Wassup with Jesup Hall? A Review of Westport’s Newest Restaurant from Bill Taibe

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We know, we know, it’s been a while since our last review, but while we’ve been focusing on cutting back the cals and subsequent lbs, an amazing new restaurant opened up that we HAD to get back in the game for, and STAT. That restaurant is Jesup Hall in Westport, and the reason it was a must-review is because of three words: Chef Fu&$ing Bill Taibe. Ok, that’s four words, but the colorful adjective was necessary for such an iconic and amazing chef in these here parts.

So, way back in October 2015 when we talked to him at The Whelk during a special oysters, sherry, and pork dinner, he was excited about the idea of expansion after the closing of leFarm. And with noted Chef Dan Sabia who comes from Campagna (in Bedford) and Bedford Post Inn on board, his hopes of starting something new took flight in Jesup Hall,  located at the old town hall where you can also find Rothbard Ale + Larder off to the side. 

Michel Nischan on Making Changes, Cruising the Mediterranean, Meals with Pepin and Andres, Favorite CT Restaurants + More

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We recently were able to interview one of our favorite chefs who is also a Nutmegger: Michel Nischan. We’ve loved his food, but even more than that we love what he stands for and how hard he works as CEO of Wholesome Wave to make change in the world. He’s the kind of person that inspires us to be better people and to help make change in our own worlds, too. So, here it is: a look into some of the changes that he’s most proud of making, what he’d still love to fix, sailing the Mediterranean, spontaneous dinners with Jose Andres, his favorite restaurants in CT, and what he first wanted to do with his life. After reading this insightful interview, make sure to set plans to see Michel at this year’s Greenwich Food + Wine Festival! 

Have your food & raise funds too–Exclusive Kitchen Crawl event, 10/8 Westport

Eat food from 5 great CT chefs, drink wine and beer, tour houses, AND help Community Plates? Um . . . yes!

Have you ever passed a REALLY REALLY nice house for sale that you weren’t actually in the market for, but so badly wanted to tour it just to see how beautiful it was inside? And have you ever fantasized about how amazing it would be to enjoy an amazing meal prepared just for you by a renowned chef inside one of those home’s award-winning kitchens? Well, dream no longer. That’s EXACTLY what you get to do if you attend the first-ever Kitchen Crawl event put on by realtor Judy Michaelis in association with our friends at CTBites and Moffly Media’s AtHome Magazine. And the best part? While you’re enjoying all these amazing sights, smells, and tastes, you’ll be raising money for a charity near and dear to our hearts, Community Plates, whose mission it is to end food insecurity in America.

This is how it all goes down:

Westport Farmers’ Market Releases Chef Demo Schedule for Summer 2016 Season

Last year we saw how a kickass burger is made right at WFM!

At the Westport Farmers’ Market, you can do a helluva lot more than just shop for the freshest farm-to-market foods and meats . . . there’s always something fun going down. And, specifically, if you come by from 10:15-11 on Thursdays, you’ll catch Fairfield County chefs demoing a dish that you can learn to make yourself. The cool thing? You can pick up the ingredients right there at the market and make it that day when you get home for din din.

Westport Farmers’ Summer Market ’16 Opens May 19

Real food, real farmers, real good: Westport Farmers’ Market returns!

Get your canvas shopping bags ready, Westport Farmers’ Market (50 Imperial Avenue) will be opening for their summer season on May 19. At high noon, grab some free juice donated by The Stand and toast to another successful season. The market will then continue every Thursday from 10-2 up until November 3. There will still be the awesome farmers and artisans there this year, but there will be plenty more happening like chef demos, yoga, and activities for children. Check our FB post for an album of shots we took from one of last year’s markets. 

Taste of Westport 2016 Delicious Fundraiser for CLASP Homes of Westport

 

This year’s event will prove to be the best one yet . . . 

