Restaurants In The Area From Top Chef Contestants

Hello everybody! 

Here’s something that a lot of you might not have known about me: I’m a big fan of the cooking competition series Top Chef! And we are also a week and a day away from the new season premiering on March 9, so I figured I would honor the show in some way, and I feel that the best way to do that is by writing about restaurants from past contestants.

Yes, that’s right. I am going to be writing about restaurants again. I am not going to be talking about all of them, as that would just be way too much for me to write about, so I am instead going to focus on restaurants in Connecticut and New York, as those are the ones closest to me and most of you reading.

As always, my purpose in writing about these restaurants is that any or all of them sound interesting to all of you reading, and it encourages you to go check them out.

We will start off in Connecticut!

The first restaurant that I am going to talk about is an interesting one, BarVera Mediterranean Restaurant in Stamford. The reason why I say it’s interesting is because it was one of the buildings destroyed in the Bedford Street Fire last year, but according to their Instagram, they are going to reopen this month. As a result, I feel comfortable writing about it here and recommending it to you guys. 

The first interesting dish they have is Margherita Pizza with Tomato, Basil, Mozzarella, and Parmigiano Reggiano.

The next dish they have is Homemade Spicy Rigatoni with Vodka Sauce, Burrata, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

The next dish they have is Crispy Cauliflower with Tahini.

The next dish they have is Grilled Halloumi Cheese with Watermelon Slices and Frisee.

The next dish they have is Baba Ghanouj with Charred Eggplant, Lemon, Tahini, and Pomegranate.

The next dish they have is Onion Rings with Spicy Calabrian Chili Oil.

The next dish they have is Grilled Oyster Mushrooms with Sauce Meunière, Lemon Parmesan, Panko, and Herbs.

The next dish they have is Angus Beef Stew with Mushroom, Pearl Onions, Carrots, and Mashed Potatoes.

The next dish they have is Lamb Shank over Vegetable Couscous.

The next dish they have is a Burger with Brioche Bun, Brown Butter Onions, Sumac Pickled Onions, and American Cheese.

The next dish they have is Kafta Meatballs with Tomato Sauce and Parmigiano Reggiano.

The next dish they have is a Lemon-Olive Oil Cake with Whipped Ricotta and Limoncello Syrup.

The next dish they have is Chocolate Fondant.

The last dish they have is an Orange Creme Brulee with Fresh Berries.

The next restaurant that I am going to talk about is Millwright’s Restaurant in Simsbury, CT.

The first interesting dish they have is Buttermilk-Cornbread Biscuits with Sesame Butter.

The next dish they have is Tapioca Custard with “All The Flavors Of Clam Chowder.”

The next dish they have is Chicken & Dumplings with Smoked Chicken, Ricotta Gnocchi, and Root Vegetables.

The next dish they have is Celery Root & Leek Soup with Sourdough Croutons, Aleppo Pepper, and Chive Oil.

The next dish they have is Ricotta Ravioli with Celery Root, Pistachio, Candied Red Onions, and Black Truffle.

The next dish they have is Pork Belly with Brussels Sprouts, Pickled Apple, Mint, and Cilantro.

The next dish they have is a Fisherman’s Stew with Scallops, Clams, Mussels, Shrimp, and Calabrian Butter.

The next dish they have is a Burger with Cheddar, Lettuce, Onion, Special Sauce, and Pickles.

The next dish they have is a Duck Breast with Sweet Potato, Poached Pears, Peanuts, and Wine Reduction.

The next dish they have is a choice of New York Strip Steak or Flat Iron Steak with Potato Gratin, Creamed Spinach, and Truffled Beef Jus.

The next dish they have is a Chocolate Turtle Cake with Salted Caramel, Pecan Nougatine, and Caramel Cremeux.

The last dish they have is Pistachio Macarons with Chocolate Tahini Pudding and Pistachio Katafi Crunch.

Let’s now move over to New York! 

The first restaurant that I am going to talk about here is Butterfunk Biscuit Co. in New York City.

The first interesting dish they have is a Pulled Pork Barbecue Biscuit Sandwich with Old Bay Slaw.

The next dish they have is a Crispy Fried Chicken Biscuit Sandwich with Lemonade Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Whipped Pimento Cheese, Hot Honey, and Bread and Butter Pickles.

