More often than not, we hear of local shops shutting their doors, so it was great news to learn of…read moreWeekend Kitchen's move and expansion. We love this destination in Essex for all kinds of kitchen accoutrements, and we love it even more now. Nancy Kirkiles has a knack for mixing vintage finds with kitchen necessities, and the new, larger space has allowed her to flex her merchandising muscles. You'll find an extensive selection of her lovely letterpressed cards on thick stock (and you'll want to stock up), plus a tempting mix of vintage glassware, interesting cookbooks, antique cleavers, teeny silver spoons, crystal salt cellars, linen aprons, essentials for baking; an entire batterie de cuisine. If you're on a spring cleaning rampage, head here for natural bristle brushes and potions with names like "Boys Bathroom" and Superlative Hand Soap. Over the years, Nancy has developed a talented team of collaborators. If you've been to one of her cooking classes or pop-up dinners, you'll know what I'm talking about. Chef Paul Barron will continue to offer classes and dinners through Weekend Kitchen (coming up: Potato Gnocchi and Easy Thai), plus home chef services and (coming soon) grab-and-go meals. You'll find Plenty of Cake, literally. Lesley Moore's imaginative treats will be available and by custom order (her gluten free versions may just be the best I've had), and a refrigerator case is on the way, to be stocked with Arethusa Farm's ridiculous fresh butter, milk, and cheese. I've been known to race over pre-party for a last minute ladle or gravy boat; now I'll just have so many more reasons to visit.

Very nice store with lots of nice things but sales person was NOT wearing a mask. It made me quite…read moreuncomfortable as the store has aisles that are a little tight.

Chef Arno cooked and catered my wife's 40th birthday celebration. I have to admit I was a bit…read moreskeptical with hiring Arno at first considering he had just moved to the US. I did a bit of due diligence and discovered he ran a successful private chef business while living in New Zealand. Additionally he was trained at one of the best culinary schools in France, Paul Augier Culinary Cooking School. We chatted over Skype, phone and e-mail to find the best menu that fit my wife's palate and for the broader party. When I suggested a wine pairing party, Arno sent across the types of wines that would pair best with each course. On the day of the party, Arno came accompanied by 2 assistants and immediately began cooking, exhibiting clear signs of a professional and experienced cook. Despite my having an electric stove and oven, he had no issues with cooking one of the best meals I've ever had. We started with raw oysters seasoned with an exquisite red vinegar and shallot dressing. The second course of Chicken liver & Cognac pate on a baguette was addictive and full of flavor. The main course of pork medallion, creamy risotto and confit tomato and garlic was delicious and simply perfect. Finally for desert we had crème brulee infused with mint and lemon. It was a unique pairing of sweet and tangy capping off a memorable meal. All the ingredients used were fresh and of high quality. At the end of the night, Arno's staff cleaned up the tables and put away left overs. I highly recommend hiring Arno for your next private event. He's a one stop shop of knowledge pertaining all your culinary, cooking and event needs. CT is lucky to have gained such a talented chef.

From the owner: Bonjour I am Arno your French personal chef on Zoom and I offer group and private live cooking…read moreclasses! Get a great present for yourself or a loved one or bring your family and friends together for a fantastic and real fun time. Cook like a pro at your pace, improvise a meal from your pantry or fridge, create a signature dish or make restaurant food in 1, 2 or 3 hours with me, your online personal French chef Arno.

I picked a beautiful and delicious birthday cake from Sweets on Main last week! I met the…read morewonderfully friendly owner of this gem of a bakery, and I can not wait to return. Everything about the ordering, purchase, and enjoyment of this cake was a pleasure! Thank you again. I will be back as soon as possible!

I rarely give a five star review, that said the recipient of the decadent creation was elated…read more I was apprehensive ordering online, yet Sarah was prompt answering all questions and scheduled a delivery for this order. The cake exceeded expectations since she said "so extravagant. If you really want an impressive joyful memory sweets on main is place!

I was in search of a private chef for my friends bachelorette in Westbrook, CT and I could not be…read moremore thankful that we found Chef Antonio! First and foremost, his daughter Emily who coordinated our event could not have been more accommodating, easy to work with, and helpful throughout the process. Second, the food was beyond AMAZING. I HIGHLY recommend the food and wine pairing. Chef Antonio outdid himself with 4 incredible courses and a wine paired with each. The food was out of this world and our group discussed which dish was the best for the remainder of the bachelorette and it's still unclear because every single one was THAT good. This was the first time I have experienced working with a private chef and it was truly incredible. I highly recommend Chef Antonio for any event you may have - the food and the service exceeded expectations. I am already trying to find another event to use Chef Antonio for!

