El Segundo Opens in New Haven with Global Street Food

Restaurant New Haven Global Cuisine Thai Korean Mexican Puerto Rican Chinese American Burgers Cocktails Openings Jamaican Homepage

Kristin L. Wolfe August 23, 2020

What a full circle moment. I first met our editor Stephanie Webster, affectionately known as Boss Lady, almost two years ago at El Segundo in SONO before I started eating myself silly for ctbites. So, I’d say it’s fitting that I get to bring you the news that the segundo El Segundo is opening in New Haven THIS TUESDAY, August 25th. It makes PERFECT sense that a place that consistently delivers super friggin delish-us Global Street Food, land in a town like New Haven, which is a gorgeous microcosm of what our bruised little world has to offer.

Newtown's NewSylum Brewing Co. is a Pandemic Success Story

Restaurant Features CT Beer Beer Beer Garden Newtown Brewery Openings

Connecticut Magazine August 21, 2020

Connecticut Magazine checks out NewSylum Brewery in Newtown. Here’s their review.

It was not the grand opening anyone envisioned.

NewSylum Brewing Co. owners Mark Lennon, David Kingsley and Mark Tambascio had been planning their brewery for several years as a taproom-centered operation. One that took full advantage of their unique location in Newtown within a historic building at what was formerly Fairfield Hills Hospital, a psychiatric facility on a 100-plus-acre campus with more than a dozen buildings.

NewSylum Brewing Co. in Newtown opened during the coronavirus pandemic in a historic building in the former Fairfield Hills Hospital, a psychiatric facility.

Then the coronavirus hit.

The brewery was slated to open the first week in May, but Connecticut was still shut down and the taproom the owners had envisioned as the centerpiece of their business couldn’t be opened. “We had to shift gears from our original plan,” Lennon says.

They hadn’t planned on canning their beer but quickly contracted with a mobile canning company, and began offering curbside pickup.

Grigg Street Pizza Opens in Greenwich with Artisan Sourdough Pies

Restaurant Features Greenwich Homepage pizza

Andrew Dominick August 20, 2020

Right off the busy Greenwich Avenue, is Grigg Street. There’s not much on it besides an independent bookstore, The Perfect Provenance’s parking lot, a soon-to-open coffee shop, and a basement level space that previously housed Lord of the Pies. The white tiled walls of the subterranean restaurant remain. But now they’re partially decked out with Jimi Hendrix, The Sex Pistols, and Pearl Jam posters that go along with the current residents’ eclectic, mostly rock playlist, a perfect soundtrack for Matthew Watson and Jon Corbo as they pound, stretch, spin, and roll dough at Grigg Street Pizza.

Pizza making is a switch up for the two longtime friends and Greenwich residents, who were formerly partners in the string of Corbo’s Deli locations. After the sold their part of the deli business they wanted to continue working together. “We missed that face-to-face interaction,” Watson says. “I’m making your food. I want that. We yearned for that feeling again.”

With pizza, they’re getting that again. But make no mistake, Grigg Street Pizza is no run-of-the-mill corner slice shop. Call it artisan if you want to. The philosophy here is quality ingredients and local ingredients whenever possible, using a few vendors, and to make everything, or damn near everything, in-house. “Nothing is coming out of a bottle. We’re making our salad dressing. We want everything to be legit,” Watson reveals.

Corbo interrupts to praise his friend. “This man can cook,” he says about Watson (who’s a French Culinary Institute grad). “I wanted to be a part of that. I don’t think anything we make, or very few things we make, have more than 4-5 ingredients. We want to let that shine.”

Some of those quality ingredients? Bianco DiNapoli Tomatoes for their red sauce, homemade mozzarella, and house-ground fennel sausage should you opt for it. A few drizzles to entice you and enhance your pie include habanero-garlic infused honey and roasted Chile de árbol hot oil.

And pizza, obviously, is the star of their show. Specifically…sourdough pizza. Each pie is full-sized, cooked in a gas oven, and spun carefully for an even char and well doneness. What they’re achieving here with the mother-based dough, with no commercial yeast, and naturally leavened for three days is a lightness that doesn’t make you feel too full. It’s crispy. It’s got a little chew.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events, Pop-Ups, Openings & More For Aug 23-Sept 2

Events Features Events News

Stephanie Webster August 19, 2020

Stamford Summer Restaurant Weeks return August 17 – September 7. Participating Downtown Stamford restaurants are serving up special lunch & dinner prix fixe menus in several different price options.

