The Best Warm Weather Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Fairfield County

Doesn’t that just call out, “summer”?

Dan’s jotting down some notes, I’m taking the pics

Om nom nom nom hot dog nom nom nom

Winter is only one season, but why does it seem so long?  Perhaps this year we can blame it on Punxsutawney Phil who promised an early end to winter, but lied?  Yeah, never trust a rodent, that’s what momma always said.

But, look, we’re beyond it all now!  The weather has turned, we’re at the start of spring, and we can actually feel the sun’s warmth.  By now, you’ve probably already lit up the BBQ and cooked up a storm.  And, you’ve probably been thinking about eating out(side) at a restaurant to enjoy the great weather.  So, we decided to put together a nice list of restaurants in the area that we like that have either al fresco (outdoor) dining or open air dining.  Perhaps you have an amazing restaurant to add that we missed?  Let us know!  Taco Bell doesn’t count, though. ;)

Enjoy the beautiful weather people…you earned it!

Bethel

Ecco rooftop bar/eatery on top of La Zingara (added by N)

Bridgeport

Delivery Made Easy with Rewards: Seamless and Delivery.com

One of the most frustrating things about ordering delivery  over the phone (#ConnecticutProblems) is repeating yourself 30 times, or being put on hold, or being transferred to 10 different people.  Yeah, it’s seriously annoying and it’s a big waste of time, especially when there are other important things to do like watch TV, surf the net, watch the kids, or just be lazy.

Plate of bbq, snacks, and fixins at at BarQ B.B.Q. in Stamford, Connecticut

But, two websites are making delivery (or pick up) just a bit easier and giving you some great things in return.  All around, we use Seamless more often because they have a better variety of restaurants for delivery by us, but Delivery.com is still a good option.  Let’s look at Seamless first.

Seamless has a very easy to use interface where you can save restaurants into your favorites and even just order a previous meal with just a few clicks.  You’ll often see restaurants that have deals like 10% or 20% of orders!  Be aware that some restaurants charge a small fee for delivery, but it’s not a fee from Seamless.  Also, Seamless will send out emails time to time with special discount codes that you can enter before your finalize your purchase.  Our favorite part:  add the tip right in and when your food arrives, the delivery person will hand it to you, thank you, then leave.  That’s more time for your to spend gorging yourself.  Right now they are in the Greenwich, Stamford, and Westport areas, but are expanding.

Save Some Serious Dough with Restaurant.com

Our obsession with Restaurant.com (not Restaurants.com) started years ago when we’d shell out $5 and get a $50 pass to restaurants.  The amount of money we saved was awesome and we continue to check this site when we want to save some major dinero.  We use it for local restaurants and especially when we’re on vacation and want to find a quick, inexpensive meal.

Chef’s Special Roll, Crispy Melt Goat Cheese Roll, and Crunchy Wasabi Tuna Roll at Bambou in Greenwich

It works pretty easily:  enter the city and state where you want a certificate then select the restaurant.  The most common option that you’ll see is pay $10 for a $25 certificate, but sometimes there will be bigger incentives like $20 for $50, $30 for $75, or even $40 for $100.  Before you purchase your certificate, just make sure that there aren’t any terms of the agreement that won’t work for you such as, “Only includes lunch,” or “No dinner on Saturday.”  Also, pay close attention to the fine print because some have an order minimum or some include a tip into the amount of the bill automatically.

Zeppoleme Brings Coffee, Panini, and Zeppole to Port Chester, NY

Zeppole are perhaps one of the greatest gifts given to humanity, just one wrung below fire and internet memes. Dough balls, deep fried, then sprinkled with sugar. They bring back memories of Dan sitting around his grandma’s table, devouring zeppola (the singular form of course) after zeppola, making sure to rub in more powdered sugar all over.   Or, it’s hard to forget the countless Italian feasts that we’ve been to with the scent of zeppole and sausage in the air.  Yeah, it’s awesome to be Italian…or to be married to one, or to be dating one, or to know one, or to pretend to be one.

All this talk of zeppole is killing us…you hungry yet? Don’t worry! Getting zeppole will be a whole helluva lot easier starting in a few weeks at Zeppoleme (same owners of Nessa next door) in Port Chester, just over the border of Greenwich. First off, you will be able to get some sweet fried dough in two forms:

1. Classic:  the original, sprinkled with your choice of powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and/or cinnamon
2. Modern:  they take the original, then fold in ricotta, making it light and fluffy

Then you’ll want to dip these in one of their four sauces:

A Chocoholics Dream: Chocolate World Expo Comes to Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk!

