Inspiration

CTvisit TV-to-Table Trail Launch

last updated: November 2026

Connecticut isn’t just charming — it’s delicious. From award-winning chefs and the nation’s #1 pizza to acclaimed seafood, and cozy cafés, the state is serving up world-class flavors at every turn. Many of these top chefs and restaurants have appeared on national TV programs.

In October 2026, the Connecticut Office of Statewide Marketing and Tourism launched its new TV to Table Trail by hosting a cooking show-style competition among many of Connecticut’s best chefs at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. They invited Scott Conant, a James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and longtime television personality, to serve as the guest host and judge.

The role was meaningful for Waterbury native Conant, whose new Martone Street line of pasta sauces is also rooted in his Connecticut heritage - and named after the street in his hometown where his grandparents grew up.

Competing chefs included Michele Stuart from Michele's Pies in Norwalk, Kim Hoàng Wood from Le Bánh Patisserie in Simsbury, Joel Gargano of Grano Arso in Chester, Joseph Hamboussi of Prime BGR in New Haven, Adrien Blech of Orienta in Greenwich, Adam Greenberg of Sparrow Pizza Bar in West Hartford and tacobarn in Sandy Hook, and sibling team Lisa Storch of Clean Slate in Fairfield and Matt Storch of Match in Norwalk and Match Burger Lobster in Westport. These chefs have appeared on national shows like Food Network's "Chopped," "Beat Bobby Flay," "Spring Baking Championship," "Best Bite In Town," and others.

Gargano of Grano Arso emerged victorious, with his dish of a seared pork chop featuring Martone Street vegetable ragu with guanciale. Conant called the classic pesto Genovese on top of the pork chop "really special," noting that Gargano had made it fresh with a mortar and pestle.

As the winning chef, Gargano received $2,000 to donate to a food-related charity of his choice. He announced his award would go to the Connecticut Farm to School program, which enriches communities' connection with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and early care and education sites.

See the full Connecticut TV-to-Table Trail here!