Susan Braden
VerifiedArticles by Susan Braden
New Italian restaurant Bello’s moves closer to opening in Waterbury
WATERBURY — Bello’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, slated to open at 649 Watertown Ave. in the former Mix Cafe space in Waterbury, cleared one hurdle with the city. The Italian eatery plans to open soon, according to a social media post. The restaurant passed its final health inspection, according to Richard Lee, chief sanitarian in the Waterbury Health Department. All that remains are inspections with the Building Department and Fire Marshal’s Office, Lee said.
Taqueria La Grande opens in Rocky Hill with authentic tacos, birria and house-made tortillas
Pastor Burrito, made with grilled pork leg at Taqueria La Grande in Rocky Hill. Courtesy of Kris Ponce Taqueria La Grande's recently opened at its new location in Rocky Hill. Courtesy of Allan Smith A trio of desserts at their New Britain location. From left, tres leches, churros and flan. Courtesy of Kris Ponce From left to right Birria tacos, quesadilla and burrito Courtesy of Kris Ponce Bistec taco (Spanish beefsteak), handmade corn tortilla topped with onion and cilantro.
Taqueria La Grande opens in Rocky Hill with authentic tacos, birria and house-made tortillas
Pastor Burrito, made with grilled pork leg at Taqueria La Grande in Rocky Hill. Courtesy of Kris Ponce Taqueria La Grande's recently opened at its new location in Rocky Hill. Courtesy of Allan Smith A trio of desserts at their New Britain location. From left, tres leches, churros and flan. Courtesy of Kris Ponce From left to right Birria tacos, quesadilla and burrito Courtesy of Kris Ponce Bistec taco (Spanish beefsteak), handmade corn tortilla topped with onion and cilantro.
Taqueria La Grande opens in Rocky Hill with authentic tacos, birria and house-made tortillas
Pastor Burrito, made with grilled pork leg at Taqueria La Grande in Rocky Hill. Courtesy of Kris Ponce Taqueria La Grande's recently opened at its new location in Rocky Hill. Courtesy of Allan Smith A trio of desserts at their New Britain location. From left, tres leches, churros and flan. Courtesy of Kris Ponce From left to right Birria tacos, quesadilla and burrito Courtesy of Kris Ponce Bistec taco (Spanish beefsteak), handmade corn tortilla topped with onion and cilantro.
Taqueria La Grande opens in Rocky Hill with authentic tacos, birria and house-made tortillas
Pastor Burrito, made with grilled pork leg at Taqueria La Grande in Rocky Hill. Courtesy of Kris Ponce Taqueria La Grande's recently opened at its new location in Rocky Hill. Courtesy of Allan Smith A trio of desserts at their New Britain location. From left, tres leches, churros and flan. Courtesy of Kris Ponce From left to right Birria tacos, quesadilla and burrito Courtesy of Kris Ponce Bistec taco (Spanish beefsteak), handmade corn tortilla topped with onion and cilantro.
Taqueria La Grande opens in Rocky Hill with authentic tacos, birria and house-made tortillas
Pastor Burrito, made with grilled pork leg at Taqueria La Grande in Rocky Hill. Courtesy of Kris Ponce Taqueria La Grande's recently opened at its new location in Rocky Hill. Courtesy of Allan Smith A trio of desserts at their New Britain location. From left, tres leches, churros and flan. Courtesy of Kris Ponce From left to right Birria tacos, quesadilla and burrito Courtesy of Kris Ponce Bistec taco (Spanish beefsteak), handmade corn tortilla topped with onion and cilantro.
Southington's Koshi Sushi & Grill, known for Japanese and Korean cuisine, closes after 7 years Original
One of the popular bento box lunches at the now-closed Koshi Sushi & Grill in Southington. Courtesy of Dave Champagne SOUTHINGTON — With “mixed emotions,” the owners of Koshi Sushi & Grill in Southington said goodbye to customers on social media ahead of the restaurant's Nov. 7 closure. “After many wonderful years, we have made the difficult decision to close Koshi Sushi & Grill,” they said in their post.
