Who Knew Blog

New Haven Restaurant Week Is Back, And We Saved You A Seat

Foodies, gather round. New Haven Restaurant Week returns to the Elm City this month, April 16-21. This year marks the 15th anniversary of Connecticut’s first and longest-running organized restaurant week program, and to celebrate, we’re inviting you to “eat like a local” at 24 of our city’s best spots.  This spring, visitors and locals can dine across eight distinct New Haven neighborhoods at 24 beloved restaurants. Participating spots include Atelier Florian, serving up fresh sea-to-table dishes and sustainable meats and produce from local purveyors; Camacho Garage, with their contemporary Mexican street food and cerveza; and Elm City Social, pouring up... View Article

Ways to Spend National Self Care Day in New Haven

If you’ve been burning the candle at both ends since the new year, then it’s high time to take a moment for yourself. The holiday you never knew about, but now will never forget, National Self Care Day, returns on April 5th. Self care looks different for everyone, but there is no denying, we all need it. Whether you prefer to unwind in the sun, the shade, or the corners of your Netflix queue, April 5th is your day. Here are just a few of the ways you can spend National Care Day in Downtown New Haven.  Reading the Tea... View Article

5 Places for Simply Irresistible Desserts

Maybe the kitchen is not your domain. Maybe you’re avoiding the cleanup aftermath of a baking day. Maybe you take the words “measure with your heart” too seriously to succeed. Does this mean you don’t deserve a decadent homemade dessert? Not on our watch. From decadent cakes to seasonal pastries, classic desserts to unique confections, New Haven is home to some of the best bakeries and cafes in New England. With no shortage of creative sweet treats to match our city’s creative spirit, New Haven is the perfect place to indulge in a nostalgic dessert, try a new pastry, or... View Article

A Conversation with Chef Francesco d’Amuri of L’Orcio

In New Haven, food is our culture and, here, the response to “where should we eat?” will never be “I don’t know”. New Haven continues to stand as a mecca for all things dining. With new restaurants moving in and veteran spots stacking up anniversaries, the Elm City streets are culinary treasure troves. One of our gastronomic gems, L’Orcio, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. In this anniversary spotlight, learn how Chef and owner Francesco d’Amuri rose from humble beginnings as a dishwasher to one of New England’s top chefs.  A child of farmers, Chef Francesco d’Amuri was raised... View Article

5 Bars in Downtown New Haven Serving Unique Beers on Tap

Whether it’s the St. Paddy’s Day spirit in the air or the lingering promise of springtime, the drink of the month is an ice cold beer. From drafts to crafts, lagers to ales, IPA’s to dollar Bud Lights, New Haven has it all. Across the Elm City, bars and breweries are cleaning the taps and serving up the most unique brews in New England. With no shortage of unique craft beers to match our unique city spirit, New Haven is the perfect place to host an end-of-winter bar hop, sample new brews, or just hang out with your loved ones.... View Article

Vibe Like a Local at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade

New Haven, the Emerald City at the end of the rainbow. Here, holidays and festivals are embraced with fervor, and on St. Patrick’s Day, our neighbors know where to find the best party in the state. For the last 181 years, we have been putting the march in March with the annual Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The largest single day spectator event in the state of Connecticut, the parade attracts more than 300,000 residents and visitors, sharing festive cheer and the luck of the Irish.  “St. Paddy’s Day” parades as we know them trace back to the... View Article

Black History Month Spotlight: William Lanson, A New Haven Icon

Celebrated each February, National Black History Month is a time to honor the triumphs and accomplishments made by the Black community, to remember those who have shaped our society through struggle and sacrifice, and expand our lenses of history to be more inclusive, more honest, and more hopeful. Throughout Black History Month, one name, one figure comes to the forefront of the collective mind of New Haven – William Lanson.  Widely considered as one of New Haven’s most influential historical figures, William Lanson was a Black entrepreneur, engineer, and builder. Born into slavery, William Lanson was freed by his enslaver... View Article

6 Romantic Restaurants to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in New Haven

It’s romance season in New Haven, and with Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, it’s high time to book some reservations for you and your loved ones. In truth, you can’t go wrong with a table downtown. That said, if you’re looking for a table at one of the most romantic spots in downtown, then look no further than this honored list of restaurants, as seen in Connecticut Magazine’s Best Restaurants of 2023 list, curated by readers and dining experts.  Union League Cafe Winning the Best in Overall Excellence by Connecticut Magazine readers, Union League Cafe is situated in the heart of... View Article

Downtown New Haven Experiences for Every Type of Valentine

It is that time of year again, when you stop to smell the roses, hold your loved ones near and dear and maybe, take a quiz to find out what love language you are. (FYI, ours is Quality Time) And in case you forgot, here is your reminder: Valentines’ Day is fast approaching!Love comes in all shapes and sizes and here in New Haven, we embrace that. So whether you want to paint with your pals, have some family fun, or just change up the same old ‘wine and dine’ routine, in New Haven love is just around the corner.... View Article

Wind Down “Dry January” in Downtown New Haven

New year, new you, right here in New Haven. We’re quickly approaching the end of January, a month marked by many as a “dry” one. Whether you’re still detoxing from the holiday eggnog and hot toddies, or looking to attend more alcohol-free activities this year, downtown New Haven has something for you. If you’ve never spent a dry January with us, here’s how you can do it, while feeding your 2023 resolutions.  Reset Your Style On the hunt for a new look? The streets of downtown are a shopper’s dream. If your closet is in question, stop by Raggs for... View Article