The 2014 OmNomys: Celebrating the Best in Food in Fairfield County

Well, here we are, already at the end of 2014. Man, how time flies. But fret not friends, because the end of another year means another celebration of the best of the best in Fairfield County. That’s right, it’s time for the 4th Annual OmNomys! By now most of you know how this works, but for those of you new here, this is a list of the best that we’ve experienced in 2014… NOT necessarily the best EVER in Fairfield County. If your favorite spot or food didn’t make it on here, maybe it was on our list back in 2011, 2012, or 2013… and if not, let us know so we can check it out in 2015! 

So, without further ado, here we go:

Best Ambiance: Cask Republic, Stamford

With not one, but two fireplaces, Cask Republic has a warm, rustic, and down-homey kind of vibe going on. It’s hard to think of a chill spot with more class. It’s the perfect place to meet up with friends, have some drinks (from which there are many to choose), and try out some great gastropub grub.

Where to get some liquid courage this Valentine’s Day – Fairfield County

Let’s face it, Valentine’s Day can be a nerve-racking holiday.  If you’re single, you either long for meeting the love of your life, or you’re filled with hatred that such a ridiculous holiday even exists.  Who the heck is Hallmark to tell you what to do anyway?  If you’re just dating someone, it’s super awkward. What gift says “I like you” in a sweet, awwww inducing kind of way, and not in a creepy “I want to meet your mom and have your babies kind of way”?  And if you’re in a serious relationship, you might feel bored and uninspired, desperate for some romance to spice it up.

Yep, Valentine’s Day can be tough…unless you loosen up and have a few drinks. Single and want to hit on a hot girl?  Have a couple drinks. Single and want to forget this day even exists?  Have a couple drinks.  Dating and want to tell your date you love them for the first time?  Have a few drinks.  In a serious relationship and want to tell your partner you like handcuffs and furry costumes in the bedroom?  Errr…well…have a lot of drinks.  Either way, we gotcha covered with a sampling of some of our fave places to get your drink on in Fairfield County this Valentine’s Day.*

PopShop Market Returns 2 Fairfield with Shops, Food Trucks, and Pop Up Restaurants on October 5th

If it ain’t broke, don’t you dare go fixin’ it!  But, if something is so awesome, it sure don’t hurt to keep making it better!  That’s what you can expect with the third PopShop Market here in Connecticut.  This special one day market on 10/5 from 9 am -3 pm is back at Fairfield Theatre Company where it all began on June 1.  This time around, though, you can expect a ton of great food trucks, lots of other food and drink options, tons of shops and even some pop up restaurants!

Here are just some of the food trucks and restaurants that will be there:

Westport + Weston, Greater Valley, Milford, Fairfield, West Haven, and Connecticut Restaurant Weeks Info and Listings

Restaurant weeks are about exploring new places, trying new restaurants, and saving mucho dinero.  Lucky for us, there are always restaurant weeks here in Connecticut.  In October, alone, there are 6 special weeks.  So, let’s look at all the restaurants that are taking part in the Westport + Weston, Greater Valley, Milford, Fairfield, West Haven, and the statewide Connecticut restaurant week.

Westport + Weston:  9/29/13-10/12/13

Lunches for $10 or $15, dinners for $20 or $30

23 participating restaurants (info here)

323 Main Restaurant & Bar ($15/30), Acqua Ristorante ($15/30), Arezzo Ristorante ($15/30), Artisan ($15/30), Blue Lemon ($15/30), Cru Restaurant & Lounge ($15/30), DaPietro’s ($15/30), Matsu Sushi ($15/30), The Mumbai Times ($10/$20), Pink Sumo Cafe ($15/30), Positano’s Trattoria ($15/30), Post 154 ($30), The Red Hen at the Westport Inn ($15/$20), Rive Bistro ($15/30), Rizzuto’s ($15/30), Sakura Japanese Restaurant ($15/30), Spotted Horse Tavern ($15/30), Tabouli Grill ($15/30), Tarantino’s ($15/30), Tavern on Main ($15/30), Tarry Lodge ($15/30), Tengda Asian Bistro ($30), Terrain Garden Cafe ($15/30)

Now open: slurp up a storm @ Mecha Noodle Shop in Fairfield, CT!

Ah. Take a dive into that! Pic from Mecha’s FB page.

Start your slurping engines, kiddos.  Mecha Noodle Shop (from the same owners of the highly rated Pho Vietnam in Danbury) is now serving up ramen in the former Liquid Lunch spot in Fairfield.  Although it’s only a soft-opening this week, you’ll still be able to taste all the great soups and apps that they have prepared.  As for the opening, expect that very soon.  And, when you drink those soups, don’t be afraid to slurp.  In fact, “Slurping Encouraged” is printed on the bottom of their menus.  It’s pretty common in Japan and ramen bars to hear lots of slurping and sloppy noises.  The main reason?  It actually helps to cool the broth down.  See, there’s a reason for everything.