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Filtering by Tag: Gluten-Free,Greenwich

Hinoki Opens In Greenwich with Japanese Izakaya & Dim Sum

Restaurant Dim Sum Chinese Japanese Sushi Dumplings Greenwich Homepage

Jessica Ryan

Hinoki, a relaxed tapas-style Asian cuisine in a casual, fine dining atmosphere opens in Greenwich.

Some things are worth waiting for, and Hinoki was one of them. Slated to launch prior to the pandemic, the restaurant’s doors are finally open. Brought to you from the successful team behind Miku Sushi in Greenwich and Kumo Sushi Lounge in Scarsdale, K. Dong and Chef Steven Chen, Hinoki introduces a new concept in Asian cuisine, bringing together a relaxed tapas-style Asian cuisine known as Izakaya along with the exclusive chef’s table experience known as Omakase, in a stunning setting at 363 Greenwich Avenue in Greenwich. The two concepts are separated into three separate sleek and elegant dining areas including a private omakase event space, as well as an outdoor space on Fawcett Place.


Don't Miss Grigg Street Pizza's Stacked Sammies

Features Restaurant Greenwich Sandwich Pizza Homepage

Andrew Dominick

Last August, I brought you an article that highlighted Grigg Street Pizza’s origin story with background on owners Matthew Watson and Jon Corbo, and gave you details about the star of Grigg’s show, their picturesque, delicious sourdough pizza.

Towards the end of that article, I teased that sandwiches would soon make an appearance. I immediately knew I’d return to scribble out a sandwich sequel.

And here we are. Grigg Street’s sandwiches have arrived. And they’re spectacular.

But like every good sammie, it’s important to begin with the bread. It’s likely the only thing Grigg Street doesn’t make in-house. Instead, it’s made to their specifications by The Kneaded Bread in Port Chester.

“Jeff Kohn (owner of The Kneaded Bread) made us smaller sourdough baguettes to stick with our sourdough theme,” Watson says. “I messed around with it myself. It came out OK but that’s a whole other job and program. I’d be here another five hours a day just doing that! But it’s nice to support another business by having them make it for us.”

Watson likens the size of each sandwich to a Spanish bocadillo typically eaten in cafés and tapas bars. They’re a little more streamlined, or as Watson puts it, “you don’t have to dislocate your jaw to eat it.”

Don’t worry, though, these are still substantial sammies.


The Daily Cafe & Eatery Opens In Greenwich from Aux Delices' Debra Ponzek

Restaurant Greenwich Breakfast Lunch To-Go Grab-n-Go Comfort Food Vegetarian Openings

CTbites Team

After opening Aux Delices and making the eatery a household name in Fairfield County, why wouldn’t Debra Ponzek want to open a new cafe to accommodate the busy shoppers, commuters and local Greenwich residents with the perfect place to grab a quick bite?

Located in the heart of Greenwich Avenue, Daily Cafe and Eatery serves the Greenwich community seven days a week with grab-and-go breakfast and lunch items, made with fresh ingredients catered to accommodate the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Ponzek and her team officially opened their doors on May 5 on the Avenue, which was their ideal location.


It’s A Woman’s World: Sara Oberhammer of Soulber Health + Healing

Features Interview It's A Woman's World Interview Vegan Gluten-Free Healthy Eats

Andrew Dominick

Connecticut is full of trailblazing women, particularly in the culinary world. Our ongoing column, “It’s A Woman’s World” is devoted to CT female influencers who’ve forged their own paths, often in food-related fields long dominated by men.

Whether farming the land, bringing healthy food to the masses, feeding an entrepreneurial spirit, or injecting feminism with food, these groundbreaking ladies have set a new definition of women’s work, creating new paths, and setting examples for those who follow.

Sara Oberhammer is someone I’ve personally wanted to feature for a while. Many of you might know her as a bartender at various restaurants around Fairfield County—and if you’ve had several of those mango margaritas with the spicy, salty rim at either location of The Blind Rhino, that was Sara’s award-winning creation.

While you still might catch her mixing cocktails at your favorite haunt, Sara has paved her own path in wellness, offering health coaching, personal training, and meal prepping colorful, nutritious bowls that are vegan, gluten-free, and even the dressings are homemade.


