Barcelona Wine Bar Hosts "Women In Wine" Events Across CT

Features WIne Wine Dinners

Stephanie Webster March 09, 2020

Barcelona Wine Bar is celebrating National Women’s Month with a wine focused series titled, “Women in Wine.” This uncorked event will feature 30 different wines from female wine-makers across Spain, Portugal, Argentina and Uruguay all paired with a chef-prepared culinary experience. They will host these events at all of their locations across CT. It is worth noting that these wines by women are always available at Barcelona but they wanted to take a moment to celebrate some badass women in the wine biz.

Tickets to each event are $55 and are available for purchase via Eventbrite (links below):

Lorca Coffee Bar Expands Their Downtown Stamford Space and Breakfast Menu

Restaurant Stamford Coffee Breakfast Brunch Dessert Bakery Homepage

Andrew Dominick March 07, 2020

Known for churning out cortados, cappuccinos, cold brews, and their famous crispy, sugared churros, Lorca Coffee Bar has expanded their original location on Bedford Street.

What used to be a tiny 16-seat café—seriously, it was the size of a large walk-in closet—is now around 40 seats.

And that’s not all, according to owner Leyla Dam Jenkins.

“We’re going to put an outdoor patio in the back; it’s already being built out,” she says.

The patio will hopefully be open by the time summer gets here. Dam Jenkins also tossed in a tidbit that Lorca now has a designated 15-minute parking spot for customers who simply want a quick cup of coffee.

But with more space comes a bigger kitchen (it’s triple the size of what is was) and thus, an expanded menu. “We used to only be able to bake 12 cookies at a time,” Dam Jenkins says. “Before, we’d have baked goods delivered but now we’re making our muffins and baked goods in-house.”

45+ Restaurants, Bars & Events for St. Patrick’s Day in CT: 2020 Edition

Features Holiday St. Patrick's Day Bar

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 05, 2020

St. Patrick’s Day arrives on Tuesday March 17, and Connecticut bars and restaurants have specials that will have you Dublin over with glee! Some spots aren’t even limiting the holiday to a day. The Tasty Yolk serves up its “Corny Yolk” breakfast sandwich for the entire month of March and at pubs like O’Neill’s the celebration spans the whole weekend. So get out your green and be ready to sham-rock and roll! These 50+ places invite you to Irish breakfasts, concerts, pub crawls, and more.

Guide To Healthy Eating in CT: 2020 Edition

Features Restaurant healthy Juice Bar Organic Vegan Vegetarian Special Dietary Needs Specialty Market Healthy Eats Gluten-Free Best of CT Homepage

April Guilbault March 05, 2020

Resolutions, goals, lifestyle changes-whatever the reason, it’s never too late or bad of an idea to try to eat healthier. As the winter starts to fade into the distance and with it goes the heavy comfort foods that satisfied us on brisk evenings, our focus can start to turn now towards lighter, healthier options. Turn to the sun! Sometimes, though, the hardest part is simply figuring out what to eat. But wait, what about dining out? Is it possible to eat out and still stay on a healthy track? Yup, yup, double yup. There is a virtual cornucopia of healthy eating spots so, lucky for you, that guesswork has been removed from the equation. Now you only have to decide what you are craving. Branch out, try some new food and drinks and be happier knowing that what you are eating is not only enjoyable but better for you.

Check out these 20+ Spots for Healthy Eats in Connecticut.

Nibble: Boozy & Tasty CT Food Events for March 8-15

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Emma Jane-Doody Stetson March 04, 2020

Meatball lovers unite- National Meatball Day is March 9th! To celebrate the holiday, Culinary Director Diego Burgos of the newly-opened MJ23 Sports Bar & Grill in Mohegan Sun, is unveiling a special Meatball menu. Highlight dishes include Meatball Sliders, Meatball Pizza, Meatball Sub and a classic Spaghetti & Meatballs served with signature garlic bread. The meatball menu will be available every Monday for Meatball Mondays.

On March 9, visit Sweets on Main in Branford for a BYOB St. Patty’s Day themed Piñata Cake decorating class! You will frost and decorate a 3 layer 6 inch cake.