From the owner: My business specializes in bringing both the traditional and modern Italian cuisines to the table…read morewhether it be through delivery, catered holiday events or parties, in-home private dinners, or by teaching the art of Italian cooking through cooking classes in the comfort of your own home.

Their Knife Sharpening is worse than terrible. My knives…read morewere duller after the 'sharpening' and close to ruined. They are Wüsthof knives and Wüsthof- Trident of North America store in Norwalk is the place to go for professional sharpening.

This gourmet cooking store has the added bonus of a coffee bar inside the store. You can grab a…read morelatte and browse away. The selection here is incredible. Anything you could need or want for your kitchen and cooking adventures. Minus one star for a rude, unpleasant staff interaction.

Newbrook Kitchen definitely lived up to the hype! This was one of the best culinary experiences…read moreI've had in a while. We went for their first October seating, and this month's menu has such cozy fall dishes. The cod and filet were cooked perfectly! The courses are on the smaller side, but it works out well so you can comfortably enjoy each of the six courses, plus bread. We had a front row seat to the open kitchen, and you could see how much care chef Danielle and her team put in to every dish. The timing of the courses flowed perfectly, and having it be capped at 40 people with a prix fixe menu made for a smooth experience. The servers were attentive and made sure we always had enough water and that empty plates were cleared. Perfect for a unique date night or girls night out!

Finally had a chance to check out Newbrook kitchen. This place is sooooo amazing. Loved the cozy…read morefeel, service and decor! The food was a real knockout here. We chose to sit at the kitchen bar to be close to all the action. They started us off with bread service which was cranberry bread with orange butter, and mind you gluten free but you couldn't even tell! The amuse bouche was pimento cheese bread with pork belly lardons and almonds. So tasty. Next we had honey nut squash with whipped cheese and sage. So good. The cheese was out of this world. Next we had Chorizo crusted sea bass in an herb oil cream sauce. This was my favorite dish of the evening. I honestly wanted to lick the cream sauce out of the empty dish. Next was a curry chicken which was so tasty and then our final savory dish Pomegranate braised beef with coconut rice which was my second favorite. The flavors were spot on and there was this interesting popping texture to the dish. Our final course dessert, Brown butter miso cookie cake with chai gelato was delivered by chef Danielle herself who also took the time to check in on our experience. The whole experience was phenomenal and I recommend for any foodies. This place is catching on quickly so be sure to secure a reservation as they fill up so fast!

Huge shoutout to Jaleel for hosting an incredible sushi-making class at Forty Second Brew Co. in…read moreKingston, Massachusetts tonight! He made the trip all the way from Connecticut to teach a room full of novices how to craft high-quality rolls. I stuck with a classic California roll for my first go, but the results were so good that I'm already dying to branch out and try more complex rolls. I even told another guest that the brewery needs to have him back monthly so we can keep leveling up our skills! Such a fun night in Kingston.

Chef J was so much fun! He gave great instructions with lots of laughs! We made vegetarian rolls…read moreand enjoyed the good company. Would recommend this as a date night for couples.

I've had the pleasure of taking three of Chef Raquel's cooking classes. Two were in a large group…read moresetting and one was a small private class. Chef Raquel makes everyone feel comfortable and confident in the kitchen. She's instantly likable, fun and knowledgeable...all while managing to keep everyone engaged. Her recipes are delicious! I've made some of my favorites again at home. I'd highly recommend booking a cooking class with her and her team. You will have a blast, learn something new and have a delicious meal!

Chef Raquel is amazing! She catered my 40th birthday celebration and 3 weeks later my guests are…read morestill raving about the food! Seriously EVERYTHING was absolutely delicious! I'm still waiting on that herb baby potatoes recipe. Thank you again!

6 stars, and that's no exaggeration....Not that I eat a lot of Bar BQ, but this has definitely been…read morethe best pulled pork I ever had in my 50 years. The slaw was also outstanding....$9 lunch Who would think...a little truck on the side of the road in Madison

This truck has the most amazing brisket...does not get any better…read more Very reasonable prices