The next dish they have is a Buttermilk Biscuit with Country Turkey Gravy,

The next dish they have is Chicken & Corn Soup.

The next dish they have is Cinnamon Rolls.

The next dish they have is Fried Biscuit Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar and Dulce de Leche.

The next dish they have is Biscuit Bread Pudding with Banana Creme, Salted Caramel, Bananas, and White Chocolate Granola.

The last dish they have is Biscuit Scones with Jam.

The next restaurant that I am going to talk about is Goosefeather in Tarrytown.

The first interesting dish they have is Smashed Crispy Fingerling Potatoes with Turmeric Caramel, Pickled Chilis, and Scallions.

The next dish they have is Dry Aged Beef Potstickers with Chinese Mustard Horseradish.

The next dish they have is a Crab Rangoon Scallion Pancake with Jumbo Lump Crab, Whipped Mascarpone, and Chili Breadcrumbs.

The next dish they have is Crispy Shrimp Bao with Pickled Daikon, General Tso’s Sauce, and Cabbage.

The next dish they have is Shrimp & Crab Stir Fried Noodles with Roasted Garlic Pumpkin.

The next dish they have is Crab Rice with Jalapeno Aioli and Tobiko.

The next dish they have is Black Pepper Beef with Charred Onion, Broccoli, and Holy Basil.

The next dish they have is Walnut Shrimp with Candied Walnuts, Walnut Aioli, and Pickled Pomegranates.

The next dish they have is Mongolian Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Candied Pepitas.

The next dish they have is Half or Whole Aged Crown of Duck with Hong Kong Toast, Drunken Fruit, Scallion, Lettuce, and Plum Glaze.

The last dish they have is a Dragon Apple Rangoon with Apple Cider Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream.

The next restaurant that I am going to talk about is Jack & Charlie’s No. 118 in New York City.


The first interesting dish they have is Baked Potato Skins with Gruyere Cheese and Creamy Onion Dip.

The next dish they have is a French Dip Popover with Shaved Roast Beef, Horseradish, Steak Sauce, and Au Jus.

The next dish they have is Rosemary Parmesan French Fries with Black Truffle Aioli, Thousand Island, and Peppercorn Sauce.

The next dish they have is a Burger with All Beef Patty, American Cheese, Caramelized Onions, Pickles, Secret Sauce, Sesame Bun, and French Fries.

The next dish they have is Shepherd’s Pie Croquettes with Potato, Beef Ragu, and Curry Mayo.

The next dish they have is Mushroom Soup with Wild Rice and Buttery Oyster Crackers.

The next dish they have is Rigatoni Bolognese with Veal, Pork, Lamb, Crushed Tomatoes, and Parmigiano Reggiano.

The next dish they have is a Bacon Cheeseburger with Eight Ounce Prime Beef, Tomato, Gem Lettuce, Aged Cheddar, Red Onion, and Thick Cut Bacon.

The next dish they have is a Black Garlic Marinated Strip Steak with Bearnaise Sauce or Peppercorn Sauce.

The next dish they have is Steak Frites Au Poivre.

The next dish they have is Apple Pie with Toasted Oat Streusel and Creme Fraiche Ice Cream.

The next dish they have is Sticky Toffee Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, Walnuts, and Butterscotch Sauce.

The last dish they have is Flourless Chocolate Cake “Sundae” with Whipped Cream, Hot Fudge, Sundae Toppings, and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.

The next restaurant that I am going to talk about is KJUN in New York City. 

The first interesting dish they have is Gochujang-Buttermilk Marinated Chicken Thighs.

The next dish they have is Chicken & Andouille Sausage Gumbo with Jasmine Rice.

The next dish they have is Cornmeal Crusted Fried Oysters with Yuzu-Tabasco Aioli and Soy Pickled Mirliton.

The next dish they have is Cornbread Hushpuppies with Fermented Plum Butter.

The next dish they have is Boudin Balls with Sweet Potato Starch Noodles and Korean Anchovy Aioli.

The next dish they have is Flaked Cod Beignets with Wasabi Aioli.

The next dish they have is Cornmeal Crusted Catfish Nuggets.