Niantic & East Lyme Restaurant Week returns March 9 – 16, 2020. Restaurants like Lyme Tavern, Castello of Niantic, and The Black Sheep are offering a range of specials throughout the week. Visit the website to see the list of restaurants and their offers.

Join the Chef Team from Terrain Cafe and Amis Trattoria, Westport for teaching and tasting culinary journey at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center. On March 9, make Pink Peppercorn Tonarelli with Regional Executive Chef, Jes Bengtson. Learn to roll with the best as Regional Executive Chef Jes Bengtson teaches the class how to handroll pasta to create a special twist on the classic cacio e pepe.

Continuum Distilling Opens In Waterbury With Craft Spirits Made From Beer

Ingredients Features Beer CT Beer Distillery Spirits Local Artisan

James Gribbon March 03, 2020

Because they apparently didn't have enough on their plates with Black Hog brewing, Ordinary cocktail bar, OLMO, Caseus, and The Stack in New Haven, Jason and Tom Sobocinski and Tyler Jones have launched Continuum Distilling in Waterbury. The distillery logo features a hop surrounded by the tricorner symbol for recycling, an emblem of their process, which takes the often discarded "trimmings" from area breweries, and reduces them to an unusual, boozy essence.

I made it up to Continuum last weekend for their grand opening, and my first impression was that it shares a building with Brass Works Brewing. Neat! I'd had several Brass Works beers before, but I'd never been, so a single trip can be a BOGO for the efficiency-minded drinker on the go.

Interview with 3 Local Chefs, Now James Beard Foundation Awards Semifinalists

Features Interview Awards Chef Celebrity Chef

CTbites Team February 27, 2020

A now seven-time nominee from Connecticut and two chefs from Westchester County have been named Best Chef semifinalists in the 2020 James Beard Foundation Awards. Tyler Anderson has carried the torch for Connecticut since 2014 at Millwright’s Restaurant in Simsbury. Newcomers David DiBari from The Cookery in Dobbs Ferry and Eric Gao from O Mandarin in Hartsdale are showing the nation that what is happening in Westcheter’s kitchens should be paid attention to.

Last year, the James Beard Foundation announced it was redefining the regions that make up the Best Chef awards since 2012. Once its own category, the five New York City boroughs will now contend with the rest of the state, which used to fall under the New England region. A statement says this is an effort to begin to “level the playing field” and recognize just how rich the dining world is across America. This year, NYS has 20 semifinalists; just four are outside of NYC.

“In a small town in Westchester, and you’ve been cooking for 11 years, you just didn’t really think that this is something you’d be noted for,” DiBari says. “And it really honestly feels absolutely amazing.”

“WTF!” was DiBari’s response upon hearing the news through a relative on social media. “Everyone knows the James Beard awards have to be the Grammys of the hospitality industry,” he says.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For March 1-8

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Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 27, 2020

Greenwich Restaurant Week spans from March 6-13. Festivities kick off with an Opening Night party on March 4 at the J House. Sample a variety of tasty tapas and light bites, sip creative cocktails poured by local mixologists, and dance to a DJ. For more information on participating restaurants and deals available during Greenwich Restaurant Week, check out the web site.

Attend “A Raclette Evening at Greenwich Cheese Company” on March 4. This kind of cheese is known for being melted and scraped over bread, potatoes, cornichons, and cured meats. Check it out for yourself from 7-9pm!

The Redding Roadhouse hosts a Duckhorn Wine Dinner on Wednesday March 5 from 6:30-9:30pm. The famous Napa Valley wines will be paired with 4 delicious courses, including dishes like Seared Diver Scallop and Beef Two Ways. Tickets are $85.

Arethusa Dairy Farm: Saving CT Farmland Through Exceptional Dairy

Features Ingredients Bantam Litchfield CT Farms Local Farm Local Artisan Dairy Farm ice cream Cheese Homepage

Jessica Ryan February 26, 2020

CTBites and Terrain were recently invited to Arethusa Dairy Farm for a behind the scenes tour of their dairy farm and cheese making process. But before we get all cheesy, I want to share the wonderful story of a once little known dairy farm.

It all began in 1999 when the Webster family put their 150 year old family farm up for sale. Worried that their view would be obstructed, and to preserve the historic property, neighbors George Malkemus and Anthony Yurgatis stepped in to purchase the farm once named for a small pink orchid that grew in a swamp on the land. Malkemus and Yurgatis promised to restore its original name, and such were the humble beginnings of the Arethusa Dairy Farm.

