Amore Cucina in Stamford: You'll Go for the Pizza, but Return for the Rest of the Menu

Connecticut is lucky to be awash in excellent pizza. From greasy late night pizza to wood fired pies with inventive toppings, it's hard to resist eating a slice every day. New on the scene (but not new to the pizza game) is Amore Cucina & Bar in Stamford. Owner Bruno DiFabio is an award-winning "pizza champion," and has recently brought on the talented Jared Falco as chef. 

I have eaten an irresponsible amount of pizza in my life, and was quite excited to try DiFabio's pies. There are some really incredible pizzas to be had in the state, with the competition getting steeper with every passing month. At a recent press dinner at Amore Cucina, I had the opportunity to see what the hype is all about.

The evening began with cocktails, which were excellent. Not too fussy, not too basic (no cosmos to be seen on the menu), and each one was bright and strong. Usually it's one cocktail and then a switch to beer for me, but I stuck with the hard stuff all night. Too good to resist!

The pizzas arrived, and DiFabio shared some details about his creations. There are two styles to be had, a very thick and airy crust, and a wood fired style which he calls "Neo-Neopolitain." I was interested to hear that he uses only wild yeast gathered by hand, as opposed to commercial yeast. Those are the little touches that I love.

The pies were good, but not remarkable. Perhaps a few years ago I'd have been more impressed, but there are just so many talented pizzaiolos in the area and it takes a lot to blow me away. This is not to say that this isn't good pizza, it's just not memorable. It reminded me of pizza I've had at Rizzuto's, Brick + Wood, or 850 Degrees.

Interestingly, though Amore Cucina pushes their pizza, I thought it was Chef Falco's dishes that really wowed. I've experienced his food at two other venues in South Norwalk, Mama's Boy and Washington Prime, and during my meal at Amore Cucina he delivered the same quality I've come to expect from previous encounters with his cooking (happily, there was no "foie gras powder" to be seen; it was such a ubiquitous element on Washington Prime's appetizers I couldn't help but wonder).

We were treated to quite the spread of small plates, and there were several standouts. First, tuna crudo with pumpkin seeds, Calabrian peppers, and pickled onions. I loved it. Sweet and tender tuna with a tiny kick of pepper and the crunch of seeds; I had to resist taking more than my fair share.

The octopus puttanesca was fabulous; the best I've ever had. Tender, smoky, salty, addictive. If you're freaked out by tentacles, get over it and order this dish.

Two heavier appetizers were both big hits at the table; meatballs and fried lasagna. I liked the meatballs, and my friend/photographer loved them. The lasagna was exactly what it sounds like: chunks of lasagna, breaded and fried. Could that possibly be bad? The answer is no.

The larger plates were a mixed bag. I loved the spicy chicken scarpariello, and even though I was full to bursting, I took two helpings. The prawns with polenta, however, were a disappointment. Visually impressive, but unexciting.

I don't know how, but I found the space for dessert! First, pizzele (essentially a belgian waffle) with fresh fruit. It's crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside, and totally delicious. The nutella pizza would be a good choice for kids, I think.

Conclusion: I will be back. I want to sit at the bar, order some of those fabulous cocktails, and feast on appetizers.. The fact that the pizza isn't the star here is irrelevant - there are plenty of places where I can satisfy that craving, but nowhere I've found where I can get such delicious octopus. 

Amore Cucina is located at 921 Hope Street, Stamford CT

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All photos by Jason Varga

Happy Birthday Robert Burns: Rare Scotch & Rarefied Cuisine at Boulevard 18

Robert Burns Day, a celebration of the Scottish poet's birthday, is a holiday celebrated around the world. This year, I had the opportunity to attend such a celebration at Boulevard 18 Bistro & Wine Bar in New Canaan, Connecticut, and it was a truly special evening of rare scotch and fabulous food. The delights began as soon as I entered the restaurant, with warm greetings, passed Smoked Scottish Salmon Canapés topped with tobiko and capers, and a "Welcome Cocktail" crafted from scotch and black walnut bitters with orange zest.

