A La Carte Dining Blog

A La Carte Dining Blog tag:weblogs.ctnow.com,2009-04-11:/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte//370 2011-02-10T15:31:01Z Movable Type 4.1 A La Carte Has Moved tag:weblogs.ctnow.com,2011:/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte//370.155312 2011-02-10T15:28:53Z 2011-02-10T15:31:01Z

The A La Carte dining blog has moved to a new home. Find us now at http://www.ctnow.com/entertainment/restaurants/a-la-carte/.Need to update your RSS feed? Here's the link: http://www.ctnow.com/entertainment/restaurants/a-la-carte/rss2.0.xml

Leeanne Griffin http://weblogs.courant.com/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte/about.html http://www.ctnow.com/entertainment/restaurants/a-la-carte/.

Need to update your RSS feed? Here's the link: http://www.ctnow.com/entertainment/restaurants/a-la-carte/rss2.0.xml

]]> Max's Oyster Bar: In Top National Oyster Company tag:weblogs.ctnow.com,2011:/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte//370.155293 2011-02-08T14:01:42Z 2011-02-08T14:22:42Z

Though the tack of the article is "Doomsday" - referring to the disappearance of wild oyster reefs - Max's Oyster Bar has made it onto Eater's list of "36 Places To Eat Oysters In America Before They're All Gone."The West Hartford restaurant appears to be ranked #6 on the list. It joins nationally-recognized names like Grand Central Oyster Bar in Manhattan, Acme Oyster House in New Orleans, Boston's Union Oyster House and Neptune Oyster and Wintzell's Oyster House in Mobile, Ala. Eater notes that "the stylish...restaurant is home to one of the state's best raw bar selections. They even have a selection of wines meant to pair with the little guys."What do you think? Did Eater get it right? Where is your favorite local spot to slurp bivalves?(Photo: Leeanne Griffin / ctnow.com)

Leeanne Griffin http://weblogs.courant.com/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte/about.html

Though the tack of the article is "Doomsday" - referring to the disappearance of wild oyster reefs - Max's Oyster Bar has made it onto Eater's list of "36 Places To Eat Oysters In America Before They're All Gone."

The West Hartford restaurant appears to be ranked #6 on the list. It joins nationally-recognized names like Grand Central Oyster Bar in Manhattan, Acme Oyster House in New Orleans, Boston's Union Oyster House and Neptune Oyster and Wintzell's Oyster House in Mobile, Ala.

Eater notes that "the stylish...restaurant is home to one of the state's best raw bar selections. They even have a selection of wines meant to pair with the little guys."

What do you think? Did Eater get it right? Where is your favorite local spot to slurp bivalves?

(Photo: Leeanne Griffin / ctnow.com)

]]> Sliders To Open Fourth Location In Wallingford tag:weblogs.ctnow.com,2011:/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte//370.155284 2011-02-07T16:46:32Z 2011-02-07T18:48:23Z

Leeanne Griffin http://weblogs.courant.com/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte/about.html

Sliders Sports Bar & Grill, winner of many "Best Wings" accolades since its opening in 1993, will open its fourth restaurant Wednesday.

The newest Sliders is at 950 Yale Avenue in Wallingford, joining its sister locations in Plainville, Berlin and Plantsville.

The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. Stop by for happy hour (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) for half-price wings and $2.50 drafts.

Call 203-793-7858, visit slidersgrillbar.com or Sliders' Facebook page for more information.

