Warning: Reading this story may cause you to toss all of the olive oil and balsamic vinegar you currently own and replace it with better quality, better tasting products.

Before meeting Alina Lawrence, I thought I knew a thing or two about olive oil. But after a morning of tasting olive oils from around the world with her in her new Darien shop, Olivette, I will never look at a bottle of oil the same way.

“Olive oil is so much like wine,” says the Romanian-born Lawrence. “You have different categories — mild, medium and robust. And when you are tasting, you must first ...

There’s a new hot spot in Darien where locals can share food, drinks and an upscale casual atmosphere. Darien Social opened today, following considerable buzz and anticipation.

Executive Chef Nick Bilello (originator of SoNo’s Burger Bar & Bistro) heads the kitchen, riffing off of his prior experience of taking comfort food to gourmet heights. Teaming with General Manager Baird Van Beever (formerly of Conte’s, Barcelona and Red Lulu), they’ve created a gastro-comfort menu that promises dishes such as: local oysters with sherry onions and crispy shallots; pork belly BLT ...

NORWALK, Conn. — It's tough to imagine a way to make Wave Hill Breads any better. But that was before husband-and-wife owners Mitch Rapoport and Margaret Sapir opened their cozy artisan micro-bakery in Norwalk.

On Tuesday, Jan. 24, the new Wave Hill Breads bakery and café was packed with reporters hungry for a story — and a fresh cheese Danish. Mayor Richard Moccia, state Sen Bob Duff and state Rep. Chris Perone were on hand as well, sampling Wave Hill Breads’ new menu of breads, muffins and pastries.

“I could stand here all day and just eat that bread dipped in the ...

Celebrated local chefs are teaming up for a good cause. More than a dozen Fairfield County chefs have joined with the Stamford YMCA to raise awareness and money to fight childhood obesity on the local level.

Slated for Jan. 30, the “Fine Food for a Cause” event will feature dishes by a bevy of local chefs from area restaurants, including: Napa & Co.; Columbus Park; Da Pietro’s; Tarry Lodge; Match; Strada 18; Morton’s; Tappo and Barcelona.

The evening’s honorees, Joe Bastianich and Teresa Scanlan (Miss America 2011) will also be in attendance. And Scott Wapner ...

Last September, I told you that Luxe Wine Bar, a cozy wine and cocktail joint, would be opening in Westport in November 2011.

I was right about the name and location at least.

After weathering a few challenges to opening—installing a second bathroom was reportedly among them—Robert Reilly of Redding, owner of Luxe, has announced the wine bar will host a soft opening, Saturday, Jan. 21.

In addition to 40 or so wines that will be available by the glass, Luxe plans on offering a small charcuterie menu, along with a few seasonal cocktails.

Seating will be ...

The Fourth Annual Chowdafest is coming to town. Chowdafest is slated for "SOUPer Bowl" Saturday, Feb. 4, the day before Super Bowl Sunday.

It's all happening at Bedford Middle School in Westport from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come hungry and come ready to stand up and vote for your favorite “chowda” in different categories: New England Clam Chowder, Creative Chowder and Soup/Bisque.

There will be a whole lot of soup slurping going one with over 20 area chefs and restaurants participating. 2011’s winners—Mansion Clam House, Southport Brewing Company and Nicholas Roberts Gourmet ...

Chef Eric Xie of TEN Asian Bistro wants you to party like it's 4710. It’s the Chinese New Year, of course. On Jan. 23, we will enter the Year of the Dragon, which Chinese tradition says will be marked with intensity and excitement. Why not celebrate at the grand opening of TEN’s newest location in the Westfield Mall in Trumbull?

The party kicks off at 3 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, music, traditional lion acrobatic dancing and, of course, plenty of Chef Xie’s favorite foods.

State Rep. Tony Hwang, R-Fairfield and the event organizer, said, “This celebration pays ...