Greenwich Library Book Sale Weekend Party, Food Truck Takeover + More

After we had moved into our new place in Greenwich in December, one of the first things we did was head over to The Greenwich Library on West Putnam Avenue.  We got our library cards and explored.  We saw thousands upon thousands of new books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, computers, help desks, an art gallery, and even an art loan program.  Plus, we loved just gathering up our CDs and books on Ireland and checking ourselves out…nice and simple.  Having all of these great features, hosting awesome events and programs, and keeping up the library isn’t easy at all, so The Greenwich Library is hosting a Book Sale Weekend from May 17-19.  Books (and more) will be on sale including audiobooks, biographies, children’s books, DVDs, cookbooks, fiction, romance novels, young adult literature, and more.  Here are the Book Sale Weekend details:

May 17, 5-8 pm:

Special Book Sale Preview Party for $100.  That gets you early access to the books that are on sale and let’s you in on a fun party with food from Burke Catering, Barcelona, and Whole Foods Market Greenwich.  And, yes, there will be drinks…espresso NEAT will be pouring coffee and espresso, there will be wine and liquors from Horseneck Wines & Liquors, and there will be plenty of drinking of the library’s signature “Book-tini” cocktail.  Guests will also get a chance to meet with antique book appraiser Ken Gloss who is a frequent appraiser on Antiques Road Show.  Ken will appraise up to five books and documents for free as part of your entrance fee, plus you’ll be able to hear Ken talk about “Is There Value in Your Old and Rare Books?” in the Cole Auditorium.  Tickets can be purchased by going here https://greenwichlibrary.ejoinme.org/booksalepreviewparty or contacting Sarah Falvo at (203) 622-7957.

May 18, 9 am to 4 pm:

Mediterraneo opens a second location in Norwalk @ Hotel Zero Degrees

Terra of Greenwich.

Sole of New Canaan.

Acqua of Westport.

Aurora of Rye, NY.

And Mediterraneo of Greenwich AND Norwalk.

Bellinis and margaritas at Mediterraneo

Now, let’s play a guessing game.  What do you think these all have in common?  They all serve Italian?  Well, kind of.  They all feature seafood?  Well, kind of.  They all have been created by Ramze Zakka of Z Hospitality Group?  Good answer, good answer team.  You guys and gals are on top of things!

Goat cheese tartlets

It’s pretty cool to say that we’ve been to every single one of those restaurants, but now we have another one to try starting on Monday, 4/29, for dinner.  On that day at the brand new Hotel Zero Degrees in Norwalk, the second Mediterraneo in Connecticut will be open.  From there, according to a recent press release on Stamfordplus, they’ll be easing into things with dinner only until May 7 and having Sunday brunch starting on May 12.  At that brunch you can enjoy a celebratory Bellini or Mimosa.

Dishcrawl Greenwich June Event Highlights Old Greenwich

It’s no surprise that we’re very excited about Dishcrawl’s debut in Greenwich.  Maybe we’re too excited.  One of our Twitter friends, Velda, asked if we worked for Dishcrawl.  No, we don’t work for them, but we like what they stand for.  After we ran a contest together and gave away a $100 Ginger Man Greenwich gift certificate, we talked with the Dishcrawl Greenwich organizer for a bit.  Jesse was so very amazed with the overwhelming demand for Dishcrawl.  The first event sold out very quickly, then the second event sold out just a while after it was announced.  But, still, people wanted to be put on a waiting list to get their chance at having their own Dishcrawl experience.

We’re happy to share that Dishcrawl Greenwich has already announced their third event, set for June 11 at 7 pm.  Just buy your tix at $45 each by going to the Dishcrawl Greenwich June 11 event page.  After you buy your tix, you’ll get an e-mail 48 hours before the event.  They’ll tell you where you’re meeting to start your Dishcrawl of four local Greenwich restaurants.  This is perhaps one of the greatest parts of the culinary tours:  the element of surprise.  You won’t know where you’re eating, what you’re eating, or even who you’re meeting until you actually sit down at your next stop.

Dishcrawl Greenwich Adds Second Night After Selling Out!

Yes, you heard that right!  We just got the news from Jesse, the organizer of Dishcrawl Greenwich.  The tickets for the May 8th event sold out very quickly (3 tiny days), but people wanted more.  While Jesse did release a few more tickets, she realized what she had to do…open up a second date for another fun Dishcrawl experience.  The new date is Tuesday, May 7, starts at 7, and is still just $45.  Get your tickets by following this link to the Dishcrawl Greenwich site.

For more specifics about the event, please check out our previous post about their opening, but we’ll give you some basics:

1. You’ll hit up four restaurants
2. You won’t know where you’re starting your Dishcrawl journey until 48 hours before the event
3. You’ll meet restaurant owners and chefs
4. You’ll try fun, exciting, and adventurous dishes that exemplify the restaurant and chef
5. You’ll meet some great people
6. You’ll walk from restaurant to restaurant so that qualifies as your exercise from the day.

