Chef-at-the-Market Competition @ Westport Farmers' Market

Features Farmers Market Chef

Maddie Phelps June 13, 2019

Watching the chefs of the hit TV show “Chopped” scramble to cook up their finest creations while the clock ticks away is truly entertaining. But watching such a competition in real life takes the cake. While the Westport Farmers’ Market didn’t bring the cast, crew, and chefs of “Chopped” to downtown Westport, they did emulate the cook-off with their very own version: “The Chef at the Market Competition.” Here’s a recap of the first “Chef At The Market” throw down, but there are many more to come. Check out the schedule below.

"Max Chef to Farm" Pop-Up Dinners At The Farm June-August 2019 Schedule

Features Farm Dinner Pop-Up Dinner CT Farms Farm to Table

CTbites Team June 12, 2019

Max Chef to Farm, an award-winning group of events that celebrate the amazing food grown in our backyard, is heading into their 12th year. Guests are transported directly to the farm to experience seasonal and local food. Their dinners are multi-course feasts showcasing the delicious bounty of Connecticut-grown produce and other locally-sourced ingredients prepared on site by Chef Steve Michalewicz of Max Catering & Events, Chef Hunter Morton, Culinary Director of the Max Restaurant Group, and the entire Max Chef to Farm team.

Max Chef to Farm dinners are adventurous events that celebrate and support CT-grown products. Their host farm for most events this season is the 160-acre Rosedale Farms, located in Simsbury, CT. They have many things in common with the Max Restaurant Group including a commitment to using sustainable farming and business practices. Speaking of support...

The Blind Rhino Sports Bar Opens In Black Rock

Restaurant Openings Sports Bar Bar lunch Bridgeport Black Rock Comfort Food

James Gribbon June 12, 2019

When the Blind Rhino opened in South Norwalk in 2015 it made waves both as the first dedicated sports bar in a nightlife-intensive district which was somehow devoid of one, and for making quality food and drink the focus, rather than an afterthought to bats and balls. Do they have beer and wings? Yep, but their beers are two dozen taps' worth of Connecticut focused craft, and their wings come with flavors like Togarashi dry rub and won multiple medals at the last year's National Buffalo Wing Festival in Buffalo, NY. Is there such a thing as a gastro sports bar? Yes, actually, there are two - and you can now find the second one just over the Fairfield town line in the Black Rock neighborhood of Bridgeport.

Chef Billy Grant Hosts Pop-Up Farm Dinner Series at Rose's Berry Farm

Features Farm Dinner Pop-Up Dinner South Glastonbury CT Farms Italian

CTbites Team June 11, 2019

Chef Billy Grant and his Chefs Corey Cannon of Bricco Trattoria, and Jon Gyles of Bricco West Hartford invite you to join them for their Summer 2019 Farm Dinner series at Rose’s Berry Farm, in South Glastonbury. Every Farm dinner features a creative menu with ingredients sourced from a multitude of CT farms, and includes passed and stationed hors d’ oeuvres, multi-course dinner, dessert, creative cocktails, craft beers, and vino!

Price per person is $89 plus 18% tax and gratuity (all alcohol is included). Reservations recommended and can be purchased online at www.billygrant.com or by emailing catering director Michelle McMahon at michelle@billygrant.com.

Sherkaan Indian Restaurant Opens in New Haven—Totally Bindaas

Restaurant New Haven Indian Openings Lunch Cocktails Bar Homepage

Frank Cohen June 09, 2019

If Sherkaan, the name given the Indian restaurant that succeeded vegetarian Thali Too (2008-2018) in New Haven’s Broadway District in the space behind the Apple store, sounds strangely familiar, it should. The name is taken from Mowgli’s chief antagonist in Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, the sly Bengal tiger—Shere Khan.

Owners Ankit Harpaldas and Puneet “Pete” Ramchandani are experienced restaurateurs with a playful streak that runs as deep as the mean streak in Kipling’s menacing tiger. Harpaldas and Ramchandani also own Taprock Beer Bar & Refuge in the Unionville section of Farmington, a restaurant with an affinity for modern design, unusual drink options and quirky fun food sensibilities.

Pokéworks Opens In Westport: Hawaiian Poké Bowls & Burritos for All!

