Author Archives: youngandstarved

Anthony’s CF Pizza, Darien

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I tried Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza in Darien for the first time this past weekend and I really enjoyed it!

They’re known for their wings (didn’t try them on this visit), salads, and their ‘well done’ pizza.  This is great since I usually ask for my pizzas well done anyway!

My friend and I split a family size  ‘Anthony’s Classic Italian Salad” and you can choose mozzarella or gorgonzola cheese – we chose mozzarella.  The salad comes with red onions, tomatoes, hardboiled eggs, chick peas, and olives – with their house dressing.  The cheese was served separately in a small container.  If you like cheese – and I REALLY do – you’ll need to ask for a 2nd container…especially if you order the family size!  We could’ve easily eaten 3 containers worth (again, we’re cheese lovers) but 2 was enough.  All the ingredients were fresh and the dressing was light and not overpowering.  The salad was very good and I would definitely order it again!

Onto the pizza!

We split a large pie – half pepperoni and half prosciutto & onion.  So delicious! The prosciutto was perfectly fresh and the onions were not raw but sauteed and very flavorful.  I have to say I favored the pepperoni though 🙂 Although the crust was very crispy and delicious, the middle of our pizza wasn’t as ‘well done’ as I would’ve liked- but the flavor was there and I won’t be a stickler about it.  I very much enjoyed my pizza and I honestly can’t wait to go back!  I think next time I’ll do a small pepperoni pie – that way it’s guaranteed to be crispy in the middle!

Behold the yumminess below…

Half Pepperoni & Half Prosciutto & Onion

Half Pepperoni & Half Prosciutto & Onion

 

Prosciutto & Onion Slice

Prosciutto & Onion Slice

In addition to their Darien location, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza has locations in New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania & Florida.  Definitely check them out if there’s a location near you!

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza
319 Post Road, Darien, CT
203-655-2625
 
Sunday – Thursday 11:30 – 10:00
Friday & Saturday 11:30 – 11:00

www.acfp.com

 

Stamford Summer Restaurant Week 2014

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It’s time for Summer restaurant week in Stamford.

Check out the info &  participating restaurants below!

Leave a comment if you’re thinking of dining somewhere & want a recommendation…enjoy!

Stamford Summer Restaurant Weeks August 18 – September 1, 2014.

Yes, two weeks of special multi-course menus and dining deals!

This Summer over 30 Downtown Stamford restaurants are serving up special lunch & dinner prix fixe menus in several different price options. The prices for lunch range from $10.14, $12.14 or $20.14 and dinner ranges from $15.14, $20.14 or $30.14. New this year: each participating restaurant will be mixing up its very own Signature Summer Cocktails to be featured during Restaurant Weeks.

Menus will be posted soon, so check back often!

View the list of participating restaurants below:

Restaurants Offering $10.14 Lunch And $15.14 Dinner:

Franklin Street Works Cafe* – RW Menu – 203-595-5211

Fuji Asian Restaurant* – RW Menu Coming Soon – 203-967-8989

McFadden’s Stamford* – RW Menu Coming Soon – 203-324-4448

Tomatillo Taco Joint* – RW Menus – 203-324-4777

Restaurants Offering $12.14 Lunch And $20.14 Dinner:

Azuca – RW Menus – 203-817-0189

Capriccio Café* – RW Menus – 203-356-9819

Castle Bar & Grill* – RW Menus – 203-357-9800

Fin II Japanese Restaurant* – RW Menus – 203-359-6688

Kotobuki – RW Menus – 203-359-4747

Lucky’s Classic Burger* – RW Menu Coming Soon – 203-978-0268

Quattro Pazzi* – RW Menu Coming Soon – 203-324-7000 – Make Reservations

Remo’s Brick Oven Pizza* – RW Menu Coming Soon – 203-973-0077

Sam’s American Bistro – RW Menus – 203-977-1265

Tengda Asian Bistro – RW Menu Coming Soon – 203-353-8005

Volta Gelateria Creperia* – RW Menus – 203-883-8841

Restaurants Offering $20.14 Lunch And $30.14 Dinner:

Aria – RW Menu Coming Soon –  203-324-2742 – Make Reservations

Bar Rosso* – RW Menus – 203-388-8640 – Make Reservations

Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar – RW Menus – 203-348-4800

The Capital Grille* – RW Menus – 203-967-0000 – Make Reservations

Cask Republic – RW Menu Coming Soon – 203-348-2275 – Make Reservations

Columbus Park Trattoria* – RW Menu Coming Soon – 203-967-9191

Cotto Wine Bar* – RW Menus – 203-914-1400 – Make Reservations

EOS Greek Cuisine* – RW Menus – 203-569-6250 – Make Reservations

F•I•S•H•* – RW Menu Coming Soon – 203-724-9300 – Make Reservations

Gastro Bar – RW Menus – 203-817-0392

Hudson Grille* – RW Menu – 203-883-8600 – Make Reservations

Kona Grill* – RW Menus – 203-324-5700

Lola’s Mexican Kitchen – RW Menu Coming Soon – 203-674-5652 – Make Reservations

Morton’s, The Steakhouse – RW Menu Coming Soon – 203-324-3939 – Make Reservations

napa & co. – RW Menus – 203-353-3319 – Make Reservations

Patrizia’s of Stamford – RW Menus – 203-348-8000 – Make Reservations

The Fez  – RW Menu Coming Soon – 203-324-3391

Villa Italia – RW Menus – 203-348-7742

ZAZA Italian Gastrobar – RW Menus – 203-348-2300

* Participating in the Kids’ Fans program.

