Connecticut’s music scene exploded with food and melodies at the Sound on Sound Festival, which unfolded at Seaside Park September 29th & October 1st, 2023. While Fairfield County danced to the beats of the amazing line-up featuring artists like Alanis Morissette, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and John Mayer, the true headliners were our local food vendors. Hailing from all over the 203, our senses were awakened by culinary delights from some of our favorites.
Chef Mike Puma at Gotham Burger Social Club in the VIP Area
The VIP area included Zuppardi’s Apizza, Walter’s Hot Dogs, The Blind Rhino, Nordic Fish, Gotham Burger Social Club, Grumpy Dumpling Co., Bear’s Smokehouse, 29markle ct., Garelick & Herbs, This Girl Shucks, Bona Bona + Wakin’ Up Waggin’. Hoodoo Brown held a pig roast as well at the VIP Beach Club! Seafood lovers had their fill courtesy of Nordic Fish from Fairfield. Their sushi rolls were a massive hit, as was the fresh seafood. BBQ fans gathered at Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ for that Kansas City-style barbecue and the McRhino at Blind Rhino was extra special delish with the requested addition of the cheese sauce that normally accompanies the Philly Cheesesteak Eggrolls. Chef Mike Puma from Gotham Burger Social Club was cooking up some delish burgers with his team, and we loved saying hi, as always, to Chef Damon Daye of 29markle ct and The Steak Truck.
“The OG” courtesy of Liberty Rock Tavern in the GA+ Lounge
Over in the GA+ Lounge, we enjoyed No Good Burger and Butchery & Beyond in addition to our local faves Liberty Rock Tavern. We lucked out Saturday night hard core when we found our friend Debbi from ConnectFairfield and she had her son (at the front of the line) snag us an OG Chicken sammie created by none other than Dan Kardos.
Nordic Fish with their delicious rolls in VIP
We ventured out into the GA area lining the side of the space in which the vast majority of attendees were viewing the music acts and you would run into Manchester Cheesecakes, Parker Eatery & Bar, Japanese Flair, Pizza Nova + This Girl Shucks. PopUp Bagels from Greenwich served up a delicious spin on the classic…pizza bagels! Then came Fist Full of Tacos, Nordic Fish, and Skull City Taquitos. The Two Roads Airstream was on site down at the end as well.
Heading over to the area adjacent to the Ferris Wheel, we ran into our friends at Caseus Crispy Melty, Try Vegan, Big Mozz, Una Dolce Vita, Fresko’s Greek and Van Leeuwen. Festival attendees enjoyed The Tasty Yolk of Stratford and Black Rock for bomb breakfast sandwiches and Donut Crazy’s delicious iced coffee + donuts. For a sweet ending, who could resist Micalizzi’s Italian Ices and ice cream? Fire Engine Pizza did a great job keeping up with the lines pumping pizza out of double ovens on the big truck. Little Pub, Walter’s Hot Dog’s, Thai Jasmine, PauPau Pizza Cone & The Steak Truck rounded out the lineup in this Food Court-like setup. Hot Box Wraps & Tamashii Time were adjacent to the Sports Hall area and seemed to benefit from shorter lines being such a distance away from the stage!
The festival brought thoughtful diversity. Diversity in music and definitely in food. Whether it was Greek cuisine from Freskos in Hamden, dumplings from Grumpy Dumpling Co., or American cuisine from 29 Markle Ct., we had it all. Here’s to a festival that celebrated our local gems, kept our taste buds excited, and our hearts full with the rhythm of music!