After mingling for a bit, we settled in at our table, and introductions were made. The evening was led by the impressively knowledgable Alex Meier-Tomkins, Portfolio Manager for Slocum & Sons Importers, with accompaning commentary by co-owners Henry Rosenbaum and Steven Semaya. Excited as I was, the evening managed to exceed my expectations. Our first course, a Scotch Egg with Tolouse Sausage and Brioche Crumbs, was paired with Glen Rothes 2001 Vintage, Speyside. Meier-Tompkins explained that this scotch is aged in sherry casks, which impart a toffee and spice flavor which rounded out this richly savory dish perfectly.

The second course, Pancetta-Wrapped Monkfish with shiitake mushrooms, brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, and a scotch-sherry buerre blanc, was accompanied by two very special glasses of Speyside scotch: Glendronach 15 yr, Highland and BenRiach 15 yr ‘Sauternes Cask Finish,' Speyside. Meier-Tomkins explained that the Glendronach had been aged in fresh sherry casks, imparting spicy sweet notes, and it was indeed was smooth and sweet, bringing out the flavors of smoky pancetta and meaty monkfish. There is serious talent in Chefs (and co-owners) David Raymer and Luciano Ramirez's kitchen.

Happily warm with scotch, I dug into the final course, Roasted Venison with haricot vert, parsnip purée, and coffee-chocolate sauce. The scotch pairings for this dish, Meier-Tomkins explained, were extremely rare selections from Campbelltown: Springbank ‘Cask Strength’ 12 Year, of which there are only 48 bottles in the United States, and Longrow 15 Year ‘Burgundy Wood Finish," one of only 19 bottles in the United States. What a treat to try them both! The Springbank was particularly striking when paired with the deliciously rich and tender venison. This was by far the best venison I have ever experienced, and the sauce so good I would have licked the plate if it were remotely appropriate to do so!

Full and impressed, I nibbled on dessert, a rich Chocolate-Fig-Hazelnut Brownie topped with chocolate Ice Cream and whisky (of course) hot fudge. Sipping on the last scotch of the evening keeping with the food centric theme of the evening, BenRiach ‘Solstice’ 17 yr (Peated w/ Port Cask Finish), Speyside the room was treated to a reading of Burns' poem "Address to a Haggis," made extra special by the presence of a guest who offered was able to recite it in the traditional Scottish brogue.

New Canaan has quite a gem in Boulevard 18, and I highly recommend a visit. These types of dinners take a lot of effort and planning to host, and this one was was carried out seamlessly. The food was excellent, the owners enthusiastic and kind, and the service on point. Boulevard 18's cozy dining room is the perfect setting for an intimate night out. With Valentine's Day on the way, they've created another incredible menu; check it out here and make a reservation!

Boulevard 18 Bistro & Wine Bar is located at 62 Main Street, New Canaan, CT 06840

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Easy & Healthy Pasta Salad with Shrimp

This is one of my favorite recipes for feeding a crowd. It's easy and healthy, but totally filling. The only time consuming element is all the chopping...but once that's done, you pretty much just toss it all in the pan and let the flavors combine! It's an astonishingly forgiving recipe; you really don't have to measure anything...just eyeball it or adjust based on your personal preferences.

Cavatappi with shrimp, veggies, and bacon

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb Cavatappi

• 1/4 lb shrimp, cooked

• 1 1/2 cup baby peas

• 1/8 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes

• 1/2 cup diced cherry tomatoes

• 3 slices cooked bacon, chopped (I use Applegate Farms because it's nitrate free)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 TBS capers, rinsed and minced

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, coarsely chopped

• 1/3 cup roasted red peppers, diced

• ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and dried basil to taste

• approx. 1/4 cup olive oil

Get a pot of water boiling for your pasta, which you'll add at the end. Pour some of the olive oil into a medium saucepan and heat until shimmering over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and saute till slightly transparent, then turn up the heat and let the edges get a little brown. Add the peas, give them a stir. Now is a good time to add your seasonings; just keep sprinkling and tasting till it tastes right to you! I usually use half a teaspoon pepper flakes, a teaspoon each of oregano and basil, and several generous turns of the pepper grinder. 