(Photo credit: Christine Wolfram Taylor / ctnow.com)

]]> Introducing The CT Beer Trail Website tag:weblogs.ctnow.com,2011:/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte//370.155283 2011-02-07T14:53:57Z 2011-02-07T16:19:52Z

You already knew Connecticut was home to great microbreweries, but the new Connecticut Beer Trail website hopes to spread the word even further. Founded by Bryon Turner, CTBeerTrail.net aims to bring together Connecticut's breweries, brew pubs and beer bars, home-brewing businesses and beer-festival organizers through social media. "The site is just getting started but we're very excited to already feature the bulk of Connecticut's beer industry," Turner said in a release. "We're working on adding additional home brew shops, beer bars, and beer stores as well."(Jan. 30, 2011: "New Partner At Right Moment Allows Hooker Brewery To Flourish." (Steven Goode, Hartford Courant)Featured members include Thomas Hooker Brewery, Olde Burnside Brewing Company, Cambridge Brew House, Willimantic Brewing Co., City Steam Brewery, SBC Restaurant and Brewery, Cottrell Brewing Company, New England Brewing Co. and John Harvard's of Manchester. The site's launch coincides with proposed legislation to establish official state support for the development of a Connecticut Beer Trail, similar to the state's wine trail. "If it's working for local wine, why not for local beer?" Turner wrote in his user profile on the site. The bill (No. 464) was introduced by Sen. Andrew M. Maynard, 18th Dist., and Rep. Diana S. Urban, 43rd Dist., and will be discussed during a public hearing Tuesday at the Legislative Office Building. For more information about the CT Beer Trail, visit ctbeertrail.net or call 860-292-0279.(Thomas Hooker Brewery photo: Mark Mirko / Hartford Courant)

Leeanne Griffin http://weblogs.courant.com/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte/about.html

You already knew Connecticut was home to great microbreweries, but the new Connecticut Beer Trail website hopes to spread the word even further.

Founded by Bryon Turner, CTBeerTrail.net aims to bring together Connecticut's breweries, brew pubs and beer bars, home-brewing businesses and beer-festival organizers through social media.

"The site is just getting started but we're very excited to already feature the bulk of Connecticut's beer industry," Turner said in a release. "We're working on adding additional home brew shops, beer bars, and beer stores as well."

(Jan. 30, 2011: "New Partner At Right Moment Allows Hooker Brewery To Flourish." (Steven Goode, Hartford Courant)

Featured members include Thomas Hooker Brewery, Olde Burnside Brewing Company, Cambridge Brew House, Willimantic Brewing Co., City Steam Brewery, SBC Restaurant and Brewery, Cottrell Brewing Company, New England Brewing Co. and John Harvard's of Manchester.

The site's launch coincides with proposed legislation to establish official state support for the development of a Connecticut Beer Trail, similar to the state's wine trail. "If it's working for local wine, why not for local beer?" Turner wrote in his user profile on the site.

The bill (No. 464) was introduced by Sen. Andrew M. Maynard, 18th Dist., and Rep. Diana S. Urban, 43rd Dist., and will be discussed during a public hearing Tuesday at the Legislative Office Building.

For more information about the CT Beer Trail, visit ctbeertrail.net or call 860-292-0279.

(Thomas Hooker Brewery photo: Mark Mirko / Hartford Courant)

]]> Valentine's Day Dining Specials tag:weblogs.ctnow.com,2011:/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte//370.155271 2011-02-04T16:28:27Z 2011-02-09T00:59:41Z

Leeanne Griffin http://weblogs.courant.com/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte/about.html

Haven't made reservations yet for Valentine's Day? Shh, we won't tell your beloved.

If you're looking to woo your date with prime cuts of steak, lobster, oysters, champagne and sumptuous desserts, you've got plenty of options.

Here's a list of selected restaurants offering Valentine's specials on Feb. 14. Since the holiday lands on a Monday, several places will run the menus through the preceding weekend.

(This list will be continually updated. If you're a restaurant owner and would like your event listed, email us.)

(Additional listings by MaryEllen Fillo.)

Candlelight sets the mood and benefits a good cause through Feb. 14 at Adams Mill Restaurant, 165 Adams St., Manchester on Valentine's Day. As part of its celebration, the restaurant will have candles for its tables for a $2 donation benefiting the American Heart Association. Dinner specials include veal maison, seafood Alfredo, baked stuffed lobster and prime rib. Information: 860-646-4039 or theadamsmill.com.

Alta Strada at MGM Grand at Foxwoods hosts a "Valentine's in Veneto" wine dinner on Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. The five-course dinner includes Duxbury oysters, gnocchi with Maine shrimp, seared foie gras with truffle vinaigrette, Long Island duck and chocolate and hazelnut tiramisu. Cost is $150 per couple ($75 individual) and rooms are available at MGM Grand that evening for $79. Call 860-312-2582 for reservations. altastradarestaurant.com.

Angelico's On The Boulevard, 40 Glastonbury Blvd., Glastonbury, serves Valentine's Day specials like pancetta-wrapped shrimp, pescatore risotto and coffee molasses-cured duck breast in addition to its regular menu. Strolling musicians will perform. Call 860.659.9300 for reservations. www.angelicosotb.com.

Baci Grill, 134 Berlin Road, Cromwell, also offers an extended Valentine's Day menu from Feb. 11 to 14. Entrees, ranging from $25 to $29, include lobster Newburg and grilled Delmonico steak. Dinner will be served from 6 to 10 those nights. Information: 860-613-2224 or bacigrill.com.

Carbone's, 588 Franklin Ave., Hartford, serves its regular menu along with several Valentine's specials on Feb. 12 and 14. Specials include seafood ravioli, gnocchi Bolognese, blue-crab stuffed veal Francaise, pan-seared Chilean sea bass and housemade carrot cake. Call 860.296.9646 for reservations. carbonesct.com.

]]> Confetti's, 393 Farmington Ave., Plainville, is open Feb. 14. Parties seated between 4 and 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 to 9 p.m. will receive 20 percent off their food, and everyone dining that evening at anytime will be served a complimentary glass of champagne. Information: 860-793-8809. idineconfetti.com.

Cuvee, 37 Raymond Road,West Hartford, hosts a Valentine's Day dinner on Feb. 14. The menu includes shrimp cocktail, filet mignon, Maine lobster (for an upcharge), chocolate soufflé and complimentary glasses of sparkling wine. Cost is $27 a person. Information and reservations: 860-756-5590 or cuveewesthartford.com.

Elizabeth's Café, 885 Boston Post Road, Madison, offers a special Valentine's Day menu on Feb. 12 and 14. Reservations: 203-245-0250. Click here for full menu selections.

The Fisherman Restaurant, 937 Groton Long Point Road, Noank, makes a weekend out of Valentine's Day, serving a $20 stuffed native lobster special on Feb. 12, 13 and 14. 860-536-1717 for reservations. fishermanrestaurant.com.

Litchfield Saltwater Grille, 26 Commons Drive, Litchfield, offers a la carte Valentine's Day specials on Feb. 14, including a baked seafood sampler for two, seared Chilean sea bass, baked stuffed lobster tail and snow crab. Call 860-567-4900 for reservations. litchfieldsaltwatergrille.org.

McLaughlin Vineyards, 14 Albert's Hill Road, Sandy Hook, hosts "From Prosecco to Port: A Chocolate and Wine Feast" Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. The event features chocolate and wine pairings, from aperitifs to dessert wines. Cost is $55 a person. Reservations are required. Information: 866-599-9463 or mclaughlinvineyards.com.

Mohegan Sun's restaurants offer tasting menus, prix-fixe dinners, special entrées, complimentary champagne and other Valentine's treats through the weekend. Visit mohegansun.com for full details.

Papacelle, 152 Simsbury Road, Avon, offers a special Valentine's Day menu on Feb. 13 and 14 for $125 a person, plus tax and gratuity. The selection includes beef tenderloin carpaccio, butter-poached lobster tail, champagne risotto with red rose petals and a heart-shaped red velvet cake for two. Also, each couple will receive a red rose, a box of chocolates and two complimentary glasses of Prosecco. Those with reservations will be eligible to win one of four necklaces by Kevin Edward Jewelers. Information: 860-269-3121, papacelle.com

River Tavern, 23 Main Street, Chester, serves Valentine's specials all weekend long, with dishes like oyster pan roast, chevre souffled pudding, warm lobster salad, slow-roasted leg of lamb, duck au vin and lobster with yellow curry. Dessert includes baked-to-order chocolate hazelnut souffle, date pudding with dark rum caramel sauce and blood orange cheesecake. Call 860.526.9417 for reservations. rivertavernrestaurant.com.

