Learn to be a Happy Cook with Daphne Oz & Yours Truly @ Darien Library on 9/29

 

Daphne Oz will be in CT next week on our The Happy Cook Tour! See her at the Darien Library. Pictures provided by Daphne Oz.

 

Want to be inspired to prepare quick, easy, healthy, and most importantly, delicious meals for everything from your crazy busy week to fun-filled weekends with friends and family? Well, then the Darien Library is where you need to be on Thursday, 9/29.

 

Daphne will be signing copies of her newest bestseller, too.

Starting at 7:00pm we’ll have the honor of moderating a lively discussion with New York Times best-selling author and Emmy Award-winning co-host of ABC’s The Chew, Daphne Oz as she shares her inspiration behind her new book, The Happy Cook: 125 Recipes for Eating Every Day Like It’s the Weekend, as well as ideas, tips, advice and more to help even the most nervous or reluctant novice transform into a happy, confident cook.

 

After our interview, we’ll open up the floor for audience questions and the evening will wrap up with a reception and book signing.

This event will take place in the Community Room and is free to all thanks to the wonderful folks at the Darien Library.

Hope to see you there!

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Daphne Oz In Conversation

9/29 at 7 pm

Cost: Free

Darien Library

1441 Post Road

Darien, CT

Pig Roast, Beer Garden + Sidewalk Margarita Bar @ Bodega’s Cinco de Mayo Party 2016

 

Cinco de Mayo is just a few days away . . . and we’ve got some great news to share coming from Bodega Taco Bar. Which one, OmNom, which one? BOTH! But how do we decide which one to go to, OmNom? Well, it depends what you’re into:

Darien will have a pig roast, Patron tequila specials, music from PanaMusik, and a pop-up beer garden. Fairfield will feature the Bodega food truck, a sidewalk margarita bar, more Patron tequila specials, and “strolling guitar music.” If you are as hardcore as we hope you are, you could easily hit up one then get to the other. ;)

Then, just tres days later, check out their Mother’s Day brunch from 11-4 or dinner from 4-10. You take mom out, she gets a free cocktail. ;)

Vaya con Dios, OmNomivoritos! 

Heritage Square |1700 Post Road | Fairfield, CT | 203.259.2624

980 Post Road |Darien, CT | 203.655.8500

www.bodegatacobar.com | 7 days L-D-BR

Taste of Sicily: Palmer’s Market Pop-Up Restaurant ft. Michelin Starred Sicilian Chef Claudio Ruta

Gioacchino Passalaqua and Claudio Ruta will be giving everybody an authentic Taste of Sicily at the Palmer’s Market Pop-up Restaurant. Pick from Palmer’s Market Site. 

We’ve written about plenty of pop-ups, but how about a pop-up where the chefs come from halfway across the world to take part in a two day experience? Yup, that’s happening at Palmer’s Market in Darien! The dates are January 25 and January from 7:30-9:30 on both nights. For $80 you will get a complete four-course BYOB meal.

In-depth w/ Kory Wollins of BSF: Burgers, Making Mooz, Life, and the Heart of a Perfectionist.

Chances are, this is the man you see every day when you come into BSF Greenwich…

A family of four walked through the door, haggard disappearing into happy, and Kory Wollins was already on them like white on rice.  “Hey, how’s it going?  Is this your first time here?” he asked as they looked a bit overwhelmed as they tried to figure out their orders.  It turns out they were there from Texas and visiting family in Norwalk for a wake, so they stopped at Burgers, Shakes & Fries, hearing about their reputation.  We know they like it big in Texas, so Kory broke down the menu for them.  They got their order in and Kory (owner of BSF Greenwich and co-owner of the Darien spot) kept talking to them about Texas, Connecticut, and just life in general.  When they got their burgers, the buttered-toast hamburgers didn’t last too long, quickly being devoured by the hungry Texans.

