Chef Plum Takes Dinner Underground Again with a Saranac Beer + BBQ Dinner – Newtown, CT

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Now that we finally have that warmer weather that we dream of during the colder months in Connecticut, we can look forward to BBQ season.  For some, BBQ season never ends, though.  The tailgate warriors, the backyard chefs who won’t allow a little annoying snow to ruin their plans of cooking up some burgers on the barbie.  But, whether you’re a BBQ expert, a novice, or just a BBQ eater, you’ve probably never had a BBQ meal like the one that Chef Plum of Newtown, CT has planned out for Sunday, May 26 from 7 to 10.  He’s repurposed Butcher’s Best in Newtown as a pop up restaurant in his dining series called Dinner Underground.  Tickets are limited to just 30 people and cost $85.39 (that’s with the service fee) and you can buy them here.  So, you know how we work…this is where we explain why you need to get yourself to this event:

Barcelona hosts Memorial Day BBQ and pig roasts all summer long

Some of the tapas we sampled at Barcelona in Greenwich for the first Dishcrawl

Memorial Day and BBQs…they are inseparable like peanut butter and jelly, Batman and Robin, Lewis and Clark, Ren & Stimpy, bread and butter, and even pasta and sauce.  Perhaps they go so well together because BBQ’n brings family and friends together outside for good times, good fun, and good eats?  In essence, the grill unites people and connects us through our basic needs of friendship and food.

But, what do you do if you don’t have a grill or just want to go out and celebrate?  Easy…you head over to Barcelona Wine Bar & Restaurant in Fairfield on 5/27 from 1-9 pm.  For just $20 or $10 for kids (that’s a nice deal, btw) you’ll get a BBQ buffet that consists of sliders, kebabs, ribs, grilled veggies, salads, and their famous suckling pig.  For the beer lover, they’ll also have tastings from one of our favorite local breweries, Captain Lawrence.  They’ll have face painting for the kids (or that cool hipster) from 1:30-4:30, they’ll have outdoor games (cornhole please!), and they will even have a lemonade/popsicle/ice cream stand.  And, what’s a BBQ without live music?  Barcelona will have Rick Reyes & The Pasonfino Social Club playing from 2-6 while you chat, chew, and chill.

HUGE Food Truck Festival, BBQ + Chowder Cook Offs, Demos, and Live Music at Westbrook Tanger Outlets

Dayummm

 

New York has its food truck festivals, Boston, has its food truck festivals, and now Connecticut has a major festival, too. Let’s count ‘em: 15-25 food trucks from Connecticut and surrounding states will show up at the Westbrook Tanger Outlets on 4/27-4/28.  Plus, Westbrook Assistant Manager David DelVecchio says he’ll be updating the list (we’ll update for you, too) every few days as Food Trucks 2 Go brings new trucks in.   There is absolutely no fee for attending, so you can use that saved dough to pig out. Here is the list as of 4/7:

• Away Café
• Away Café BBQ Truck
• Captain Marden’s Seafood (Saturday only)
• Caseus Cheese Truck (Sunday only)
• Chicken & Rice Guys (Saturday only)
• The Chubby Chickpea
• Cowabunga
• The Cupcake Brake
• Food Extrovert
• FryBorg
• The Happy Taco
• High Tide Gourmet (Sunday only)
• Hog Wild
• Lobstercraft
• Munchies Food Truck (Saturday Only)
• Spud Stud
• The Sugar Bakery Cup Cake
• Whey Station (Sunday Only)

 

The food trucks will be there for om noming from 11 am to 6 pm and there will be lots of live music to provide a soundtrack for your gorging pleasure. We’re talking The Red Hill Rockers, The Sin Sisters, The Shiney Lapel Trio, and others.  There will also be live cooking demos from Clarke, Kitchen Aid, Soda Stream, Williams Sonoma, Chef Kashia, and lots more.

Dino Poutine, Drink Deals, and More @ Dinosaur Bar-b-que Stamford’s Happy Hour

Dino Poutine is killer, unique to Dinosaur Stamford no more

Now you have another reason to hit up Dinosaur Bar-b-que in Stamford:  Happy Hour!