Restaurant Openings Westport Seafood Sushi Lunch Asian Hawaiian

Maddie Phelps June 07, 2019

Those who loved a bowl or burrito packed with fresh meat, rice, and veggies were nothing short of devastated when Chipotle closed its Westport location this past winter. Thankfully, I can be the bearer of some good news for those who are still heartbroken. There’s a new place in town with plenty of fresh meat, rice, and veggies galore for any burrito or bowl you desire. And this time, there’s a Hawaiian twist to it.

Pokéworks, a Hawaiian restaurant whose business took the country by storm upon opening in 2015, recently made its debut in Westport’s Compo Acres Shopping Center. The original founders sought to bring a taste of Hawaii to the public through poké, which is the diced raw fish that is considered one of the main dishes of native Hawaiian cuisine. Committed to offering the freshest of seafood, Pokéworks also emphasizes their sustainable practices and efforts to preserve the world’s oceans in a time when many are not.

30+ CT Restaurants, Farm Dinners & Special Events for Father's Day 2019

Features Father's Day Special Occasion Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson June 05, 2019

Last month we celebrated Mom... now it's time to celebrate Dad! Connecticut restaurants, breweries, wineries, and caterers are getting creative with special ways to honor fathers. From al fresco feasts to beer dinners to vineyard festivals to BBQ, here is a list of over 30 places with celebrations on Father's Day and Father's Day weekend. Be sure to make your reservations now. Seats fill up quickly!

Goshen Stampede, Goshen: Just in time for Father’s Day, the 14th Annual Goshen Stampede takes place from June 14th - 16th at The Goshen Fair Grounds. There will be live music, demolition derbies, truck pulls, rodeos, barrel racing, music, rides, food, and more.

Bear’s Smokehouse @ Alvarium, New Britain: Alvarium and Bear's Smokehouse are teaming up for Father’s Day. Bear's Smokehouse will serve up the best authentic Kansas City Barbeque on the patio while Alvarium pours brews to go with the meal.

Untiled Bistro @ Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford: On, Sunday, June 16 treat Dad with a special Jazz Brunch. There are two seatings available: 10:30am & 12:30pm. In addition to live music by Sarah Rose Nunes and Joe Carter, tickets include a buffet, museum admission, and one complimentary bloody mary or mimosa.

Match & Match Burger Lobster, Norwalk & Westport: Match and Match Burger Lobster will be open on Sunday 6/16 and serving their regular menus.

Adults Only "Maritime With A Twist" June 27: Sip & Sample at The Maritime Aquarium (sponsored post)

Features Events

CTbites Team June 05, 2019

Celebrate the summer with sips and samples and sharks and seals during the “Maritime with a Twist” adults-only evening event on Thurs., June 27th at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. Get your tickets here.

Open to anyone age 21 and over, “Maritime with a Twist” features tastes from nearby restaurants in the South Norwalk (or SoNo) neighborhood, as well as refreshments by artisanal distillers and distributors. Sample them all while enjoying the entire Aquarium for one price. Music for the evening will be provided by Big Yachty, Fairfield County’s premiere Yacht Rock cover band.

Participating restaurants and retailers include: Bandido, Evarito’s, CulinArt, Local, La Dolce, Saltwater, Tablao, Blind Rhino

Pouring the tastings will be from: KRAKEN Rum, Total Wine, Thimble Island Brewery, Owl’s Brew, Asylum Vodka, Eder Brothers Wine

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For Week of June 9-16

Features News Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson June 04, 2019

On Tuesday June 11, Porron join Missing Link Wine Company, the Wise Old Dog, Finca Volvoreta Winery, and Chef Tyler Anderson for Porron’s very first vegetarian Pop Up Supper. Begin with a reception of Txakoli and then sit for a tasting menu with wine for each course.

On Thursday June 13, Kala Bistro is celebrating women with a “Wine Dinner with a Focus on Female Winemakers.” The 5 course meal will be complemented with wines from Spain and France. It is $69 per person, inclusive, and begins at 6:30pm.

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield presents “A Place at the Table” farm-to-table dinner on Friday June 14. Enjoy a locally sources 3 course dinner prepared by Hayfields Market. Members can participate in an exclusive chef’s tasting before dinner.

