Liquid Hoptimism DIPA Review and Launch Party @ Half Full

When we found out that Half Full had a brand new brewer, Tom Price, back in January, we were pretty psyched. As some of you might remember, we have been following Half Full before they oven opened up shop at 43 Homestead Avenue right in Stamford. So, we were excited and hoptimistic to see the evolution after their first brewer, Jen Muckerman left.

Our first taste from the new brewer back on February 27 (gotta love Untappd) was Liquid Hoptimism, a new DIPA. While it did seem like an improvement, the beer didn’t live up to our expectations, so we didn’t bother trying to find it again. Honestly, we didn’t feel the hoptimism.

Slices of NY Heaven + More @ Bronx House Pizza Pie in Springdale, Stamford

Just a short walk from our house is the brand new Bronx House Pizza Pie that has its grand opening tomorrow. The new joint, owned by Bruno DiFabio who also owns Amore on Hope Street, ReNapoli in Greenwich, and many other great award-winning pizza places, is located at 27 Ryan Street. If you’re coming off of Hope, turn down Camp Ave. then you’ll see it right after the Twin Rinks and across from Napa Auto Parts.

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. 

Moby Book Signing and Cocktail Party @ Franklin Street Works

Moby will be at Franklin Street Works in Stamford this Saturday, be sure to get your tix . . .

Moby is coming to Franklin Street Works in Stamford this Saturday from 6:30-8:30. Yes, yes: THE Moby, the one who put out the album Play that featured the hits “Bodyrock,” “Why Does My Heart Feel so Bad,” and “South Side” that is a duet with Gwen Stefani. At that time he’ll be signing copies of his book, Porcelain: A Memoir. Tickets cost $35 for a person or $50 for a couple. And that includes a copy of his book, entry for the current exhibit (All Byte: Feminist Intersections in video Art) and your choice of a free beer or wine. This event is a collaboration between Moby, Franklin Street Works, and Barret Bookstore in Darien. 

WHEN: Saturday, May 21, 2016 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM 

WHERE: Franklin Street Works – 41 Franklin Street, Stamford, CT 06901 – View Map

 

Rad, Dude: Pizza Surf Club First Bites and Drinks – Stamford, CT

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Update: We visited Pizza Surf Club this past Sunday and need to update our original post. First of all, drinks were hit or miss. The Mousse Juice was still great, but the Margaritas were either weak like water or had too much bite from cheap-tasting tequila. The food portion of the Pizza Surf Club was even more disappointing, with only square pies being brought around sporadically. And, while the pizza was okay, it certainly wasn’t up to the same standard as other Fortina pizza. We wondered where all that other great and fun food was that they put on display opening day. We were also a bit disappointed with the bar service. One bartender, in particular, was slow and came off as rude and unconcerned. At other times, we received the wrong drinks, getting a Margarita instead of a Motorino. Last of all, and certainly not under the control of Pizza Surf Club, but the whole deck had a college frat-party kind of vibe with people spilling drinks, sloppy drunk, and doing shots. We can’t say that we recommend going to Pizza Surf Club anymore, but we do still think that Fortina downstairs is great and worth a visit. 

Cowabunga, dudes, Pizza Surf Club opened yesterday above Fortina and we’ve got some deets on the drinks, the food, and what to expect. Think of this as an add-on to our post that broke the news and our tips on what to order.

 

Great views overlooking the park . . .

 

First of all, don’t get caught up in the riptide, walk up the stairs facing you when you enter Fortina, turn right, then climb up a second set of stairs. Hint: look for the bright neon graffiti stairwell, it’s pretty hard not to miss. Climb, observe the awesomeness of pizza graffiti, then you’re at Fortina’s rooftop deck AKA Pizza Surf Club. When you arrive, you’ll purchase some slick tix at $8 each (and the tip is built in). For the most part, 1 drink/food item = 1 ticket, so depending on how thirsty ya are or how hungry you be, purchase accordingly. You can always go back and buy more if you need to. 2 drink/food items include Mousse Juice, Motorino, Italian Ice, Prosecco and Popsicles, and funnel fries.

Tom Price from Brooklyn Brewery Hired as Headbrewer @ Half Full in Stamford

 

Hmmm . . . Buffalo Trace barrels, a dark beer, a wanton, aloof look whilst smoking a pipe. Yeah, something’s going down! Picture of Tom Price from Half Full.

Although Jen Muckerman has been with Half Full Brewery in Stamford since the start of it all, she left mid-year in 2015. We talked with some of the crew at Half Full during their Halloween party and were told that they were in serious talks with a new headbrewer who’s had a ton of experience and comes from Brooklyn Brewery. We were excited at that notion and what it could mean for Half Full . . . especially for how people see their beer and brand. 

Wrap up your own free pizza @ Colony Grill today

This could be yours, all yours.

Free pizza? Oh yes. All you need to do is bring an unwrapped toy to any Colony Grill today (12/14) from 2-5. The only rule is that you need to sit down, relax, and eat it there. ;)

+ All That Jazz: 9th Note Jazz Supper Club Opens Today in Stamford

New Haven’s loss is our gain! That’s because the extra popular 9th Note Jazz Supper Club that used to be at 56 Orange Street in New Haven is opening today, 11/6, in Stamford. Although things didn’t work out how they would have liked in New Haven, they found a perfect spot in The City that Noms. They took over the sexy cool spot where GRAND used to be at 15 Bank Street.

So, why is this a spot that we’ll all need to check out? Well, first of all the music scene there will be killer good with plenty of stellar jazz and blues acts. But, it’ll be lots more than just music, there will also be burlesque dancing . . . hopefully in Star Wars gear! ;)

Stamford Chili Cookoff 2015 Looking for Entrants; Save the Date!

The Stamford Chili Cookoff is looking for cooks and chefs who have mastered the art of chili. If you think you’ve got that killer recipe that will help you take home first prize, then contact Joe Gonzalez and let him know you’re in it to win it!

For the rest of you who just want to taste their chili and vote on your favorite, let this be a save the date! The event goes down on November 1 from 11-3 at the beautiful Stamford Museum and Nature Center. More details on the way . . . but we can say that this is a great event that not only warms your body, but also your heart as you’re helping to raise money for The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County.

The Fez Grand Reopening Party Drops on August 15 – Stamford, CT

Back on May 21, we broke the sad news that The Fez in Stamford would be closed for a couple of months to further fezzify it and bring in some much-needed updates. Well, wait no more Fezavores . . . they’re just about ready to open their doors again!

And, lucky for you, you’ll only need to wait until August 15! That’s when owner Eric Monte will be hosting the Grand Reopening Party and the reveal of the made-over restaurant. On that night you’ll not only get tastes of Chef Shelby’s updated menu, but there will be live music from The Casablanca Project, The Juicy Grapes, and a few special guests. Plus, it’s also owner Eric Monte’s birthday, so it’s just gonna be a killer good time.