Nice char and sauce on the wings

Yup yup.  Just stop by from 3-7, Monday to Friday, and get a $1 off of all beer, liquor, and wine.  Plus, have your pick of some of their best apps for just $5:  chili on the half-shell, our favorite Dino Poutine, or two pork, beef, or burger sliders.  Did you know that people went seriously crazy for the Dino Poutine after our review of Dinosaur Bar-b-que?  We’re not talking just people in Fairfield County…we’re talking in the entire Northeast.  Specifically, when Dinosaur Bar-b-que shared that they would be adding Dino Poutine to all Dinosaur menus after people begged and signed away their first born, they shared our article and a picture of the heavenly dish.  Would you believe that one picture got thousands of views, 173 likes on FB, and tons of comments?  Seriously, how could anyone deny the power of the poutine?  In addition, Dino Stamford will be providing a smaller stash of wings for just $3.95.

Not like you really need another reason, but we just gave you another reason to justify your BBQ addiction.  Yes, you’re welcome. ;)

Dinosaur Bar-b-que

Noms: 4.25

Cost: $$$ (though is on the cheaper end of the BBQ scale here in Fairfield County)

Address: 845 Canal Street

Stamford, CT 06902

Phone:  203-517-3272

Farmboys Smokin’ BBQ Catering Bringin’ a ‘Lil Bit ‘o Memphis to CT

The BBQ game in Connecticut’s been smoking hot lately with new restaurants popping up like Dinosaur Bar-b-que and Bobby Q’s Pit Stop.  And, now we’ve got our own mobile BBQ catering crew:  Farmboys Smokin’ BBQ.  Pitmaster Matt Lombardo said that he was disappointed in not being able to find good Memphis style bbq in the Nutmeg State.  When we talked on the phone, he laughed, and said, “I just figured I’d do it myself, then!”  And, he’s already on the path to Southern BBQ in Connecticut.  With him on that trail is his wife Stacey and his friend Chris Sparaco.  As Chris spends more time with Matt (a licensed caterer in Darien) and business grows, Chris very well might head on out into the great yonder with his very own mobile pit to double team the state.

Speaking of pits, Farmboys Smokin’ BBQ is sportin’ a pit from a company out in Georgia.  It’s an indirect wood/charcoal smoker.  Perfect for smoking the heck out of ribs, pork, brisket, and chicken.  We were interested in what Matt thought about what made good Memphis BBQ and he told us, “With any BBQ, it’s time.  I like to think that you can taste the time that goes into the right BBQ.  Do it low and slow.  Our brisket and chuck are smoked for 18-20 hours.”

So, let’s talk a bit more about their options and what you can expect if you get them to cater your shindig.  Starting off, Matt’s a huge fan of the brisket, though he’s very partial because brisket is his favorite (us too Matt, us too).  They have also been really impressed by how great their pulled pork turned out to be.  They also have pulled chicken, pork ribs, and beef ribs to nom away on.  For sides, check out their baked beans with brown sugar & bacon, coleslaw, their cornbread, and other sides are also available upon request.  But, let’s circle back to the cornbread.  You can order it plain or with…wait for it…no, really, wait for it…bacon.  Yes, Farmboys Smokin’ BBQ throws in some diced bacon into the cornbread and they can even add in some diced jalapeño, too!  We’re so jonesin’ for some of that now, you have no idea.  They’ll also be throwin’ down with pig roasts, yes sir-eeee Bob.  For just $20 per person (with a minimum of 50 people), you’ll get a whole hog cooked low and slow on the smoker, homemade coleslaw, and their baked beans with brown sugar & bacon.

Bobby Q’s Pit Stop in Greenwich: Bob LeRose Opens 3rd Restaurant with Cousin Joey Boucher!

BBQ…burgers, dogs, and more to be served at Bobby Q’s Pit Stop in Greenwich

Bob LeRose, owner of Bobby Q’s in Westport and Bar Q in Stamford grew up in the Riverside neighborhood of Greenwich, CT.  Do you think he ever realized that just right down the block from his first home would be the site of his future restaurant, his third nonetheless?  Or, do you think he ever could have imagined that he’d create one of the best festivals in Connecticut:  Blues, Views, & BBQ?  How could any person (aside from John Edwards) fortell such awesomeness?

