Friday, February 29, 2008

An Outstanding "Taste of Stamford"



Last night the Stamford Chamber of Commerce hosted the 15th Annual Taste of Stamford at the Sheraton Stamford Hotel from 5:30 til 8:30. It was $50 pre-paid and $60 at the door--a bargain considering you were able to experience fine cuisine, wine and spirits from Stamford's premier establishments! They even had live music. I was quite satisfied with the "bites" and "tastes", and some places really came through with great offerings. Some of my favorite beverages included the Grapefruit & Basil Martini from Mitchell's Fish Market, where Marcus (the GM) was quite hospitable. Another favorite was Hilton Hotel's Cappuccino Chocolate soup with Lavender creme--just heavenly. Besides the great networking opportunities, the food was the main attraction. A lot of tasty steak and fresh tuna out there. However, I am still on the hunt for Stamford's best crab cake and there were plenty of crab cakes to choose from: Crab Shell, yummy; Morton's, mini but still yummy; Route 22, mini here too (but were luke warm) and still yummy; and my choice is RuLu's River Cafe, still my favorite and oh so good. Also, I need to mention the assorted desserts by DiMare Bakery and SoNo Bakery, which were outstanding.

Here's a full list of who participated: Pizza Bistro, Black Bear Saloon, Bull’s Head Market, Crab Shell, David’s Catering, DiMare Pastry Shop, Dragonfly Restaurant & Lounge, Duo Restaurant, Fireside Restaurant, Grade A ShopRite, Grand, Hilton Stamford Hotel, Holiday Inn Stamford, Houlihan’s Restaurant, Hyatt Regency Greenwich, Mitchell’s Fish Market, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Myrna’s Mediterranean Bistro, napa & co., Remo’s Brick Oven Pizza Company, RG Catering, Robeks Fruit Smoothies & Healthy Eats, Route 22 Restaurant & Bar, RuLu’s River Cafe, Sheraton Stamford Hotel, Some Things Fishy Catering, SoNo Baking Company & Cafe, Stamford Marriot Hotel & Spa, Telluride, The Saltwater Grille, Vineyard, Coffee Distributing Corp., Corus, Crystal Rock Water, Dichello Distributors, Guinness, San Pellegrino/Acqua Panna, Smirnoff, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, WinePort/Divine Grapes.


We can only hope it can be as terrific next year.....

(photo courtesy of DiMare Bakery)

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Stamford Downtown Winter Restaurant Weeks

"A Winter Restaurant Celebration" in STAMFORD DOWNTOWN Begins March 2!!

During the first two weeks in March, prepare to partake in some “A Winter Restaurant Celebration in Stamford Downtown”! Eighteen of our finest Stamford Tables’ restaurants have put their top chefs to the test by designing creative wintertime menus to warm your palate. To entice your family and friends to join you in the “Winter Restaurant Celebration” simply log onto DSSD’s website http://www.stamford-downtown.com/ and view the prix fixe lunch & dinner menus (offered Sunday through Thursdays during the first two weeks of March).

Participating restaurants include newcomers: Duo, Fin II Japanese Restaurant and Republic Grill Asian Bistro. Back by popular demand are: Columbus Park, Bennett’s, Ferrante, g/r/a/n/d, Emme of Capri, Il Falco Ristorante, Dragonfly Restaurant & Lounge, 122 Pizza Bistro, Capriccio Café(serving dinner only), Black Bear, Plateau, Zody’s Café, Tigin Irish Pub, Remo’s and Kujaku Sushi & Hibachi.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Oscars Come to Stamford Downtown