Raphaël’s Bakery Opens in Greenwich with Authentic French Baked Goods

Restaurant Greenwich Openings Bakery Dessert Baked Goods

Camille Vynerib

At CTbites, we like to feature the voices of food lovers of all ages. Please welcome a new writer from Staples High School, Camille Vynerib.

This winter break I was unable to go on vacation due to COVID-19. However, the instant I walked into Raphaël’s Bakery in Greenwich, this snowy morning, I found I was able to catch a glimpse of France. The wonderful smells that immediately hit me as I opened the door, the beautiful pastries, and the delicious hot cocoa and baked goods, all were a treat to the senses.

Amidst the pandemic, Raphaël’s Bakery has brought an authentic French experience to Greenwich, Connecticut. Raphaël, a third-generation baker born in Brittany, France, and his wife Charlotte Dequeker finally had their dream become a reality when they opened their doors this past December.


Kissaki Opens In Greenwich with An Outstanding Sushi Experience

Restaurant Sushi Seafood Japanese Greenwich Omakase Openings Homepage

Jessica Ryan

Kissaki has finally come to CT…Greenwich to be exact. The high end boutique sushi chain has earned accolades from Eater, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Crains, to name a few. Most recently the upscale and wildly popular sushi eatery shot into the spotlight on Page Six when comedian Jimmy Fallon left a $400 tip at the Watermill NY location. CTBites is thrilled to announce the restaurant’s Connecticut debut.

Kissaki is the latest in a slew of sushi and omakase joints now calling Greenwich home, but none, so far, has what this has - it’s got chutzpah. The Greenwich venue marks the restaurant’s 5th location after The Hamptons, Long Island City, The Bowery and Columbus Circle. There are plans for further expansion in the near future.


MOON Opens in Greenwich: Japanese Omakase + European Fine Dining

Restaurant Openings Greenwich Japanese American Sushi Fine Dining Cocktails Homepage

Jessica Ryan

Moon is the newest restaurant to grace Greenwich’s illustrious restaurant scene offering a mixed culinary concept featuring an immersive cocktail experience, and an authentic Japanese Omakase experience. The upscale eatery boasts an interior with influences from both Asia and Europe. Sleek lines, natural elements of woods, stone and glass grace the interior offering an atmosphere that is sophisticated, elegant and welcoming.


110 Grill Opens in Canton: Top 10 Most Allergy-Friendly Restaurants in America!

Restaurant Openings Special Dietary Needs Gluten-Free Allergy Friendly Food Allergy American Lunch Farmington

CTbites Team

The Shops at Farmington Valley will debut the first Connecticut restaurant location for 110 Grill, rated as “Top 10 most allergy friendly restaurants in America”. 110 Grill is New England’s Fastest Growing Restaurant Group and the opening of 110 Grill Canton will mark the 32nd location for the six-year-old Modern American restaurant group.

Located at 110 Albany Turnpike, the restaurant will feature 110 Grill’s signature modern-American fare with an array of comforting classics and unparalleled gluten-free and dietary restricted menus. Every 110 Grill location features a contemporary, yet inviting atmosphere with a spacious dining room and lounge, private dining room, outdoor patio and a large bar area.


Gluten-Free Connecticut Dining Guide from Gluten-Free New England: 75+ Spots

Features Restaurant Gluten-Free Special Dietary Needs Best of CT

Gluten-Free New England

Wicked Gluten Free has created a wonderful Gluten Free Connecticut Dining Guide for 2021. Check it out, and view the complete guide at www.wickedglutenfree.com.

Connecticut has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to gluten-free dining. And, as the number of people avoiding gluten rises at record pace, the number of restaurants working to accommodate them is absolutely skyrocketing. Although this makes going out to eat really fun, it also makes the job of compiling a list of favorites really difficult. And so, we present to you some of our favorite restaurants offering excellent gluten-free options.

Follow the link below for 75+ Connecticut restaurants, bakeries, and fast food spots that are either dedicated Gluten Free or very careful about cross contamination.


Chef Stephen Lewandowski Is Back, Cooking Exceptional Fare at Townhouse in Greenwich

Restaurant Openings Greenwich American Lunch Take Out Fine Dining Homepage Seafood Pasta Private Party Outdoor Dining Patio

Jessica Ryan

At Townhouse, contemporary meets traditional not only in décor, but in cuisine as well, where color and layers are just as prevalent in each carefully prepared dish. The menu takes simple fare and elevates it to the next level, layering flavors, colors and textures from around the world, delivering dishes that are nothing short of superb.

