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Filtering by Tag: Wine Dinners,SONO

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For September 8-15

Features Events News Festival Wine Dinners

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Join Chef Geoff Lazlo for a Greenhouse Garden Dinner at the Greenwich Botanical Gardens on September 12 from 6-9pm.  Dinner will include a specialty cocktail, passed hors d’oeuvres and a three-course meal inspired by the seasonal vegetables and herbs grown in the GBC teaching vegetable garden.  Lazlo will lead a discussion about the menu and environmentally friendly cuisine. 

Celebrity Chef Tyler Anderson will host the second annual Eat.Drink.Give fundraiser benefitting Foodshare at Millwright's Restaurant and Tavern on Monday, September 9 at 6:30pm.  Eat. Drink. Give will feature a multi-course dinner with wine pairings prepared by local award-winning chefs Tyler Anderson & Niles Talbot of Millwright's Restaurant in Simsbury, Prasad Chirnomula of Chef Prasad Indian Kitchen in New Canaan, Jeff Lizotte of Present Company in Tariffville, Billy Grant of Restaurant Bricco in West Hartford, and Pastry Chef Kristin Eddy of Millwright's in Simsbury.  There will also be a silent auction.  Tickets are $125 per person. 

The Hadley + Occum, 2019 Farm Dinner Event series continues on Friday September 13 with the Chefs from Treva.  The DORO Restaurant Group has teamed up with Sub Edge Farm for an RSA (similar to a CSA but geared towards restaurants) and chefs will highlight the local bounty at this beautiful meal on the farm.  Tickets are $99 per person. 

Suffering from empty nest syndrome?  Roger Sherman Inn wants to celebrate the launch of our children on September 13 from 6-8pm. Tickets will be available for $50 per person at the front desk.

CTBites’s own editor Stephanie Webster is Dancing with the Stars… AGAIN!  On Saturday September 14, she’s kicking up her heels in Greenwich on behalf of Abilis, Inc., a wonderful non-profit that supports kids & adults with special needs.  Make a donation or cheer her on at the event. 

High George, New Haven’s newest rooftop bar located at The Blake Hotel, has launched a new Happy Hour just in time for guests to enjoy the fall foliage.  From 4-6pm, partake in $1 oysters, $6 wines, $8 mojitos, $4 beers, and an $8 rotating punch cocktail.

It’s Sunday Funday El Segundo!  For $10, get a bracelet for $5 drinks specials all day long.  For an additional $5, enjoy a signature breakfast burrito, normally on the brunch menu for $10.  You can come and go as you please.


SoNo Seaport Seafood Reopens: Iconic Waterside Seafood is BACK!

Restaurant South Norwalk SONO Norwalk Seafood Comfort Food Kid Friendly Waterfront Patio Outdoor Dining Openings Homepage

Andrew Dominick

After a two-and-a-half-month hiatus, SoNo Seaport Seafood is open once again, serving up the ocean’s bounty with a few exciting changes. 

In mid-April, the 35-year-old South Norwalk mainstay announced they would shut down shop while the restaurant, outdoor bar, and patio all underwent renovations. To oversee it all, SoNo Seaport’s owners, the Bloom Family, brought in a legit Fairfield County chef to consult on the project. 

That’s where Matt Storch enters the fray. But make no mistake, the chef/owner of Match and Match Burger Lobster wasn’t merely brought in to make decisions on what furniture to buy and what color paint should go on the walls. One of Storch’s focal points at SoNo Seaport was to give an outdated menu a much-needed refresh. 


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

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: CT Food Events For Nov 11-18: Champagne, Bourbon & Wine Dinners, Cooking Classes, Beer Events & Food Trucks

Features News Wine Dinners Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

On Tuesday November 13, Washington Prime SoNo will have a Macallan Scotch Dinner featuring the 12 Year Sherry, the 12 Year Double Cask, the 15 Year Triple Cask, and Edition #4.  Upgrade to the 1824 ticket for a rare chance to have a glass of the 1824 Series Single Malt Reflexion. Price is $250 per person for this option.  $140 pp.

Olea’s annual champagne dinner will take place on November 12.  Laval wines will be accompanied by Champagnes produced by another premier grower/producer, Benoit Marguet of Champagne Marguet Pere & Fils in Ambonnay, France. This 4-course dinner is $200 pp, all inclusive. RSVP by calling Olea at 203.780.8925, or sending an email to info@oleanewhaven.com 

On Monday November 12, Tim’s Kitchen at Wakeman Town Farm will teach you how to make “Holiday Hors D’oeuvres.”  Chef Gene Habansky will guide you through making delicious appetizers from 7-9pm.  It costs $65 per person.  Join them again on November 15 to learn how to make vegetarian and gluten free Thanksgiving sides. 