Hartford Baking Company turns 10!! The anniversary, September 1st, will be celebrated with 2 for $10 sandwich deals at all three locations!

Are you an Affogato fan like we are? Storefront AFFOGATO is Coming soon to 132B Washington Street in South Norwalk!

Want to book an intimate private Italian dinner? Tutto Pasta does private customizable dinners at their homemade pasta shop in Fairfield. Contact them for booking.

Attn: Gluten-Free foodies. The Little Beet is opening this summer in Westport with a 100% Gluten-Free menu!

Proof Coffee is opening in Stamford’s Harbor Point with 100% organic, sustainable sourced coffee!

The Little Beet Opening Summer 2020 in Westport with Gluten Free Dining

Westport Openings Gluten-Free Special Dietary Needs Healthy Eats Breakfast Lunch

CTbites Team August 18, 2020

As reported by Dan Woog in 06880, The Little Beet is opening in Westport.

Ongoing construction has made the Fresh Market shopping center a bit grotty.

But it won’t last forever. And when the work is done, a new fast-casual eatery will join current tenants like Colonial Druggists, Dan’s Liquors and Orangetheory Fitness.

The Little Beet opens this summer.

According to its website, the 5-year-old chain offers “wholesome, healthy food that not only tastes great, but makes you feel great.” Food is “carefully sourced … from farmers and purveyors we trust, guaranteeing all of our food is gluten-free and better for you.”

There are a dozen Little Beets already, in New York, Westchester, Long Island, Washington DC, Virginia and Florida.

The menu includes make-your-own rice and quinoa-based meals, poké and other bowls, vegetable sides, and breakfast sandwiches, parfaits and oatmeal.

Read the full article here.

Locally Made Canned Cocktails We've Been Lovin' in Summer 2020

Features Ingredients Cocktails Canned Cocktails Drinks Home Delivery homepage Homepage

Kristin L. Wolfe August 15, 2020

Not gonna lie. I’m sucked in by looks. What’s on the inside counts, sure, but when I see a sharp, sexy...wait a minute. I’m talking about my drinks. What were you thinking?

Ok, weird intro aside, there seems to be an endless list of new canned drinks out there and room for even more. And, although nothing these days seems to be “normal” we are trying to enjoy ourselves however we can; and to me, sun, water, and delicious cold drinks, certainly helps that effort. So, while some of your pandemic hobbies might have revolved around expanding your mind or being creative with activities like puzzles, knitting, or cooking grannies old recipes, mine sorta kinda included drinking on the beach; and drinking delicious, creatively designed canned beverages, in particular. I started out with the popular seltzers like White Claw, Stoli’s yada yada, then moved to a few hard ciders from the 1911 suite (from Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards), like the Rosé in a tall, gorgeous soft pink can; then my fam and I fell in love with punch of the Watermelon Mint with graphics as a bold as the taste.

But then my new “hobby” got a little more interesting, uh...well, bolder, with stronger boozish. Here are a couple of brands created in our lovely state, then a few others you just have to try, especially since there’s still at least six weeks left of sunshine. However, I gather these will still be enjoyed well beyond the end of summer.

MIKU SUSHI Launches a Pop-Up Sushi Bar at Tony’s At The J House in Greenwich

Restaurant Sushi Pop-Up Bar Pop-Up Dinner Greenwich Openings

CTbites Team August 13, 2020

The owners of MIKU SUSHI on Greenwich Avenue, K Dong, and Chef Steve Chen, have partnered with Tony Capasso, managing partner at Tony’s at the J House, to launch an all-new “elevated” sushi bar at the trendy boutique hotel, J House, in Greenwich, Connecticut.

The MIKU x Tony’s pop-up is led by Executive Chef Joe Liu, former head sushi chef at Tao and Masa in Manhattan. Chef Liu trained uber master sushi Chef Daisuke Nakazawa, featured in the documentary film, Jiro Dreams of Sushi alongside world-renown master sushi chef, Jiro Ono.

The menu soft-launched this week and features almost a dozen of the MIKU signature rolls including two new exclusives, Tony Roll made with bluefin toro, avocado, scallion and spicy lobster salad, and J House Roll made with king salmon, avocado, wasabi sesame and spicy yellowtail.

