Head to Stamford’s Whip for Sandwiches for Breakfast or Lunch

Stamford residents have no shortage of quality casual eateries to choose from, but Whip manages to stand out due to its dedication to fresh ingredients, healthy preparations, and tons of flavor. Crowds head in for breakfast before work for the reasonably-priced egg sandwiches. You can get one with sausage, bacon, or steak on a bagel or roll, and the most expensive one comes in at just five bucks.

Other popular morning choices include omelets and danishes. For lunch, the offerings stick to traditional salads and sandwiches, but they’re executed expertly. Some favorite sandwiches include the Calamity Jane, made with ham, Swiss cheese, honey mustard, lettuce, pickles, oil, and vinegar, as well as the tasty Jeff Spicoli Stromboli that is loaded with quality Italian meats. All of the sandwiches can be ordered on white, wheat, or rye bread, or as a wrap or “wedge." The daily specials are usually very good as well.

Whip
36 Dyke Lane
Stamford, CT 10506
(203) 325-3595
www.whipeatwell.com
www.yelp.com/biz/whip-stamford

Sink Your Teeth Into a Slice at Remo’s

Pizza is serious business in Connecticut, and Remo’s Brick Oven Pizza Company in the heart of Stamford is not messing around. This restaurant's brick oven has been firing since 2006, and Remo's has made its name by producing quality pies in Napoletana and New York styles. You'll never go wrong with a classic margherita pie, but locals also rave about Remo’s signature offerings: the salad pie with mixed greens and avocado and the Parma with prosciutto and arugula.

But remember that Remo’s is more than just a pizza joint. This shop does a brisk lunch business (try the Mediterranean salad with salmon if you’ve had your fill of pizza), and the spacious dining room provides a lovely atmosphere for a family dinner. Whatever you order, be sure to leave room for a fresh-filled cannoli for dessert. Take-out and delivery options are prompt and efficient.

Remo's
35 Bedford Street
Stamford, CT 06901
(203) 973-0077
www.remospizza.com
www.yelp.com/biz/remos-stamford-2

Mexican Food Goes Mobile at El Charrito

El Charrito has had a brick and mortar location in Riverside for quite a while, but in recent years their food truck in Stamford has gained quite the following. The menu is pretty extensive, serving all kinds of authentic Mexican street-style food: tortas, enchiladas, and even Mexican burgers all have their devotees among the truck’s loyal customers.

But let’s be real here: El Charrito is about the tacos and the tortas. You can go with the standard chicken, fish, steak or chorizo tacos, or you can branch out to try the tacos lengua (cow tongue), tacos oreja (pig ear), or tacos chicharones (fried pork skin). Best of all, you can work your way through all of their offerings without ever spending more than a few bucks per meal. Just a quick note: All of the food is made to order, so it usually takes 15 minutes or so to get your food.

El Charrito
Richmond Hill Avenue
Stamford, CT 06902
(203) 940-0922
elcharritollc.com
www.yelp.com/biz/el-charrito-stamford

Try the Tamarind Margarita at Casa Villa

Head south of the border without having to dig out your passport at Casa Villa in Stamford. Fans of the Mexican eatery rave about its flavorful selection of authentic food served in a warm, welcoming setting.

Start your feast and fiesta with a tamarind margarita or glass of sangria and an appetizer like gorditas de maiz—corn tortillas stuffed with tomatillo sauce, fresh cheese, lettuce, onions, and crema Mexicana. The cocktail de camarones, on the other hand, is another solid option: a shrimp cocktail with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. Of course, you can always go with the classic guacamole with crispy tortilla chips.

The entrée menu features flavorful options like fajitas with chicken, steak, shrimp, or vegetables; enchiladas with chicken, mole sauce, and cheese; and tacos al pastor with pork loin and grilled pineapple.

Casa Villa
866 E. Main Street
Stamford, CT 06902
(203) 348-0622
www.casavillarestaurant.com/restaurantecasavilla
www.yelp.com/biz/casa-villa-stamford

Churros and Coffee Make the Perfect Pair at Stamford’s Lorca

Lorca’s owner studied the art of making churros in Spain, but learned to brew great coffee right in Connecticut. Her two talents converged to result in her own cafe in Stamford. Fans of this great little coffee shop, bakery, and cafe love the ambiance, friendly servers, and yummy array of drinks and food. Of course, the main event is the churro, a spiral of fried dough sprinkled with sugar. Order some of them here and they'll arrive freshly prepared with sugary dipping sauces.

Lorca also serves croissants, muffins, and alfajores—better known as butter cookies with dulce de leche, coconut, and powdered sugar. St. James cake is gluten-free because it’s made with ground almonds instead of flour. The menu also includes a quiche of the day, ham and cheese croissant, grilled cheese sandwich with sharp cheddar, and the classic sandwich with bacon, egg, and cheddar grilled on a panini press.

Lorca
125 Bedford Street
Stamford, CT 06902
(203) 504-2847
www.lorcastamford.com
www.yelp.com/biz/lorca-stamford

Expect Authentic Italian Cuisine at Cesco’s Trattoria

Celebrate a special occasion at Cesco’s Trattoria in Darien, one of the region's best kept secrets for authentic, rustic Italian cuisine. Chef and owner Aldo Chiamulera grew up in northern Italy and named the restaurant after his grandfather.