Spicy Green Bean, 225 Hebron Ave., Glastonbury, offers a Sweetheart BYOB Dinner on Feb. 14. Seatings are at 6 and 8:15 p.m. Information: 860-657-3500. spicygreenbean.com.

Treva, 980 Farmington Ave., West Harford, offers several specials for Valentine's Day. Chef Dorjan Puka will create his own innovative appetizers and entrees for the day, including $12 appetizers, $20 pasta dishes, $24 seafood specialties and $26 beef entrées. Special desserts will also be featured. Information: 860-232-0407 ortrevact.com.

Tuscany Grill, 120 College St., Middletown, offers a Valentine's weekend celebration from Feb. 11 to 14 with specially priced signature-chef entrees, including pan-seared Chilean sea bass and lobster ravioli with seared baby scallops. Information and reservations: 860-346-7096 or tuscany-grill.com.

Vito's By The Park (26 Trumbull Street, Hartford, (860) 244-2200), Vito's By The Water (1936 Blue Hills Ave. Ext., Windsor, 860-285-8660) and Vito's Tavern (136 Main St., New Britain, 860-801-6800) offer three distinct Valentine's Day menus at each location. The specials will run Feb. 11 through Feb. 14.

In Hartford, the menu includes lobster and avocado salad, chateaubriand for two, blackened ahi tuna and bananas foster. The Windsor restaurant will serve beef carpaccio, lamb porter, king-cut prime rib or seafood risotto for two and deconstructed cheesecake. The New Britain restaurant serves "entrees for two" with appetizer and dessert. Selections include surf and turf (stuffed shrimp and Delmonico steak,) mixed grill (veal, lamb and shrimp) and double-cut ribeye. Dessert options are warm apple crisp, red velvet cake and amaretto almond torte. Visit vitosct.com.

VIVO Seasonal Trattoria at the Marriott Hartford Downtown on Columbus Boulevard is offering a four-course dinner for two on Feb. 13 and 14. Dinner includes appetizer, intermezzo, main course and dessert for $125 a couple plus tax and tip; or $289 a couple, which includes an overnight stay. Entrée choices include petite filet mignon, veal tenderloin or pan-seared bass. Information: 860-760-2333 or vivohartford.com.

(River Tavern photo by Mark Mirko / Hartford Courant)

]]> Local Wine And Shellfish Night At Max Fish Monday tag:weblogs.ctnow.com,2011:/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte//370.155266 2011-02-03T15:35:18Z 2011-02-03T16:09:26Z

Leeanne Griffin http://weblogs.courant.com/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte/about.html

Max Fish celebrates an evening of local wines and shellfish Monday, paired with select wines from Colchester's Priam Vineyards.

Noank, Blue Point and Briar Patch oysters will be served with Priam's Barrel Select Chardonnay, Riesling, Dry Gewurztraminer and Late Harvest Riesling. The shellfish pairings also include a lobster parfait. (Oysters are subject to change based on availability.)

Seatings are at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Cost is $35 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

Call 860-652-3474 for reservations. Max Fish is at 110 Glastonbury Blvd, Glastonbury. maxfishct.com.

(Photo credit: Bill Daley / MCT)
]]> 10 Local Places To Catch The Super Bowl tag:weblogs.ctnow.com,2011:/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte//370.155265 2011-02-03T14:36:35Z 2011-02-03T15:04:29Z

While our "local" teams didn't make it to the Big Game, the Super Bowl is still a time-honored American tradition.If you're looking for a local spot with huge TVs, blazing buffalo wings and plenty of beer, we've got a list of places to catch the Steelers vs. Packers action Sunday night.Guide: Super Bowl Dining Specials

Leeanne Griffin http://weblogs.courant.com/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte/about.html

While our "local" teams didn't make it to the Big Game, the Super Bowl is still a time-honored American tradition.