Cavatappi with Carrot Pesto and Lemon Arugula by Sue Smith, Prime Health Style

Features Recipe Recipe Vegetarian Pasta

CTbites Team August 13, 2020

What’s cooking people? The Westport Farmers’ Market and Sue Smith from Prime Health Style, have a great vegetarian recipe for the pasta lovers out there. Cavatappi is the Italian word for corkscrew, hence the name of this spiral-shaped, macaroni-like pasta. It’s ideal for use with a thick sauce, here paired with a zesty carrot pesto. This vegetarian recipe creates a tasty and satisfying summer one-dish meal, or can be served as a side dish. See notes below for easy vegan and gluten-free substitutions.

The Food Crate Launches, Delivering High End Specialty Prepared Foods to Your Doorstep

Features Ingredients Delivery Service Home Delivery BBQ Asian Meat Specialty Market Homepage

Stephanie Webster August 12, 2020

CT based startup, THE FOOD CRATE has launched in the tri-state area (and just beyond) with overnight delivery of chef-sourced specialty and high end prepared foods to residents of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island. Why is this food delivery service different from all others? After eating my way through several of these fully loaded crates, enjoying everything from gluten-free chicken meatballs and marinated shrimp kabobs to Hawaiian Baby Back Ribs, a Lobster Pot for 8 and restaurant quality crab cakes, I can report with great certainty that The Food Crate is a delivery service that relieves the pressure of the dreaded nightly “what’s for dinner” conundrum, and will surely be on repeat order in my home. (Also thru Aug 31st CTbites readers get 15% OFF with Code: CTB15)

Nibble: Tasty CT Events & Food News for Week of Aug 16-23

Events Features Events News Pop-Up Dinner

Stephanie Webster August 11, 2020

“PHO KING” Happy Hour is back at MECHA Noodle Bar Monday-Friday 3-6PM including $5 cocktails, wine and beer and a Happy Hour menu.

Register now for the August 16th Hoodoo Brown BBQ class. Come learn from the Hoodoo Crew, as the Pit Crew takes you behind the scenes for a four hour barbecue school from 8am-12pm.

The Lachat Farmers Market is back!! The new online ordering system will make it even easier for you to buy local - you simply sign up for a time slot and then pick up your order at Lachat between the hours of 4pm-8pm.

There’s a really exciting new project being born in West Hartford. It’s called GastroPark, and it’s a new dining venue providing curated food experience for guests featuring an innovative approach that will deliver delicious mobile food concepts from local small business owners.

Haruki Ramen & Izakaya Brings Authentic Japanese Pub Fare to Norwalk

Restaurant Ramen Noodles Asian Japanese Izakaya Norwalk SONO Openings Lunch Homepage Waypointe

Tiffany Tu August 09, 2020

Amongst the bright and airy courtyard of the Waypointe Apartments resides Haruki Ramen & Izakaya.

Owners, Lily Nimonjiya and Ben Chan, first opened Haruki’s doors in February 2020. They wanted to bring a new side of the Japanese culture to Fairfield. Most importantly, they wanted to showcase what you’d normally find in an izakaya in Japan. “I want to highlight that there is more to the Japanese cuisine than sushi and ramen,” says Nimonjiya.

So, what is an izakaya? In Japanese, it directly translates to, “stay sake shop.” It is a casual drinking establishment with small bites. A more colloquial comparison for an izakaya would be a pub or a tapas bar. Alongside their izakaya offerings, there are also options for ramen and rice dishes. And of course, craft cocktails and an extensive list of sake—47 kinds to be exact.

"Seasoned" Premieres on CT Public Radio w/ Hosts, Marysol Castro and Chef Plum

Features Podcast Local Artisan Radio TV

Stephanie Webster August 06, 2020

Attention Connecticut foodies and “home cooks” with a secret summer recipe to share: Your time has come, and the local, food-focused radio program you have been hungering for has arrived!

Seasoned—a brand-new radio show and podcast just premiered on Connecticut Public Radio, featuring two of our favorite people as hosts, Marysol Castro and Chef Plum. The new show will explore Connecticut’s local farmers, passionate chefs, food makers and innovators from every corner of the state.

Seasoned will feature guests who will discuss everything from how food is grown, harvested and prepared across Connecticut, to how we use food to celebrate and connect in our communities.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for August 9-16

Features Events News Events

Stephanie Webster August 05, 2020

Community Table Restaurant welcomes 15 East Restaurant Team From Union Square NYC for 2 nights only…Tuesday August 11th & Wednesday August 12th. Chef/owner Marco Moreira of 15 East alongside sushi chefs Nobuhiro Mori & Shigue Sugano and master soba chef Shuichi Kotani will be cooking with Ct's Chef Christian Hunter to create a very special Japanese menu.