Now throw in the artichoke hearts, red pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, and bacon. Stir it all together, add some more oil if needed (remember, you'll be adding pasta so it will "use up" a lot of the oil as it gets coated). Make sure the heat isn't too high; you don't want the bottom to burn. If it starts to stick or look like it might burn, just splash some white wine in the pan to deglaze it (and then pour yourself a glass!) Now you can cook your pasta; I let it boil for 7 minutes, cook longer if you don't like it al dente. 

Lastly, add the bacon, shrimp, fresh cherry tomatoes, and garlic. These don't need to cook much, so by the time the pasta is done they'll be fine. Now drain the pasta, add it to the pan, and stir it all around! Drizzle a little more olive oil if needed (if you're feeling indulgent, white truffle oil REALLY pops the flavors). 

You're done! It'll serve at least 4 people, especially with a salad and bread. Enjoy in good health and good company. 

A True Sports Bar Serving Great Food: The Newly Opened Tigers' Den in Ridgefield

Note: The chef has changed since I wrote this review, and I have not had a chance to try it again!

There's a new bar in the area, and I'm happy to report that it isn't just more of the same. Tigers' Den, located in the space that used to house Sagi, a popular Italian restaurant in Ridgefield, is part sports bar and part cozy pub. When I first heard that Tigers' Den was coming to town, I had serious doubts. Ridgefield not only has many restaurants, but several of them already fall under the sports bar/pub/casual dinner category. There's 50 Coins, Bareburger, The Hideaway, The Little Pub; that's a lot of competition! 

Tigers' Den, however, has 12 TVs, which means it's much more of a true "sports bar" than anywhere else in town. They have fun specials every night of the week, from "Moonshine Mondays" and "Wine Wednesdays," to trivia on Tuesdays, Sunday Brunch, and regular tap takeovers, which sets them apart again. And as far as food is concerned, they are serving high quality bar food that's more affordable than the competition. 

After meeting Joe Attonito, owner of Tigers' Den, it's clear that the new kid on the block is a real contender in Ridgefield's restaurant scene, and I think my original doubts are unfounded. Joe is passionate about his business, truly invested in what he is doing, and really cares about being part of the town. 

Last week I was treated to a delicious sampling of Head Chef David Fierstein's creations, and was not disappointed! When the restaurant first opened, there were some hiccups in the kitchen, but now that David has joined the team, things have truly turned around; David is an experienced chef who was formerly in the kitchen at Ridgefield's Bissell House. 

First, I sampled their blackened ribeye sandwich (normally a full size dish, but I tried them as sliders) with american cheese, caramelized onions, and garlic aioli. Great flavor here, with the smoky meat perfectly complimented by meltingly sweet onions.

Next, ribs slathered in house made BBQ sauce. Usually I'm not a rib eater (at least not in public), as there's just no way to eat them without making a giant mess of myself, but I tossed self-consciousness aside and happily devoured them. They fell right off the bone, and were served with a tangy cole slaw made with dijon mustard. 

It's a good thing I didn't make any diet related resolutions this year, because the next dish, house made mozzarella sticks, would have immediately derailed any attempts at avoiding fat. These delicious sticks are worth the calories, I must say. They are head and shoulders above any I've had in the area, as they are made from fresh mozzarella rather than dumped frozen out of a bag and into the fryer. 

I was particularly excited to try their mac and cheese, which they've claimed is truly top notch. I've eaten a lot of mac and cheese in my day, and I must say, theirs is indeed excellent. The cheese is creamy and not greasy, and clings to the pasta nicely.

My favorite dish was the Philadelphia Crab Fries. They look messy, and they sound a little odd, but they were absolutely delicious. A mountain of great fries topped in a cheesy sauce studded with generous chunks of crab meat. This dish brought to mind the "crabby snacks" mentioned so many times in the movie Silver Linings Playbook. 

If you're looking for something on the healthier side, never fear. There are plenty of choices, including a light but satisfying spinach salad dressed with their special cranberry black pepper vinaigrette and tossed with dried cranberries, candied walnuts, and gorgonzola.

Sports fan or not, I recommend Tigers' Den. It's not too rowdy, they have great beers on tap, a personable and caring owner, and a great chef in the kitchen.

Tigers' Den is located at 23 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield CT

Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for news, events, and specials.