If you're looking for a local spot with huge TVs, blazing buffalo wings and plenty of beer, we've got a list of places to catch the Steelers vs. Packers action Sunday night.

Guide: Super Bowl Dining Specials

]]> Chinese New Year Specials At Char Koon, Forbidden City Bistro tag:weblogs.ctnow.com,2011:/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte//370.155262 2011-02-02T13:57:39Z 2011-02-02T15:21:25Z

Leeanne Griffin http://weblogs.courant.com/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte/about.html

The Char Koon restaurant group celebrates the upcoming Chinese New Year with Malaysian Nyonya fusion cuisine. Through Feb. 12, the three restaurants will serve specially priced prix-fixe menus.

Char Koon in South Glastonbury and Char Koon 1800 in Canton will serve three-course menus for $20.11. Forbidden City Bistro in Middletown will serve a three-course menu with wine pairings for $39.95.

Char Koon is at 882 Main St. in South Glastonbury (860-657-3656, charkoon.com). Char Koon 1800 is at 144 Albany Turnpike in Canton (860-693-8868, charkoon1800.com). Forbidden City is at 335 Main St. in Middletown (860-343-8288, forbiddencitybistro.com).

(Photo credit: Richard Messina / Hartford Courant)

]]> Zula Opens In Downtown Hartford tag:weblogs.ctnow.com,2011:/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte//370.155254 2011-02-01T13:58:48Z 2011-02-01T14:26:06Z

Leeanne Griffin http://weblogs.courant.com/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte/about.html

Downtown Hartford's newest restaurant and nightspot, Zula, has been generating a lot of buzz.

The chic, trendy Zula opened its doors in mid-January at 901 Main Street (corner of Pratt and Main.) Bar manager Cory Sims described the menu as a mix of new American, northern Italian and Mediterranean.

Small plates like bacon-broiled scallops and sauteed calamari join pasta dishes, flatbread pizzas, smoked beef brisket, ginger salmon, sandwiches and burgers.

The current menu is somewhat limited, he said, explaining that a much larger and varied menu will debut once Zula hosts its grand opening celebration on Feb. 14.

"No matter what you're looking for, we have something to appease you," he said.

Besides the food, Zula's bar specializes on "pre-Prohibition drinks," Sims said. They're shaking up old-school cocktails like the French 75, the Last Word (made with chartreuse) the Aviator, the Sidecar and the Old-Fashioned. "Vintage is in right now," Sims said. "It's gaining in popularity."

Zula also has an extensive wine list, Sims said, available by the glass and bottle.

Zula is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to close (bar hours.) 901 Main Street, Hartford, 860-244-9852. See Zula's Facebook page for more information.

Dinner is served until 10 p.m. on weekdays, 11 p.m. weekends. Selected food items are half-price during weekday happy hour, held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

(Photo credit: Flickr user Stuart Webster)

]]> Creative Fare, Wine And Cocktails Kick Winter Blues At Sun WineFest 2011 tag:weblogs.ctnow.com,2011:/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte//370.155248 2011-01-30T01:15:44Z 2011-01-30T02:07:18Z

Leeanne Griffin http://weblogs.courant.com/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte/about.html

Judging by the crowds at Sun WineFest 2011 Saturday, people were raring to kick some snow-induced cabin fever. Within minutes of the Grand Tasting's noon start, the Mohegan Sun Convention Center ballroom was packed with gourmands and wine aficionados ready to indulge.

Representatives poured hundreds of fine wines from France, Italy, Napa Valley and South America, and chefs from Connecticut restaurants cooked up dishes ranging from fun comfort foods to more intricate, creative tastes.

See more pictures of the Sun WineFest 2011.

Jordan Caterers presented an earth-to-table style setup, designed with shiny copper cookware. Star chefs Kevin Cottle and Van Hurd served up sake-braised pork belly with sweet-and-sour lentils, truffle jicama slaw and parmesan-seasoned bread. It was the first Sun WineFest appearance as Jordan chefs for the former "Hell's Kitchen" contestants, who joined the catering company last summer.