So, what does Bob LeRose have in store for us in Greenwich with Bobby Q’s Pit Stop (no site yet) that will open in about three weeks?  Well, starting off he’s teamed up with his cousin Joey Boucher who first opened up Joey B’s in Cos Cob.  This team makes the perfect pairing for what Bobby Q’s Pit Stop will be all about:  bbq, burgers, dogs, chili, sides, and salads to go.  Their new restaurant will be located at 1340 East Putnam Ave. in Greenwich right where Moe’s Burger Joint used to be.  If you feel like eating in, there will be 12 seats and plenty of standing room while you devour the best of American cuisine.  Speaking of the food, let’s dive deeper into the menu.  There will be some classic dishes from Bobby Q’s in Westport.  On the menu will also be five different chilis based off of the family recipe, held onto by their Uncle Frank.  The dogs featured here blew Bobby and Joey away and are made by a company in Boston.  They are the first restaurant in Connecticut to serve these dogs up!  The burgers are going to be great too, made with fresh daily ground beef that is sourced locally.  Also, the salads are a nice option for friends or family members who don’t want meat or want something not as heavy…there are plans for three different kinds right now.  Rounding things up are the sides, many of which are vegetarian friendly…very nice touch.  You don’t have to be Debbie Downer anymore and be the one to say, “Oh, but they don’t have anything vegetarian here!”

Our Search for BBQ Perfection at Dinosaur Bar-b-que – Stamford, CT

Nice char and sauce on the wings

Dino Poutine is killer, unique to Dinosaur Stamford

Ribs, brisket, pulled pork, rice and beans, coleslaw, corn bread…wow.

The brisket takes center stage, but the mac & cheese is workin’ it too

Turkey neck greens, chilling with some chicken

Our first (and awesome) experience with Dinosaur Bar-b-que in Stamford was their opening party where we were treated to a buffet of meats and side dishes. We were able to get a real taste of Dinosaur and were very impressed with everything. But, being the good little OmNomers we are, we wanted to make sure we came back (um, a few times) to try things without all the opening hoopla so we could get the real experience everyone else would get.

The first time we decided to hit up Dinosaur it was Friday night at 9:40, so we thought we’d have no problem getting in, but, alas, there was a 30 minute wait.  Yeah, this place is hot so it was quite busy.  We decided to head to the bar and were greeted by a perky and fun hostess who asked if we wanted to be seated right away in a “secret spot.’  Duh.  She shuffled us off to a somewhat private dining area by the side of the bar.  A hidden gem, so now you’re in the know…you’re welcome!

The service that night was excellent! The food came out quickly, our waitress was super attentive and friendly and the food was amazing as ever.  Everything from the meats to the sides were seriously perfect! With two great experiences under our belt, we decided to go back twice over the holiday break with friends and family and our brand new fancy camera! YAY food porn! Through our 3rd and 4th gorge fest we discovered some new favorites, and the service was consistently impeccable, but we also were just a little disappointed by some of the dishes that we had previously liked.  Here’s the rub:

Dinosaur Ape Hanger Ale:  made for Dinosaur Bar-b-que by Middle Ages Brewery in Syracuse was just $5 a pint and was worth every penny.  It was wheaty and that beautiful taste lingers with you for a bit after you drink. Goes great with BBQ and is super easy to drink!

Nice char and sauce on the wings

Jumbo BBQ Chicken Wings: BEST chicken wings EVER and winner of best wings in our 2012 OmNomys! Seriously! These bad boys are smoked for four hours then they are grilled.  There’s such a beautiful smokiness and char around these wings with just the right amount of sauce.  Ah.  You can get them in Wango Tango (hot), Garlic Chipotle (hotter), Devil’s Duel (hottest), and the mild Honey BBQ or Sesame Hoisin.  Even the hottest of these sauces aren’t too much to handle, but will definitely leave a nice burn on your tongue. But then again, we’re tough like that.

