Who Knew Blog

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

/

A Look Inside New Haven, A New York Times Honored Destination

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

/

Heirloom: Home of the Holiday’s Most Festive Cocktails

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

/

Small Business Saturday Returns to Downtown

‘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

/

Delicious Holiday Appetizer: Get the Party Started with Chef Romero’s Sharable App

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

/

Meet Chef John Brennan of Elm City Social and Olives + Oil

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

/

Celebrate National Pizza Month in New Haven

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

/ /

Experience New Haven Restaurant Week Like a Pro

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