Playa Bowls opens in Danbury, filling long-vacant Federal Road storefront Original
The beachy Interior of the new Playa Bowls in Danbury. Courtesy of Danbury Regional Chamber of Commerce At the ribbon cutting at Playa Bowls from left are Aaron Lawrie of Dark Horse Franchising, state Rep. Farley Santos, Tucker Bartone, also of Dark Horse and Robert Peters, the director of marketing and engagement at the Danbury Regional Chamber of Commerce. Courtesy of Danbury Regional Chamber of Commerce Inside at the new Playa Bowls in Danbury with a Nutella Acai bowl in the foreground.
Hamden’s Ray & Mike’s Deli plans Milford location as it eyes more expansion Original
Hamden’s Ray & Mike’s Deli, 3030 Whitney Ave., a local staple known for its signature steak and cheese sandwiches, is planning to open a second location in Milford by early spring 2027. The new deli will be at 112 New Haven Ave. in Milford, according to operations manager Steve Gargiulo. They are also looking to further expand at some point with two additional delis in Fairfield and Storrs, near the University of Connecticut, he said.
West Haven Restaurant Week returns with more restaurants and date-night deals Original
The upcoming West Haven Restaurant Week gives couples the perfect excuse for a date night, says Lalani Perry, chairman of the city’s Economic Development Commission. The city’s second Restaurant Week on Nov. 15 to 21 will feature selected restaurants offering deals and special pricing on menu items, from chicken wings for a $1 a piece for 12, to Blue Point oysters and Turkish kebabs. Venues include a classic diner, Colombian, sushi and Italian places, plus popular waterfront spots and taverns.
West Haven pizza shop comes from a family with deep New Haven roots Original
Bruno’s Wood Fired Pizza in West Haven, owned by a well-known pizza family, the Bernardos, who ran Gigi’s Pizza in Fair Haven, is holding a grand opening this weekend. “Honestly, it’s been incredible. We’ve been overwhelmed by the support, and the turnout has been amazing. Seeing this dream finally come to life is truly a blessing. We’re beyond grateful,” said Christopher "Bruno" Bernardo. Bruno’s had its soft opening Nov.
Vegan restaurant owners are opening a Middletown sports lounge with wings
Allison Vaughan's 4-year-old nephew Ambrose at The Taste of Middletown Oct. 21 at the Wadsworth Mansion. Courtesy of Allison Vaughan The SoulFully Vegan food truck, run by Allison Vaughan and her husband Calvin Vaughan, held its grand opening in May 2021 on Middletown’s South Green. Cassandra Day / Hearst Connecticut Husband and wife team Calvin and Allison Vaughan at the new Pinky's Up in Middletown still under construction.
New Haven writer’s journey from Nazi Germany detailed in book
Judy Birke's naturalization papers. Courtesy of Judy Birke New Haven author Judy Birke revisits family’s Holocaust-era flight in her book. She will give a talk in Hamden on Nov. 8. Courtesy of Judy Birke The cover of Judy Birke's book, “Catching up with Myself, Memories & Musings,” which took two decades to research and write. Courtesy of Judy Birke Judy Birke as a baby. She was born in Germany. Courtesy of Judy Birke Judy Birke's mother's German passport allowing her to leave Germany.
New Haven writer’s journey from Nazi Germany detailed in book
Judy Birke's naturalization papers. Courtesy of Judy Birke New Haven author Judy Birke revisits family’s Holocaust-era flight in her book. She will give a talk in Hamden on Nov. 8. Courtesy of Judy Birke The cover of Judy Birke's book, “Catching up with Myself, Memories & Musings,” which took two decades to research and write. Courtesy of Judy Birke Judy Birke as a baby. She was born in Germany. Courtesy of Judy Birke Judy Birke's mother's German passport allowing her to leave Germany.