From Brisket, to Cornbread, to Ribs: Dinosaur Bar-b-que Roars into Stamford – Exclusive First Tastes

Update:  see our complete review here.

Good things come to those who wait.  That’s the BBQ creed, you know?  Time is your friend when it comes to smoking up some ribs, bringing out that smoke ring, and making things delicate.    Well, we kind of feel the same way about Dinosaur Bar-b-que here in Stamford.  When we heard rumblings of Dinosaur opening in Stamford, we got the news straight from the Dino’s mouth and were the first to share it.  We also gave you an interview with owner and pitmaster, John Stage, breaking down his BBQ, his style, and what to eat in the middle of a zombie apocalypse.  Well, lucky OmNomCT was invited to a special sneak peek a day before the opening and we even had a chance to chat with John Stage himself.  What a really nice guy!  So, if this is the first time you’re hearing about Dinosaur Bar-b-que, here’s a crash course:

• John Stage started Dinosaur Bar-b-que as a mobile BBQ truck that followed biker rallies and events.
• He opened up Dinosaur in Syracuse in 1988  because people couldn’t get enough Dino.
• Dinosaur Syracuse quickly became a rite of passage for BBQ lovers and a place of pilgrimage for bikers across the country.
• Dinosaur Bar-b-que became a cult, a legend.
• Dinosaur Bar-b-que sauces are sold in stores now for your slathering, BBQ, and grilling needs.
• Dinosaur Bar-b-que has taken over Harlem, Newark, Rochester, Stamford, Syracuse, and Troy.  Dinosaur Buffalo is on the way.

Now, dear friends, we’re pleased to share with you…the first BBQ slathered, rib-sauce all over your face, hands sticky beyond all recognition because of brisket juice review of Dinosaur Bar-b-que Stamford.

Celebrity Chefs, Food, and Wine Galore @ 2012 Greenwich Food + Wine Festival

Doesn’t it annoy you when you hear about the NYC Food and Wine Festival, year after year?  You look up the details, it seems great, and you tell yourself that someday, maybe someday, you’ll finally attend.  You look into the classes or sessions but they are sold out within the first few hours.  Well, boo on that.  Boo on that because Westchester and Fairfield County people have their own three days of awesomeness to look forward to.  Last year was the inaugural year of the Greenwich Food + Wine Festival, hosted by Serendipity magazine.  This year it’s back and, we dare say, it looks even more amazing.  Tickets might be a bit on the high end of the scale, but all of the proceeds are going to The Hole in the Wall Gang.  Here’s a little clip from their website, describing what they are all about:

“Founded in 1988 by Paul Newman, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is a community dedicated to providing “a different kind of healing” to children and their families coping with cancer, sickle cell anemia and other serious illnesses. Through summer sessions and family weekend programs at the Camp in Ashford, Connecticut, and year-round outreach to hospitals and clinics throughout the Northeast, the Camp serves more than 20,000 children and family members annually.”

Well, onto the fun!  We’ll take you on a day by day breakdown of the festivities:

Stamford Museum & Nature Center Octoberfest on the Meadow kicks off Harvest Festival Weekend 2012

Click through to get your tickets

Octoberfest.  Oktoberfest.  Spell it however you’d like, it still revolves around a few key things:

• Beer
• German food
• Music
• Flashbacks to the scene from National Lampoon’s European Vacation

Well, guess what?  There will be plenty of Octoberfestivities going on at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center on Friday night, 10/19 from 6:30 – 9:30 pm.  So, bring your buds, take your date, leave the kids at home (21+), and put on those lederhosen.  When you are there, all decked out with those really cool feathery hats, you’ll be able to take down some amazing Octoberfest food.  Yup, SM&NC has the best of the wurst and even more.  Bottomline:  you’ll be fed and fed oh so well, German style.  But, you can’t munch on some BBQ or a brat (the sausage, not a bad child) and have nothing to drink.  That would be a serious travesty!  The good folks at the Nature Center have you covered with excellent seasonal Oktoberfest brews, don’t worry.  Now, when you’ve got some food in the left hand and a stein in the right hand, move that beer back and forth while you jam away and sing along to The Bavarian Boys.