"It's just fun. [A] lot of great restaurants that come together. This is kind of a fun time for us chefs, because we never get to see each other," Cottle said. "We're always so busy. It's a great time for camaraderie."

Hartford's Polytechnic ON20, a restaurant known for its imaginative cuisine, went with a twist on an classic ham-and-cheese sandwich. In ON20's interpretation, this meant toasted fresh-baked bread with cured Bayonne ham, Bloomsday cheese from Colchester's Cato Corner Farm, a creamy Mornay sauce, Parmesan foam and crispy pancetta bits for garnish. The miniature sandwiches were served with lighter-than-air handmade potato chips.

"We wanted to make something a little bit more simple, but in a gourmet fashion," said executive chef Noel Jones. ON20 also presented an irresistible flourless chocolate torte with Bailey's crème anglaise, crushed Marcona almonds and Maldon sea salt.

Esca Restaurant and Wine Bar was a new addition to the festival, serving braised short ribs, truffled shrimp gnocchi and chocolate-dipped biscotti.

"We're just really excited to be here. We're a fairly new restaurant, hoping to let people know that we're here, and to come visit us in Middletown," owner Elisa Bramato said.

Several other restaurants dished up comforting Italian food, fitting for this harsh winter. First & Last Tavern's huge arancini (fried risotto balls,) stuffed with gooey fontina and pancetta, turned heads. VIVO Trattoria made their signature penne Bolognese with mascarpone and Parmesan. Octagon at the Mystic Marriott had mini veal osso buco with grilled polenta and tomato relish.

Along with the hearty fare, there were also small glimpses of summer: Jasper White's Summer Shack and its ocean-fresh raw bar of Blue Point oysters, cherrystone clams and shrimp cocktail; SolToro's zesty shrimp ceviche with Serrano peppers and cilantro; buttery miniature lobster rolls from Cuvee; coconut shrimp by Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. Sushi lovers lined up for maki rolls and sashimi by Toshi and Feng Asian Bistro.

On the specialty foods front, lines formed at the booths for Guylian Chocolates and iGourmet, where people clamored to get tastes of cranberry-flavored chevre and a wildly popular English cheddar with sweet caramelized onions.

Among the wines were plenty of spirits, and certain booths' signature cocktails gained a lot of fans. Chandon served a "bubbletini," with its sparkling rose wine, vodka, fresh strawberries and simple syrup. (File that one away for Valentine's Day in a few weeks.) 10 Cane Rum mixed up batches of refreshing mojitos, conjuring images of Caribbean vacations. A long line formed for a Grand Marnier "Smash" cocktail, made with Cordon Rouge, fresh lemon and mint leaves and served in a spherical red collector's cup.

Upstairs, beer tastings reigned supreme, with a loud, rollicking atmosphere reminiscent of fraternity parties.

Saturday was a prime day for celebrity chef sightings, with cooking demonstrations by Bobby Flay, Robert Irvine, Marcella Valladolid and Todd English. Visitors crowded the seating area to catch glimpses of their favorite Food Network personalities.

Several seminars took place during the day Saturday, including a chocolate and Cabernet Sauvignon pairing with winemaker Michael Martini; a beer-and-cheese tasting with Sebago Brewing Company president Kai Adams and an Elite Cru wine event with exclusive vintages, specialty cheese and a raw bar. Flay, English, Irvine and Jasper White joined other big names for the flagship Saturday evening event, the Celebrity Chef Dine Around.

Note to Mohegan regarding the Grand Tasting: The food-token purchase system (one token=one dollar) has got to go. At that rate, you could feasibly surpass the $70 ticket price to buy tokens for just a handful of bites. (Other similar festivals charge a little more per head and include everything in the ticket price.)

