In addition to being a food critic in both Connecticut and Miami, CTBites’s own Ellen Bowen is making her film debut! Check her out as an extra in Batsh*t Bride, a movie while was filmed in Fairfield County. There is a special pre film pre fixe dinner at Chez Vous Stamford and an after party At Flinders Lane. Get your tickets to the Monday August 26 premiere for $10 and by emailing batshitbride@gmail.com 

El Segundo is turning 3! On Thursday August 29 starting at 4pm, join them for food and drink specials, giveaways, and live music. https://www.facebook.com/events/904030639962072/

On Thursday August 29, Barcelona Wine Bar in Fairfield hosts a Patio Paella Party. Close out the summer with music from a live DJ as Chef James Bizak prepares paella and other dishes. A ticket price of $50 plus tax and gratuity will be collected on-site for entry, food, and wine. Other beverages available for purchase.

The 11th Annual A Taste in Simsbury returns on Thursday August 29. The gourmet foodie event features mouthwatering samples from top area restaurants, craft beer, wine, specialty drinks, coffee and dessert. It takes place at the Riverview from 5:30-8:30pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/452464541976013/

Millwright’s appreciates teachers! Through September 15, show your badge or teaching ID and get 20% off your bill.

West Hartford Restaurant Week continues through September 2. Feast on specially priced prix fixe menus at West Hartford hotspots, all while supporting Foodshare. www.whrestaurantweek.com

Two things that embody summer: Croquet and Rose! Enjoy both on the Artisan (West Hartford) event lawn on Monday August 12. A $25 ticket includes game play on the event lawn, two tickets for beer, wine or soft beverages, and Artisan's hand crafted hors d'oeuvres.

There are kids in the kitchen! Stew Leonard’s Newington is offering an “It’s Raining Tacos” culinary class for tots and kids this week. On Tuesday 8/13 and Friday 8/16, toddlers ages 2-5 will prepare taco quesadillas, taco mac & cheese, and tacos. Also on Tuesday, kids ages 6-12 can learn new skills in a separate session.

Walrus + Carpenter in Bridgeport is known for its tasty BBQ… and it’s soon to be known for its beer! Join them to try their own newly launched beer, Walrus Ale + Lager. Plus, they’ll soon have a food trailer hitting the streets. “The Flying Pig" will be making its way to breweries, festivals, and more.

Have you gotten your tickets for the Hey Stamford! Food Festival? Don’t wait- with 40+ food trucks over 2 days, they’ve got more delicious food than you could imagine for one weekend! And here’s one more reason to stop by: a Veg Out! Vegan Pop-Up was just added to the line-up.

On Tuesday July 30 at 7pm, join Mecha Noodle Bar Wine Dinner and Dominio De Punctum for a wine dinner.

Artisan Southport hosts a Culinary Fight Club Connecticut: Seafood Showdown on July 30. Culinary Fight Club is looking for the most creative use of Seafood, whether it's Salmon or Oysters, paired with local fresh ingredients plated up with the perfect bite. Come witness the competition. A $35 Tickets Includes 1 Sam Adams Beer Sample, a snack from Artisan, a wine tasting, and more. Plus, vote on your favorite.

Rockledge Grille in West Hartford and Dom’s Cheese Shop in Avon are excited to host their first ever Sunset Wine & Cheese Tasting on the patio. Join them on Monday, July 29 for wines paired with artisanal cheeses… and the BEST view in West Hartford. 7-8:30pm, $40 per guest. Call 860-206-2182 to reserve.

Mondays at the Gray Goose Café in Darien are for martinis! Join them starting at 5pm for 1/2 off All Well and Call Martinis.

The Madison Beach Hotel’s Summer Retro Cocktail Party will feature all your favorite drinks from the 1940’s, 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s! On Tuesday July 30, enjoy old-school passed hors d’ouevres and listen to the soft and mellow sounds of Ric Cunningham at this delightful Fund Raiser for the Madison Ambulance Association. Tickets are $49 per person with a cash bar.

Taste of Hartford runs through July 28.  Participating restaurants throughout the Greater Hartford area will offer special multi-course, price-fixed menus. 

For the first time in 25 years, Union League Cafe in New Haven has an outdoor space!  La Terrasse has room for 36 patrons at bistro tables and on lounge furniture.  It opens at 11:30am Monday through Friday and at 5pm on Saturday.

No donuts for you! Coffee An in Westport is on a summer hiatus and will reopen on Monday August 5.

ARTISAN Restaurant, Tavern and Garden is embracing the summer season on its patio by uncorking its private label Rosé Wine at its annual Garden Parties in West Hartford on the last Thursday of each month from June through September.  Guests are encouraged to experience the spectacular outdoor setting while enjoying Artisan Rosé wine, craft cocktails, light bites and music by a well-known DJ in the picturesque Artisan garden. Tickets are $25 per person. The next one takes place on Thursday July 25. 

On Thursday July 25, Oyster Club Mystic and Stone Acres Farm present Thursday Night Bites - Marrakech Market.  Join them on the farm for themed bites & beverages featuring Moroccan cuisine with Chef Jules from Engine Room. 

On July 18, Chef Frederic Kieffer of Artisan Restaurants and L’escale comes to Wakeman Town Farm for an Intimate Chef’s Dinner. Dine on four courses of seasonal, local fare served in Tim's Kitchen. Guests are welcome to stroll the Farm's organic gardens and visit our animals before sitting down. The menu will be inspired by the best of what's available that week from the farm’s farmer/fisherman friends. Tickets are limited and the event is BYOB, so feel free to bring wine, beer or your favorite libations. Glassware and openers provided. 