Hola! Evarito’s Mexican Opens in South Norwalk

Restaurant SONO South Norwalk Mexican Kid Friendly Cocktails Lunch Norwalk Homepage

Andrew Dominick

SoNo’s biggest recent mystery involved the space where Washington and N Main streets meet. Stacked piles of wood blocked all hopes of peeking inside. A fox shaded on the ends of the wood made passersby more curious. What stumped a bunch of us even more was another fox that popped up in the windows, this time in emoji form, accompanied by the hashtag #Hola. 

What was this riddle? A restaurant? Another bar? In SoNo, that’s what it usually is. But definitely something with a Spanish cuisine theme, right?!

I was puzzled. I posted about it many times. I asked around to no avail. People asked me what it was. I had no freaking clue. Eventually, I heard it would be a Mexican restaurant concept by the good folks at Skal Restaurant Group, who run things at The Cask Republic locations and The Ginger Man Greenwich. All of this was later confirmed (sort of) by a fittingly odd Instagram account that tagged me in a lot of posts as they did food and drink research in Mexico.  

It’s a secret no longer! Evarito’s is now open in South Norwalk! 


The Beach House Café Opens in SONO w/ Southern Style Brunch

Restaurant SONO Norwalk Greenwich Breakfast Brunch Lunch American Homepage

Jessica Ryan

Residents of Greenwich are no strangers to The Beach House Café located on Sound Beach Avenue in Old Greenwich. The restaurant, with its beachy-chic interior and seafood fare with a fresh, Asian twist, has been a local favorite since it was re-opened in 2016 by restauranteur Kane Xu.

Just recently The Beach House Café opened a second location in South Norwalk, directly across from the Maritime Center. While it retains a nautical theme with reclaimed wood, dock-line roping, seaside prints and dock-master lanterns, the vibe here is edgier, more urban, lending itself perfectly to the SoNo landscape.

I had the opportunity to visit the new SONO location for brunch a few weeks ago and was struck by the Southern influence, though perhaps I shouldn’t dismiss the fact that the restaurant’s current location once belonged to Mama’s Boy, known for its Southern cuisine. The Brunch Menu boasts a great many choices, seemingly something for everyone, unless you’re like me, indecisive with an extensive palate and healthy appetite.


Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of March 11-18

Features Events Wine Dinners

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Two Roads Brewery in Stratford invites you to an “Open Roads Beer Dinner” on Monday March 12 at 6pm.  Christie Caters- Farm to Table Catering will provide tasty food and each course will be paired with an 8oz pour of a Two Roads brew. The menu theme is "Around the World.” 

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Artisinal Burger Company in Manchester will have an Irish whiskey dinner on March 14.  Tickets are $65 per person. 

Aditi Goswami of Calcutta Kitchens will teach you how to make simple everyday Indian at Wakeman Town Farm on Thursday March 15. Learn to prepare a quick chicken curry, a vegetable curry, and rice pilafs. Don’t forget to BYOB!  The class is limited to 16 and costs $65. 

Max Amore Restaurant in Glastonbury hosts An Italian Wine & Food Pairing Dinner featuring the wines of Di Majo Norante on Tuesday March 13.  The evening will begin with a reception followed by a five course meal prepared by Chef David Stickney.  It costs $85 per person, plus tax and gratuity. 


Caffé Social Brings Great Breakfast to South Norwalk

Restaurant Breakfast Brunch Lunch Comfort Food American Coffee Dessert Kid Friendly Norwalk SONO Homepage

Andrew Dominick

A short while back, fellow CTbites writer James Gribbon sent me a text. He asked, “Where’s a good place to get breakfast in SoNo?” I replied with, “There aren’t many. SoNo Baking Company and SoNo Harbor Café. That’s probably it.”

Unless it’s a weekend and restaurants are serving brunch, breakfast in South Norwalk is scarce. I’m not talking wheat grass juice or a pastry at one of the Latin places on South Main Street, when I say “BREAKFAST” I mean eggs, pancakes, and bacon. I want a sit-down place where I can get wired on quality coffee and clean up maple syrup drizzles with that last chunk of sausage.


Spigot Beer Opens in Norwalk, Pouring A Unique Beer List

Restaurant Features CT Beer Beer Brewery Specialty Market Norwalk SONO Homepage

Andrew Dominick

There’s no shortage of good quality craft beer flowing from the taps of multiple bars and restaurants in South Norwalk. On the flipside, Washington Street has seen a few brewpubs bomb. Now there’s a new beer bar on the block, and before you scoff, and say to yourself, “Really? Another one?” let us tell you what’s different about Spigot Beer.