The Mohegan Sun WineFest continues Sunday with the Grand Tasting event from noon to 5 p.m., featuring the 7th Annual Oyster Open at 4:15 p.m. The Bubbles and Bon Bons dessert-and-champagne gala kicks off at 6 p.m. with chocolatier Jacques Torres, Irvine and executive pastry chef Lynn Mansel. Visit sunwinefest.com for details.

(Photo credit: Nick Caito / ctnow.com)]]> Anthony Bourdain In Stamford, New Haven tag:weblogs.ctnow.com,2011:/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte//370.155245 2011-01-28T15:11:30Z 2011-01-28T15:56:35Z

Leeanne Griffin http://weblogs.courant.com/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte/about.html

If you missed Anthony Bourdain during his tour stop in Springfield last fall, here's your chance to see him in Connecticut.

The foul-mouthed celebrity chef and TV personality has two speaking engagements booked next month. He'll be at the Stamford Center for the Arts Feb. 12 and New Haven's Shubert Theater on Feb. 23. (Click links to search for available seats and tickets.)

So what's it like to see Anthony Bourdain live? Click here to see our recap of his evening in Springfield and our Q&A, equal parts enlightening and hilarious.

(Photo credit: Royce Carlton)

]]> Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana To Open In Danbury Monday tag:weblogs.ctnow.com,2011:/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte//370.155241 2011-01-27T16:47:06Z 2011-01-27T17:02:15Z

Pepe's continues its 86-year-old coal-fired tradition with the grand opening of its latest restaurant Monday, starting at 11 a.m.Pictures: Searching For The "Perfect Pizza" In ConnecticutThe newest Pepe's is at 59 Federal Road in Danbury. It joins its sister locations in New Haven (the original) Fairfield, Manchester, Yonkers, N.Y. and Mohegan Sun Casino.For directions, menus and more information, visit pepespizzeria.com.(Ross Taylor / Hartford Courant)

Leeanne Griffin http://weblogs.courant.com/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte/about.html

Pepe's continues its 86-year-old coal-fired tradition with the grand opening of its latest restaurant Monday, starting at 11 a.m.

Pictures: Searching For The "Perfect Pizza" In Connecticut

The newest Pepe's is at 59 Federal Road in Danbury. It joins its sister locations in New Haven (the original) Fairfield, Manchester, Yonkers, N.Y. and Mohegan Sun Casino.

For directions, menus and more information, visit pepespizzeria.com.

(Ross Taylor / Hartford Courant)

]]> Help Name The Next Beach Street Sandwich tag:weblogs.ctnow.com,2011:/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte//370.155233 2011-01-26T16:14:29Z 2011-01-26T16:36:18Z

Popular Madison-based food truck Beach Street Sandwiches has a new gourmet sandwich creation, and its owners need help naming it. The new sandwich is made with chicken, goat cheese and walnut spread, arugula and honey dijon mustard dressing. Got ideas? Leave them in the comments field of the Beach Street Sandwiches blog. Owners Greg McCarty and Sara Pepitone will choose a winner by Thursday.The new sandwich will be on the menu when Beach Street Sandwiches appears at the-e-fair Saturday. This day-long event, held at Waterford's Sonalyst Studios, brings together the shoreline's boutiques, fashion designers and local eateries with live music and family fun. Beach Street will join River Tavern, Liv's Oyster Bar, The Cupcake Truck, Caseus Grilled Cheese Truck, Taco Pacifico and other purveyors of local food, beer and wine. the-e-fair will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Adult tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. (Teens $10, kids free.) Find out more about the event at the-e-list.com. (Photo credit: Beach Street Sandwiches)

Leeanne Griffin http://weblogs.courant.com/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte/about.html

Popular Madison-based food truck Beach Street Sandwiches has a new gourmet sandwich creation, and its owners need help naming it.

The new sandwich is made with chicken, goat cheese and walnut spread, arugula and honey dijon mustard dressing.

Got ideas? Leave them in the comments field of the Beach Street Sandwiches blog. Owners Greg McCarty and Sara Pepitone will choose a winner by Thursday.