Studies have shown that chocolate can help you lose weight and actually keep your heart healthy.  So, look dastardly dentist dad of Willy Wonka and all of his ilk…sweets won’t kill you.  No, let us bravely move forward, embracing chocolate and sweets in all their beautiful forms.  Yeah, whether we talk about chocolate covered bacon, chocolate covered pickles (!?), rum cakes, chocolate flavored coffee, chocolate dipped waffles, or even jellies, we need to remember that we’re feeding our hearts and souls.  So, come and feed your inner child at the Chocolate World Expo on Sunday, 1/27 from 10 am to 7 pm at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk.  Tickets are just $15 for adults or $10 for kids (ages 2-12) and that INCLUDES admission to all Maritime Aquarium exhibits.  If you’re a member of the aquarium, you’ll also save $2 per ticket!

What will you get for that sweet (we made a funny, haha) price?  Check out the details from their site:

At Chocolate World Expo Connecticut, approximately 35 local and regional vendors will offer tastings & sales of their delicious and decadent products that include chocolates, baked goods, gelato, specialty foods and food-related gift items.  Vendors will be set up in Newman’s Own Hall (near the seals) and throughout the Aquarium’s galleries, which will be fully open that day - at no extra cost to visitors - making this special event an especially outstanding value for attendees!

Participating vendors include 5th Avenue Chocolatiere, Auntie El’s, Bacon Bites, Barbara’s Butter Crunch, Bella’s Home Baked Goods, Breezie Maples Farm, Chocopologie Café, Fretzels by Jill, Goodway Bakery, JD Gourmet, Kathie’s Kitchen, Knipschildt Chocolatier, Le Rouge – Handmade Chocolates by Aarti, Moon Doggie Coffee Roasters, Peanut Principle, Puckers Gourmet, Rescue Chocolate, Screme Gelato, Xocai Healthy Chocolates, Yona’s Gourmet and more.

22 Dishes to Try in Fairfield County before the End of the World. Thanks Mayans.

“The 2012 phenomenon comprises a range of eschatological beliefs according to which cataclysmic or transformative events will occur on 21 December 2012.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]} This date, is regarded as the end-date of a 5125-year-long cycle in the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar.^[7] Various astronomical alignments and numerological formulae have been proposed as pertaining to this date, though none have been accepted by mainstream scholarship.

A New Age interpretation of this transition is that the date marks the start of time in which Earth and its inhabitants may undergo a positive physical or spiritual transformation, and that Dec. 21, 2012 may mark the beginning of a new era.^[8] Others suggest that the date marks the end of the world or a similar catastrophe. Scenarios suggested for the end of the world include the arrival of the next solar maximum, an interaction between Earth and the black hole at the center of the galaxy,^[9] or Earth’s collision with a planet called “Nibiru”.”  Wikipedia.

In other words, we’re all screwed.  Now, you might be a bit disappointed that the world will end on 12/21/12.  Look, don’t go blaming the Mayans.  They gave us chocolate, the number zero, and an ancient form of chewing gum.  We can definitely let this minor infraction of a planetary destruction that wipes out the human race slide.

Well, we wouldn’t want your world to end if you’ve never tasted some of the best food around in Fairfield County.  So, put these dishes on your check list, eat up, and check ‘um off.  At least when the world ends you’ll be satisfied and will feel like you’ve done something great with your life.  And, if it’s a long and drawn out end of the world, you’ll have plenty of stored fat to survive a few more days while all hell breaks loose.

Darien

1) The pillowy and fluffy gnocchi at Scena Wine Bar

Fairfield

2) Georgia Red Hot topped with sauerkraut, mustard, and sweet relish with fries from Super Duper Weenie

3) The roasted corn with butter, lime juice, cotija cheese and ancho chili dust at Bodega Taco Bar (also in Darien and at Valencia in Norwalk)

Where to Eat Before, During, + After the UBS Parade Spectacular in Stamford

Click through to check out a ton of info on the parade

Are you ready?  Thanksgiving is just about a week away!  Yup, it’s time to load up on turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gobble your way to a food coma.

But, Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food and Black Friday.  Actually, it’s about celebrating with family and having lots of fun.  There will be lots of that going on this coming weekend in Stamford during the UBS Parade Spectacular.  This huge parade is a sight to see and is definitely a tradition for Nutmeggers and nearby New Yorkers.  While you can see the balloons being inflated on Saturday from 3-6 pm at the corner of Hoyt Street and Summer, the high flying action goes down on Sunday, 11/18.  The parade will begin at noon, starting off on Summer Street, then will wind its way down to Broad then Atlantic.  You’ll want to find a parking spot pretty early, so don’t wait until the last minute.  Ya heard?

espresso NEAT Pouring out Awesomeness @ New Spot in Greenwich, CT

People, caffeine addicts, and workers of Greenwich, your day has come.  Yes, you now have your very own espresso NEAT (see our cupping post).  The award winning coffee shop that has become a go-to coffee destination for people in Darien will be open this Wednesday (11/14) at the beautifully stunning 100 West Putnam.  They are located in the lobby and will be your new spot to pick up some drinks, breakfast, lunch, and even snacks.  If you stop by before 11/14, you just might see them there going through a soft opening.  Just maybe.  ;) Here are some things that you can look forward to:

• Ready to go coffee and food
• High quality, amazing coffee, espresso, and tea (once you’ve had a cup, you’ll be hooked)
• Catering of coffee and pastries for office meetings (man, wish we worked nearby)
• Cold-pressed juices, salads, wraps and more through Green & Tonic
• Local and artisanal baked goodies and other treats

Go for Gold at Stew Leonard’s Olympics Celebration! CT and NY

Meghan Bell at Stew Leonard’s has become our best friend.  She’s letting us know about the awesome things going down at Stew Leonard’s and their wine shops.  Well, we’ve got some fun events to share with you to get you into that 2012 Olympics spirit.  Unless noted by specific date, the events run from July 27 to August 12.  During that time, Stew Leonard’s will be donating all money from their Stew’s Wishing Wells in Norwalk, Danbury, and Yonkers to the Special Olympics.  So, let’s light this torch up, baby, and start the games!

Drinking Curls

First off, hit up Stew Leonard’s Wines on Friday, July 27 from 4 to 7 pm or Saturday, July 28 from 1-5 for the “Wide World of Spirits.”  Appropriately so, you’ll be able to have drinks from around the world.  Imagine if drinking was an Olympic sport?  Who among you would get the gold?

• Caipirinha (South America)
• Il Spr!z (Europe)
• A sake drink (Asia)
• Amarula (Africa)

Cheese Slinging

• July 28-29:  Stew Leonard’s delis will see who takes the gold in terms of cheese.  The contestants?  English, French, Italian, and American cheeses.  Come by, taste, and vote.  The results will be on their FB page on July 30.

Dessert Downing

• Bakers at Stew Leonard’s will go crazy with cupcakes, cookies, and other desserts using the Olympic rings and the games as inspiration.

Caffeine High Jump

• They have created a special blend called Stew’s “Olympic Blend” Coffee.  Perk up and see how much you can drink.

International Hot Bar Body(un)building

• Every day at Norwalk, Newington, and Yonkers you can check out a new country’s cuisine at their hot bar.  This is one competition to unbuild that pretty figure of yours.  That’s okay, it’s worth it.  Nothing an hour or so at the gym can’t cure.

Pizza Tossing

• At Norwalk and Newington, you can check out Olympics pizzas that are made with peppers, mimicking the Olympic rings.  Salute the flag, then eat it.

Bovine Biathlon 

• Say hi to Wow the Cow who will be wearing a toga and will be crowned in laurels.  Taking it back, old school style.

Kid’s Olympic Cooking Culinary Day Camp

• From July 30 to August 3, kids 5-12 can take part in a fun day camp experience at the Newington store.  Kids will have fun for four hours with lunch included for just $250 or you can take part in just one day for $60.

Norwalk store: 100 Westport Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851

Customer questions call:  203.847.7213

Danbury store: 99 Federal Road, Danbury, CT 06811

Customer questions call:  203.790.8030

Newington store: 3475 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06111

Customer questions call: 860.760.8100

Yonkers, N.Y. store: 1 Stew Leonard Drive, Yonkers, NY 10710

Customer questions call:  914.375.4700

Answered Prayers: Garden Catering in Norwalk Opening Next Week…with a “Special” Surprise!

