Archive for October, 2011

The Big E: Fully focused on fried food

Wednesday, October 26, 2011 by:Brett Mickelson
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ABOVE: Bloomin’ onions are a Big E staple. Though a gigantic onion, battered and deep-fried, is certainly a dangerous treat anywhere else, at New England’s bastion of gluttony, this is just about the tamest fried treat you’ll find.

Yesterday was apparently National Greasy Foods Day. I shouldn’t be surprised that is a real thing, but I am. I can’t think of anything that more directly honors that sentiment than the annual pig-out fest at West Springfield’s The Big E.

The Big E is a lot of things. Agricultural fair. Shopping mecca. New England pride display. Playground. Concert venue.

To some, more than anything, The Big E is a place to eat. Trust me on this, I’ve been going to The Big E as far back as I can remember. I even worked at the exposition’s Lost People Center for several years in high school.

There has always been a panoply of food vendors at the fairgrounds, but the culinary landscape has really changed in recent years. I present, as evidence, some of the best (and worst) fried treats at The Big E in 2011:

Not pictured: Fried Oreos, fried butter.

Don’t worry, if dunking something in batter and sticking it in hot oil isn’t your thing (why are you reading this?), there are plenty of more rational options; everything from pierogi to pizza. One of my favorite options is the Maine baked potato, but be prepared to wait in line for it.

The fair is over for the year, but will return in 2012 from September 14 to 30.

Celebrate fall with apple spice pancakes

Tuesday, October 25, 2011 by:Brett Mickelson
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The problem I always have with apple picking is my physical inability to consume the huge amounts of apples I bring home.

This year is no different, but I decided to actually put some of the beautiful empire apples I picked up at Granby’s Bushy Hill Orchard to use by making some simple apple spice pancakes. This recipe is adapted from our own Chris Preovolos’ mom’s pancake recipe.

This recipe will serve two to four diners, depending on how hungry you are (that probably means two).

WHAT YOU NEED:

1 large or 2 small apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

1½ cups all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons sugar

1½ teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

A pinch of nutmeg

2 eggs, separated

2 cups buttermilk

¼ cup melted butter

WHAT YOU DO:

1. Mix the dry ingredients.

2. Mix the wet ingredients, minus the egg whites (save those for later).

3. Mix the wet into the dry.

4. Whip the whites to a soft peak and fold them into the batter.

5. Fold apples into the batter.

6. Drop onto a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat; brown on each side, making sure to leave enough time for the apples to soften and the centers to cook.

7. Top off with any combination of butter, warm maple syrup, confectioner’s sugar, or freshly whipped cream and serve with hot mulled cider.

I have to say, I was stunned by the difference a little cinnamon and nutmeg made to the flavor of the recipe. I still have plenty of apples hanging around, so I’ll probably be making a lot of pancakes this week.

The one thing I’d do differently if I didn’t have fresh apples handy would be to use Granny Smith apples, as I prefer the tart flavor. I may also try adding a little lemon zest to the recipe.

Rizzuto’s coming to Stamford

Tuesday, October 11, 2011 by:Chris Preovolos
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10/11/2011

RIZZUTO’S WOOD-FIRED KITCHEN AND BAR: 1980 WEST AVE., STAMFORD

Route 22 American Restaurant in the Shop Rite plaza on Stamford’s West Side closed a while back and a Rizzuto’s will take its place.

This is good news from the weird shopping center where residents of Old Greenwich and the West Side mingle; Rizzuto’s which has locations in Westport, Bethel and West Hartford, receives good reviews.

I’m assured there will be an official announcement in the coming week, but for now, check out our review of the Rizzuto’s Wood-Fired Kitchen and Bar in Westport.

–CP

BELOW: Rizzuto’s in Westport.

Countdown to the Greenwich Food + Wine fest

Tuesday, October 4, 2011 by:Magdalene Perez
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You heard about it here first. Now here’s all you need to know about the inaugural Greenwich Food + Wine Festival, coming up in less than three weeks!

Also, don’t forget about Eating Greenwich & Port Chester, a week-long event Oct. 16 to 21 that will offer prix fixe, a la carte and wine pairing menus, in addition to other deals in the neighboring municipalities.

Serendipity magazine will host the first Greenwich Food + Wine Festival to benefit the Breast Cancer Alliance Oct. 22 and 23 at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. The weekend event will feature more than 60 food, wine and spirit experts, BBQ Grill Masters, Sunday brunch specialties, celebrity book signings, private-event tents and live performances by Rusted Root, Entrain and Sister Hazel, among others.

Guests will enjoy special presentations by celebrity guests Jacque Pépin, Michel Nischan, Graham Elliot, Stephen Asprinio and Joy Bauer as well as hosting chefs Jon and Laura Brennan of Plum Pure Foods and Rui Correia of Douro, (both in Greenwich). Featured local chefs include Debra Ponzek of Aux Délices (Greenwich), Justin M. Warner and Lynn Saathoff of CB5 Restaurant Group LLC (Greenwich), Rodney Kirton of Empire Terrace (Yonkers, NY), Bryan Gilmour of 121 Restaurant and Bar (North Salem, NY), Scott Quis of Barcelona (Greenwich; Fairfield, CT; South Norwalk, CT; Stamford, CT) and Jeremy McMillan of Bedford Post (Bedford, NY).

There will be a Grand Tasting Gala Oct. 22 with live music and samplings from the region’s finest restaurants, as well as a live performance by Natasha Bedingfield.

Festivities will be held from noon to 10 p.m. Oct. 22 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 23. For more information or to buy tickets, visit serendipitysocial.com or call Serendipity at 203-588-1363. For information on sponsorship opportunities, ask for Molly Galterio.

Five Guys Burgers & Fries coming to Stamford

Tuesday, October 4, 2011 by:Chris Preovolos
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FIVE GUYS BURGERS & FRIES:

10/4/2011

Good news burger fans, a popular burger chain has confirmed they are currently building a Stamford location on High Ridge Road.

Five Guys Burgers & Fries, which moved into lower Fairfield County a couple of years ago with a shop in Westport, will open their newest location at High Ridge near the Merritt as early as next Summer.

The chain, which is is relatively new to Connecticut, was founded 25 years ago in Virginia and became hugely popular with it’s customizable menu and ridiculously addictive french fries.

If you can’t wait, they have locations in Norwalk and Westport.

–CP