New Haven writer’s journey from Nazi Germany detailed in book
Judy Birke's naturalization papers. Courtesy of Judy Birke New Haven author Judy Birke revisits family’s Holocaust-era flight in her book. She will give a talk in Hamden on Nov. 8. Courtesy of Judy Birke The cover of Judy Birke's book, “Catching up with Myself, Memories & Musings,” which took two decades to research and write. Courtesy of Judy Birke Judy Birke as a baby. She was born in Germany. Courtesy of Judy Birke Judy Birke's mother's German passport allowing her to leave Germany.
New Haven writer’s journey from Nazi Germany detailed in book
Judy Birke's naturalization papers. Courtesy of Judy Birke New Haven author Judy Birke revisits family’s Holocaust-era flight in her book. She will give a talk in Hamden on Nov. 8. Courtesy of Judy Birke The cover of Judy Birke's book, “Catching up with Myself, Memories & Musings,” which took two decades to research and write. Courtesy of Judy Birke Judy Birke as a baby. She was born in Germany. Courtesy of Judy Birke Judy Birke's mother's German passport allowing her to leave Germany.
New Haven writer’s journey from Nazi Germany detailed in book
Judy Birke's naturalization papers. Courtesy of Judy Birke New Haven author Judy Birke revisits family’s Holocaust-era flight in her book. She will give a talk in Hamden on Nov. 8. Courtesy of Judy Birke The cover of Judy Birke's book, “Catching up with Myself, Memories & Musings,” which took two decades to research and write. Courtesy of Judy Birke Judy Birke as a baby. She was born in Germany. Courtesy of Judy Birke Judy Birke's mother's German passport allowing her to leave Germany.
New Haven writer’s journey from Nazi Germany detailed in book
Judy Birke's naturalization papers. Courtesy of Judy Birke New Haven author Judy Birke revisits family’s Holocaust-era flight in her book. She will give a talk in Hamden on Nov. 8. Courtesy of Judy Birke The cover of Judy Birke's book, “Catching up with Myself, Memories & Musings,” which took two decades to research and write. Courtesy of Judy Birke Judy Birke as a baby. She was born in Germany. Courtesy of Judy Birke Judy Birke's mother's German passport allowing her to leave Germany.
New Haven writer’s journey from Nazi Germany detailed in book
Judy Birke's naturalization papers. Courtesy of Judy Birke New Haven author Judy Birke revisits family’s Holocaust-era flight in her book. She will give a talk in Hamden on Nov. 8. Courtesy of Judy Birke The cover of Judy Birke's book, “Catching up with Myself, Memories & Musings,” which took two decades to research and write. Courtesy of Judy Birke Judy Birke as a baby. She was born in Germany. Courtesy of Judy Birke Judy Birke's mother's German passport allowing her to leave Germany.
Atticus Market plans second New Haven store in Westville at former Manhares cafe location Original
New Haven’s Atticus Bookstore & Café and Atticus Market will be bringing their fresh baked Chabaso breads, local food brands and groceries to its planned second market to Westville at the site of the recently shuttered Manjares café. Atticus president Charlie Negaro Jr. said there will be extensive renovations on the building at 382 West Rock Ave. and he plans to open in April. “We are very excited to open our second market in Westville,” Negaro said.
Atticus Market plans second New Haven store in Westville at former Manhares cafe location
A variety of bakery items made with fresh local milled whole wheat are displayed at Atticus Bookstore & Cafe on Chapel Street in New Haven on March 10, 2020.
Toast + Tonic closes in Mystic after 6 years; sister bakeshop also closed Original
After “pouring” her heart into Toast + Tonic Creative Kitchen in Mystic for six years, chef-owner Aimee Filippetti announced the brunch and lunch spot in Olde Mistick Village closed last month. “After six wonderful years, it’s time for us to hang up our aprons and close our doors following one final service this Saturday, October 31st,” Filippetti said in her Facebook post made the day before.