This was just 10 minutes of one day (while even more people came in to order during this time), of one week, of one year at BSF, but to that family, Kory made a difference.  On that day, Kory met with Dan and they talked about burgers, the restaurant biz, blogs, his quest to conquer making Fior di Latte mozzarella, and waxing philosophical about life.  During previous conversations they talked a lot about how blog culture tends to bury the good restaurants that have been around in a while in favor of the newest and hottest spots.  There was one comment that stood out from our most recent conversation that we want to start with:  “In the end the most important question to ask is, ‘Did you walk out with a smile when you left?'”  We always smile when we leave, especially when we have the smell of burgers and fries wafting from our bag as we speed our grub home.  So, let’s dig in and grill Kory for a bit…hey, he’s not the only one who can grill.

CT Food News, Vol. 8: Rare Booze, Beer, Trux, Festivals, + Fun

 

Jumping for joy and trying to swallow those Pez whole

Old news is not new news, people…that’s why we’re getting ya some of the freshest nomworthy bites of food news for Fairfield County (and beyond) for this weekend and next week, too.  This week we’re talking booze, br/lunch, food news, food trucks, festivals, farms, and farmers’ markets.  Full event listings here.  

Beer and Liquor Get Ya There Quicker

6/13:  Harry’s in Fairfield is hosting “Harry’s Open that Bottle Event” that will feature rare and exclusive Scotches, Ryes, and Bourbons that they’ve been stocking up on over the past few months.  Sample these awesome spirits from 5-8 and get some (or something similar) for yourself or dad this Father’s Day.

6/19:  Jack’s Abby launch party with co-founder Sam Hendler at 7 pm, held at Cask Republic Stamford.

Coalhouse Pizza in Stamford will also soon carry Thimble Island of Branford AND Jack’s Abby.  What what?

Where to Eat + Drink with the Stereotypical Dad on Father’s Day

Here in ‘Merica we celebrate Father’s Day by honoring the guy who put us into this world. The man who sticks his hand in his pants when he’s watching sports on TV. The remote control hog. The beer guzzler. The guy that fixes all the broken stuff in the house. The golfer, the fisherman, the any other Hallmark stereotype you can imagine guy.  Yep, it’s the good ‘ole American dad’s day, so to honor him this Sunday, June 15, we’ve put together a list of places you can take your stereotypical dad to indulge in the things he loves most…

If BBQ is your super dad’s kryptonite, try:

1) Dinosaur Bar-b-que, for the dad that wants to sit back and get fat.  So your dad just wants to sit on the couch and chew the (pork) fat all day? Hey, we’re not judging…who wouldn’t?  You go right ahead and enable him by ordering up some BBQ’ed goodness to take home.  Some particularly gluttonous options include:

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

King of the Grill:  special cut ribs, bone-in chicken quarters (1/2 white, 1/2 dark), 2 sides, cornbread ($99.95 for 6, $189.95 for 12, or $279.95 for 18).

Father Knows Best:  choice of 2 bbq meats, 3 sides, cornbread ($109.95 for 6, $199.95 for 12, $299.95 for 18).

Pitmaster Pro:  choice of 3 bbq meats, 3 sides, cornbread ($129.95 for 6, $249.95 for 12, or $375.95 for 18).

Make sure to place your order 48 hours in advance by calling (203) 517-3273 or e-mailing stamcatering@dinobbq.com.  Any package also gets your dad the Dinosaur Bar-b-que Cookbook for the days when he doesn’t feel so lazy.

2) Saugatuck Craft Butchery, for the dad that thinks he can do it better himself.  A great grillmaster like your dad knows that amazing BBQ starts with the meat, that’s why you’ll need to take daddy dearest to Westport.  He’ll have a killer selection of ribs, chops, special cuts, and custom ground sausage.  Make his life super easy by calling them up at (203) 226-6328, placing an order, then picking it up for him so he’s ready to grill all day long.

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If your dad’s eyes light up at the sight of good beer , try: 

1) Two Roads tour and tasting if you’re staying closer to home.  Your dad’s had Two Roads‘ beer from the store and at the bar, but WHAT? He’s never been to Stratford to see where the magic happens?  Well, get him down there on Father’s Day and prove your love.  Dad’ll have plenty of time because they are open from 12-7, with tours at 1 and 3.  Added bonus:  The Local Meatball food truck will be on hand… so he can stuff his belly too.  Note that no minors are allowed in the tasting room or beer garden.