This year in partnership with Stamford Hospital, Stamford Tables will host KIDS’ FANS 5-2-1-0, a program designed to promote nutrition and fitness in Stamford. All children under 12 will be offered a healthy lunch for $6.96 and dinner for $9.95 at the above listed restaurants.

Dine out and receive an Avon Theatre Film Center Coupon to “Buy one General Admission Ticket and Get One Free” plus two Free Medium Popcorns! Promotion expires 9/30/14

Be sure to follow us on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook for more updates and restaurant week news!

– See more at: http://www.connecticutrestaurantweek.com/restaurant-weeks-ct/stamford-restaurant-week-2011/#sthash.V4LuAOjn.dpuf

Berg’n Beer Hall – Brooklyn, NY

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From the creators of Smorgasburg & the Brooklyn Flea….Berg’n Beer Hall will open August 27th, 2014 in Brooklyn, NY!  The food court will be featuring the food of Mighty Quinn’s, Asia Dog, Pizza Moto, Ramen Burger, & more!

“After a few delays, the immense brick-walled space helmed by the Brooklyn Flea guys in a former Crown Heights garage will open on August 27. Mighty Quinn’s, Pizza Moto Slice Shop, Asia Dog, and Ramen Burger make up the roster of food vendors and will serve everything from clams-casino pizza to ramen churros to kimchi macaroni and cheese. Berg’n is also home to a 40-foot antique bar that will dispense local brews as well as pints of Bell’s Two-Hearted Ale, and there will be Dough doughnuts and Brooklyn-­roasted Parlor coffee in the mornings. – GrubStreet.com“

Berg’n Beer Hall is located at 899 Bergen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Read more about the Berg’n Beer Hall below!

What to eat at Berg’n? via GrubStreet

Behold Berg’n, Crown Heights’ Enormous New Beer Hall via NY Eater

Berg’n Beer Hall – Facebook Page

www.bergn.com

Shake Shack’s Crinkles Are Coming Back!

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Shake Shack’s crinkle cut fries are coming back this fall!!

“…We’re thrilled to announce that in November, CRINKLES WILL BE BACK!!! And better yet, we’re keeping our promise to Stand For Something Good – your favorite fry will be just as you left it, but will now be free from the artificial ingredients that so many frozen fries include; ingredients we know we can live without. Our team is working with farmers over the next few months to source the best spuds in the upcoming harvest.

Thanks to all of you who stuck with us during this change. We know that a lot of our guests came to love the hand-cuts over time and some of you may be disappointed in the switch back. But the vote is in.

Welcome back crinkles!”

See the rest of the announcement here!

#indarknessthereislight

Obligatory Shake Shack Post

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It’s no secret that Shake Shack is pretty awesome…

My go-to order is a Shack burger with pickles, cheese fries, and the Shack-ago dog.  Although the Smoke Shack burger is competing for my favorite…see below!

After a full meal of cheese fries, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, trying what other people ordered, etc –  I’m usually too full get a shake! I know, I know, I have to step up my game.  BUT I have gotten the ‘Fair Trade’ shake – which is a coffee shake made with 100% certified organic Arabica fair trade beans.  So delicious.  I like to get it with chocolate ice cream 🙂

What’s your favorite shake/ice cream/custard?

PRO MEAL TIP: (If you really love cheese) Ask for cheese on the side. Why? Because who wouldn’t want to dip their fries, cheeseburger, hot dogs, and God knows what else in MORE cheese. They gave me a side of cheese once because they forgot it on my fries, and now I’ll never go back! Enjoy some of my Shake Shack visits below…

 

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Smoke Shack Burger – Cheeseburger topped with applewood smoked bacon, chopped cherry peppers, & Shack sauce

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Shack Burgers, Cheese Fries, Shack-ago Dogs

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Shack Burger, Cheese Fries, Shack-ago Dog

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Shack Burger – Cheeseburger topped with lettuce, tomato, Shack sauce (and you gotta add pickles)

 

What’s your go-to Shake Shack combination?

Valencia Luncheria-Food Truck

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Soooo I’ve gone to the Valencia food truck in Vet’s Park in Stamford twice in one week because it was just that good!

Last Friday I took a chance and ordered the Cuban sandwich & a Cheeseburger empanada.  I say ‘took a chance’ because there was no description under the Cuban sandwich, but I figured it had to be good for two reasons. 1 being that it was the only sandwich offered, and 2 because I assumed it would be a combo of a meat and a cheese…and I love most meats and most cheeses..soo I mean it couldn’t be terrible….. and MAN was I right in my assumption!