Just when you thought the Aperol Spritz couldn’t get any better…Bar Rosso now has FROZEN APEROL SPRITZES!!

Harbor Harvest in Norwalk has officially launched their Vitamin Sea outings on the Sound. Book their catamaran for trips out of Norwalk or Huntington for 12-25 people (Covid guidelines) for 4-5 hours with lunch or dinner at the Norwalk or Huntington Harbor Harvest restaurant. Food includes: Wine/Beer, Fresh Local Raw Bar, Cold Salads, Sandwiches & Wraps, Grilled Burgers & Chicken & Hot Dogs. Contact Communications Director: elisa@newviewpr.com for more info.

Vita Pasta Labs hosts a SICILIAN MOOD - PEPERONATA virtual cooking class - AUGUST 28th. The Peperonata, recipe of my wonderful aunt, donna Rosa, that combination of peppers and onions often with just a tang of acidity. The easiest way to show you how to make this Italian delicacy is to participate at the virtual Cooking Class.

It’s time to treat yourself to some to #RealMaineLobster and beer! Join Cousins Maine Lobster as we visit Half Full Brewery (43 Homestead Ave, Stamford) on Wednesday, August 19 from 12:00pm-5:00pm for high-quality great tasting beer and inviting lobster deliciousness. Our famous Connecticut and Maine Lobster Rolls are served either warm or chilled with authentic Maine lobster served on split-top New England rolls.

JUNZI New Haven has updated their online ordering app! Awards and points now available.

Max Fish brings back Happy Hour every Monday and Tuesday 3:30-6pm!!

Allora Coffee & Bites: Jolt of Java (and More) at The Waypointe

Restaurant Norwalk Coffee Healthy Eats Toast Homepage

Andrew Dominick August 04, 2020

With the likes of Barcelona Wine Bar, Colony Grill, and ramen newcomer Haruki all filling vacancies at The Waypointe in Central Norwalk, it’s only fitting that potential visitors have a place to get caffeinated, too.

Allora Coffee & Bites—located at the development’s Orchard Street side—can provide you with a pick me up in the form of a classic cup of an exclusive house blend, a refreshing and equally jolting cold brew, or a foamy vanilla latte, complete with a fancy leaf decoration, all super fresh and roasted weekly by Redding Roasters out of Bethel.

The idea for a simple menu of well-made coffee drinks came from the husband and wife team of Reid and Kim Steinberg. Allora, though, was derived from Kim’s background. Her dad was born in Italy. She studied abroad in Florence. And as it reads on their website, she has fond memories of the smell of espresso being prepared on the stove as a child, and her parents showed their hospitality by offering a cup of coffee to a neighbor, post dinner, at a gathering, and to one another.

The Steinbergs wanted to bring that same warmth to their business, not only with fast, friendly service, but with a simple aesthetic design that’s inviting, and reminiscent of Italian coffee shops.

"The Barn" at The Bedford Post Inn: Yep...It's THAT Good

Restaurant Bedford Westchester American Homepage

Kristin L. Wolfe August 02, 2020

There are very few meals that truly linger days after I have them. Ohhhh, but when one does, I’m inclined to get out my imaginary megaphone and shout. The Charred Octopus at The Barn has had me positively awestruck. Our very editor here at CTbites asked me, “It was that good?” “Yes, Boss Lady, it was realllllllly good.” As one of three new eateries housed within The Bedford Post Inn, The Barn is in the midst of a fresh start. Again. Chef Roxanne Spruance and her crew had only just taken on the restaurants, and restructured and revived The Barn, just a few months before the pandemic hit, so the June Phase 2 re-opening has given them yet another chance to really open. Chef feels lucky. She says, “Thankfully, despite the timing, we’ve hardly skipped a beat.”

Haven Hot Chicken Opening in New Haven

Restaurant Openings New Haven Fried Chicken Comfort Food Sandwich Lunch

CTbites Team July 31, 2020

A team of local industry vets have partnered together to bring “Haven Hot Chicken” to downtown New Haven after months of sold out popups, social media giveaways and curbside pickup popups. The takeout and delivery focused restaurant, which features cult classic Nashville Hot Chicken (and vegetarian Not Chicken) in a variety of heat levels, is slated to open at 21 Whitney Avenue this Fall.

Nibble: MORE Tasty CT Food Events for July 29-August 6

Events News Events

Stephanie Webster July 29, 2020

Crave Leche, serving amazing ice cream, fried Oreos, tres leche cake, churros + more has opened in Hartford’s Parkville Market. Aw yeah!