The 10th Annual Hartford Rib Off is back and returning to Hartford’s Riverside Park from June 14-15, 2019. This year's festival will begin on June 14th with the Hartford Rib Off Kick-Off Party where guests can enjoy live music, beer samples from 20 different breweries,

Recap: Marcia Selden Hosts Wakeman Town Farm Spring Dinner

Features Events Catering

Kristin L. Wolfe June 04, 2019

There’s no doubt that spring finally sprung at Wakeman Town Farm with a cooking demo and three-course dinner from Marcia Selden Catering. It might have been a bit misty and grey outside, but each table was adorned with flowers, cocktails flowed into every glass, and some of the adorable goats, chickens, and ducks could be seen in the distance from the dining room, called “Tim’s Kitchen,” inside.

Boca Oyster Bar Opens On Bridgeport's Steelpointe Harbor

Restaurant Bridgeport Black Rock Seafood Oysters Oyster Bar Openings Homepage

James Gribbon June 02, 2019

Drivers casting their eyes randomly about, desperate for a diversionary glance at anything besides traffic and out of state plates between the concrete shoulders of I-95 may settle their gaze on a new brick building on the waterfront of Bridgeport harbor. Slightly reminiscent of a lighthouse, it sits at the other side of the new development in Steelpointe Harbor from Bass Pro Shops, and - as of this week - houses the new Boca Oyster Bar. CTBites hit the bar during their soft open at the end of May to give you this first look.

The Glass House Hosts Summer Party: Picnic & High Wire Artist Philippe Petit

Features Events

Stephanie Webster June 01, 2019

The Glass House announces its annual Summer Party to celebrate their 70th anniversary year with a dynamic program of performance, exhibition and auction to benefit the iconic Philip Johnson designed house (built in 1949) and 49-acre site. The site will be activated by French high wire artist Philippe Petit for a site-specific aerial walk.

Tickets include a farm-to-table picnic by South End, rosé from Whispering Angel and artisanal cocktails. Enjoy a game of ping-pong or challenge a friend to a game of oversized chess. The day’s picnic along with the event’s festivities benefits preservation initiatives at the Glass House.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For Week of June 2-9

Features News Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 29, 2019

Visit Taprock Beer Bar in Farmington on Monday June 3 for an evening with Bellis Bourbon. The amazing CT product recently hit the market. Meet the creators, chat with the mixologists, enjoy three different Bellis Bourbon cocktails, and dine on some appetizers. Tickets are $40 online and $45 at the door.

Back40 Kitchen in Greenwich invites you to a Maison Louis Jadot "Gems of France" Wine Dinner on June 6. Each course has been carefully designed to highlight 5 wines. It is $95/person, tax and gratuity excluded. Email Sandra@back40kitchen.com to reserve your seat today!

Summer is finally here and what better way to kick-off the season than a beer at East Rock Brewing Company in New Haven? Visit them on June 6 for an afternoon of socializing over beer, pizza, and board games. This “Summer Social Kickoff” is free, but registration must be completed online.

Elm City Social in New Haven hosts “The Mixer” on Tuesday June 4. The event, which takes place on Elm City Social's rooftop patio in New Haven, includes a live mural by Magge Gagliardi, a bartending competition, Collective Arts beer, and samples of their new gin. 5pm-Close.

Taste of Bishops Corner 2019 takes place in Hartford on Wednesday June 5. The indoor/outdoor event features Harrys Bishops Corner, Crown Market, Blue Plate Kitchen, OCHO and more.

June 5, 2019 marks the 11th Annual SoNo Stroll Benefit. In its eleventh year, the Stroll has become the biggest and most successful fundraiser that benefits the Human Services Council.

The 10th Annual Hartford Rib Off is Back June 14-15

Features Events

CTbites Team May 29, 2019

The 10th Annual Hartford Rib Off is back and returning to Hartford’s Riverside Park from June 14-15, 2019. 100% of the proceeds from the Hartford Rib Off festival is donated to local charities: MARC Community Resources LTD, Mayor Mike's Foundation for Kids, and The Hartford Rib Off Scholarship Fund.

Guests can enjoy a Kick-off Party, an All-Day BBQ event, Kansas City Barbeque and New England Barbecue Society Competitions, Live Music and more while 100% of proceeds are donated to Charity.