Photos by Jason Varga

Four Foodie Festivals to Look Forward to in 2015

I love going to food, beer, and wine festivals. They never get old, it seems. There are always new things to try, knowledge to be gained, and people to meet. This year, there are a few events in particular that I'm looking forward to. Here's the roundup:

• Chilifest February 1st

Before you watch the Super Bowl this year, head to Chilifest in Westport, where area restaurants will be sampling their chili, and you get to decide who is the best!

• Savor April 10th-11th

A two day festival of food, wine, spirits, and celebrity chefs including Robert Irvine, host of Restaurant: Impossible on Food Network - sounds like my cup of tea! Plus, a portion of the proceeds from the event will support the Robert Irvine Foundation. Savor will be held at the Connecticut Convention Center which overlooks the Connecticut River. Why is it that food tastes better when you're on the waterfront?

• CT on Tap Saturday, September 12th

The second annual CT on Tap festival will feature over 100 beers, live music and food.  You'll have three hours to indulge (VIP ticket holders get an extra hour). The event takes place at Ives Concert Park in Danbury, CT.

• Greenwich Wine & Food Fest September 24th-26th

This is an event not to be missed. Seriously. I look forward to it all year. There's a "Culinary Village" full of incredible restaurants sampling their creations, as well as free flowing wine and beer. There's a BBQ competition, live music, two tents entirely dedicated to beer, multiple demo tents packed with celebrity chefs, and it all takes place right on the water. The festival benefits Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.
Check out my coverage of 2013's fun, and last year's.

Even More Instagrammers Worth a Follow: 15 Fun Foodies

After getting such a great response to my first post about some of my favorite instagram accounts, I thought I'd do another one! This one's also Connecticut focused, with a sprinkling of New York and beyond. Some are purely food, and some are more varied, but all of them are full of great content. Enjoy! 


- FOODPHOTOGRAPHER
Tom McGovern is a professional food photographer, and it shows! His account is mostly mouthwatering food, but drinks and places are sprinkled in. Happily, there are a lot of Connecticut hotspots represented, as well as NYC and some from Virginia. 

- SAVORYSWEETEATS
Kim runs a great blog full of restaurant reviews and more. Her photos are a fun mix of restaurant cuisine and home cooking. Photos are heavily Connecticut based, hooray!

- GINAZAMMIT
Gina is a woman of many talents, a lifestyle blogger more than just food, and it makes for a fun and varied account. She's also Connecticut based, and is a HamletHub.com editor.

- CTGIRLABOUTTOWN
Julie is a cat lover just like me, as well as beer, food, and music all over Connecticut. Plus, how great is her handle? Wish I'd thought of it.

- LOCALHAVEN
She has a ton of followers, and it's easy to see why. These aren't just yummy photos, they're beautifully styled ones.

- ANDREA_MAXEXPR
Andrea's a PR pro in Connecticut who focuses on the restaurant business, but there's a nice smattering of NYC action represented in her feed. Plus cats. Always points for cats in my book.

- ADDZIM
I'm pretty jealous of this guy. He's the food guru at Thrillist, and always doing fun articles about the scene in NYC.  Watch out, his account will make you want to head to the city and immediately begin eating.

- MYDARLINGLEMONTHYME
She's based in Australia, I'll almost certainly never visit any of the places she photographs, but it sure is a pleasure to see what she's up to. Her food photos are lovely, and the landscapes make me dream of travel. Plus, this is another charming and creatively named account.

- NYCFOODPHOTO
Delicious photos from a city full of deliciousness. They're professional photographers, and their photos are always polished.

- BEASTWHOFEAST
I don't know who is behind this account, but I love their photos and a ton of them are from places in my immediate area. One day we'll cross paths, I hope. Or maybe we already have...

- CTBITES
Love these guys. Be sure to check out their new Florida based spinoff site, MIABites1.

- OMNOMCT
Dan and Kristien are always hitting great places, mostly in lower Fairfield County. They're super cool people in real life, and so is their instagram feed!

- EVERYTHINGERICA
I met Erica back in college, and now she's a big time food blogger in Chicago! Congrats!