Get ready to "Cook The Book," July 29th @7pm on CTBITES INSTAGRAM LIVE, with the incredible Chef Carlos Perez of At The Corner & our own Anna Francese Gass. Follow along in your CTbites cookbook as they make Chef Carlos' recipe for Seared Duck Breast with Huckleberry & Fig Gastrique.

New Haven fried chicken pop-up sensation, Haven Hot Chicken, will be opening in New Haven this Fall. Get the deets on CTbites.

Buttery Lobster Rolls are back at The Tasty Yolk! Storefront only in Fairfield📍2992 Fairfield Ave
Text: 203.545.9311 to place your order.

Uber incredible artisan bread baker Flour Water Salt has started making sourdough based doughnuts. Check out that beauty above. Filled with lemon curd and dusted with raspberry sugar, you’ll wanna weep at the first bite.

We think Grano Arso serves some of the best handmade pasta in CT. You can grab one of their pasta kits for takeout - simply order online at granoct.com with a few clicks and you’ll be able to enjoy Grano Arso’s fresh pasta and sauce at home! Directions will come along with it as well.

Don’t miss Wakeman Town Farms’ “Rockin Lawn Picnic” August 5th @ 6pm. Live music by Margot + Zach, Picnic box c/o Terrain Café (bring your own blanket). $80 for two people. Ages 21+ Masks & social distancing.

Meet Chef Carlos Perez, At The Corner, Where Food Is Art and The Menu Is Outstanding

Restaurant Litchfield American Seafood Dessert Lunch Homepage

Jessica Ryan July 27, 2020

Chef Carlos Perez is a force to be reckoned with. Remember his face. Remember his name. Although this young chef opened up @ At The Corner Restaurant moments before COVID-19 reared it’s ugly head, he wasn’t about to let something as trivial as a pandemic slow him down!

Last week Stephanie and I took a little road trip to Litchfield to see what Chef Perez has been up to. The restaurant sits on the corner of West and South streets (about a 10 minute drive from Arethusa Farms). The handsome brick-walled eatery, originally home to a pharmacy with a soda fountain, perfectly merges the old with the new.

We sat outside in the charming little brick and stone courtyard lined with quaint little shops. I felt as though I had been transported into a small English Village. Two beautiful blackberry margaritas were presented to us as Chef began to prepare his dishes. The margarita, aka the Liquid Lunch Date, made with Silver tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, agave, sweet & sour, and fresh muddled blackberries, was simply divine. This drink is normally made with jalapeño, but it was left out so as not to overpower the flavors of the local oyster, our first sampling from the menu.

Mariposa Taqueria Opens in Danbury from The Folks That Brought you Mezon

Restaurant open Danbury Tacos Latin American Mexican

Maddie Phelps July 24, 2020

For the four Reyes brothers, the butterfly is a symbol that pays homage to their mother, representing her strength and signifying a rebirth. In the midst of the restaurant industry’s toughest times, Javier Reyes says such a symbol is what we need most. That’s why he and his family have closed the doors of their popular Mezon Tapas Bar & Restaurant, and have opened a new Latin restaurant in Danbury. Fittingly, they’ve named it the Spanish word for butterfly, “mariposa”, that embodies the boldness of their mother.

Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events for July 26 to August 9

Features Events Food News Events

Stephanie Webster July 22, 2020

Taproot’s Jeff Taibe has launched a Food Truck called “On The Fly", with dishes inspired by Southeast Asia. Follow the truck’s locations and pop-ups on Instagram here: @taproot_ct @on_the_fly_foodtruck_ct

Chef Tyler Anderson has a brand new Food Truck as well! The name is @Taquect and the menu features street food style tacos. Aw yeah. Follow the truck’s location on Instagram @taquect.

MIKU is teaming up with Tony's at the J House to launch a pop-up sushi bar in late July. Signature items like the Good 4 You Roll and Yellowtail Jalapeno from the MIKU menu will be available along with all-new options exclusively developed for the partnership at Tony's - including fresh fish from the world-famous Tokyo fish market. The epicurean pop-up will run August through October 2020. For the latest news, visit MIKU online and subscribe to the mailing (mikugreenwich.com).

Starting July 29th "The Spread in Norwalk is launching a new ALL YOU CAN EAT Bao Special on Wednesdays. We’re talking Pork Belly, Fried Chicken, Bulgogi & Spam are on the menu. $20pp. Add your first top shelf drink or beer for $5.