The Hartford Rib Off Festival is supported by community partners, 102.9 The Whale, Radio 104.1, Miller Lite, Tito's Handmade Vodka, and GN Construction LLC. Presenting Sponsor this year is Hall’s Market of West Hartford. This year's festival will begin on June 14th with the Hartford Rib Off Kick-Off Party where guests can enjoy live music, beer samples from 20 different breweries, Tito’s Vodka craft cocktails, and unlimited water and soft drinks. The best pitmasters in New England will come together to compete for first place in a New England Barbeque Society sanctioned Steak and Wing Tailgate contest.

Essential Outdoor Entertaining Product Guide from D2 Interieurs

Features Entertaining Kitchen Gear Design

CTbites Team May 29, 2019

Local Boxing Trainer Creates Hot Lady Hot Sauce Brand

Ingredients Features Ingredients Hot Sauce Local Artisan

Andrew Dominick May 28, 2019

The hot sauce market is stacked with thousands of brands trying to win over your taste buds and into your pantry, but few have roots right here in Fairfield County. Cue Hot Lady Hot Sauce, created by Adam Colberg, a Connecticut resident who grew up in Westport.

For Colberg, hot sauce wasn’t always in his overall plan.

“Before I graduated from Staples High School, I always embarked on different projects, I always did things differently,” he said. “I wasn’t ready for college, but I wanted to do something adventurous, so I joined the Marines.” His time in the corps, where he was a jet mechanic, granted him the opportunity to travel the world, including a tour in Spain.

Westport Farmers’ Market Opens For 2019 Summer Season

Features Farmers Market

Maddie Phelps May 26, 2019

It was as if the Connecticut weather knew it was a monumental day in the local food community, as ominous early morning clouds faded into beaming sunlight. Just like that, it became a beautiful day for hundreds of people to unite through their love for one thing: good food. It was opening day at The Westport Farmers’ Market!

Since 2006, the Westport Farmers’ Market has been a destination for locals to browse a diverse selection of produce from farms, bakeries, breweries, and more. Opening day brought vendors from all corners of Connecticut, including several first timers excited to get their names out to locals.

Carbone's Prime Now Serving Crave-Worthy Brunch Menu

Restaurant Brunch Rocky Hill Breakfast Comfort Food Homepage

Kristin L. Wolfe May 25, 2019

Chef Brian Lewis To Appear on Beat Bobby Flay May 30th

Features News TV Food Network Celebrity Chef

Stephanie Webster May 23, 2019

Cheer on CT’s own Chef Brian Lewis, of The Cottage and OKO, as he competes on Beat Bobby Flay, airing Thursday, May 30th @10PM.

“We taped this episode months ago and I’m excited for everyone to see this episode of ‘Beat Bobby Flay.’ Just as I cook my heart out in the kitchens at OKO and The Cottage, I gave it my all for the competition. Tune in to see if I had the chance to go head to head with Bobby!” says Chef Lewis.

The episode is intriguingly titled “Bye Bye Birdie,” and features Food Network's Michael Symon and Jet Tila working hard to outsmart their good friend Bobby Flay. They bring in one of his proteges, Chef Rebecca Weitzman, and fine dining's finest, Chef Brian Lewis, to muscle Bobby out of his kitchen.

Connecticut’s Brewery Legitimus & Barden Farm Partner Again for 2nd CSABC (Community Supported Agriculture, Beer & Cheese) Share

Features CSA Local Artisan Local Farm CT Beer Cheese Farm to Table

CTbites Team May 23, 2019

Brewery Legitimus, the 7 barrel craft brewery co-founded by husband and wife team Chris and Christina Sayer, is partnering once again with Barden Farm (New Hartford, CT), to bring a Community Supported Agriculture, Beer & Cheese (CSABC) Share to the community. Back for a second year in a row, the 10-week “Farm, Beer and Cheese Share” begins July 11th and will run until September 12th.

The first in the area, the CSABC share brings together locally grown produce from Barden Farm, locally crafted beer by Brewery Legitimus, and locally made cheese from several different farms in CT.

A CSABC share membership is $485 for the 10 Weeks and includes Craft Beer from Brewery Legitimus, Cheese and of course a Farm Share from Barden Farm. It works just like a CSA. Here’s what’s included: