Cricket Hill & Bivio: Supporting Small Businesses and Reaping the Rewards

For those of you who don't know about the Cricket Hill Brewery tour every Friday in Fairfield, you know now. Every Friday from 5pm to 7pm, for $4 you get to sample four of their session beers, listen to some music, and make some interesting new friends. The key to this brew tour is that once you have gone, you must tell your friends, or escort them yourself. Opened in 2001, Cricket Hill is laid back and low key, and the perfect start to your weekend. You can also buy growlers of your favorite brew to take home.

Following the brew tour, growler in hand, we head to our new favorite local restaurant Bivio. Down the street in Little Falls, Bivio offers Naples style pizza, cooked to perfection in a wood burning oven, which will instantly transport you to Italy. The menu features a handful of quality items, with specials daily, and artisan bread available for purchase.  I watched two ladies last night debate whether they should stay and wait for a table, the selfish part of me said let them go, more Bivio for me.  Yet I found myself quietly speaking aloud, "wait, its worth it, don't go!"

Pictured left to right: Bianca, Margarita, Porcini (& Cricket Hill Jersey Red Devil)

We started with the colorful salad special; roasted beets, goat cheese, and candied walnuts over mixed greens. Then ordered three pies: Bianca, Margarita, and Porcini. Bianca ruined it, the standout in the bunch, overshadowing the understated deliciousness of the others. My recommendation: Start with the Margarita, move to the Porcini, and finish with the Bianca. I'm drooling just thinking about it. Eat slowly, enjoy every bite, and save room for some homemade tiramisu with side of espresso.