Stamford’s restaurant scene is an interesting mixture of new and old, big and small, chains and mom and pop shops. Truly, there’s a place to go for everybody. Starting in a few months, there will be two more options for hungry Stamfordites and Fairfield Countiers to sink their teeth into: Del Frisco’s Grille and Brother Jimmy’s BBQ.
We told you about the 1st Annual Stratford Restaurant Week at the start of the week, but you’ll be happy to know that there are lots of other options for branching out and trying new spots throughout the middle of April, too. So, let’s break these restaurant weeks down in order from Branford, to New Haven, and then to Stratford:
April 6-12, 2014
First up is Branford Restaurant Week, make sure to enter for a $25 gift card good at any of the participating restaurants. Secondly, check out the selection of restaurants that will feature specials, deals, and prix fixe menus. Third of all, don’t forget about Stoney Creek and Thimble Island breweries, both in Branford. Make a day of it!
Antipasto has been proven* to elevate mood and happiness
As if the great deals of Stamford Winter Restaurant Weeks weren’t enough, the Stamford Chamber of Commerce is giving hungry people even more reasons to visit Stamford. You got it people, it’s the 21st Annual Taste of Stamford! This year’s event is on 2/27/14 at the Stamford Marriott and goes from 5:30-8:30. Tickets are $50 if you pre-pay by ordering here or will be $60 at the door. Money raised from Taste of Stamford will go to the Kids Our Future Trust Fund formed by the Chamber to bolster educational programs in Stamford Public Schools.
Now, let’s give you the details on why this night is gonna rock yo world:
Stamford Downtown always does a killer job with their events and Winter Restaurant Weeks 2014 is no different! Not only are we talking about nicely priced lunch and dinner prix fixe menus from 32 different restaurants, but the deals will be going on for two whole weeks. Yes, from 2/17 until 3/3, you can get great deals at some of your favorite places or try out new restaurants like the Irish-pub-iness of Castle Bar & Grill, the Mexican-ness of Tomatillo Taco Joint, the gastropub-iness of Cask Republic, and the seafood-iness of F•I•S•H•.
Every year The Connecticut Restaurant Association honors chefs, restaurateurs, and mixologists throughout the state that embody the best of the best in the culinary world. And, last night they honored all of these great people at their annual CRA Salute to Excellence Award Dinner where the winners from five different categories were announced. Down below you can find the winners along with the other semi-finalists. Congratulations to all the people and restaurants involved!
The Connecticut Restaurant Association is having its yearly Excellence Awards Dinner at Mohegan Sun on December 3. At this dinner they’ll be celebrating the best of the best in terms of dining and drinking in Connecticut. But, that list has not been finalized yet…that’s up to you!
Down below you’ll find the list of the semi-finalists in the following categories: Casual Restaurant, Upscale Restaurant, Caterer, Chef, and Pernod Ricard Mixologist of the Year. Hopefully you’ll also notice that there are lots of restaurants from Fairfield County that are on this list. Show your love and vote in your favorites!
Oh, no biggie. Just OmNomCT hanging with THE Sam Calagione, founder of Dogfish Head. Check out his bitchin’ brews at the Plan B Doggy Style fundraiser.
This post about three great events happening this week covers just about everything in the world that makes us happy:
Well, let’s get to it, chop chop!
11/6
Bistro B Fall Is in the Air Wine Dinner in Bridgeport
Bistro B American Bistro & Wine Bar is a brand new restaurant in Bridgeport, though their roots aren’t so new. That’s because Bistro B is the sister restaurant to the ever-popular Barnum Publick House. Bistro B focuses on small plates and a shared dining experience over some great glasses of wine. And, you can get a taste of this brand new restaurant on 11/6, starting at 7 pm, for just $50 plus tax and tip. Here’s what you get:
Because of prior commitments, we were only able to attend the Grand Tasting at last year’s Greenwich Wine & Food Festival. So, after having a great time at that last year, we vowed to hit up every event this year…and we did!
Thursday’s kick-off party was held at Miller Motors in Greenwich and featured wine, cocktails, finger food, and lot of goodies up for auction to help benefit the Hole in the Wall Gang. We learned a great deal about the charity that Paul Newman founded to give children with disabilities a chance to attend a great summer camp and met some great people.
And, then there was Friday’s Grand Tasting (see our complete album with descriptions here). This year’s event was in a bigger tent, so there was lots of room to stroll around and go from table to table. This event was amazing and featured some of the best chefs from NY and CT including Michael William Batt from Food Design Catering, Rui Correia from Douro, Clifford Crooks from BLT Steak, Eric Gabrynowicz of Restaurant North, Bryan Gilmore of 121 Restaurant, Frederic Kieffer of l’escale, Michelle Klem of CakeSuite, Fritz Knipschildt of Chocopologie, Eric Korn of Good Life Gourmet, Tim LaBant of The Schoolhouse at Cannondale, Debra Ponzek of Aux Delices Foods, and Bill Taibe of LeFarm and The Whelk. There was a nice variety of wine, plenty of great top shelf liquor, and even lots of sweets and coffee to wind the night down with. We finally had the chance to meet Chris Barrett and Brianna Pennel from Steam, so that made us very happy. And, we got to meet and talk with Raphael Palomino, owner and culinary brain behind the amazing Sonora and the newcomer to Greenwich, Bistro Latino. We also finally had the chance to meet Graham Elliot who became part of the auction by offering up not one but two exclusive experiences at his new restaurant in Greenwich, Primary Drink & Food.
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.
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)
Dan and Kristien Del Ferraro
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