You ready for this? Photo by Chris Ramirez

The Good News

Norwalk:  you’ve been good boys and girls and you’ve been saying your prayers.  Now, it’s time to get your reward:  a Garden Catering of your own.  Yes, on 7/24 (this Tuesday) Garden Catering will be open at 314 Westport Avenue in Norwalk!  You know that you’ve been jealous and have often snuck into Old Greenwich, Greenwich, or Stamford just for your nuggets, fries, and cone fix.  Or, you might have even hit them up in Port Chester or Mamaroneck if you were nearby.  So, Norwalk, rejoice, your prayers to the nugget gods have been answered!

The Food 

The menu has been trimmed down a bit, just like the Fairfield location.  All your favorites are still on the menu, though.  You’ll be able to have breakfast all the live long day.  You’ll also have some of the greatest things on the earth…The World Famous Specials!  Remember that you can order the specials with either fries, cones, onion rings, mushrooms, zucchini, or with cones and fries.  We recommend cones and fries together!  Here’s a breakdown if you’re a noob or need a refresher course:

THE SPECIAL: 1/2 lb. of 100% white meat chicken nuggets and a portion of fries deep-fried to perfection.  It comes with a free soda or water.  $7

Junior Special –  This is the smaller version of The Special that comes with 1/4 lb. of chicken nuggets and your choice of side.  Remember your free soda or water.  $5

Big Boy Special - Add a 1/4 lb. of chicken to a Special and make it a Big Boy! Comes with an extra portion of Fries & FREE soda or Poland Spring Water.  OmNomivore approved.   9.00

The Boss Special -Don’t try this one alone! A full pound of our famous chicken nuggets with an extra portion of Fries & FREE soda 11.00

Homerun Special -Add chili and cheese to any of the Specials and make it a HOMERUN for only $1.00 more!

Yes, they have wraps too! Photo by Chris Ramirez

So, as you order, make sure that you ask for the seasoning and you get one of the 9 dipping sauces.  Then again, the actually real meat chicken nuggets and fries are usually just great enough by themselves.  There are also other options for you like wraps and salads, so there’s really something for everybody at their new store.

The Restaurant and Community Ties

Although there is limited seating at the Norwalk location, there is a nice counter where you can watch all the action on Westport Avenue.  Yup yup.  New to this location is a wall that will tell hungry eaters all about Garden Catering, its beliefs, and all the great things that they do for the community.  Already, Frank Carpenteri Jr. (who runs GC with his dad Frank Sr. and his sister Tina) and staff have gone around town, handing out gift certificates to lucky people and businesses.  Also, there are already some amazing things in the works for Norwalk.  Garden Catering plans to help out the local schools and The Carver Center.  That’s just how they roll.

A “Special” Surprise on the Way!

To celebrate their opening in Norwalk, Garden Catering is telling all their die hard fans to watch their Facebook page and their Twitter feed.  On Monday, a day before opening, they’ll be announcing a “Special” surprise.  ;)  Don’t ask us what it is…it’s super secret.  You’ll just need to wait and see. :)

Last Thoughts

We love the great things that Garden Catering does for the community.  They also set up a great fundraiser for one of our Facebook friends, James Lacerenza and his cause:  Muscular Dystrophy.  Another thing we love?  Nugget Points!  Don’t forget to sign up so you can earn special rewards like a $10 gift certificate, a free Big Boy Special, a Garden Catering shirt, or even a Garden Catering tie.  We wish Garden Catering lots of luck in their new location, but they won’t need it.  With World Famous Specials like this, there is no need for luck.

Thanks to Frank Jr. for letting us make this awesome announcement!

Fairfield

2074 Black Rock Turnpike
Fairfield, CT 06825

Phone: 203-870-8444

 

Greenwich

 

177 Hamilton Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830

Phone: 203-422-2555

 

Old Greenwich

 

185 1/2 Sound Beach Avenue
Old Greenwich, CT 06870
Phone: 203-637-7699

 

Stamford

 

235 Main Street
Stamford, CT 06902 (Next to Bobby Valentine’s)
Phone: 203-487-0333

 

Mamaroneck

 

315A Mamaroneck Avenue
Mamaroneck, NY 10543
Phone: 914-381-4800

 

Port Chester

 

140 Midland Avenue
Port Chester, NY 10573

Phone: 914-934-7852