Let’s start with Last Friday’s lunch…

Valencia's Cuban Sandwich & Cheeseburger Empanada

Valencia’s Cuban Sandwich & Cheeseburger Empanada

 

Would you LOOK at that crispy, toasted bun!? The Cuban sandwich consists of roasted pork, tavern ham, proscuitto, swiss cheese, and pickles.  If you’re thinking ‘wow, that’s so much meat’, you’re right. And it’s awesome. It’s a big sandwich for sure – I gave the other half to my Colombian co-worker and she LOVED it.  I originally asked for the beef picadillo empanada, but they were sold out and the (very smart) man suggested I get the cheeseburger empanada – which is the same as the beef picadillo but with mozzarella cheese.  I wasn’t upset with that information and I agreed.  It was just a delicious meat & cheese party in my mouth. The sandwich and empanada hit the spot for sure! I would absolutely get them both again….and I did.

As I said, I went twice in 1 week, so here was today’s choice…

 

Empanada Combo Platter! Cheeseburger & Beef Picadillo Empanada with Rice, Beans, Avocados, and Plantains

Empanada Combo! Cheeseburger & Beef Picadillo Empanada with Rice, Beans, Avocados, & Plantains

 

Ok, so I mean I don’t have to tell you that this was awesome right? I had to get the cheeseburger empanada again and I wanted to compare it with the beef picadillo one, and shockingly (insert sarcasm here) the cheeseburger one was better.  I mean cheese makes ANYTHING better.  The beef one was good too – but I prefer mozz to no mozz, feel me? This combo platter has everything you need, sweet & salty.  Those plantains were done RIGHT. The rice & beans were very good as well, although I couldn’t finish them because I was so full!

Verdict when it comes to the Valencia food truck….DO IT.   I’ve been to their restaurant as well and there’s so much to choose from!

Check their facebook page for their food truck schedule or go to their main spot in Norwalk!

 

Valencia Luncheria – FACEBOOK

Valencia Luncheria – WEBSITE  

Valencia Luncheria, 164 Main Street, Norwalk, CT

Follow me on Instagram!

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WHOA, It’s been way too long since I’ve posted ANYTHING on here…but that’s about to change!

If reading food blogs aren’t your thing, skip the BS and follow me on Instagram @youngandstarved

I promise I won’t flood your Insta feed…unless I’m eating tapas, and for that I will not apologize.

Looking forward to your likes!

 

(But seriously, please read this food blog also)

The Capital Grille (Restaurant Week – Lunch)

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230 Tresser Blvd  Stamford, CT 06901 – (203) 967-0000

I’ve been to The Capital Grille numerous times for restaurant week in the past, but only for dinner (recommendations below).  I decided to go for lunch because I saw that they had a cheeseburger on the menu and I’m always up for trying a new burger!  For their lunch special, $20.13 gets you a salad, an entree, and a dessert.  Anyone who is familiar with Capital Grille’s prices knows that $20.13 is a steal for lunch.  See their Restaurant Week Menu HERE!

Capital Grille Signature Cheeseburger: A blend of Chopped Sirloin, Smoked Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and Sweet Onion with Truffle Fries

Capital Grille Signature Cheeseburger: A blend of Chopped Sirloin, Smoked Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickles & Sweet Onion with Parmesan Truffle Fries

While I do think that the cheeseburger was very good, it’s not the best I’ve had.  I think I expected it to be a bit different and maybe more original – but I suppose bacon, lettuce, and tomato appeals to most of the population.  Don’t get me wrong – I LOVE the BLT combo, but it’s been better at other restaurants.  The meat was deliciously tender & seasoned and the truffle fries were AMAZING.  A good burger – but I would rather have had another dish.  I had their caesar salad & their chocolate ice cream as well – both were satisfying.  The WOW factor for me was the parmesan truffle fries – definitely the star of the meal.

I’ve been dying to try their Wagyu Cheeseburger, which is supposed to be phenomenal! I did not see it on the regular menu online or restaurant week menu and was a little disappointed.  Perhaps it’s a special? Or maybe they only offer it at specific locations? The Wagyu burger is served on a Brioche roll with Havarti cheese and a sunny side up egg & crispy onions.  Now THAT sounds like a burger!  Their signature burger is definitely worth a taste though!

If you’re going to the Capital Grille in Stamford for restaurant week (dinner), I absolutely recommend their Bone-In Dried Aged Sirloin & Filet Mignon for an entree.  Both are ridiculously good and I often have trouble deciding which one to choose.  I do enjoy their Creme Brulee for dessert as well.  I’ll be going back to CG for dinner next week so I’ll be updating this article with some pictures. Oh, and their Lobster Mac & Cheese is to die for – probably the best I’ve had 🙂

What do you recommend from The Capital Grille?

Saturday Sandwich from Rye Ridge Deli

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http://www.ryeridgedeli.com

High Ridge Center, 1087 High Ridge Rd, Stamford, CT

Rye Rigde Shopping Center, 126 S. Ridge St, Rye Brook, NY

The Eastchester: Turkey, Pastrami, Cole Slaw & Russian dressing - Stamford, CT

The Eastchester: Turkey, Pastrami, Cole Slaw & Russian dressing – Stamford, CT