The first thing you’ll notice is it’s in SoNo, but just slightly out of reach of the main drag. Then you must find it. At least four people saw a photo I posted, some who live on the same street, and still had no idea where Spigot is located. It’s across from the post office and Klaff’s, at the very end of the strip of stores that houses Nagoya, right before the Webster Lot entrance near the front of the 50 Washington Street building. You’re welcome. 


Top Ten Burgers In Southwest CT: 2017 Edition

Restaurant Best of CT Comfort Food Stamford Greenwich Westport Norwalk SONO Homepage Burgers

Lou Gorfain

2017 was a good year for burger lovers in Southwest CT. A closing (Fleisher's Craft Kitchen) and a fire (The National) have sadly removed two of 2016’s winning burgers from contention in our 2017 edition of Top Ten Burgers in Southwest CT.  Nonetheless, the local burger scene remains vibrant, inventive, and ever evolving. So we happily welcome three new, mouthwatering iterations to our 2017 Top Ten Burgers list. 

We sampled over 75 burgers to arrive at this list. Our rankings this year are focused exclusively on the sandwich and its ingredients alone, not the accompanying sides. 

Herewith, the Winners….


Harlan Publick Still Kicking Up the Flavors in South Norwalk

Restaurant Norwalk SONO Caribbean Outdoor Dining Bar Cocktails Pub

jeffrey schlesinger

The day started with snow flurries in Denver, pre-dawn, long week, long flight, two hours from Kennedy to CT. When my wife asked where we should eat, the temptation for a culinary transport to the Caribbean was too much to resist. After a quick drive to SONO, we were seated at one of my favorite restaurants, Harlan Publick, where Chef Kamal Rose is still creating magical combinations, balancing the spiciness of the Islands, with a delicate focus on subtleness.


Nibble: CT Food Events for April 24-30

Features Events Wine Dinners Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Bar Sugo presents a meatball class on Saturday April 29 at noon.  It is $45 per person, plus tax, tip, and beverages.  Call 203-956-7134 to reserve your space.

Cask Republic in Stamford presents a 5-course whiskey dinner on April 25 at 7pm.  The evening will feature beloved hard to find whiskies like Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year, WhistlePig Boss Hog Third Edition, Four Roses Elliot's Select Single Barrel Limited Edition, Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20 Year, and Glenmorangie 18 Year Extremely Rare.  Dishes will include Veal Heart Tartar, Maple Bourbon Pork Belly, and more.  Seating is limited.  Reservations required and can be made by calling 203-348-2275.

Grab The Tasty Yolk’s April special while you still can!  "The Mad Batter" consists of a Maple bacon cheddar waffle covered with 2 eggs. Check their current locations on their facebook page. 


Killer B Opens in South Norwalk w/ Beer, Bourbon, Bacon and Burgers (+ Decadent Milkshakes)

Restaurant Comfort Food SONO Norwalk Cocktails Lunch Kid Friendly Bar Homepage Burgers

Jessica Ryan

There are those who say pigs don’t fly…. They’ve never had Killer B’s Bacon Flight where thick cut strips of bacon arrive attached to a clothing wire, juices dripping, only to come flying immediately off. I really intended to have just one bite…

Killer B recently opened in South Norwalk, and stands for Beer, Bourbon, Bacon and Burgers – and with that I will tell you that this bacon, offered in such flavors as bourbon, butterscotch, fire, honey and orange, was indeed “killer.”  Take a bite and you soon realize this ain’t no grocery store bacon.


Nibble: CT Food Events for April 2-9

Features Events Wine Dinners Beer Dinner Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford hosts A Taste of History 2017 on Monday April 3 at 5pm.  The evening begins with a premier reception at 5pm and culminates with a food tasting, a cocktail tasting, music, a tour, and art inspired activities. 

Fermented beverages are prevalent, but what about fermented foods?  Learn about them and their health benefits at the Barrel Room in North Canton, CT on Monday April 3.  The class will cover foods like water kefir, milk kefir and kimchi. 

Connecticut Hops For Hope returns for its second benefit, Beers For Brittany, on Sunday, April 23rd. The event will be held at the brand new Counter Weight Brewing in Hamden, and 100% of ticket sales, in person donations, and on site raffle ticket sales will benefit Brittany Vellucci, a young woman fighting through brain cancer. Tickets go on sale tonight at 7p.m. RIGHT HERE


Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of March 20-27

Features Events Wine Dinners Beer Dinner

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

On Monday March 20, Mikro Beer Bar in Hamden invites you to a Kent Falls Brewing Beer Dinner.  Chef Mike Fox will create a four course dinner to complement craft brews.  The event is limited to 50 people, so get your tickets soon. 