Turning Sap Into Syrup At Ambler Farm's Tap-A-Tree Program

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Natalie Levitt February 24, 2020

It was a warm February morning and my son and I joined a group of families as we gathered at Ambler Farm in Wilton, CT to kick off the maple sugaring season. We were greeted by Program Director Kevin Meehan and received an introductory lesson on how to tap a maple tree. Most of us stood in awe as the sap started to drip out of the tree upon tapping it. Many cheered with excitement for what was about to begin was a fantastic winter farming adventure and a great lesson in farm-to-table. We then received our buckets from Assistant Program Manager Jennifer Grass and proceeded to carefully select our “Giving Trees” on the farm. We hung our buckets on the trees and captured photos to commemorate the day. (Our tree was number 42 and pretty far from the sugar shack! It was an adventure after all!) Then we waited. We waited a week. During that week, many of us wondered just how much sap we would find in our buckets when we returned to the farm.

Tyler Anderson Opens Terreno at The Goodwin Hotel in Hartford

Restaurant Openings Mediterranean Italian hartfo Hartford Celebrity Chef Homepage

Catherine Ribeiro February 23, 2020

In full disclosure, I have worked with Chef Tyler Anderson. If you have worked in the restaurant industry in Connecticut you probably have too, in one way or another. If you have eaten in Connecticut, the same can still be said: you have worked to get a reservation at his Millwright’s, worked to pick out the perfect slice at his Square Peg and you have worked to get the best seat in the house at Anderson’s High George. But now, Tyler is bringing us all back to his most familiar ground, aptly titled Terreno - his latest venture, boasting Cal-Italian fare, in the space that formerly housed Restaurant Porrón.

And The Winner of The Taco Daddy Cocktail Naming Contest Is...

Features Contest Giveaway

Stephanie Webster February 22, 2020

The Taco Daddy team has crowned a winner for their Cocktail Naming Contest. It was tough. There were some solid names from people all over CT, but we are pleased to announce that...

The winner of the Taco Daddy Cocktail Naming Contest with her winning name "Let The Beet Drop" is Nicole Thornton. Congrats Nicole!

A huge thank you to all those who participated, and we will be back soon with another Cocktail Naming Contest soon

Clam Chowder Recipe from Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill

Recipe Features Seafood Recipe

CTbites Team February 22, 2020

It’s the day you’ve all been waiting for…February 25th is National Clam Chowder Day! Yup. It’s a thing. But seriously, any excuse to get Chef Arturo-Franco Camach to share his Clam Chowder Recipe from the Connecticut’s seafood favorite, Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill, is a good one. Enjoy!

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For February 23 to March 1

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Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 19, 2020

Wednesday February 26 marks the final installation of The Schoolhouse at Cannondale’s Plant-based dinner series. The 4 course menu costs $48 and is a tasty way to “veg” out. Make your reservation online.

CT Eats Week lasts from February 24-March 1. CT EATS WEEK is the ONLY statewide restaurant week in Connecticut. Restaurants from communities all across the state will participate during this week long celebration. Over 150 restaurants are participating, including Brick + Wood (Fairfield), Engine Room (Mystic), Cactus Rose (Wilton), GZen (Branford), and more.

On Monday February 24, learn all about “Becoming a Sustainable Bartender.” Gyph, the world’s first molecular whiskey, and Highland Imports, are teaming up for this workshop, which sill take place at Hub & Spoke.

It's Official: Shake Shack To Open in Danbury CT

Features Openings Danbury Burgers

Stephanie Webster February 15, 2020

According to ctinsider.com, Danbury Fair executives have confirmed that they are looking to have the popular burger chain set up shop at the Danbury Fair Mall. In fact, Shake Shack will be housed in a brand new building at Danbury Fair.

If you’ve been under a rock and are not familiar with the Shake Shack brand, they currently have CT locations in Westport, New Haven, Darien & West Hartford. One of NYC’s most beloved gathering places, Shake Shack is a modern day "roadside" burger stand known for its delicious burgers, hot dogs, frozen custard, beer, wine and more.