New Orange Noble gas station adds Frisbie’s ice cream, coffee and bowls Original
The dining area inside the new Noble Gas Station that recently opened in Orange. Courtesy of Mike Frisbie The recently opened Noble Gas Station in Orange which has three eateries under one roof. Courtesy of Mike Frisbie The recently opened Noble Gas Station in Orange which has three eateries under one roof. Courtesy of Mike Frisbie Three eateries, including a Frisbie’s Dairy Barn, recently opened at the new Noble Gas Station in Orange, owned by Frisbie’s founder Mike Frisbie.
Café Nola closes in downtown Clinton as used bookstore Henry on Main stays open Original
Café Nola, located in the former brick library in Clinton, closed Nov. 1. The restaurant shared the space with the library-run used bookstore, Henry on Main, which remains open. Henry on Main, which sells used books for $1, will continue its weekday hours, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The building formerly housed the Henry Carter Hull Library from 1951 to 1998 before it relocated to 10 Killingworth Turnpike. “Thank you to everyone who came to say goodbye during the week and today.
Ilios Greek Taverna & Bar celebrates grand opening in Norwalk, offers bifteki on its menu Original
Cheese Saganaki at Ilios Greek Taverna & Bar in Norwalk. Courtesy Ilios Greek Taverna & Bar Ilios Greek Taverna & Bar in Norwalk is holding a grand opening Nov. 5. Courtesy Ilios Greek Taverna & Bar Ilios Greek Taverna & Bar in Norwalk is holding a grand opening Nov. 5. Courtesy Ilios Greek Taverna & Bar The owners of Ilios Greek Taverna & Bar brought their recipes from home — in the village of Naoussa in Greece — for patrons in Norwalk to enjoy, co-owner George Valouktzis said.
A sandwich shop with 'all-day sauce' to a Pacific-inspired bar: 7 new CT restaurants for November Original
Between Bread recently opened at 1008 Chapel St. New Haven. Courtesy The Shops at Yale Here are seven new restaurants that Connecticut diners can enjoy in November, including a new sandwich shop serving up an “all day sauce,” a bar serving up Pacific-inspired cuisine and a new eatery from a notable Westport restaurateur.
Amity Eats! week brings restaurant deals to Orange and Woodbridge, from churros to turkey dinners Original
Owner Peter Leong at Mai Thai Restaurant, a participant in Amity Eats! Courtesy of Barry Cohen Emma Waldron at Orange Ale House, a participant in Amity Eats! Courtesy of Barry Cohen Mantras Market owner and chef Julian Brown. Courtesy of Barry Cohen From doughnuts to sushi, restaurants will offer discounts, buy-one, get-one-free offers and free samples at the second Amity Eats! week taking place Nov. 6-14 in Orange and Woodbridge.
Panda Express to bring its famous orange chicken to Hamden Plaza
Panda Express, the giant Chinese food fast-casual chain is coming to the Hamden Plaza in the space previously occupied by Panera Bread, according to Andrew Bermant, part-owner of the plaza. Bermant said Panda Express recently signed a lease for the 1,500-square-foot space, which had been vacant for more than a year. Panera relocated to The Marketplace at Hamden in 2025.
Panda Express to bring its famous orange chicken to Hamden Plaza
Panda Express is coming to the former location of the Panera Bread in the Hamden Plaza, at 2100 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. Above, Panda Express.in Dripping Springs. Texas. Courtesy of Panda Express Above, the famous "Original Orange Chicken." Panda Express is coming to the former location of the Panera Bread in the Hamden Plaza, at 2100 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. Courtesy of Panda Express Panda Express is coming to the former location of the Panera Bread in the Hamden Plaza, at 2100 Dixwell Ave., Hamden.
Panda Express to bring its famous orange chicken to Hamden Plaza
Panda Express is coming to the former location of the Panera Bread in the Hamden Plaza, at 2100 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. Above, Panda Express.in Dripping Springs. Texas. Courtesy of Panda Express Above, the famous "Original Orange Chicken." Panda Express is coming to the former location of the Panera Bread in the Hamden Plaza, at 2100 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. Courtesy of Panda Express Panda Express is coming to the former location of the Panera Bread in the Hamden Plaza, at 2100 Dixwell Ave., Hamden.