This should really come as no surprise and one would expect nothing less with the trifecta of excellence at the restaurant’s helm. Chef Stephen Lewandowski (formerly of the Harlan restaurants, Tribeca Grill and Gotham Bar & Grill) has teamed up with longtime friend Drew (Nierport of Tribeca, Nobu & Batard), and Director of Operations Dana Cifone (formerly of Duoro, Starr and One Group) to create an experience of distinction that is multifaceted.


Don't Miss The MIKU Sushi Pop-Up at Tony's At The Jhouse

Restaurant Features Openings Pop-Up Dinner Sushi Japanese Italian Greenwich Homepage

Jessica Ryan

About a year ago I was invited to a press event at Tony’s at the J House in Greenwich, Connecticut which I covered for CTBites here. So when we were recently invited back to experience the new Miku Sushi Pop-up I was delighted.

The owners of MIKU SUSHI K Dong, and Chef Steve Chen, have created a special partnership with Tony Capasso, managing partner at Tony’s at the J House, to launch an all-new “elevated” sushi bar at the upscale steakhouse.

The MIKU x Tony’s pop-up is led by Executive Chef Joe Liu, former head sushi chef at Tao and Masa in Manhattan. The special menu features many of MIKU signature rolls as well as two new rolls, exclusive to Tony’s. The Tony Roll is made with bluefin toro, avocado, scallion and spicy lobster salad, and J House Roll with king salmon, avocado, wasabi sesame and spicy yellowtail.


Garden Catering in Old Greenwich Opens Pop-Up Seafood Shack

Restaurant Seasonal Seafood Greenwich Garden Catering News Lobster Roll

Andrew Dominick

Nuggets, cones, a Hotsy, and…LOBSTER ROLLS?!

That’s what’s been happening this summer at the O.G. Garden Catering location at their pop-up “Clam Shack,” where you can crush one of, or both versions of a lobster roll; Connecticut style, served warm with drawn butter or Maine style, served chilled, tossed in a mayo-based dressing with chopped scallions. Each is served on a buttered-and-griddled Martin’s Potato Roll.

And there’s more.

The Clam Shack’s expanded seafood menu includes a sizeable shrimp po’boy slathered with a homemade spicy remoulade, a New England shrimp salad roll, and a battered-and-fried clam strip roll. Clam strips are also offered as a platter with fries and coleslaw or just the strips in a one pound serving.


Grigg Street Pizza Opens in Greenwich with Artisan Sourdough Pies

Restaurant Features Greenwich Homepage pizza

Andrew Dominick

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.


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

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.


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

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.


Summer Quinoa Salad with Peaches and Minty Lime Dressing via Westport Farmers' Market

Features Recipe Recipe Kosher Gluten-Free healthy Salads

Liz Rueven

When peaches hit the summer market in CT there are plenty of reasons to celebrate. I love everything about them: their seductive fruity fragrance, their juicy sunny flesh and most of all, their versatility.

In this easy quinoa salad, peaches lean more savory than sweet, making this the perfect accompaniment to grilled fish or chicken. But remember that quinoa is a complete protein on its own so feel free to make this the whole meal and be done. I'm already dreaming about this salad for breakfast with some luscious creamy goat cheese or salty feta.


Takeout Chronicles: Eating Gluten Free at Rainbow Thai, OKO, and Pearl at Longshore

Restaurant Take Out Delivery Westport Seafood sushi Gluten-Free Special Dietary Needs Sushi

Maizy Boosin

Restaurants in Connecticut are now open for outdoor and indoor dining. That being said, for those who aren’t yet comfortable leaving their houses and actually visiting a restaurant, most, if not all, establishments are still offering excellent takeout options.

Now, I have Celiac Disease and have to follow a VERY strict gluten-free diet, and I know firsthand that ordering online or over the phone can be daunting and anxiety producing: how do I know that the chefs that are preparing my food are aware of the extent of my dietary restrictions? Mentioning an allergy over the phone or leaving a note in an online order isn’t as comforting as actually talking to someone in person and letting them know. HOWEVER, over this strange period of time, I have felt completely comfortable ordering online or over the phone at multiple restaurants with Celiac Disease! Here are a few of my favorite dishes from the restaurants I felt safe at: