Darienite (https://darienite.com/category/food-drink-restaurants-bars/page/2)
Food and drink, along with people & places related to either
Here’s how Darien restaurants and other food-serving places fared in the latest inspection reports, released Thursday by the Darien Health Department. The department as of Thursday released 18 reports of inspection visits from Sept. 8 to Oct. 21. Of those, 15 inspections resulted in an “A” rating.
Darien Commons has become the first of the town’s three major redevelopment projects to announce that it has started renting apartments to new residents. Federal Realty Investment Trust, the owner of the multi-acre development across from Noroton Heights Railroad Station, says 58 homes are now available to rent — just over half of the 112 apartments that will eventually become available. “Our first residents are now able to see our vision for this location — and are enjoying some of the conveniences and luxuries we have built in,” said Patrick McMahon, senior vice president, regional development for Federal Realty. In its announcement, Federal Realty said new residents can enjoy such features of the property as a guest suite, a communal dining area with entertainment kitchen and beer tap, curated lending library “with everything from household items to an Xbox and electric scooters,” a landscaped courtyard with grills, a 24-hour fitness center and work-from-home spaces. Tenants have on-site surface parking and walking access to stores. The company has announced new retail leases to Choice Pet, One Medical, OVME, Salt & Sweat, and Warby Parker.
Here’s how Darien restaurants and other food-serving places fared in the latest inspection reports, released Thursday by the Darien Health Department. The department released health inspection reports for 11 food-serving establishments on Thursday for inspections that took place from Aug. 15 to 31. Eight inspections resulted in an “A” rating; another two received a “B.” A food truck was inspected and received a perfect 100 score, but food trucks aren’t rated by the Health Department.
Here’s how Darien restaurants and other food-serving places fared in the latest inspection reports, released Thursday by the Darien Health Department. Editor’s note: With this article, Darienite.com has restarted the regular restaurant health ratings feature. As of publication time, the website with the health inspection reports is not online, so there are no links to individual reports. When that website goes back online, you can get the reports here. The department on Thursday released 12 reports of inspection visits from Aug.
Lisa Steele, author of The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook will talk about expanding your egg repertoire beyond the usual breakfast fare of fried and scrambled in a discussion Thursday evening on Zoom.com. — an announcement from Darien Library
Learn why you should:
—never salt eggs before they finish cooking;
—the best way to hard boil eggs so that they peel easily;
—why you should never beat cold egg whites but should separate eggs while they are still cold; and
—eat the yolk! Curious about using goose, quail, duck, and turkey eggs? Steele has guidance on substituting them in your cooking and baking. Darien Library is hosting the discussion in partnership with Hotchkiss Library and the Essex Public Library.
Darien Fifth Grader Ivy Childs will showcase her cooking skills on Fox television’s MasterChef Junior, broadcast nationwide on Fox starting March 17. — an announcement from Fox, with additional information
11-year-old Ivy is one of a select group of 16 young chefs from across the country vying to be named the next “MasterChef Junior.” The competition show was actually filmed when Ivy was 8 years old and in Grade 2. MasterChef Junior gives talented kids between the ages of 8 and 13 the chance to showcase their culinary abilities and passion for food through a series of delicious challenges. On the Season Eight premiere, 16 junior chefs, between the ages of 8 and 13, receive a coveted white apron and must prove that they deserve to stay in the game by completing their first mystery challenge of the season.
It’s never too late to jump on the sourdough bandwagon. All you need is a little patience and two ingredients, one of which is free — water! — an announcement from Darien Library
In this introductory, online class, “Let’s Get Started with Sourdough!” we will create our own starter from rye flour and nurture it until is it mature and strong and ready to rise. Register here.
You can celebrate Valentine’s Day with a gift bag, complete with a hand-made tag, from The Darien Community Association. — an announcement from the DCA
Created by Carolyn’s Absolutely Fabulous Events, the DCA describes it as “A real delight for all — treat yourself, share with your family or bring as a gift to friends.” Each gift bag will hold an afternoon tea box, signature cocktail mix, sparkling water and a small posy of flowers. (The cocktail mix would also work with sparkling wine, not included.)