The new sandwich will be on the menu when Beach Street Sandwiches appears at the-e-fair Saturday. This day-long event, held at Waterford's Sonalyst Studios, brings together the shoreline's boutiques, fashion designers and local eateries with live music and family fun.

Beach Street will join River Tavern, Liv's Oyster Bar, The Cupcake Truck, Caseus Grilled Cheese Truck, Taco Pacifico and other purveyors of local food, beer and wine.

the-e-fair will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Adult tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. (Teens $10, kids free.) Find out more about the event at the-e-list.com.

(Photo credit: Beach Street Sandwiches)

]]> Max Downtown Welcomes Joe Bastianich Sunday tag:weblogs.ctnow.com,2011:/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte//370.155232 2011-01-26T14:36:28Z 2011-01-26T14:58:04Z

Max Downtown in Hartford welcomes Joe Bastianich, renowned chef, restaurateur and author, at a special event Sunday. Bastianich will be discussing his new book, "Grandi Vini: An Opinionated Tour Of Italy's 89 Finest Wines." Wines from his family's Italian estate will be paired with Max Downtown's cuisine.Bastianich has partnered with his mother, Lidia, and Mario Batali to open several nationally-acclaimed restaurants in New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. These include Babbo, Del Posto, Eataly, Tarry Lodge, Pizzeria Mozza and Osteria Mozza, as well as Lidia's of Pittsburgh and Kansas City.The event begins at 6 p.m. with a welcome reception. Tickets are $135 a person; $235 a couple, plus tax and gratuity. A copy of "Grandi Vini" is included in the price.Call (860) 522-2530 for reservations. Max Downtown is at 185 Asylum Street in Hartford. maxdowntown.com.

Leeanne Griffin http://weblogs.courant.com/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte/about.html

Max Downtown in Hartford welcomes Joe Bastianich, renowned chef, restaurateur and author, at a special event Sunday.

Bastianich will be discussing his new book, "Grandi Vini: An Opinionated Tour Of Italy's 89 Finest Wines." Wines from his family's Italian estate will be paired with Max Downtown's cuisine.

Bastianich has partnered with his mother, Lidia, and Mario Batali to open several nationally-acclaimed restaurants in New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. These include Babbo, Del Posto, Eataly, Tarry Lodge, Pizzeria Mozza and Osteria Mozza, as well as Lidia's of Pittsburgh and Kansas City.

The event begins at 6 p.m. with a welcome reception. Tickets are $135 a person; $235 a couple, plus tax and gratuity. A copy of "Grandi Vini" is included in the price.

Call (860) 522-2530 for reservations. Max Downtown is at 185 Asylum Street in Hartford. maxdowntown.com.

]]> Free Squagels At Così Wednesday tag:weblogs.ctnow.com,2011:/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte//370.155226 2011-01-25T16:39:03Z 2011-01-25T16:56:19Z

It's Free Squagel Hour at participating Così restaurants Wednesday morning. From 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., pick up one of 11 varieties of Così's unique square bagels. Flavors include chocolate chip, jalapeno cheddar, Asiago cheese, basil parmesan and cranberry orange. (Cream cheese is also free.)Così has two locations in Greater Hartford: 970 Farmington Avenue in West Hartford (860-521-8495) and 385 West Main Street in Avon (860-678-8989.) Both are participating in this promotion.Learn more about Così at getcosi.com.(Photo: Courtesy of Così)

Leeanne Griffin http://weblogs.courant.com/entertainment/dining/a-la-carte/about.html

It's Free Squagel Hour at participating Così restaurants Wednesday morning.

From 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., pick up one of 11 varieties of Così's unique square bagels. Flavors include chocolate chip, jalapeno cheddar, Asiago cheese, basil parmesan and cranberry orange. (Cream cheese is also free.)

Così has two locations in Greater Hartford: 970 Farmington Avenue in West Hartford (860-521-8495) and 385 West Main Street in Avon (860-678-8989.) Both are participating in this promotion.

Learn more about Così at getcosi.com.

(Photo: Courtesy of Così)

]]>