Hosting a Traditional Filipino Kamayan Feast at SoNo 1420

Features Pop-Up Dinner Cocktails Filipino Food Truck

Andrew Dominick October 24, 2019

One of the ways to celebrate Filipino American History Month (every October) is with a kamayan meal. A what? Don’t worry, when I was asked to attend one, my response was, “What’s that now?” And I do have a few Filipino friends, including those who invited me to this one, my first one.

There was a kamayan dinner and it was held in South Norwalk. The event, hosted by Chris Gonzalez of Hapa Food Truck with public relations pro and event planner Ria Rueda, was the first of its kind in the area, not counting the off chance you’ve attended one at a friend’s house.

Nibble: Tasty, Fresh & Fab CT Food Events for Week of October 27- November 3

Events Features News Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 24, 2019

J House throws their annual Halloween bash on Friday November 1- this year with an Apocalypse theme! Your ticket comes with a complimentary cocktail, hors d'oeuvres, a live DJ all night, and a Red Carpet Costume Contest & Prizes. Tickets $75 pp.

On November 1, Ben & Jerry’s will serve up Free Scoops Of Non-Dairy For World Vegan Day! Visit participating locations from 4-8pm for your free scoop.

Attention beer fans! Coalhouse Pizza in Stamford hosts a special SINGLECUT tap take-over at 5pm on October 30. Stay for trivia, which begins at 8pm.

Chef Jessica Bengston, chef from Terrain and Amis Trattoria, comes to the Fairfield Library on Monday October 28. She’ll share her journey in the culinary world and how food, community, and culture has influenced her career.

Filipindian Pop Up with Sherkaan + Kawit! + More to Come in New Haven

Features Restaurant Pop-Up Dinner Indian New Haven Filipino Catering Caterers

Kristin L. Wolfe October 23, 2019

At Sherkaan’s first pop-up last Thursday night, the Flipindian Feast, I had to swim through the the hungry crowd and make my way to, literally, the last seat available at the long copper bar. From the pervading tiger logo (Sherkaan means Tiger King in Hindi) and hindi phrases on the walls, to the cascade of bicycles hanging from the ceiling, diners are definitely transported to the packed spaces of a Southeast Asian hot spot. In addition to all the things to look at, pungent spices filled the room; they were so entrenched in the air that my hair smelled of them the next morning.

Halloween Treats: Part 2-Bloody Fingers in a Blanket

Recipe Halloween Recipe

Marcia Selden Catering October 22, 2019

In our second Halloween recipe installment, we venture towards the macabre with this recipe for Bloody Fingers in a Blanket (AKA chorizo in puff pastry). They look revolting, but they are quite the crowd pleaser. Serve these quick and easy recipe to kids or adults at your Halloween soirée.

EGG-citing News: The Tasty Yolk Storefront Opens in Black Rock + Now Serving Lunch!

Restaurant Openings Black Rock Bridgeport Breakfast Lunch Homepage Comfort Food Brunch Catering Food Truck

Stephanie Webster October 21, 2019

I pose this question to you…Is there anything better than a well executed egg sandwich in the wee hours of the morning (or really any time of day)? A nice runny yolk…smoky bacon…buttery Parker House roll….drooling yet? Well, for lovers of all things egg sandwich, we’ve got some egg-citing news. The crave-worthy egg sandwich food truck, The Tasty Yolk, has officially opened the doors to their NEW storefront location at 2992 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport TODAY! No longer will hungry diners exclusively have to seek out one of their three Fairfield County mobile breakfast sandwich delivery vehicles. Chef Eric Felitto’s (Food Network Chopped Champion) award winning menu will be available 6 days a week, Tuesday through Sunday. P.S. MSN awarded The Tasty Yolk one of "America's 100 Best Food Trucks." Oh, and did I mention they have added a FULL LUNCH MENU to the lineup?? Yup…We’re pumped.

Bonchon Chicken Opens In Fairfield: Epically Delicious Korean Fried Chicken + More

Restaurant Take Out Fast Casual Korean Fried Chicken Chicken Wings Fairfield Openings New Haven West Hartford Homepage

James Gribbon October 20, 2019

"Bonchon," which means "my hometown" in Korean, has locations in a lot of people's hometowns - around 300 locations from Busan to Bahrain, and now, Fairfield. You may have already eaten at a Bonchon if your home is in New Haven or West Hartford, where they've had locations for a while, but I-95 South was just getting their first taste in the last week or so when I popped my head in the door. Here's a look at what's on the plate at downtown's newest hometown.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For Week of October 20-27

Features Events Events News Pop-Up Dinner Wine Dinners Festival

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 19, 2019

Get egg-cited… the Tasty Yolk storefront opens for business on Tuesday October 22! Check them out at 2992 Fairfield Ave in Bridgeport.

From Wednesday October 23 through Friday October 25, Norwalk Now presents CRUSH: A Celebration of Beer, Wine, and Spirits. Norwalk restaurants and businesses are opening their doors for demonstrations, tastings, seminars, and other events inspired by these tasty adult beverages.