The next dish they have is Honey Brown Butter Chips.

The next dish they have is Jasmine Rice Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage, Chicken Thighs, and Cabbage Kimchi.

The next dish they have is Galbi Marinated Brisket over Cheesy Grits and Cherry Tomato Kimchi.

The next dish they have is a Seafood Po’Boy Sandwich with Green Tomato Kimchi and Remoulade.

The last dish they have is Shrimp & Grits.

The next restaurant that I am going to talk about is Kyma at Hudson Yards in New York City.

The first interesting dish they have is Kakavia, which is a Greek Fish Soup.

The next dish they have is Spanakopita with Spinach, Leeks, Feta, and Phyllo Dough.

The next dish they have is Zucchini Fritters with Lemon Yogurt.

The next dish they have is Crispy Slices of Zucchini and Eggplant with Tzatziki.

The next dish they have is Crab Cakes with Brussels Sprout Slaw and Chili Aioli.

The next dish they have is Fried Calamari with Tomato Sauce.

The next dish they have is Spiced Ground Beef Meatballs with Tomato Sauce.

The next dish they have is Lobster Pasta with Maine Lobster, Linguini, Tomato, and Mizithra.

The next dish they have is Cauliflower Steak with Sweet Potato Puree and Vegan Mayo.

The next dish they have is Braised Short Ribs with Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes.

The next dish they have is Ribeye Steak with Roasted Baby Potatoes.

The next dish they have is Grilled Lamb Chops with Greek Fries.

The next dish they have is a Filet Mignon Kebab with Fingerling Potatoes, Harissa Pita, and Chimichurri.

The next dish they have is Chocolate Mousse with Salted Caramel, Tahini Waffle Crunch, and Greek Yogurt Ice Cream.

The last dish they have is a Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust and Sour Cherry Topping.

The next restaurant that I am going to talk about is LaRina in Brooklyn.

The first interesting dish they have is Croquettes with Potato, Mushrooms, Fontina, and Truffle Aioli.

The next dish they have is Crispy Cauliflower with Smoked Puree, Tomato, and Olive Powder.

The next dish they have is Lasagna with Spinach Pasta, Bolognese, and Bechamel.

The next dish they have is Agnolotti Pasta with Braised Beef & Chicken, Black Lime, and Sage.

The next dish they have is Braised Pork Belly with Butternut Squash Mostarda and Charred Kale.

The next dish they have is a Breaded and Fried Chicken Breast with Kohlrabi, Arugula Salad, and Garlic Aioli.

The next dish they have is Ribeye Steak with Beef Fat Fried Potatoes, Bearnaise, and Chives.

The next dish they have is Panna Cotta with Vanilla, Volume Primo Vermouth Roasted Strawberries, and Almonds.

The last dish they have is Tiramisu with Mascarpone, Ladyfingers, and Coffee.

The next restaurant that I am going to talk about is one that is at the National Arts Club in New York City.

The first interesting dish they have is Vichyssoise Soup with Leek Ash Vinaigrette and Chives.

The next dish they have is French Onion Soup with Braised Beef.

The next dish they have is Peekytoe Crab Cakes with Celery Root Slaw.

The next dish they have is Celeriac Risotto with Black Truffles and Parmigiano Reggiano.

The next dish they have is Ravioli with Pizzaiola, Basil, and Parmigiano Reggiano.

The next dish they have is a Dry Aged Half Duck with Duck Confit, Blackberries, and Parsnips.

The next dish they have is Filet Mignon with Pomme Frites and Butter.

The last dish they have is a Dry Aged New York Strip Steak with Sautéed Spinach, Lemon-Rosemary Potatoes, and Cognac-Peppercorn Sauce.

The next restaurant that I am going to talk about is Pig & Khao in New York City.

The first interesting dish they have is Pork Belly Adobo with Poached Egg, Soy Sauce, Crispy Garlic, and Szechuan Peppercorns.

The next dish they have is Moo Ping Al Pastor “Tacos” with Barbecue Pork, Grilled Pineapple, Chicharrones, and Jaew Sauce.

The next dish they have is Sinigang Fried Shrimp with Okra, Daikon, Long Beans, and Tamarind Aioli.

The next dish they have is Crab Fried Rice with Egg, Cilantro, Lime, and Naam Phirk.