The afternoon tea box (perfect for one person) will contain a savory bite, tea sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and a selection of cakes pastries and sweet treats. Orders will be available for drive-by pick up only from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Friday, Feb.
Calling all fans of “The Great British Baking Show” — you are invited to cast your vote to find Darien’s own star baker. Darien Library is bringing back its annual gingerbread house competition onto the shelves of the Children’s Library. Participants were challenged to build their own gingerbread house at home, then bring it to the Children’s Library to put on display. Now, it’s time for the community to vote for their favorite. From now through Friday, Dec.
Some advice on keeping your Thanksgiving food healthy — information passed on by Mindy Chambrelli, a registered sanitarian at Darien Health Department:
Last year, more than 46 million turkeys were carved and eaten at Thanksgiving. Turkey is typically accompanied by a host of side dishes and desserts, making the Thanksgiving meal by far one of the largest meals most people will cook all year. Please do so safely and remember NO need to wash the bird, place it directly into the roasting pan! Fresh or Frozen? Fresh Turkeys
Allow 1 pound of turkey per person. Buy your turkey only 1 to 2 days before you plan to cook it.
With Thanksgiving around the corner, Darien Library and Barrett Bookstore are presenting an online program that simplifies the art of cooking. Founding editor of New York Times Cooking Sam Sifton and cookbook author Dawn Perry will discuss their latest cookbooks: The New York Times Cooking No-Recipe Recipes and Ready, Set, Cook. Learn how to cook intuitively and confidently, whether you are serving up a regular weekday meal or a holiday feast. — an announcement from Darien Library
This event is co-sponsored by Barrett Bookstore. If you would like to add to your cookbook collection, please visit their website.
Federal Realty Investment Trust says Darien Commons, its business/residential development being built in downtown Noroton Heights, will have new retail and restaurant tenants opening doors within 18 months, with some by the fall of 2022. Apartments can be reserved this coming January, and they should be available this coming Spring, the company says. — an announcement from Federal Realty
Timeline
A recent announcement from Federal Realty included these elements relating to timing that Darienite.com presents here as a single timeline:
—January 2022 — pre-leasing for apartments
—Fall 2022 — new stores begin to open
—”Within the next 18 months” (up to late February 2023) — other stores will open
— In Spring 2022, apartments are expected to be ready for occupancy, a publicist for Federal Realty said. When complete, Darien Commons will feature over 110,000 square feet of retail space and 122 apartments. Apartments for lease will have a range of sizes from studios to two-bedroom homes with secure, underground parking.
Adventurous food lovers, rejoice: Darien Library is thrilled to present a delicious program exploring a non-traditional food and drink pairing. It’s a webinar, so you won’t even need a designated driver. You can get the beers and cheeses at Darien stores. — an announcement from Darien Library
Advanced Cicerone, author, and cartoonist Em Sauter will join Darien Library at 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 7, to walk through the pairings and share her pairing advice.
The popular Darien fall tradition – Art Darien was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, but it’s back this weekend at Grove Street Plaza — from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., both Saturday and Sunday. — an announcement from the organizers
“I have been rebuilding the art event to make sure the event will be safe and comfortable for everyone even during the pandemic,” said artist Nobu Miki, the organizer of the two-day event, which is free. Artists used to bring their display setups and stay at their spots all day. This original idea was inspired by the famous artist colony, Montmartre Paris, and Nobu loved it. But she invested and purchased outdoor display panels this year to create a smoother visitor flow.
Dinner tickets are no longer available, but you can still reserve picnic tables for the final Weed Beach Festive Night of the summer today, Friday, with gates opening at 5 p.m. (Weed Beach will close to regular beachgoers starting at 2 p.m.)
— an announcement from Darien Parks and Recreation Department
If you didn’t already pre-purchase dinners through Nikki Glekas Events (which will be served at 6 p.m.), you can bring your own picnic or get food and beverages from the Beach Grill concessions, which will remain open throughout the event. Festive Night features music from the Darien Community Band and local favorite Kenny Weiss. The Darien Community Band, now celebrating its 75th year, plays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Kenny Weiss, will follow from 6:30 to 8 p.m., when the event ends. If the event has to be cancelled, the rain date is Saturday, Aug. 28.