Dads love bocce!

2) Captain Lawrence Brewery, if you’re up for a quick field trip.  Your dad’s already a Connecticut beer pro? Well, blow his mind with something new by taking him on down to Captain Lawrence Brewery in Elmsford, NY.  There’s plenty of (really good) beer to sip on, nice bites of food to pick from (plus Village Dog will be there), and they’ve got two official sized bocce ball courts.  That’s a full day of Father’s Day entertainment right there! Hours are 12-5 with tours at 2 and 4.  And, just because they love dads so much, they’ll have 11 test batches that your dad can vote on that will stay in production at the brewery.  

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If your dad likes to be referred to as The Captain, try:

1)  Dolce Cubano, for a manly dock n’ dine day.  Dad can dock his boat up right outside Dolce Cubano and either call them up for dine-in service right on your boat, or just head up to the restaurant to enjoy some tasty cocktails and creative spins on Italian and Latino dishes. Be sure to get the butternut squash and lobster gnocchi. It will rock your dad’s world!

Dad will be your greatest fan if you take him to Dolce…

2)  Captain’s Cove for fun for the whole family.  If Dad wants to make it a fun-filled family day, let him boat out to Bridgeport and dock at Captain’s Cove.  There he’ll have his bounty of fresh or fried fish, plus plenty of other options like shopping, music, and handmade boat races for the family.

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If your dad can quote every line from Caddyshack, try:

Sterling Farms, for the dad that (thinks he) can golf.  You can play through the course with dad*, or if dad get’s a little too serious for your emotional health, you can be his caddy for the day.  Either way it’s a win-win because when you’re done, you can both enjoy a full lobster dinner at Zody’s, which just opened right by the driving range.

Mini golf at Calf Pasture Beach, for the dad with not enough patience (or skill) to play real golf. Fun for the whole family*, and afterwards you can all hit up Ripka’s Beach Cafe for some kabobs, lobster, or even some raw bar options. Eat there or take it down to the beach and give dad the relaxation he deserves.

*Let dad win or risk revoking your rights to the will.

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If your dad prefers the wind in his hair on the open road, try:

The Darien Collector’s Car Show, to give dad something to drool over.  From 11-2 pm at Tilley Pond Park on West Avenue in Darien, you can check out the 9th annual car show that motor enthusiasts look forward to every year.  Admission is just $5 per person, kids 6 and under are free and a portion of ticket sales goes to At Home in Darien. When you’ve checked out all the cars, head over to Estia’s for a hearty, farm fresh brunch, Bodega for the best tacos around, or Meatball & Co for lotsa juciy meatballs.

Let dad have a kickass kinda day!

Dew Drop Inn, for the badass motorcycle ridin’ dad.  If your dad has a bike (and a bonus beard and tattoo), take a trip with him to Dew Drop Inn in Derby.  He can talk shop with tons of other bikers, admire what they’re riding, and/or just drink fantastic craft beers and chow down on some great comfort food, like their steaks, burger, and over 41 crazy chicken wings, like the PB&J or the Parm Butter Bacon Garlic.

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If the thrill of competition gets your dad’s blood pumping, try:

Bridgeport Bluefish, for a fun-filled family day.  The game against the Lancaster Barnstormers (“Amish Paradise” theme song?) begins at 1:05…and it’s Jersey Off Our Back Day.  That means that you can bid on actual jerseys worn by players during the game.  Tix are just $11 or $12, so get ’em while the gettings good!  While you’re there, let dad chow down on some peanuts, and Cracker Jacks…and hot dogs…and burgers…and beer.  And, if you’re a savvy kinda family, use Groupon to get 2 tix for $14.50 or 4 for $28.  Also, on 6/16 the legendary Pete Rose will be managing the Bluefish, so that’s another game you won’t want Daddy-o to miss.

This could be YOUR dad! Photo from Bpt Bluefish site.

Chelsea Piers in Stamford, for the dad that likes to sweat.  An active dad’s paradise, Cheslea Piers has a ton of sweat-inducing activity options. For (non-member) drop-in programs, there are batting cages, ice skating, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and more.  When you’re done letting dad get his shots in, check out Just Sprouted Cafe for some lighter drinks and small bites to recharge.