Panda Express to bring its famous orange chicken to Hamden Plaza
Panda Express is coming to the former location of the Panera Bread in the Hamden Plaza, at 2100 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. Above, Panda Express.in Dripping Springs. Texas. Courtesy of Panda Express Above, the famous "Original Orange Chicken." Panda Express is coming to the former location of the Panera Bread in the Hamden Plaza, at 2100 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. Courtesy of Panda Express Panda Express is coming to the former location of the Panera Bread in the Hamden Plaza, at 2100 Dixwell Ave., Hamden.
Panda Express to bring its famous orange chicken to Hamden Plaza
Panda Express is coming to the former location of the Panera Bread in the Hamden Plaza, at 2100 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. Above, Panda Express.in Dripping Springs. Texas. Courtesy of Panda Express Above, the famous "Original Orange Chicken." Panda Express is coming to the former location of the Panera Bread in the Hamden Plaza, at 2100 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. Courtesy of Panda Express Panda Express is coming to the former location of the Panera Bread in the Hamden Plaza, at 2100 Dixwell Ave., Hamden.
Panda Express to bring its famous orange chicken to Hamden Plaza
Panda Express is coming to the former location of the Panera Bread in the Hamden Plaza, at 2100 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. Above, Panda Express.in Dripping Springs. Texas. Courtesy of Panda Express Above, the famous "Original Orange Chicken." Panda Express is coming to the former location of the Panera Bread in the Hamden Plaza, at 2100 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. Courtesy of Panda Express Panda Express is coming to the former location of the Panera Bread in the Hamden Plaza, at 2100 Dixwell Ave., Hamden.
Panda Express to bring its famous orange chicken to Hamden Plaza
Panda Express is coming to the former location of the Panera Bread in the Hamden Plaza, at 2100 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. Above, Panda Express.in Dripping Springs. Texas. Courtesy of Panda Express Above, the famous "Original Orange Chicken." Panda Express is coming to the former location of the Panera Bread in the Hamden Plaza, at 2100 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. Courtesy of Panda Express Panda Express is coming to the former location of the Panera Bread in the Hamden Plaza, at 2100 Dixwell Ave., Hamden.
Nothing Bundt Cakes in Norwalk to give away 300 bundtlets at grand opening this month Original
To celebrate the grand opening of its Norwalk location, Nothing Bundt Cakes will be giving away 300 small bundlets and offering additional prizes. The grand opening will take place Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their new location at 406 Westport Ave., Norwalk. This is the national bakery chain’s fourth location in the state, with stores in Stamford, Danbury and West Hartford.
Fancy hats, tea and colorful cookies: A Mad Hatter brunch is coming to Greenwich
Guests are invited to don their fanciest hats and wear their flashiest costumes to attend a fanciful tea party, the upcoming Mad Hatter Specialty Brunch at J House Greenwich. The "Alice in Wonderland"-themed brunch takes place Oct. 24 from noon to 3 p.m. in the Garden Patio dining room at boutique luxury hotel and restaurant at 1114 E. Putnam Ave.
Fancy hats, tea and colorful cookies: A Mad Hatter brunch is coming to Greenwich
Kira Provenzano with her cookie cart from Sweet Daydreams Bakeshop will be at the Mad Hatters brunch at J House in Greenwich. Courtesy of Sweet Dreams Bakeshop The Mad Hatters brunch at J House in Greenwich promises to be 'a Wonderland-immersive' event, organizers say. Courtesy of J House The Mad Hatters brunch will take place in the garden patio dining room at the J House in Greenwich.
From wheat to croissant: This new Fairfield bakery lets you see how the flour is made
Daniel and Brittany Moreno have opened their newest location of Kneads, a cafe, bakery and mill on the Boston Post Road in Fairfield Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media With coffee and pain au chocolat in hand, patrons can watch wheat ground into flour inside the new Kneads Bakery Café Mill in Fairfield When customers come in, they’ll notice “big open windows that you can see into our mill,” said Brittany Moreno, co-owner of Kneads.
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