Mason Dixon Smokehouse: Drawing a New Line for BBQ – Stamford, CT

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Update: We have a few things to report on right now:

1. Nestor left Mason Dixon in early January. He does have future plans and things in the works.
2. Mason Dixon was closed yesterday for mechanical issues, but they are up and running and are open for lunch right now.
3. The new Pitmaster, Ryan Cuber, has been working with Nestor since opening and had a BBQ catering company of his own, Savory Smoke Catering.
4. Ryan left and, soon after, they closed for good.

Once upon a time, Mason Dixon was a line that clearly divided the North and South, but now–in Stamford–Mason Dixon is a Smokehouse that clearly divides killer BBQ from, um, well, pretty much all the rest. Yup, as we shared back on October 1, Pitmaster Nestor Laracuente was on a mission to open up a new BBQ joint, a joint that would clearly draw a new line for BBQ in Fairfield County. When we discovered the Brooklyn Pit Rat chose to open that joint in our very own Stamford, we were thankful AF we were on the right side of the line.

So while we were eager to get in there as soon as it opened, we like to give a restaurant a few weeks to work the kinks out before we review. As you can imagine, the suspense was killing us, even more so because we follow their hot, meaty, BBQ porn laden Instagram account . . . ooooh yeaaaahhh . . . ok, we digress. So yes, we finally dropped in with our friend Nicole and her friend Justin and took down pretty much EVERYTHING from cocktails, to sides, to apps, and of course to the MEATS. So, let’s break it on down:

Nestor Laracuente Opening Mason Dixon Smokehouse in Stamford w/ Gamechanging BBQ

Nestor mans the pass to the open kitchen of what will soon be Mason Dixon Smokehouse.

Update: We have a few things to report on right now:

1. Nestor left Mason Dixon in early January. He does have future plans and things in the works.
2. Mason Dixon was closed yesterday for mechanical issues, but they are up and running and are open for lunch right now.
3. The new Pitmaster, Ryan Cuber, has been working with Nestor since opening and had a BBQ catering company of his own, Savory Smoke Catering.

Are you sitting down now? Okay, we’ll wait . . . you’re gonna need to brace yourselves with this one. Master Pitmaster Nestor Laracuente is getting ready to open a new bbq spot right in Stamford, CT. The spot, Mason Dixon Smokehouse, is located right in the Columbus Park area where Gastro Bar (78 W. Park Pl.) is right now. And, the man behind it all, Nestor, is dying to get started and be back in CT. That’s Nestor aka Brooklyn Pit Rat aka pitmaster who helped place Hometown BBQ and Hoodoo Brown BBQ on the top of list after list. 

Walrus Fest ft. Beer’d Brewing, Walrus + Carpenter, Games, Music + More

Hobbit Juice DIPA, one of the legendary beers from Beer’d Brewing that people go crazy for.

Hold tight onto those tusks, Walrus Fest is hitting Black Rock for the first time ever on June 26! This new festival brings together a restaurant, a brewery, vendors, charities, community groups, musicians, and more to celebrate not only the Black Rock Community but also the 3 year anniversary of Walrus + Carpenter. Just stop by the corner of Fairfield Avenue and Jetland Street in Black Rock from 1-6 and get your nom . . . and groove . . . on.

Here are some of the emerging details for Walrus Fest:

Savory Smoke Thursday BBQ Pop-ups @ Sandwedge Deli in Norwalk

Ryan Cuber of Savory Smoke Catering has been working non-stop on his BBQ game. Over the past few years, he’s spent countless nights stoking the pit, finding the right cooking times and temps, and working on his technique. And, now, it’s finally paying off big time with a BBQ pop-up at Sandwedge Deli @ 607 Main Avenue in Norwalk.

Giveaway: 8 Tix to Connecticut Harvest Jam 2015 in Danbury

Connecticut Harvest Jam is just a week away and we wonder if you’re even ready? Seriously, have you even prepared? Where is your red flannel shirt, guys? Ladies, where are your Han Solo vests, leggings, and boots? 

But, even if you haven’t prepped for the start of fall, you should still hit up the Connecticut Harvest Jam at Ives Concert Park in Danbury on 10/10 from 2-8. Brought to you by KICKS 105.5 and i95 Rock (the station, not the road), the Harvest Jam will feature plenty of live music, as well as noms from some great local restaurants, a pumpkin patch for photos and selfies, vendors to shop from, plus some great beer options too.

CT Food News: over 30 things to do, eat + drink for the next two weeks! – 9/11/15

So, people: chill. Summer goes until September 22, so stop saying that summer’s over. And, with the crazy amount of events, deals, special events, brunches, and beer goodness, it’s clear that summer’s alive and well. This is really an amazing list this week and we hope that you get to do even do a 1/4 of the things that we’ve planned out for you here. As always, help us spread the word, pass this along, and if you’re making a reservation or learn about something great because of us, let the restaurant or organizers know. 

9/11-13 People will be heading to the Norwalk Oyster Fest for the seafood, the drinks, and the tunes. For more info, check it here. 

CT Food News: Labor Day Weekend Planner, BBQ, Brunch + CT Beer Goodness – 9/4

We ain’t messing around, people. We’ve got the biggest and best list of events, news, deals, and beer happenings in Fairfield County . . . and beyond. And, with a three day weekend that starts in a few hours, we sure as damn hell made sure to pack it full of great things to do!

Labor Day Weekend

9/4 Check out The Beer Garden at Shippan Landing with live music from 4-7, Hapa Food Truck, happy hour from 4-7, $4 domestic brews, and $20 pitchers. While you’re sipping on some brews or cocktails, play some cornhole and practice your bro-hood by doing some beer pong.

Gimme S’more: 4 S’mores Recipes for a Killer Backyard Party

Elvis has left the building and is just about to enter our bellies. Photo from Robin Selden

You haven’t had any kind of good summer until you’ve busted out the fire pit or grill to make some S’mores. And, like the good people they are, Marcia Selden Catering has gone ahead and given us four recipes that will help you to elevate your dessert level from n00b to expert in no time flat. So, let’s take you through these recipes, one delicious bite at a time:

CT Food News: Festivals, Farmers’ Markets, Fireworks, Food Specials, CT Beer + More — 6/17/15

Need something awesome to do, want to check out some farmers’ markets, want to check out some of the hottest food around, or drink some of the freshest beer in the state? Well, look no further than our weekly news post where we focus on Fairfield County Food and CT beer news. If you have anything that you’d like us to add, always feel free to e-mail us at omnomct@gmail.com.

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Festivals, Events, Specials + Food News

6/18 Ryan Parrino and Ian Briggs will be playing live from 4-7 at Washington Prime in SoNo. Happy hour that day goes from 4-6 with 50% off all small plates, their raw bar, wine, beer, and speciality cocktails. Get your reservations by calling them at (203) 857-1314.

6/19-21 Fairfield University is hosting the annual Fairfield County Irish Festival again this year, so make sure to stop by! There will be plenty of Irish music, dancing, drinking in the craft beer tent, and eating. 

How Do They Do the Voodoo that They Do? A Review of Hoodoo Brown Barbeque in Ridgefield

We know, we know, the “professionals” say that you’re NEVER supposed to go to a restaurant during the first few weeks of opening, let alone the first day! And we totally understand why, but what you gotta understand is, after Dan RAAAAAAAVED about his preview of Hoodoo Brown Barbeque a few weeks ago (when Kristien was at a 6.5 hour hair appoint–yeah, WTF?), saying it was some of the best BBQ he’s ever had, Kristien HAD to get in ASAP to confirm his declarations. Apparently we weren’t the only ones excited because even way before their opening at 5:30 on May 23, there was a line that stretched down the parking lot with people ready to get down and dirty with Nestor Laracuente’s Texas outlaw BBQ. Pretty awesome for a first night in business, huh?