Congrats again to Dishcrawl Greenwich and Jesse!  We’ll see you there!

Yours in noming,

Dan and Kristien

 

Greenwich Restaurants Give Back to Fire Police Patrol with Patrol Dine Out

Here’s an easy way to give back to those brave men and women who give their time and put their lives in danger daily…just eat out.  Yup, just eat at some great restaurants in Greenwich on April 4 and you’ll be taking part in Patrol Dine Out.  Just pick any of the restaurants below and you’ll be helping the Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol!  Here’s a bit about this great organization from their site:

“The Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol is a volunteer company which operates under the structure of the Greenwich Fire Department in the Town of Greenwich, Connecticut. The company conducts traffic operations, scene control, salvage, lighting, and other support functions for the fire department at calls for service. The Patrol is under the command of its own Chief.”

• Arcuri’s Pizza and Salad
• Bistro Latino
• Chicken Joe’s Cos Cob
• Cos Cobber
• Crew Restaurant
• Gofer Ice Cream
• Joey B’s
• Louie’s Restaurant and Bar
• Pizza Post
• Riverside Square Pizza
• Sound Beach Pizza
• Swizzles Ice Cream
• Tomatillo Taco Joint

There are also some restaurants that aren’t participating, but are sponsors and should be thanked:  Beach House Cafe, Meli Melo, Morello Italian Bistro, Pasta Vera, Sundown Saloon, and Villa Nuova.

In addition, there are some awesome event sponsors and they are: Fairway Market, Pepe Auto Group, Greenwich Pharmacy, Rand Insurance, The First Bank of Greenwich, Putnam Shell & Food Mart, Greenwich Bank & Trust, Neal and Karen Neilinger, David and Kerrin Theis, The Joker

Ultimate Adventurous Dining Experience Dishcrawl Expands into Greenwich

The plate, the plate, the plate is on fire…

Viva la blood orange margarita

Chefs prepare the food at Harvest of Greenwich

Octopus Cavatelli

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Roasted All Natural Half Chicken

Paella, por favor

Back in January, we told you about Dishcrawl starting up in New Haven.   We’re very excited to share that the same awesome experience is coming to Fairfield County in Greenwich.   Here’s the premise:

• You buy a ticket for a “Dishcrawl” of four restaurants
• 48 hours before the event you find out where you’re meeting
• The rest of the Dishcrawl will be a surprise!
  • If that’s too much to handle, follow @dishcrawlgre or check them on FB for little hints
• You try dishes at each restaurant
  • If you’re vegetarian, let Jesse Leeds-Grant, the Greenwich Dishcrawl Ambassador know at jessel@dishcrawl.com
• You get to talk with chefs and owners
• You learn new fun things and meet great new people
• You eat so well that you begin to crawl.

Bambou Asian Tapas + Bar: Not Your Typical Sushi Spot – Greenwich, CT

Chef’s Special Roll, Crispy Melt Goat Cheese Roll, and Crunchy Wasabi Tuna Roll

Perfect little dumplings

Basket of various fried sweet potatoes

The plate, the plate, the plate is on fire…

Crème brûlée and ginger/green tea ice cream

A few years ago, before we started our blog, we tried Bambou Asian Tapas & Bar in Greenwich and really enjoyed it. Now only minutes away from where we live, we decided to head back and see if things were as good as we remember.

Just looking at the menu, we were excited because of the variety of flavors and choices. The decor, too, is pretty simple and zen…relaxing. So, let’s take you through our meal and show you why Bambou just might be your next stop for unique tapas and creative sushi.

Basket of various fried sweet potatoes

Sweet Potato Tempura Fries with Honey Soy Dip

Awesome plating with a fry basket displaying the fries.  While the outside was crispy, the insides were raw and needed more cooking.  The dip added some sweetness and there was a slight tartness from the soy.  The darker fries were thicker and had a deeper kind of flavor. We probably wouldn’t get this again.

Perfect little dumplings

Veggie Dumplings

We got ours steamed, though you can get them fried if you’d like.  One of the things that we hate most about dumplings is how some Asian restaurants use a super thick, flour-y wrapper on the dumpling so all you taste is starch.  Well, they’ve got it down here at Bambou because they use nice, thin rice paper…just like they should.  Inside the dumpling were big chunks of veggies and the soy vinegar sauce for dipping was a bit tangy. Very good!

3 Big Restaurant Giveaways from New England Culinary Group

Some contests have crazy rules such as:

• taking blood from your first-born as the moon is in perigee during an odd month.
• balancing on one foot while goats attack you as you try to click through and enter.
• or watching a video about how seahorses give birth (what does that have to do with anything?) then finally getting a chance to win.

Well, this contest that New England Culinary Group (they created Eating Greenwich & Port Chester) is putting on is pretty darn easy.  Just like their FB page and you’ll be automatically entered into a contest to win one of three great restaurant prizes.  The contest ends by March 7, so you’ll need to get on that right now!  Would you like to know what the prizes are?