A Certified Green Restaurant, Cesco's relies on local, organic and seasonal ingredients wherever possible. Start with the baked clams or the tortellini soup. Pasta is available in full and half portions for those that want a traditional Italian meal of pasta and a main course. Try the Chianti Spaghetti with broccoli rabe and sausage. Favorite main courses are the braised short ribs with polenta, halibut beurre blanc with spinach and artichoke hearts, and veal ossobuco. Cesco’s is known for satisfying portions that won’t leave you feeling stuffed.

Cesco’s exudes charm with old world-inspired decor like brick archways, ladder back chairs, and hardwood floors. White linen table cloths add elegance and sophistication.

Cesco’s Trattoria
25 Old Kings Highway North
Darien, CT 06820
(203) 202-9985
www.cescostrattoria.com
www.yelp.com/biz/cescos-trattoria-darien

Bistro Bonne Nuit: A French Bistro in New Canaan

Fine dining is on the menu at Bistro Bonne Nuit. The cozy New Canaan bistro is perfect for a romantic date night or special occasion. Enjoy a gourmet dinner full of delicious French fare. Start with an appetizer like the Foie Gras, Tomato Tart Tatin, or Roasted Heirloom Baby Beet Salad. Try the signature dish, the Cassoulet de Castelnaudary with lamb, Duck confit, garlic sausage, and flageolet beans. The menu may not be large but it has a nice mix of dishes like Salmon, Maine Lobster, Sea Scallops, Boeuf (a grilled NY steak with crispy onion ring bundle), and Arugula Chicken. Make sure you save room for a delectable dessert like the creme brulee. Service is friendly without being overbearing. If you can't eat in, take out is available.

Just a short trip from Stamford Corners Apartments, Bistro Bonne Nuit is open seven days a week. Reservations are recommended.

Bistro Bonne Nuit
12 Forest Street
New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 966-5303
http://www.ctdiningandeventsguide.com/restaurants/bistrobonnenuit1.php
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bistro-bonne-nuit-new-canaan

Marly’s Bar and Bistro: Great For Any Occasion

Marly's Bar and Bistro in Wilton offers an elegant bistro menu in a casual and comfortable atmosphere. It's an agreeable place for any occasion including family dinner, casual dates, catching up with an old friend, or a business lunch. The menu focuses on American classics like tasteful burgers and wraps along with steaks and chops. Regulars recommend the barbecue glazed salmon with a sweet potato puree, basmati rice pilaf, squash noodles and chili citrus vinaigrette. Their signature dish is Marly’s Famous Bolognese with oriechiette pasta and topped with fresh ricotta cheese. Enjoy your meal with a glass of wine or a well crafted cocktail. Prices are reasonable, especially considering the sophistication and quality of the dishes. Friendly staff welcome everyone like a regular.

Marly's features live acoustic guitar Tuesday evenings and offers a kids movie night every Sunday, with a new release movie, popcorn, kids meal and ice cream for $10 per child. It's just minutes from Stamford Corners Apartments — check it out!

Marly's Bar and Bistro
101 Old Ridgefield Road
Wilton, CT 06897
(203) 834-2000
www.marlysbistro.com
www.yelp.com/biz/marlys-bar-and-bistro-wilton

Get Rollin’ at Sushi Coshi

Sushi Coshi offers fresh pan-Asian favorites and many creative sushi rolls. Their menu is large and features over 30 house and specialty rolls. Customer favorites are the signature Sushi Coshi roll piled high with crunchy seafood and special sauce and the “sex on the beach” with a hints of mango and cucumber to complement lobster salad. There are many vegetarian options including the sweet potato roll and vegetable udon noodle soup. Conveniently located in the Wilton Executive Campus, Sushi Coshi offers great lunch deals, there are many entrees to choose from which come with a soups or salad for around $10. Don't miss the Korean specialities like bibimbop and bulgogi.

Take out is available, and free delivery with orders over $30.

Sushi Coshi
15 River Rd
Wilton, CT 06897
(203) 761-6770
www.sushicoshi.com
www.yelp.com/biz/sushi-coshi-wilton

A “Passion For The Pepper” at Vintage Salsa and Rotisserie

Vintage Salsa and Rotisserie is conveniently located in the Wilton train station and provides quick Mexican inspired meals for commuters and families on the go. The family business started by bottling fresh and smooth salsas and selling in regional independent grocers. There are several varieties of Vintage salsa that feature a specific pepper that imparts its unique heat. In addition to their bottled salsas, Vintage’s train station cafe serves moist rotisserie chicken and Mexican-American favorites with slow cooked pork and beef. They take pride in offering a convenient meal, and most customers choose the family “a-go-go” meals – you choose your meat and Vintage provides all the fixins’ like beans and tortillas for a simple and delicious Mexican meal. They sell a variety of imported Mexican sodas as well as their own baked goods like cupcakes and cookies. In addition to take out and dine-in, they also offer free delivery. Vintage opens early for commuters with grab-and-go breakfast burritos, muffins and coffee.

Vintage Salsa and Rotisserie
7 Station Rd
Wilton, CT 06897
(203) 957-3200
www.vintage-salsa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/vintage-salsa-and-rotisserie-wilton

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