Wednesday October 23 marks Brasitas’s first Wine Dinner of the season. The five course meal will compliment wines from Napa Valley. Tickets are $75 per person and space is limited.

25+ Connecticut Halloween Parties & Happenings for 2019

Events Features Holiday Halloween Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 18, 2019

Costume? Check. Pumpkin? Check. Candy? Check. Halloween Plans. Check…? October 31 is quickly approaching and with so many fun options to choose from, what is one to do? Connecticut restaurants, farms, bars, and venues are all getting into the Halloween spirit with frighteningly good food specials, cocktails, bar crawls, haunted hayride, and more. Here are 25+ CT spots throwing spook-tacular events to lead up to and close out the holiday.

Halloween Treats! Part 1 - Chocolate Snake Pit Pots de Creme Recipe

Recipe Recipe Halloween Holiday

Marcia Selden Catering October 17, 2019

Halloween is around the corner, and in honor of this ghoulish holiday, Marcia Selden Caterers have created the perfect recipe for your Halloween party. Kids and adults will love this recipe for Chocolate Snake Pit Pots de Creme.

Photo Recap: The Taste of Fairfield Thrilled Guests w/ 50+ Tastings

Features Taste Of Fairfield Photo Gallery

Jessica Ryan October 16, 2019

This past Sunday, on arguably the most beautiful day of the season so far, the Fourth Taste of Fairfield took place at Southport's Delamar Hotel. Under a massive tent, the sold out event greeted happy foodies of all ages. This year saw many newcomers who not only brought their A-Game but elevated this year's "tastes," raising the food bar to whole new level. As the food was served, the libations flowed, complementing the many mouth watering bites!

Vedas Indian Cuisine Opens in Westport...(w/ Michelin Starred Chef On The Team)

Restaurant Norwalk Westport Indian Openings Homepage

CTbites Team October 15, 2019

Restaurateurs/husband and wife team of Dipika Behera and Jaiprakash Agarwal (JP), bring a combined 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry to their latest venture, Vedas Indian Cuisine. Recognizing the gain in popularity of Indian cuisine and the upwards trend of take-out and delivery, the talented duo opened Vedas in Norwalk in 2015 and recently opened their second location in Westport, small eateries and kitchens that focus on take-out and delivery service for this bold, flavorful, and healthy cuisine.

Dipika and JP hail from Mumbai, India, and both received their bachelor’s degrees in Hospitality Management. Fans of the local Indian food scene may recall the duo’s first local Indian restaurant ventures, Tawa and Chili Chicken in Stamford, and the Kebab Factory in Norwalk.

New Haven’s popular Sally’s Apizza to open in SoNo Collection (via The Hour)

Restaurant Openings South Norwalk SONO Pizza Homepage

CTbites Team October 13, 2019

The Hour has just confirmed the rumors regarding Sally’s Apizza opening in South Norwalk’s new SoNo Collection.

The billboard has long been on the opposite side of Interstate 84 from Danbury Fair, steering drivers a few exits beyond the mall to the western-most Connecticut outpost for the legendary Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, a New Haven institution since 1925.

About 20 miles south, another New Haven pizza icon will be firing up the ovens in Fairfield County — and you’ll be able to pop in from the mall concourse while shopping.

Sally’s Apizza chose The SoNo Collection mall for the first entree in what new owner Lineage Hospitality sees as an expansion nationally. The mall will open Friday with a handful of stores, and others to follow as the holiday shopping season gears up.

Read the complete article here.

28+ Football Focused CT Restaurants, Sports Bars, and Caterers: (2019 Edition)

Features Football Sports Bar Bar

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 13, 2019

Ready, set, hike! Football season is here! Whether you follow a favorite team or are just in it for the tasty snacks, Connecticut restaurants, bars, and caterers are providing delicious experiences during NFL games. Here is your ultimate guide to all the wings, HDTVs, sliders, beer, burgers, and other gametime specials that you can find across the state.

Westoberfest Downtown Westport Beer Festival w/ Over 50 Craft Breweries, Food & Fun (sponsored post)

Events Features Festival Oktoberfest

CTbites Team October 12, 2019

Over 30 New England craft breweries will serve up their favorite seasonal beer tastings at Westoberfest on October 19 at 2:00 p.m. in the heart of downtown Westport on Elm Street. Building on a successful inaugural event last year, and in partnership with Westport's newest wine and spirits merchant, The Grapevine, there will be even MORE breweries this year, with more than 50 unique pours of the best local and regional craft beer for three hours of unlimited tasting. Buy your tickets here!

The perfect complement to flavorful craft brews is tasty food, and Westoberfest will serve up two local favorites, Kawa Ni and Rothbard Ale + Larder, with options to satisfy any appetite. Line up early to experience traditional brats and pretzels from Rothbard’s or satisfy your culinary craving with spicy miso ramen, tofu pockets, and sesame noodles from Kawa Ni. The always crave-worthy DoughGirls truck will also be making an appearance in the kids' area (yes, there’s a KIDS AREA).