Deals @ 18 Restaurants During Eating Greenwich and Port Chester 2013

•••

Back in October 2011, we told you about Eating Greenwich and Port Chester:  a restaurant week that spanned two states.  Well, these two neighboring buddies are back for more action two years later!  But, this isn’t your typical restaurant week and you can thank New England Culinary Group for that.  Starting off, one of the restaurants below might give you a deal on a three course lunch for $12.13/$18.13 or dinner for $20.13/$30.13.  Restaurants also have the option of offering up a special killer deal that will get you there and save you some serious dough.  But, here’s the gem in the crown of this event:  the “Keep Eating” program.  When you chomp away at any of the restaurants that are participating during Eating Greenwich and Port Chester, you will receive a Keep Eating 20% off gift certificate to be used at any participating restaurant from March 10-27, 2013.  The certificates are valid from Sunday through Wednesday and don’t include alcohol, just be aware.

Make sure to check out NECG’s site and this post for updated info, deals, and pricing points.  Here are the restaurants with their locations from 3/3-3/7:

1. Alba’s in Port Chester
2. Arrosto in Port Chester
3. Avenue Cafe
4. Bistro Latino in Greenwich (a must for tapas, review on the way)
5. Centro at the Mill Restaurant in Greenwich
6. China White  in Purchase (we’ve heard amazing things, Greenwich opening around spring)
7. Coals in Port Chester (yeah, love the grilled wings, pizza, and beer selection here)
8. eleven14 Kitchen in Greenwich (we want to try)
9. Greco’s Bella Cucina in Greenwich
10. John’s of Arthur Ave. in Port Chester
11. Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar in Greenwich (we’ve been to Red Lulu, but not here yet)
12. Morello Bistro in Greenwich (excellent Italian)
13. Polpo in Greenwich
14. Sonora in Port Chester (love this Nuevo Latino spot!  Same chef/owner as Bistro Latino)
15. Tandoori in Port Chester (when we lived in Rye Brook, we loved going here.  Will have to try again)
16. Tarry Lodge in Port Chester (excited to try)
17. The Ginger Man in Greenwich (great beer selection)
18. The Willett House in Port Chester

Reap Our First Tastes of Harvest: New American Farm to Table in Greenwich, CT

Executive Chef Eben Leonard talks with Ralph Kantrowitz

The interior as you enter Harvest of Greenwich

Chefs prepare the food at Harvest of Greenwich

Mac and cheese can be pretty traditional everywhere you go. Sure, sometimes you might get a fun, surprise ingredient like truffle oil, lobster, bacon, or jalapeno, but usually it’s fairly safe. But, if you’re Harvest Wine Bar & Restaurant in Greenwich, safe and traditional aren’t even in their vocabulary. Instead, their EPIC baked mac and cheese is made from fresh, housemade cavatelli mixed with Cabot white cheddar, fontina cheese, and the pièce de résistance, a hearty amount of short ribs that have been braising in red wine all day, all topped with crispy, crunchy bread crumbs. This awesomeness set the tone for the night of the special pre-opening party!

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Short rib mac + cheese

During the night we met Vicente Siguenza, owner and manager of the amazing Cava, Scena, and 55 Wine Bar & Restaurant. And, we were geeked out to meet the man behind the food, Chef Eben Leonard. He came out with both our dishes and talked about how he prepared them and how they had evolved over time. Just the day before Eben and his sous chefs cooked every single dish on the menu and all the staff at the restaurant had to taste them. Our server that night said she was throwing the food down like a rock star at first, but then she soon realized the Herculean task set before her and took it a bit easier. The tasting is part of what sets Harvest aside from many other restaurants. They want the staff to know what they are bringing to the table and they want the staff to be able to help people order.

Talking a bit more about the menu, it’s divided up into a few parts that will have you coming back for more. Raw specials (like tartare), snacks and shares, starters, seconds, wood fire grilled steakhouse choices, sides, and desserts. If you’re a wine lover, you’ll be happy to know that they are staring with 120 bottles and will also have 30 different glasses of wine for your drinking pleasure. There are also some beer options, with Half Full taking up 2/3 drafts with their Bright Ale and IPA. Now, back to the food…

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Kristien sank down into the short rib mac & cheese, and Dan ordered the shaved Brussels sprout salad, atop a parmesan risotto cake, sprinkled with truffle vinaigrette. When Chef Leonard spoke to us about the dish, we were surprised (and a bit scared) when he told us that the dish before us consisted of raw shredded Brussels sprouts. Raw? Regardless, Dan dug in and really loved the strong cheese flavor that was packed into the sprouts. There was really a great contrast going on there: the richness of the cheese paired with the earthy, slightly bitter taste of the sprouts. The risotto cake beneath had a crispy crust and added a nice solid crunch from the crispy crust. The inside probably could have used just a bit more cooking, but that didn’t stop Dan from devouring every last bite.