The next dish they have is a Half Hainanese Duck with Duck Fat Rice, Ginger Sauce, and Chili Sauce.

The last dish they have is a Dry Aged Ribeye Steak with Shoestring Potatoes, Crispy Shallots, and Massaman Curry.

The next restaurant that I am going to talk about is Portico at Del Lago Resort & Casino in Waterloo.

The first interesting dish they have is Garlic Bread with Roasted Garlic and Herb Butter.

The next dish they have is Crispy Calamari with Cherry Peppers, Citrus Aioli, and Fra Diavolo Sauce.

The next dish they have is Wagyu Beef Meatballs with Tomato Sugo, Ricotta, Grana Padano, and Basil.

The next dish they have is French Onion Soup. 

The next dish they have is Rigatoni Alla Vodka with Pecorino Romano.

The next dish they have is Wild Mushroom Risotto with Romano Cheese and Arborio Rice.

The next dish they have is Filet Mignon with Lobster Tail and Truffle Salt Fries.

The next dish they have is a Pork Chop with Fried Fingerling Potatoes, White Wine, and Peas.

The next dish they have is Seared Sea Scallops with Asparagus, Leek Fondue, and Risotto.

The next dish they have is Twin Lobster Tails with Old Bay and Drawn Butter.

The next dish they have is Chicken Parmesan with Buffalo Mozzarella, Fettuccine, and Sugo.

The next dish they have is Ricotta Ravioli with Tomato Sugo and Basil Pesto.

The next dish they have is Osso Bucco with Braised Beef Shank, Red Wine Jus, and Creamy Polenta.

The next dish they have is a S’mores Pots De Creme with Milk Chocolate, Graham Crackers, and Marshmallow.

The next dish they have is a Creme Brulee with Cinnamon Infused Baked Custard, Caramelized Sugar, and Snickerdoodle Cookie.

The next dish they have is Apple Crumble with Warm Apple Filling, Buttery Crumble Topping, and Vanilla Ice Cream.

The last dish they have is Cheesecake In A Jar with Pumpkin Cheesecake, Cranberry Pomegranate Jam, and Chantilly Cream.

The last restaurant that I am going to talk about is Tatiana By Kwame Onwuachi.

The first interesting dish they have is Crispy Okra with Wildflower Honey, Mustard Spice, and Cucumber Yogurt.

The next dish they have is Curried Goat Patties with Green Seasoning Aioli and Mango Chutney.

The next dish they have is Head-On Shrimp with Creole Butter and Brioche.

The next dish they have is Crab & Oxtail Patties with Calypso Aioli, Pimento, and Peking Jus.

The next dish they have is Short Rib Pastrami Suya with Caraway Coco Bread, Melted Red Cabbage, and Mustard Jus.

The next dish they have is Sweet & Sour Squash with Pickled Onion, Worcestershire, and Cilantro.

The next dish they have is Barbecue Collard Greens with Smoked Beef Cheek and Roasted Garlic.

The next dish they have is Egusi Tortellini with Dungeness Crab, Nigerian Red Stew, and Parsley.

The next dish they have is Takeout Mushrooms with Scallion Pancake, Plum Sauce, and Pickled Ginger.

The next dish they have is Jerk Lamb Rib with House Pickles, White Sauce, and Milk Bread.

The next dish they have is Doubles with Braised Goat, Chana, Tamarind, and Cucumber Chutney.

The next dish they have is Braised Oxtails with Thumbelina Carrot, Chayote Squash, and Rice & Peas.

The next dish they have is Crispy Eggplant Curry with Green Curry, Spiced Chili Sauce, and Finger Lime.

The next dish they have is called Bodega Special, and it consists of Cosmic Brownie, Powdered Sugar Donut Ice Cream, and Sorrel.

The next dish they have is Golden Rum Cake with Honey Sweet Cream, Blistered Gooseberries, and Thai Basil.

The next dish they have is Honey Bun with Wildflower Honey Glaze and Coffee Ice Cream.

The last dish they have is Icebox Cake with Tamarind Caramel and Whipped Cream.

Overall, there are many interesting restaurants in our area from Top Chef contestants, so if you get the chance, go ahead and check them out!