with a party honoring the store’s golden anniversary as well as the 90th birthday of store founder Stew Leonard, Sr.

Every month from April through November, customers will enjoy special pricing, in-store demos and more while Team Members and vendors will be spotlighted and thanked for their contributions to making Stew Leonard’s a fun and fresh place to shop for 50 years.