On Sunday, February 24 the red carpet was rolled out for Stamford and Greenwich’s elite, turning Bedford Street into Hollywood and Vine. The Avon Theatre hosted its inaugural gala, The Avon. The Red Carpet. You., a glamorous pre-Oscar's Gala followed by the live telecast of the 80th Annual Academy Awards on Avon’s big screen. The night began with the flashes of camera lights as celebrity guests strolled down the Red Carpet. After surviving the ballyhoo of the Red Carpet, the guests entered the beautifully decorated lobby of the Avon Theatre. Delicate piano tones filled the air, scrumptious hors d’oeuvres were passed and martinis were shaken not stirred. The conversation at cocktail hour was very much about the magnificent success of the event that Louisa Greene, the Director of Development and Marketing at the Avon Theatre and her gala committee accomplished. Master of Ceremonies Tom Bergeron Host of “Dancing With The Stars” addressed the sold out crowd and helped honor Sandy Goldstein and the DSSD for its support of the Avon Theatre and the community. Most significantly, funds were raised to help the Avon continue as one of the most important independent theaters in the region.
**Pictured above: Debra and Chuck Royce - Avon Co-Founders
**Visit http://www.avontheater.org/ for movie times and other exciting features of the theater!

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Capital Grille --they wine, they dine

The name does not explain its greatness. My husband and I just got back from enjoying a fantastic dining experience at the last opening of the "new" restaurants at Stamford Town Center. Capital Grille offers quite a classy dining experience. To start, we tried the absolute best lobster/crab cake appetizer I have ever had. Dinner was another winner, as we ordered the Kona crusted aged steak and 24oz Delmonico steak. These steaks were cooked perfect and seriously huge. Smashed potatoes and creamed spinach; yummy sides to accompany. For dessert, we enjoyed the flourless chocolate espresso cake. (we were told that all desserts are made in-house.) My husband couldn't get over how outstanding the dessert was--it even brought back memories of his childhood. I loved my waitress. The waiters and hostesses couldn't be more helpful and friendly. I was extremely impressed by their knowledge of the menu, and wine list. Quite comfy chairs too. The decor is rich in leather and rich in CT history. Our waitress kindly toured us around the 3 party rooms: The Stamford Room which comfortably seats 34, the Wine Room, 32, and the Board Room an intimate 12. Each room is decorated with a prominent past CT resident, with Webster (yes, the dictionary guy) hanging in the main room. Most importantly, the dry-aged beef is guaranteed to please and you won't be disappointed.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.

Eddie Money - Palace Theater

We've got an overwhelming support from Eddie Money fans throughout the last week - thanks for the support. Good news! Eddie will be in Stamford Saturday, April 5, 2008. See the below to get your "Two Tickets..." to Eddie Money and also support LifeWorks! Tickets on sale NOW!

Eddie Money
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Rock legend EDDIE MONEY has been moving America through the 70s and 80s until today with hits such as "Baby Hold On" and everyone’s favorite, "Two Tickets to Paradise." This is your only chance this year to see the Eddie Money you’ve listened to on the radio and watched on television live in concert in your very own community! Come ROCK with us AND support LifeWorks!

www.stamfordcenterforthearts.org
Palace Theatre
61 Atlantic Street
Stamford, CT 06901
(203) 325-4466

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Stamford Town Center's New Look!

Stamford Town Center’s New Look

This year the Stamford Town Center has a new look with an expanded, inviting entranceway featuring Barnes & Noble and H&M, and six new free standing national restaurants including P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Mitchell’s Fish Market, Kona Grill, Cosi, California Pizza Kitchen and The Capital Grille. Here’s what to expect when you dine at the “new” Town Center:

The P.F. Chang's experience is a unique combination of Chinese cuisine, attentive service, wine and tempting desserts all served in a stylish, high-energy bistro. The great variety of fish, chicken and meat makes for mouth-watering entrees.

Mitchell’s Fish Market prides itself on the freshness of its fish and assures this freshness by modifying the menu daily. Mitchell’s famous Chesapeake Bay Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes makes it a signature dish which demands to be ordered.

Kona Grill offers diners freshly prepared food, personalized service, and a warm contemporary ambiance creating an exceptional, yet affordable, dining experience. The highlight of a visit to the Grill includes the famous Seared Sesame Ahi Salad and a view of the humongous fish tank behind the sushi bar.

