Who Knew Blog

Have you ever wondered how the Pulitzer prize winning, global journalistic powerhouse, national newspaper of record would describe New Haven, CT? Wonder no longer. “A home to tinkerers and rebels, and a treasure trove of contemporary art and architecture,” reads the billing of the 50th destination on The New York Times ‘52 Places to Go in 2023’ list.  Each year, this curated and honored list highlights destinations around the globe which  represent the best in culture, dining, adventure, and community. This year, New Haven was honored alongside such diverse destinations from London to Palm Springs, Bhutan, Martinique, Auckland, Monument Valley... View Article

If you’re looking for a classy spot to grab after-work drinks or in need of a festive cocktail recipe to serve at your next holiday gathering, then you’ve come to the right place. From pear-infused spiced rye to a barrel-aged black manhattan, make a toast to the holiday season with these delicious festive cocktails designed by Ismael Jimenez, the Head Mixologist at Heirloom in downtown New Haven.  ‘Fall Behind’ Cocktail: Inspired by the taste and feel of the autumn season, Ismael Jimenez, Head Mixologist at Heirloom, created the ‘Fall Behind’ cocktail. Take a seat at the bar at Heirloom in... View Article

As we head into the month of December, Market New Haven had the pleasure of speaking with Colin Caplan, New Haven resident, historian, author, and owner of Taste of New Haven Food Tours about everyone’s favorite holiday festivity – the annual holiday tree lighting, which takes place every year on the New Haven Green. Read what he had to say about this centuries-old tradition, and what it means to the people of New Haven.  “The improvement of New Haven’s civic life became a focus of city leaders at the beginning of the 20th century, as exemplified by the first public... View Article

‘Tis the holiday season with festive happenings in the heart of New Haven this year. From our exceptional entertainment scene to our endless variety of retailers and local boutiques, New Haven is delivering that “Hallmark movie” holiday feeling with our quaint New England charm. Visitors and locals looking to fill their calendars with joy and jingle bells will find a rich slate of festive events and special shopping promotions in downtown this season.  Looking to finish your holiday shopping before cracking open your advent calendar? We’re closing out the month of November with the Small Business Saturday Pop-Up on November... View Article

This holiday season, we’re shaking things up. While traditional thanksgiving dishes like mashed potatoes and stuffing are an absolute staple on the table every year, it may be time to wow your friends and family with the unexpected.  When he’s not serving innovative dishes at Olea in New Haven, Chef Manuel Romero also enjoys making simple recipes at home. So, if you’re looking for a shareable appetizer easy enough to whip up before dinner, try out Chef’s recipe for his classic Pan Tumaca this Thanksgiving: Ingredients About 4 slices of fresh, crusty bread About 4 slices of Serrano ham or... View Article

In New Haven, it’s no secret our culinary scene runs deep – from diverse cultural cuisines to the unique chefs at the helm of many of our beloved restaurants and eateries across the city. Let us introduce you to Chef John Brennan, the owner of not only one, but two restaurants in New Haven – Elm City Social and Olives + Oil. In this special spotlight, get to know Chef John Brennan, from his early background and most famed dishes to how he is influencing the culinary scene in New Haven today.  Growing up as the eldest of three in... View Article

If you’re on the hunt for the best things to do in New Haven this Halloween, then you’ve come to the right place. To celebrate the spooky season, the city is filled with haunted happenings. From paranormal ghost tours on hallowed grounds to mysterious ancient cemeteries, here’s the ultimate guide for where to get spooked in New Haven this Halloween. New Haven Ghost Tours Join ‘Ghosts of New Haven’ for an evening walking tour with an expert guide who shares haunting tales while visiting some of the spookiest sites throughout the city. While visiting spooky sites such as the Skull... View Article

October is officially National Pizza Month – or if you’re a local, National Apizza Month. In New Haven, we take our pizza very seriously. Step aside New York and Chicago, the Elm City rests its case as arguably the pizza capital of the U.S., known for its famous Neapolitan-style apizza. In honor of National Pizza Month, we’re here to give you the inside scoop on the storied New Haven pizza scene. Origins First things first. How did New Haven put its name on the map for some of the best pizza in the country?  Here’s the back story. At the... View Article

In New Haven, leaf peeping season is arguably the best season of the year. With fall foliage colors peaking now through October 28, there is no better time to plan an autumn adventure than right now. From East Rock to Westville, we’ve narrowed down the best leaf peeping spots in New Haven. So grab your pumpkin spice lattes and a pair of hiking boots and let the leaf peeping commence! East Rock Park Rated as one of the top ten things to do in New Haven by TripAdvisor, East Rock Park is a must-visit spot for leaf peeping this autumn.... View Article

Snackers and sommeliers, mark your calendars – New Haven Restaurant Week is back and better than ever this fall. From October 16 – October 29, 2022, join us downtown for all-new dining experiences and exclusive offerings at 23 restaurants across the Elm City. Participating restaurants will be offering pre-fix menus ranging from two-course lunch options for $25 to three-course dinner options ranging from $35 -$55 per person.  Here in New Haven, the culinary scene runs rich and boasts something for everyone to indulge in – from authentic Spanish tapas to arguably some of the best slices of pizza in the... View Article