Who Knew Blog

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Zeppole Season Hits Wooster Square! A Sweet Slice of History

March 16, 2025

Forget the winter blues because springtime in New Haven means one thing: zeppole! Those glorious fried dough puffs of deliciousness, officially known as Zeppole di San Giuseppe, are back, and we’re here to tell you where to find the best in town. Here’s a snapshot of the history of the celebratory pastry. Zeppole are traditionally made to celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph (San Giuseppe), on March 19th. Legend has it that when St. Joseph had to flee to Egypt with the Holy Family, he worked as a carpenter and sold fritters to support them. Later, in medieval Sicily, a... View Article

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New Haven in the Spotlight: National Media Can’t Get Enough of the Elm City

March 10, 2025

From legendary apizza to world-class museums, New Haven continues to capture the national spotlight, racking up features in major publications, proving that our food, culture, and history are second to none. Check out the latest buzz: March 2025: 10 days in and New Haven Can’t Be Stopped 📍 The Infatuation – March 10 The ultimate foodie showdown? Pepe’s vs. Sally’s—a rivalry so fierce, it landed in The Infatuation’s list of the most dramatic restaurant rivalries in the country. Nothing stirs up debate like a battle for the best apizza! 📍 TravelAwaits – March 10 Another big win for our beloved... View Article

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Toad’s Place Turns 50: A Half-Century of Legendary Nights in New Haven

March 5, 2025

Five decades. Thousands of shows. Countless unforgettable nights. Toad’s Place isn’t just a music venue—it’s a rite of passage. Nestled in the heart of Downtown New Haven and Yale University, this legendary club has been serving up iconic performances since 1975, cementing itself as one of the most storied music spots in the country. Where Legends Play If these walls could talk, they’d sing. From the Rolling Stones’ legendary surprise show in 1989 to Bob Dylan’s marathon three-hour set, Toad’s has played host to music royalty. Springsteen, U2, The Ramones, David Bowie, Snoop Dogg—the list goes on. It’s the place... View Article

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The Yale Center for British Art Set to Reopen on March 29

February 20, 2025

Art lovers rejoice—The Yale Center for British Art is reopening its doors on March 29, 2025 after an extensive period of renovations, once again welcoming locals and visitors to explore its world-class collection. This downtown gem houses the most extensive collection of British art outside the United Kingdom, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors. With a refreshed space, updated galleries, and an exciting lineup of exhibitions, there’s never been a better time to rediscover this cultural treasure. Here’s what you need to know: The Yale Center for British Art, designed by the legendary architect Louis Kahn,... View Article

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Sea of Green, the History of New Haven’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

February 20, 2025

New Haven, the Emerald City at the end of the rainbow. Here, holidays and festivals are embraced with fervor, and no celebration shines quite as brightly as St. Patrick’s Day. For over 180 years, we’ve been putting the march in March with the annual Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade. As the largest single-day spectator event in Connecticut, it draws over 300,000 residents and visitors who gather to share festive cheer and the luck of the Irish. Tracing its roots back to 17th-century Ireland, the tradition of St. Paddy’s Day parades began as acts of defiance, with “religious protests”... View Article

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Flipping Out: Where to Find the Best Pancakes in New Haven

February 20, 2025

Breakfast enthusiasts report for duty. Whether you prefer your pancakes piled high with fruit, packed with chocolate chips, or served simply with a pat of melting butter, New Haven’s breakfast scene has you covered? From cozy diners to modern brunch spots, we’ve rounded up some of the best places in town to satisfy your pancake cravings. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these flapjacks are sure to please. Downtown Neighborhood: Claire’s Corner Copia’s signature vegan whole-grain pancakes are made from scratch with coconut milk, organic flax, and chia seeds. Pro tip: top these massive cakes off with organic maple syrup (seriously, they’re... View Article

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Black History Month Reflecting on New Haven’s History

January 28, 2025

As Black History Month comes around each February, communities across the nation honor Black Americans’ stories, achievements, and cultural contributions throughout history. New Haven, holds a unique place in this narrative, with its deep connections to the fight for freedom, justice, and equality. From the Amistad story to local trailblazers like William Lanson and the resources at the New Haven Museum, this city offers a meaningful lens through which we can reflect on Black history. The Amistad Legacy: A Fight for Freedom New Haven was pivotal in the Amistad case, one of the most significant events in the abolitionist movement.... View Article

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How to Celebrate the Year of the Snake in Downtown New Haven

January 28, 2025

The year of the snake is upon us; welcome to 2025. Lunar New Year marks the first new moon of the new year, celebrated primarily in Asian communities across China, South Korea, Vietnam, and beyond. Fireworks displays, street parades, and energetic representations of culture traditionally mark the celebration. This year’s holiday, which falls on Wednesday, January 29th, will usher in the year of the snake. On February 1st, visitors and locals will gather for Connecticut’s most prominent annual Lunar New Year celebration in New Haven. Hosted by Yale-China, an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between the United States and... View Article

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National Pizza Day is Feb. 9, 2025

January 28, 2025

Resolutions be damned, this month calls for apizza (a day). Our city’s distinct style of pizza, lovingly dubbed “ah-BEETZ,” remains a pillar of our city year-round, but as National Pizza Month returns to the nation’s calendar, our coal ovens are working overtime. If you’re looking to indulge this month, you have options. If you’re looking to try them all, there’s one man you need to see – local apizza historian Colin Caplan. Pick up a pie from the below spots, or book one of Caplan’s apizza tours through Taste of New Haven. Frank Pepe Pizzeria Sally’s Apizza Modern Apizza BAR... View Article

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Cheers! New Haven Leads the Pack in Connecticut Magazine’s List of Top Restaurants for 2025

January 28, 2025

It may be cold out, but New Haven’s foodie scene is hot. Connecticut Magazine shared their list of top Connecticut restaurants for 2025, and New Haven restaurants were listed a whopping 65 times, dominating categories from Italian to Chinese and of course, Pizza. Chosen by a panel of Connecticut Magazine’s top foodies, these rankings are a definitive guide for the state’s top culinary spots. Our noteworthy restaurants include Claire’s Corner Copia, Olmo Bagels, RAWA Restaurant, Union League Cafe, Camacho Garage, House of Naan, Sherkaan, Hot Murga, Consiglio’s, Gioia, L’Orcio, Siena Ristorante, Tre Scalini, Hachiroku Handroll Bar, Fair Haven Oyster Co,... View Article