10 Foodie Instagram Accounts You Should Be Following

I see a lot of "Best Instagram" account lists, particular in the realm of food. I'm often disappointed to discover, after spending the time to look up recommended accounts, how many of them are not actually very active or focused on food. There are endless accounts that really are great, and it's a ton of fun to browse. I've spent many hours on instagram, and certainly have a long list of favorite accounts. Some of them are hugely popular and not location specific, but there are also many that focus specifically on Connecticut and New York City, my usual stomping grounds, and I often use them to find new places to try. Now I'm sharing my favorites here, and I know they will not disappoint! 

In no particular order (though I start with the locally focused accounts):

- K1FOOD 
She may not have a ton of followers, but I think that will be changing quickly! Her photos are awesome, and feature a wide range of cuisines.

- CTEATSOUT

All Connecticut, all food, all the time. Love it. 

- CTDRINKS: Highlighting the best of Connecticut's drinking scene, alcohol or otherwise.

   

- INFATUATION

Hugely popular, and a very active account. They also have a fabulous website and fun twitter account. Partially focused on NYC, but also Chicago, San Francisco, and Denver.

- FANCYCOOKINMOFO

I love this guy's account. It's almost all photos of his own cooking, often showing several steps of the recipe, and they're always mouthwatering. Props for the fun username, too.

- KKRADER

Restaurant Editor at Food and Wine Magazine. 'Nuff said.         

- JUSTINCHAPPLE

Another member of the Food and Wine Magazine team, and since he's in the test kitchen, there's always something new to check out. Lots of fun to see what goes on behind the scenes. 

- DENNISTHEPRESCOTT

Based in Canada, so I won't be visiting any of the places he highlights any time soon, but at the very least I can drool over them digitally. 

- JULIAKRAMER

Not sure what her bio is, but I love her photographs.

- ADELINEJESSICA
Hey, I'm vain! I admit it. I think my pictures are great. And if you like kittens, I post some pretty cute photos from time to time.

Mini Review: Hitting the Bar at the Newly Reopened Georgetown Saloon

Note, April 2015: Sadly, the Saloon has closed yet again. Stay tuned.

Mention Georgetown Saloon to any Redding area local, and you're sure to hear a fond memory or a tale of a wild night. It's a dark, no frills hole in the wall with a Western feel that leaves you wondering if a real cowboy is going to walk through the swinging saloon doors. Much to the chagrin of the many who posted up at the bar with a pint on a regular basis or danced the evenings away there, Georgetown Saloon closed its doors last year. 

The story goes that the building was left unattended, pipes burst, and the whole thing was a moldy, expensive nightmare. Popular opinion was that there would be no reopening, but then the news spread: someone was taking on the challenge! After a summer and early fall of waiting, Georgetown Saloon is open again, and continuing the tradition of live music, unpretentious eats, and a cowboy friendly vibe (though I was heartbroken to discover that those swinging saloon doors are absent now). 

I stopped in on a whim with some friends the other night, and we had the place completely to ourselves, so it was the perfect opportunity to get the inside scoop from the bartender while enjoying a beer from their selection of 30 taps, an incredible number for this area. And they aren't just pouring the standards, they have a list that's full of beers I'm not familiar with, which is exciting. 

The kitchen (remarkably) stays open until midnight, though I wonder if that will be sustainable in an area that gets quiet by 9. For now, that's great news, and is the latest that any kitchen in the area is open. We ordered three appetizers and enjoyed them all: "Menage a Tot," a trio of stuffed potato skins, one bacon, one veggie, and one truffle, Biscuits and Gravy, and mini cheeseburgers. It's quality, delicious bar food for markedly lower prices than similar spots in the area. 

The menu, we were told, is changing in the next day or so; I am interested to see what they keep and what they add. They have also just started serving brunch, so of course that's high on the list of "must check out" meals. 

We learned from the bartender that there have been good crowds on the weekends and steady business during the week, with a great response to the food so far, and a lot of customers who are not familiar with craft beer but very enthusiastic about tasting and learning. 

Live music was always the defining feature of Georgetown Saloon, and it seems that the owners intend to continue this tradition while adding far better food and a formidable craft beer list. 

Sounds like a killer trifecta. I'm impressed. 

