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

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/avlxyz

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

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/stu_spivack

Few things taste better on a chilly fall day than a warm bowl of hearty chili, but your staple recipe may start to get a bit old after a few seasons. Here are three tasty new chili recipes that are equally as comforting but a bit more creative.

All-American Chili [myrecipes.com]
Whether you use it to top grilled hot dogs or to eat right from the bowl on a cold afternoon, it doesn’t get more all-American than this chili recipe. Ground sirloin and hot Italian turkey sausage give this a flavorful, meaty taste, while a hefty splash of merlot makes a delicious secret ingredient that your guests are sure to ask about.

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup [allrecipes.com]
Add a Mexican flair to your usual chili with this hearty chicken taco soup made entirely in the slow cooker. Serve it topped with sour cream, green chilies, tortilla strips, or healthy avocado for even more flavor.

Turkey and White Bean Chili [marthastewart.com]
If you prefer a chili that’s a bit lighter than most, this recipe is the perfect choice. Lean turkey and mild white beans are the base ingredients, but jalapenos and ground cumin give it that slight kick that you love about spicy chili.

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/David Boyle