Chop Shop Cooking Classes continue on Wednesday July 17 with Summer Party Bites. The menu includes heirloom tomato bruschetta w/feta pesto, lobster quesadillas w/black bean mango salsa, cucumber cups w/feta, roasted peppers and olives, buffalo shrimp w/herb ranch dressing, and BBQ chicken wontons w/bleu cheese dip. 

Terrain Café invites you to a Farmers' Market Dinner on July 18. Meet them on their patio for an al fresco dinner in collaboration with the Westport Farmers' Market. This three-course, plant-based meal will highlight fresh ingredients from local partners and purveyors to be enjoyed with a view of their newly expanded blooming nursery. Reservations are required. $75 per person. Cost includes three-course dinner, a welcome cocktail, and passed appetizers. 

After taking a small summer break, Ordinary in New Haven is open once more. Join them Monday July 8.

Guilford Mooring hosts a Lobster Bake on Tuesday July 9. Feast on a meal of 1 ¼ Lobster, shrimp, mussels, steamers, sweet sausage, corn on the cob, Red Bliss Potatoes, and NY Cheesecake. (There are also options for land lovers and children!) It starts at 5pm and costs $55 per person. 

On Thursday, July 11, Mystic Aquarium’s Conservation in Action series presents an evening of culinary education and exploration with Eating with the Ecosystem. Mystic Aquarium’s Main Gallery is the perfect backdrop for a night of cocktails and local sustainable seafood. Admission includes a delectable presentation, sustainable and adventurous seafood appetizers from the cookbook Simmering the Sea: Diversifying Cookery to Sustain Our Fisheries, plus one complimentary cocktail, wine or beer of your choice.  $28 per person or $50 for two online in advance. 

Carbone’s Kitchen (Bloomfield) and Carbone’s Prime (Rocky Hill) have launched “Summer Maine Lobster Nights.” Offered every Monday-Wednesday in July and August, the menu includes your choice of Shrimp Bisque or Garden Salad, a 1 1/4 lb. Steamed Maine Lobster with Roasted Potatoes and Native Corn on the Cob, and Summer Berry Shortcake. This taste of summer is being offered at $32 per person, beverage, tax and gratuity not included.

Oyster Club in Mystic now has a cocktail lounge pop up every first and third Monday night of the month. On Monday July 1, guest bartender is Joshua Perez of Milk & Honey and brand ambassador for REAL MCCOY RUM is premiering Real McCoy 14-Year-Aged limited-edition rum, the first release in the state of Connecticut. 

On Tuesday July 2, Stew Leonard’s in Danbury invites tots to a Firecracker Cupcake/Rice Krispies Toddler Class. Each child will decorate four cupcakes and two Rice Krispies Treats in red, white and blue. The class is for ages 2-5 and takes place at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. 

On Tuesdays at The Spread Norwalk, enjoy $1 oysters all night! Plus, join them for Happy Hour from 4:30 – 7 p.m.

Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill, located on the waterfront in New Haven, is hosting an Independence Day Eve Celebration on Wednesday, July 3, featuring live music and highlights of the West Haven Fireworks viewed from the Deck. Reservations for dinner service will be available until 10:00 p.m. (inside tables only). Tables on the deck will be available for dinner only on a first-come, first-served basis.  For more information or to make a reservation, visit their website or call (203) 787-3466.

On Thursday June 27th, The Spread Greenwich will have their next Chef's Tasting! Join in for a 5-course culinary adventure served by award-wining Chef Carlos Baez! Limited seating available. Visit them online for details and call today to book your reservation.

The Meatball Shop in Westport, Conn. has a pre-opening party on June22nd! Wine, beer, and their famous meatballs and other favorites will be served to the public for the first time prior to their TBA opening date. All money raised from tickets is going to non-profit Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service. Tickets can be bought online, or at the door. Info here. 

Artisan in West Hartford invites you to a garden party on June 27.  From 5-7pm, sip on Artisan rose while enjoying a craft cocktail, light bites, and music.  Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased online through Eventbrite or at the door. 

Check out the Connecticut Taco Festival: Hartford County on Saturday June 29 at Auerfarm in Bloomfield.  Admission covers access to the festival where you can purchase tacos on-site and vote for “Top Taco.”  There will also be tequila, Mexican inspired drinks, beer, a taco eating contest, music, and more.  Tickets start at $15. 

Celebrate the summer with sips and samples and sharks and seals during the “Maritime with a Twist” adults-only evening event on Thursday, June 27th at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.  Open to anyone age 21 and over, “Maritime with a Twist” features tastes from nearby restaurants in the South Norwalk 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. 

Chef Brian Lewis & The Cottage are delighted to offer a Summer Market Menu, celebrating local farmers, fishermen and artisans throughout the region.  The prix fixe options costs $45 for 3 courses.  Selections rotate.

Two Roads’s “Road Jam Music Fest” takes place on June 21 and June 22.  Each ticket gets you entrance to the concerts as well as your first pint of beer. The namesake of the Road Jam Festival, Two Roads Road Jam Raspberry Wheat with Lemongrass will be pouring in addition to other select Two Roads’ beers. 

Jesup Hall has launched the “Splendid Table,” a special Happy Hour every Wednesday on the patio from 5:30-6:30PM. Their communal table will be filled with a bounty of great dishes to go along with our cocktail, beer and wine specials. Come in and grab a plate, visit the table as much as you would like. $25 per person.

On Sunday June 23, The Hickories & Wood Fire Food presents “Farm & Sea,” a woodfire multi-course meal with wine pairings.  It starts at 5pm with a cocktail reception and continues with dinner.  Tickets are $160.

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,