What’s on the Menu? Check it out…

NEW Podcast Episode! Chef Plum...Live From Our Dining Room

Features Interview Podcast Interview Chef Talk

Stephanie Webster October 11, 2019

This week on The CTbites Hot Dish Podcast , we chat with Chef Plum, host of the successful podcast “Live With Chef Plum,” as well as “Edible On The Road” (streaming on Amazon), and finally…the TV series, “Random Acts of Cooking.” What’s on the podcast menu? We discuss the role of food as a connector, the importance of philanthropy, and…well…we laugh a lot. Join the conversation. Listen here.

Nibble: CT Food Events for Week of October 13-20

Events Features Events News

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 10, 2019

Get ready to get crazy and “do-nut” miss this event! Friday October 18 is Donut Crazy Flight Night at Two Roads Brewing Company. They’ll even be featuring a Roadsmary’s Baby Donut inspired by the Autumnal Brew. Check it out in the tasting room from 4-9pm.

On Saturday October 19, Barcelona Norwalk will hold a pig roast on the patio. From 3-6pm, kick off fall with a roast suckling pig and seasonal tapas prepared by Chef Kaline Capps. Wine pairings will accompany the evening’s offerings.

Hamilton Park, located in The Blake Hotel in Downtown New Haven, now offers 50% off all bottles of wine during Monday evening dinner service. The restaurant offers dinner service from 5-9pm.

Le Fat Poodle is pleased to present Oktoberfest specials. The Oktoberfest menu includes specials like German beer cheese dip, pretzels, bratwurst, and more. Order a la carte or opt for three courses and get a beer and stein.

Veteran Chefs Drew Nieporent & Stephen Lewandowski To Bring New Concept To Gabriele's in Greenwich

Features Restaurant Openings Greenwich Celebrity Chef

CTbites Team October 09, 2019

This just in…A star studded team of Industry veterans will be bringing new life to Gabriele’s Restaurant in Greenwich CT. The Church Street staple will be undergoing a redesign in early 2020 that will bring a new concept and cuisine to downtown Greenwich.

The partners on the venture include Stephen Lewandowski of Harlan Restaurant Group and Dana Cifone, the current head of operations, and formerly of Starr Restaurants, The One Group NYC, and Douro of Greenwich.

Stephen will be working with his longtime colleague and friend Drew Nieporent of Myriad Restaurant Group best known for Nobu, Tribeca Grill, and Bâtard, who will be acting as an advisor throughout the project.

Fried Green Tomatoes with Burrata & Figs Recipe

Recipe Recipe

Liz Rueven October 08, 2019

While juicy ripe tomatoes are on the wane, autumn provides an opportunity to experiment with firm green tomatoes. Don’t overlook these gems when you see them in the market. Once battered and fried, they’re a perfect canvas for arranging all sorts of cheeses, fresh figs and a swirl of balsamic glaze.

Serve one of these compositions as an appetizer or a light lunch and watch your guests thrill to one of autumn’s underrated fruits.

Thank you to Patti Popp, farmer at Sport Hill Farm in Easton, CT and Lori Cochran Dougall, Director of Westport Farmers’ Market, who introduced me to the wonders of green tomatoes.

Gaudi Tapas & Wine: The Girls of Gaudi Bring The Spirit of Spain To CT

Restaurant Danbury New Fairfield Spanish Tapas Brunch Cocktails Homepage

Kristin L. Wolfe October 06, 2019

As soon as you cross the threshold of Gaudi Tapas & Wine, past the sandy white stone facade, Meditteranean blue trim, and mosaic details on the walls, your passport has been stamped; you have officially been transported to Spain.

The Ruiz sisters hit gold when they recruited another set of siblings to underscore and deliver on their much-awaited dream restaurant. (Saray practically stared at the location for four years, before it was available and ready for them and their dream). Enter: Jose Flores, who has worked under the esteemed Arturo Franco-Camacho at Shell & Bones; and his brother, Oscar who has worked under Michelin star chef Luis Bollo of Salinas. Needless to say, you take the passion of two sisters--twins no less--and the powerhouse skills of talented chefs, and what do you get? Well, eh hem, as of October 2, you get a statewide nomination for Best Restaurant Newcomer of the Year.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events Happening October 6-13

Features Events Events News Nibble

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson October 04, 2019

Everyone is Italian on October 12 and 13 when the That’s Amore Italian Street Festival comes to Stamford. There will be plenty of Italian food as well as concerts, games, and Italian-inspired entertainment.

TASTE of Fairfield returns on Sunday October 13 at Delamar Southport. Over 25 vendors will offer tastes of their delicious food. There will also be local vendors, wineries, and specialty cocktails to check out. Purchase a general admission ticket or upgrade to VIP for early admission to the event.

Cousins Maine Lobster and Bad Sons Beer Company are teaming up on Friday October 11. From 4-8pm, head to Derby for refreshing brews and a pop-up from the Hartford-based seafood eatery.