Cheeseburgers with smoked aioli and side salad

Biscuits and gravy

Menage a tot

Georgetown Saloon is located at 8 Main Street, Redding, CT 06896

Awesome Eats in the City: Thrillist's Fest of The Best at Villain

If you know me at all, you know how much I love Connecticut. If you don't know me, just look at the title of my blog, and you'll get the idea. But living in Fairfield County means regular trips to the city and its many excitements and one of my favorite resources for finding fun in NYC is the website Thrillist. When I saw that they were hosting a “Fest of The Best” featuring a bunch of great restaurants in the city, I knew I had to go. Luckily, I was able to procure press access, so off to Brooklyn I went.

Photos by Kimberly Mufferi (and the photo booth!)

The event was held in Villain's large warehouse event space, and was a smorgasbord of great food, cocktails made with Grey Goose Vodka, and beers from Saranac Brewery. Wandering amongst the guests was saxophonist Kareem Wilkes, a touch I found very cool. DJ Kasey Berry was spinning all afternoon, and instagram-happy foodies milled about excitedly. This was the first “foodie” event I have attended where instagramming one's food was not met with a single sneer. In fact, there was a “VIP Food Porn Lounge” sponsored by Samsung and featuring two food stylists, Alexa Mehraban of EatingNYC and Chloe Wynnof THEPICURIST, on hand for photography tips!

After hitting the photo booth and grabbing a cocktail, it was time to start sampling the fabulous eats! Each guest was given a poker chip for voting, and one restaurant would reign supreme, so I got my taste buds in gear and forged a path through the crowd. There were thirteen restaurants featured, and photos speak louder than words...

Clockwise from top: Sweetgreen's Rad Thai salad (organic arugula, organic mesclun, sprouts, carrots, shredded cabbage, spicy sunflower seeds, cucumbers, basil, citrus shrimp & spicy cashew dressing), BLT Fish's James River oysters with wasabi peas & nori, and The Monarch Room's seared octopus with fennel, celery and citrus. Photos credit: Me

Clock wise from top left: Two Hands' Avo Toast (thick-cut wholegrain pullman loaf, smashed avocado, olive oil, sea salt, cracked pepper, chili flakes & a lemon wedge), Fletcher’s Brooklyn Barbecue's wood-fired sliders with all-natural organic beef, salt, pepper, burger sauce and a fridge pickle on a potato roll, Two Hands' Cortado, Seoul Chicken's Next Day Fried Chicken (double fried chicken thighs, served on Kings Hawaiian rolls with habanero spiced honey, kimchi pickles & miso mustard aioli) - Photos by Kimberly Mufferi

Clockwise from top left: Bacchanal

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​ with a mint-olive-caper relish​, French Louie's snails Merchand de Vin with Falls Mill grits (snails, bordelaise sauce, mushrooms and grits), and Crave Fishbar's Shetland Island salmon crudo with charred cauliflower, lemon prawn oil & prawn dust - Photos by Kimberly Mufferi

After getting our fill, it was time to cast votes for the best. I stole my date's chip and made both votes, which went to French Louie's incredible snails Merchand de Vin and Crave Fishbar's Shetland Island Crudo. They were truly excellent, but the official win went to Bacchanal's confit lamb shoulder. Ultimately, everyone was a winner (except for a few places that ran out early and I didn't get to try...lame. But I won't name names!) The afternoon was a smashing success and a wonderfully indulgent way to spend a day out of town.  

Special thanks to Lauren Coombs, Communications Coordinator for the Thrillist Media Group

New Kid on The Block: Brick + Wood in Fairfield, Connecticut

Downtown Fairfield is a charming strip of shops and eateries that all too often gets forgotten in the midst of Westport and South Norwalk's well publicized hot spots, but it also makes for a great evening out on the town. Much to my excitement, it seems more and more restaurateurs have realized that Fairfield is a great location for opening up shop.

I had the pleasure of checking out one of Fairfield's newest restaurants, Brick + Wood, and if you're a fan of great wine, upscale Italian comfort food, and wood fired pizzas, you're in luck. 

As the name implies, the restaurant is outfitted in a mix of rustic wood and exposed brick, with a large brick pizza oven. A cozy bar and a large, open dining room and pizza bar where you can watch the chefs in action make for a comfortably casual atmosphere that's nice enough for date night.