Danbury…Get pumped!

Chef Brian Lewis: It's All In The Details at Japanese Inspired OKO Restaurant

Features Video Chef Talk Interview Japanese Westport

CTbites Team February 13, 2020

WestchesterBites writer, Sibylla Chipaziwa, sits down with Chef Brian Lewis to discuss the inspiration for his Japanese inspired restaurant, OKO, with a new location in Rye, NY (in addition to CT’s Westport spot). Have a listen.

Read our review of OKO here.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For February 16-23

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Emma Jane-Doody Stetson February 12, 2020

Stamford hosts its Winter Restaurant Weeks from February 17 through March 1. Participating Downtown Stamford restaurants are serving up special lunch & dinner prix fixe menus in several different price options.

Celebrate National Margarita Day on February 22nd with $5 Patrón Tequila margaritas at participating Norwalk restaurants and bars during the Norwalk Now Margarita Crawl! Participants include El Segundo, Peaches, Evarito’s, Il Posto, and more.

Walrus + Carpenter’s 6th Annual Johnny Cash Birthday Bash returns February 22. Come celebrate Johnny Cash's 88th Birthday and his music over Walrus’s signature BBQ and libations. Hitch & The Giddyup will be the house band for the evening and joined by other special guests.

Continuum Distilling is Connecticut’s newest distillery that is dedicated to producing exceptional spirits utilizing patented green practices and ingredients to reuse and repurpose. Attend a grand opening party at its new Waterbury tasting room

Local Spotlight: Mike Geller of Mike's Organic in Stamford

Features Ingredients Delivery Service Home Delivery Organic Specialty Market Stamford Westchester Interview Homepage

Andrew Dominick February 12, 2020

Hello, CTbites readers!

Most of the time we bring you pieces on chefs but we’re trying something new that puts the focus on interesting food and beverage industry folks that ARE NOT chefs but have a tale to tell; think bartenders, independent bakers, farmers, maybe some brewers, or even that waiter everyone seems to know.

It’s only fitting to kick it off with Mike Geller, the owner of Mike’s Organic Delivery in Stamford. He’s not a chef, he has a story, and he’s really easy to have a conversation with. He’s one of the reasons why I thought of this series in the first place, so making him number one was a no-brainer.

If you’re unfamiliar with Mike’s Organic, it opened in 2009, strictly as a grocery delivery service. Now, celebrating its decade-old birthday, Geller expanded his business and opened his doors to the public with a mini market filled with carefully selected organic goods, fresh produce, and lots of local products. To boot, they host lots of special events and cooking classes with the likes of Geoff Lazlo, Ross Bread, and Nit Noi Provisions.

How it all started, though, is quite something. Cue the Q&A!

"Smorgasbord" Original Musical Will Make You Hungry For More

Features Theater Events

Donna Monaco Olsen February 10, 2020

Running through leap year day, February 29, is a campy, song and dance creation that will get your tummy rumbling. “Smorgasbord!” is an original musical revue written by Bradford Blake – whose previous Theater Barn production, “Wreck the Halls” was a holiday hit. This production, featuring Anya Caravella, Robert Geils, Tracey Marble, and Zachary Theis, has them singing and dancing their way through twenty food scenes. Smorgasbord is a show about foodstuff that will leave you laughing at its references to many different culinary clichés and cultures, including Chinese, Mexican, French, and Italian food, ice cream, kielbasa and more. While recommended for mature audiences due to some culinary innuendo, it is a very enjoyable “lighthearted” evening of all original songs played by a live band on stage.

Blackstones Steakhouse: It's Not Just for Carnivores

Restaurant Steakhouse Steak Southport Norwalk Greenwich Stamford Homepage

Jessica Ryan February 09, 2020

It’s interesting that with all the restaurants to grace our local communities – from the sushi to the noodles, the vegetarian and vegan, the French, Mexican, Italian, Indian and Asian, to seafood – that we don’t have many steakhouses. So when I was invited to attend a media dinner at Blackstones Steakhouse last week I was quick to respond.

With locations in Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk and Southport, Blackstones is a name you should know – even if you’re not a meat eater. Each restaurant is slightly different in style and menu. The Southport location is reminiscent of the old world steakhouse.