 

Taste of Westport is back and is being held at the Westport Inn from 6-9:30 on May 5. Some new as well as some tried and true local restaurants will have plenty of food for tasting, there will be freshly shucked oysters, desserts, and plenty to drink like wine and cocktails. While you’re wining and dining the night away check out the reggae vibe of Beto Petrillo and Rob Russo and the jazzed up duo of Matt Criscuolo and Tony Purrone. There will also be auction items like tickets to see Billy Joel, The Daily Show, pearl necklaces, dinner at Michael Jordan’s steakhouse, and more. Tickets are $75 if you buy them online or $85 at the door with profits going towards CLASP Homes of Westport. 

 

Bites and Drinks Include

• Acqua
• Beaver Beer
• Bianco Rosso
• Bobby Q’s Bodacious BBQ & Grill
• The Cottage
• DaPietro’s 
• Garelick & Herbs
• Greens Farms Spirit Shop
• Harvest
• Little Barn
• Matsu Sushi
• Mionetto
• Rive Bistro
• Le Rouge
• Rothbard Ale + Larder
• Tarantino Restaurant
• Washington Prime

 

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CLASP is a 34 year old organization providing homes and opportunities for people with autism and other developmental disabilities. Its programs foster independence, dignity and continued growth for its clients at its 21 residences in seven area communities. CLASP collaborates with area businesses to match the capabilities of its clients with the needs of these companies.

Fairfield Cty. Food News: Openings, Brunch, Burgers, Donuts + More – 1/15/16

Plenty to do, see, eat, drink, and look forward to here in Fairfield County this week with our weekly news post. If you scroll down to the bottom, we have some events listed for outside of Fairfield County, too, if you feel like checking things out or live out yonder.

1/15 Harvest Westport is officially opening tomorrow at 5 with walk-in spots only at this time.

1/16-17 TruNorth Tavern & Table in Black Rock has $15 bottomless mimosas and bloodys from 11-3 for brunch. Get you some.

Chocopologie knows what’s up!

1/17 Don’t forget that South End in New Canaan is open for brunch starting at 11:30. One of the dishes: Mexican Breakfast tacos that come with fresh salsa and potatoes on the side.

 

1/20 Chocopologie in SoNo is hosting a chocolate AND bourbon tasting class. Oh, hot damn, yes. In addition, there will be hors d’oeuvre and champagne before the tasting. It’s $89 all in. Get your spot by emailing chocopologie@mail.com.

Chick’n Shack Comes to CT and All Shake Shacks

 

Oh dear God, shut up and take our money already! Photo from Shake Shack. 

 

Shake Shack just announced that they are bringing their Chick’n Shack sandwiches ($6.29) to all their US Shake Shacks starting today. Like all cool things, this sandwich got its start in Brooklyn, but finally we get the chance to try it and devour it.

[oink] pops up in Westport at The Whelk

You’re gonna wanna tix for this one . . .

Back in November, we helped to break the news here in Fairfield County about a new pop up eating experience called [oink]. The focus of their pop up at that time was putting out a killer brunch at Caseus of New Haven. Before that, Chefs Craig Hutchinson and Alex Lischynsky had put together meals at Black Hog Brewing and other spots throughout the state. Well, now they are adding a new location to that list: The Whelk in Westport.

The focus of this dining series is “Il Arbitrario,” meaning The Arbitrary in Italian which just so happens to be the focus of the meal. Italian . . . at Westport’s quintessential seafood and New American spot? You betcha! Chefs Hutchinson and Lischynsky will be carefully sourcing ingredients from all around CT that include real, pure, and sustainable food that is put together into 7 awesome courses.

Feast Prep: Special Christmas Westport Farmers’ Market on 12/22!

WFM is spreading some holiday cheer with a special holiday market! 

Skip the grocery stores this Christmas as you prep for an amazing meal with family and friends. What are we doing, you ask? Well, Kristien’s parents are coming over and we’re going to be eating allllll day long! Yes, we’re kicking Christmas off with a delicious brunch followed by a new dish every hour or so. So, it’s more of a lounging in your pajamas kind of day.