Cosi offers salads, sandwiches and pizza in a warm inviting environment where patrons can grab a quick bite or enjoy coffee with a friend. Every visit must end with ordering one of Cosi’s S’mores desserts.

California Pizza Kitchen or “CPK” is a leader in authentic California-style cuisine. The Original BBQ Chicken Pizza is a classic, although they also offer delicious salads and other entrees for the non-pizza lovers.

The Capital Grille is the last of the restaurants to open in the Stamford Town Center. The food and the ambience envelop you when you savor the Porcini Rubbed Delmonico with the 8-year Aged Balsamic.

The Looney Tunes™ Play Area located in the center of the new food court has all the lovable characters – Bugs Bunny and his 17-foot carrot, Tasmanian Devil, Daffy Duck, Sylvester the Cat and Tweety Bird. The 2000-square feet play area is the perfect place to rest your feet and watch the children play.

For more information on these exciting new restaurants call 203-356-9700 or visit www.shopstamfordtowncenter.com

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Fin II

A native from Fairfield, Micheal Shi, was pleased to find an excellent location at 219 Main Street, in the heart of Columbus Park, to open his second Japanese Restaurant called Fin II. Several of Micheal’s Fairfield customers suggested that he look at Stamford Downtown when he expressed an interest in opening a Fin II in lower Fairfield County. Fin I opened in 2004 on the Post Road in Fairfield’s downtown.
The name stands for “the fin of a shark” says Micheal who has been pleased by the warm reception he has received from his customers and the downtown restaurant community. “I am looking forward to experiencing and participating in Alive @5” this summer”, explains Micheal a noted sushi chef in his own right. Fin II specializes in fresh, imaginative sushi and authentic Japanese cuisine at amazingly moderate prices. The sushi, sashimi and hand rolls are presented with flair. For Japanese lovers there is Dim Sum (Dynasty Duck & Crazy Summer are two all time favorites) as well as the traditional Japanese main courses. For those in a rush Micheal suggests the “Lunch box specials” which include a fresh salad or Miso soup, rice, a 3 piece California roll, a fried Japanese shrimp spring roll, all with your choice of entrees such as Beef Teriyaki or Chicken Katsu. A private party room called the “Tatamy Room” which seats 8-15 people is also available directly adjacent to the sushi bar. Call Fin II at 359-6688 for more information.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Republic Grill - 235 Bedford St.

Jason Chen, owner of Fairfield County’s highly successful Tengda restaurants located in Westport, Darien, Greenwich and Katonah, New York, now comes to Stamford Downtown with a new Asian bistro called . . . Republic Grill located across from the Avon Theatre at 235 Bedford Street.
Walking in the door you’ll find yourself immediately relaxed in this friendly Asian bistro decorated in soothing earth tones with interesting stain glass wall panels. As with all of Jason’s eateries, Republic Grill offers a wide variety of dishes from Thailand to China for lunch or dinner, as well as a full service Sushi bar. Affordable lunch specials – such as Japanese lunch boxes and small, lunch sized sushi platters are especially tailored to patrons looking for a quick delicious and affordable lunch. Mr. Chen is not however a new comer to Stamford. In 1999, he opened Kampei located at 49 High Ridge Road, Stamford, which is also highly acclaimed. Jason’s interest in Stamford Downtown was sparked when he first noticed the available space on Bedford Street last spring and was inspired to bring his love of Pan-Asian cuisine to the vibrant restaurant scene in Stamford Downtown.

For reservations or Take-Out call 353-8005.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.

Find our Advertisers in the annual Stamford Downtown Directory

2019-2020 GUIDE

Check out these special menus from Stamford Tables

Parking in Stamford Downtown

Stamford Downtown Demographics

Stamford Downtown Signal Box Brochure

Stamford Downtown Event info

Check out our full Calendar for more events - click here
Sign up for email blasts - click here