Which is better: beer or wine?  The question is difficult and divisive… but Fairfield Greenwich Cheese Company will help you decide!  Beer and wine will go head-to-head alongside a cheese plate to see which makes for the best pairing.  Join them at the Greenwich location on March 21 from 7-9pm and the Fairfield location on March 23 from 7-9pm.  It costs $50 per person. 

On Wednesday March 22, Cask Republic South Norwalk and Allagash Brewing Company are teaming up for a beer dinner.  Chef Carl will prepare a five course menu that will be paired with six Allagash beers.  It costs $85 per person and advanced reservations are recommended. 


Ch'i Public House Opens in SoNo - Exceptional Asian-Inspired Cuisine

Restaurant Asian Chinese Japanese Norwalk SONO

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

Ch’i Public House opened in late November in the space formerly occupied by Ocean Drive and Red Lulu on Washington Street in SoNo. The forces behind the new Asian-inspired restaurant are Rob Moss, Marco Siguenza and Dave Studwell, owners of neighboring Washington Prime. Overseeing the kitchen is Executive Chef Mark Taruna, whose long career spans attending the French Culinary Institute and working as the Sous Chef for Nobu Matsushisa at Nobu. He subsequently joined The Food Network and ran the Iron Chef kitchen where he worked with Morimoto, Mario Batali and Bobby Flay. He brings a new level of creativity to many classic recipes with bold flavors and textures, from the simplest dumpling to the most complex sauces.

 


Room 112 Opens in Sono: A Modern Day Speakeasy in Connecticut

Restaurant Cocktails Late Night Norwalk SONO Bar

Jessica Ryan

Room 112 is shaking up the pulse of the lively SoNo restaurant scene. A modern-day speakeasy with a rock’n’roll edge, and eclectic, modish décor recently opened its doors at 112 Washington Street.  Owner Isaac Patrick Camoro’s vision was clear the minute he walked into the then empty space. 

Room 112 conjures up images of an urban garage meets underground lounge. Eclectic and unconventional this new bar is a truly unique experience; the antidote to the typical Fairfield County bar scene. The main level, framed in exposed brick, offers the perfect canvas for local artists to showcase their talent, thus lending themselves perfectly to the bar’s eclectic furnishings and lighting. Downstairs, a “man-cave” style game room includes a pool table, dartboards, shuffleboard, a jukebox, several HD TVs and a sleek bar.


BunBurgerBun Food Truck - Gluten, Soy & Nut-Free Burgers, Fries & More

Restaurant Food Truck Norwalk SONO Special Dietary Needs Comfort Food Kid Friendly Burgers

Maizy Boosin

Hi, my name is Maizy. I'm 13 years old, love food, and have celiac disease. When I heard about BunBurgerBun, a food truck that specializes in gluten free burgers and fries, I had to go try it out. 

Arriving at the truck in Stamford, I was instantly impressed by the menu because it had all the favorites. I ordered three things while I was there: The sweet and salties, The Jammer burger, and the chicken tenders with a side of fries. 

My absolute favorite thing that I ate was the Jammer: A burger on a gluten free peasant bun with house-made pickles and a bacon relish. I love pickles and those on the BunBurgerBun truck are fantastic. They are made with mustard seeds, onions and have this great classic pickle taste, but with a hint of a spicy undertone. When I took my first bite of the burger, the first flavor was vinegar. This came from the pickles, as well as the amazing bacon relish.


Zapata Mexican Restaurant Opens in South Norwalk sponsored post

Restaurant CTbites Lunch Events Cocktails Norwalk SONO Bar Mexican Kid Friendly

CTbites Team

Located in the heart of historic South Norwalk, Zapata Mexican Restaurant crafts authentic Mexican cuisine in an area rich in history and vibrant in color, Zapata Mexican Restaurant proudly contributes to this energetic environment. This is our second location, the original is located in Palisades, NY where our family-owned and operated restaurant has thrived for over 20 years. Many of our customers come in and ask why SONO? The answer is simple, SONO lacked an authentic Mexican restaurant with fresh ingredients, amazing margaritas, and smiling faces. Freshness is what we believe in and what we thrive on. We personally choose all our produce, and all of our ingredients. We are in a society where fresh and healthy is key! To ensure the highest quality, we also cook all of our products with olive oil to keep it healthy and always tasting delicious.  

Johnny Utah's in South Norwalk - A Fun Time with a Side of Food

Restaurant Cocktails Delicious Dives Norwalk SONO Bar Comfort Food

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

Fairfield County has some great bars with good old fashioned bar food…wings, burgers, fries, onion rings, cheesesteaks, with a wide variety of beers. Recently, many have expanded the menu to include tacos, chili, ribs, chicken and other down and dirty delicacies. When I received an invitation to join a media event at Johnny Utah’s in SoNo I was curious, since this bar also features a mechanical bull (spoiler…not happenin’).