Black Rock Social House Ribbon Cutting, March 15

Black Rock, CT: Black Rock Social House prepares to introduce its own brand of hospitality to the flourishing Black Rock neighborhood of Bridgeport, CT. Located at 2895 Fairfield Avenue, a historic landmark building since 1924, Black Rock Social House provides a new spin on the traditional gastropub concept. On March 15, Black Rock will add another exciting destination to its diverse community.

Black Rock Social House is spearheaded by Mark Turocy, a seasoned professional whose 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry is punctuated by such career highlights as creating The Comedy Store’s first food program in the company’s 40-year operating history in Hollywood, CA. He went on to a General Manager position, closing the original concept of Henry’s Hat and launching Spoonful, a popular Hollywood location for shooting movie scenes. In 2014, Turocy moved to the east coast to serve as the General Manager of Rizzuto's Oyster Bar and Restaurant in Westport, CT. Under his leadership, the restaurant was named one of the "Top 100 Restaurants in the United States" from OpenTable. He briefly returned to the west coast to expand operations at Angel City Brewery and Au Fudge, then settled back in Connecticut to manage New Haven’s Belgian-inspired Atelier Florian. Ultimately, he discovered 2895 Fairfield Avenue, formerly occupied by Walrus + Carpenter, which closed in March 2020. It was the perfect location for Turocy’s first ownership endeavor.

"I am honored and excited to be a part of the diverse Black Rock community," Turocy said. "It has always been a dream of mine to create a space that encourages social interaction, provides 'feel good' comfort food from around the world, and offers unpretentious service to anyone who visits. No matter who you are, where you are from, or what you believe in, you are family and always welcome here."

The Black Rock Social House menu is an international representation of hearty comfort food and bold flavors, and is 100% gluten-free. The culinary team is led by Executive Chef Jacob Raitt II, formerly of Washington, DC, and a culinary graduate of Baltimore International College. Chef Raitt opened his first restaurant, Fells In Point, in 2009, in the Fells Point neighborhood of Baltimore. The eatery was known for its exotic meats, modern techniques, and elevated twists on favorite comfort foods. Chef Raitts’ experience with Japanese, French, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Mexican, and South American cuisines has also contributed to such local hot spot menus as The Chelsea in Fairfield, Cask Republic in Stamford, and Mezon Tapas Bar & Restaurant in Danbury. Now a local Black Rock resident, Chef Raitt has created a vibrant and original menu, adding a broad flavor palette to the neighborhood’s thriving restaurant scene.

Menu highlights include “Noshables” like Frito Misto with lightly fried shrimp, calamari and vegetables, served with puttanesca sauce; togarashi spice rubbed Confit Chicken Wings; and an over-the-top Canoe Cut Beef Bone Marrow roasted with herb butter and breadcrumbs. The “Charcuterie” menu is comprised of the best domestic goat and cow’s milk cheese selections and house-made specialties including African merguez sausage, silky duck liver mousse, and house-cured gravlax. “Soups and Salads” offer a variety of seasonal and creative combinations as seen with the restaurant’s soon-to-be signature Sweet Onion and Mushroom Soup topped with queso frier lardons, scallions, croutons, and truffle oil, and the constructed Watermelon and Prosciutto Salad with champagne cherries, bitter greens, and white balsamic vinaigrette. Black Rock Social House’s “Comfort Food” dishes include Mushroom Risotto prepared with forest mushrooms, truffle butter, and parm, finished with a mushroom consommé; Roasted 1/2 Chicken Paprikash with herb spätzle; and Shrimp Fettucine with house-made pasta, asparagus, confit tomatoes, and sundried tomato pesto. Desserts are inspired, sweet, and flavorful works of art on a plate as illustrated by the red wine poached pear and sweet mascarpone. And did you catch that the entire menu is gluten-free?

The beverage program is rocked with hand-crafted cocktails, top-shelf spirits, a curated global wine list, and an impressive craft beer selection. Black Rock Social House has partnered with Firefly Hollow Brewing Company to feature exclusive draft offerings of their gluten-removed beer made with the highest quality European malts and barley, freshest hops, and bright fruits and spices.

True to the Black Rock Social House concept -- an old-school gastropub with a fresh approach -- the historic integrity of the building has been meticulously preserved. Gorgeous woodwork, iron fixtures and large windowpanes wrap the restaurant’s multiple levels and dining areas that are filled with dark wood furnishings and vintage light fixtures.

Guests can look forward to Social Hour food and drink offerings to end the day, live music with local talent, an LGBTQ fabulous gathering place, and a restaurant and bar for what people need today.

2895 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605

www.blackrocksocialhouse.com

FB/INST @blackrocksocialhouse

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Submitted by Milford, CT

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