Brick + Wood offers something that sets them apart from other brick oven pizza spots: wines on tap. Yep. How cool is that? Several years ago, I experienced Chardonnay on tap at City Winery in NYC, and loved the novelty as well as the taste. Finally Fairfield County has caught on! We enjoyed wine flights served in mini stemless glasses on wooden boards - a nice touch. In addition to wines, there is a rotating selection of cocktails on tap (plus a regular cocktail menu). I tried the Fig Martini and Pomegranate Martini, and both were fruity, sweet, and went down smooth; I knew I'd be back for the bar even if the food turned out to be average. 

Of course, one cannot live on cocktails alone, and we migrated to the dining room, where an impressive array of appetizers began to fill the table. First, Loaded Baked Potato Crochette, which looked like fat mozzerella sticks but instead of cheese, were the insides of a loaded baked potato, deep fried. Yes, they were as good as they sound. Certainly a great choice for adults and kids alike. Next, Fritto Misto with calamari and shrimp, served with a smoky chipotle aioli that I would buy by the bottle if I could. Continuing the fried food extravaganza, we tried 4 Cheese Arancini with Vodka Sauce, which were standard.

In addition to their unique "wine on tap" feature, Brick + Wood offers another treat: fresh burrata, made in house. We tried two versions: their classic served with meat and vegetables and their truffle burrata with prosciutto and arugula. I personally do not love burrata, but the truffle-y creamy goodness was absolutely delicious. These two dishes were met with pleased murmurs from the whole table. We also sampled Girelli, thin layers of fresh mozzarella layered with eggplant, prosciutto, and roasted peppers. We enjoyed a mixed green salad, which was dressed in the owner's own signature balsamic dressing, which was noticeably superior to many others I've tried.

Of course, I was waiting with bated breath to try the cornerstone of Brick + Wood's cuisine: the wood fired pizzas! Three kinds arrived to the table, and I attacked them heartily. First, the Diavola with spicy soppressata, garlic, jalapenos, and oregano. It had a nice spicy kick but wasn't overwhelmingly spicy, and the crust (which can make or break a pie, whether the topping are good or not) was nice and chewy with the smoky charred spots that characterize a wood fire baked pizza. My favorite pie was a special that evening with shrimp, corn, and pancetta; a somewhat unusual combination, but completely delicious. The delicate shrimp paired with sweet tender corn and smoky, meaty pancetta is a magical trio of flavors. Lastly, I found room for a slice of classic Margherita pizza and sank into a happy food coma.

Brick + Wood is absolutely worth a visit, as is the town of Fairfield in general. Small shops, many restaurants, and a more relaxed vibe than in neighboring Westport make for a pleasant experience. Bring the family for a Main Street stroll, or wait until nightfall for a romantic evening out.

Brick + Wood is located at 1275 Post Rd #7, Fairfield, CT 06824

Follow them on Facebook & Instagram

Photos by Jason Varga

72 Bottles of Spiked Seltzer on the Wall: My 30 Day Challenge Comes to an End

My trusty companion on the train to NYC!
Since bars there don't serve Spiked Seltzer (yet), I brought my own! 

It's already December, and my challenge, to switch from beer to Spiked Seltzer for a full 30 days, has come to an end. I've been amazed at the total lack of the usual negative side effects of alcohol in the past month. I have not experienced any morning headaches or sluggishness from a night of drinking, i imagine thanks to the low sugar content in Spiked Seltzer (and it's gluten free).

Though I am a beer lover, the light, crisp flavor of Spiked Seltzer is deliciously addictive, and certainly more refreshing than a heavy beer. I love that is isn't sugary sweet at all. Now I find myself drinking club soda instead of a second beer when I'm out at a bar. Hooray for fewer calories (and less money spent)!

Drinking in style, as always... :-)

Beyond the fact that it tastes good, and didn't ever give me a hangover, I am also pleased to report that I lost a couple pounds. I usually drink double IPAs, but Spiked Seltzer is only 140 calories, and I saved about 100 calories per drink by making the switch!

If you're in the New England area, give Spiked Seltzer a try - even the most loyal beer drinker may find themselves converted!

Click here for a list of retailers and restaurants that offer Spiked Seltzer.