 

 

 

Lobstercraft Food Truck to Open Restaurant in Darien…and 1 Penn Plaza!

Kristien’s favorite, the California!

Bacon and lobster, the happy couple

Thou desireth roll of lobster? Quench thy famishment.

Lobstercraft food truck

Talk about wild success, Lobstercraft has clearly and truly made it big.  While they started as a food truck hitting up the Rowayton Farmers’ Market, they quickly became known as the place in CT to get awesome food and lobster rolls.  Then, they definitely took things to the next level as they became one of the main food trucks that would hang at The Beer Garden at Harbor Point.  Recently, we even told you that they now have two trucks…and now this:  a brand new restaurant in Darien and one coming to 1 Penn Plaza.  

Here are the details:

Celebrate CT Beer Week with Todd from CT Pour Tour at these nearby spots

The Pitmaster Challenge, in all its glory!

Yes, we know it’s American Craft Beer Week.  Everybody’s been advertising it, everybody’s been talking about it, everybody’s been hyping it up, but how about we show some local love, too?  Share the fact that it’s CT Beer Week (5/12-5/18), share your favorite Nutmeg brews, drink some, support local business, local crafters, local brewers.  Do it right, son! ;)

Valencia Luncheria Food Truck Brings Arepas, Burritos, and More to CT!

Chef Michael Young has been a busy boy.  First he got the Bodega Food Truck up and running and now he’s putting the finishing touches on the Valencia Luncheria Food Truck.  Holy crap, yes, it’s true.  Valencia + food truck = DA BOMB!

The food truck serves two purposes:

1)  It’s an easy way for Valencia to cater parties and events.

2)  It’s an easy way for your to get your Valencia fix when you’re not near their Norwalk spot.

Starting off, they will are offering arepas, burritos, salads, and a few other options.  As they go out and make food, they’ll tweak and change the menu if need be.  Their plans right now are to hit up Landmark Square/Vets Park in Stamford two days a week, so get ready!  And, they will certainly be hitting up other spots around Fairfield County, too, so make sure that you’re following them on Facebook, and Twitter.

For more information about hiring Valencia for catering or parties, please call ’em up at (203) 453-5928.

Cool Beans: The Buzz Truck Set to Percolate, Caffeinate + Feed the Masses

Update:  The Buzz Truck is running and fully caffeinated!  

Mornings, afternoons, or whenever you wake up from your late night out just got a helluva lot better.  That’s ‘cuz we’ve got a brand new food truck that’s ready to hit up the streets of Fairfield County called The Buzz Truck.  Run by husband and wife team Alex and Jess Grutkowski, The Buzz Truck is nearly ready to get us buzzing with caffeine and fill us up with some awesome local baked goods.  We think their new food truck will fill a major void in Fairfield County and will round out events perfectly.  So, let’s hear a little bit from Jess about how The Buzz Truck came to be, what drinks and food they’ll feature, where they plan to be stopping and setting up shop, and what their plans for the future are.

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Where did the idea for The Buzz Truck come from?

The idea came about organically, just from being a coffee lover and a mom short on time. My husband Alex and I both have a corporate background (online advertising and public relations, respectively). We always knew that someday we would start our own business, but it took some time to come up with the right idea. We thought about children’s parties, the Community Theater in Fairfield, mini golf, but nothing was “just right.”

I was always late to pick up my girls from nursery school at Earthplace…it was kind of embarrassing. But my friends and I would always cover for each other when we were late to pick up, especially since some of us drove from Fairfield and would get stuck on the highway or behind school buses.

I remember being in line one day watching the clock – slightly panicking – and the only guy in front of me pulls out a piece of paper and starts reading off orders…”One sugar, free, non-fat, vanilla latte, extra hot 190 degrees, not a ton of foam.” I was left to choose:  be late again or ditch the line and forego coffee all together.

Then the idea hit me. Why isn’t there an ice cream truck, but for grown-ups, with coffee? Even the name, The Buzz Truck, came to me at that moment. I could drive to the nursery school at pick-up time and the moms and staff could get coffee or tea, kids snacks and drinks.